A proposed residential and commercial development at Rice Lake hit a snag at the Ward County Commission Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Concerns about road access and drinking water supply prompted commissioners to table the project, which came from the Ward County Planning Commission with a recommendation for approval.

Shawn Kulver with SHK Holdings and Dig this Rentals, Killdeer, applied to establish Islandview Estates in Rice Lake Township for future lake residential lots and possibly a small convenience store, fueling facility, boat ramp and vehicle/boat trailer parking. The applicant is seeking a conditional use permit and zone change.

The property would include 31 residential lots at Rice Lake southwest of Minot.

Delos Haugen, Burlington, asked that the developer shift a proposed road on the south side of several residential lots so it runs north of the residences and creates a buffer for his farmland.

Engineer Sean Weeks, representing SHK Holdings, explained the selected route creates a more efficient connection between the entire property and Rice Lake Road, which provides the main access. Establishing a road accessible to neighboring property also reduces project cost, he said.

Commissioners raised concern about the conflicts that could develop between the farmer and residents over agricultural operations if there is no buffer.

“We are asking for trouble. I can see it coming,” Commissioner Ron Merritt said.

“I have to support the farmer on this,” Sheriff Robert Roed added. “We get a lot of complaints from people who built and then complain about farms spraying and killing trees.”

Although Rice Lake Township had originally signed off on the project this past summer, Chairman Greg Severson spoke to commissioners about current concerns over the lack of a farmland buffer.

Commissioner Miranda Schuler said attention needs to be given to the fact that there is one dependable access road, with more development likely. Secondary access was described as a gravel road no one wants to use.

“I think we have to look at long-term growth in that area,” she said.

Roed also cited the difficulties a single access road can pose for emergency response, adding the secondary gravel road could go under water if the lake rises high enough.

Commissioners also raised concern that North Prairie Regional Water District had not yet indicated whether or how it could serve the subdivision, noting wells might not be a good solution for neighbors.

“If this diminishes their water supply, then we have a big problem on our hands,” Commission Chairman John Fjeldahl said.

Bob Hargrave, Rice Lake, said water pressure already isn’t great, suggesting the commission table the application until it hears from North Prairie.

The property would receive sewer service through Rice Lake Recreation Service District.

Commissioners weren’t moved by the developer’s efforts to create efficiencies with the project.

“Cost should not be the determining factor,” Fjeldahl said.

“We can’t look at it from a cost savings for the developer. We have to look at it from the landowner perspective,” Schuler added.

The commission tabled the project until the developer gets a response from North Prairie, presents a secondary road option and receives another review by the planning commission.

Forgotten board position open to applicants

The Ward County Commission is accepting applications to serve on the Community Action Partnership board. The commission discovered that the board included a county-appointed seat on the board when Jim Blomberg submitted his resignation after about 30 years of service.

Blomberg had been appointed to an indefinite term, causing the position to eventually slip off the county’s radar. Blomberg, whose resignation is effective Oct. 1, spoke in his resignation letter of his enjoyment of his long tenure and the gratifying experience he has had as part of the support Community Action has given to low income and disabled people in the seven-county region.

Commissioners decided Tuesday, Sept. 16, to call for applications for a three-year term on the board. If no applications are received, a commissioner will be appointed. Residents can contact the Ward County Auditor’s Office for application information.

– Jill Schramm