Ward County public meetings in 2024
32 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Commission
The Board of County Commissioners will meet to approve regular and HS Zone bills. The body will also consider contracts for juvenile services and the Makoti Development Corporation, as well as a liquor license renewal.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $1,788,269.34 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $1,544.18
- Juvenile Contracts presented by Jail Commander Paul Olthoff
- Liquor License Renewal for Grove Hospitality, LLC
- 2025 Makoti Development Corporation Contract
- Ward County Water Resource Board appointment and interview
County Commission
The Board of County Commissioners will review regular and HS Zone bills and discuss 2025 contracts. The meeting includes a public hearing and interviews for Planning Commission and Water Resource Board appointments.
- Approval of regular bills ($642,106.97) and HS Zone direct bills ($76,810.52)
- Awarding of Newman and Brillian Township Bridge Projects
- Liquor license renewals for 28 Club, LLC, Farmers Union, Minot VFW #753, Pinks Bar & Grill, The Hunter's Den, and Parkland USA
- Approval of 2025 contracts for Domestic Violence Crisis Center and Lake County Historical Society
- Purchase of Cisco Wireless Controller and HPE Recovery and Deployment Server
County Commission
The Ward County Commission will meet to elect a new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, review minutes, and approve bills totaling $279,103.97. The agenda includes items regarding tax rolls, planning and zoning, highway grants, and liquor license approvals.
- Election of new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
- Approve bills totaling $279,103.97
- Review and approve meeting minutes for Nov 19 and Nov 25
- Approval of Liquor Licenses for Board Meeting, LLC and HOPR, LLC
- Approval of County Deeds for 5 foreclosed properties sold at auction
County Commission
The Ward County Commission will hold a special meeting to continue the evaluation process for department heads. The session is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
- Department Head Evaluations Continued
County Commission
The Board of County Commissioners will consider approving regular bills totaling $714,072.00 and HS Zone direct bills of $21,118.53. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a subdivision plat for Dig This Rentals, LLC. Commissioners will also review pay amendments, tax roll adjustments, and 2025 equipment bids.
- Approval of regular bills ($714,072.00) and HS Zone direct bills ($21,118.53)
- Public hearing: Ackerman-Estvold for Dig This Rentals, LLC Subdivision Plat
- Review of 2025 Equipment Bids by Highway Engineer
- Human Resources pay amendments and drug testing handbook changes
- Tax roll adjustments presented by Director of Tax Equalization
County Commission
The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding minimum sales prices for foreclosed properties. The body will also review bills totaling $969,315.37 and discuss planning and zoning applications. Other items include highway updates for US 52 and human resources pay amendments.
- Public hearing on Foreclosed Property, Minimum Sales Price
- Approval of regular bills totaling $962,394.11 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $6,921.26
- Planning Commission recommendation for Larry and Tami Spiros and Robert Barfield Outlot Plat Application
- Public input regarding US 52 between Minot and Voltaire
- Request for Proposals for GIS Flyover using ARPA Funds
County Commission
The Board of County Commissioners will meet to approve regular and HS Zone bills. The agenda includes updates on Vision Zero, pay amendments, and tax roll adjustments. The board will also discuss the Hotel Irvin and review several RFP processes.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $1,043,535.70 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $21,875.80
- Pay amendments presented by Human Resources Director Lolly Gorze
- Tax roll adjustments presented by Director of Tax Equalization Noreen Wilkie
- Insurance Agent RFP and Real Estate Broker Services RFP #100-24
- Raffle permit request for South Prairie Athletic Boosters
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Ward County Board of Commissioners will review and approve bills totaling $1,366,463.70, including general, park, road/highway, and Vision Zero expenses. They will also consider a Homeland Security Grant for fairgrounds and law enforcement training, approve raffles and liquor licenses, and enter executive session to discuss Project BEE ARPA. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, reports, and correspondence.
