Ward County

The Planning Commission discussed amendments for Battery Energy Storage Systems ordinances, including public hearings and first readings. The meeting also included the review and approval of multiple outlot plat applications for residential and agricultural use across various townships, as well as a conditional use permit for the Basin Electric Power Cooperative wind turbine repowering project.

The Commission discussed several project applications, including a Conditional Use Permit for the Basin Electric Power Cooperative wind turbine repowering project, and three Outlot Plat applications for residential and agricultural purposes. Additionally, the meeting included a discussion on draft Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance language, a review of application fee changes, and an update regarding violations at a feed lot.

The board discussed amendments to the zoning ordinance including changes to the Permitted and Conditional Use Table for public utility facilities, the vacation of an outlot plat for agricultural use, battery energy storage system language, and animal feedlot status. Additionally, the meeting included a review of fee changes for various zoning applications and ordinance updates concerning residential development access and accessory dwellings. A staff report for an outlot vacation application was also reviewed.

The meeting included consideration of four applications. The Commission approved a plat application for Norman Sollid on behalf of Arlo Erickson for a single-family residence in Hilton Township, based on township and Water Board recommendations. A second application by Marjorie Arnold for plats in Mayland Township, intended for sale, was also approved, incorporating recommendations from the Township, Water Board, and County Recorder's Office regarding a legal revision. A subdivision plat application from Joan Beardsley in Sawyer Township to correct an encroachment was approved. Finally, the Commission voted to deny a special use permit application for Municipal Communications in Mayland Township concerning the creation of a family cemetery, adhering to the township's recommendation for denial. The Commission also approved moving the regular September meeting from September 19, 2019, to Tuesday, September 17, 2019.

The meeting involved the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the commission. The commission decided to continue holding meetings on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. for 2019. Key agenda items included tabling a plat application for Brian Keller pending township comments, and approving a Special Use Permit for Nolan Stromberg for conducting a commercial coating business. Updates were provided regarding the Ruso Wind Farm Project, noting that Southern Power submitted applications, and an update on the Comprehensive Plan, which is in final draft form with public input meetings scheduled for February.