July 7, 2009
The Williams County Commission met this 7th day of July 2009, beginning at 8:00 AM in the Commissioners Room of the Williams County Courthouse.
Chairman Kalil called the meeting to order. Innis took roll call of: Schmidt-here, Arnson-here, Hanson-here, and Montgomery-here.
There being a quorum, Chairman Kalil proceeded.
Media present was Alta Mayhugh, Williston Herald.
Montgomery moved Hanson seconded approval of the June 2nd and 10th minutes. Motion carried.
Dennis Bauste, Buford Township, present to inquire how they can appropriate a portion of their tax monies to the Trenton Fire District. The Trenton Rural Fire District can respond to their emergencies faster than the Williston Rural Fire District and they would like some of their tax monies to go to them... Arnson moved Hanson seconded for Innis and Wilder to explore this and bring back to the Commission on Monday July 13th. Motion carried.
Nora Monson presented abatements for approval. Arnson moved Schmidt seconded approval of the abatements for Mavis Coppe 2009 of L14 B6 Sande Subdivision Williston Township; Lois A Sinness 2007, 2008, 2009 of L10 B4 Westlawn Addition to the City of Williston; Joan Johnson 2009 of Stony Creek Township Tract in SWNW Section 22; Kyle Stebleton 2009 Volney 2nd Addition L1 to the City of Williston; and Arthur E Goyne 2007, 2008, 2009 Akres Addition N2 L13& All L14 B1 to the City of Wildrose. Motion carried.
Melissa Hollen presented abatement for the old bank building in Wildrose and she has lowered the value to 4,000 as the building has been gutted and recommends approval. Montgomery moved Hanson seconded to follow the recommendation from Hollen for Easton Braun 2008 of Wildrose OT L4, 5 B6 to the City of Wildrose. Motion carried.
Schmidt asked Loomer on the Whitlock Plat and whether the Commission will see a final plat as he wants to make sure the Arnson easement is on the recorded copy. As he feels that the Arnson land is virtually worthless without that road easement. Loomer stated that the plat will not be filed unless the easement is of record as the Commission moved that it had to be of public record.
Ryan gave a building permit update.
Hughes reported that she had an employee resign effective August 29th and is requesting permission to replace the position. Montgomery moved Hanson seconded authorizing Hughes to fill the position. Motion carried.
Arnson moved Hanson seconded approval of the culvert petition for Lindahl Township. Motion carried.
Nelson requested permission from the Commission that if he finds a tandem truck for the slide in sander, that he budgeted for, that he may purchase it. Arnson moved Schmidt seconded authorizing Nelson to purchase a tandem truck for the slide in sander if one is located. Motion carried.
Nelson reported that he has found some gravel north of Appam and gave a project update on the chip sealing on County #5 and paving of County #21.
Pederson stated that they are still working on the sewer problems in the bathroom next to the new Café and he is preparing for the County auction to be held July 19th at 12:30 PM in the parking lot at the old LEC. He also reported that the tile in the new building through the Café to the vestibule will be replaced due to a manufacturers defect.
Askim reported that there will be a retirement party for LeRoy Lutz at the Blacktail Fire Hall on August 9th beginning at 4:00 PM and the retirement party for Archer and Hutchins will be at the EOC conference room in the new LEC July 31st from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Askim briefed the Commission on the transition plan for the dissolution of the County Superintendent of Schools position. Most of the duties have been turned over to Patti Ogurchak, Treasurer’s office and the Auditor’s office. Some of the other duties such as the Math Count, Spelling Bee, Bus Driver Education, and Educational division entries at the State Fair have not been dispersed as of yet and she is wondering if the County pays for the expenses of these it maybe easier to get outside agencies handle them. Schmidt moved Montgomery moved to budget for these duties in the amount up to $500.00 in discretionary spending with expense reports to go to Innis for reimbursement. Schmidt moved Montgomery seconded an amendment to the original motion after visiting with Archer to raise the monies to $1,000.00. Motion carried for the amendment. Motion carried for the original motion. Askim reported that per NDCC a letter had to be sent to each School Board President, which she has done, concerning the dissolution.
Askim reported that the Emergency Services Director’s position has been filled by Mike Hallesy and he will be starting August 17th. The interview committee consisted of Scott Busching, Jim Lokken, Allan Hanson, Commissioner Montgomery, and herself.
Nelson reported that his radio antenna for the County Highway radio system needs to be replaced for the approximate cost of $3,000.00 and he was instructed to work with Busching on the replacement.
Montgomery moved Hanson to approve the hiring of Mike Hallesy, Emergency Services Director. Motion carried.
Askim reported that she has been asked by the UMDHU to assist them in recruiting for their executive director position.
Askim brought up moving her office to the current space occupied by the County Superintendent of Schools. The Secretary of Vector Control may possibly share the office with her. No action was taken at this time as more thought will go into the future plans for that space.
Herman approached the Commission on the 6 month review period for the IT Department has been completed and he is inquiring as to the final disposition of the department. Herman stated that if any position should be replaced it should be for a low end entry support person so they can rearrange duties and have Parkinson go into development. There are serious challenges that the department will be facing in the future with the future retirement of Herman, such as the AS400. Herman reported that the departments using the AS400 have formed a user group and are trying to make a decision as which direction to head. Another question is what will be the best direction for future computerization for the County? Schmidt moved Arnson seconded appointing Jerry Herman as the IT Director and to remain at his current hours of 35 hours per week and current salary. Motion carried.