- Approve bills totaling $1,366,463.70, including $558,270 to Rolac Contracting for ARPA Building C addition
- Consider Homeland Security Grant for fairgrounds and law enforcement training
- Approve liquor licenses for Board Meeting LLC and Lopez Boxing Gym INC
- Approve raffles for Mick Johnson Memorial Ride, Minot AFB 5/6 Organization, and Project Bee
- Executive session on Project BEE ARPA
Water Resource Board Agendas
The Board will review financial statements, board policies, and engineer comments regarding various applications. Discussion topics include low head dams, 16th Street SW reconstruction, and drainage complaints.
- Plat applications for Eslinger (Rice Lake), Niess (Willis), and Pearson (Rice Lake)
- Variance applications for Granzow (McKinley) and Spiros (Rice Lake)
- 16th Street SW Reconstruction
- Drainage Complaints DC19-002 & DC24-001 (Haugen vs Mikkelson)
- Sundre Temporary Water Permit
The Ward County Water Resource Board approved depositing $158,600.00 for annual debt service on its bond/loan and requesting NDPFA permission to apply remaining project funds to principal. It adopted policies requiring meeting stipends to be paid by fiscal year-end and authorizing the Chair to approve unanticipated expenses up to $25,000.00 with disclosure at the next meeting. The board accepted HDR Engineering's recommendations on several plat and variance applications, authorized the Chair to sign construction applications for low head dams, and took other actions on drainage complaints and a park district MOU. All votes recorded were 5-0 unless otherwise noted.
- Approved depositing $158,600.00 for annual debt service and requesting NDPFA permission to apply remaining project funds to bond/loan principal (5-0)
- Adopted policy requiring meeting stipends to be paid by end of fiscal year (5-0)
- Adopted policy authorizing Board Chair to approve invoices up to $25,000.00 for unanticipated expenses, disclosed at next meeting (5-0)
- Accepted and adopted HDR Engineering's recommendations on plat and variance applications (Eslinger, Niess, Pearson, Granzow, Spiros) (5-0)
- Authorized Board Chair to sign construction applications for low head dams as completed (5-0)
- Directed HDR to present draft Term Sheet for Burlington Dam #3 to golf course for review (5-0)
- Directed Reep to request letter from City of Minot confirming responsibility for maintenance and operation of four low head dams (5-0)
- Approved drafting response to Souris River Joint Board permit application recommending no changes, conditions or modifications (5-0)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Ward County Board of Commissioners will approve regular bills totaling $1,323,147.85 and HS Zone direct bills of $80,521.99. The agenda includes public hearings for an outlot plat variance and a minimum sales price for foreclosed property. Additionally, the board will review four outlot plats, highway bids for graveling and striping, and human resources pay amendments.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $1,323,147.85 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $80,521.99
- Public hearing for Tyler Erber regarding an Outlot Plat & Variance
- Public hearing to set a minimum sales price for foreclosed property
- Review of four outlot plats for Martin Peterson-Steffes Group, Warren Anderson, Kenneth Faul, and Jerrold & Connie Schmit
- Review of highway bids for graveling in the Kenmare area, crack sealing, and center/edgeline striping
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will meet to approve regular and HS Zone bills and discuss several department requests. The agenda includes a purchase request for a mass casualty trailer and a review of a Rules of Conduct Policy draft. A Personnel Committee meeting will follow to discuss coroner and inmate medical services.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $418,971.06 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $26,320.72
- Purchase request for a mass casualty trailer from the Ward County Sheriff
- Approval of Annual Materials, Supplies and Services Bids by the Highway Engineer
- Relator Agreement for Sale of Rice Lake Lots
- Discussion of ND Rural Slum and Blight Removal Grant Requests
Water Resource Board Agendas
The Ward County Water Resource Board will discuss five plat applications and permits for the Little Roosevelt Dam. The board will also address the Nedrose Sanitary Sewer System and a drainage complaint. An executive session is scheduled to discuss negotiation strategy for the Melius-Ehr property.
