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Bowman County Commission

Bowman County Commissioners are elected at large on a non-partisan basis for staggered four-year terms. The County Commission is the governing body of the County responsible for overseeing County activities and working to ensure that citizen concerns are met, federal and state requirements are fulfilled, and County operations run smoothly.

 

The State constitution gives the Board of County Commissioners the power to adopt zoning ordinances (local laws), levy taxes, appropriations, authorize bonds, set salaries, approve bills, accept bids, approve the County budget and establish the requirements/policies for the Departments under its control.

 

The Board governs all unorganized townships of the County directly.

County Commission Minutes

May 2, 2023

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on May 2, 2023, with the following present: Pine Abrahamson, Rick Braaten, Josh Buchmann, Jerid Janikowski, and Jerry Jeffers. Chairman Braaten called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Braaten asked for corrections or additions to the agenda. The Application for Beer and/or Wine License from Bowman Haley Marina will be removed from the agenda and the chip seal bid will be added. Buchmann moved to approve the agenda. Jeffers seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

 

The following May 2, 2023 vouchers were approved by a motion made by Abrahamson, with Janikowski seconding the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

April Payroll $180,715.47
36816 Advanced Business Methods $490.07
36817 Auto Value $130.44
36818 Bergan KVD $171.94
36819 Boss Office Products $977.85
36820 Bowman County Fair Assn $100.00
36821 Bowman County Treasurer $737.68
36822 Bowman Township $1,370.66
36823 Bronson’s Marketplace $64.71
36824 Brosz Engineering $8,805.00
36825 Budd-Falen Law Office $283.08
36826 Dakota Dust-Tex $185.10
36827 First International Bank $948.35
36827 First International Bank $626.63
36827 First International Bank $779.92
36828 Frank Eberle $21.00
36829 Frontier Travel Center $199.98
36830 Jason Bullis $45.50
36831 John Deere Financial $1,557.92
36832 MCI $72.88
36833 MidCo $103.82
36834 MDU $2,348.38
36835 North Dakota Surplus $15.00
36836 NDSU Extension $7,250.00
36837 Newby’s Ace Hardware $252.91
36838 ND State Treasurer $2,308.17
36839 Northwest Tire $1,132.22
36840 Nutrien Ag Solutions $22,156.50
36841 Quadient Financing $4,000.00
36842 RDO Equipment $3,250.75
36843 S&T Custom Plumbing $101.72
36844 Southwest Healthcare $1,343.00
36845 Sunny Slope Township $167.54
36846 Talbot Township $1,164.65
36847 The Badlands Patriot $546.94
36848 Tyler Technologies $112.50
36849 Wild & Weiss Law Office $1,250.00

 

 

 

Janikowski moved to approve the April 18, 2023, minutes with Jeffers seconding the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

 

Buchmann moved to approve the April 2023 Month-End Bureau of Land Management Report, with Janikowski seconding the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

 

Bowman County Treasurer, Anita McLaughlin, met to present the April 2023 Treasurer’s Daily Cash Settlement/Bank Reconciliation Report. Jeffers moved to approve the report, and Buchmann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.

Buchmann moved to approve the April 2023 Recorder and Sheriff Fee Collection Reports. Abrahamson seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.

Bowman County Tax Director, Jodi Freier, met to discuss the Vanguard Appraisals contract. Janikowski moved to approve the contract from Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. Abrahamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.

 

BCDC Director, Teran Doerr, met to discuss a childcare center emergency funding request. Guests present: Sydnee Kidd, Duane Bowman, Meggan Tuchscherer, Kevin Bucholz, Allison Englehart, and Alan Peters. There are many daycare facilities in Bowman County that are facing staffing shortages and there are currently no daycare openings in the county. They are looking for funding for benefits assistance for Tot Lot as the only 501c3 childcare center provider within Bowman County to help with business recruitment and retention. The funding request is $49,000 annually from the County for a five-year period. Janikowski moved to approve funding up to $49,000 annually for a five-year period towards Tot Lot Childcare Benefits Assistance to come from BLM Funds. Buchmann seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Janikowski, yes; Buchmann, yes; Abrahamson, no; Jeffers, yes; Braaten, yes. Motion carried. Janikowski moved to amend his motion to state that funding will come from State Revenue Sharing fund, not BLM fund. Buchmann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried. Janikowski moved to approve the motion as amended. Buchmann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.

