OLIVER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS were called to order at 1:00 PM with all members present.
Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the January 8th, 9th and February 5th meetings. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Discussion and acknowledgement was made on the February 5th, 2025 Executive Session. The final action taken was that an investigation was being conduction. A final vote taken was to seize the computer from Mickie McNulty-Eide and to have her escorted and excluded from the courthouse following the conclusion of the pending investigation.
Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to approve the following bills for payment and approve the following bills previously paid. A roll call vote was held, with Dave Berger, aye, Rob Schmidt, aye, Lee Husfloen, aye. Motion carried.
ACME Tools-1348.00
Allstate Peterbilt-1993.13
Bonnell Aman-2250.00
Basin Auto Parts-12.79
Darrell Berger-56.38
Dave Berger-217.00
Beulah Beacon-50.00
Butler Machinery-7975.09
Center Machine-211.05
Center Republican-682.24
Centre Inc.-960.00
Computer Express-950.00
Dakota Fire Station-7440.30
Dakota Fluid Power-47.68
Diamond Mowers-4259.06
Force America Distributing-624.18
Guardian Lock & Security-632.70
Hazen Star-210.00
I-State Truck Center-169.30
ITD-921.25
JEH Inc-495.00
Johnsen Trailer Sales-13432.24
K&M Repair-352.37
Linde Gas & Equipment-256.00
Menards-1803.95
Mercer County Human Services-1471.84
Mercer County Sheriffs Dept.-2175.00
Mid-States Organized Crime-100.00
ND County Commissioners Assn-1085.00
ND Sheriff’s & Deputies Assn-400.00
NDACO-15206.46
NDACO-441.00
NDACO Resources Group-819.72
NDSU Extension-8568.64
North Central International-537.28
ND League of Cities-120.00
Quadient Finance-200.00
Robert Gibb & Sons-2200.73
Roughrider Industries-75.66
Rud Oil & Gas-5012.44
Runnings-563.82
Richard Schmidt-337.80
Security First Bank of ND-32819.98
Statewide Services-7150.00
Stein’s Inc-223.23
Titan Machinery-397.50
Titan Machinery-106.63
Keith Vitek-605.00
Capital Trophy-33.00
Fastenal-1563.99
Hazen Smiles-1162.00
Hazen Health Pharmacy-13.52
National Business Furniture-535.00
The following bills previously paid were approved:
Aflac-398.94
Center-Stanton School-5459.46
Center Park District-59.05
City of Center-2888.40
Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co-655.32
Companion Life-442.25
Corelogic-1534.93
Fidelity Security Life-70.16
David Hilliard-90.00
Liberty Business Systems-1206.96
MDU-2279.23
Mercer Co Ambulance-95.39
Mercer-Oliver Emergency Management-5243.50
Morton County Auditor-72.82
Nationwide Retirement-3274.00
ND Housing Finance Agency-2490.14
ND State Treasurer-57.12
NDACO-7.00
North Dakota Workforce Safety & Ins-791.73
Oliver County Ambulance-387.25
Oliver County Historical Society-24.19
Oliver County Rural Fire-262.07
Oliver County Soil Conservation-142.19
Oliver County Treasurer-849.44
Oliver County Water Resource Dist-34.27
Quadient Finance-1239.00
Roughrider Electric-534.52
Security First Bank of ND-78996.16
Signs.com-783.29
SW Water Authority-129.43
TransTrash-420.00
Verizon Wireless-658.61
Visa-6321.30
Washburn Rural Ambulance-72.54
Washburn Rural Fire-36.42
Washburn School-136.07
WRT-696.20
Western Plains Public Health-8337.15
Payroll-113080.51
Discussion was held on the Working Child Care credit. The State has extended the eligibility to 60 months of age. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to continue the credit for eligible employees. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.Katie Schloss from AT&T was present to discuss a FirstNet Program for county employees and first responders. The County is eligible to participate and can receive a discount on their plan through AT&T. A decision to change the law enforcement phones to AT&T was tabled pending the demo of the devices by law enforcement.
Ladd Erickson, McLean County State’s Attorney, was present to discuss Industrial Zones and a plan for counties. Coal Conversion counties are meeting with industries to draft a map to point out potential industrial zones within the county. If the County Commission agrees to it, the State’s Attorney from each Coal County will work on the rules and a timeline after the legislative session. The Commission agreed to consider it and will wait to hear further information from Patrick Waters and other Coal County State’s Attorneys.
