Billings County Commission - Regular Meeting

to gather up anything. Are you ready? We're good. Okay. Well, we'll call the meeting to order. We'll need we'll recite the pledge of allegiance.

I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Morning everyone. May uh monthly meeting. Um first thing is approval of last month's minutes. Is there any additions or corrections? There was one um addition under the tabletop exercise equipment purchase. Um it's on the fourth page. It says purchase of a 6x6 wheeled ATV. It was just requested that it's a um discussion of a potential purchase of a six wheel. So it's supposed to be say what is supposed to be a potential?

Yeah, it just it mention it as a potential purchase, not that we did or are currently purchasing. Okay. Any other additions or corrections? Someone want to make a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. I would move to the minutes as corrected. I have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Second. All those in favor say I. I.

I. Motion carries. We'll do the agenda. Is there any uh uh anything to add to the agenda? It's good. So, we want to make a motion to accept the agenda for today. So, move. I'll second it. All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries. Okay. We'll move into the public comment period. And um I had it here. The rules kind of are. We've only had maybe one other one. Is that correct?

Yep.

And so I just want to We had some questions about it and and number two on the resolution that was wrote up back in 2025 because of century code uh through the legislature um Senate Bill 2180 and it just says that you have to have your name, your address and your agenda item currently on this agenda or the previous meeting agenda that the person seeks to address about. So we have to stick to those rules. So if there's uh you can also hand in uh written comments also to the board and then we'll put them on record. But so I think we have two uh people this morning and you have three minutes to make your uh statement and then uh we'll move on to the next one. I think there's two.

Yep. Two. Okay. Pat label was the first request. Okay. Pat, do you want to go first? Yeah. I uh can take me more than 3 minutes. Well, we have it's timed. So, it's going to have to be She'll give you a warning. Well, start out with and you read in the paper they're going to close this east exit down for this Fourth of July business. Is that legal to shut down a exit on a federal highway? Well, that's the other thing. We don't have to answer any questions. It says in this deal either. So, it's you're making a comment. We'll take the comments.

Well, I'm I'm What I'm concerned about is it people aren't going to want to park up there paint at Fryberg. And if that if that exit is closed, then they're going to want to come down the Soy Creek. And I'm wondering if there's going to be uh somebody with the county that's going to water the road down there. If there gets to be a lot of traffic coming around the backside there that slip into my door through the back way and then I I'm having a little problem with a road out there. It's going to take more than 3 minutes. So, I'm going to have to make an appointment with you guys or however we do this.

Is the road rough or what? Is the road rough or what's what's the problem? There's a lot more a lot more troubles in a rough road. So, how do we work that? Well, I guess you know um if if you want to bring this before the board on an agenda item next month, you can. Okay, I'll do that. And then uh you know I I guess you can talk to our road foreman and also if you have some concerns right now you know so okay I'll just make an appointment for next month and I want to okay

you still have some time in you still have some time to talk about it or right I don't know but

Yep. Well, before I start, I want to know that my wife and I both realize we're not the only people in the county that have dust and speed problems around our place. But, uh, that road out there was, uh, built in ' 83 and that's 43 years ago. There ain't been a damn thing done to it since then. It's the road says it's supposed to be 26 ft wide. I just went out Sunday and measured it where it comes where they junctioned and there's a T sign there and it started out there was a stop sign and they took that down. They got a yield sign and the speed limit is 35 miles an hour through there. I wanted 25 but that's all I could get was 35. Trying to think here. I'm kind of nervous. Yeah.

So, you asking like to make the road wider? No. The thing is is right now I pulled a tape on that where it comes up there. That road's supposed to be 26 ft wide. I pulled a tape 105 ft. Well, I I want that changed, stopped, whatever. There's quite a few other things that I got that that needs to be done out there. One minute. It's time. Oh, it's time. Okay. Okay. Well, we'll address it, you know, have your Yeah, that'll be Thank you for your time,

Julie. Good morning, commissioners. Thank you for your time this morning. My name is Julie Rice, resident of Fairfield in Billings County. I am here today to comment on the April 7th, 2026 agenda item noted as petition, changing number of county commissioners. I would like to recognize that the petition submitted to the commission to place the question of changing the number of county commissioners from 3 to 5 on the June 2026 ballot was done in accordance with North Dakota sentry code chapter 11-12-01 through 11-12-07. In light of this action, many county residents have been misinformed and or are unaware of the process that is outlined in this section of Century Code, which lays out the steps of redistricting the county into five districts should the vote of the people be such that the number of commissioners increases from 3 to 5. That being said, it should also be noted that nowhere in this section of Centry Code does it state that upon voter approval of an increase of commissioners should the additional commissioners be deemed at large. NDCC speaks for itself in this matter and it should be duly noted by the commission in today's minutes what the process is so that voters have a clear knowledge of what a yes or no vote means in this ballot question. So that is my statement on that. And I also did let Marshia know this morning that just so that you are aware um with the public comment process um since that resolution was from 2025 mid2025 uh there is no notification that anywhere that I could find on the Billings County website. Um so if your patrons would like to utilize this process, it would be nice to have that information somewhere. um the century code that enacted this did say that there they the entities using the public comment process shall develop a policy. So I guess I don't know if the policy has been created for the county and I

guess that would be a question to if the shall means that the county needs to make one. Uh but I did search the Billings County site could not find it. Um other than if it's in minutes somewhere but I don't think we should have to dig through minutes and try to find minutes. Uh but this morning within about five minutes I was able to find Mackenzie County, Dun County and Star County within just a few clicks even just using through their search bar to find either their resolution that they have or their policy. But I would just like to relate that if the public is supposed to follow these rules of policy and having it posted in the courthouse and on the website would probably really be a fruit appreciated. So and those are my comments. Thank you. Thank you. We will um put that on the next months. Can't do it today, but

cuz we need to get that resolution on the website. I can publish it on the website. That's not a problem. Okay. Because it was adopted and it was required by the legislature to do it. So, and we do have to post it out here. And it is. Okay. My question would be if it has to be a policy because NDCC state shall create a policy. So just something to just something the one from 25 it says a resolution of policy. It says right on the top. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Got it.

Okay. Okay. Anything else? That's the only two that put Okay. We'll move on to um department head reports or commissioner reports on anything. Um who uh wants to go first? Did you want to explain your thing or

Sure. Uh just for the uh uh land purchase for the closing of the by the county shop. If we could just uh need a vote for or a motion to have Dean as this closing agent to sign and it probably be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, whenever you're available and the title work is still in just about done, but has been delayed pretty much, but we need to have a motion to have him as a signer. So, I'd move to have Dean as the closing agent to sign for county. Okay, we have a motion on the table. Is there a second?

I'll second. Okay. Is there any more discussion on the matter? Thanks for working on that. Yeah, thank you too for getting that done. It took a long time. All right. All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries. Will we need a check for that closing date? Probably. Yeah. We'll have to put in a voucher for that today. Okay. Okay. Uh let's start with Katie back. We'll just go that way this time. Katie's for the library stuff. These are just potential costs.

Thank you.

Yep. So the we board met this month. Um they did change our starting pay for our seasonal staff just to accommodate and be kind of in alliance with the other counties surrounding us. So they upped that to 25 with a dollar raise each year that they return. We are fully staffed and then our staff will be starting the first one started today and then slowly each week we'll get two to three a week till the beginning of July. So it should be out rolling here soon. The temps are a little cold this week. I was hoping we'd be spraying today, but hopefully in the next couple weeks. And then those are just potential costs if we are unable to operate the week of the 4th. We are hoping to be out spraying. Obviously, not around Madora. We're going to go up and um if we did have to shut down to accommodate our staff for that week, but that was all the board talked about in regards to that. And then the parking and the fence would be handled by Road and Bridge. And I worked with Pat on that. Any questions?

I think I asked you last time, but there's 11 total with you. With Jod and I, there'll be 10 this year. I think I said 11 last week, but I miscounted her last month. Eight seasonals and then Jody and I. And just to update you too, I had requested department heads to put together some costs for the opening uh as of now. So that's where this started is from. everybody have an idea of what we're looking at. Okay.

And then I wanted to thank you all for last month um adding to that glamping site, the weed control plan. I did receive that yesterday and everything looks good on that. So, thank you for doing that.

Okay. Thank you, Kate. Thank you. Morning commissioners. Uh EMS is on call on track for average of calls again this month. Same as last year for month of April. So staying busy. Um we do have another alphabet course going on this month. prehosp trauma life support. All of our full-timers will take part in that and a couple of our part- timerrs will take part of it as well. After doing this course, we can then send some of our own instructors to the instructor course and we can teach it in-house after this as well. So, we'll get that going. Um, some of you might have read in the paper, Amber Fuller did receive the Bradley Bergam Leadership Award at the Northakota MS State conference this year. So, congratulations to her. Last month, our truck was in the repair shop. They did repair a sensor. Uh it is back operational now. So and then I did hand chairman Rodney a proclamation. May is EMS week. Um in years past we've always done the EMS proclamation and I just asked that you guys consider doing EMS proclamation again this year.

Well you did you saw it? I didn't but the same as before. Pretty much. Pretty much. I just saw it just now too. You reported that Amber got an award, correct? You also did too. I did. You want to tell them which award you got? I received the very first ever uh New Dempse presidential award or leadership and innovation. Well,

congratulations on that both of you. I don't know. That's good. Okay. Well, so do we uh need to make a motion on this? the week of uh this is the week of emergency medical services week. All right. I move to approve the proclamation of EMS week. Did you see it? I didn't see the title. She can write it down. Right. Okay. We have a motion. I'll second it. Is there any more discussion on it? All those in favor say I.

I. All right, motion carries. Otherwise, I have nothing else unless you guys have anything. We're good. Thank you. Thank you,

Juliana. Just wanted to respond to Steve's request for additional costs. I do not anticipate anything in my office. Just so you're aware, all the highway patrol and Billings County E file citations when it comes to traffic citations. So, anything, you know, from a misdemeanor and above, that would be hand entered, but I don't anticipate a high level of criminal activity during this is not the Sturgeist motorcycle rally. So, that's where I I'm with that. Um, so I just wanted to respond to your request as far as that went. So that's all I have.

Okay. Thank you. Daniel,

good morning. Morning. I don't have a whole lot um in the bills. There will be uh we repaired drywall in the entry up there from the leak before up above and repainted some stuff and took the old fire panel out of the entryway clean that up. So there's an invoice in there for 5500. Um as far as additional expenses for the library opening as right now I don't think I have anything and I don't see a lot. So that's all I've got. Okay. Can I do it? All right. I got a list.

All right. Get one here. Uh, let's see. So, guess I don't usually report on fire district stuff, but this is worth noting for anybody who may want to donate to the rural fire protection district. But, um, we did apply for 120,000 grant. We received 50,000 um to update the two older grass units. Another 50,000 was awarded in matching funds. So, pretty much any donations received from now through January can be matched up to an additional 50,000. So that was through the Arie and Georgie Foundation grant. So uh let's see, hazard mitigation plan. So obviously that's been in the works for about a year and two months. Um there's copies there if you want them. If you want to take them, just don't throw them away. Just give them back to me. There's a lot of paper there. Um I know so that was all brought up through like public comment. We had a couple public meetings, comment cards, things like that. So, that's what um transpires that this has to be in place in order to ever receive state funds, federal funds. Um just like we'd be receiving some state funds for the library thing. Obviously, we don't know what amount, but we do have to have this in place. So, it's up to you guys if you want to make a motion to approve resolution. I think guys sent you guys all a copy of that, too. Okay, everyone just read this already.

The mitigation. Did you get a copy? Oh, this was approved this morning. But that's the plan there to to review. Correct. But this is the plan to be to approve. You should have a PDF in your email too of it. So, Gota if you don't want the paper copy. Okay. So, he's asking you're asking for a motion for the Billings County multi-hazard mitigation plan. Correct. Okay. So, it's just the Billings County or is it the multiount? Multicount. Okay. Yeah. We we went in again with Golden Valley, Stark, and Dun. So, the four counties did it together.

