County Commission - Regular Meeting

good morning everybody. Um, we'll call the meeting toward the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. First thing on the agenda is board reorganization. Um the first thing would be this position chair.

No first meeting. So I guess looking for a motion. I would chair. I would second that motion. I would move that that nomination cease and we cast the unanimous ballot for Commissioner Vul as chairman. So we have a motion. We have a second and we have cease. Nominations. Can we do it by eye or we do roll call? All in favor of saying I.

All post same sign. Motion carries. Motion carries. Congratulations. [laughter] Second thing on is for the vice chair. Mr. Chairman, I would make an I'd like to nominate uh Mr. Wilhelm for office for the uh vice chairman. Vice Chair, I'll get there. [laughter] I'll second that. And I again would like to move that we nomination cease and we cast a unanimous ballot.

So we have a motion, we have a second we cease nominations. All in favor of saying I. I. I.

All oppose same sign. Motion carries. Vice chair. Congratulations. Moving on to assignment of portfolios. As you can see in front of you, Candy give you the portfolios that are current as of right now. The way the chairman is set up, auditor, HR, emergency management, states attorney, ESL, vice chair would be building grounds, highway department, and it as you can see the rest of them are um spread out there. Is that something that you guys would like to keep as the chair and vice chair and move on with the other stuff or how would you guys like to do that? I certainly think uh switching switching things around isn't uh necessarily a bad idea. Um but I certainly think that the chairman has um probably some certain responsibilities that would you know stick with the auditor and the state's attorney would be a good idea for the chairman to continue with.

Any [clears throat] other thoughts? I'll be honest with you, the way the chairman reads right there, I'm okay with that. being the new chair and I have not had any of those since I've been on. So, I would be okay with that as long as some of the other portfolios can change a little bit because I don't want to take the portfolios I have now and take on all of them. Right. So, I would be I know I I heard what you said, Jeff, but I I'm just saying I would be open to take on those duties. Yep.

And or we can go and do one individual, but I think for the most part the chair had those duties even when you were doing it. Yep. It's been a kind of a long-standing tradition to have uh chairman do those those portfolios and I'm cool with that as long as once we go through with the other portfolios because I I won't be able to be on all of those portfolios. Yeah.

And we'll discuss that as we move on. So I guess I'd be open to a motion to keep the chair as we read. So we'll Second. Any other discussion? We have a motion. We have a second. All those in favor say I. I.

Oppose. Same sign. Okay. We'll move on to the vice chair. Is there anything? Same or change? So looking at that, you have had none of those. No, I haven't had any of those, but I would be fine taking those those. So, we are moving some portfolios as you were talking, Jeff. So, we all get a little bit of piece of the pie looking at what we have there. Okay. [clears throat] Um, and once we go through all this and we get another commissioner, then we'll probably have to move some stuff around.

Yep. I'd make a motion that Commissioner will be vice chairman at the portfolios building grounds highway department and IT. Second. We have a motion. We have a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. All oppose, same sign. Motion carries. Um, now what do we have? We just have these are the ones we have. We have others, right? Those don't come up until those are just assigned to the other.

Okay. So, highway department. We need one other commissioner on the highway department. I will I would be willing to stay on the highway department. I have that one. That's not I don't have a lot of meetings with that one unless Jason calls. I would be game for that unless someone else would like to stay on it because I know Mr. Hodus you're on it now. Your call. That's fine.

Jeff. No, I I think that'd be a good Hey, [snorts] you know, that's a complicated uh department and that needs experience on there and since both you and Mr. Commissioner Otis have served in that, I think I would recommend both of you sticking on that. Well, I see vice chair got on to it. So, do we need Yeah. So, so that's why I wasn't bringing it. Either myself or Mr. Hodus stay with that if you guys are cool with that. Yeah, I'd stay there. Stay there. That's that a motion. Yeah, I' I'd make that a motion that commissioner to stay on the highway department and uh

I'd second that. Okay. So, we have a motion. We have a second. All in favor say I. I. Okay, that's settled. Um, next three that we have up is recorder, treasure, and superintendent of schools. Any takers?

I currently have the uh tax director, the sheriff and county agent. Um, I'm willing to take those on. Um, but I could also do a recorder, treasurer, either of those. Um, as a former county agent, Bill, would you usually never appointed commissioners that have served as a position before as a portfolio? It's been a while. But it's been a while. So,

sure. I would nominate uh Commissioner Otis for county agent. We have a second. I'll second. Have a motion. We have a second for Mr. Otis on county agent. All those in favor say I. I.

All oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. So we have sheriff, tax director, recorder, treasurer, super superintendent of schools. How would we like to with the change over and and going on in Vanguard? I'd like to stick around with the tax department um just because of my familiarity with that. Okay. is in favor of that. I would move Commissioner Frith stay on as the portfolio portfolio holder for the tax director. We have a motion. We have a second.

Second. We have a motion. We have a second. All those in favor say I. I. All post same sign. Tax director T stays with Mr. Frith. um sheriff and I [clears throat] can continue doing sheriff as well if unless somebody else would like to oversee that. I move the commissioner with the sheriff department. I'll second that. We have a motion. We have a second. All those in favor saying I.

I post oppose the same sign. Motion carries. Frith, Mr. Frith is on the sheriff portfolio. Recorder, treasure, and superintendent of schools. So, when I did these before, there's really no meetings for these, right? Um, I'd be willing to do them temporarily. Maybe hand those off to commissioner. That's what I was going to say. I would be willing to do them until we get someone to. Okay.

And I don't have I'm going to be up here being chair and I know you work up here, Jeff. So, I don't have a problem with that. However you guys want to do that and then we'll discuss that when we get a another commissioner. Are you guys okay with that? I'd go ahead and move commissioner v. Okay. Treasurer superintendent of schools. I'll second. We have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I.

Those opposed. Same sign. Motion carries. All we can do on that. Okay. And then all the other portfolios come due in January. Is that right? Is that how that works? I know they're on terms, right? Okay. [clears throat] Once we uh I'll just put it out there once we get another commission some of the other portfolios that I'm on. I know their term, but I would like to at least have a discussion some of the the other boards. Yeah. Not necessarily,

right? Boards, just so you guys are aware. So, moving on to approval of minutes. Candy, if I'm missing something, make sure you stop, please. I move to approve the minutes. Second. We have a motion. We have a motion. We have a second to approve the to approve minutes. Any other discussion? Hearing none.

All in favor by saying I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion carries for approval of minutes. Approval of bills. I move to approve the bills. And there was like an additional just a little Yeah, I seen that list. You guys seen that yesterday? It was added. Yeah. Okay.

I didn't see anything on there pressing like out of the ordinary. We have a motion. We have a second. Move to approve the bills. We have a motion. We have a second. Any other discussion hearing? None. Roll call, please. His hi. Fris. Hi. Will me. Hi. Hol. I. Motion carries. Approval of treasure checks. Move to approve.

Second. Have a motion. We have a second. Um, hearing any other discussion. Uh, roll call, please. His hi. Fritz. Hi. Will Helmmy I. Bulk.

Hi. Motion carries. Approval of the agenda. I have something that I'd like to add. under unfinished business on the bond for LEAC. I'd just like to discuss to meet with Mr. Wagner. Um I think Jeff, you're the only one that has met with them, so I would just like to add that so we could discuss that. Okay. Any other additions? I would move to approve the agenda as amended. Second.

We got a motion. We have a second to approve the agenda as amended. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed. Same sign. Motion carries. Mr. Craft, you're up. [clears throat] Good morning. I don't have a whole lot today. Um, weather's been fairly decent. So, we haven't had a whole lot going on there. Uh going to start off with Yeah, 100%.

We have uh KJ Engineering invoice for construction on 89th Avenue Northeast in South Minan. I'm asking for a motion to pay the $7,3159. And this I will submit to the ND dot for 100% reimbursement. Move to approve. Second. We have a motion. We have a second to pay 7,3159 which will be a reverse by North Dakota DOT. Correct. Yep. Uh roll call please. This is the pay. His hi [cough and clears throat] Prett. Hi. Will Helmy. Hi.

Fulk. Hi. Motion carries to pay that amount. Uh next couple things are just still in conversation. The one here is uh we've been looking at an IWork system for its new software system for data entry, inventory, maintenance, budgeting, etc. Right now we're just looking just window shopping. So far it is the best fit or appears to be. So we're going to check out Benson County, Botnau, East Forks, Pema County. Bunch of the other counties and cities around are starting to use this system. So Brent's going to go visit with Joy and see how it's working for Benson County later this week and then there'll be more to follow on that, but that's just for an FYI. So you guys know we are looking at something down there.