- Plat applications for Anderson-Sundre, Burke-Mayland, Faul-Rushville, Peterson-Rice Lake, and Schmit-Sauk Prairie
- Little Roosevelt Dam Sovereign and Construction Permits
- Drainage Complaint DC19-002
- Nedrose Sanitary Sewer System discussion
- Executive session regarding Melius-Ehr property negotiation
The Board authorized a $180,000 payment toward the First Larson Sanitary Sewer District bond. It also approved several plat applications and ratified a proposal for DL Barkie.
- Approved $180,000 payment to pay down First Larson Sanitary Sewer District bond (4-0)
- Accepted and adopted HDR's recommendations for five plat applications (4-0)
- Ratified DL Barkie proposal and approved Bills/Statement of Accounts (4-0)
- Approved $70,105.85 in bills for payment
- Authorized legal and engineering discussion with Melius-Ehr owners' counsel regarding 404 Permit (4-0)
- Approved March 11, 2024 minutes (4-0)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will meet to approve regular bills totaling $215,965.80 and HS Zone bills of $12,453.44. The agenda includes a public hearing, a discussion on a fire emergency and restrictive burn ban, and a review of tax roll adjustments.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $215,965.80 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $12,453.44
- Fire Emergency and Restrictive Burn Ban discussion with Minot Rural Fire Chief
- Public hearing and Outlot Plat Applications via Planning and Zoning Administrator
- Review of Thunder Butte Pipeline Project waiver and permit applications
- Discussion on ARPA funds and Project Bee attorney update
The Ward County Commission approved an eight-year property tax abatement for Renaissance Zone projects when owners invest 150% of a site's true and current value, on a 3-2 vote. It also approved a special use permit for a 290-foot wireless tower, a fire emergency and burn ban, and tax roll adjustments. The board tabled 2024 Payment in Lieu of Taxes and signed the coroner contract through June 30, 2024 after no responses to jail and coroner RFPs.
- Approved 8-year property tax abatement for 150% investment in Renaissance Zone (3-2; Anderson and Fjeldahl no)
- Approved special use permit for LCC Telecom 290-foot wireless tower (all yes)
- Approved Fire Emergency and Restrictive Burn Ban (all yes)
- Approved tax roll adjustments including farm residence exemptions and TIF base value (all yes)
- Approved Connecteam scheduling proposal replacing Tyler Advanced Scheduling (all yes)
- Approved Outlot Plat Application from Kevan Syverson (all yes)
- Tabled 2024 Payment in Lieu of Taxes to next meeting (all yes)
- Signed coroner contract through June 30, 2024 (all yes)
General
The Board of County Commissioners will meet to approve regular and human service bills. The agenda includes reports from the Director of Tax Equalization regarding tax roll adjustments and the Human Resources Director regarding pay amendments.
- Tax roll adjustments presented by Noreen Wilkie
- Pay amendments presented by Lolly Gorze
- Review of regular and human service bills
Ward County Human Service Zone Board
The board will meet to approve minutes and review fiscal reports, including expenditures, budget revenue, and recruitment data from February 2024. The meeting includes discussions on job posting residency requirements and the Cass Advisory Handbook.
- Review of February 2024 expenditures and bills
- Budget Recap Expenses and Revenue reports for February 2024
- FC Recruitment and Retention Report
- Inquiry into residence requirements for job postings
- Review of Cass Advisory Handbook
The Board approved the development of a new Advisory Board Handbook. Members also approved the February 20, 2024, meeting minutes and filed financial and adjunct data reports.