So, does everybody have to approve their own then or or this is or how does that work? So, like you guys will approve it. Um the city will have to approve it and the same with the other counties. The county has to approve and then each city council will have to approve it too throughout. Okay. Well, does someone want to make a motion or any more discussion on it or does someone want to make a motion? I don't know. Do we have to sit and read it or should we take it home and read it? Well, damn thing. But I guess if you guys all work together on it, I mean, obviously that's what Yeah. Well, I don't care if you when does it have to be done by?

By next month. If you wanted to take it for a month, it's totally up to you guys. Okay. What do you guys think? I'm just asking. Yeah, I know. No, that's good. If you want to go home and read 241 pages, for example, what is an example that it covers in there?

So, basically it covers all the demographics of the county and then through the comments and stuff basically what are potential hazards and threats. Um so obviously like um flooding, fire, um severe weather, that's all listed in there along with what can you do to mitigate it. And then is it a high priority, low priority, all based on comment and then obviously is it high cost, low cost? And then there's a section that helped you potential funding to help cover that project all the way down the list. So gota

Well, I never read it, so I maybe we should read it for a month and because it's in our email, right? Yep. Yep. You also got a PDF of it, too,

right? I didn't. So maybe we should look at it for a month. Okay, that's what we'll do. Perfect. Uh let's see. UTV went to be fixed. Tracks came back with a new set of tracks. Uh LEAPC. Uh so prior to last week, the last meeting was back in 2015ish. Um so we did get that going again and started um forming the governing board. So the LAPC is a local emergency planning committee deals with tier 2 funds that the LAPC receives from chemical storage throughout the county throughout the year. Um every chemical site as of now is $25. that money comes back to the LAPC and then last legislative session they just voted to double that. So starting next year we'll see more funds coming in. That account currently holds 133,000ish in it. Um so we tried to reform the board back in 2020 then CO hit and then here we are in 2026. Um, so we did form a board, governing board, and that needs to be approved by you guys. Uh, Travis Collins was voted chair, Cody Arbur's vice chair, and Jay Hansen as secretary. Any questions on LEDC's?

I attended that meeting. I attended that meeting but yeah pretty sure he's in what's up I said I attended the meeting and yeah it has to be supposed to meet what is it so state law requires once per year right yeah um looking now we're kind of looking at maybe like twice a year that April and then November time frame so I'd approve the uh board of Travis Cody Okay. Okay. We have a motion for uh chair their chair, vice chair, and secretary.

Okay, we have a motion for that. Is there a second? Second. We have a second. Any more discussion? All those in favor say I. I.

I. Motion carries. All right, just moving on to some America 250 library opening prep. Uh, April 23rd tabletop exercise was held. Between both sessions, we had about 120 in attendance, which was very good compared to most that I've been to. Um, they're going to be doing a tabletop for the joint information center that's in the planning stages be held later this month. uh siren here at the courthouse is being installed today. Um their goal is to have it operational by May 15th, June 4th. We're still on to have Williams County come down um go through some hazmat um operations in prep for the week of the 4th um then discuss our responses a little bit. Communications plans are pretty much completed. just need EMS and ESO to look over theirs as soon as I get all the frequencies back on there from or on the form 205 for Maryland. Uh let's see, May 18th. So, there's been discussion around the influx of people um for the end of June, beginning of July. Uh, I do know we're going to have a discussion on May 18th in regards to maybe looking at burn bands during that time frame, limit campfires, fireworks. Um, obviously it's too early to say because we don't know what conditions are going to be like, but we do want to start pushing messaging out on number one, firework safety, campfires, and really hammer that. and then um and be ready for any bands that we feel is necessary at that time. So um actually the US Forest Service brought it up on a

meeting last month which was shocking. So that don't happen every day. So would you say it could potentially be banned fireworks to the whole county or in an area around here or what? That'd be a but I think it'd have to be countywide. I would assume with the resolution I would agree. Um, if the city has something, they can can do it, but otherwise the county would likely be countywide. And the city has I believe that they're only allowed on the 4th through a certain time frame. Now,

we're in city limits. So, just something to keep in mind. Um, with conditions and stuff coming up. Um, in regards to the declaration signed on February 5th, um, a lot of phone calls, a lot of discussion, just so you guys are aware, you could start using emergency funds back on February 5th and not when the governor signed on April 7th. So, I just wanted to make sure that's clear. And on the back side, um, just some upcoming expenses. Um, let's see. I did throw a little bit of road crew on there. some resources that we requested like water tenders, fuel trailer, sign trailer, things like that. And on the bottom, uh, just give you a short list. Those are things that are being provided from other areas that we're not paying for. So, we're not paying for everything. I just wanted you to to see that. So,

yeah, that's and that's only a short of the list. So kind of the reason I asked is kind of just so I can see some of those things like that we are and we are not. And so how much uh Maria is already on the emergency fund that you've uh you paid out already? I can pull it up here

cuz that's kind of what you're pertaining to too, right? Yeah. kind of you know to see all of the monies that have been spent should be going in there so it'll be easy to track it.

Well, it shows on your on your budget tracker as well. That's here. She does not have that on there. Sorry about that. Let me pull it up now. You see it somewhere? Where's the emergency fun? It's not. Sorry. I thought it was on there.

I'm pulling it here. So the emergency fund would have started on the 5th

February 5. So those expenses were not being taken out at that time because it was and I spoke with Jared about this. It was coming out of the uh 500,000 that you guys had appropriated between the departments. So it just started last month. if you want to make a transfer of those funds now that the governor signed the uh executive order that we can do but it's not been transferred into the emergency fund as of the end of last month I should say and there hasn't been any bills this month I'm assuming that or last month that were out of the emergency

yeah there would have been a few but not a whole I don't know. Was it really needed to transfer that extra 500 or what? Well, he didn't transfer the 500 to the emergency fund for the expenditures. Oh. So, those were being taken out at the time that there was no emergency declaration by the governor. So, now that there is an emergency declaration by the governor, we can go back and toll those and put those into the county emergency fund. It's just the governor needed to do the declaration in order for us to to use it. So,

well, and then we had to do our declaration before the governor would do it. So, that's kind of how that So, it's just kind of a backwards deal on this. So, Mr. Chairman, so I mean the local emergency is Dean, can you stand up so we can Yeah, the local emergency is done first. It should go back to when the resolution was, not when the governor signed it. That's right. because the emergency handles or starts basically locally then it moves up to the state system and maybe if we're lucky it'll go to the feds but who knows. Sure. So I think it should go back to the original date of the resolution. Okay. And that's what I had stated that we would go back and transfer those funds now.

Okay. So, we just need a motion to move the 500,000 to the or just move the expenses over. Or if you just want to move the expenses over and keep the 500,000 in their budgets separately, then you can do that as well. If if I got anything, I would say move it all into the emergency fund if you can. Mhm. It's going to be way better in the end, right? because we get one budget printed out and there it is. Instead, it would be easy to look for

to transfer the 500,000 that was budgeted in the department heads to the emergency fund for the opening planning of the opening of the library expenses. I don't know. I think we should just Well, I guess we got a motion. We'll have to discuss it if there's a second to it. I guess um can you do that? I mean, can you take it out of our budgets now that it's been approved? Mhm.

I don't think so. I don't know if you can, right? I think it has to go the other way. So, I think we pull out the ones, but we got to deal with the motion. So, is there a second to that motion? Is there a second to the motion? Then the motion dies because of lack of a second. I guess I'm confused because just what you just stated, it was best to have it all in one fund. The any expenses, but but that'll be out of the emergency uh the the what are you going to call that fund? Um right. And there's the 900,000

900,000 in emergency fund. That's the one. If you transferred the 500,000 from the general fund that was budgeted to the emergency fund, you would have an additional 500,000 in there to spend. But we thought we'd do that later if needed to be done. Or that's just the way I understood it. So, I think just transfer the I feel just transfer the monies that were taken out of the other accounts, move them over to the emergency fund, the 900 emergency fund, and then we're where we should be, I feel. So, those funds that are in their budgets then

need to still be spent if they're going to be spent towards the library open. Correct. because we put money in those in each budget department budget for the opening planning whether it's security food whatever. So why is not that not going to get transit emergency fund because if they're in their budgets it's set up in their budget for the opening that's how I interpret it. Well, what do you think, Jim or Jar Jared? I mean, as far as the um legally, I don't know if I I I take no issue with Steve's motion the way it was. Um, the question is, can it be amended because we'd have to do, and this is kind of a Marsha question, can can the budget be amended to withdraw those funds to put them in the emergency fund, or should we leave them until we need them?

So, if you're going to be spending them out of the department budgets, you would leave them in the department budgets. If you're going to be spending it out of the emergency fund, you would make an amendment to the budget to allow for the transfer of 500,000 from the general fund to the emergency fund and all expenditures to be paid out of that. Are we going to then pull out out of all the other funds and put them in there? Because that has to be a motion too because they've already been spent out of right to make the transfer of the expenditures as well. Yes. Okay.

Because any unused funds that were earmarked for the library purposes in each of the three budgets, any unused funds will come back to the general, you know, fund next year at the end of the year.

Yeah. So, it's probably fine to leave them if they're needed. Um but all the expenses that have been attributed to the three funds, you know, could be shifted to the emergency fund expenditures. That was the alternate motion that was proposed. I'm still going back to the resolution because that's where we um put uh that's where we wanted all of the money to come from for each expenditure for this event. And so that's just where I would like to see it.

Isn't that what I proposed as a motion? You know what? You were going to move. You were going to combine two of them. N Yeah. To take So, we aren't going to combine it. We're going to combine out of the sheriff's budget some money came out of there. Did some come out of yours, too? I think it was some. So, that should all go to the And you said because of the governor, it didn't happen until he approved it, but whatever. It's backwards, right? But those small amounts, let's just say they're they're $20,000. They they would come into the emergency fund, not the 500. That just stays by itself for what? Why

later if we need it? Because there's a 900 emergency fund also. But it's budgeted within their department budgets, I think, is what the So there's no I mean, so let's just say the emergency fund runs out, then we go to their their own budgets. That's line item for the opening. No, I think then you then we would move the 500 over to the 900. So that's why I'm asking do that now. Move the five to the We can, but then we still need to take then we double the motion then. I don't know. Can we do that? Double the motion. I mean, take the money out of their funds and put it into the emergency.

I think the question is if they're authorized to spend the 500,000 out of their department head budgets as well as the 900,000 out of the emergency fund. And I think that's where the question

sits. The goal is to avoid, you know, drawing on a four account. So, for the time being, keeping it all under the same emergency fund budget makes sense for tracking purposes. Um, but it's just a question of at what point, you know, do we look to either transfer funds from the individual three accounts back to the emergency fund to help, you know, mitigate the uh expenditures out of the the emergency fund. And there's two options. So you can you can transfer the budget authority without transferring actual fund dollars. Um you can transfer fund dollars later then if it does go over the 900,000 if that makes more sense. I yeah, I would agree. If if the funds in the if the emergency fund balance gets, you know, dangerously low at that point, then I think the board would revisit the 500 transfer. Um, but for today's purposes, shifting the expenses uh that have been taken out of there to the to the general fund, I'm sorry, to the emergency fund.

Okay, I get the expenses transferring. So then the the money that's in each of their budgets should not be spent until for any other reason unless the emergency fund runs out. Correct. Cuz I agree to that those the 500,000 is earmarked for TRPL expenditures. That's what I'm clarifying. It's marked for the opening. So there shouldn't be anything else spent if it's all going to come out of emergency fund.