Question I have for you. Is that going to be something that we purchase or is that going to be? Yeah, it'll be a p it' be a purchase. Yeah. Then a yearly annual fee just so that Right. Yeah. I we're not I'm not even sure on fees yet. We haven't even got to that point yet. We're just, it's actually started through them sharing that it was that it's what they needed finally. We've tried Pub Works and all those other things and there's always flaws and everything and these they're singing pretty high praises. So, we're going to check into it. All right. We're we're a long way from purchasing anything, but thank you.

Just to get the information out there to you guys. Um, both positions at the highway department have been filled now. So, we are full staffed or will be here shortly. Um the Webster blade man started yesterday and the Devil's Lake shop guy will be starting the 15th and he is enrolled at Candesca for his CDL which will start on the 12th of December or January. He um is in the process of getting his permit now after meeting with them last week. We met with the school a couple different times through email and phone conversations and they said it'll speed up the process if he can get his permit before he actually starts class. So that should flow pretty smooth I believe. Um the last thing we here we have is uh we have well snow maps are mostly ready now. We're ready for that. Hopefully we don't need them. Um, all townships are pretty much completed all the FEMA work. I only have one that has hasn't done anything. I talked with I visited with them. Um, they were still hopeful to do something in the spring if it was possible. I don't know why they put it off for so long, but I did call Justin Mesner at the dees and he said there might be a possibility of letting him do that. So, he's going to get back to me. So, there'll be more to come on that. But other than that, everybody's wrapped that up. We're pretty well done with FEMA 20. When was that? 2022. So,

that's been quite the quite the summer with that. But other than that, I don't really have a whole lot unless you guys have anything for me. I [clears throat] had a message on my home machine last night um from somebody complaining about a fence that somebody has put up that they feel that's too close to a road that could need um I'm blating operations. So, I'll get you that name. I can't I didn't write it down. Okay. Afterwards and let you go take a look at it to see if that would be a problem for county operators.

Sure, we can do that. Anything else, Jason? Uh doing some building maintenance, switching out some lights. The guys are um they re they redid the lights in Webster, took the old 8ft fixtures down and put in screw in style LED lights. Um a lot of that stuff we're doing ourselves. We're working in Edmore today doing some of that as well. Uh just trying to catch up on some stuff since it's not snowing, weather stripping on doors, things like that. So there's a lot of be up building maintenance to always do. Just have to find the time. Anything else for Jason?

No. So, no snow and we did play it really um late into November there. We got everybody covered. So, that was nice. After all the rain and everything, we we're able to we did get lucky and get some nice weather. So, it was kind of wet and damp, but it packed out nice. So, thank you. Yep. Thank you. Is Paul next door? Yes.

Huh? Well, since Paul isn't here, Mr. drawing. I just got three things to go over this morning. [clears throat] One is the back to blue grant. We were awarded $16,524.72 for retention bonuses for our 12 deputies. Uh [clears throat] I attached a sheet. One of the provisions that the legislators put in is that the county commission needs to make a resolution um authorizing the sheriff to disperse the money as the sheriff sees fit. [cough]

[clears throat] So, I kind of made up a a resolution based off of what other sheriffs and stuff were provided to do that. I did also provide another sheet that shows to break down each deputy will receive $1,3776. I plan on breaking that into two payments, one just before Christmas and one before July. And you said this was per deputy 1,37. Yes. [clears throat]

The only people that are not receiving this would be myself and the office manager. So I guess what I'm looking for is the you guys to approve a resolution so I can have this money dispersed. um in the timely matter so we can get some out just before Christmas. So moved to approve the resolution back in the blue. Second.

So we have a motion and we have a second uh for the resolution of the backing the blue. We do that by [clears throat] I. All those in favor are saying I oppose same sign. Motion carries. That's [clears throat] a definitely a good thing.

Yes, very much so. Uh the other thing I got is we got a new updated contract from Rolex County Sheriff's Office for uh housing prisoners. Their change is they went from $85 [clears throat] a day to $90 a day. 58.5 cents to 70 cents per mile if they had to uh transport. Typically what we do is we maintain the contract with them in case something should happen to our facility and we kind of got a locked in rate. Uh they're still lower than what we're charging. Um, so it's kind of nice to have a that my back pocket if it should ever come to be needed. So, I don't know if you guys had time to review it, but I'm just looking for uh permission to go ahead and have the auditor [clears throat] sign it. And I believe chairman Looking for a motion.

Yes. I'd move to approve. Second. We have a motion and a second to sign the agreement. All those in favor saying I. I. Those opposed, same sign. Motion carries.

