Legal Notices 10-25
Minutes of the Board of Ward
County Commissioners
Budget Hearing
July 14, 19, & 27, 2021
Chairman Fjeldahl called the special
budget hearing meeting to order at
8:08 a.m. on July 14, 2021. The purpose
of the meeting was to hear the
2022 Department budget requests.
Present were Comm. Weppler,
Comm. Rostad, Comm. Anderson
and Comm. Pietsch.
County Sheriff Robert Roed appeared
with his departments preliminary
budget. Drug Task Force Grant
matched $11,000 last year but this
year there was no match. Sheriff
Roed is unsure if there will be a
match next year so budgeted
$11,000 for this. In-car cameras
went up $2,000 due to them being
older and having maintenance. Incident
Command trailer up $500 due
to maintenance. The interview room
video and audio recording warranty
ran out so budget includes a maintenance
plan for $1500.00. New World
Maintenance Agreement with the
city increased $6,000. Reserves line
item is new. In prior years it was in
the Emergency Management department
but will now fall under the
Sheriff’s Department in the amount
of $7,500.00. Tower lease of $7,000
was removed as it has not been
used in 7 years. Transports and Civil
Warrants Communications went up
$3,000 in order to issue cell phones
for the investigators as the phones
can become evidence after taking
pictures and be placed as such.
Would like to decrease the part-time
Court Securities budget of $55,419
by half and add a second full-time
position in order to have one-full
time licensed officer on duty at all
times.
Jail Commander Paul Olthoff appeared
with the preliminary budget
for the Juvenile Detention Center.
Office supplies have gone up
$5,000. Since COVID, masks and
gloves are significantly more expensive
leading to this increase. Guardian
software maintenance increased
$2,845. Office equipment increased
$1,300. Looking to add a position to
help with 24-hour scheduling.
Mr. Olthoff continued with reviewing
the County Jail Budget. Office supplies
are up $10,000 as the supply
of shoes and blankets are being depleted.
Uniform increased $50,000
to purchase Officer Safety Gear in
the form of vests to protect staff. Eaton
UPS maintenance for the server
is new at $8,350. New contract with
Trinity is up $24,000. Prisoner
board/meals up $25,000. Jail capacity
is 286 and currently we are
averaging 144 prisoners. Nurse
practitioners would like the jail to
have a nurse on staff which may be
looked at next year with Trinity.
In regard to 24/7, Mr. Olthoff stated
the only changes are increased
salary.
Randall Johnson, Senior Vice
President of Hays Company,
presented a health insurance comparison.
If no changes are made to
the current insurance, Sanford is
proposing a 30% increase.
NDPERS shows a $82,000 increase.
A BCBS option shows a
20.6% increase with $5,000 out of
pocket. BCBS through NDPHIT,
which is a pool, has a 13% increase
with a reserve amount of
$463,056.28 needing to be covered.
If the county went with a self-funded
option, cost would be approximately
$333 per employee but with a pool,
it would be $121 per employee. To
help cut costs, the out of pocket
maximum can be adjusted as well
as high deductible and HRA plans
can be offered. Will plan to work the
NDPHIT option into the budget at
this time and build around it for preliminary
figures.
A 15-minute recess was called at
11:03 AM.
Meeting reconvened at 11:18 AM.
Human Resource Director Tammy
Terras appeared with the preliminary
HR budget. Office supplies and office
equipment have come down due
to the time and attendance project
being mostly completed in 2021.
Contingency is reduced $7,220.95
due to the salary study. Remainder
of budget change is salary and
benefits. Ms. Terras is asking to reclassify
the payroll technician to an
HR generalist with an increase of
$12,427. This will enable Ms. Terras
to cross train duties as well as having
a backup for the other HR generalist.
Kristin Kowalczyk, County Recorder,
presented the Recorder’s Office
2022 preliminary budget. Her budget
remains basically the same with increase
in salary. There are two Administrative
Assistant II positions
and Ms. Kowalczyk would like to
have the positions to be closer in
pay. Rather than a 6% gap she
would prefer a 3% gap which would
be an increase of $1309.
Recess for lunch was called at 11:53
AM.
Session was reconvened at 1:07
PM.
Library Director Kerrianne Boetcher
presented the County Library preliminary
budget for the 2022 calendar
year showing a decrease in book
materials by $2,000. This $2,000
was shifted to library automation to
cover Office 365. Salaries and benefits
are up.