I would I would agree with that. I agree. Okay. So, in the same size, same idea, transferring that 500 into the one account is like the same idea, but just not ready right now. Maybe later if we need it or I think that was the whole discussion, right? I mean, if we need it to be able to draw upon it later. So I think it just makes sense like was initially discussed to leave those funds in there and if it's needed then at that point for and it is it's earmarked for expenditures related to the American 250 of the van. So I mean they're not going to be spent on other things we don't it goes back

and yet for tracking purposes and re and reimbursement not having an emergency fund right away. Well that was a so those are trans that initially. Yeah. This is where we go right back to February 5th meeting. This is exactly what we were letting you guys know the rules and how and how this process works. And now we're 2 months later and now now you want to do this. It's like you're telling me not to transfer the 500,000. You could have listened to us. I said at least the expense is over. I just thought put it all in one file and be done with it. This could have been done on February 5th. Mhm. So,

do we have to make a motion to move the money out of the other accounts to there? Do we have to do that? Just to transfer the funds from or the expenditures from the department budgets to the emergency and we just leave the 500 alone. Okay. Well, cuz that that should have been done at the beginning, but now we'll just make a motion to to do that. Is that all right? Is that all right with you, Marsha?

That's great. Okay, I'll make that motion. to the emergency.

I'll second. Okay, we have a um a uh second. Is there any more discussion? All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries. Got more. I'm good. You're good. I got a question. Sure. What the conditions uh as far as burn ban and large piles kind of what's your opinion advice right now?

I asked the other day to burn mine. He said, "Well, maybe." And I said, "Well, I didn't want to do it." And the next day, we got that big wind. So, last we're not looking at much for any preip in like the next 15 to 20 days. Um, I don't People have been really good. I don't see a problem with it yet, but ultimately I guess I'm not I guess I'm not at the point of changing it, but that's obviously your guys' decision if you want that added to your resolution or not. I think it's something to definitely start looking at towards the end of this month. That's why I wanted to bring up now discuss because if we get a week or two into drier and and that's where we why didn't you guys do that

and that's I mean yeah that'll be discussed on that May 18th fire group call too. So but if it looks like something's going to change sooner then by all means yeah we'll add that in there. Okay. Perfect. Thank you, Con. Okay, Pat, when do you want to do yours or do we go to somebody else? And what time is it? What do we have to follow something here? We got Misty Hayes. So, do you have ready for your report? Yep, I'm ready.

All right. Good morning. Morning.

Um just I just wanted to come give kind of some regular updates. We hadn't been here for a while. Um Rob Schilling, the deputy ranger is here with me as well. So just a few things that we've been working with you all on. Um Buffalo Gap Road Extension. So, we have um been working with the um engineering firm and the um KJ um as the environmental company on um setting up uh an on-site meeting and that's scheduled for May 7th, so this week to go out and and try to kind of delineate um the proposed route on the ground. Um so that will be with um I believe Pat's planning to attend and also um Pete Wzfeld from Golden Valley County as well. And so, um, with the idea of rather than picking a route and then seeing what might not work, actually looking at how it would work on the ground, where the creek crossings are going to be, all of that stuff. So, um, I think that's progressing pretty well and, um, we will be planning to cover the wildlife and botney reports for that as well. And, and then as part of your contract, the ARY surveys and all of that will be part of that. So, um, that's moving forward. Um, the emergency egress road, I'm assuming you guys are going to be starting, um, construction on that again here soon to get that completed. I hadn't heard that you guys had restarted out there, but there's

they're about done. They're about

They are about done. I hadn't been out there for a little bit, so good to know. Um I wanted to briefly re mention mention you may have been hearing about in the news that the forest service is going through a reorganization effort. That reorganization is largely focused at the upper levels of the organization. So kind of just some key points of that. A number of the staff located in the headquarters office in Washington DC will be moved out to Salt Lake City as well as the chief himself will be stationed in Salt Lake City. Um they w there will be roughly 30 employees that will remain in Washington DC for interface with other agencies and with Congress and those sorts of things, but for the most part the um the headquarters office will be in in Salt Lake City. The other part of the proposal is going to um a model more like um a state based model similar to what BLM and NRCS has where they have state directors for us. We will be included with a um a a group of other states however because there aren't there not a large large amount of forest service land in North Dakota. So we will be part of the state director that will be based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. That director will cover Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. We are also um expecting to have a state deputy director that will be stationed out either in Bismar or uh Pier, South Dakota. And so the idea of that is they're calling it kind of the northern great plains office. Um so um little bit more grasslands associated with that office as well. Um the regional office in Missoula will be a portion of that staff will be retained there in as a service center. So subject

matter experts and they will provide service to um larger areas of the forest service for those things. So there will still be a presence in Missoula. Montana will have its own state office in Helena. And so, um, so we're going to be working through these changes. Right now, there is not a proposal to reorganize, um, the supervisor's office out of Bismar or any of our district offices in North Dakota. So, we will be that will be pretty much staying stable. Um, and we do not expect to see any cut in employees um, at those levels. I think there will be a red a small reduction of employees at those upper levels as they as we work through um relocating folks and and some of those things but we don't expect to see a huge shift now or a huge reduction in employees. Um so for us I think the biggest thing is who we answer to who Bethy my supervisor answers to will be changing and we'll be working through that that process. um wanted to briefly talk about the travel management process. So we are um working with you all and the grazing associations and the other um cooperating agencies to get kind of that final look from you all as far as your comments on the the draft proposed action. And so based on that, hopefully we'll be getting those here towards the end of the month or sometime um in June so that we can move that on to the next step. We are meeting, we do are meeting with the federal cooperating agencies in the next couple of weeks as well as the state cooperating agencies as well. Um so we are still trying to keep that moving forward and our goal is still to try to have that completed by the end of the year. Um,

just wanted to briefly mention fire restrictions because I you guys were just talking about that. We do still have our fire restrictions in place that we had last year, which is um for those restrictions based on the fire endangered index at the very high extreme and red flag levels. Um, we do we have been drafting and we've had in draft for a little while. Um, an order that would would more closely mirror what you guys have had in the past with the high except for campfires in designated locations, very high, extreme, and and red flag. And so we have that basically prepared. Um, so we'll be working with the counties to u monitor conditions and um and see when we think the right timing is for for potentially changing that order. But right now, that's kind of where we're at with those. Um, and I think, you know, we've been we had resumed having those kind of multi- agency, multi-county meetings to talk about fire restrictions here in the last couple of months. So, I think that's been some good discussion. Um the last thing I had on my list was just um giving you some update on some of the things um that are happening on Forest Service lands in relation to the library grand opening event. Um I think many of you are aware that um we have received a proposal for a parking area on Forest Service lands um near the Fryberg exit. Um, we have been working with the grazing association and um, it looks like we will be authorizing that parking area on those lands. We've been working with the library as far as a number of um, specific requirements and things that they'll be required to do to utilize that. And we've also been working with the grazing association to try to find ways to offset the impact of that. um including um earlier grazing period this year to graze it before the event and

then um utilizing the horse pasture, our administrative site um to help offset some of the grazing for the next um two or three years as needed for whatever damages might occur. We will also be requiring a bond and um a requirement for repairs on the location um depending on how things go with that. Is the gate or fence going to be widened or how's the entrance going to work?

We are looking to have a couple of openings in the fence um that will facilitate people coming and going a little bit and then that will be repaired once it's done. We we also are anticipating that traffic will come off the exit, go down the frontage road to the east and then come come up the road towards the truck station um and then into the the parcel on the north side so that that'll fl um facilitate flow of traffic so that we don't have traffic backed up onto the interstate and all of that while their people are waiting to come into park. Um the other thing um two other things noteworthy with the library opening um one of those is um we are uh anticipating we have been working with the sheriff's office on um putting into place a closure for um the time period of the opening and and we're doing that as kind of a a little bit of a week before soft closure so that we can make sure people are aware of the closure. So that's roughly a 4 mile radius from the town of Madora, the Forest Service lands within that area. Um I believe I I believe I've shared out with you um the map for that, but if you haven't seen it, I can certainly provide that to you. Um basically the closure would be um no occupancy, no use of the Mor the Mahay Trail, no use of the roads for that time period with some exceptions. and we're and we're going to be working with the sheriff's office to kind of talk through those exceptions and how we're going to manage those. Um we we did hear at the community meeting some concern about impacts to outfitter businesses um other things. So we're kind of trying to work through those

issues. Plus we had a a couple of events planned in association with the library opening itself that we hadn't been fully aware of until until we brought forward the closure idea. So, um, we'll be working with that and we'll be working with the grazing association and the oil and gas, uh, folks that have have continuing operations in those areas to try to, you know, manage that as well. Um, so I think that's kind of the biggest pieces for the library opening and I, unless you guys have any questions, that's kind of all I had today. I think we're good, I guess. Thank you for your report.

All right. Thank you.

We want to do next or do Stacy next or Stacy has somebody on there from Mark Henick is with her zoning application. that and then take a break. We'll just take a break. Huh? Yeah. She'll need to get us set up. So, Oh, so we'll do the break now then. All right. Take a 10-minute break.

But it doesn't have video up there. So, it's not recording people in here, but it's still recording. Y. Okay. Go ahead, Stacy.

Okay. So this is the report from the April 16th zoning meeting. And so I'm going to begin with um since it was published in the paper at the final public hearing for our amendment that we did for mobile food units, transient merchants and temporary use permits for commercial industrial uses and special events. And then we amended it uh article six and under special provisions for 6.17 for temporary permitted uses. And this this section was added in 2020 and it was mostly geared towards the industrial temporary uses. And now we added extra um sections for the commercial uses and special events. And then we have four zoning permits on the agenda for Sizzy which is Tina and Mark Gier and Wireless and two from Teran. And so I'm going to begin with the zoning amendments. So we looked at um the need we had several calls preparing for this summer for food trucks and transient merchants. what do we do? And so I looked at um three areas like Williams County had something in place. The city of Madora has something in place and I need county self-device um for reviewing this amendment and like the picture from before that was you know from the state fair. So I'm kind of thinking it's like well this this event is more like bringing the state fair to the door and you have to feed people. So, we've had several phone calls on food trucks. So, we updated the

definition for temporary use. We added some sub definitions for commercial temporary use, industrial temporary uses, and special event temporary uses. And we added some definitions under commercial for or definitions related to food trucks like commentary mobile food unit transient merchant and vendor host. Okay. And then so the um purpose statement in the ordinance was updated. Um noting that you know Madora is very um intent on preserving and the viability and economic viability of the brick and mortar businesses. And so if it ever comes to be where u the temporary permitted uses impact like our existing commercial operations then we may make changes as needed if if or set limitations on them but that can can come at a later date. And so that was included in the purpose statement for temporary uses and then um it was just the section was organized into different categories for industrial uses, commercial uses and special events. So the application procedure there's going to be a base requirement for all types of temporary uses and then subcategories depending on um what type there's different category requirements for for application procedures. and the vendor host permit that would be for um like if somebody wanted a location where they would have mobile food units throughout the summer like let's say you know if this was Dickinson and you have

the mall parking lot or running that has food trucks and food trucks come in and out but the location would have to come to us saying that you know for um one year this spot not is allowed to have food trucks and then so that's where the vendor host comes in. It's like we really don't care like we don't need to have every different kind of food truck come to planning and zoning for monthly meetings. It's just the vendor host would come to the meeting and then everything else would be um permitted administratively at least as far as food trucks go. And then so the underlined text is new language and then everything that isn't underlined was the existing temporary use permit or language for the industrial uses and I don't know did you guys want to like look through it and then um you have any questions the zoning board approved it um as presented. So,

I'm good with it. I saw I scanned it here while we Okay. Yeah. And we didn't have any like people call in with public comments. I mean, technically, this is a public hearing for this. So, is anybody here to speak on the amendment? So instead of taking hers, I'll just read it. What's that?

Um, article six, special provisions 6.17 for temporarily permitted uses just as the approval of that. Okay. So, does that summarize all of those things basically? Yeah. And the definition um like on this first page, it's kind of hard to read up on here, but Marsha, if you can see it closer, like it's the the very beginning piece right here cuz we have definitions. So, we're just combining all of those in motion. Yeah, these would all be the the sections that are amended.

