Chris J. Estes

The board reviewed and approved several applications to install subsurface water management systems, including those for Travis Thompson, James Quandt, Chris Erlandson, and Garrett Petersen, while addressing necessary conflict-of-interest procedures for specific board members. Additionally, the board received an update regarding the dismissal of administrative action against Eric Larson and discussed the feasibility of improving the Yorktown Maple Drain to include additional drainage options. The board also reviewed and approved financial reports and outstanding bills.

The primary focus of the meeting involved the review and approval of two separate applications for installing subsurface water management systems. Application No. 2026-02 for Michael German, concerning a 110-acre drain tile system in Kent Township, was unanimously approved subject to specific conditions related to restoration, erosion control, flood period shutdowns, utility line setbacks, and amendment procedures for future alterations. Following a conflict analysis based on North Dakota Century Code Section 44-04-22, Manager Quandt was disqualified from voting or discussing Application No. 2026-01 for James Quandt and Tom Daniels, which sought approval for a 280-acre tile system in Riverdale Township. This second application was approved by the remaining voting members, subject to six specific conditions, including provisions for silt removal up to one mile downstream. The Board also discussed initiating an investigation into adding a pump at the inlet on the Yorktown Maple Drain and considered a commitment made by the Chairman to offset costs for the County Commissioners' bridge renovation near the Oakes Golf Course, determining that future cost-share requests must be presented prior to budget review.

The document details proceedings from two Commissioner meetings held in January 2026. Key discussions included the approval of tax sale quit claim deeds and various vouchers. The first meeting involved the election of the 2026 Chair and Vice Chair, authorization for the Fair Board to compensate its members up to $150.00 per meeting plus mileage, and scheduling for the 5-county meeting. An abatement hearing was held to review and approve disabled veteran and homestead credits. Regarding agricultural land values for 2026, the Commission decided to use 95% equalization to meet state requirements. Pending final review by the States Attorney, decisions on the employee manual were postponed. The second meeting addressed the approval of amended minutes and financials for December 2025. Discussions covered a legal response to a letter concerning the Dickey County Senior Citizen Board, the potential sale of an Asphalt Zipper, and the sale of an old television. The Commission extensively reviewed and approved significant salary increases for the Sheriff's office staff, including a new Chief Deputy grade level, effective January 1, 2026, despite some dissent among commissioners. Another abatement hearing approved five additional parcels. The Commission voted to sell county land at Pheasant Lake, with an auction to follow. Finally, task orders and contracts related to road projects, including work with US Fish and Wildlife and Central Specialties, were reviewed and acted upon, considering funding arrangements with Applied Digital.

The discussions and actions covered several operational and financial areas. Key items included the approval of vouchers for payment and a weekly payment schedule for an independent contractor. An abatement hearing was held where an adjustment to the primary residence credit and an abatement request were approved, followed by the closing of the hearing. The Commission approved the purchase of a one-year Certificate of Deposit (CD) at a specified rate. Reappointments were made to various boards, including the Water Resource Board, Park Board, Weed Board, and Planning Commission. Approval was granted for three liquor license transfer applications. Maintenance proposals were approved, including system maintenance for HVAC units in a county building and the replacement of a boiler compressor. The sale of the Asphalt Zipper was approved. An issue regarding first responders using vacation time for responding to early morning fire calls was addressed, with a motion to correct the time usage retroactively to January 1, 2026, and a directive to include this in the employee manual. The Commission reviewed state flex funding awards, approved an engineering contract for road reconstruction, and approved a utility permit. The purchase of a new snow truck for 2026 was approved despite being over budget, based on expected savings in snow removal costs. The commission also addressed several administrative matters, including canceling unused credit cards, approving 2025 budget amendments, waiving a fee for a raffle permit, and reviewing quotes for auctioneers for land sales. Decisions were made regarding the continuation of Zoom services and the funding source for the Clerk of Courts office.

The meetings covered various operational and financial matters for Dickey County. Key discussions included approving vouchers and financials, reviewing and approving the 2026 fiscal year agreement with South Central Dakota Regional Council, and addressing property sale inquiries based on a 1998 special warranty deed. The Commission also reviewed and proposed updates to the employee manual, specifically concerning Artificial Intelligence use policy, dress code, and donated leave policy. Approvals were granted for submitting a surface drain application for the Dickey County No. 3 West Project and finalizing a plat map for the county park property at Pheasant Lake. Guidance was established for culvert cost-sharing agreements involving the county, townships, and the Water Board. Financial items included approving the 2024 Dickey County financial audit from the State Auditor's office, approving the TIF agreement for Ellendale Acres, and denying a request for converting vacation time to sick time. The Commission approved increasing VSO van driver pay to $20 per hour effective January 1st. Decisions were made regarding 2026 election precincts, establishing one precinct for the county and an absentee ballot precinct. The 2026 mobile home assessment rates were approved, and performance reviews for county supervisors and elected officials were accepted. Several contracts and expenditures were reviewed, including engineering consultant services for road projects and the proposed signing of a road project contract with Central Specialties Inc., which was tabled pending clarification on cost overruns.