- Approved creation of a Ward County Human Service Zone Advisory Board Handbook (unanimous)
- Approved February 20, 2024, meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Received and filed financial documents (unanimous)
- Received and filed Adjunct Data Reports (unanimous)
- Accepted March 19, 2024, agenda with 2024 Zone Plan Update addition (unanimous)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will meet to approve regular and HS Zone bills and discuss several infrastructure projects. The agenda includes reviewing paving plans for the Galusha Ranch Paving District and potential bids for pavement striping and crack sealing.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $480,549.90 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $18,863.34
- Approval of plans and specifications for Galusha Ranch Paving District
- Authorization to submit Pre-Award Information Sheet for EECBG Program Grant with $75,420 eligibility
- Approval to bid pavement striping and crack seal
- Review of Outlot Plat Applications
The Board approved a 5-year extension and several map amendments for the Minot Renaissance Zone while rejecting a 10-year extension. Other actions included authorizing road projects, approving a rural residential outlot plat, and renewing a jail MOU.
- Approved Minot Renaissance Zone Amendment #2 (4-1)
- Rejected 10-year extension of Minot Renaissance Zone (5-0)
- Approved 5-year extension of Minot Renaissance Zone (4-1)
- Rejected Minot Renaissance Zone Amendment #4 (1-4)
- Approved adding block 1F and 2F to Renaissance Zone and declaring 2C and 40C completed (4-1)
- Renewed MOU between Ward County Detention Center and Three Affiliated Tribes Gerald Tex Fox Justice Center (5-0)
- Approved plans and bidding for Galusha Ranch Paving District Project (5-0)
- Approved Outlot Plat Application for 2.19 acres in Carpio Twp for Adam Knudsvig (5-0)
Weed Control Agendas
The board is meeting to open bids for chemicals and contractors and to discuss chemical sales dates. Members will also review the county noxious weed list and receive an update on an ARPA project.
- Opening of chemical bids
- Opening of contractor bids
- Review of county noxious weed list
- Update on ARPA project
- Unexpended budget balance of $384,771.88 as of February 29, 2024
The Board accepted chemical bids from Wilbur-Ellis and contractor bids from Walker’s Landscaping and Wollschlager Services LLC. Members also approved a new laptop purchase and a funding plan for equipment using AARPA and NDDA funds.
- Approved December 18, 2023 minutes with adjustment (unanimous)
- Accepted 2024 chemical bid from Wilbur-Ellis (unanimous)
- Accepted 2024-2025 contractor bids from Walker’s Landscaping and Wollschlager Services LLC (unanimous)
- Decided to maintain the County Noxious Weed list as is (unanimous)
- Approved plan to use $10,300 AARPA funds for skid sprayers and tanks and $5,000 NDDA TAG funds for a drone (unanimous)
- Authorized purchase of a new laptop for Weed Officer Derrill Fick (unanimous)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners is holding a special meeting to address one item of business. The board will consider the approval of a raffle for the North Dakota Youth Archery Advisory Committee.
- Raffle approval for North Dakota Youth Archery Advisory Committee
The Board of Ward County Commissioners held a special meeting to review one item. The board approved a raffle permit for the North Dakota Youth Archery Advisory Committee.
- Approved raffle permit for North Dakota Youth Archery Advisory Committee (all voted yes)
Water Resource Board Agendas
The Ward County Water Resource Board will review financial reports, hear engineer comments on City of Minot matters and variance applications, and discuss a memorandum of understanding with the Park Board. They will also consider the 2025-27 State Water Plan and low head dams. An executive session is scheduled to consult with the attorney on negotiation strategy for the Melius-Ehr property.
- Financial review: bills, 2023 cash flow, CD interest, money market quote
- Engineer comments: City of Minot, Erber-Tatman plat/variance, Solem-Rice Lake variance
- Memorandum of Understanding with Ward County Park Board
- 2025-27 State Water Plan discussion
- Executive session on Melius-Ehr property negotiation strategy
The Ward County Water Resource Board voted 5-0 to remove the Puppy Dog Coulee Bypass Channal and Makoti Lake Stabilization projects from the draft 2025-27 State Water Plan, with Engineer Dennis Reep to finalize and submit the plan. The Board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ward County Park Board for 2024/2025 and directed attorney Bryan Van Grinsven to draft a Letter of Intent on minimum dam operation requirements. In an executive session, the Board voted 5-0 to have Van Grinsven confirm a November 27, 2023 letter as the final offer on Drainage Complaint DC14 009 and to begin condemnation if not accepted. Bills totaling $1,792,605.27 were approved, including three payments of about $500,000 each to financial institutions.