 

At 10:00 AM, Chairman Braaten recessed the County Commission meeting for the annual meeting of the Bowman County Rural Ambulance Board. Pam Hestekin, President of the Bowman County Rural Ambulance Board, called the meeting to order at 10:01 AM, with the following board members present:  Karen Salter, Jennifer Hestekin, and Darren Limesand. Also present: Chanell Walby. The board reviewed the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes and 2022 Financial Report. The Ambulance board recommended to the Bowman County Commissioners the following members be reappointed to two-year terms: Pam Hestekin, Jennifer Hestekin, and Darren Limesand. With no further business to conduct, Hestekin adjourned the meeting at 10:19 AM.

Chairman Braaten reconvened the County Commission meeting at 10:20 AM.

Colleen Rodakowski and Jenn Quigley, Elder Care, met to discuss Senior Meals and their 2022 budget shortfall. Also Present: Scott Jansen, Chanell Walby, and Dennis Walser.

Bowman County Highway Superintendent, Shane Biggs, and Lucas Doerr, Brosz Engineering, met to discuss road projects. Also present: Scott Jansen. Discussion was held on the 2023 Chip Seal Project Multiple Locations Bid. One bid was received. That was from Astech Corp in the amount of $635,727.19. Buchmann moved to approve the bid from Astech Corp. Jeffers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried. Abrahamson moved to approve Utility Permit Application #1157   from Slope Electric. Buchmann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried. Buchmann moved to approve Utility Permit Application #1158   from Continental Resources. Abrahamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried. Janikowski moved to approve the Request for Materials from Myles Richard for the purchase of 200 yards of reject gravel with Richard being responsible for 100 percent of the cost. Abrahamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried. Abrahamson moved to allow Bridger Pipeline to put a C-10 cast iron canal gate on the culvert south of the Bridger Oil gathering station on the Camp Crook Road. Jeffers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried. Discussion was held on the Haul Route Agreement with Bowman Wind, LLC.  There are a few more small changes that need to be made, so the agreement will be reviewed again at the next meeting.

Buchmann left the meeting at 12 PM.

The board discussed the Complaint Resolution Procedure for Bowman Wind, LLC. Guest present: Scott Jansen.

Buchmann rejoined the meeting at 1:45 PM.

Janikowski moved to adopt the following resolution. Abrahamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.

WHEREAS, the Bowman County Commissioners have received a recommendation from the zoning board to place a moratorium on battery energy storage systems.

WHEREAS it is the desire of the Bowman County Commissioners to develop zoning laws and rules that will facilitate the expansion and development of this technology within Bowman County. The County Commissioners also recognize that Battery Energy Storage Systems and the use of property on which they might be located could cause undesirable impacts to other property in the County. The Board recognizes the need to evaluate the impacts of these systems and, if necessary, revise the County’s Zoning Ordinances to address any determined issues that may arise and to best promote the health, safety, morals, public convenience, general property, and public welfare of Bowman County.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOVLED BY THE BOWMAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, THAT:

Section 1. The Board hereby imposes a moratorium on zoning applications, construction, installation, or establishment of battery energy storage systems or its equivalent in Bowman County until further order board, but not to exceed 24 months.

Section 2. Any party aggrieved by this Resolution may petition for a separate hearing thereon before the Board of County Commissioners, pursuant to Section 11-22-10 of the North Dakota Century Code.

 

 

At 3:00 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

County Commission Agenda

June 6, 2023 – 9:00 AM

Call to order Chairman Braaten

 

Pledge of Allegiance – Prayer – Pastor Ray Sherwood

       

  • Consideration for Approval
    1. Agenda
    2. Vouchers
    3. May 16, 2023 Minutes
    4. May Treasurer’s Report– Daily Cash Settlements/Bank Reconciliation Report
    5. May 2023 Month-End BLM Report
    6. May 2023 Recorder/Sheriff Fee Collection Report
    7. Application for a Local Permit, Bowman County Fair Association

 

Unfinished Business

    1. Complaint Resolution Procedure for Bowman Wind, LLC
    2. Haul Route Agreement
    3. Jesco Parking Lot Repairs

 

New Business

    1. Burn Ban
    2. Appointment to SW Health Unit Board
    3. July 3, 2023 Courthouse Hours

 

 

