OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BOWMAN COUNTY, BOWMAN, NORTH DAKOTA

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on December 3, 2024, with the following present: Pine Abrahamson, Rick Braaten, Josh Buchmann, Jerid Janikowski, and Nathan Miller. Chairman Braaten called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. Guest present, Karson Pederson. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Bowman County Clerk of Court/Recorder, Jan Werre, administered the oath of office to Bowman County Commissioner, Nathan Miller.

Braaten asked for corrections or additions to the agenda. Abrahamson moved to approve the agenda. Buchmann seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

Discussion was held on the burn ban. The current ban will be lifted.  Janikowski moved to implement the following burn restriction:

WHEREAS, Bowman County, North Dakota is experiencing conditions favorable for wildfires (drought conditions, high winds, lower humidity’s, significant fuel supplies, spotty rainfall, etc.); and

WHEREAS, Bowman County, North Dakota has already experienced rural fires as of this date; and

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

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

WHEREAS, the cost of response, inordinate equipment wear and fire damages may be in excess of county resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of the Bowman County Commissioners declare a burn restriction on open burning, fireworks, garbage piles and pits in Bowman County, effective as of this date.   The only allowed exception to this restriction is the responsible use of gas grills, used at a safe distance from combustible materials.  This restriction will be in effect when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Index rating is in the High, Very High or Extreme category and/or a Red Flag Warning has been issued for Bowman County, North Dakota.  The daily Rangeland Fire Index can be found at the following website:  https://ndresponse.gov/burn-ban-restrictions-fire-danger-maps

This restriction also includes the incorporated cities in Bowman County.

ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES THE BURN RESTRICTION IS GUILTY OF A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR (NDCC 37-17.1-10): MAXIMUM SENTENCES OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND A $1500 FINE.

Miller seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.

The following December 3, 2024 vouchers were approved by a motion made by Abrahamson, with Buchmann  seconding the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.

Buchmann moved to approve the November 19, 2024, minutes with Abrahamson seconding the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

Abrahamson moved to approve the November 2024 Month-End Bureau of Land Management Report, with Buchmann seconding the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

Bowman County Treasurer, Sydnee Kidd, met to present the November 2024 Treasurer’s Daily Cash Settlement/Bank Reconciliation Report. Janikowski moved to approve the report, and Miller seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.

Buchmann moved to approve the November 2024 Recorder and Sheriff Fee Collection Reports. Janikowski seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

APEX Clean Energy representatives, Sean Stocker, Nate Wilson and Karson Pederson  met to give an update. New permits were sent to the county.  Guests present: Rob Braaten, Jodi Freier.

Dan Brosz  met to discuss a TIF District for Park View Point. Dan and Jolene Brosz are proposing to put four duplex housing units on the property located at the South 46’ of Lot 7, Block 75 and Lots 1,2,3,4 of Block 76 for a total of eight two-bedroom homes. Brosz has already met with the Bowman City Planning and Zoning Commission and the Bowman City Commission. The city is holding a public hearing at Bowman City Hall on December 3, 2024 at 5 PM.

Darin Langerud and Mark Schneider, representatives from the North Dakota Atmospheric Resource Board, presented the final report for the 2024 North Dakota Cloud Modification Project. Also present: Wes Miller, Wes Andrews and Wayne Mrnak.

Billy Doerr, Brosz Engineering, met to discuss road projects. Buchmann moved to approve Change Order #3 from Young Guns Construction for the Minnehaha Bridge Replacement Project for an increase of $1,280.27. Janikowski seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes except Abrahamson who abstained from voting. Buchmann moved to approve Pay Application #2 from Young Guns Construction for $89,052.56 for the Minnehaha Bridge Replacement Project. Janikowski seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes, except Abrahamson who abstained from voting.

BC Emergency Manager, Dean Pearson met to inquire about the replacement generator for the courthouse. He did not receive any bids for the project when he started the project. He will continue to work on finding a replacement.

BC employees met with commissioners regarding concerns about the cleanliness of the building.

Abrahamson moved to appoint Buchmann to the Bowman County Planning and Zoning Board. Janikowski seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes except Buchmann who abstained from voting. Motion carried. Buchmann moved to appoint Braaten to the SW Human Service Board. Abrahamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes except Braaten who abstained from voting. Motion carried.  Buchmann moved to appoint Janikowski to the LEPC board. Abrahamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes, except Janikowski who abstained from voting. Motion carried.

At 12:34 PM Janikowski moved to adjourn the meeting, with Abrahamson seconding the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

Rick Braaten, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners

ATTEST: Mindy Schumacher, Bowman County Auditor

BOWMAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024 –  9:00 AM

AGENDA

Call to order Chairman Braaten

Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer –Pastor Ed Kvaale

Consideration for Approval

1. Agenda
2. Vouchers
3. December 3, 2024 Minutes
4. 2025 Beer and/or Liquor License Renewals
5. Board Appointments
6. 2025 BCDC Contract and Funding Agreement
7. Overhead/Underground Right of Way Easement, Slope Electric

Unfinished Business

1. 1. Bowman Wind (Apex Clean Energy) Boring and Approach Permits
   2. Burn Restriction
   3. FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program

New Business

Scheduled Appointments Made in Advance

10:00         Frank Eberle, BC Sheriff

10:30         Laci Coates, BCVSO

10:45         APEX Representatives

11:00         Shane Biggs, BC Road Superintendent, Billy Doerr, Brosz Engineering, Harding County Commissioners and Highway Superintendent

                   Elected Officials Office Updates & Other

Public Notices

Important Meeting Dates

• Next Regularly Scheduled Commission Meeting –December 17, 2024, 9:00 AM

Adjourn