- Approved agenda with one addition (4-0)
- Approved February 11, 2024 minutes (4-0)
- Approved posting a meeting streaming link on the monthly agenda (4-0)
- Approved Bills/Statement of Accounts totaling $1,792,605.27 (4-0)
- Tabled money market account decision until next month (4-0)
- Approved HDR's recommendations on plat/variance applications (4-0)
- Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Ward County Park Board for 2024/2025 (4-0)
- Moved Puppy Dog Coulee Bypass Channal and Makoti Lake Stabilization off 2025-27 State Water Plan (5-0)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will discuss tax roll adjustments, pay amendments, and the reallocation of ARPA funds for Minot Central Dispatch. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding an outlot plat and updates on the Minot Renaissance Zone.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $126,383.65 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $13,287.99
- Public hearing for Beth Pietsch regarding an Outlot Plat
- Discussion on reallocation of ARPA funds for Minot Central Dispatch
- Review of tax roll adjustments by Director of Tax Equalization Noreen Wilkie
- Discussion on the Coroner Contract
The Board approved several outlot plat applications and the updated Ward County Emergency Operations Plan. Commissioners approved regular bills totaling $126,383.65 and HS Zone bills of $13,287.99. A request to reallocate ARPA funds for a call/training simulator was denied.
- Approved regular bills of $126,383.65 and HS Zone bills of $13,287.99 (5-0)
- Approved Petersen outlot 4 plat and variance for 0.50 acres (5-0)
- Tabled updates to the Minot Renaissance Zone (5-0)
- Approved Ward County Emergency Operations Plan (5-0)
- Approved tax roll adjustments (5-0)
- Approved outlot plats for Clinton Olafson, Al Zahursky, and Alex and James Degenstein (5-0)
- Denied ARPA fund reallocation for Minot Central Dispatch simulator (1-4)
- Approved Board Guidelines distribution (5-0)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will hold a special meeting to conduct interviews for the position of Veteran’s Service Director. Two applicants are scheduled for interviews at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
- Interview Applicant A for Veteran’s Service Director
- Interview Applicant B for Veteran’s Service Director
The Board of Ward County Commissioners held a special meeting to interview candidates for the Veteran’s Service Director position. The board hired Brock Gilstad and established his starting salary.
- Hired Brock Gilstad as Veteran’s Service Director (unanimous)
- Set Veteran’s Service Director salary at $71,442.50 starting March 1 (unanimous)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss two specific contracts. The agenda focuses on the coroner and the jail.
- Coroner Contract
- Jail Contract
The Board approved a temporary extension of the jail medical services contract with Trinity Health. The Board also voted to reconsider the issuance of a Request for Proposals for coroner services while exploring the creation of county-employed coroner positions.
- Authorized extension and backdating of Trinity Health jail medical contract from Jan 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024 (unanimous)
- Authorized advertising a Request for Proposals for Ward County Jail medical services (unanimous)
- Voted to reconsider the issuance of the coroner services Request for Proposals until the next meeting (unanimous)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will meet to approve regular bills and HS Zone direct bills. The agenda includes discussions on IT contract renewals, a RAISE grant resolution, and human resources pay amendments.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $2,517,658.23 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $48,141.70
- SRT Contract Renewal for PRI Phone Line Pricing
- Resolution of Support for the RAISE Grant
- Liquor license approvals for Grove Hospitality and Kenmare Country Club
- Forensic audit quote and ARPA project status update
The Ward County Commission approved a regular bill list totaling $2,517,658.23 and HS Zone direct bills of $48,141.70. It approved a 60-month contract for three PRI lines through SRT at $596.83 per PRI, authorized application for a 2024 RAISE Grant estimated at $4,050,000, and accepted a Widmer Roel proposal for a forensic audit of ARPA funds dispersed to Project Bee with costs not to exceed $15,000. The board also approved a payroll amendment, agreed to interview the top two applicants for the Veteran's Service Director position, and directed letters to ARPA applicants who have not submitted reimbursement requests.