And the last thing I got is from Electronic Communication Incorporated. [clears throat] This has to do with our radios. Uh this is getting prepared to go to Siren. Uh there's some settings and some stuff that needs to be put in and activated for us to be able to use Siren. Um along with some Wi-Fi. This is just a rough estimate. We figured [clears throat] we uh estimated high because some of the cars radios have some of this in it already. But this is for them to come out and do it here on site so we can bring all the squad cars in in one day and get it done in one day. Um, I think that'll probably be more feasible than trying to do schedule and get deputies cars down to Bismar to have this done and come back, you know, by the time you figure guys time on the road and everything. So, we're looking at about $8,940 to prepare. And like I said, that's could probably be on the high side. Um, so we're hoping it comes in lower. So, I'm guess I'm looking for permission to go ahead and set up um an appointment with these guys to get these radios prepared for Siren. I know they've been doing some testing in our area. [clears throat] So, if they're doing some testing, we're going to probably not too far off going live. One way or the other, we have to do this,

right? This is one of them. This is one of those hidden expenses that wasn't really brought up to you up front. So, and we have the money in the but in your budget. Yes. I'm looking for a motion. So, Siren 2020 is uh getting close. It's getting close. I know they've been testing the tower down in uh by Fort Totten.

Five years later. Yeah. So, and with the Wi-Fi, we use the wireless mics [clears throat] and we can Bluetooth them into the car. So if they're out dealing with somebody on the road and it turns into a wrestling match or whatever, it will transmit through the car. So their radio signal will get out and they could be up to 500 ft away from the car and still activate the radio incar radio. I make a motion to uh the contract of the service form with uh electronic is it electronic communication incorporated?

Yes. ECI. I will second. So we have a motion and a second [snorts] to move forward with the contract with ECI. All in favor say I. I. [snorts] Oppose same sign. Motion carries. That's all I have unless you got something for me. I don't have anything. Anybody else? Thank you, Sher. All right. Thank you. Oh,

good morning. Morning. Morning.

I'm here representing the fair board. We have a project that we're probably working on this spring through the National Guard. We would like to build up the road that's on the east side of our property, bring it around and come into the north side of the building. At the same time, do some parking lot work out there. Been working with them for about eight or 10 months. Sounds like they're interested in doing it. There's several forms you need to fill out. One of the forms requests a land use permit and I had visited with the auditor to see about a permit. Ramsey County doesn't have such a permit. So I sent a deal with her signature and my signature on. [snorts] They said, "Well, they'd like something from the the county commission because they needed to protect themselves."

Yeah, I'm sure that's what it is. So, I'm just requesting something from the county commission basically saying that no permit is required I would think or or that we have whatever we need. I have also visited with the the city was brought to we're in the extr territorial. I talked to the city. They said as long as it's road work they don't have anything to do with it. it would be the township and Beth works with the township. So, we're good there.

So, we don't have anything official uh that's that already exists for Ramsey County. Uh are they looking for a guarantee that this is just in compliance with Ramsey County code? Uh or are they looking for support from the commission for this project? I think it's that it's allowed under the code. Okay. you know that this is you know that and [clears throat] so they would be fine with a resolution of the commission stating that this doesn't violate any laws ordinances here in R County. I would think so. I think my experience with this is so they don't have other contractors getting upset that

we're letting the guard do a project and they want the support of that so that don't get beat up. So that can certainly be a resolution of the board. Uh just stating what you're looking for here. Uh we I can also draw something up. How quickly do you need this? I'm thinking within a couple weeks would be fine. I know I've I've sent the application in, but I tend to amend it is what I'm going to do. And also there was something I needed from the state highway department u a rightaway permit and I visited with state highway department. We are out of their right of way but they're in the process of sending me an email

because you want to go off that next approach. Correct. Is that where you No, we're going to use the same approach that's there. But that trail that's along the east side y you know it's it's just an old trail is what it is. [laughter]

It's a trail. We would like to keep the trailers on that side of the building. So if we built up that road and then brought it around so it would come into the north side and then put some gravel in for some parking lots both on the east side and on the west side is kind of what we're looking at doing. That for us has been our biggest frustration is we've had such a wet fall and our our parking area majority of our parking area is just an old hay field. So, it is problematic that way. And I got approached from the guard about I think it was in February or something about this. I, hey, that'd be great. If we could get something like that, that would would be awesome. And it just takes time to to get things done. But they've been really supportive. Sounds like they they want to do it. They're going to meet up on site here in the next month or so and go through it, that type of deal. And I think it would it'd be a great thing if we could get that done.