So, we're looking for a motion on that. Yes. Okay. Okay. I'll have to I will include all of those. Mhm. In it after. Yeah. Okay. If we just put the 6.17 temporary, right? Yeah. So, does someone want to do a motion? Yeah, I'll do the motion. 6.17 temporary. Okay, we have a motion. Is there a second? I'll second. Second. Is there any more discussion? All those in favor say I.

I.

I. Motion carries. Okay. Then for the application, uh Tina, she would be long March Mind's daughter. And so they purchased the vacant lot and or Fiberg on the north end of Bryant Avenue. And so they are proposing to build a 40x 60 foot shop with living quarters. And the site itself is 3 acres. Um it's zoned commercial and so it would have like the residential use, the commercial and the conditional use permit. And so and they're planning to build the project in two phases. First would be the shell and then the second phase would be the living space. And so they're um so they the zoning board approved it with a 2year conditional use permit. And so it's just your shop. Half of it or not quite half is living space and then the other half is garage space and it'll be on the north end of the 3 acre lot.

Is there any intent to change it back to residential instead of commercial? Well, I suppose um I mean that would be a question. it residential and commercial is is okay, but if they somebody did want to have it as a shop, then they would have to get permission to have it like the commercial business. So, you can have residential and commercial, but you can't have commercial and residential. So, in a way, it's kind of like I was thinking for a tax base for them for residential. Well, unless there is business. Um, well, part of the building that would be used for residential would be classes residential. Oh. Oh,

yeah. Cuz it only got changed on that part of it. Okay. Just want that. That's good. So, do we have to make a special a motion on that or all of them together or how? Well, these vote individually. Okay. Yep. because all the conditions are different for each one. And so, and usually like for us, like conditional use permits, they're it's a one-year deal, but since it'll be built over time, we'll just give them a 2-year expiration. So, we have 2026-11 Siz LLC 2-year conditional use permit.

I move to approve 20261, you said. Okay, we have a motion. You want me to stop sharing Mara or? No, that's okay. Okay, we have a motion for that. Is there a second? I'll second.

Second. Any more discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Motion carries. The next application and Mark Henik um who's the consultant for this project, he's online. So if you have any questions, um he's there. But Verizon Wireless has an application to install cell phone antennas on a light pole on top of the hill on the on the musical hill. And so it'll look just like a light pole, but then the antennas extend up just a little bit higher. And then the total height is 33.9 ft for the infrastructure for the light pole. So just barely outside of the 33 ft um hillside ridge line overlay requirements, but there like this is an example of the existing light poles that are out there and then it's on the south end of the musical hill just south west of the maintenance shirt. And so the light fixture, this is where the lights typically end is right here. And then this is the new antennas that are on top. So it's not anything that outrageous as far as like a light bulb goes, but it'll give better coverage for the top of the shelf for communications. And then these were the poll was approved with the conditions that we would grant them like a a 0.9 height

restriction exception. Uh and then the light fixtures would have to stay dark sky friendly which is what they are right now. Those are the two conditions on this one. So, it says there the city zoning was April 21st. Did they approve it then? Well, that's cuz I didn't hear.

Are we sure they did? I I sent us a message, but um I'm assuming so. I mean really it's like both both um jurisdictions have to approve it and so if if the city paused it then it's but on our side of it I'm good but yeah it still has to go through both boards but

Oh yeah I forgot to so all so these next ones are all ETC too the foundation ones are in the ETZ and this one's in the ETZ. So on our end, everything is okay until the city, you know, if the city pauses it, then the project gets paused. But I don't think I never heard it. I didn't hear anything either. So

So we need a motion to approve this with the recommendation or with the conditions. I'll make a motion to accept it. I'll second it. I have a second. Is there any more discussion? All those in favor say I. I.

I. Motion carries. Okay. Then the next project, this is a fairly large project. Um it's a redevelopment of the rancherama site east of Madora and so TRMF they're moving well not really moving they're they're going to stop the or demo the existing ramp uh riding stables on the north side of I94 business loop and then they're moving all their they're going to re build and redesign the riding stables to where the rancheroma rodeo site is on the south side of finance for business. And so there's going to be a new um horse stable and a new twotory mixed use building and a garage that would be mixed use too. Where the the two buildings that are mixed use would be an office space on the main floor with apartments up above and then the garage on the main floor with apartments with an apartment up above. So, it's it's kind of a smart project. They're um integrating housing with their development, which is which is a smart idea for right now, which and then they have an another open area that they're going to have for events, like outdoor event space. So, this is the site plan. And so the yellow is the new construction for the buildings. So the big one that looks like a eye. This is the riding stables. The smaller one is the garage. And then the larger one is the riding stable building that has three apartments on those. And then the

triangle area where basically the existing arena is right now. That'll be an open grassy area that would or parking for outdoor events. So, this kind of shows a little bit. And then they'll have a new riding arena closer to the stables and then parking down below. And then there's one existing horse stall that would still be left on site, but for the most part, everything on Ranch Roma site is going to get demoed and replaced. And so this is a rendering of the event space where they would have a stage, possibly fire pit, petting zoo, and outdoor seating. And then this is the office building. So when people come in for the riding stables, they'll learn about they'll have a classroom space and office space, restrooms, and then up above is a three three onebedroom apartment for staff and then this is the office building. And then this is a rendering of the garage. So it's a garage on the main floor and then this would be a larger apartment. It would be a three bedroomedroom apartment on the second floor. So, more of like the manager's quarters. This is the garage floor plan and the horse barn. Um, be mostly open. And then this is a rendering for when you would come down the I94 business would be from from the on the south side. And so city did review this one on April 21st. I don't know what the status was, but this is a larger project. And so smaller projects, you know, they can stop at the

zoning board, but this is a larger project that they're also requesting to possibly tie into city sewer and water. So this one goes to city council, too. And so I've been keeping caps on that one. But um cuz the one thing for this project, they're not sure on whether or not they'll have a septic and drain field systems or if they're going to be able to tie into city sewer and water, which is up in the air right now, current capacity. And so that's one of our conditions. Um there's going to be a lot of ground disturb. So we control plan would be required. They would have to submit their final documentation on what they're going to do for their water and sewer whether it's through self health and selfless water for septic and drain fields or city of the door for city conditions that's still up there. Then the other conditions, the apartments, we want to preserve um the housing capacity in town. And so the apartments for the riding stables will be used for employee or long-term rental housing and not short-term rentals or guest lodging until we have a stable housing market in the door which sounds um and then TRMF they'll coordinate with the forest service and they already said that they're going to do this but I just wanted to make sure that was part of the conditions is that because they do have developed trails on the north side of I94 But you don't want to see people crossing the road to use those horse the existing trails. So everything would be on the south side of I94 business loop and the trails would be um pushed out to the east and clar said that they're working on something with the forest service on that. Lighting fixtures since it's um close town and we wouldn't be considered a recreational district for

the county. They'd have to be dark friendly. Landscaping also would be complimentary to the site for native grasses, shrubs, and trees. That's a requirement of the recreational district. And then seven, they'll coordinate with the city fire department for fire protection needs since they're in that first half mile ETZ area. And then if they do need to improve the approaches that come off of I94 business loop to the site cuz there's one approach on um by the bridge that cuts over the creek and then there's that other one kind of on the north end that comes down and so they need to improve any of those approaches. So those are the eight conditions for this project. guys have any question and I'll keep tabs on this one because this one is a major big project that we'll have to get city services.

Okay. So 2026-14 and I conditions is everyone understand or got any questions? Someone want to make a motion for that? I'll make that motion. There's a motion. Is there a second? I'll second. We have a second. There's no more discussion. Um, all those in favor say I. I.

I. Motion carries. Okay, the last one from TRM. It's on the west side of the river where they want to build the new Western Heritage Arena cuz the Rancharam Arena is going away. And then this spot is earmarked for the Western Heritage Arena site. And so right now the application is just for dirt work. They don't have an actual application for the arena itself, but they need to do site work and part of it is for to have like extra parking during the library event. And so they're doing they need um to flatten areas and this is the most recent master plan that they have. And these areas that are in blue, they're they say that they'll be commercial. And then the green area would be the recreational zoning district. These are not set in stone right now either because we don't have an actual platform. But this will be coming down the pipe, too. And then they'll have to dedicate easements for the roads that come through and that hasn't come through. But right now, they just want to do dirt work.

Why do they need an application to move the dirt on their property? Well, I don't really know. probably cuz like the city would probably make us move the dirt. I mean any sort of new construction that it's like um usually we don't require dirt work but since it is kind of like a pre um construction for this western heritage arena we do want to have them at least do like make sure that they have a weed control plan in place because they're going to so much dirt

that weeds will be a problem and dust is going to be a problem. So, we put conditions on there for that it's for grading and site work only. Weed control plan is needed. Dust control plan is needed and then they would have to um apply for a major subdivision prior to anything else being approved at that location. But it mostly it was kind of like TMF's notifying us of like where this construction project is kind of getting in the works and then for the summer it'll be at least flat enough for extra parking.

Okay. Is there a number on that one to approve or do we just 2026-16 with conditions? And they did notify you showed the picture of what the plan was kind the preliminary plan. Yeah. Yeah. And we've seen pieces of that project. Yeah. With the Western Heritage is that they don't have the design ready or anything like that. Okay. Well, we need a motion for number 16, you said, right? I'll make that motion.

We have a motion. Is there a second? I'll second. Second. Is there any more discussion? All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries.

Okay. And then that's it for the slides. I do have two approach permits or well, they're not approach permits. They're construction and the rightway permits. want and they're both for the library foundation. One is for building or putting up signs within the rideway along Chatau Road and the other one is to lower utility lines underneath Chatau Road cuz Shadow Road is our rideway now. And so ARW is coming into play. until the signage one was approved with the conditions that all signs must follow the MUT CD standards, which I did have a note on what that meant, but it's like the traffic control standards,

manual on uniform traffic control devices. Okay. Yeah, I had to Google that one cuz he just wrote the Pat just wrote this um abbreviation. So they had a teach Yeah. And so it's for, you know, some of it's the signage for the library, permanent signage.

Yeah. A lot of it's permanent signage. Yep. And some is traffic control signage, but for the most part, it's on the edge directing um it's information for getting people to the library. So most of them are they have scale people here. So they're mostly like you know height of a person and some of these are just on the library property itself and some of them are on the edge of the rideway like they don't have one that's and then they have locations on like where they would be. And for the most part, they're just right on the the very east or west edge of the road, like on the on the edges.

Question. Who who's installing these signs? I don't not the company. Okay. No, no, it be the whoever. They are. Okay. Yeah. Not us. So if there's it's their signs that they're installing, what happens? Well, I think maybe this is through the identities an accident occur that's all covered and then and then we done before, right? Mhm. Okay. Just probably cover those long those

Okay. any more uh and then the I guess the other one for the electrical line and then they have the light poles and stuff and or some of the signs might have a little bit of light on them for people to read at night. Um and then so they'll be boring under the road in a couple of spots for electrical lines and they're boring under the road so that's that's following the rules too. Yeah, a couple of signs like when you get closer to the top of the hill, they'll be they'll be lit. So, they have like down lighting and stuff so you'll be able to read.

I do approve the ARWs. Do we have to do them separately or AR we've done as lump sum? Okay. could just add it to it. Okay. All right. So, we have a motion on the table to approve them. Is there a second? I'll second it. Can the audience ask any questions here? Well, yeah. I guess if you stand up, you have a question.

I just wondering how much acreage is out here where they're going to level that off. uh for the Western Heritage site. I haven't. Are they going to do it before the 4th of July or after? I would say it's probably before the 4th of July. A lot of it's going to be before. Could they turn that into a parking lot and let that Fryberg parking lot out in the middle of the cow pasture go? That's a question for the

library planning people. Yeah, I know they're selling uh packages, the foundation is for certain uh events or like ticketed items and then some of that includes the parking. So there won't be a huge amount of public parking available out there. I know that it's going to be more private for what the foundation has and uh so yeah, I just don't think there' be the capacity there. Pat, just just question. Yep, absolutely. Okay. Okay. Any more questions on our motion now? Any more concerns?

