Cindy Worrel

The meeting addressed several key items, including establishing a regular meeting schedule for the board. Discussion focused on the Wiemann-Kale complaint, resulting in a motion to require clearing an obstruction on site 3 by April 15, 2026. The board approved Carl Larson's application for a subsurface water management system. A significant discussion involved forming a joint board agreement with Barnes County to engage the State Water Board for a hydrology study regarding LaMoure County Drain #1, which was subsequently approved. Approval was also granted for a ditch cleaning and drain tile/pumping application from Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative. The board accepted the resignation of the Board Treasurer and Co-Secretary, effective January 31, 2026, and appointed a replacement. Finally, the mileage reimbursement rate was updated, and financial reports and outstanding bills were reviewed and approved.

The meeting addressed several items, including the approval of the agenda with an added 5-County meeting item. Key discussions involved the Road Superintendent reporting on bridge grant funding, plans for chip sealing approximately 24 miles of road, and the hiring of a new equipment operator. The Board approved covering damages resulting from a misunderstanding regarding a right-of-way agreement on a bridge project. KLJ Engineering presented information on the Master Service Agreement for future review. The Board approved moving forward with Everbridge for emergency notifications and the first reading of the Floodplain Ordinance. Financial matters included accepting report balances and accounts from various financial institutions, approving securities, and moving the marriage license process to the Recorder's Office. The Tax Director received guidance regarding a transitional staffing request. The Auditor presented 2025 budget amendments and transfers, which were approved, along with approving LaMoure County as a vote by mail county. Updates were provided on the recreational grants program with Garrison Diversion. Finally, county bills were reviewed and approved for payment.

The meeting commenced with a board reorganization, resulting in the election of Commissioner Klein as Chairman and Commissioner Flath as Vice Chair; Commissioner Heidinger was designated as the PIO. The agenda was approved after adding the 5-County meeting item. Discussions with the Highway Superintendent involved setting a minimum distance of 16 feet from the right-of-way for tree planting and addressing CDL requirements for open job positions. The Highway Department was tasked with removing two trailers from Larson Grain property. The board plans to revisit the repair status of the Public Health vehicle at the next meeting. Key actions included retroactive approval of the mileage reimbursement rate to 0.725 effective January 1, 2026, and updating credit card authorized users for the Custodian and Tax Director roles. The board unanimously approved the Vanguard CAMA contract renewal for five years. Three abatements presented by the Treasurer were approved. The board also discussed the potential for starting a JDA and reviewed letters of support requests. County bills were reviewed and approved for payment.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, with additions regarding emergency services, the tax director, and ambulance matters. The board approved changes to the snow policy, adding a date of creation effective immediately, and decided to post the snow policy and removal map to the county website. Updates were provided on the Adrian bridge project, including approval for an estimate difference payment to the contractor due to a clerical error. The DES/911 Coordinator updated the board on the FEMA storm shelter extension status and tabled discussion on the emergency notification system. The board discussed county preparedness for gas pipeline emergencies and agreed to support a building project aimed at housing Human Services, WIC, Public Health, and potentially a mental health counselor, via a letter of support. The board accepted the applicant for the Tax Director position and tabled discussion on increasing ambulance service mills. Furthermore, the board approved voting precincts and polling locations for the 2026 election, and approved a Beer and Liquor License application for Memorial Park Country Club with Sunday opening. Notices regarding JETx Transmission Line hearings were reviewed, and the county bills were paid.

Key discussions included road maintenance priorities, specifically addressing ongoing issues with CR 65 which is slated for grinding next year due to misuse of graveling, and the current process for snow removal efficiency concerning school bus routes. The board approved the final review bill for the FEMA Box Culvert project and addressed difficulties with the Network Fleet tracking system following its transfer to Verizon. Regarding notifications, the board approved entering into an alternative notification service following the hacking of the CodeRED system. The county's inclement weather policy for office closures was reviewed with employees. The board renewed participation in the Youthworks attendant care program for juveniles and approved 2026 Beer and Liquor License applications with Sunday opening for two entities. An appointment was made to the Water Board to fill a resignation. The status of hiring for the Tax Director position was noted, and the requirement for annual floodplain management certification under Senate Bill 2027 was reviewed.