Jacob Achtenberg

The agenda for the meeting includes the review of the minutes from the prior meeting held in February 2026, followed by public comments restricted to Burleigh County residents and landowners. The consent agenda proposes two subdivisions (EAH and CJB) requiring a zoning change for EAH, with staff recommending approval for both and scheduling them for a public hearing. The main public hearing agenda involves five subdivision requests (All American, Apple Creek Ridge 2nd, Aberle 5th, Riverside 2nd Replat, Holly's Horses Addition) and one special use permit request (Ansley). Other business involves a review of several staff reports comparing different zoning classifications.

The agenda for the meeting included roll call, approval of the agenda, and consideration of prior meeting minutes and bills. Key items for discussion included abatements, special event permits, and second approach permits under the Consent Agenda. Specific actions involved considering a University of Mary Bond issue preliminary resolution, discussing the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation's 4th of July Celebration plans, a salary variance request from the Sheriff, the Kummer Ranch Final Subdivision, a screening committee request for SAD #78, and an update on the 2026 election poll worker recruitment. The Chairman planned to review the Draft Amended Public Comment Policy and provide an update on the County Administrator Position. A discussion item carried over from the previous meeting was the Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing and potentially tweaking grant processes, specifically concerning the annual funding allocation derived from the 2/10 mill levy (approximately $960,000 last year). Key discussion points included reviewing the $50,000 maximum award limit, the 25% local cost share requirement, and non-eligible items. There was extensive discussion regarding the growing recreation reserve fund, currently at $1.396 million allocated to approved projects, and the potential scrutiny from the legislature regarding the scope of recreational projects funded versus the original diversion authorities (e.g., irrigation). Members discussed policy changes, such as whether to increase the grant cap, the process for projects exceeding the cap (phasing), and the appropriateness of funding non-water related recreation like pickleball courts versus water-adjacent improvements.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, followed by the approval of the minutes from the October 22nd meeting. Key discussions focused on significant planning and jurisdictional changes for the Missouri Valley Complex. A primary topic involved an agreement between the city and county to transfer planning and zoning regulation of the complex to Burley County Planning and Zoning, pending finalization of the agreement, with a sticking point noted regarding Wayne's land. This shift impacts plat review, stormwater management plan requirements, and infrastructure planning, necessitating new conversations with the county engineering department regarding road networks and maintenance, especially concerning existing city water and sanitary sewer services. Additionally, the committee discussed delaying the bid request for mitigation proposal 40144 permit until the jurisdictional agreement is finalized. Updates from the external consultant included discussions on the impact of recent Interior Department changes on wetland mitigation standards. The committee also approved the Missouri Valley Complex Committee's future form function and operations report and discussed the activity and program report, emphasizing the need to include detailed attendance numbers for events like Buck Stop Junction and Apple Fest in the presentation for the county commission.

The agenda covers separate sessions for the County Park Board and the County Commission. The Park Board items include consideration of a Fish Cleaning Station O&M Agreement and review of a Park Maintenance Tech Job Description. The County Commission portion addresses various consent agenda items such as abatements, special event permits, and 2nd approach permits. Significant discussion items include the 250th Anniversary Celebration, multiple actions from the County Engineer regarding purchase agreements, equipment sales, advertising for tractor and road project bids, and the proposed 2026 Construction Program. The HR Director will address the Finance/Treasurer Department Structure and an RFP, and the County Auditor will review auxiliary board applications. A discussion on the Off Highway Vehicle Ordinance is also scheduled.