Alice Grinsteinner, Oliver-Mercer EM/HR, discussed the new NDPERS retirement plan that is a Defined Contribution with no pension. This would be effective for any new employee that has never had a NDPERS plan before. She recommends that Oliver County contributes 3.88% of the 4% required and the employee contributes .12%, as well as contributing the mandatory 5.26% for a total of 9.26%.
She also recommends that if an employee chooses to contribute more that the county matches that for a total of 12.14%.
Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to make this change in the policy manual as follows; Effective January 1, 2025, new employees first enrolled with the NDPERS Retirement on or after January 1, 2025 will participate in the Defined Contribution Plan 2025 Tier 3. Oliver County pays 3.88% of the Employee mandatory of 4% and the Employer mandatory of 5.26% and the Employee contributes .12% of the employee’s gross monthly salary to the Defined Contribution Plan 2025 or Deferred Comp 457 (a) or (b) plan and Oliver County will match up to 3% of the Employer Contribution. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Discussion was held on EAP. Oliver County does not currently have a plan/participate in an EAP program. EAP provides for 8 free session and 8 for family. Alice Grinsteinner is suggesting Oliver County contracts with CHI for an EAP. The cost would be about $1500 per year for the whole county. Alice will also obtain quotes from Sanford Health before a decision is made.
Applications were presented for Road Superintendent. There were 5 applicants. Interviews will be set up for February 21st starting at 1 pm.
Discussion was held on banked time being accrued by road employees. Currently if they work over 40 hours, they accrue banked time at time and a half. Alice Grinsteinner is recommending that all banked time be paid out and the county switches over to overtime.
Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to pay out banked hours at the time line of employee’s choice if it’s a large amount and move to overtime, adding this change to the policy manual. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Jaden Schmidt presented abatements #25333000 for $275.63, #25208000 for $1615.72, #01103004 for $1610.99 and #17018001 for $513.21. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the abatements. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Discussion was held on road concerns. Fuel has been removed from the tanks at Ben Gerving’s and Kyle Millers and the tanks will be moved back to the county shop. Darrell Berger, interim road superintendent discussed starting fuel logs for all workers, updates and safety updates to the shop. He is starting to have weekly safety meetings with all workers as well. Discussion was held on electrical work needing to be done at the shop. Discussion was held on a potential gravel lease with Wyman Scheetz. Gravel needs to be tested before proceeding.
Discussion was held on snow removal at the county courthouse. Keith Vitek does removal of the sidewalks and front entry and the shop will work on the parking lot.
Jim Jackson, Moore Engineering, discussed off system road standards, meaning county roads that the county makes and maintains. He stated that any developers that come in must follow our county standards. Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to adopt new road standards as follows:
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Current Oliver Co |
Recommendations |
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Bridge Width |
28 ft |
28 ft |
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Storm Design Frequency |
10 yr |
15 yr |
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Design Loading |
HS-15 |
HS-25 or HL-93 |
|
Culvert Design Frequency |
10 yr |
15 yr |
|
Graded Roadbed Width - Paved Surface |
22 ft |
34 ft |
|
Min. Travel Way Width (both lanes & shoulders) |
20ft |
24 ft |
|
Min. Pavement Section (base & HBP) |
2.5" on 4" |
5" on 7" |
|
Graded Roadbed Width - Gravel Surface |
20 ft |
28 ft |
|
Min. Travel Way Width (both lanes & shoulders) |
20 ft |
24 ft |
|
Min. Gravel Thickness |
3" |
6" |
|
Design Speed |
40 mph level terrain |
55 mph |
|
Right-of-Way Width |
66 - 150 ft |
150 ft |
|
Inslope Ratio |
4:1 |
4:1 |
|
Separation (road top to ditch bottom) |
3 ft |
4 ft |
All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Jim Jackson also discussed work on the Flex Fund grants. He is coordinating with the DOT to get more information for the application.
Moore Engineering is coordinating with BNI on a bridge design for 37th Avenue. They are planning to hold an open house/forum on an evening in March for public consideration.
Rob Schmidt discussed petroleum equipment for the road department.
NDLTAP will be coming to a commission meeting to do a presentation.
Rob Schmidt is working with Rud Oil for gas cards for the sheriff and road department. It will save federal tax dollars for the county.
Discussion was held on a diesel tank at the county shop to save money. Bids will be brought up next month.
Bids for County Equipment were opened.
