Grace Demars

The meeting included discussions regarding a draft Township Maintenance Agreement to standardize county-provided maintenance to organized townships, including road blading frequency and culvert replacements. An update was provided on the proposed 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including scheduled public meetings and the CIP website. The Grassy Butte Roads Reconstruction Project and Keene Roads Reconstruction Project were discussed, with public meetings scheduled. The meeting schedule for 2026 was presented.

The agenda includes calling the meeting to order, approving the agenda and minutes, reviewing finances and statistical reports, the Library Director's report, public comments, and old business. New business encompasses the Mission and Vision Statement, and pricing changes for copies, prints, and faxes. The next meeting's date is announced.

The Board of Commissioners addressed various topics including approving road maintenance agreements, setting public hearing dates for abatement applications, and approving the 2026 pay scale. They discussed the use of the Public Works Facility for a food distribution event and sewer issues in East Fairview, including a grant opportunity for Wastewater Collection System Analysis. The board also approved a preventative maintenance contract for the LEC water heater, a Quit Claim Deed, and Task Orders for the Main Street Multi-Use Path project and the East Bridge Remediation Project. Additionally, they discussed the results of a review for the Water Resource District's new Operational Manager position and approved a HR Correction Action Recommendation. They also discussed drought monitoring, a new Livestock Enrichment Program, and approved the 2026 MCSO vehicle order submission. The board also discussed the JDA Housing Program, cardboard recycling program, window tinting at the Correctional Facility, and the purchase of a drop deck trailer and a mini hook truck. They also discussed the approval process for hiring employees, the Handbook Committee, the Ag Expo Foreman position, the Weed Control Officer position, the 2026 aerial imagery project, additional funding for the 149th Avenue NW Reconstruction project, the design engineering RFP for the 32nd Street NW Reconstruction project, and the Section Line and Road Improvement and Maintenance by Private Entity Policy, the Cattle Guard Policy, the Right of Way Encroachment Policy, and the Back the Blue Grant Correction reimbursement. Finally, the board discussed the possible hiring of the McKenzie County Economic Development Director.

The meeting addressed the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the County and Yellowstone Township regarding payment procedures for culvert installations. Discussions focused on unpaid invoices from the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project (LYIP), clarifying payment responsibilities, and updating the JPA. The subcommittee also reviewed the proposed 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, covering facility, structure, road, and trail projects, and considered methods for gathering public input.

The meeting included discussion on finances, statistical reports, and the Library Director's report. New business included the approval of the McKenzie County Public Library Comment Policy and the Hoopla Invoice approval.