Devin Johnson

The meeting included a review of 2026 construction projects, such as Olga Dam Road, Senator Young rip rap, Wieler Dam, and Willow Coulee tree removal. The Board discussed a complaint memo regarding Fleming vs Burlington Northern and the associated costs for stream crossing analysis. The proposal for the 2026 operating loan of $700,000 at 4.5% with United Valley Bank was approved. Ballots for the Drain 5 Improvements and Extension were opened and approved, with an assessment hearing scheduled for April 14, 2026. Updates on various drains included approval of a $35,000 change order for additional rip rap on Drain 78 and approval of the ND DWR Cost-share application for Drain 4 pre-construction. The Board met with the Pembina County Commission to discuss the Tongue River Snagging and Clearing flight path, agreeing to cover the remaining 50% of the cost from the general fund for suggested additions.

The meeting included a public comment period where no public comments were received. The board reviewed correspondence from the ND DWR Cost-Share Manager regarding the eligibility of dam investigations for cost-sharing following the slip liner failure at Olga Dam. The board decided to proceed with funding only the work at Olga Dam for cost-share, intending to appeal the ineligibility ruling for other dams pending future Dam Safety inspections. Dam Safety inspections for Olson, Senator Young, Renwick, and Goeschke Dams were reviewed, and a priority list for summer 2026 will be prepared. Correspondence regarding general dam repair and investigation funding was also reviewed.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of outstanding bills and the unanimous decision to reinvest a 7-month Certificate of Deposit for an additional 7 months at 4% interest. The board addressed correspondence from the ND DWR regarding the Tongue River dam outlet investigations, deciding to proceed only with the Olga Dam project. Further discussion involved coordination with Enbridge and Minkota regarding crossings on Drain 64 and the financial status thereof. Additionally, a review of the memo concerning the Drain 67A berm area confirmed that the current height meets design standards, recommending no work. The board requested an update on the Tongue River Cutoff project for the following week.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda with an addition regarding outside employment, action taken following the public comment period, certification of County Township General Fund Balance Certifications forms, and the election regarding clerk of district court services for the 2027-2029 biennium, favoring a funding agreement. The commission approved an outside employment change for an administrative assistant to become the head softball coach. Engineering agreements were discussed for the Pembina County Highway 44 project, and updates were provided on several bridge and culvert replacement projects, including bid results for the Hensel box culvert replacement. The commission reviewed the current culvert policy for future discussion. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the need for an in-house human resource person, involving input from the States Attorney concerning current grievance procedures and the potential for shared staffing with Cavalier County. Finally, the commission reviewed payroll and claims.

The board discussed several infrastructure and administrative matters. Key items included approving the Notice of Assessment Hearing for the Pembina County Drain #5 expansion, addressing an ongoing insurance claim regarding dead trees near Drain 12, and reviewing dam inspection reports alongside updates to the Emergency Action Plan. Project updates covered the Snagging and Clearing contract, Drain 78, the design and permitting for Drain 5, and progress on Tongue River Cutoff permits. Additionally, the board coordinated with Enbridge and Minkota regarding the financial contributions and replacement plans for crossings at Drain 64, and received reports on a county-wide beaver dam removal initiative and recent activity from the Red River Basin Commission.