Bids for the Dodge pickup were:
*$8181-Ray Schmidt
$7707-Gary Kennedy
$1580-Ringwood Motors
$6000-Troy Hatzenbihler
Bids for the Chevy Tahoe were:
$1157.86-Dean Windhorst
$780.00-Ringwood Motors
*$3675-Randy Hatzenbihler
Bids for the Volvo Truck were:
*$909-Ray Schmidt
$800-Troy Hatzenbihler
Bids for the Witzco Trailer were:
*$1500-Troy Hatzenbihler
*Denotes highest bidder
Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to award the bid to the highest bidder. Dave Berger amended and Rob Schmidt seconded the amendment to include that the highest bidder must pay within 30 days in full before pickup with proof of receipt before they can take the equipment. All in favor, none opposed; motion with the amendment carried.Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the E-911 Joint Powers agreement with the City of Center. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Jaden Schmidt, Auditor, requested the Commission allow her to call for bids for gravel, fuel and rental equipment. The Commission agreed.
Discussion was held on County Board appointments. There were zero applications for Park Board, 1 application for Weed Board and 4 applications for Planning & Zoning.
Lee Husfloen moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to appoint Linda Nelson to the Weed Board. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried. Discussion was held on the other open seat. Rob Schmidt discussed and stated that other counties have Commissioners sit on their boards. Lee Husfloen moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to appoint Dave Berger to the Weed Board. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Rob Schmidt moved and Dave Berger seconded the motion to appoint Lonnie Henke and Matt Wilkins to the Planning & Zoning Board. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Discussion was held on meeting date changes due to court date conflicts. The meeting scheduled for May 8th has been moved to May 6th. The meeting for August 14th has been moved to August 12th. The meeting for November 13th has been moved to November 6th. All future meetings to begin at 1:00 pm Central Time.
Discussion was held on purchasing of items by departments. If it is within the department or county budget, extra approval is not needed unless it goes outside of the budget.
Discussion was held on Senate Bill 2208. The Commission discussed the negative impact it would have on the county.
Discussion was held on SRF Consulting’s quote on the P&Z Ordinance and Comp plan updates. The Commission requested more quote options before making a decision.
Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve Budget Amendment 2025-2 as follows:
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FUND # |
ACCT# |
OBJ |
Account Name |
REASON |
BUDGET AMENDED TO READ |
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|
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|
1000 |
4190 |
311 |
Audit Fees |
Increase of Audit Fee to $17,000 due to the quote we received last week |
$ 17,000.00 |
|
|
1000 |
4193 |
900 |
Human Resources |
Addition of HR Budget |
$ 32,000.00 |
|
|
2130 |
4311 |
114 |
Road Employees |
Increase due to overtime payment and new superintendent salary |
$ 400,000.00 |
|
|
2130 |
4311 |
116 |
Shop Employees |
Increase due to overtime payment and new superintendent salary |
$ 225,000.00 |
|
|
2130 |
4311 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Increase for payout of Comp Time |
$ 70,000.00 |
|
|
1000 |
4141 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Addition of AL/SL |
$ 7,000.00 |
|
|
1000 |
4142 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Addition of AL/SL |
$ 1,000.00 |
|
|
1000 |
4143 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Addition of AL/SL |
$ 100.00 |
|
|
1000 |
4145 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Addition of AL/SL |
$ 300.00 |
|
|
2960 |
4811 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Addition of AL/SL |
$ 200.00 |
|
|
1000 |
4211 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Increase of Payout |
$ 50,000.00 |
|
|
1000 |
4148 |
270 |
Annual/Sick Leave Payout |
Addition of AL/SL |
$ 500.00 |
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|
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|
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TOTALS |
|
$ 752,400.00 |
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Portfolio Reports were given. Dave Berger discussed updates on the Lewis & Clark Regional Development Board. He also discussed NDIRF coverage on county buildings and the upcoming substation project with Minnesota Power.
Dave Berger moved and Rob Schmidt seconded the motion to approve the purchase of a 75” television to be used as a projector and meeting screen in the Commission meeting room as well as an OWL camera. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Lee Husfloen discussed Lewis & Clark sculptures along the Missouri River. He was approached to see if Oliver County would have any use or want for them. The Commissioners discussed where they could be placed. Options were Cross Ranch or the Geographical Center of North America. The Commissioners agreed to pursue acquisition of them.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 pm.
The next meeting of the Oliver County Commission will be at 1:00 PM, March 13th, 2025 at the Oliver County Courthouse meeting room.
_________________________________ _________________________________
Jaden Schmidt, Oliver County Auditor Lee Husfloen, Chairman of the Board