J.D. Hansen, Oliver SCD, was present to discuss the Square Butte Creek Watershed project and to ask the Commission for a letter of support. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to provide a letter of support to the Oliver SCD for the Square Butte Creek Watershed project.

Alice Grinsteinner, Mercer/Oliver EM/HR, requested an Emergency Declaration be made due to the federal government shutdown. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the Emergency Declaration.

Alice Grinsteinner, Mercer/Oliver EM/HR, discussed some concerns with the Courthouse Janitor due to computer usage. The Commission requested HR speak with both individuals involved and revisit at the next Commission meeting.

The Sheriff’s Department provided updates. The new vehicles have arrived. A Sheriff Sale will be held on November 21^st for impounded vehicles. Discussion was held on Back the Blue Funding. Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to authorize the County Sheriff to expend the Peace Officer and Correctional Officer Appreciation Grant Funds approved in House Bill 1193 which was passed by the 2025 Legislature, per the categories outlined as follows: Funding may be used for providing retention bonuses to current law enforcement and correctional officers and covering tuition and fee payments on behalf of law enforcement trainees. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Discussion was held on purchasing a mower through Butler Machinery, replacing the current rotary mower a price of $8,245.00 after trade in of the rotary mower. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the purchase of the 2024 M-F 10’ disc mower from Butler Machinery for $8,245.00 with the trade in of the Schulte Rotary Mower. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to approve the purchase of a 2025 John Deere 52” Rotary Broom for the Courthouse Lawn Tractor for $3,621.12. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Discussion was held on the County’s Haul Road Agreement Fees. It was requested to see what other counties charge and discuss next month.

Moore Engineering was present to discuss the Moore-Oliver MSA, Task Order Study, CMC Routes and Rural Catalyst Grant.

Discussion was held on a road concern with in the Oliver Wind IV project area.

Building Permit #1076 was presented for Chris Olsen to build a garage within NE ¼ of Section 22, Township 143, Range 83. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve Building Permit #1076. A roll call vote was held; Rob Schmidt-Aye, Dave Berger-Aye, Lee Husfloen-Aye. Building Permit #1076 was approved.

Building Permit #1077 was presented for Prairie Barns Construction/James Franciere to build an addition to a house within NW ¼ of Section 21, Township 141, Range 85. Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to approve Building Permit #1077. A roll call vote was held; Rob Schmidt-Aye, Dave Berger-Aye, Lee Husfloen-Aye. Building Permit #1077 was approved.

Updates on ordinance was work was given.

Portfolio reports were given.

Discussion was held on a quote from Empower Electric for the outdoor Courthouse lights. Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to approve the quote for $4360.00 for Empower Electric for the outdoor lights. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Two applicants were presented for the open Weed Board position. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to appoint Deirdre Forstner to the vacant weed board position. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to adopt the following:

Resolution 2025-5

A Resolution to Change Oliver County, North Dakota from a Vote-By-Mail County to a Regular Election and Absentee Voting County

WHEREAS, North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) §16.1-11.1 provides authority for counties to conduct elections by vote-by-mail or by traditional polling-place voting; and

WHEREAS, Oliver County previously elected to conduct its primary and general elections using the vote-by-mail model; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has reviewed the vote-by-mail process and determined that returning to the traditional election model—in-person voting at designated polling places with absentee ballots available upon request—better meets the needs and preferences of county residents;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Oliver County shall discontinue the vote-by-mail model and return to conducting all county, state, and federal elections through traditional polling-place voting, with absentee ballots available to any qualified voter; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Auditor shall notify the North Dakota Secretary of State of this change, designate polling locations, and take all necessary steps to implement the traditional election model for upcoming elections.

All in favor, none opposed; Resolution 2025-5 was approved.

Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the following;

Resolution 2025-6

A Resolution Establishing Precincts and Polling Location

WHEREAS the County is required to approve the establishment of precincts and polling locations for the 2026 election cycle per N.D.C.C. Chapters 16.1-04, 16.1-07, and 16.1-11.1 and

WHEREAS, under state law the Board of County Commissioners, in cooperation with the County Auditor, shall establish precinct boundaries by December 31^st of the year preceding an election, and polling locations must be established by the 64^th day before the election though, traditionally, Oliver County has set polling locations at the same time as precinct boundaries; and 

WHEREAS the Oliver County Auditor is committed to providing a positive voting experience to all voters within Oliver County while simultaneously upholding the security and integrity of elections; and

WHEREAS precinct boundaries were set using logical boundaries within the county, and proximity, accessibility, and availability of locations were considered when selecting polling locations, and the Oliver County Auditor recommends approval of the establishment of 1 precinct, encompassing the entire county and 1 polling place, in Oliver County as recommended, and

WHEREAS Oliver County previously approved consolidating its polling places into one vote center, located at the County Courthouse, in accordance with N.D.C.C. §16.1-04-02(3), and desires to continue this provision,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Oliver County, that it hereby approves the establishment of precincts and polling locations for the 2026 election cycle as presented and authorizes the Oliver County Auditor to establish early vote and absentee ballot precincts, as necessary.

All in favor, none opposed; motion carried. Resolution 2025-6 was approved.

Discussion was held on the Joint Powers Agreements with the City and School for the upcoming election. The JPA will be sent to the other entities for review and approval.

Other election updates were given.

Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to approve the holiday closure of the Courthouse on December 26^th, 2025. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Discussion was held on the drainage hole on the Courthouse lawn.

A letter from the ND DEQ was presented to the Commission.

Discussion was held on the 2026 Commission Calendar.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:51 pm.

The next meeting of the Oliver County Commission will be at 1:00 PM, December 9^th, 2025 at the Oliver County Courthouse meeting room.

_________________________________                    _________________________________

Jaden Schmidt, Oliver County Auditor                         Lee Husfloen, Chairman of the Board