The Bowman County Planning and Zoning Commission met in regular session on November 14, 2024. Members present: Jason Anderson, Chris Fischer, Jerid Janikowski, Jerry Jeffers, Doyle Kruger, Rodney Schaaf, Ryan Shear. Members absent: Myron Vail and Dalton Williams. Also present: Zoning Director, Jodi Freier, Laurie Braaten, Caleb Kutz, Rob Braaten, Doug McGee, Darcy McGee, Tom Fossum, Karson Pederson, Sean Stocker, Lukas Geissbuehler, Sandi Clapper, Dennis Clapper, Nicole Njos, Ryan Njos, Ian Njos, Owen Njos, Chad Njos, Rick Braaten, Pine Abrahamson, Josh Buchmann, Andrew Weiss.
Chairman Fischer called the meeting to order at 6:16 pm. Fischer asked for corrections or additions to the agenda. Janikowski moved to approve the agenda. Shear seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.
Shear moved to approve the October 10, 2024 minutes. Schaaf seconded the motion, and upon a vote the motion was carried unanimously.
Old Business:
Zoning Administrator Updates, Jodi Freier – No updates.
Updated Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan – Upon recommendation from State’s Attorney Weiss, it was put into the official county newspaper. Freier will add to the website once the 30-day period has been met. This will go into effect December 14, 2024.
Alternative Energy Construction Permit – Y2 Consultants reviewed and gave their approval. Janikowski moved to conditionally grant the Alternative Energy Construction Permit (AECP) application submitted by Bowman Wind, LLC c/o Apex Clean Energy dated July 22, 2024.
The conditions are as follows:
- The approach permits discussed in section 6.11.3. 3.A.6. of the Bowman County Wind Energy Facility Ordinance must be finally approved by the Bowman County Commission.
- The Utility Permit Application/boring permits discussed in section 6.11.5. 1.H. of the Bowman County Wind Energy Facility Ordinance must be finally approved by the Bowman County Commission.
Upon proof of the completion of these two conditions which shall be submitted to the Bowman County Tax Director and Zoning Administrator, the AECP dated July 22, 2024, shall be finally approved without further action by Bowman Planning and Zoning Commission. Jeffers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.
New Business:
County Subdivision – There is concern over how the Stiller Subdivision in Bowman is zoned. The Subdivision contains 15- two acre platted lots facing Hwy 85. A perspective buyer wants to put horses on their lot. The only documents Freier was able to find were past permits, all being zoned Agricultural. States Attorney Andrew Weiss was going to do further research on this issue.
Apex Representatives – Apex/Bowman Wind, LLC requested a date for a pre-construction meeting, which is a requirement per the Bowman County Wind Ordinance. The board was not interested in setting a date at this time. When conditions of the AECP are satisfied they will revisit the issue.
FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program –Freier reported that she received correspondence from FEMA regarding land use authority and the National Flood Insurance Program. She has asked State’s Attorney Andrew Weiss for guidance on how to proceed
Vacant Board Position/County Commissioner – Jeffers term as Bowman County Commissioner will end at the end of November, therefore a new commission representative for zoning board will be needed by the next meeting in December.
With no further business to discuss, Jeffers moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 pm, with Kruger seconding the motion.
Respectively submitted,
Mindy Schumacher, Secretary