Scheduled Appointments Made in Advance

9:30 AM   Dean Pearson, Bowman County Emergency Manager

10:00         City of Rhame/Moore Engineering

11:00         Shane Biggs, Bowman County Highway Superintendent

                                          LUNCH

1:15 PM    Unorganized Township Equalization Meeting

1:25           County Equalization Meeting

2:00           Pam Hestekin, Bowman Rural Ambulance Budget

2:30           Cal Klewin, Theodore Roosevelt Expressway

 

             Elected Officials Office Updates & Other

 

 

  • Public Notices

Commissioners have been invited to attend the Flag Dedication Ceremony on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 11 AM, at Frontier Travel Center, Junction US 12-85, Bowman.

 

  • Important Meeting Dates

 

  • Next Regularly Scheduled Commission Meeting –June 20, 2023, 9:00 AM

 

Adjourn 

County Commission Meeting

Regular meetings of the Bowman County Commissioners are generally the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the commissioner room located on the lower level of the courthouse.

Rick Braaten

Commissioner
(701) 279-5530
email

 

Rick was first elected as a Bowman County Commissioner in November 2008.  He is a 1975 graduate of Bowman High School and graduated from NDSU in 1979 with a BS degree in Agricultural Economics. Rick is married to Laurie Fish and they four sons. Rick engages in farm and ranch work.

 

Other Offices Held:

  • 1994 – 2002 Board Member Farmers Union Oil of Rhame
  • FSA County Committee
  • County Representative on Economic Development Board
  • County Representative on County Weed Board

Josh Buchmann

Commissioner
(701) 206-0578
email

 

Josh graduated in 1996 from Bowman High School and attended NDSCS, graduating in 1999.  He moved back to Bowman in 2006.  He has two children; his daughter lives in Wahpeton and works for NDSCS and his son attends Bowman High School.

 

Other Offices Held:

  • Bowman County Fair Board
  • Bowman Volunteer Fire Department
  • Bowman Ambulance Service
  • Owner of RMJ Towing
  • Owner of Bowman Laundromat
  • Manager of Northwest Tire since 2011

Jerry Jeffers

Commissioner
(701) 279-5885
email

 

Jerry was elected to the Bowman County Commission in 2016 and is the third generation on the Jeffers farm in southwestern Bowman County; homesteaded in 1909.  Jerry also has operated a cabinet shop in the winter since 1976.  He has three sons and is married to Karen who has two sons and a daughter.  Between them they have 11 grandchildren.

 

Other Offices Held:

  • Current Bowman County Zoning Board Member
  • Past Bowman/Slope Soil Conservation Board Member
  • Former 4-H Leader and 4-H Council President
  • Past Sunny Apartments Board Member
  • Past Bethany Church Council President
  • Past School Board Member

Pine Abrahamson

Commissioner
701-523-3169
email

 

Pine was first elected as a Bowman County Commissioner in 2004. Pine was born and raised in Bowman County. He has been engaged in agriculture his entire life; he is the third generation to be involved on the family farm where he spends many hours working with his youngest daughter her husband. Pine is married with 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

 

Other Offices Held:

  • Bowman/Slope Multi-County Social Service District
  • Bowman County Information Technology Committee
  • Bowman County Extension Advisory Council
  • Past All Seasons Arena Board Member
  • Past Bowman County EDC Board Member

Lynn Brackel

Commissioner
(701) 523-3749
email

 

Lynn was elected to the County Commission in 2008. He graduated from Dickinson State University in 1966 with a music degree and taught band and chorus for 12 years. Lynn still enjoys music and has directed the Church Choir for 30 years, Bowman County Community Band for 20 years, and Saxy Brass for 20 years.  Lynn owned a plumbing business and served the Southwest North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota areas for over 30 years. He has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

 

Other Offices Held:

  • Bowman County Zoning Board
  • Southwest Multi-County Correction Center Board of Directors
  • Yesterday’s Farmers Treasurer
  • Dakota Territory Collectors Car Club
  • Bowman Lutheran Worship Board

Contact

CONTACT

EMAIL: auditor@bowmancountynd.gov

PHONE: (701) 523-3130

Bowman County Auditor
104 1st St NW, Suite 1
Bowman ND 58623

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Thursday:
7:30am – 12:00pm MT
12:30pm – 4:30pm MT

Friday:
7:30am – 12:00pm MT
(Closed on Legal Holidays)