Rachel Ramsay

The board discussed and approved the closing of the gate at Renwick Dam to summer levels and the opening of the gates on Drain 82.

The board met to address urgent flooding concerns across multiple locations. Actions taken included authorizing the hiring of Thorlakson Construction to open culverts at 138th and 139th Avenue and to remove snow and ice from the channel and bridges west of Highway 81. Additionally, the board directed staff to close and monitor water control gates at Wieler, Goeschke, and Herzog.

The board approved several administrative items, including raffle permits for the Cavalier County Club and the Pembina County Historical Society, and a liquor license transfer for a wedding reception. The board discussed water management issues, specifically requesting the railroad to deed right of way property to the county to resolve flooding and erosion concerns. Additionally, the board requested the Public Service Commission order the removal of debris from an old railway line. Discussions included storm pay policies for employees, the allocation of rural health grant funding for public health initiatives, and a bid award for the Highway 44 project, with considerations for potential lighting adjustments. The board also addressed infrastructure maintenance, approving three culvert requests, procurement of road construction materials, the lease of a new rubber-tired backhoe, and authorized human resource training for department heads.

The board approved a list of financial bills and addressed the RRJB cost-share for the Olga Dam. Other actions included the release of a bond for Drain 5 petitioners and the approval of a drainage permit application for the Walhalla 2 culvert replacement. The board discussed an open records request, the Tongue River Cutoff alignment, and culvert updates related to Interstate 29. Furthermore, directives were issued regarding dam drawdown operations, a deadline was set for blocking illegal drainage, and members participated in an Emergency Action Tabletop exercise.

The Board of Pembina County Commissioners addressed several administrative and operational items. Actions taken included awarding a low bid for the Hensel box culvert replacement project and updating the deadline for submission of agenda items to the Wednesday preceding the meeting. The Board approved a request for outside employment for a staff member and authorized a letter of support for the Pembina County Historical Society regarding the funding of the Winter's Harvest Education Center, a facility designed to showcase agricultural heritage and provide educational programming. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the February financial report and claims.