Facilities Management Director Leona
Lochthowe discussed her department
budget with the Commission.
There are 14 full time employees in
her department and she would like
to add another staff to the jail due to
continued increase in maintenance.
Janitorial supplies are up due to COVID.
Ms. Lochthowe stated she added
$32,500 to purchase a new
pickup with a Tommy lift. The 2002
pickup needs a lot of repairs and the
2003 pickup does not have a Tommy
lift. In order to discourage employees
from bring tools from home,
she added $5,000 to the tool budget
to purchase/rent tools. Another addition
in the budget are water fountain
fill stations at $15,600. Repair and
maintenance budget is down.
IT Director Jason Blowers presented
his department’s budget. Overall the
preliminary budget is up $10,000
from last year. Cisco phone system
server upgrade of $25,000 is a new
charge as they no longer support the
hardware in this building. Server
maintenance is due to extended
warranty on the servers rather than
replace the servers at this point for
$4,200. Storage servers for backups
are needed for an amount of
$15,500. Mr. Blowers is requesting
to add an IT Specialist as workflow
is increasing due to expanded personnel,
and server maintenance. Total
budget is up $87,000.
State’s Attorney Roza Larson
presented her departments budget.
Increases include the expert witness
fees and non-expert fees. They have
been budgeted as an increased total
of $24,000. There are increases in
salaries and the final budget is up
$247,000.
Director of Tax Equalization Noreen
Barton presented her departments
2022 preliminary budget to the Commission.
She stated she is budgeting
for a Xerox color printer for $4,600.
The Building Inspector is at 32 hours
and Ms. Barton would like to increase
him to 40 hours. Budget is up
$61,000 which includes salaries.
Planning and Zoning Administrator
Doug Diedrichsen appeared with the
budget for the County Planning &
Zoning. Contingency Miscellaneous
increase of $2,500 for the ordinance
rewrite project for things like publishing.
GIS software is $500.
At 2:57 PM a recess was called by
Commissioner Fjeldahl.
At 3:07 PM meeting reconvened.
County Engineer Dana Larsen reviewed
the Highway Department
budget. He has decreased materials
and supplies by $200,000 due to
limited funding. Highway user revenue
averages about 5 million a year.
Main changes to the budget this
year are salaries and health insurance.
Mr. Larsen also gave an
update on 2022 and 2023 construction
projects.
County Engineer Dana Larsen reviewed
Rushville Township preliminary
budget with the Commission.
The Township is slowly pulling itself
out of the hole since the 2011 flood.
Expenses are being kept around
$25,000 and a payment of $20,000
is the yearly goal to go towards the
debt. There may be grant money in
between $5,000 and $10,000 available.
Mr. Larsen continued with Vision
Zero and stated the budget
remained close to the same with additional
money budgeted for travel.
Mr. Larsen reviewed the Park preliminary
budget. He stated for the
last 5-6 years the budget had been
maintained at $160,000 but this year
it is up $25,000. Additional funds
were budgeted for equipment repairs
and maintenance and park maintenance.
Revenues are about the
same.
Derrill Fick presented the Weed
Control budget which showed a
slight increase for office supplies.
Chemicals up $5,000 with access to
chemicals being challenging. Contract
payments up $4,000. Part-time
salaries went up $6,500 for
seasonal/temporary work. Overall
budget is only up about $2,000.
Emergency Management Director
Jennifer Wiechmann appeared with
her department’s 2022 preliminary
budget. The major change is contract
payments up $65,000 for updates
that are necessary to remain
part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Standard salary and benefit increases.
Larry Haug, 911 Coordinator reviewed
his preliminary budget. Travel
was brought down $2,000 as the
previously budgeted amount had
never been fully used. Central
Dispatch jumped significantly (up
around $83,000) for IT upgrade and
replacements. Mr. Haug stated that
Central Dispatch is looking also for
an additional 3 dispatchers. No other
major changes expected for 2022.
Moved by Comm. Rostad, seconded
by Comm. Weppler to recess at 4:32
PM until 1:00 PM on July 19, 2021.
All voted aye. Motion carried.
Chairman Fjeldahl called the special
budget hearing meeting to order at
1:03 PM on July 19, 2021. Present
were Comm. Weppler, Comm. Rostad,
Comm. Anderson and Comm.
Pietsch.
Emily Burkett, Director of NDSU Extension
Services, reviewed her
department’s budget with the Commission.
