Jeri G. Schmidt

The meeting included the approval of various financial vouchers and the appointment of personnel to bank accounts and the Sales Tax Committee. Commissioners resolved to place a sales tax increase measure on the June ballot for emergency services and authorized the use of Powers of Agreement for elections with local cities. A new Floodplain Ordinance was approved to maintain participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Additionally, the Board set a county mileage reimbursement rate, authorized a funding agreement with the State of North Dakota Office of State Court for clerk services, and signed a Master Service Agreement with Brosz Engineering regarding the Kouba Bridge project.

The commissioners conducted interviews and selected a construction engineering firm for the Kouba Bridge replacement project. The board evaluated the proposal submitted by Brosz Engineering and officially motioned to hire them. Furthermore, the board authorized the Commission Chairman to sign the necessary North Dakota Department of Transportation contract once it becomes available.

The board discussed several items including website updates and the addition of a business directory, approval of a business incentive program application, and review of a store front grant application. The board authorized a community match for a Flex Pace application for a local business. Additionally, the board addressed the disposal of old computer equipment, potential building sale issues, board recruitment strategies, and the approval of the 2026 RCRC administrative contract. Other business included a review of the tourism plan, the 2026 meeting schedule, and the 2025 activity report.

The agenda for this meeting includes the call to order, approval of the agenda, financial report updates, and old business items such as the Tumbler Update, Membership review, and the 2026 SBDC Contract. New business items slated for discussion are Store Front Grant Applications, Board Member Position Description, and EDND Membership. An Activity Report will also be presented.

Key discussions included inquiries regarding building permits and township road maintenance, leading to confirmation that township road work depends on available funds. The Commissioners held a conference call with the NDDOT to discuss truck permitting on Highways 8 and 21, resulting in a motion to recommend this permitting. The board approved the second reading of the Hettinger County Amendment to Floodplain Ordinance. Various financial matters were addressed, including the approval of numerous vouchers, awarding the bid for the Kouba bridge to the lowest bidder, and authorizing the use of Flex Funding for the Wheeler Bridge replacement with a box culvert. The board also approved proceeding with abatements on two mobile home properties and approved a bid to replace steam heating valves on the boiler. A request to return previously transferred land when a road was moved was tabled pending further research.