And we have a second, right? Yeah. All right. All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries. That's all I have.

Okay. Tax assessments are almost finished and we'll be sending out notices of assessment to everybody this year, not just notices of increase. So, who knows what county board of equalization, city board of legalization when I sent those out, we didn't have anybody from the public. So, hope that cuz there's a new process for notifying the public of their assessments now. like everybody gets um a notice and then it's like sending out like tax statements but they're just assessment notices. So when do you do assessing?

When do you do it? Well, whenever it's like we have like our whole database and so like right now we've just finished up the new construction and then if we do have to make any market changes for the rest of the county parcels then if they change then there's a notice that goes out or it'll it'll say the 2025 assessment and the 2026 assessment and then it'll have the boards of equalization on the paper and then So to see how that goes. This is a the first year of that. This was something that was done in the 25 sessions. So yeah, fun stuff. Okay.

Okay. Thanks. Well, thank you, Stacey. Yep. Um, let me see here. Well, I guess the only thing we have left is you guys, but then we got Jared. So, and you too. Yeah. So, whoever wants to go first is a matter.

Okay. for public use. Actually, that's a park service term, I guess, but it's my monthly report. Yeah. What did you call it?

Public use. Public use. Then here is uh see the cost that we have incurred related to the American 250th for Steve's request. So that and then here is the cost estimates too that we had initially So, if we start with my monthly report, we were up about 20 calls from last April, April of 2025. So, it's kind of been the trend lately. It seems like we've been consistently uh a little above last year's numbers. If you guys have any questions on that report, maybe I'll get into those other documents at the end, but I can just go through some of the highlights. um continuing to work uh on planning and logistics related to the upcoming grand opening of the the library and the

America 250th event. Um we've had two uh well attended tabletop exercises. I know Kyle had mentioned that on the 23rd we had people from all over the state really that showed up for it. So that was kind of exciting to see and our local volunteers had a good showing from them too. Um but overall feedback was pretty positive as far as our preparation. You can always learn something from these and I think communications which we're working on related to uh the communications plan. I think we'll address some of those um comments or whatever. But overall very positive. April the 27th, we had our second community meeting and it was well attended. It was pretty much a full house. Uh again, positive feedback. Um like I said before, we've been planning for this thing for well over a year now. And I think we'll we'll be in pretty good shape. Uh it's just a matter of uh kind of getting everybody together and make sure that the resources that I've pledged that they're going to be here will be here. And I think I don't think that's going to be a problem. Um, so we're continuing just to kind of shift gears and in related to some of the expenditures and then also the uh the original cost estimate that came back. Um, so I know there's questions on toilets and wash stations. Uh, the initial cost related to city county, the projection was 124,000. Actually, that is down to zero because the library is actually paying for those for both the city, the county. Um, the garbage was to be determined and the library is actually paying for that too for the city and uh so they they stepped up related to to those costs.

Um the food for the first responders, uh we had estimated 78,000 for that currently in negotiations. Basically, the sheriff's office is coordinating the food and the lodging for EMS, fire, and all the first responders. So, I kind of took that on. Um, so, uh, I'll probably have a a better idea where we're at next month related to that number. Um, lodging, the original lodging came in at $146,430. We currently negotiated that down to approximately 97,000. And basically any of the state agencies that are participating, which they're included in that number, they're paying for their own though. So the state will be picking up their their lodging costs. Um, and basically the House Bill 1018, there was a million dollars that was set aside. None of that money has been spent. So, our intent all along is has to be, you know, getting reimbursed related to uh those monies. Um, is it going to cover everything? I hope so, but I don't know. You know, um, we're still I mean, we've been communicating with the governor's office and we've got assurances, you know, from him directly that whatever we need for manpower and it's state employees, they'll be here and the state's going to cover it. So I think I felt much better after meeting with uh with him on that. Um let's see. Also, we're going to resubmit with the recent events that's happened in Washington DC. we were resubmitting our SEIR application and we were told all along basically that where it came out came back initially that was my discussions with Senator Hoben's office uh and his staffers or whatever but

based on the recent events or whatever we're going to resubmit that package so we'll see if we can you know get any federal resources that'll be involved with that. So, I think we're trying to make the burden on the county and the city uh as as less as we can or to keep that as as minimal, but it's it's a large event and uh you know, we knew going into it there was going to be cost. But um and through discussions with the library on that House Bill 10:18, they've kind of, you know, they've stepped back and basically said, well, that's for the security of the event. And I know the foundation has also taken on kind of a lion share of the Chimney Park activation and everything downtown here uh with uh they'll have an event stage basically on Third and Third right by the Rough Rider. Um there'll be steep street closure there. The cow hall of fame will there will be a stage there. The Andress stage there will be an activity there. So um they're going to have some cost which we we had felt too it's a public safety issue to disperse the crowds to have them at two separate locations. So, um I would assume they're going to, you know, and and they should they should get some money related to, you know, the states, uh House Bill 10:18, but I guess none of those uh costs have been submitted. Um I know Kyle's been submitting a lot of um requests, resource requests, equipment requests through web EOC, so all that stuff's being tracked. Um, I guess I try to spend money like it's my own. I I don't want to do any frivolous purchases, but at the same time, uh, there is equipment. Uh, and I think we should use technology and we'd

be foolish not to just to provide for the safety of the public and basically our local citizens that will be living here in the area. So, I don't know if there's any uh specific questions or comments or concerns, but I'd love to answer any questions. Oh, it's just good to see all these numbers and have an idea of who's responsible for what is is my biggest thing. Yep.

Okay. And I know all along, I mean, I've been speaking with my portfolio holders. So, I mean, kind of keeping Jim up to speed what we got going on. And Dean, I don't think the chairman's missed a meeting yet, actually, from uh some of our coordination meetings. So, I think the county's been very well in tune and communicated as far as where we're at. So, and I welcome any calls or whatever at any time. So, okay. Thank you.

Thank you. You don't need a motion to approve something? I don't think so. I'll push the easy button today. I think I need somebody to like keep track all my papers here at all. All right. Do yours in. Good afternoon, chairman and commission. Um the first item I'll talk about today is I have three total I guess. Um first item is the project for the East River Road shared east path from south end of Madora to the Sol Creek State Park Recreation Area. That bids on Friday. Um we'll evaluate those bids and come in January, we'll come to the commission if you guys want to accept or proceed with that project at that point in time. Um the second item on my list and I see it's also an agenda item further on you guys were selected for transportation alternatives funding on that and what that is the state covers um or fed federal government covers 81% of the con construction costs. you guys would be responsible for preliminary engineering, construction engineering, um any easements, and the 19% of the overall construction costs. Um I submitted a letter and I don't know if that's included package or not.

I emailed it to you guys, but I didn't print it. I don't think overall the total, you know, this is estimated dollar amounts, but DOT would be covering 1 almost 1.4 4 million and Billings County would be responsible for approximately $710,000. How much is Billings County?

7712,000. These are estimated costs. You know, obviously with construction cost, but um what we need, I guess, at the end of this is whether or not you guys will be in acceptance of receiving this funding by May 22nd, I believe. Um and letting the state know we are in acceptance of those funds. So we need a motion for that I guess. And which project is this for? I missed that part. It's from Salt Lake Creek State Park to the Bully Pulpit Golf Course. There will be Sharpies path along East River Road. Oh to continue it. To continue. Oh, so I should have explained that earlier on.

Yeah. This for you guys to look at here. I didn't see that. She said she emailed it. I didn't see that. I didn't see I didn't see it. She must have forgot. I didn't Oh, she recall it. I would have printed off copies. I assume she's

Yeah, she's getting Thank you. That's where next.

This would be for 2028 construction. So the just to be clear, it'll start at the Soy Creek Trail Head where the other one ends. Correct. And that's being done this summer. Correct. It'll be completed by um we had to extend the completion date until June of next year because of the manufacturing of the um steel bridge. But the bridge.

Yeah. So that one won't be. We have completion date of June 13th of 2027. Okay. And then it'll go, it says here it goes to East River Road, Bible Camp Road, Bully Pulpit. So where will it end exactly?

It will end at the entrance of the bullying golf course. Okay. Okay. So, we need to have a motion on this proposal to get the stuff moving forward, right? Correct. Yep. Whether or not you guys are going to accept the grant funding for this project. So, that means if we accept it, that means we are on board. Do we want to do it or can we decide later?

That means you would be on board to do it. I guess I mean I didn't know we ever talked about doing this. No,

that's why I guess I'm going to throw it out there. Do we want to do it for even though they're going to throw in that much money but still 700,000 for a walking path? I mean, we can use other things in the county to do go on too. The only thing I'll say on this second phase of the shared use path is it'll with that new event center going on down on the um foundations land down there. It'll tie that together when they do build the road. Eventually, they're going to have to build a road through there. and the road is wide enough to include a shared use path in their design. They would tie all that together to keep people off the road from walking, biking, etc. The reason the first phase of the um trail was put in is to keep them from getting hit on the hill to get, you know, sunlight, people walking down that hill all the time. It's a safety issue. just to continue it why we submitted.

Yeah, that was the main reason. I recall that. Yeah. Yeah. And then from the golf course over to their wedding venue that would be on the foundation foundation. I'm sure they'll have Well, I'm okay with this proposal, but um yeah, listen to pass on it. You want to I will read to it.

Oh, it's fine. I just want us to discuss it because it's just like whether we wanted it or not. I mean, yeah, it just was like, oh, let's go forward with But I mean, yes, there's reasons for it, but it's a lot of cost share. That's great, but yet still plenty of money. And that's an estimate. I mean, until it's really bid. So, would there be a chance of more um grant money of some sort though too down the road? This is like two years down the road.

Correct. Um we did put in for flex funding as part of this cycle. Um previous cycle to cover when you did the first phase you guys did get flex funding for the preliminary engineering cost along this. Um I do believe there would be other opportunities to explore. Um in fact this would be wind up with the next round of flex funding too where we could put in an application at that point in time to cover um that gap in construction costs. since this is going to 28 construction. So, well, I guess I I would make a motion that we uh move forward with this uh what are we going to call it? acceptance of the TU funding

of the toward the shared use plan. So, I'll make that motion. Is there is there a second? I'll second it. We have a second. Is there any more discussion? You probably could call it phase two on there, too. Yeah. Look forward to phase two. Yeah. Yeah, it says it on this paper. Okay. No, no more discussion. All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carried.

The last item um is regarding the Buffalo gap extension project. Um as Missy has said earlier, we met two weeks ago regarding that project with both road superintendent from each county and also Kalej had representatives there along with us and roads engineering. Um the meeting went really well and Forest Service is in fact taking on a lot more responsibility and studies that they than they typically do. Um so once we got that meeting concluded um we are going to meet on site on Thursday this week to go over and pick an alignment as Misty had stated. Um with that we had a more defined scope and um us and KLJ came up with a new scope of work to to continue that design and complete these environmental studies of this project. Uh preliminary engineering activities on this will include um survey utilities and the legal rightway. Um and then the environmental surveys will consist of the ARY and also wetland delineation on here. Um we'll also do some preliminary u alignment design to come up with estimated construction costs along with determining which structure will be going in at the caning creek crossing. So that's what's included in this task order and I don't know if that was included as part of the package or not. Okay. So would you have to present this to go valley county how many two then?

No, that is in your packet to to sign later. It's a task order. Task order. This one along with the bills. Oh, no. It's with the bills. I can print that if I did send it out to you. But this does include the cost that were that 20,000 that we presented at the April commission meeting. That does include that. The total amount in here does include that $20,000. Okay. And you're going to go over to Golden Valley, correct? Yeah, I know.