She stated travel has been
increased by $3,000 due to the new
horticultural agent moving from part
time to full time and requiring more
travel, educational purposes and
reaching out in the county and state.
Increase in salaries from moving a
part time horticulture agent to a full
time agent. In regard to possible
moving to another facility, space will
need to be addressed for storage.
Ms. Burkett stated afreezer would
need to be on site as well and a
kitchen area would need to be addressed.
When discussing moving
costs to the 900 Building, an estimate
of around $10,000 was given.
Unsure as to the additional costs of
IT items and such.
Bradley Starnes, Director of Veteran
Services presented the 2022 budget.
The first proposal is to move the
Assistant Veterans Service Officer
from 32 hours to a full time position.
Currently there is about a 3-week
wait time that can be reduced to 1-1
¢ weeks with this change of position.
Travel is increased due to having
both Spring and Fall conferences
for accreditations. Office equipment
is holding up well.
Superintendent of Schools Jodi
Johnson stated the change in her
budget is due to salary and health
insurance/benefits.
Planned break at 2:00 was taken.
Reconvened at 2:09 PM.
Bryan Quigley appeared on behalf of
the Lake Region Historical Society
of Kenmare. A new roof is being put
on Hartland Church and insurance
has been added for an increase of
$1,500. Mr. Quigley presented a
$1,000 increase for 2022 bringing
the total requested to $17,000.
Souris Basin Planning Council Executive
Director Lyndsay Ulrickson
appeared with her organizations
budget request of $39,000 which is
an increase of $1,000. SBPC has
helped with a COVID-19 Recovery
Revolving Loan Fund that helps new
as well as established business to
continue to operate (Vision 20/20,
CleanTech, and Hanson Excavating).
They also do interest buy-down
from banks to help companies save
money. SBPC covers 7 counties and
approximately 60-70% of projects
are in Minot with the remainder in
surrounding areas.
David Leite of Ward County Historical
Society appeared to discuss the
$99,116.00 request. Pioneer Village
is now opened up fully. Two new
buildings have been accepted – one
has been made into a military museum
and the second building is called
the Eureka Township Hall. Both
buildings have been renovated. With
the help of Twice Blessed Campaign,
the Ward County Historical
Society received $20,000 to renovate
and put in a bathroom. Twice
Blessed also helped with placement
of handicap ramps throughout the
area. There has been some major
wind damage and repairs have been
started. The Lutheran church does
need a new steeple put on. Burlington
Farmer’s Market will be held on
the premises this fall as well.
Berthold Economic Development requested
$29,500 for 2021 which is
up $4,500. Alecia Neubauer appeared
on their behalf.
De Sour Valley Economic group was
represented by Andy Fimrite. They
are requesting $64,000 to continue
with the Burlington splash pad area –
bathrooms are being worked on
now.
Lisa Klug, Executive Officer of First
District Health Unit presented their
budget which is up approximately
$2,000. Data processing and pharmacy
has gone up as well as
salaries.
Jill McDonald appeared to discuss
the DVCC fund request. The DVCC
is requesting a $5,756 increase for
2022 for a total request of $43,756.
The primary reason is our community
had a gap in offender treatment
programming with Lutheran Social
Services leaving that needed to be
filled due to a requirement by the
state. The offender treatment program
is being added in the upcoming
year and there were fees associated
with the program. Additional
shelter staff is being added due to
operating in multiple locations as
well. There has been a 23% increase
in services over the last year.
In 2020 DVCC provided 2,650 nights
of safety and served 702 individuals
from Ward County.
Mr. Ryan Ackerman appeared to
discuss the Souris River Joint
Board’s budget. Currently SRJB has
construction ongoing that totals $75
million and some of the projects include
the 4th Avenue flood wall, utility
relocations, 2 phases of construction
in the Burlington area, and construction
beginning soon in Terracita
Vallejo. Mr. Ackerman stated that
each dollar of Ward County
Commission’s support of the SRJB’s
budget, approximately $70 is invested
back in Ward County. SRJB is requesting
a 2022 budget of $670,000
which is the same as 2021.
Tom Klein appeared to discuss the
Ward County Water Resource Board
budget request of $4,620,000. The
Resource Board is working on getting
things cleaned up from the flood
yet and finishing up projects.
Kenny Rogers appeared to discuss
ARBI (Assiniboine River Basin Initiative)
2022 request of $7,500 which is
the same as 2021. ARBI has had a
struggling year. ARBI continues to
work on conservation and drainage.