- Approved agenda with no changes (all voted yes)
- Approved minutes from Feb 6 regular and Feb 13 special meetings (all voted yes)
- Approved regular bills totaling $2,517,658.23 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $48,141.70 (all voted yes)
- Approved 60-month contract with three PRIs through SRT at $596.83 per PRI (all voted yes)
- Approved application for 2024 RAISE Grant estimated at $4,050,000 (all voted yes)
- Approved payroll amendment for B. Gilstad, Veteran's Service (all voted yes)
- Approved interviewing top two applicants for Veteran's Service Director (all voted yes)
- Accepted Widmer Roel proposal for forensic audit of ARPA funds to Project Bee, costs not to exceed $15,000 (all voted yes)
Ward County Human Service Zone Board
The Ward County Human Service Zone Board will review January 2024 financial and budget reports. The board is taking action on requests to work remotely from out of state and the selection of a Prevent Child Abuse T-shirt logo. The meeting includes a presentation from state partners Kristen Hasbargen and Jason Coffey.
- Requests to work remotely while living out of state
- Prevent Child Abuse T-shirt Logo
- 2024 Zone Plan Update
- Indigent Burials/JP Morgan
- January 2024 expenditures, budget recap, and revenue reports
The Board voted against allowing economic assistance employees to work for the Zone while residing in another state. The Board also selected a t-shirt design for Child Abuse Prevention Month and updated payment methods for indigent burials.
- Denied proposal to allow economic assistance employees to reside outside of ND (unanimous no)
- Approved t-shirt design submission #2 for Child Abuse Prevention Month (unanimous)
- Approved January 16, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Received and filed financial documents (unanimous)
- Received and filed Adjunct Data Reports (unanimous)
- Established that indigent burial payments to funeral homes will be made via check
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners is holding a special meeting. The primary order of business is an executive session regarding Project Bee ARPA reimbursements.
- Executive session regarding Project Bee ARPA reimbursements
The Board of Ward County Commissioners held a special meeting to address ARPA funding. The board decided to have the Chairman and Auditor coordinate a single forensic audit of funds given to Project Bee.
- Approved forensic audit of ARPA funds given to Project Bee (5-0)
Water Resource Board Agendas
The Board will discuss financial matters, including CD renewals and the 2023 audit. Members will review a revised flood pump maintenance agreement and six plat applications. The meeting also includes updates on the ND Water Development Plan and water policy.
- Revised Flood Pump Maintenance Agreement
- Plat applications for Degenstein-Mayland, Erber-Tatman, Knudsvig-Carpio, Olafson-McKinley, Syverson-Sawyer, and Zahursky-Rushville
- Renewal of CD due February 13, 2024
- 2023 Audit discussion
- ND Water Resource Water Development Plan
The Board approved several certificate of deposit investments totaling $1.75 million and selected a specific design alternative for low head dams. Other actions included engaging an auditor for 2023 and approving plat applications based on engineer recommendations.
- Approved $1.75M investment in CDs across Aspire Credit Union, Edward Jones, First International Bank and Trust, and Town & Country Credit Union (5-0)
- Approved renewal of CD with First Western Bank for 12 months
- Approved engagement of Brady Martz for 2023 audit at a cost of $14,500.00 (4-1)
- Approved flood pump maintenance agreement with added annual meeting requirement (5-0)
- Approved HDR's recommendations for six plat applications (5-0)
- Selected 'Alternative B' for low head dam design (5-0)
- Directed engineer to prepare ND Water Resources Water Development Plan (5-0)
- Approved Bills/Statement of Accounts totaling $127,363.28 (5-0)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will discuss inmate boarding contracts for the City of Minot and a service agreement with the First District Health Unit. The meeting includes a public hearing for a special use permit and subdivision plat, as well as a review of regular bills totaling $486,509.72.
