January 5, 2010 Regular meeting minutes

Minutes of the Board of Ward County Commissioners

January 5, 2010

 

The regular meeting of the Ward County Commission was called to order by Chairman Christianson at 9:00 a.m. with Comms. Fjeldahl, Gruenberg, Erickson and Nybakken present.  Also present were Auditor/Treasurer Smestad, Engineer Dana Larsen and State's Attorney Roza Larson.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to approve the agenda with additions. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Nybakken, seconded by Comm. Erickson to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2009 regular meeting and December 16, 2009 multi-county board meeting. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Smestad presented the bills.  Moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Nybakken to approve the 2009 regular bills totaling $115,594.21 and 2010 regular bills totaling $294,822.96.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Nybakken to approve the 2009 Social Welfare bills of $44,280.35 and 2010 Social Welfare bills of $35,829.85.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

ND Atmospheric Resource Board Director Darin Langerud appeared to present a final report on the 2009 Cloud Modification Project.  He stated that the program was under budget by $64,000 due to fewer cloud-seeding opportunities.  The total cost was $549,614 for the multi-county project.  Counties will have an opportunity to reauthorize every 5 years.  Studies have shown a 5-10% increase in rainfall and a 45% reduction of crop hail losses.

 

Highway Engineer Dana Larsen appeared to provide an update on the Emerson Building.  The demolition is complete and the equipment has been removed.  He then reported on the late December snowfall.  A total of 24” fell over December 24-26 and the county roads were open by Monday December 28th at noon.  Three of the townships were assisted but the others did not request help.  Emergency Manager Al Reynolds appeared to provide the December 2009 Blizzard Assessment.  The County has 30 days to declare a county disaster, but there was no damage to buildings and no disaster declarations from other ND counties.  Costs must exceed $1 million for the entire state before a state disaster is declared and forwarded by FEMA Region 8 for a Presidential declaration before any funds become available.  Comm. Fjeldahl asked what the townships are charged for blading.  Larsen stated the fee went up from $83 to $100 but is still competitive with private contractors.

 

