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Most Recently Approved County Commission Meeting Minutes

Mercer County Commission
Minutes
August 18, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM MT by Chairman Latimer with all members present, including Commissioner Bitterman, Commissioner Entze and State’s Attorney Johnson.
Motion made by Commissioner Bitterman, second by Commissioner Entze to approve the agenda with addition(s). On roll call vote; Bitterman, “Aye”, Entze, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”; motion carried.
Motion made by Commissioner Entze, second by Commissioner Bitterman to approve the minutes of the July 21st meeting as presented. On roll call vote; Entze, “Aye”, Bitterman, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”; motion carried.
Motion made by Commissioner Entze, second by Commissioner Bitterman to approve payment of bills as follows: Cenex-Hazen, 34.76; Blake Dschaak, 250.00; Pamida Inc, 25.00; Cordell Roth, 420.00; Pamida Inc, 250.00; City of Stanton, 3396.01; Verizon Wireless, 40.77; Cenex-Hazen, 32.20; Amber Krebs, 900.00; Roughrider Electric Cooperative Inc, 468.88; Gerald Hoffman, 350.00; Bryce Reynolds, 1350.00; Dennis Tronson, 425.00; Robert McKay, 650.00; Samuel Smith, 225.00; American Welding & Gas Inc, 51.48; Craig Askim, 347.60; Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp, 525967.56; Beulah Drug, 6.45; BHG Inc, 442.00; Bob Barker Co Inc, 608.38; Bridgeman Dairy, 244.68; Buffalo Hill Veterinary Clinic Inc, 197.26; Carrot Top Industries Inc, 136.37; Comfort Inn, 244.00; Computer Software Assoc, 100.00; Corner Express of Center LLC, 70.00; D&E Supply Co Inc, 132.58; Alan Renschler, 1960.00; Donald E Mutzenberger, 35.00; Election Systems & Software Inc, 5137.00; Falkirk Farmers Elevator Co, 37130.40; Farmers Union Oil Co, 301.69; Famers Union Oil Co, 57.23; Farmers Union Insurances, 120.00; Finish Line, 230.00; Fireside Office Plus, 119.73; Fleet Services, 2001.95; G&D Enterprises, 280.00; Great Lines Inc, 2985.00; Hazen Drug, 95.46; Hazen Hardware Inc, 3.89; Hedahl’s Inc, 10.64; Information Technology Dept, 477.80; Institute of Local Government, 585.00; Interstate Engineering Inc, 52989.79; Dena Kemmet, 242.80; Law Enforcement Systems Inc, 33.00; Lignite Tire Service, 683.07; Lyle Signs Inc, 176.31; Maas Electric Inc, 5000.00; Matthew Bender & Co Inc, 444.32; Marilyn Melchior, 15.00; Mercer County Shop, 4126.10; NAPA, 127.91; ND Council of Educational Leaders, 50.00; Northern Safety Co Inc, 169.40; Northstar Safety Inc, 93.29; Pamida Inc, 35.98; Quality Printing Service Inc, 128.02; Rigging & Tools Inc, 431.16; Rockmount Research & Alloys Inc, 367.66; Staples Credit Plan, 442.90; Star Business Forms, 3506.94; Wahlman Heating, Air & Plumbing LLC, 2139.92; West Payment Center, 205.80; West River Telecommunications, 1042.84; Western Fire & Safety Inc, 326.00; ND Department of Transportation, 10.00; Bill Barth Ford Inc, 26793.00; Menards, 242.28; Southwest Business Methods Inc, 478.24 . On roll call vote; Entze, “Aye”, Bitterman, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
The commission reviewed the outstanding road accounts report. Letters will be sent to two (2) accounts that are more than six months past due.
The commissioner reviewed the monthly financial statements. No further action taken.
Motion made by Commissioner Entze, second by Commissioner Bitterman to approve July Sheriff’s Fee Report of $14,534.50. On roll call vote; Entze, “Aye”, Bitterman, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
Motion made by Commissioner Bitterman, second by Commissioner Entze to approve July Recorder’s Fee Report of $4,217.30. On roll call vote; Bitterman, “Aye”, Entze, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
Motion made by Commissioner Bitterman, second by Commissioner Entze to appoint Monte Erhardt to the Policy Committee for a two year term. On roll call vote; Bitterman, “Aye”, Entze, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
The commission reviewed the NDSU Extension Highlights. No further action taken.
Motion made by Commissioner Bitterman, second by Commissioner Entze approving request for duplicate warrant of Hazen Rural Fire Department in the amount of $136.26. On roll call vote; Bitterman, “Aye”, Entze, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
The commission reviewed zoning matters with Gary Emter, Tax Equalization/Land Use Administrator. Motion made by Commissioner Entze, second by Commissioner Bitterman to approve Temporary Use Permit Number 409, issued to The Coteau Properties Company for Test Hole Drilling to determine depth of coal reserves and overburden within sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 32, & 33, T146N & R86W Mercer County, work restricted to daylight hours and all test holes to be filled and reclaimed in accordance with state mining regulation, permit to expire October 31, 2010. On roll call vote; Entze, “Aye”, Bitterman, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
Emter also informed the commission that he has signed forms with regard to flood plain matters for Emergency Relief projects to replace bridge structures on Co Rd 25.
The commission reviewed road matters with Roy Braun, Highway Superintendent. Motion made by Commissioner Bitterman, second by Commissioner Entze to approve Utility Occupancy Application and Permit #1174(10) of LeRoy Boeckel to bore under County Road 18 to install electrical wires for irrigation in Sections 26 & 35, T145N, R85W. On roll call vote; Bitterman, “Aye”, Entze, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