How did Jared, how did the did you guys get the joint powers agreement? determined. Yes, it's in the packet for the commissioners to sign or approve and then um Christina Waco for Golden Valley County has approved uh what's presented and then both counties will just need to sign it. Um as indicated, the point man will be the uh ro superintendent for both counties and it should cover everything else. Have you seen a copy yet? Uh I have not but it can come after the meeting too. So

we uh what time does B County start? They started at 9:00 this morning and they were scheduled at 11 for the this discussion. So okay, but sorry. Um, Marcia, what do you think that we should sign it and send it with Gail to take over there now? The original or just email it over to I can email it to Tam. What? Cuz I thought Christina had it. She does it. It would just the way it's signed in and duplicate

on this. They can sign the original two sign in in two parts. That's fine. Okay. Yeah, that would work. Thank you. Thank you.

Pat to do the opening 11.

Yeah. So, did uh do you have anything anybody else for your report? Yeah, we'll have more. But I think we have to have open. I know.

She had these. They were waiting out there. Are we on that or just keep opening? Right. I think we can uh It's It's after 11. So, we can do it. Is that right on my No, it's 11:07. So,

okay. So, I got some midcaps holder here. Yep. Thank you.

Yeah. But thanks everybody for coming. This is a bid opening to the 2026 Bobby Cleusion project. So in this one there was no addendum issued. Then we'll start checking the bonds or contractor license and bid bonds. Good. This one says it's valid until March 1st of 2026. Is there an extension?

Uh yes, I believe. Um that should be current actually. Um I guess uh is there a way that will get that document after today or is that going to be a situation? Um I guess their their license just said it's valid until March 1st the 26th. Is there any way that you can call somebody and have them get it over here? Sure. Before the everything's done. Sure. Yeah, I can make a phone call here.

I'm not for who for Troder Construction. So we'll just we'll just open this is this is sundre. So they got their bid bond and they got their contractor license. So this first bit sundry sand and gravel. Their total bid is $63,750. 603750. 0 This next one is gravel products. They have their bid bond. They have their contract. So this is gravel products. Their total bid is $479,550.479550.

0. Next one's Wick. Got the bid bond. Yeah. And they've got there aim should be good. And their bid for Wire Construction is $325,000 even 32500. 0 Um, this one's Fisher Sammy Gravel. So, they've got their bid bond here. They got their license.

This is Fisher sand and gravel. Their total bid is 314,400 314 400. 0. And then I I guess there's that troder bid. um at the license. I guess they didn't put the right one in here.

Yeah. I'm looking is Is there u if they're published with the uh with the state or not? Sure. Yeah, it says they're active and in good standing. I just looked it up. Yeah, I I do see that as well. I just a paperwork error, I'm guessing. But um uh so it is current for 27. Uh I'm actually waiting on the email, but we do have verification. It's should be good to go. There was just a misprint.

Yeah, I I do see that uh the same annual date as of March 1st of 27. So they are as March. So, they are in good standing. So, they do have a contractor's license. Okay. Then we can open that. In the past, they've made a motion to wave a regularity. Uh that would be fine. Um would the commission make a motion to wave the irregularity of not having that uh contractor's license here today upon verification as as indicated.

I'd move to prove that ver or irregularity irregularity in this bid opening to open Troder's bid. I'll second it. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. I.

I. Motion carries. Go ahead. Open troder construct food. So their bid is $864,959.99.864959.99 864 959.99. I think that's all the bids and it looks like Fishers I think was low bid.

So what I like to do is look at them. Yeah. What I like to do is is take the bids and review them. Uh, you know, our estimate was around 360. It's kind of a wide range of bids. Um, but I mean, Fiser's done a lot of crushing and so I think they're a reputable contractor. So, I'd like to at least um we can review the bids and if if you guys feel comfortable ordering pending our review um with us and the road supers reviewed and recommendation um I'm good with that.

Yep. Okay. So, we need a motion though. Pending review, right? Oh, okay. Want to make that motion? I'll make that motion. Have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries.

Well, thank you and thank everyone for the interest in

Yeah. Thank you all for coming. Morning commissioners. Just a couple updates on uh couple active uh projects. Uh probably start with the 135th project over by Fryberg. Uh you probably seen in your packet we did have a pay estimate prepared on behalf of uh Jensen Brother. So we're recommending payment uh for that project. Uh as far as a schedule goes um they are making progress. It's It's slower than what I think all of us would would like, but uh we're expecting they're going to finish the grading operation sometime later this month. Following the grading, they'll start with the cement uh treated subgrade operation. We think that's going to be sometime middle of June when they'll finish that. They might have some cleanup uh to do after that, but I would say middle or or end of June um that project should be done for the grading phase. Um, I know we've kind of talked about it off and on for a couple years. We applied for flex funding for the paving portion of that project. Uh, we did not receive any, uh, flex funding for the project. Um, but if you did want to pave that perhaps this year even now that we know that the grading is going to wrap up in the next month to 6 weeks, we could prepare uh plans for the paving phase to be constructed this year. Um,

if you choose uh to do that, uh, we've actually kind of start on the plan. So, um, whenever you're ready to to move to the paving phase, we we can get those plans ready ready to bid. Um, any questions on on that project? What is an estimate on the the paving part? You know, we looked at those numbers yesterday again. I think we're around 1.6 to 1.7 uh million dollars for the construction phase of the paving. Is it two miles or not? It's two miles. Yep. Yep. And no funding as of now.

It doesn't seem like No, we've kind of uh exhausted I think we applied two times for the flex funding. So I think this would all be unless Pat has any other ideas. I think this would all be local funding. Okay. Unless anybody else have any more questions? I think we need to uh he's got a list going of other roads that need upgrading and paving and whatever. So, we're just going to add this to the

pile. I'm just letting you know kind of what the number is. Like I said, I know we've talked about it off and on for years, right, in preparation of or or in the hopes of flex funding. Um it doesn't seem like that that u is is the case. So how thick would it be in that case for that road

pavement? You know, I think the asphalt was either 6 or 6 and 1/2 in depth. Um on top of I want to say about 10 in of gravel and below that would be the symmetry of subgrade. So the the paving uh portion would be um mostly the asphalt only and like an inch or two of gravel. The rest of it that cost is covered in the uh rating operation that's going on now. Okay. Okay. Um, second project uh update. I think think at the last meeting we're a little uncertain on that bid opening date for the BC bridge. Uh, the DOT has switched the funding a little bit. They switched the bid opening date to July. Um, I think it was around July 20th or something like that. So, uh I think the the local costs are going to be the same except they they switched the funding to uh more of a federal funding versus state funding. The state funding had apparently ran out, but they did find a pot of money for for federal funding. So, we're kind of gearing up for a July bid open date for that which construction this year. Any questions? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. So crews have been holding the stock pile. They pulled on the 41st, 123rd, 18th, 15th, 124th, 133rd, 121st, and 126th. Um, they've been touching up some dust control spots, blading as the weather permits, fixed a few approaches with the bigger equipment in the farming

industry. We've had to widen a couple approaches and looking for material. Um, we have found some material, been working with land owners to get leases signed. the three Western Star trucks showed up and be working on getting the other three trucks ready for auction to go. I did talk to Hayrick here. He plans to start end of the month on the mouse pit. The monster pit was reated. They kned that in. And then Magpie, Buckhor, and the Krebs corner were seated. There were projects done last fall that needed to be seated. Um, Load Pass held a meeting recently about changing the permit fees. We're not sure how it's going to affect the county yet, but they're moving to a damage base permit fee instead of per axle. So the more axles you have, it would have less damage impact on the roads. So it would cost less. But if you have less axle than you should have, it would cost a lot more. So we'll see what it looks like. They're testing it right now. Then we did find some skoria up on some land that Steve Buren owns. There is a power line running right through the middle of it that would need to be moved. I visited with Rough Rider Electric. It cost about $41,000 is the estimate to move the power line to get to the ScorI. There's potentially an estimated 20,000 yards on the conservative side. Um

just looking for an approval on that. I'd like to get a lease agreement signed as long as you're all right with moving the power line. The cost of getting skoria up to that area from the oil use pit is about $15 a yard. This would only add $2 a yard to the overall cost of the skoria. I think it's a good idea to move forward moving them lines. We got no material in North Ena County and it's expensive to truck it up there and he's on the conservative side. I visited with them. Maybe we could end up with Boris Cory there. Maybe not. But it's a good location. So moving in line sounds expensive, but it's cheap at the end.

41,000, right? Yep. Okay. And there might be some cost say that's on the high side. There might be a little bit we can save when they do it, but he said on the most it would cost should be about 41,000. So does that kind of add a little bit of cost when they're crushing there then too as far as dealing with that line? Do you think it'll add line and then we'll crush and it'll be completely out of the way? Oh, they they'll remove it too. Yep. They'll move the line completely. Okay. Reroute it and then that'll leave the whole knob to do whatever we need to do. It'll eliminate the hazard. I didn't know if they'd leave the old way.

The location is right on the edge of a the corner of four sections and it's a knob and the power line runs up to the top of the hill and then it goes underground right on the other side of the fence. It's in a weird location. Rough rider didn't understand why it had been done that way, but it was. So they'll skirt the base of the hill along the oil field road that's there. And then if they don't have to bore the road, it cheapen it up.

So do we have like sail bridges spit? Y do we have to we have somebody that will crush that or do we have to Wyrick is lined up to crush that when he gets to the area? I have a question. I'm not changing plans, but is there a way we can get Wyrick to start at the north end of the county and work south so we can get some material out there instead of working south going north? His equipment's over by the mouse pit now. And so he was going to start that and then I was going to have him jump over to the overage pit and then work his way from there. So, if we got this power line, did they have an estimated time they were going to move it?

He said if we decide we're going to do it, they could get to it in the next few weeks. They kind of have an opening. I said I'd let them know. I would like to have a signed lease before we move a power line. At least if Steve signs it, it's in our hands and then we can sign it at the next meeting or have a brief special meeting if we had to. But yeah, it has to be done. Yeah, I know. But but you still had to plan for this too. So this all happened yesterday. I found out the cost and whatnot. Okay. So,

so do we have to have a motion for this to move forward or we just say yes to I think that's just direction to the Yeah, I think so too motion until there's a a lease sign until there's a lease. Yeah, sounds good. I guess that's all I had unless you had any other questions. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thanks.

Okay. Jerry um just briefly on the election. Uh a couple of topics. Um as was set out in the public comment period. Um there's been a couple questions about what happens if the ballot measure uh to increase the commission to five members, what what are the steps and and who would be appointed, how would they be appointed, all those types of things. Um basically the the changing of the the number of county commissioners addresses in in itself in that same chapter of the century code how that process works. Um there is another chapter um about redistricting. They they're similar but they're different. Um if the election dictates that there's going to be a five member board, uh essentially what would happen within 10 days after canvasing is completed, um the county commissioners uh themselves would redistrict the county into five districts. Um the there's there's other language in the Century Code regarding, you know, a more formal redistricting process that has to do with u a proper, you know, number um you know, for equal population, you know, continuity and compactness of the five districts. Uh those things should be taken into consideration. But in any event, within 10 days of canvasing and certifying the election results, uh the county commissioners would meet to

redistrict the county into five uh individual districts and then the county commissioners along with the auditor would then appoint two new commissioners. um they would be appointed uh by the commission and the auditor to to fill that role until the next general election in which case those appointed individuals could run or others could run you know for those districts. Um the yeah so the two new commissioners are not elected initially they're they would be appointed. Um there was some rumors about all five commissioner positions being at large. Um that is not contemplated generally speaking. Uh it it could happen if multiple attempts at redistricting fail. But uh for the time being it would be um appointment until the next general election for those. Um there's there's a separate again century code statute that talks about redistricting. Um the the premise of the redistricting would need to kind of contemplate this initial one, the the streamlined version would need to be uh in consideration of that again the equal population of the five districts you know plus or minus 10%. Um if that's not possible or not feasible um again as a last resort later uh by my understanding that there could be at large elections but that

there is another portion of the law that requires um a petition I believe to be a ballot measure then for at large of of all the districts. Um but again that's not until much later if all redistricting uh purports to fail. So um I don't know if there's any any questions or discussion on that. But from a a clarification standpoint just questions have been raised about you know the new commissioners. How would they be appointed? Are they elected? Are they at large? Do they have their own district? That's at least my understanding the way that it would work. Um, and again, this would be a fast-tracked process uh within 10 days following canvasing. Um the other question that's kind of come up is um one of the election u contests um the incumbent um Steve Clem, you know, has two challengers. Uh one of the challengers is a current county employee. uh questions have come up as to could that person hypothetically serve as a county commissioner and a full-time county employee. Um my opinion on that is no, not in and it's Kyle Shockley would have uh currently he's the um emergency management director. Uh he also serves on the as the chief fire chief for the uh fire department and then is a limited part-time deputy uh sheriff. Uh there are instances in in other counties where there has been some overlap in those job

descriptions. Um I guess I'm not going to get into too many details of you know can do this one, can't do that one, can do this one. We need to see first of all, you know, what the results of the election dictate and then, you know, can come on board with with more definitive um advice or directive uh at that point. But um an initial review of it would suggest the emergency management uh position would likely be a incompatibility of office. They don't call it a conflict as much as incompatibility uh just because of being a full-time public employee, I'm sorry, a full-time county employee. Um that would potentially cause some some issues. Um the fire department, uh that's its own separate issue. And again, sheriff, but we'll one thing needs to happen before we get too deep into it. But um at that stage, I just wanted some clarification because there have been questions as to how how current full-time county employee can run for a county commissioner position. But we'll cross that bridge if and when we get there if needed.