Auditor/Treasurer Marisa Haman reviewed
the Auditor/Treasurer budget.
General supplies are up $200.
Office equipment is up $25,000 for
new office furniture including front
counter. There is an increase in
salaries, retirement, and health insurance.
Under the County budget, property
and liability insurance shows a 25%
increase. Maintenance is up a bit
across the board as well as postage.
Election budget is up for 2022 due to
2022 being an election year.
Makoti Threshers Association requested
$24,000 and no one appeared
on their behalf.
Ryder Historical Society requested
$6,585 and no one appeared on
their behalf.
No one from Kenmare Economic
Development appeared to discuss
their $65,000 budget request.
No one from Makoti Development
Corporation appeared to discuss
their $1,000 budget request.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to recess until
Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.
Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Reconvened at 8:10 AM on July 27,
2021; all Commissioners present.
Ms. Haman began the meeting with
the Library. The maximum mills for
the Library is 4 and at the present
the Library is at 4.17 mills. An
amount of $20,500 needs to be taken
off the Library budget to get to 4
mills. Options would be to hold off
on adding to the Bookmobile fund or
keep the Library in the hole and continue
to continue to work out of the
hole. A discussion was held regarding
a possible Budget Amendment
using the Commissioner’s Contingency
Fund.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to reduce the
budget $20,000 to be set aside for
the bookmobile with the intention of
making it up in the following budget
years with possible consideration of
other alternatives. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Historical Societies were next for
discussion. The budget needs to be
brought down $61,701 to be at the
$85,000 level which is the maximum.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Weppler to approve
giving the same amount to each historical
society as last year. Roll call;
all voted yes; motion carried.
Highway Road Operations will need
their budget to be reduced by
$138,000 to stay under the maximum
of 10 mills. Highway Engineer
Dana Larsen stated a couple areas
to look at reducing would be in general
construction or general supplies
and services which goes towards
construction. A discussion was held.
Mr. Larsen stated that if more adjustments
are made within the budget,
he recommends putting the
monies back in to the general construction
fund.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to reduce the
preliminary budget by $138,000 out
of materials, supplies, and services
with recommendation that any excess
remainder from budget cuts be
placed back into this area. Roll call;
all voted yes; motion carried.
Senior Citizens requested amount
had to be reduced due to the limitation
of 1 mill, from $345,000 to
$340,510.
Water Resources was also reduced
from $4,620,000 to $4,225,000 due
to being over their 4 mill limit. A discussion
was held.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to approve
3 mills for Water Resources this
year. Roll call; Pietsch, Anderson,
and Fjeldahl voted yes; Rostad and
Weppler voted no; motion carried.
Ms. Haman continued with the Commission
budget. The contingency
fund is at $250,000. Travel and
training have a combined increase
of $1,500. Salaries for Commissioners
will be treated as the rest of the
staff.
Human Service Zone has a preliminary
budget of $87,000. They went
to their own insurance and are reimbursed
from the state for indirect
services. Discussion on occupancy
of the Human Service Zone on the
upper two floors.
Marisa will reach out to Craig and
find out if there are surplus funds, is
it wise to prepay bonds or not.
Emergency fund is at $735,172.
Marisa questioned if there is a certain
amount they wish the fund to be
at. Currently there is no levy for the
emergency fund. Consensus was to
leave the account as is.
NDSU Extension Center budget to
be left as is as moving expenses will
be done this year. If needed, a budget
amendment can be done.
The 900 Building is in need of an appraisal.
Ms. Haman contacted Craig,
our external auditor, who recommended
an external appraisal so it
would be transparent. Discussion on
using Minot assessor amounts and
comps to help validate the value of
the building. An estimate of $2,000
for the appraisal and may take approximately
3-4 months according to
Engineer Dana Larsen.
In the general cash reserves, the additional
$500,000 that had been added
into the fund is to be removed,
and 1.5 million for the building
should be put into the preliminary
budget. This can be changed with
further direction from the State’s Attorney
or other counsel.
At 9:56 AM with no further business,
the meeting was adjourned.
(October 25, 2021)
Minutes of the Budget Meeting of
the Board of Ward County
Commissioners
September 30, 2021
The Budget Meeting of the Ward
County Commission was called to
order by Chairman Fjeldahl at 10:03
AM with Commissioners, Pietsch,
Rostad, and Weppler present. Also
present were department heads
Bradley Starnes, Dana Larsen, Derrill
Fick, Jason Blowers, Jennifer
Wiechmann, Jodi Johnson, Kerrianne
Boetcher, Kristin Kowalczyk,
Marisa Haman, Noreen Barton,
Robert Roed, Roza Larson, and
Tammy Terras.