Motion made by Commissioner Entze, second by Commissioner Bitterman to approve Utility Occupancy Application and Permit #1175(10) of West River Telecommunications Cooperative bore under County Road 18 to install telecommunications cable in Sections 4 & 9, T144N, R86W. On roll call vote; Entze, “Aye”, Bitterman, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
Braun advised the commission that he has found “fines” material he will be purchasing to address maintenance issues on County Road 28 and other soft areas.
Braun also indicated he has been getting many calls, from contractors that will be working on the SW Water Authority Project north of Zap, as to load restrictions on County Road 13. He would like to remove the restrictions on this road and permit according to the county schedule.
Braun would also like the commission to consider purchase of blade and loader with the 2011 Budget prior to new EPA regulations that will greatly affect the price of equipment.
Paul Rechlin, Executive Director Community Works North Dakota (CWND), met with the commission to discuss the impact of the organization on the county and local communities. Rechlin presented information that for every $1.00 invested by the county, on previous programs of CWND has returned in excess of $150.00. CWND, through the Dream Fund, helps to facilitate financing for single and multi-family dwellings. CWND has the opportunity to leverage grant/loan funds to assist as many as fourteen (14) counties to address housing availability issues. The CWND would like the county to consider a contribution of $50,000 over a two (2) year period to access the grant funds. Ed Grunett, Hazen, shared with the commission that during the past banking crisis work on the patio homes was stopped until financing became available through CWND and CWND Board Member, Sandy Retterath, also spoke of the need for additional housing in many areas including Mercer County. Chairman Latimer informed Rechlin the commission will strongly consider the request as part of the 2011 and 2012 budgets.
Greg Lange and Ed Grunett, Mercer County Water Resource Board, met with the commission to review the 2011 budget of $85,311.00. The Water Resource Board is requesting to levy 4 mills to help funding of many projects now and to set aside funds for future projects. Many projects are being looked at including long range studies of Antelope Creek, the Knife River and the larger study of the Missouri River and its tributaries, for which many costs are unknown. Commissioner Bitterman referred to mitigation and health board concerns relating to the situation at the Voigt Ranch south of Beulah. Grunett also referred to a meeting with National Park Service representatives who are interested in upstream projects to reduce flooding/erosion issues.
Thomas and Deborah Gullickson, Hazen, met with the commission to voice safety concerns of soft spots on County Road 28. Gullickson was informed the county would be purchasing material to address the issues and was also informed the county should be working on this matter in two (2) weeks.
Motion made by Commissioner Entze, second by Commissioner Bitterman to remove Class II road restriction on County Road 13, from Hwy 200 to Hwy 1806, until further notice. On roll call vote; Entze, “Aye”, Bitterman, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
Commissioner Entze was contacted to improve the section line between sections 25 & 36, T142N, R90W. Motion made by Commissioner Bitterman, second by Commissioner Entze to postpone action on the request until September 1st to allow the highway superintendent and commissioners to view the area. On roll call vote; Bitterman, “Aye”, Entze, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
Motion made by Commissioner Entze, second by Commissioner Bitterman to approve Estimate #1 to Astech Corp for Seal Coat and Striping in the amount of $525,967.56. On roll call vote; Entze, “Aye”, Bitterman, “Aye”, Latimer, “Aye”, motion carried.
The commission recessed at 10:58 AM MT.
The commission reconvened at 11:24 AM MT, with all members once again present.
Craig Askim, NDSU Extension Agent, met with the commission to present his quarterly narrative report. The small grain harvest is underway with above average yields and average quality; protein is dependent upon when the grain was planted and what fertilizer program was used. Askim indicated winter wheat is approximately 70-75 bushels/acre, barley is approximately 75 bushels/acre and spring wheat is approximately 35 – 40 bushels/acre. The hay crop is very good with a good feed supply; the down side to the good hay crop is the lower price for hay for those who are trying to sell. The county fair went well with attendance up from the previous year and exhibits about the same as last year. Askim indicated the Junior Master Gardener program was very successful and that the outdoor skills camps are full. Askim also indicated that he recently attended an Agri-Terrorism Training and that he has applied for grant funds to present a similar training to local law enforcement, emergency management and other first responder units. Askim also brought a turnip raised in the Pick City area as part of the cover crop program and he hopes to have a tour of the program later this fall. As a final matter Askim indicated there is not a lot of disease appearing in the grain crops but trees, lawns and gardens have been hit hard this year with Dutch elm disease very evident in Beulah.
There being no further business, on motion duly made and second, the meeting was adjourned at 11:08 AM MT. The next regular meeting of the commission will be September 1, 2010 at 9:00 AM MT in the courtroom of the Mercer County Courthouse, Stanton, North Dakota.

