The Bowman County Planning and Zoning Commission met in regular session on March 13, 2025. Members present: Jason Anderson, Chris Fischer, Jerid Janikowski, Doyle Kruger, Rodney Schaaf, Myron Vail, Dalton Williams and Josh Buchmann. Member absent: Ryan Shear. Also present: Zoning Director, Jodi Freier, Sean Stocker, Nate Wilson, Rob Braaten, Pine Abrahamson.
Chairman Fischer called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm. Fischer asked for corrections or additions to the agenda. Kruger moved to add City of Rhame zoning to the agenda. Janikowski seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried. Anderson moved to approve the agenda. Buchman seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.
Janikowski moved to approve the January 9, 2024 minutes. Williams seconded the motion, and upon a vote the motion was carried unanimously.
Old Business:
Zoning Administrator Updates, Jodi Freier – Freier read a correspondence received from Karen Budd-Falen regarding her withdrawal of representation due to her accepting a position with the Trump Administration. Rachel Buzanowski will be available if needed.
Re-Zoning Hearing Update – Fischer reported that the Bowman County Commissioners did not approve the re-zoning application from Tracy Schumacher due to the County not wanting to allow spot zoning.
FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program – Nothing new to report from State’s Attorney Andrew Weiss.
Bowman Wind, LLC Project – The Bowman County Commissioners have approved the approach and boring permits from Bowman Wind. The required pre-construction meeting will follow tonight’s meeting.
Zoning Map – Freier is still working on the project.
Other – Kruger discussed City of Rhame zoning ordinance possible changes. He will discuss it further with the City of Rhame Council.
New Business:
Zoning Changes, Spot Zoning – Discussion was held on adding a policy to the ordinance that would not allow spot zoning.
Floodplain Permits – Freier received correspondence from BNSF regarding a railroad bridge that is in need of emergency repair. The bridge is located within the floodplain, so they are inquiring if there is a Floodplain Permit that they would need to submit.
At 6:43 PM Anderson moved to recess the meeting until 7 PM at the Bowman Lodge and Convention Center to attend the pre-construction meeting with Bowman Wind, LLC. Schaaf seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.
The Bowman County Planning and Zoning Commission met to reconvene at 7 PM at the Bowman Lodge and Convention Center for the pre-construction meeting with Bowman Wind, LLC. Members present: Jason Anderson, Chris Fischer, Jerid Janikowski, Doyle Kruger, Rodney Schaaf, Ryan Shear, Myron Vail, Dalton Williams and Josh Buchmann. List of guests present is available in the Bowman County Auditor’s Office. Bowman Wind LLC presented the preconstruction plan for their project. Questions were taken from the board and guests.
With no further business to discuss, Janikowski moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 PM, with Vail seconding the motion.
Respectively submitted, Mindy Schumacher, Secretary