Auditor/Treasurer Marisa Haman appeared
and gave an update on what
the Department Heads discussed at
their meeting in regard to budget
cuts. The Auditor Department proposed
a reduction in travel/training
and office equipment of $14,000; HR
Department proposed a reduction in
travel/training of $12,000 as well as
a group agreement to postpone the
salary study implementation until
next year for a savings of $367,000;
Facility Management Department
proposed a reduction of $84,760
with the removal of a new position
and removing water fountains; Jail
Department proposed a reduction of
medical emergency funds of
$75,000; Sheriff’s Department proposed
a total of $39,000 in reductions
covering 9 separate areas; Tax
Equalization Department proposed a
reduction of a printer, software, and
travel/training totaling $9,900; and IT
Department proposed a reduction of
battery backups, informacast tier II
system, and a new position totaling
$90,215. Total proposed reduction
by Department Heads of
$691,875.00 with a mill reduction of
2.05.
Dana Larson, Highway Engineer,
appeared to discuss Highway
Department budget areas and
amounts. Discussion on use of
ARPA funds for decreased revenue
and if these funds can be used for
the Highway Department. Also discussed
spreading the 900 Building
payment over 4 years.
Bradley Starnes, Veterans Service
Director, appeared and stated that
their department would be willing to
wait to move the part-time position
to full time if it would help with the
budget.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to approve a
2.5% step increase and save the
salary study until it is further reviewed
for each of the positions. Roll
call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Comm. Anderson entered meeting
at 11:13 AM
Noreen Barton, Tax Equalization
Director and Jennifer Weichmann,
Emergency Management, appeared
regarding class cost and travel for
Planning and Zoning. Doug Diedrichsen
appeared and explained
budget and travel expenses for the
same.
Jason Blowers appeared regarding
the District Court Capital Project using
a grant and the need to do hard
wiring rather than WIFI. He also
spoke regarding IT Department
equipment and having a large balance
at the end of the year due to
possibly being unable to get PC’s.
Dana Larsen appeared to discuss
tax deed sale profits and foreclosed
property profits. Tax deed sale profits
have been used in the past for
special projects. Foreclosed property
monies go back to those who
have an interest in the property or it
gets sent to unclaimed property
through the state. On foreclosures,
there are no profits.
A discussion was held on the Facilities
Management Utilities budget.
One area that was focused on was
the Repairs and Maintenance section.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch, to reduce the
Facility Utilities Repairs and Maintenance
line item 2506 by $50,000
and also to decrease the Maintenance
Plus cleaning contract from
$28,100 to $12,000, making a total
reduction of $66,100. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to remove
the jail window film coverings off line
item 2705 from the Office/Jail Building
budget in the amount of $30,000.
Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Chairman Fjeldahl,
seconded by Comm. Pietsch to cut
half 0.48 mill from the Highway
Road Fund which will leave the mill
at 8.5 and bringing a reduction of
$163,551. Roll call; Comm. Pietsch,
Anderson, Fjeldahl, and Weppler all
voted yes; Comm. Rostad voted no;
motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to reduce
funding by 10% to Assiniboine River
Basin Initiative, North Dakota State
Fair, and historical societies. This total
10% reduction amount is
$48,930. Roll call; Comm. Pietsch,
Anderson, Weppler, and Fjeldahl all
voted yes; Comm. Rostad voted no;
motion carried.
Moved by Chairman Fjeldahl,
seconded by Comm. Pietsch to
reduce Economic Development
funding by 10% but to leave Ward
County Advertising and Promotion at
$500. This total 10% reduction
amount is $15,500. Roll call; Comm.
Fjeldahl, Pietsch, Anderson, and
Weppler all voted yes; Comm. Rostad
voted no; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to adopt the
remaining Department Head
changes presented. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to reduce the
medical line item 2812 under the Jail
budget by $50,000. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
State’s Attorney Roza Larson appeared
regarding her department’s
budget. Budgeted $25,000 for
non-expert fees but can take that
down to $10,000 resulting in a
$15,000 savings. Travel budget can
be reduced down to $7,000, saving
$3000. Lastly, contract attorney can
be reduced from $60,000 to $30,000
with decreasing her total budget by
$48,000.
