Sheriff’s Department updates were given. Discussion was held on the potential for a Weights and Scales officer, which would allow for better enforcement of overweight/overwidth loads that do not have permits. A decision and further discussion was tabled to the next meeting.

Discussion was held on purchasing new laptops for the Sheriff’s vehicles. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the purchase of five laptops for the Sheriff’s vehicles, with the Sheriff’s department determine the vendor. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Discussion was held on the Sheriff’s boat in storage at the county shop. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve putting the boat up for bids. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Discussion was held on the impounded vehicles in the sheriff’s lot. Duane Gappert has expressed interest in hauling all vehicles left to salvage. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to all Duane Gappert to haul all remaining vehicles only from the 2025 Sheriff’s sale and allow him to keep 60% of the salvage amount and the county to receive the remaining 40% and that the vehicles should be moved as soon as possible. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Discussion was held on the county’s weather closure policy. The Courthouse policy had been that they follow all school closures and delays. Until a new policy is written, the current policy will be that the Sheriff’s Department and Road Superintendent will discuss and inform the County Auditor if the Courthouse should be delayed open or closed due to inclement weather.

The remaining policy discussions were tabled to the next meeting.

Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the following the resolution:

Whereas, the bid amount of $796,743.21 from Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. received in the bid opening of November 14, 2025 for Project SC-3300)020) was the low bid received.

Whereas, this bid is considered reasonable.

Now therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissions of Oliver County will award to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp. the contract for Project SC-3300(020) and hereby authorizes the Chairman of the Board to sign said contract.

It is further understood that the County shall reimburse the North Dakota Department of Transportation for any payments made under this contract, which are not collectible from Federal Highway Administration.

All in favor, none opposed; the resolution passed.

Discussion was held on BNI’s blade on a county road, blading without county knowledge due to heavy loads being hauled. It has been requested that BNI only blade the roads when they speak with Kenny Rude, Road Superintendent for permission. Lane Dahl, BNI, state there is an MOU BNI would like to present to the Commission at the next meeting to allow for Kenny to review and answer any questions that may come up.

Discussion was held on snow removal.

Discussion was held on the fuel tank in the boiler room, no action was taken.

Patrick Waters, State’s Attorney, discussed the option of obtaining a subscription to Westlaw, a legal research tool, for his office. The Commission requested he obtain quotes and it will be discussed at the next meeting.

The Beer and Liquor Licenses for the Square Butte Creek Golf Club and the Oliver County Fair Board were discussed. The applications need to be updated and a representative from each entity is requested to be present at the next meeting prior to any license approval.

Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to approve the appointment of Thomas Kaspari to the Western Plains Public Health Board as well as re-appoint him as the County Coroner. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.

Discussion was held on advertising for expired board member positions. The positions will be advertised and applications considered.

Discussion was held on safe driving when blade operators are out on the roads. Vehicles are passing the blades while on the roads and causing safety concerns. It’s requested that people driving by the County blades be cautious when driving. A post should be made to Facebook, paper and website as well as making a post about snow removal across county roads.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 pm.

The next meeting of the Oliver County Commission will be at 1:00 PM, December 30^th, 2025 at the Oliver County Courthouse meeting room.

_________________________________                    _________________________________

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