Chairman Kalil voiced his concerns with our technology department and future developments as he is afraid that the current department staff will get buried from the routine day to day workings. We need to have some vision leadership of current trends. The Commission requested that the IT Department develop a plan for future advancement and man power needs for the department. Parkinson stated that he would take care of that request.
Schmidt moved Hanson seconded the re-appointment of Alvina Skogen to the Williston Community Library Board for another 3 year term running from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2012. Motion carried.
Montgomery moved Hanson seconded approval of the duplicate warrants requests of:
Warren Froelich $ 30.00 cell phone reimbursement
Kelsey Welsch $ 11.55 State Fair premium
Kinzi Ferrell $ 9.45 State Fair premium
John Colby $ 50.00 witness fee reimbursement
Erling Barmoen $ 58.75 witness fee reimbursement
Ramona Barmoen $ 25.00 witness fee reimbursement
Daryle’s Destinations $938.30 airfare-foster care
Rick Haakenson $ 50.00 witness fee reimbursement
Rick Haakenson $25.00 witness fee reimbursement
Martin Hanson $52.80 travel exp
Motion carried.
Arnson moved Hanson seconded approval of transfer order #224 in the amount of $567,443.95 from HTD to Road/Bridge for administration. Motion carried.
Innis reported that according to IRS standards all travel expenses for the Commissioners and other Board members attending the regular and special meetings will be taxed and included in with their paychecks.
Innis reported on the snow monies reimbursement that got paid out the end of June 2009.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 9:11 AM.
July 13, 2009
The Williams County Commission reconvened this 13th day of July 2009, beginning at 8:00 AM in the Commissioners Room of the Williams County Courthouse.
Vice-Chairman Arnson called the meeting to order. Innis took roll call of: Schmidt-here, Hanson-here, Montgomery-here, and Kalil-absent.
Media was Nick Smith, Williston Herald.
Monson presented the New Industry Exemption for Custom Welding & Fabricating, Inc. located in Missouri Ridge Township. Owner Pat Helgeson in attendance. Vice-Chairman Arnson opened the public hearing for any comments for or against said New Industry Exemption. Monson reported that the exemption would be 100% for the first three years and 50% for the next two years. There being no comments for or against said New Industry Exemption for Custom Welding & Fabricating, Inc. Vice-Chairman Arnson closed the hearing. Montgomery moved Hanson seconded to follow the recommendation of the City/County Abatement Committee and allow 100% for the first three years and 50% for the next two years New Industry Exemption for Custom Welding & Fabricating, Inc. Motion carried.
Schmidt moved Montgomery seconded approval of all bills properly vouchered, fund adjustments, and fees from the various offices of Clerk of Court-$2,367.00, States Attorney-$293.65, Sheriff-$20,498.89, Auditor-$1,670.00, and Treasurer/Recorder-$36,126.50 totaling $60,956.04. Motion carried.
Ryan questioned the Commissioners about incentive packets to be given out for building within the County.
Nelson reported that he has found a truck in Fargo and he will be going to look at it and he also will be on vacation the last week of July. Nelson asked the Commission if he should put Phase II for the Little Beaver Bay Road back in his 2010 budget and no action was given.
Loomer presented plats of Doc’s Acres Subdivision located in the N1/2 of the N1/2 of the NE1/4 Section 24 T154 R100 for Larry Wilder/Jeff Johnson/Myles Fisher. The Planning/Zoning Board recommended approval of the preliminary plat contingent on access easement to Lot 1, conditional use permitted use for non-farm residences and appeal of 5 acre lot size since it is conforming to existing lots. Schmidt moved Hanson seconded approval of the plat of Doc’s Acres Subdivision located in the N1/2 of the N1/2 of the NE1/4 Section 24 T154 R100 subject to easement language as recommended by the Planning/Zoning Board. Motion carried.
Loomer reported for the Commissioners information that the Rocky Point Subdivision came forward with a new cost estimates for the roads and they are proceeding with the roads and the plat.
Schmidt reported that a new resident north of McGregor wants to use the paved road with their trucks which are heavier than what the road is allowed and they are asking for an exemption to use the roads. They stated that Divide County will be giving them a special grant to use their roads. Schmidt will relay that once they get the special permit from Divide County to bring it for Nelson to review.
Schmidt moved Hanson seconded adoption of the Proclamation of Support of the Community Military Covenant. Motion carried. All department heads in attendance as well as the Commission signed the document.
Innis found information in the NDCC pertaining to fire districts and tax monies and a copy was given to Dennis Bauste, Buford Township, to review concerning his question of their Township giving a part of their tax monies to the Trenton Rural Fire District versus all to the Williston Fire District.
Montgomery moved Hanson seconded authorizing the Chairman to sign the Construction and Maintenance Agreement for the Little Beaver Bay Road Phase I, being done by the Williams County Water Resources District. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on the fee collections for the Vector Control District and how it is going.
No further action was taken on the HR move to the second floor. Schmidt moved Hanson seconded for Montgomery and Arnson to assess the situation and come back to the full Board with their recommendation. Motion carried.
Schmidt moved Montgomery seconded acceptance of the Auditor’s monthly reports and for all department heads to be frugal with their spending due to the lack of oil revenue. Motion carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:33 AM.
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