Could you explain the fire chief position and and a commissioner if there is or isn't problem there? I would need to look into that a little bit more, but my understanding is the the fire department has its own board. Um, you know, who the fire chief answers to the board. Um, so I'm less clear on, you know, how that would play into it. Um, and then again, if there are if there is a five member commission, um, an individual could abstain from voting you know, on certain matters related to that, but it's not um again there a lot of hypotheticals, but there there would be some implications uh to being, you know, an employee. I I I think there are less concerns with a very part-time uh sheriff's deputy. I know that that has happened in Stark County uh in the past where a deputy was put on the board or elected to the to the county commission. um that particular individual, I think there was like a six-month overlap until he resigned from the sheriff's department in full. Um but then I think there was a change in the sheriff at that point, too. So in any event, um we have to to see what happens with the election first, but just because of the questions uh and concerns, that was the public uh advice or opinion that um an individual elected, you know, as a full-time county employee would not likely be able to keep each of those positions and still serve on the county commission board. That's just my opinion, but we would have to look at each one of them individually to determine if there is incompatibility and or any conflict of interest. Um, again, conflict of interest usually has

more to do with uh, you know, the financial benefit of some sort um, as opposed to just being a serving in in two roles. you know, the county commissioners have jobs, you know, outside of the county commissioner role, um, but usually not a full-time county employee position. So, unless there's any other questions or discussion on that, that's kind of my update. Um, as far as that was concerned, um, again with the the results of the June election, you know, are going to potentially create a lot more avenues for further discussions on on the things I've just mentioned. So basically from what I'm gathering is being there as a fire board he'd be okay with that. I'm just saying if it moves forward it gets there but the DEM you'd almost have to give that up is what I'm gather and if I may say um cuz I know Steve wanted this on the agenda that would be my intention. We don't even know what the election looks like. We got till November. Um, so I'm kind of

find out where this is even an issue yet. I guess resign as the fire board is governed under or the fire chief is governed under a different board and my deputy position that's under the sheriff that's policy and law guided. I mean there's there's nothing there. So that would be my intention. I'm not here to debate. Oh, I just want to state that uh the reason I wanted an agenda was people ask I want the the the answer for everybody to hear so I'm not spreading or he isn't spreading the wrong answer and that's why requested it.

Yep. And and it's similar to the uh the vote on the on the five member board as well. Um rumors and and misinformation can can spread easily. So um you know it's important to get the correct information or share the correct information. Um so again once once June happens we'll have a lot more clarity um and then you know can dive deeper into each of these at that time. Okay. Thank you.

And I think that's kind of it on the election updates. Otherwise, the the joint powers agreement we already talked about um the county is there. So,

you didn't make a motion on this earlier though. No, right here. So, uh so we kind of got to make a motion if we're going to if we decide we're going to go forward and go too and then it'll be put into place. Is that correct?

Yeah. And the other components of that um the Rose Engineering had indicated at I think it was the I guess it was the last monthly meeting um a similar joint powers agreement went into place between Dun County and McKenzie County. Um I didn't find that to be useful. So this is kind of a start from scratch joint powers agreement. um because both counties are that that other agreement that that uh Gail from Bros Engineering had mentioned had to do with a commitment of money uh from McKenzie to Dun and and this is a joint agreement uh for this joint project. Um essentially it the delineation or the the breakdown of costs and fees. The initial uh engineering fees and planning of the roadway would be split 50/50 between the counties. Uh and then once a a definitive roadway is uh determined then each county will be responsible for the construction cost of the roadway in its own county. Um, one thing that and this is mostly for for Patrick and and uh also the Golden Valley to be aware of and inform the engineers. Um, the costs would need to be itemized to to an extent that let's say that there's a bridge involved. You know, it's not going to be a 50/50 split of all um the total construction costs is not going to be 50/50. Um, I don't know if it's been said or discussed if it is going to be roughly 50/50 in each county, you know, for that roadway. That won't be known until the engineering is done. But, um, essentially what that

agreement indicates is construction costs in the respective counties are going to be born of the counties. Engineering fees to get to the construction phase will be split equally. So if there would be a, you know, a bridge or something that's much more expensive in one county or the other, the county is going to have to be responsible for that in their own company and the uh the agreement as presented, you know, has been approved um as to forming substance by Golden Valley's uh states train already.

This project is all on Forest Service property also, right? All the way. Yeah, I Well, pretty much. I mean, it's both counties, but it's Forest Service all the way. Or am I wrong? No, I think it is pretty much all the way. Yeah. So there there there is some language in there about easements and other things. That's just kind of a catch-all safeguard. That's that's why I saw that. Yeah. So in the event that there wasn't that there was private uh you know ownership that that was impacted because I I don't know if they are definitive on on where they're going to put that road yet.

Well, yeah. I think Thursday they'll maybe get a little bit more of an idea. So Okay. Well, I'm I'm fine with this agreement. You Yeah. You someone want to make a motion then? So move to approve the uh try powers agreement between county and Golden Valley. Okay. Buffalo Gap Road. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. We have a second. Any more discussion? An update. Uh, all those in favor say I. I.

I. Motion carries. Okay. Any more on your report? Uh, I don't believe so. You might official copy of this item later. Yeah, we can make a nice recovery of that.

Um, our last item is um a letter of support between the library and the National Park Service land swap. So, Ken, do you have a little bit of a short introduction on it so that we everybody kind of knows what we're talking about? Sure.

I think I said I sent uh a couple documents that you guys should have in hand. Um, and Rachel Daniels was supposed to be here. I don't think she is. But um um what what the National Park Service and the uh Presidential Library are looking at doing is doing a land swap. We have inholding lands now that are within the park that we privately own and we would swap that for some uh property here in the city of Madora. And uh the exact details are yet to be negotiated for what the size of those each of those pieces are going to be. It it's a it's a really lengthy process to go through to do something like that with the land swap. Um, but there is a secretarial or order from the uh Department of the Interior and in that order it requires that we have a letter of support from both the state of North Dakota and from the county and I have the uh Governor Armstrong has um written the letter of support on behalf of the state of North Dakota and um we'd be looking for something similar uh to that from Billings And uh I think the advantage to the to the park service is they won't have private property surrounded by park in the in the park anymore. They will they will own all the property. And as we're looking at the land swap, we want to work within with the park system on developing uh housing internally that both the parks and a library could be using um uh for maintaining housing for for staff and employees. And so, um, we would just like to get, uh, that letter of support as a part of

the formal process of getting this through, um, some type of proposed swap. We still got to, like again, there's appraisals are needed. We got to look at the pricing. We've got to make sure that the exchange meets all the federal requirements for doing something like that. This is just one step in that process. Will there be any more uh requests on this matter? I mean down the road cuz uh you I know there sounds like there's a lot of things not not that I know of. We got to do I mean by a lot of things we got to do a lot of environmental reviews, clearances of each land. do have to do uh yellow book appraisals and and uh uh I know there's more to that that I'm not privy to but or haven't personally been a part of. Um but this was just one of those important steps to get accomplished.

And then this is going to be from the county into the city. Is that correct? Or is that in the city limits or county limits right here? This is it a half a acre or whatever it is in town here. You know, I don't I'm not sure how that happens myself. Uh that you know, I gave I think a map of of what we had looked at. It could be smaller than that. It could be larger than that. It all depends on how the evaluation goes. And and so this is just one I know part of the process cuz is is it coming off the tax roles then? It's because out in the park it's in the tax rules, right?

Yeah. the park like the part that they're acquiring or they're doing a swamp on would be Norb's property that was always tactical in the park. And so you're going from an agricultural land valuation of badland soil site to and it's within city limits like that area. There's a map here.

Yeah, cuz city limits goes farther to the north. Like this is this is an old platted lots and blocks of the city of Madora. I forget the actual legal description, but city limits comes up about here. So, and so all of this is within city limits. So, this area would become taxable then, which is at a much higher tax rate than what they're paying in the park right now.

And the city would have to approve this too. the secretarial the order that came from the Department of the Interior was said only the the state of North Dakota and the counties and I don't know where that came from. I was just told that that's that's what's required by federal um statute or whatever it is.

So Stacy, right now does the park pay taxes on that or not? No. No. any anything that's owned by the park itself is not taxable. So yeah, we're going that property that's outside the park property that has a very small tax base and property that will have a very large tax base and this would end up being taxable if it ends up becoming a a housing project, you know, so it's it's a much more valuable property.

And I do want to stress the exact size of this is still in negotiations. We don't know until this moves further along cuz we've looked at smaller parts and we've looked at larger. It's just not set. This is This is the general area though that we're looking at. So, do do we need to make this motion for you to you and the park to move forward with your venture here or is this something that we have to do or

it's more of support but it's a letter of support but it is required within what that that order that came from the secretary of the interior and I just have no background to why the secretary made that decision or what it is. We are just complying with that as a part of the process cuz we think uh housing is a critical opportunity and having it here in Madora is something and and the parks need housing just as much as what we do and see it as internally for us is a win-win.

So if we're just doing a letter of support, it doesn't make a motion to do anything, does it? I would indicate that it I I if I I don't know what again just like Ken said he doesn't know what the secretary thought process was but I think it's just more of a county acknowledgement that this is you know in the works and and the county's aware of it and would have no strong objection as long as it meets federal guidelines and the rest. Oh, there you have it up there. Just the topic.

I don't know. Have you seen the one that the governor wrote?

Yeah, I see this here. it get you know obviously it gets into the specific it actually describes the property uh in there for both of them. And if that type of wording works for you, that's fine. If you if you need to modify it, whatever. But I mean, you you'd want a more than just um sentence. You'd want something like that. You know, I'd have to verify that with Rachel what they what they're what they require exactly, but this did suffice from as far as correspondence from the governor. So, something of that nature uh would certainly is workable. So, you think you can draft something like that or close to that or

I I think I'd want the board to determine what the reasoning behind it would be. Um, you know, and if if you want to go with that letter, I don't know if Jared would want to draft a letter of support or I just don't want to put something in it that's questioned later. Sure. So I mean as an example it just the last couple sentences the proposed exchange offers significant benefits for both federal and non-federal parties. The conveyance and acision of these lands will allow for the development of a park and community housing initiative addressing the shared housing shortage for national NPS and library staff as an example. That's what he saw as the advantage to doing this exchange. So if you want to look keep this and tailor it after that however you feel comfortable.

Sure. If if that's copy Yeah. then keep that and put something together. Um I guess the only thing that would be needed now is pending completion of the letter. Does the board want to issue a letter in support? That would be the question and then then we can work on the the wording of it

and or Ken, is there a timetable on this? I mean, this this letter from the governor was dated last September already. So, is there a timetable, you know, now? Maybe maybe we need to table this until Rachel can weigh in, you know, further.