Moved by Comm. Rostad, seconded
by Comm. Weppler to reduce
State’s Attorney budget $48,000 as
directed by Ms. Larson. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
With all the above reductions, the final
budget will be up 0.33 mills or
$112,000.
At 1:37 PM with no further business,
the meeting was adjourned.
(October 25, 2021)
Minutes of the Budget Meeting of
the Board of Ward County
Commissioners
October 6, 2021
The regular meeting of the Ward
County Commission was called to
order by Chairman Fjeldahl at 9:01
AM with Commissioners, Anderson,
Pietsch, Rostad, and Weppler
present. Also present were department
heads Bradley Starnes, Dana
Larsen, Emily Burkett, Jason
Blowers, Jennifer Wiechmann, Kristin
Kowalczyk, Marisa Haman,
Melissa Bliss, Noreen Barton,
Robert Roed, Roza Larson, and
Tammy Terras.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Weppler to approve
the agenda with the addition of 12I
Renaissance Zone. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to approve
Commission Meeting Minutes on
September 21, 2021 and Budget
Public Hearing Meeting Minutes on
September 23, 2021. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Rostad, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to approve the
regular bills totaling $156,853.10
and Human Service Zone direct cost
bills totaling $9,134.19. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
Tammy Terras, Human Resources
Director appeared and asked Kristin
Kowalczyk to present Elizabeth
Pietsch with her 10-year service
award.
Jennifer Wiechmann, Emergency
Management Director, appeared regarding
the Ward County
Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Recommendation. Ms. Wiechmann
presented three separate proposals
to choose from. There is a cost
share of 75% FEMA, 10% state, and
15% local. A discussion was held.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to follow the
recommendation of Emergency
Management Director Jennifer
Wiechmann and approve the proposal
from KLJ. Roll call; Comm.
Weppler, Rostad, Pietsch, and
Anderson all voted yes; Comm. Fjeldahl
voted no; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to approve adding
a penalty tied to the contract
with withholding 33% of the compensation
until after the project has
been completed. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Noreen Barton, Tax Equalization
Director, appeared regarding adjustments
to Tax Roll Memorandum.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to approve
adjustments to Tax Roll Memorandum
as presented. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Ms. Barton informed the Commission
that the city of Surrey will be
discontinuing the building inspector
services with Ward County as of November
12, 2021. The city of Surrey
has hired their own inspector. Ms.
Barton was asked to get a copy of
the minutes from the Surrey meeting
regarding this decision.
Dana Larsen, Highway Engineer appeared
regarding Sawyer/Velva
Township Bridge project. Cost share
funding for this project is 80/20.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to approve the
attached North Dakota Department
of Transportation agreement and authorize
the Chairman to sign the
Cost Participation, Construction, and
Maintenance Agreement for Project
No. BRO-0051(055). Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
Discussion on damages relating to
this project will be held in the near
future.
Mr. Larsen presented the County
Road 1 and 2 Pavement Overlay
project which will be using Federal
Aid as well in the Kenmare area.
Moved by Comm. Rostad, seconded
by Comm. Weppler to approve the
attached North Dakota Department
of Transportation agreement and authorize
the Chairman to sign the
Cost Participation, Construction, and
Maintenance Agreement for Project
No. SC-5100(022). Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Doug Diedrichsen, Planning and
Zoning Administrator, appeared regarding
a Plat Application Township
approval for unincorporated Rushville
Township. Mr. Diedrichsen
recommends approval for the Plat
Application for Cordell Poleschook
for the following described property:
Proposed Outlot 2 SW4SW4
12-151-83. The proposed outlot 2 is
6.25 acres. This outlot is for future
residential purposes. Ward County
zoning applies.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to approve as
the Board of Rushville Township the
Plat Application for Cordell
Poleschook as recommended by Mr.
Diedrichsen. Roll call; all voted yes;
motion carried.
Sheriff Robert Roed appeared regarding
an overtime grant contract
from the North Dakota Department
of Transportation.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to approve
and authorize the Chairman to sign
the NDDOT Contract. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
Human Resource Director Tammy
Terras appeared and discussed the
renewal for the 2022 Dental Provider.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Weppler to reapprove
Delta Dental as the Dental Provider
for 2022 with the increase as
presented. Roll call; all voted yes;
motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to approve the
following payroll amendments: J.
Phillips, Jail; L. Lochthowe, Facilities;
S. Tyler, Facilities; P. Thomas,
Jail; H. Nygard, Jail. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to remove the
Vaccine Passport issue from the
table. Roll call; all voted yes; motion
carried.
