Kimberly Wuori

Key discussions included the acceptance of agenda additions such as the Public Health appointment, road issues, and updates from Excel Energy and Wold Engineering. The Board discussed contacting Eide Bailly LLP for an internal audit scope of service and decided to table contacting Brady Martz for a comparative estimate. Authorization was unanimously approved for the Deputy Auditor, Nancy Henry, to sign for the Dakotah Bank account, replacing the current Auditor. A motion was passed to set a $6,000 cap for monthly re-occurring bills to expedite payments. Sheriff Gustafson discussed a potential policing contract between Dunseith and Rolette County, with a suggestion to consult the TM Tribal Council. Barbara Frydenlund was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Public Health Board. Excel Energy provided a progress report on the wind tower project, addressing concerns about county road conditions and proposing a reimbursement structure for road fixes to be addressed in Spring 2026. Wold Engineering provided updates and estimates for paving projects, including the $1.6 million contract that is currently $1,466,000 spent, and discussed funding for other road projects.

Key discussions during the meeting included the appointment of Deputy Nancy Henry as Interim Auditor and the approval of bills exceeding the $6,000 cap, including a jail medical bill and payments to JP Morgan & Butler. The board approved retaining Eide Bailly LLC for a forensic audit of Rolette County and requested the Rolette County Water Board conduct its own financial audit. Additionally, the board authorized advertising for a vacant road blade operator position for the St John area. An engineering bill from Wold Engineering related to the County Road 15 project, as well as a bill from Red River Striping Co., were discussed and the Wold Engineering bill was approved for payment.

This document is a joint multi-hazard mitigation plan for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and Rolette County, revised in 2023. Its primary purpose is to reduce long-term risks to human life and property from various hazard events. The plan identifies and profiles hazards, assesses their likely impacts, and outlines mitigation strategies. Key goals include promoting mitigation measures, minimizing losses, saving lives, reducing injuries, protecting property and the environment, and fostering collaborative efforts between the tribe and county. It details a wide range of hazards, from infectious diseases and natural disasters like floods and severe weather, to human-caused incidents such as hazardous material releases and cyber-attacks. The intended outcome is to create safer, more disaster-resistant communities, guide decision-makers in resource allocation, and ensure eligibility for federal mitigation funds.

The meeting addressed the resignation of Commissioner Craig Poitra, including discussions on whether to pay his benefits through the end of the month. Ultimately, the board accepted the resignation and decided to advertise the vacancy for two weeks, with a special meeting scheduled to appoint a replacement. Additionally, the board approved a raffle permit for North Woods Ducks. The auditor presented adjustments to the preliminary budget, with feedback from the board to include a 1% raise line and adjustments to requests for the upcoming Budget Meeting.

The meeting included an executive session with an update by Brian Grosinger, the State Attorney, on the lawsuit of LONGIE vs Rolette County, with a possible dismissal pending the judge's decision.