August 1, 2007 Special meeting minutes

A special meeting of the Ward County Commissioners was called to order by Chairman Watne at 9:00 am with Comms. Gruenberg, Erickson and Lee present. Also present were Auditor/Treasurer Devra Smestad; and State's Attorney John Van Grinsven.

 

Greg Hagen, Executive Director of the Souris Basin Planning Council and Ryan Ackerman, Engineer with Ackerman-Estvold appeared for comment regarding the MG Grains project. Moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Gruenberg to authorize the Chairman’s signature on three contracts and “notice of award” forms for the excavation (Excavating, Inc. - $691,102.34); water and sewer (Kemper Construction - $246,962.75); and rail line work (Railworks Track Systems - $528,912.00); and to authorize the Auditor/Treasurer to complete the direct deposit authorization. Roll call: all present voted yes; motion carried. Comm. Lee requested that either Souris Basin Planning Council or Ackerman-Estvold provide monthly status reports to the Commission.

 

Architect Don Davison then appeared regarding soil boring tests for the county owned north lot.

 

Comm. Fjeldahl arrived at 8:15 a.m.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson to authorize Materials Testing Services, LLC to conduct soil investigation of the county owned lot on borings A, B, D, E, G and H according to Nester Davison Larson’s drawings (four corners and one east and west side center), and to drill two deeper holes if necessary. After further discussion, Comm. Gruenberg called for the question. Roll call vote on calling the question: Comms. Gruenberg, Erickson and Watne voted yes, Comms. Lee and Fjeldahl voted no; motion failed. Discussion then continued with Van Grinsven appearing for comment. Comm. Lee then moved a substitute motion, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to conduct no soil boring until a discussion had been held with the Minot Daily News for acquisition of their parking lot. Roll call on substitute motion: Comms. Lee and Fjeldahl voted yes, Comms. Gruenberg, Erickson and Watne voted no; motion failed. After more discussion roll call vote was taken on original motion: Comms. Gruenberg, Erickson and Watne voted yes, Comms. Lee and Fjeldahl voted no; motion carried.

With no further business, Comm. Watne adjourned the meeting at 9:33 a.m.

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 7^th DAY OF AUGUST, 2007

 

s/Darlene Watne, Chair

Ward County Board of Commissioners

 

ATTEST:

 

s/Devra Smestad, Auditor/Treasurer
Ward County