But I think as a commission we'd be fools not to support them due to the support that they want to give us. Right. [clears throat] I'd make that motion as um to work with the National Guard to have states attorney's office drop a resolution whatever is needed for land use permit and have a chairman get an auditor Christopherson sign off on that. I I can I can get you a contact too if you wanted to talk to Mr. Nelson out there.

I I don't I mean I certainly can talk to Mr. Nelson. I I just need to sit down with Mr. Becker to see what information he needs in the resolutions specifically. Uh I'm going to give you my card and if you'll just shoot email with that information, I'll send you what I have just to make sure it covers everything and then we should be able to get that done at the next commission meeting. Okay, sounds good. I guess we're I have a motion. I have a motion and a second to work with the state's attorney and Paulie work with Paul or some type of resolution or what is necessary to allow the guards to do that project. All those in favor saying I

I oppose same sign. Motion carries. Thank you, Paul.

You're welcome. I'll give you a little update. Been busy out there which is what we like. Thank you. And uh we've got an event coming up on the 13th, which is a Saturday, a little over a week away. We've got a with the last couple years we've had a a Santa and Cocoa type deal. We've added on to this now we're going to have a living nativity out there working with St. Olaf Church. So everybody's invited. I think it's 2 until 4 or 2 until 5 on the 13th. And we've got several other events coming up. It's been pretty full. The shooting sports, the archery 4 kids have been using it two day, two evenings a week. The there's open riding when there's nothing else going on. So that's been busy. The sportsman, Lake Regent sportsmen, the 4 deal will get done about Christmas time. They're looking at starting a league up and using the same. They actually go Monday nights and Thursday nights. They're looking at using it then up through April. So, we've got bunch of activities. I see there's several other things scheduled, too. So, it's looking good. I think we're we're ahead of schedule on finances, so that's always good. [laughter]

Well, it's good that the community is is supportive to be supportive. I saw that Wake and Sportsman uh rekindling the archery program and uh doing the adult league for archery. I think that's a great great aspect for that and hey continuing on that um that sport within our community is is a great enhancement and glad that building's being used. Yeah. No, that's good. So, any other questions? Hearing none. Thank you. Thank you. question. Go ahead.

Probably she would probably Okay. Um water resource. I want to grab them over please. Yeah, this shouldn't take long.

I'm just gonna read this off. So, as far as this is discussion, yeah, we're going to do that. That's my plan to read this off. These are Good morning. Morning.

Quick update on the waterboard. We're actually almost done with our meeting. It was very short. We did not have anything outstanding on there. We just had one bill for uh to be approved for an additional on clearing or cleaning on the Hammer Solivan assessment, but other than that, it was very short. Uh, one quick thing, there's a group around Fster Slooh that is applying to the state for an emergency relief for to get some water off there because they got some water or ropes going underwater. So, but that's at the state right now and that'll come to us. But other than that, very short meeting just business as usual. Any questions? We've [clears throat] got the the same type of complaints that you have had um regarding water along the township roads in the area eastern Ramsey County um Ontario Township specifically.

Um any work or being thought of or being proposed over in that area? That's where they're going with their emergency application. Okay. To the state and it has to go to the state before it can come to us for that. two different deals though. I think I think Fster is further to the east and then that Ontario is further to the west. Who is the spokesman for Ontario? Uh Jeremy Nichols. Oh, I have not I have not gotten any kind of correspondence from him.

Okay. I know they have some issues. In fact, Ontario Drive is underwater currently over there and we just want to make sure that townships are aware of the situation and that if they have roads that are either compromised or impassible that they make sure that Jason at the highway department is is aware of it so we can make uh emergency responders aware of the situation. Yep. And if we if we're contacted, we'll take and get on as quick as we can. But as of right now, we have nothing from them. Okay. I know we're going into freeze up. We're very wet. Yes. Thank you guys for your work.

So, anybody got any questions other than that? All right. Thank you guys. Yes. Moving on to unfinished business. I guess I added this and uh my question was since Jeff you were the only one that has met with Mr. Wagner I would like to put eyes on if we could even if it's on a team's thing so we all can get the warm and fuzzies. Sure. Because this is going to be more than just one time speaking with him.