Jeff A. Hoverson appeared and
presented two resolutions regarding
the Vaccine Passport issue.
Lisa Clute from First District Health
District appeared and disagreed with
the resolutions as presented.
State’s Attorney Roza Larson stated
she is still waiting to hear from the
Attorney General on this issue.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to receive
and file both Version 1 and Verson 2
of the resolution. Roll call; all voted
yes; motion carried.
Auditor/Treasurer Marisa Haman appeared.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to receive and
file the following Correspondence:
Letter from Bolton & Menk regarding
Southwest & Southeast Connector
Corridor Study; Letter from United
Agronomy on Anhydrous Ammonia
testing; Letter and emails from Office
of Local Defense Community
Cooperation on noise impact; Order
from Public Service Commission on
Tree and Shrub Mitigation Specification.
Roll call; all voted yes; motion
carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to select
Western Agency for
Property/Liability Insurance beginning
with the January, 2022 policy
and Western Agency would be
renewed with the July 2022 policy.
The policies would be reviewed for
proposals again in 3 years. Roll call;
all voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to approve the
Roger Ward Moving quote of
$14,125 to move the NDSU Extension
Center to the 900 Building with
disassembling and reassembling
desks and fund it using Revenue
Loss dollars from the American Rescue
Plan Act. Roll call; all voted yes;
motion carried.
Holly Arnold, Parent Educator,
NDSU Extension Service appeared
regarding the Annual Grant Agreement
between Ward County and
NDSU. There was a discussion on
amount of funds that were to be received.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to table this
agreement in order to get a better
clarification on what funds Ward
County is to receive. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
Emily Yanish spoke by phone regarding
the Youthworks Attendant
Care Contract.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to approve the
Youthworks Memorandum of Understanding
that has been brought forth
allowing Youthworks to place
non-Ward County custodial youth.
The date of the contract is from October
6, 2021 through December 31,
2022. Roll call; all voted yes; motion
carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Pietsch to remove
from the table the NDSU Agreements
as clarification was brought
back by Holly Arnold. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to approve
signing the Annual Grant Agreement
between Ward County and North
Dakota State University as presented.
Roll call; all voted yes; motion
carried.
Discussion on the budget was held
and the use of ARPA funding and
loss of revenue. A special meeting
has been set for 10:00 AM Friday,
October 8, 2021 to address Motions
1-3.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to approve
the recommendation of setting
minimum sales prices by taking the
taxes owed including penalty and interest
x 20% plus realtor commission.
Roll call; all voted yes; motion
carried.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to approve the
extension of the Renaissance Zone
Program. Roll call; Weppler, Rostad,
Anderson, and Fjeldahl voted yes;
Pietsch voted no; motion carried.
Comm. Weppler attended the September
28, 2021 Foreclosure Committee
meeting. No final action was
taken.
At 11:03 AM with no further business,
the meeting was adjourned.
(October 25, 2021)
Minutes of the Budget Meeting of
the Board of Ward County
Commissioners
October 8, 2021
The special meeting of the Ward
County Commission was called to
order by Chairman Fjeldahl at 10:02
AM with Commissioners, Anderson,
Pietsch, Rostad, and Weppler
present. Also present were department
heads Dana Larsen, Emily
Burkett, Jason Blowers, Kristin
Kowalczyk, Marisa Haman, Melissa
Bliss, Noreen Barton, Robert Roed,
Roza Larson, and Tammy Terras.
Auditor/Treasurer Marisa Haman appeared
to discuss the meeting she
had with the external auditor regarding
American Rescue Plan Act funds
and placing $112,400 back into the
budget as other income to bring the
levy back to where it was last year.
The only change was the levy total
for the general fund. The total
amount of revenue lost for Ward
County is $3,687,149.
Ms. Haman stated Eryn from National
Association of Counties may be
able to take part in a phone call with
the task force regarding use of
ARPA funds and Ms. Haman will try
to arrange this.
Moved by Comm. Weppler, seconded
by Comm. Rostad to adopt the
Ward County Budget for calendar
year 2021 at a grand total of
$55,503,112. Roll call; all voted yes;
motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Pietsch, seconded
by Comm. Anderson to adopt the
Ward County 2021 levied amount of
$17,309,148. Roll call; all voted yes;
motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Rostad, seconded
by Comm. Weppler to approve the
2021 Ward County budgets and tax
levies spread against the taxable
property of Ward County. Roll call;
all voted yes; motion carried.
