January 4, 2024
OLIVER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS were called to order at 8:00 AM with all members present.
Jaden Schmidt, Auditor, took over as temporary Chair.
Darrell Berger moved and Blake Wilkens seconded the motion to keep the board organized as it was in the previous year, with Lee Husfloen as Chair and Darrell Berger as Vice Chair. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Blake Wilkens moved and Darrell Berger seconded the motion to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Blake Wilkens moved and Darrell Berger seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the December 28th meeting. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Blake Wilkens moved and Darrell 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 Darrell Berger, Blake Wilkens and Lee Husfloen all voting aye, none opposed. Motion carried.
Don Haag-85654.87
NDCCA-1085.00
Mark Dagley-3960.00
IAAO-240.00
NDACO-5443.00
NDACO-26739.54
Statewide Services-8029.00
LCRDC-2482.41
NDACO Resources Group-650.72
Rick Schmidt-176.85
NDCTA-200.00
Warren’s Locks-426.00
Center Machine-141.01
Caterpillar Financial-41871.93
NASASP-39.00
Rud Oil & Gas-4585.62
Quadient Finance-1037.00
Software Innovations-10100.00
ND State Radio-120.00
NDACO-200.00
Esco Supply-1497.40
Software Innovations-750.00
ITD-816.00
Center Republican-1267.54
Butler Machinery-680.00
The following bills previously paid were approved:
Oliver County Treasurer-368.71
Security First Bank-31198.28
Payroll-33506.04
Darrell Berger moved and Blake Wilkens seconded the motion to keep the same appointments as 2023 which included Lee Husfloen appointed to Coal Conversion Counties, Central Dakota Human Services Board and West Central Human Service Center Regional Advisory Council; Darrell Berger appointed to Emergency Services Representative – Region 5, JDA (Job Development), Solid Waste Management & Land Reclamation Board, and NDSU Advisory Committee; and Blake Wilkens appointed to Dakota Prairies RC & D Board, and Lewis & Clark Regional Development Council. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Jaden Schmidt presented Conditional Use Permit #1029 for VB BTS, LLC for a 300 ft tall Cell Tower located at 1854 49th Ave SW in NW ¼ of 1-142-86. The Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval of the permit. Blake Wilkens moved and Darrell Berger seconded the motion to approve permit #1029. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
The Commissioners requested that Doug Scheetz, BNI, check into getting the county some more clay for a road issue. Doug will look into it and go through the PSC approval process.
Blake Wilkens moved and Darrell Berger seconded the motion to appoint Bill Breimeier and Jody Reinke to the Planning & Zoning Board. Darrell Berger, Aye, Blake Wilkens, Aye, Lee Husfloen, Aye; motion carried.
Darrell Berger moved and Blake Wilkens seconded the motion to request that the Planning & Zoning Board add to their Ordinance wording that if a board member misses three meetings consecutively, with no legitimate reason, that they will be removed from the board. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Kyle Miller discussed some road issues. Tree removal is in progress along some county roads. It was requested that a Liability Waiver be signed by any county resident that plans to take some of the older trees and cut them up before they do so. The Commission requested that picks be put on one of the blades to help removed compacted snow.
Jim Jackson discussed the Flex Fund Grant with the Commission. The County has applied, with Moore Engineering’s assistance, for money to repair portions of county roads. Jim Jackson also updated the Commission that NDACO and Moore Engineering have entered into a contract to help counties find more funding opportunities for road projects.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Oliver County Commission requests that the North Dakota Highway Patrol monitors Oliver County roads.
By: _________________________
Lee Husfloen, Chairman
Date: ________________________
Attest: ________________________
Jaden Schmidt, Oliver County Auditor
Date:___________________________
The Oliver County Commission acted on the preceding Resolution at its regular January 4, 2024 meeting as follows: Adoption moved by Darrell Berger and seconded by Blake Wilkens. On roll call vote the following voted “Aye”: Lee Husfloen, Blake Wilkens, and Darrell Berger. None voted “Nay”. After the vote the Presiding Officer declared the Resolution adopted.
Patty Koapke, Equalization Director, presented abatements #11052003, #05055006 and # 10016004 to the Commission. Darrell Berger moved and Blake Wilkens seconded the motion to approve abatements #11052003, #05055006 and # 10016004. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Patty Koapke presented a request to set the Ag Average at $389.03 to stay within limits of the state. Darrell Berger moved and Blake Wilkens seconded the motion to approve the Ag Average Value at $389.03. All in favor, none opposed; motion carried.
Patty Koapke addressed the Commission on the Building Inspector position and Courses. At this time, the Commission will revisit this with Patty in July, to discuss the position and the certification.
Patty Koapke addressed the Commission on some concerns within her current position. She explained several instances that have happened since being in the position of Equalization Director that she is requesting to cease. Lee Husfloen commended Patty for doing a great job in the position and would like to see these issues resolved as soon as possible. Blake Wilkens stated that each office in the county should maintain and manage their own departments and not concern themselves with other offices unless specifically asked.
The State’s Attorney Position and Appointment was discussed. Applications were received from three parties. Blake Wilkens moved and Lee Husfloen seconded the motion to appoint Patrick Waters as the Appointed State’s Attorney effected January 5, 2024 with a starting salary of $45,000. A roll call vote was held: Blake Wilkens, Aye, Darrell Berger, Nay, Lee Husfloen, Aye. The motion to appoint Patrick Waters was approved.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 AM.
The next meeting of the Oliver County Commission will be at 8:00 AM, Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at the Oliver County Courthouse meeting room.
_________________________________ _________________________________
Jaden Schmidt, Oliver County Auditor Lee Husfloen, Chairman of the Board