Yeah. So, and I was just curious if it's something that we could set up or have set up. Like I said, even if it's a team's event, I I would be okay with that. Maybe have George is it Erlitson from Arizona Securities there be the the bonding company and Mr. Wagner is the bonding attorney for them. So, could you work with Candy on that to maybe set something up in the near future? Yeah, we sure can. Are you looking to do like have them come to a commission meeting or have a couple commissioners? I would just meet with them. I think we just meet them as a whole so we all have

Okay. So, we all have the same piece of we all understand. Answer the questions or ask the questions. They can answer them both ways. I mean, because when it comes down to it, we're all gonna be involved. Yeah. No, way some form. Just fair to everyone else and that way it's it's not all on Jeff because he's been dealing with it. Granted, Jeff's probably be mostly spokesman of it, but just so we're all aware. Yeah. No, I think that'd be a good idea. You know, both of them would be to join us for a teams meeting, I think. Yeah,

we have some work on our end to do or I have some work that I need to get out to y'all uh explaining kind of where they're at. They've sent over the initial resolution uh and the resolution calling for an election on this bond issue specifically. I need to review those and get out a recommendation to you all. Uh, and perhaps if we set up that team's meeting, that can all be ready to go at once and everybody can be completely up to date as to what information they've provided and what questions need to be asked for next for next steps. That's all I have for that. Uh, any other discussion on that or we all good? Okay, we're all good. Moving on to the topic [clears throat] of new business, a letter of interest for um appointing someone into the open slot for Lee Gner's position. I guess I'll move on and read the letter of interest. I don't have these in any type of order. I wrote them down here. Candy, if I missed someone, please let me know. We have 11 candidates. Starting off Aaron Planch, Emily Jagger, Kelsey Ideness, Terry Wallace, WDE Charbano, Ed Brown, Steve Herrick, Mark Olsen, Heather McDonald, Scott DH, and Michael Stefen. Um, moving on with that, should be 11, correct? So, moving on with that, um the floor is open to the commissioners for discussion on what we would like to do or to move on with um

I don't want to say it. I guess if someone has interest in to put it in a motion is that for you guys. As far as discussion, [snorts]

I would like to say, and this is my personal opinion, um when I farmed, I always had a desire to be on the county commission. And at that time, uh we had districts and everybody in the county got to have an opportunity to serve from that district on the county commission. And then when the waters came and Jeff you have to help me correct this but sometime in the 90s uh they went away from the districts because they couldn't find people to participate in the northwestern northwest northwestern part of the county for election. Um, with that being said, then they opened it up to at large and I really believe that we should have a person serve on the commission or more uh that actually has a hands-on uh uh ability in agriculture, meaning they're out in the farm, they're out in the ranch, they're doing what they do. Uh, just to give us a different perspective of what they have. I know uh Mr. Gestner when he was still on he was involved with farming prior so was I. Um but I think we're maybe might be missing a part of that as one of the things that that hopefully we can address.

Any other discussion?

I was certainly very impressed with the number of applicants that we got. um all very worthy candidates. Um you know the the number of applicants was I don't want to say shocking but really kind of was. Um, you know, we have elections every couple years and it seems like we're almost pulling tees sometimes to get candidates to to run for positions. Um, but yeah, a lot of a lot of really strong candidates within the field. Not going to lie, when I open my emails and seen the interest, I was also impressed on what we have out there and the interest we do have. I agree with you, Jeeoff, there's a lot of good talents out there. Um, unfortunately, it's it's one selection and if we can't agree on some selection, we all know where we move on from there. Yeah, I would agree. There's was amazed by the number of people, but I think given some of the issues that are going to be coming before us in the short term, I mean, I'm typically all for different viewpoints, new new fresh eyes. I I guess I would lean towards someone who was a former commissioner um just because they a do have some experience and b

and it's a short had received the approval of the voters at least at one point in history and it is short term. Yeah. Basically the way I read it I have the exact um the remaining members of the board immediately. If you can't come to a agreement, basically we go to counter treasurer and the appointee that would be appointee would be a successor until next general election that that occurs next year. Yes. Uh and then whoever wins that election would fill in the remainder of Commissioner Gzner's

That's how I Yeah. I just want to make sure that I we all understand that. [snorts] Is there any other discussion? If there is no other discussion, I guess I'm looking for the nomination, I guess. I guess I would make a motion that we appoint um former commissioner and hands-on egg person uh Mr. Ed Brown for that position. I would second that motion.

We have a motion. We have a second. Any other nominees hearing? None. Um, do we have to cease the nominate? No, I don't think so. No. So, hearing none, we have an individual on the with a motion in a second. Roll call, please. Hodis. Hi, Bri. Hi, Will Helme. Hi, Bulk.