The process the process is getting it's getting shorter at hand now because because of what you talked about it is it is getting longer. We're still within the original timeline. Um the uh with the exchange Rachel again working with another person from our office on the details of this um you know they're going through the process like I said getting the appraisal and doing the final negotiations of the exact property. Like I said this it this may it may be it's similar to this. It may be different. I mean it's not it's not precisely uh determined yet. But it's it's a lot of that depends on how the appraisals go to determine what that quantity would be. And then we are also looking at what type of housing options would fit on that property and uh what that uh uh could mean because the parks parts housing has been not been improved upon or updated for years and attracting people. They they need something to and I I kind of align this something more like a public private partnership where where we're working the private side and the public side to make something happen here. Well, I guess um we're looking for a letter of support. Is someone want to make a motion on that? Has the city been involved in this at all?

I have not personally been involved for the city on everybody need more information or what do we need to do here? It's one thing that to know for sure it's going to be built on for for homes I mean or for living that is you know sometimes things are a plan then they change. So that in back of my mind that is one thing that would be nice to you know have it concrete like this is the plan all the way through. Well, I think the at least the letter from Governor Armstrong and and a tenative letter from the the county would reflect that and based upon Ken's representation, I would think that they would, you know, wouldn't want to deviate too far from what is proposed. But I get what you're saying.

Once yeah, you get the land. Oh, five years things change. Now we want to build something besides that. That's not to discredit you guys, but I'm just It's one and then it's kind of out of our control once it gets to the city and the county doesn't have anything to say anymore. Is that something? It's almost like annexing land into the city from the county. But but then it's already in in the city limits, right? Correct. Not out there. It isn't. So we're enexing that land to what we're trading. Okay.

So is that a is that an enexing process? So I would think the county the land in the inholding is in the county and will remain in the county, right? And the land here is in the city will remain in the city. We're not the advantage in some ways to the city is it's now taxable whereas public as as parkland it's not. So this would be an a benefit somewhat in that form. But it it is how much what percentage of the city taxes go to the city and what stays in the county?

Uh well it depend like this property would pay both city taxes and county taxes. Um like a tax bill probably goes to the county and then I mean over half of your tax base for for property and city limits is for the school and about 25% is for the city and the for the county. But this would be like you're going from, you know, like acreage wise, it's, you know, the land in the park is much larger, but it's probably valued at less than $100 an acre. So it's not giving the county, you know, it's maybe a couple hundred a year in taxes total that would be distributed to the school and the county and player districts, but probably within the city limit, it's like land values right now only have at like $8 a square foot. I mean, that would be land rate on it right now. So you're it's a much more valuable property that would increase the county overall tax base and the city's tax base.

Okay. I don't know what that would be because we don't know, right? No, but I just it's but it's kind of an estimation. Yeah. So was there ever any letter of support, anything needed from the county when you guys acquired the land on the hill?

That was just a a bill in the Congress. Yeah, we we followed whatever the applicable federal law is and I have this if you read the the information in in the uh secretarial order. It's like two pages long. It's all has to do with be honest with President Trump and the things that have happened and it kind of gets to be much more extensive that did not exist when we did our first time. So the park service is requesting or requiring this before it can happen. Not not the library.

Not the library. This is a requirement of the federal government. It's not a requirement of the library. Okay. which request her to come to the next meeting. That's what I think. Anybody's opinion or think she I think that uh they should have been representing here so that we could uh

I think I think the the hangup on on their part as I understand the National Park Foundation is here and they have they have some fairly significant meetings going on. Um because I I did I did let them know and she said she was going to try if she could get out of that to be here. I'll ask again. Is there a does someone want to make a motion to the letter of support and If not, then I guess we're going to have to wait until another meeting till we get more info. And I want to make sure between now and then if what you're looking for that I can get for you that that'll be important. What what what is that? So that I'm I fully prepared coming in to uh have the information that you're looking for. Well, I I think a lot of it is just Rachel weighing in on it as well.

Um, so obviously is that secretarial order published anywhere? Yeah, I I've shared it I think. Yeah. Yeah, we we got it in our email. Was it with the maps? Well, it was in an email. It's within the text of the email. The text in the middle of it was you had to click on

Ken. I would say a little bit to not want to just jump up and make a motion is that oh the governor signed this you guys need this like like you we're pressured to for this letter of support we don't have a choice but that's probably my opinion of yeah okay it's good for housing great but why the procedural end of it I know you're it's out of your control it's like why do we have to okay if we don't want to is this still going to just let your process Is it going to stop it or

you know what what does it matter to for that us the governor already signed it I mean the interior of Bergam I mean he's going to do what he wants so that's I guess in the back of my mind that's what's rolling and as I'm sharing and you ask for more information

that's well we we'll obviously follow through however however you wish um to do it regardless I think it's a great thing for us all to do. I think it's going to bring benefit to to everybody. Uh it's going to be good for taxes like we said and all of that, but I struggle to find a downside to doing something like this. Um from from at least our perspective cuz we think that we're not immediately going to go out and start building something, but we have an opportunity here to do an exchange to be prepared for it to do it. It it's going to take some time. this whole process is going to take some time and um and that's what we want to do and and obviously follow the rules and and try to cooperate with with you know your wishes too. So that'd be good.

Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. I think that's down in the bottom. You've got a couple things. I've got I've got a couple things. What did you say? I was just going to say the water well. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I've got down here. Yep.

Yeah. And if if John Hild wanted to come up to explain that the I got three minutes pass. Okay. I'm here representing the Mador Grazing Association as well as Leroy Gregory Energy Drilling. We are going to try to get a water well over in Posh Common. Does everybody know where Posh Common is? Okay. As you go on the Fry Road, you know where the water tower is? About 2 miles straight south of there, there's a common pasture that that takes care of four per meetings. And we've had this water well proposed through our triple G grant money. And what we're asking for is Leroyy's asking if there's a chance we can get water from that the tanks on where the tower is there to drill that hole. Um the long story of this or short story of this is is that down the road this will be an access for fire protection. We'll have the tanks or there'll be five tanks located in that common plus the well. So,

just asking for water to drill to drill it. Yeah. About I think um Pat and I figured about 300 barrels. Yeah. 360. Yeah. 360 or something. So, drill that well. And I was directed to come to you guys commissioners. Thank you. I mean, for taking my whatever. But I think there was something on the books about we don't sell water to anybody. Right. Right. But this unless we make a deal, right? We trade. Can't we trade water? Trade water. We don't have to sell.

Well, we would be, you know, we'd be willing to put a hydrant by that. Well, so that if if the slip-in units or whatever want to set up a tank, they could use that for suction or gravity feed out of it. So, I guess that's all I'm here for. So, do we need to make a motion because of our rule out there about we don't sell water to anybody? Part part of the reason it was brought here, too, is with the Southwest Water Agreement, we can't sell. Yeah, that's part of it, too. Why it's here? Yeah. Is there an entity within the county? Can we can we allow them to use it to have the water?

I would have to look into it. I don't know what the Southwest Water Agreement is. or the terms of it.

Well, I'm good if we can make it happen. I think I think we all I am too to make it happen. But part of the reason was Southwest water rule and then we had we were sort of selling water to people that were spraying in their fields and all kinds of things and totally understandable. Yep. Well, we'll have to wait till we get Jared's opinion and we'll So, are you Can you let Marshall know then she could let me know or something like that? How soon time frame is this going? You know, Leroy,

you got him on a short leash right now and I'm hoping that next week he could be out there. If they made a motion contingent upon you uh checking the legalities and making sure it was okay, is that sufficient or I mean we won't draw anything till I get a okay? But he he will bring the first load with him, you know, when he comes. So we could possibly get started. If not, we'll have to find another source. But it was just so close proximity.

Yeah, I'm fine if you want to act now and work on this through the end of the week and see what we can do. Well, I move to approve allow mador grazing or grazing. That's put it that way. Yeah, you're the one that's paying the bill. Yeah. Yeah, we'll pay him to Use have what's the right word? Have water. Use water. Acquire. Okay. Acquire water

for the drilling of the posh water well. Posh common water. And like I said, we will make it available for the fire department to have access to it too as well. And we've done that on all the other ones that we've had too. Square view. So I mean with that avenue we can use for the fire department to hook up. Can we just say it's part of what government entity or part of the county or public use? Public use and then we would basically is public use because it's for for permitting using it 600 head. Would that be then I mean call it good?

I don't even need a motion. I I don't see a problem with it. especially under the, you know, the fire department dual purpose, you know, use. Um, I I'm just not fully aware of the the Southwest Water contract. So, totally understand. We'll see what we can do, but I I think it's fine, you know, because it does involve the fire department. Um, whether it's acquired or even exchanged, as you know, mentioned, I there's no issue with it. I have a question. Is this water metered as you're loading it or I've never

I haven't got a clue. I don't know. Is it metered over there? No, it's not. I've never This is first time for me. I It's not me. Cuz I know that you guys, the fire department shows up there. I don't want to make it a habit that we want to use it, but I just figured I'd come and ask first. I think it's a good deal. I just don't want to open up a can of worms or something. This

somebody else comes back wants it water. Do we say yes or no? Or I like the idea of fire department because that's a big plus. So yeah, we're going to have 5300 ft of pipeline and five or six tanks going all the way from Shakowskis to that. what is called the Tracy Mountain Road by box over there and garbal. Well, there is a motion on the table. Is there a second? But I'll make a second to it cuz that way it gets uh we're just not handing it out. We're we're having to deal with it. So So we have a second. Is there any more discussion? All those in favor say I.

I. I. I. Motion carries. Commissioners, thank you very much. Appreciate it. And then what else do you have on our show? Um, there was a phone call I received from Sher Adams with Southwest District Health Unit. Um, Mitch Giluck used to be the representative for Billings County on the board there and he's moved over to uh Stark County. So, they're asking to appoint Christine Shockley, um, Kyle Shockley's wife, as the board representative for Billings County on the Southwest District Health Teleport

and she's accepted. She at least Sherry Sherry told me she accepted. I know. Yeah. Yeah. I'd move to approve the appointee of Christina Shockley to the district health unit board. Is there a second? A second. Discussion. Um, who else is on the board?

It's a representative from all eight districts, I'm assuming, and then probably two at large. I don't know. when you attend the uh uh meeting there in the fall for our uh what do you call it for the in what is it August September we have the be down in Bismar no no no in in the solid district health unit meeting what do you call that meeting for uh cuz we all got to be there well at least two of us yeah we can ask then I guess yeah I don't know who's all okay all right any more discussion on that matter All those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries.

Yeah. Hey. Second. Or you. Sorry. Um I say what's that this motion? Okay. No. Yeah. Did you say second? I did. Steve made the motion. Okay. Right. I knew Steve made the motion, but then sometimes when it's That's okay. I can change. That's okay. It's on their website. Oh, it is. All their board of directors. Yeah, there's 15 of them total. Dylan only has one representative. Bowman's got two. Stark's got five. So,

I'm assuming under their their bylaws, it's probably population based. That would be my guess. Okay. Anything else, Marcia? Uh, yes. I would u make a request the election. Um, poll workers are here. Um, they begin training the week before election and then it's about a 13-our day uh the day of election for them. I'm requesting to increase the pay for the election workers from 20 to $25 an hour like our other volunteers are being paid. You need a motion on that. I'll make that motion. Steve seconds.

Steve seconds. All right. Any more discussion? Yes. All in favor say I. I. I. Motion carried. That look about it. I sure hope so. Okay. Well, that's all right. Any more? Nothing else to bring before the board. Then we will I'll ask for a motion to adjourn. Steve second.

Meeting is adjourned. Huh? Yeah, it was better to get it done instead of come back. Come back for 20 minutes. Yeah. You guys are coming back. Well, instead of having to come back instead of having to We might have to come back and sign all in. Um, they are my dad. John is my dad first.