At 10:20 AM with no further business,
the meeting was adjourned
(October 25, 2021)
Notice of Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held November
16th, 2021 regarding vacation
of a section line described as
follows: Beginning at a point 45 feet
South of the Northwest corner of
Section 17 or the Northeast corner
of Section 18 in Township 155 N,
Range 83 W; Thence running South
along the section line to the Southern
boundary of the NWNW of said
Section 17 and the Southern boundary
of the NENE of said Section 18.
The hearing will be during the regular
Commission meeting which begins
at 9:00 AM in the Commission
Chambers located at 225 3rd St SE.
(October 25, 2021)
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF THE
DISSOLUTION OF CHECKING
FOR CHARITY, LLC
1. Please take notice that Checking
for Charity, LLC, a North Dakota
no-profit limited liability company
with a registered office in Minot,
North Dakota, is in the process of
dissolving pursuant to North Dakota
Century Code Sec. 10-19.1-110.
2. Notice of intent to dissolve was
filed with the North Dakota Secretary
of State on October 12, 2021.
3. Claims against the corporation, if
any, must be presented to the corporation
in writing within 90 days of
the first date of publication of this
notice, January 16, 2022, or other
date as specified by law, and directed
to Matthew H. Olson, Pringle &
Herigstad, P.C., P.O. Box 1000,
Minot, ND 58702-1000
3. All claims by creditors or
claimants must be received on or
before 90 days of the first date of
publication of this notice. Any creditor
or claimant who fails to file a
claim on or before 90 days from the
first date of publication of this notice,
and all those claiming through or
under the creditor or claimant are
forever barred from suing on that
claim or otherwise realizing upon or
enforcing it except as otherwise provided
in Section 10-19.1-124, North
Dakota Century Code.
(October 18-25 November 1-8,2021)
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
COUNTY OF WARD IN DISTRICT
COURT NORTH CENTRAL
JUDICIAL DISTRICT
In the Matter of the Estate of Patrick
J. Schaan, Deceased
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that:
1. Carrie Peterson has been appointed
personal representative of
the Estate of Patrick J. Schaan.
2. All persons having claims against
Patrick J. Schaan are required to
present their claims within three (3)
months after the date of the first
publication of this notice or said
claims will be forever barred.
3. Claims must either be presented
to Carrie Peterson, personal
representative of the estate, at P.O.
Box 998, Minot, ND 58702-0998, or
filed with the Court.
Dated October 21, 2021 Carrie
Peterson Personal Representative
(October 25, November 1-8, 2021)
SUMMONS
Civil No. 51-2021-CV-01673
STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA IN
DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF WARD NORTH
CENTRAL JUDICIAL DISTRICT
ProCollect Services, LLC,
Plaintiff,
vs.
Donna E. Carter,
Defendant.
THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED
DEFENDANT:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED
and required to appear and defend
against
the Complaint in this action, which is
herewith served upon you, by serving
on the undersigned an Answer
or other proper response within
twenty-one days after service of this
Summons upon you, exclusive of
the day of service. If you fail to do
so, judgment by default will be taken
against you for the relief demanded
in the complaint.
Dated October 21, 2021.
/s/ Christopher A. Carlson
Christopher A. Carlson (id #03378)
PO Box 1097
Bismarck ND 58502-1097
701-258-4800
carlsonlaw@qwestoffice.net
Attorney for the Plaintiff
(October 25, November 1-8, 2021)
SUMMONS
Civil No. 51-2021-CV-01675
STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA IN
DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF WARD NORTH
CENTRAL JUDICIAL DISTRICT
ProCollect Services, LLC,
Plaintiff,
vs.
Donna E. Carter,
Defendant.
THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED
DEFENDANT:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED
and required to appear and defend
against
the Complaint in this action, which is
herewith served upon you, by serving
on the undersigned an Answer
or other proper response within
twenty-one days after service of this
Summons upon you, exclusive of
the day of service. If you fail to do
so, judgment by default will be taken
against you for the relief demanded
in the complaint.
Dated October 21, 2021.
/s/ Christopher A. Carlson
Christopher A. Carlson (id #03378)
PO Box 1097
Bismarck ND 58502-1097
701-258-4800
carlsonlaw@qwestoffice.net
Attorney for the Plaintiff
(October 25, November 1-8, 2021)