I motion carries. Um, you want me to contact Ed or you'll contact Ed or how do Okay, you guys are all cool with Candy Colin to inform Ed Brown, but um before I would definitely like to thank everybody that put their letter forward. well appreciated and it's a great feeling that there was that much interest for the community and for our patrons

and I do think that it's exactly right you know want to thank everybody who put in a letter of interest appreciate that level of of interest uh to serve your communities um a very difficult decision um but I think as it comes down to it I think commissioner will help me said it best that you looking for that experience in the short term um going with Commissioner Brown um is a good fit and so look forward to moving forward. I want to thank everybody again for their uh interest.

So again, thank you. Go ahead. No, go ahead. I would also like to encourage everyone that that had an interest in this. We do have an election coming up in November and there'll be three positions that will be available. So if you got an interest, please be there. I agree. Thank you. Um with that, we'll close that thing and congratulations to Mr. Ed Brown. Moving on to the next thing on the agenda, approval of or approved 2026 meeting dates. I'm just going to jump in real quick. I do have to head to a hearing. Um, so I'm going to head out a little early.

Thank you. I think we can get the [laughter]

So anyway, we're looking [cough] excuse me 2026 meeting dates, I believe. I seen them in the packet. Is there anything on there that anybody seen that is going to be binding with anything? Why can't I find it though? Right there. I mean, for me it's good because if I'm not here, Paul will have it in good hands. just [clears throat]

I I do think that maybe um mark it off a day or two in July prior to the first meeting in August so we can go through budgets with all department heads and um special interest groups in a

I have to agree with you um being in this position now I definitely and not to take anything away from anybody else that's been in this position ition, but I would definitely like to start budgets a little bit earlier. We all know where we have to go with budgets by that time frame. We're halfways through the year. Um, in any other committee that I've ever been on, that's a good time frame, usually halfways through the year and start at least having the conversation. And actually, that's more than half the year because we have to do that in October. Correct.

So, just so that all the heads if they're out there listening that I agree with Jeff we need to move on to with that so that if we do have to have any special meetings or if there is anything out there that we have to correct and Candi's not put on that clock of only having one or two meetings to get it done and you know it's it's a lot of pressure we just want to put a third meeting in in July or something. We just Well, I think we've every year I've been [laughter] here, we've had at least one extra meeting, right?

Usually it's if we were to put an extra meeting in, I think you're going to need it further on. I think the talk needs to be in July. Yeah. But like the conclusion stuff is where we always land that extra meeting. Correct.

Yeah. So maybe that last week in July um 27th through the 31st so we can have an idea where we're we're sitting and where our preliminary budget's going to come in come that first meeting in August. You know e my opinion even if you set aside one of these dates to make sure we talk about the preliminary so that we don't stack it right

tons of stuff out there. Well, I I think starting in, you know, that first meeting in July and then have the next one on the 21st, um, you know, having department heads or various departments or, um, political subs coming in on those dates and then anything that's not included in those dates, we can do on the 28th or that, you know, that that week the 27th through the 31st, we can do sometime in there. Um, for those that can't be at those other meetings, candy opinions, I'm open to whatever because then it leaves. What I like about starting in July with the preliminaries is it leaves, you know, August, you got two, four, six meetings where we know decisions are going to have to be made. Kids are going to know that decisions have to be made. You know, I'll be honest with you. Um, my job, we already started doing budgets for next year.

Yeah, it's already under. already putting things in my budget so that I don't come to the end of the year panic because I try I try to do my budget out in quarters so that every year I could look at my budget and I know okay this came up or this came up and especi I'll use Jason especially you you you definitely have the largest budget and you have seasons you're you're managing your money by season And if it all would just come down to one date, you'd be in a panic.

So is there any So can we add a date in July [clears throat] morning meeting, right? If we do, I don't want to put it concrete because [snorts] it's an election year. Yeah. So,

well, we could put a tenative date. Why don't Why don't you Why don't we see like where we're at like the first meeting in July, see how many people and then we can schedule, you know, we can schedule a date. I think the biggest thing even if we don't in concrete Jeff that we definitely talk are talking about this and I think it's great that we're sitting here having this conversation now

but having the discussion 70 months ahead of time is a lot better than trying to juggle schedules a week out a week I mean, even if we came into the June meetings and something has to be set, then you know, but you're looking at depending on what we have on the ballot is what you're worried about, Candy. Well, there's we might move this earlier even if we had to I don't want to go later. No,

with the No, with Yeah. election year, we don't want to go later because then we will all be sitting here day after day. Well, and it seems like every year there's something that we inadvertently forget. It happens. Human error. Yeah. And yeah,

if we can plan this out. Well, and and two, I mean, once once we start the new year, once we get an election calendar and we get more concrete dates with what needs to be done, then you know, I can bring that back and, you know, and then we can move forward with putting, you know, our in there. Yep. Would you be cool with that, Jeff? [clears throat] Isn't the election calendar already set?