- Public hearing for Beth Pietsch regarding a Special Use Permit and Subdivision Plat
- Review of regular bills totaling $486,509.72 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $5,678.96
- Proposed contracts for boarding City of Minot inmates and a First District Health Unit agreement
- Discussion on jail security camera replacement and snow plow equipment
- Approval of contracts for DeSour Valley Development Corporation and Makoti Threshers Association
The Ward County Commission approved regular bills totaling $486,509.72 and authorized the bidding for a $4 million graveling project in the Kenmare area. The board unanimously approved several zoning applications, including a special use permit for a wireless tower and multiple subdivision plats. Additionally, the commission authorized the purchase of snow plow equipment for approximately $49,000 and issued a Request for Proposal for the county coroner position.
- Approved regular bills totaling $486,509.72 (5-0)
- Authorized bidding for Kenmare Area Graveling project, est. $4M (5-0)
- Approved Special Use Permit for Hemphill-Greg Fegley wireless tower (5-0)
- Approved Subdivision Plat for Orville Nesdahl/Star Rentals, LLC (5-0)
- Authorized purchase of snow plow equipment, approx. $49,000 (5-0)
- Issued Request for Proposal for county coroner position (5-0)
- Approved adjustments to Tax Roll Memorandum (5-0)
- Approved seven Outlot Plat Applications (5-0 each)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will hold a special meeting on January 29, 2024. The agenda consists of a single item regarding an employee resignation.
- Employee resignation
The Board accepted the resignation of the Director of Veteran Services and appointed an interim replacement. The Board also decided to post the permanent position for internal and external applicants.
- Accepted resignation of Bradley Starnes, Director of Veteran Services
- Approved posting Director of Veteran Services position internally and externally for 2 weeks (all yes)
- Appointed Brock Gilstad as Interim Director (all yes)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will discuss agricultural land valuations, pay amendments, and budget transfers. The body is also considering a contract for boarding inmates from the City of Berthold and a remanded abatement for Stonehaven Development, Inc./55th Holdings, LLC.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $728,082.90 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $32,385.54
- Contract for boarding City of Berthold’s inmates
- Remanded abatement for Stonehaven Development, Inc./55th Holdings, LLC
- 2023-2024 Budget Amendments/Transfers
- Approval of 2024 Ward County Depositories
The Board approved over $728,000 in general, park, and road bills. Key actions included awarding a gravel crushing contract to Sundre Sand and Gravel and adopting agricultural land valuations. The Board also rejected a remanded abatement for Stonehaven Development, Inc./55th Holdings, LLC.
- Approved regular bills totaling $728,082.90 and HS Zone bills of $32,385.54 (all yes)
- Awarded 60,000 CY gravel crushing contract to Sundre Sand and Gravel at $13.10/CY (all yes)
- Approved Contract for Boarding City of Berthold’s Inmates (all yes)
- Adopted average agricultural land valuation of $576.63 (all yes)
- Approved pay amendments for eight county employees (all yes)
- Approved 2023/2024 Budget Amendments (all yes)
- Designated First International Bank and Trust as County Depositories for 2024 (all yes)
- Rejected remanded abatement for Stonehaven Development, Inc./55th Holdings, LLC (all yes)
Ward County Human Service Zone Board
The board will elect a Vice Chair and appoint a Secretary. Members will review December 2023 financial documents and discuss the 2024 Zone Plan update. The meeting also includes confirming 2024 meeting dates and times.