County Recorder Sheila Dalen appeared to request the refund check from ND Recorders Information Network (NDRIN) in the amount of $9,946.82 be placed in the Document Preservation Fund.  Moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Gruenberg to approve this request.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Director of Tax Equalization Mike Vendsel then appeared.  It was moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Nybakken, to approve the following: 1) correction of error made on property split (parcel escaped assessment for 2009): John Coughlin, HA 36004 000 000 0, increase 2009 true and full value from 0 to $299,000; 2) correction of data entry errors: Tony Balder, NE 32091 000 014 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $250,200 to $228,200; Randy Effertz, SE 02099 000 005 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $296,500 to $177,300; 3) valuation adjustment for lot with large drop off: Feist Construction, MI 27A07 010 011 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $35,900 to $16,000; 4) church exemption from July 1, 2009 start date of use of church: Dakota Baptist Church, MI 24398 000 002 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $88,700 to $44,400; 5) tax exemption for 2009 due to being a public housing assistance organization: Neighborhood Development Enterprises, MI 14470 000 002 1, reduce the 2009 true and full value from $66,400 to 0; Neighborhood Development Enterprises, MI 14470 000 003 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $51,600 to 0; 6) addition to tax roll of previously exempt properties: Frantz Jean-Pierre, MI 14070 000 024 0, increase 2009 true and full value from 0 to $170,000; Busy Bee, LLC, MI 11133 030 001 0, increase 2009 true and full value from 0 to $74,000; 7) two year new construction exemption: David Bischof, MI 26479 020 003 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $115,300 to $102,800 prorated from October 18, 2009 sale date; Glen Stevens, MI 35B44 000 002 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $39,500 to $31,300 prorated from September 10, 2009 sale date; 8) geo-thermal exemption per NDCC 57-02-08: Clifford Brekhus, AF 02011 100 015 0, reduce 2008 true and full value from $140,200 to $103,200; reduce 2009 true and full value from $152,600 to $115,600; 9) wheelchair exemptions per NDCC 57-02-08: Carolyn Johnson, MI 14476 090 002 3, reduce 2009 true and full value from $90,400 to $11,300; Jennifer Keaton, MI 35960 000 003 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $165,600 to $87,300; 10) veteran’s exemption: Arvid Carlson, KK 10099 000 002 1, reduce 2008 true and full value from $131,000 to $127,000; reduce 2009 true and full value from $194,200 to 149,000; Chris Ann McClure Trust, DS 11004 050 005 0 reduce 2008 true and full value from $14,200 to $3,300; reduce 2009 true and full value from $48,000 to $10,000; Terry Arndt, KK 26099 000 004 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $195,600 to $135,600; Joseph Goebel, MY 30099 000 001 0, reduce 2009 true and full value from $53,200 to $15,400; 11) homestead credit exemption: LaVern Larson, MI 35615 000 212 0, qualifies for 20% credit for 2009; 12) mobile home is attached to real estate and taxed as real property: Kristina Goebel, MY 5103962, reduce 2009 true and full value from $9,928 to 0; 13) mobile homes were destroyed by fire and need to be removed from the tax roll: Terrance Keplin, NE 5101390, reduce 2009 true and full value from $1,645 to 0; Ernest Payer, NE 5103682, reduce 2009 true and full value from $16,380 to 0; 14) mobile homes are not hooked to utilities and need to be removed from the tax roll: George Pister, NE 5103649, reduce 2009 true and full value from $9,245 to 0; Joe Bruder, MI 5101300, reduce 2009 true and full value from $2,918 to 0; Randy Beeter, FO 5104258, reduce 2009 true and full value from $4,696 to 0.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to approve the following plats: 1) Lyle Nord, Plat of Outlot 34 of NWNE Section 14-154-82, Sundre Township; 2) William Forbes Estate, Plat of Outlot 5 of SESW and SWSE Section 25-154-82, Sundre Township.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to table Memorandum # 3 2010 Agricultural Land Values until the January 19th Commissioners meeting due to questions regarding the increase in the numbers.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Social Service Director Dan Richter appeared to request donated leave for one of his employees.  Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson to approve the request for donated leave.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Comm. Nybakken to ratify the Fifth Amendment and Modification of Lease between River of Life church and the Social Service Board which was approved by the Social Service Board.  State’s Attorney Roza Larson appeared for comment.  Roll call vote: all voted yes with the exception of Chairman Christianson who voted no; motion carried.

 

The following motion as stated in the Social Service Board December 22, 2009, minutes was presented for approval:

 

Proposal for Social Service Director Dan Richter to work off-site with the following requirements: 1) The Director carry his cell-phone at all times; 2) The Director complete a time sheet; 3) That the Director will check-in with his secretary each day thru e-mail or cell phone; and, 4) The Director account for his vacation and sick leave during the period of time he is working off-site (March 1 through April 15, 2010).

 

Personnel Director Colleen Houmann appeared for comment.  State’s Attorney Roza Larson requested the following wording be added: “Any similar requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis” to ensure this is viewed as a unique situation and does not set a precedent.  Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Nybakken to approve the request including the additional wording.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Regarding building space needs, Chairman Christianson stated a proposal may be received soon regarding the old St. Joseph’s building.

 

Smestad then presented items to the Board.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson to receive and file the following correspondence: PFM Group – results of recent bond sale; City of Minot – annexation; ND Department of Health – modification of landfill permit; 1st Minot Management – Emerson operating statement; SWCA Environmental Consultants – assessment of exploratory oil & gas well; ND DOT – possible 2nd Economic Recovery Package; SBPC – 2010 CDBG; Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company – map of pipeline in area; Roza Larson – email regarding Minot Child Support Snow Removal. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to approve the following requests for duplicate warrants: 1) Christopher & Erica McCauley in the amount of $213.00; 2) Jessica Simpson in the amount of $390.00.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Nybakken, seconded by Comm. Gruenberg to approve the county deed for the following tax foreclosed property redeemed by previous owner: Yolanda Coons, DB 14007 020 007 0, Powers 1st Addn Lots 3-7 Blk 2 Donnybrook City.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Nybakken, seconded by Comm. Gruenberg to approve the action of the County Auditor in making the following sales and authorizes issuance of tax deeds thereon:

