Cierra Aamodt

The meeting commenced with a quorum present. Key agenda items included the approval of the consent agenda and public comment time. Discussions covered the tourism grant program, where a motion was passed to increase the total award availability for 2026 to $100,000. The Board approved Federal Aid Route Revisions coordinated with the DOT, which involved functional classification updates for roadway segments surrounding Wilston for funding purposes. A county administration update detailed the functions of divisions such as Human Resources, GIS, Community Engagement, and Communications. Furthermore, the Board approved agreements with the City of Williston and the Williston Basin School District regarding the rental of county-owned housing units. Finally, the Board approved the consolidation and refinement of duties related to the County Superintendent of Schools position.

The Board meeting commenced with roll call, establishing a quorum, and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of the consent agenda. During public comment, the Board addressed concerns regarding long lines at the post office and directed staff to investigate potential support measures. The Assessor's Office presented two property abatement requests for Renaissance Station LLC (2024 valuation) and Renaissance on Main LLC (2024 valuation). Both abatement requests were recommended for denial by staff and subsequently denied by the Board. Community engagement involved proposed updates to the Builder Buyer Housing Incentive Program to improve efficiency and eligibility requirements, such as requiring applicants to apply with their intended contractor. Finally, the Engineering department sought authorization for a resolution regarding an SS4A planning grant implementation and permission to engage a firm to assist with an SS4A Implementation Grant application for $10 million.

The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda. Key discussion points involved the assessor's office requesting approval for a blanket abatement to compile a list of properties receiving the 2025 Primary Residence Credit (PRC) for mobile homes on permit. The Development Services department sought approval for a moratorium on solar energy systems and battery energy storage systems until December 31st, 2026, or until new zoning regulations are adopted. The commission also approved advertising for annual generic bids for gravel crushing, hauling, culverts, and hourly rates for the Highway and Engineering department. Furthermore, the board heard a presentation regarding the Roadway Safety Action Plan (SS4A grant), which identified approximately $15 million in safety improvements, and the commission was asked to approve the plan for implementation to allow the county to seek federal grant funds.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved the consent agenda, which was approved by roll call vote. The public comment segment concluded without any attendees addressing the board. The main substantive topic discussed was Planning and Zoning concerns raised by Bullbute Township regarding the zoning ordinance setback requirements for wind energy facilities, specifically requesting a change from 1400 feet to one mile for occupied and unoccupied farmsteads. Board members and staff discussed the process required for such an amendment versus a project-specific variance, noting that any ordinance change would apply county-wide and not retroactively. One resident raised concerns about the legality and quorum of the Bullbute Township supervisors. The Board ultimately voted to deny the zoning ordinance amendment request from Bullview Township, citing the need to follow due process, though expressing understanding for the spirit of the request. Subsequently, the board reviewed a request for a conditional use permit (LU-000096-25) from Mason Mo to park commercial vehicles and trailers on his property in Mont Township. Planning and Zoning recommended denial of the current request but suggested the applicant could be allowed the parking arrangement for a limited time of 6 to 9 months.

The meeting addressed several items, beginning with a motion to deny an unspecified issue, which was carried. A major segment involved a presentation from the County Assessor's Office regarding a property valuation abatement request for Menards, Inc., detailing significant underestimations in square footage, lumber storage facility costs, and asphalt valuation provided by the proposer. The Assessor's Office recommended denial, consistent with the City of Williston's prior denial. The board then discussed community engagement regarding the Rural Catalyst Grant Program, with two pre-applications reviewed: one from the City of Granora for a skate park and one from the City of Tyogga for a new turf softball field. The finance committee recommended offering matches of up to $150,000 for Granora and up to $400,000 for Tyogga. The Treasurer provided a detailed office update, including the mailing of 2025 real estate taxes, due date adjustments based on holidays, information on the increased primary residence credit, and the complete digitization of county records. The Treasurer also discussed investment performance and duties related to mineral trusts and school district reporting. Finally, the board acted on several appointments, including designating Coughlin Funeral Home as the designated morg for 2026, appointing Seth Coughlin as Coroner for 2026, and reappointing Corey Perzik and appointing Jonathan Olsen to the Water Board.