Approved: _______________________________________
Lyle L. Latimer, Chairman

Attest: _______________________________________
Monte J. Erhardt, Auditor

Mercer County Commission
Budget Hearing Minutes
August 18, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM MT by Chairman Latimer with all members present, including Commissioner Bitterman, Commissioner Entze and Auditor Erhardt.
Craig Askim, Extension Agent, reviewed the 2011 Extension Agency and Pesticide Budgets. The main difference from the previous budget is attributed to salary increases and cost to replace the current phone system in the office. The requested budgets are $125,926 for Extension Agent and $2,400 for the Pesticide Fund.
Wanda Knutson, Clerk of District Court reviewed the 2011 Clerk of Court and District Court budgets. Salaries are the main difference from the previous budget. The requested budgets are $106,121 for Clerk of Court and $5,000 for District Court.
Jim Albers, Building Maintenance, reviewed the 2011 Building & Grounds, Janitor, Risk Management and Building Fund budgets. The building and grounds budget includes a request to construct a 20’x60’ addition to the storage shop in Stanton for boat storage and vehicle impound storage. All other increases relate to salary increases. The requested budgets are $197,520 for Building and Grounds, $73,611 for Janitor, $11,900 for Risk Management, and no funds have been budgeted for building fund pending further information on expansion costs.
Gerald Beck, Veteran Service Officer, reviewed the 2011 Veteran Services budget. Beck informed the commission that he intends to resign his position effective September 30, 2010, also indicating that he will assist whoever replaces him, if necessary. The commissioners thanked Beck for his service and dedication to the needs of the veterans of Mercer County. The requested budget for Veteran Services is $16,880.
James Johnson, State’s Attorney, reviewed the 2011 State’s Attorney budget. Auditor Erhardt informed the commission and Johnson that his recommendation for the secretary position was slightly higher to equalize salaries among the secretarial positions. The requested budget of the State’s Attorney is $158,890.
Auditor Erhardt reviewed the 2011 Auditors budget and the budgets of various miscellaneous funds. The requested budget of the Auditor’s Office is $110,099. Other budgets reviewed include; $25,000 for Election Expenses, $71,000 for Utilities, $13,500 for Publishing and Printing, $17,500 for Postage, $120,000 for Retirement, $750 for Life Insurance, $5,000 for Unemployment Compensation, $14,000 for Examination Fees, $18,250 for Office Machines/Furniture, $48,150 for Workmen’s Comp, $65,000 for Property Insurance, $455,000 for Health Insurance, $82,265 for Miscellaneous Expenses, and $650,000 for Budgeted Transfers to various funds.
Dawn Martin, Soil Conservation District, reviewed the 2011 Soil Conservation budget. The 2011 budget includes $16,820.04 requested for Soil Conservation and $4,781.77 for Social Security, Medicare and Retirement funds.
Beth Bruestle, McLean Mercer Regional Library, reviewed the 2011 Library Budget. The 2011 budget estimates total income of $300,283.12 and expenditures of $298,471.00.
Keith Johnson, Custer District Health reviewed the 2011 Custer Health, County Nurse and County Sanitarian budgets. The 2011 Custer Health Budget estimates total revenue, including cash and collections, of $3,217,753 and expenditures of $2,817,753 with an equalized levy among the counties of 4.48 mills. The requested budgets are $62,000 for County Nurse and $3,075 for County Sanitarian.
There being no further business, on motion duly made and second, the meeting was adjourned at 4:28 PM MT.

Approved: /s/ Lyle L. Latimer, Chairman

Attest: /s/ Monte J. Erhardt, Auditor