No, like the after. Oh, yeah. Yeah. It's all the stuff that's after that nobody gets to Is the 16th of June too early? Usually our second meeting of the month is usually not so busy. Could we do a preliminary then?

That's right after election. Yeah, I I'm open to getting closer to this and I don't want to do it like Jeff said a week out, but if we're doing 30 days out. Yeah. Yeah. Would you be okay with that, Jeff? If we put that out there, at least 30 days out so that we have something concrete. Yeah. And we we have a team's meeting every Thursday with elections. So I mean I'll definitely keep you guys informed, you know,

on that because I I don't like the idea to get pushed out and especially October time frame because I am super busy October time frame with my schedule at work. Yeah. And there won't be the wishy-washy of, you know, stuff from the state of what we're supposed to do and what we're not supposed to do. And hopefully we have, you know, a better understanding when it comes to this. Hope so. Would you agree with that?

Hope so. other commissioners. I mean, that there was a lot of things in the air. Yeah. And I think the state knows that because I have a feeling there's going to be a lot of discussion with that still. Yeah. Anyway, these are the dates that we have presented in front of us. Are we are all the commissioners okay with these dates other than setting some type of concrete date? a minimum of 30 days out because in the others you could just have them as a special

special meeting. Guess I am any other discussion hearing? None. I guess I'm looking for a motion for these dates. Yes. Jason, you want to come up, please? Yeah. Just make note Friday, November 6. [laughter] It's a morning meeting. You'll be done before. Good luck getting a tag. [laughter] It's an 8 a.m. meeting. Okay.

My uh my conversation I wanted to have quickly with you guys. We started talking special meetings. I wasn't going to bring this up yet till after the first of the year, but um blading, I don't know how much you guys want to be involved in my overhaul of the blading contracts if you want all the board or if you just want my two portfolio holders involved in that, but there's some serious work that needs to be done there. We're um plating some roads 24 times a summer, some townships 12 times, so that's every two weeks. It just it's not happening. We [clears throat] have to get realistic with what we can do for if we want to provide any type of quality blading instead of this down and back. We can't just worry about quantity of bladings because we're not getting the Well, you guys know you drive the roads. So, um, anyway, I don't know if that's something that we need a meeting with all you guys about or if you trust myself and my two portfolio holders to just get together at the office and go through it, but I really want to show you guys all the maps and what's expected of these operators and how many times are expected to be on these roads. Well, I personally I think we could trust the two portfolios have something put together and then bring it to us,

okay, presented to us of what they feel is good, my opinion. And like I say, I mean, I know that it's what we've done, but and then costs, we're we're way below we're even below the we get around the state century code on that because we work on a contracted mile, not by the hourly rate, but we're way below the state hourly rate, which we're not supposed to be, but again, we're contracted by the mile. So then I know I talked visited with Daniel about that. So, [snorts] we're good there. But there's just a lot of things that need to be looked at with township lighting. And I, like I said, I just didn't know what you guys how we wanted to go about it.

I think the best would be to to meet with your portfolio, go through it with them, and then maybe bring it back to the Yeah, sure. That works with me. I just want to make sure everybody's okay with that because it's going to take a little time to get it. I'm going to get it together. I was going to talk about it later, but I don't know if we want to have a meeting about it or whatever. So that's just the only reason I want to bring it up now. I was going to bring it up after the first of the year. I think if you put something together and you sit down with the portfolio holders, you guys can all the discussion of obvious things before we bring it to the all of us and make a decision. Let us know when you got time.

Yeah, we'll get it. I'm going to have it ready before March because we got to get them out and start blading in April. So hopefully weather permitting, but the contracts go in April. So it'll be in sometime in February. We'll get together the three of us then. Sounds good. Hammered out. All right. Thank you guys. Thank you. So on the four we have these dates. Looking for a motion. I would move to approve the dates. Second. We have a motion. We have a second. Any other discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor saying I. I. I.

Motion carries. Visitors and delegation. Anyone in the audience like to say anything? Anyone hearing? None. Are me. Thank you.