 

Dacotah Frontier Valley LLC       Tolleys Plat Lot 4 Block 23                  $150.00 cash

KM200062300040                      Kenmare City

 

Dacotah Frontier Valley LLC       Tolleys Plat Lots 2-6 Block 26              $300.00 cash

KM200062600060                      Kenmare City

 

Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Nybakken, seconded by Comm. Erickson to approve position/salary changes for 2010 and the Ward County payroll effective January 1, 2010.  Comm. Fjeldahl asked how much of an increase there was from 2009.  Smestad stated the total increase was estimated to be $150,000.  Colleen Houmann appeared and stated each person received at least a 2% increase.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson to approve the Contract for Legal Services for Mental Health Cases in Ward County with the Thomas Law Firm and the Flagstad Law Firm and authorize Chairman to sign.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson to designate ND American Mothers Inc. as a public spirited organization and approve an application for raffle permit for ND American Mothers, Inc. for February 1 – April 10, 2010 with prizes totaling $120.00.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

There was discussion regarding the IT Department being created.  Comm. Fjeldahl felt it should be a stand-alone department reporting directly to the Commissioners.  Chairman Christianson said the Auditor’s office can provide day-to-day guidance to the IT Department where the Commissioners only meet twice a month.

 

Auditor/Treasurer Smestad then presented information on conversations held with Chris Brown of NRG regarding fees for service going forward.  Moved by Comm. Nybakken, seconded by Comm. Erickson to approve the $4500 monthly fee for NRG Professional Services with as-needed support by Leonard Tennyson at $63 per hour.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Personnel Director Colleen Houmann appeared to set a time for the Commissioners to meet with the health insurance bidder.  A special meeting was set for January 12th at 9:00 a.m.

 

Smestad reminded the Commissioners of the Blue Cross Thought Leaders Breakfast Discussion being held January 13th at 8:00 a.m. at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Minot.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson that the following payroll amendments be approved: Lorrie Eide – Assistant Jail Supervisor – Sheriff’s Department – Level 10; Kayla Gathman – Administrative Assistant I – Social Services – Level 12; Eric Lenertz – Correctional Officer – Sheriff’s Department – Level 9; Christopher Mettler – Correctional Officer – Sheriff’s Department – Level 14; Amy Marie Sayler – Eligibility Worker Technician – Social Services – Level 13; Jamie Williams – Correctional Officer – Sheriff’s Department – Level 14.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Comm. Gruenberg to drop the county mileage reimbursement rate to $.50 per mile.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

State’s Attorney Roza Larson requested a budget amendment in the amount of $1,726.60 to cover the costs approved for computers and CAL license ordered in 2009 but not billed until 2010.  Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson to approve the request.  Roll call vote: all voted yes except Comm. Fjeldahl who voted no; motion carried.

 

District Court Administrator Carolyn Woolf appeared to state that the wireless network mentioned in the courtroom renovation proposal is for the entire courthouse.

 

Emergency Manager Al Reynolds appeared again to address the restroom closures due to a sewage backup in the boiler room.  The blockage was cleared and a camera is being run through the pipes to check for damage.

 

Comm. Erickson reported that he asked the Ward County Historical Society for a year-end report to find out where their funds are being spent.

 

Smestad reminded the Commissioners that the organizational meeting for the Kenmare Fire Protection District will be held January 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Kenmare City Hall Gymnasium.  Comm. Gruenberg stated that he will be unable to attend.

 

Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Erickson to adjourn the meeting at 11:03 a.m.

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 19TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2010.

 

s/ Bruce I Christianson

Chairman, Ward County Board of Commissioners

 

ATTEST:

s/ Devra Smestad

Auditor/Treasurer, Ward County