April 21, 2008 Special Meeting

A special meeting of the Ward County Commissioners was called to order at the Rice Lake Campground by Chairman Erickson at 1:10 p.m. with Comms. Fjeldahl and Lee present. Also present were Auditor/Treasurer Devra Smestad and Director of Tax Equalization Don Siebert and the following members of the media: Dave Caldwell, Minot Daily News and Jim Olson, KXMC-TV.   

 

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss an emergency declaration for the April 19, 2008 fires; the continuation of the burn ban and to review properties at Rice Lake that have variances pending.

 

It was moved by Comm. Lee, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to authorize the Chairman’s signature on the following declaration

 

WHEREAS, Ward County, North Dakota is under abnormally dry conditions; and

 

WHEREAS numerous fires have caused all local resources to be expended and conditions do not appear to be improving; and

 

WHEREAS, all available resources remain committed to protecting life and property; and

 

WHEREAS, the impact of fires could threaten the health, well-being, and safety

of citizens in Ward County; and

 

WHEREAS, the cost of response and the inordinate equipment wear may be far in excess of available County resources.

 

AND the county has already declared a Fire Emergency and a Burn ban

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Ward County Commission declares a FIRE DISASTER effective immediately.

 

Roll call: all present voted yes; motion carried.

 

It was then moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Comm. Lee to approve the following burn ban proclamation, with weekly examination and remove the ban when conditions are favorable to do so:

 

WHEREAS, Ward County, North Dakota is under abnormally dry conditions; and

 

WHEREAS, Ward County has sustained numerous rural fires as of this date; and

 

WHEREAS, all available resources remain committed to protecting life and property; and

 

WHEREAS, the impact of fires could threaten the health, well-being, and safety of citizens in Ward County; and

 

WHEREAS, the cost of response and the inordinate equipment wear may be far in excess of available County resources.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Ward County Commissioners, pursuant to NDCC 37-17.1-10, declares a Fire Disaster Declaration and a Burn Ban prohibiting any open burning for Ward County, North Dakota for a period of thirty (30) days. ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES THIS BURN BAN IS GUILTY OF AN INFRACTION, BY A MAXIMUM OF A $500 FINE, AND SUCH ACTION TO BE PROCESSED IN THE WARD COUNTY DISTRICT COURT PURSUANT TO NDCC 37-17.10(3). 

 

Roll call: all present voted yes; motion carried.

 

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m. to tour the Rice Lake properties.

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 6th DAY OF MAY, 2008.

 

s/Carroll W Erickson, Chairman
Ward County Board of Commissioners

 

ATTEST:

s/Devra Smestad

Ward County Auditor/Treasurer