- Election of Vice Chair
- Appointment of Secretary
- Review of December 2023 expenditures, bills, and budget reports
- Update on the 2024 Zone Plan due February 1, 2024
- Confirmation of 2024 meeting dates and times
The Board elected Shelly Weppler as Vice Chairperson and Virginia Lee as Zone Board Secretary for 2024. The Board also approved the 2024 meeting schedule and designated Karen Schultz for secretarial duties.
- Elected Shelly Weppler as Vice Chairperson for 2024 (unanimous)
- Appointed Virginia Lee as Zone Board Secretary for 2024 (unanimous)
- Designated Karen Schultz for secretarial duties (unanimous)
- Approved 2024 meeting dates and times (unanimous)
- Approved December 19, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted financial documents as presented (unanimous)
- Accepted Adjunct Data Reports as presented (unanimous)
Water Resource Board Agendas
The board will elect a new Chair and Vice Chair and review financial matters, including a $121,306.86 payment from 1st Larson. Members will discuss flood pump maintenance, NDIRF renewal, and dam operations. The meeting includes reviews of several plat and variance applications.
- Payment of $121,306.86 from 1st Larson to Water Board
- Plat applications for Birkeland, Bonness, Cardinal, Irwin, and Peterson
- Plat and Variance Application for Lloyd
- Special Use and Variance Application for LLC Telecom
- Discussion on flood pump maintenance agreement
The Board designated seven financial institutions as public depositories and approved a $121,306.86 reimbursement transfer from the First Larson operating account. It also approved a new three-year flood pump maintenance agreement and adopted HDR's recommendations for several plat and variance applications.
- Elected Tom Klein as Chair and Loren Johnson as Vice Chair (5-0)
- Approved $121,306.86 transfer from First Larson operating account to general fund (5-0)
- Required filing of a new drainage complaint for Section 32 regarding DC19-002 (5-0)
- Approved modifications to Second Larson Detention Project O&M manual (5-0)
- Approved three-year flood pump maintenance agreement with Clint Cogdill (5-0)
- Adopted HDR recommendations for six plat/variance applications (5-0)
- Approved two 3% raises for Sarah Walker effective Jan 1 and July 1, 2024 (5-0)
- Designated Aspire CU, Edward Jones, Cornerstone, Dacotah, First Western, First International, and Town & Country CU as public depositories (5-0)
Board of Ward County Commissioners Meeting Agendas
The Board of Ward County Commissioners will consider approving regular bills and two land plat applications. The board will also review a contract for the Kenmare Community Development Corporation and a tax foreclosed property redemption.
- Approval of regular bills totaling $407,759.32
- Plat application for David Blume for a 5.38-acre outlot in Tatman Twp
- Plat application for Josh Cogdill for two residential outlots (3.90 and 2.61 acres) in Kirkelie Twp
- 2024 Contract for Kenmare Community Development Corporation #2
- Redemption of Tax Foreclosed Property: Tax Parcel No. RD000010200110 (Ryder Lots 10 & 11)
The Ward County Commission approved its regular bills totaling $407,759.32 and a plat application for David Blume to create a 5.38-acre outlot in Tatman Township. The board also approved a 2024 contract with Kenmare Community Development Corporation #2, a quit claim deed for a tax-foreclosed property in Ryder, and received routine correspondence. After interviews for board openings, Deb Aamot and Wendi Baggley were appointed to the Library Board Committee. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved agenda as presented, removing item 3B (all yes)
- Approved regular bills totaling $407,759.32 (all yes)
- Approved David Blume's plat application for a 5.38-acre outlot in Tatman Township (all yes)
- Received and filed correspondence from WBI Energy, ND Insurance Reserve Fund, ND Health and Human Services, and Minot Area Chamber EDC (all yes)
- Approved 2024 contract for Kenmare Community Development Corporation #2 (all yes)
- Approved quit claim deed for redemption of tax parcel RD000010200110 in Ryder (all yes)
- Appointed Deb Aamot and Wendi Baggley to the Library Board Committee (all yes)