Nancy Ellingson

Key discussions during the meeting included the review and approval of the financial statement, and correspondence noting the flood plain ordinance should be sent to the attorney. The Mayor reported on the KMM building key return, snow maintenance at the armory, and discussions regarding the contract for deed with the American Legion. Ted Uecker updated the council on WRHS projects and requested a proclamation declaring February 12th as Giving Hearts Day, which was approved. Armory maintenance provided financial updates, and issues regarding street sign placement (Yield sign) were discussed with a resident, resulting in removal for later spring review. Sales Tax applications were reviewed, including funding distribution for various community projects. Brosz Engineering presented findings from the sewer system camera project, detailing necessary updates, particularly for clay tile piping, and planning for future water and wastewater projects, including scheduling a public information session for the following month. The council approved designating two banks as public fund depositories, approved the Sheriff impound lot lease, renewed a chicken keeping permit, approved 2025 year-end transfers and budget amendments, and authorized funding for an engineering review of the armory needs through the Rural Catalyst Grant application process. The meeting concluded with the approval of outstanding bills.

The key discussion item for this session involved the consideration and approval of a survey replat request submitted by DK Rental concerning property located at 2nd Street North. The council unanimously approved the survey replat request for the lots now known as Lots 3R and 4R of Outlot A Lots 8-11.

Key discussions included the approval of office fees paid to the Auditor/Treasurer, scheduling the next meeting date, reviewing financials, and addressing 911 addressing to be covered at the next LEPC meeting. The Board appointed Dustin Laufer as Chair and Kevin Pagel as Vice-Chair, and approved Cody Jorgenson for the REAP board appointment. Budget amendments for 2025, totaling $13,978.58 across various funds, were approved, along with year-end transfers of $64,665.62 into the Road and Bridge fund. The Commission discussed and approved a special permit request concerning heavier loads on State Highways 8, 12, and 22 in consultation with the ND Department of Transportation. The resignation of the Adams County Veteran Service Officer, effective March 31, 2026, was approved. Other topics included updates from the Emergency Manager regarding FEMA funding and building maintenance, approval of a 2% pay increase for the Extension Agent Assistant for 2026, designation of banks as public fund depositories, setting the date for the 2026 Equalization Hearing for June 9th, updates from the Road Superintendent including approving two employees as CDL certified trainers, a discussion with Brosz Engineering on bridge projects and the ongoing condition of Country Club Road, a review of a Right of Way request, updates from the State's Attorney regarding the flood plain Administration contract and the Prairie Public lease extension, and payment of numerous outstanding bills.

The Board convened in a special session via telephone conference specifically to address a resolution concerning a bridge structure replacement and removal project with the NDDOT (Project #BRJ-0001 (054)). The Board reviewed the resolution, noting that the project is 100% state-funded. Following a bid opening on January 16, 2026, the Board unanimously approved the resolution to award the contract for the project to Gladen Construction Inc. for $786,300.92, authorizing the Chairman to sign the necessary contract documents. The County confirmed its responsibility to reimburse the NDDOT for any payments under the contract not collectible from the Federal Highway Administration.

The City Council convened to address end-of-year vouchers received after the last meeting to ensure payment was processed from the 2025 budget. Six vouchers were reviewed, and the Council unanimously approved all six vouchers for payment.