The Bowman County Planning and Zoning Commission met in regular session on August 8, 2024. Members present: Chris Fischer, Jerid Janikowski, Doyle Kruger, Ryan Shear, Rodney Schaaf, Jerry Jeffers, Myron Vail and Dalton Williams. Also present: Zoning Director, Jodi Freier, Nate Wilson, Sean Stocker, Karson Pederson, Robin Braaten, Laurie Braaten, Tom Fossum, Junior McGee, Theresa McGee, Doug McGee, and Chad Njos.
Chairman Fischer called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Fischer asked for corrections or additions to the agenda. Jeffers moved to approve the agenda. Shear seconded the motion, and upon a vote, the motion was carried unanimously.
Shear moved to approve the July 11, 2024 minutes. Vail seconded the motion, and upon a vote the motion was carried unanimously.
Old Business: Zoning Administrator Updates, Jodi Freier – Has been working on the new zoning ordinance book, including the material adverse impact statement. Freier viewed the recording of the zoning training that was held in Dickinson.
Material Adverse Impact Statement – Freier has reviewed the statement with State’s Attorney Andrew Weiss and inserted it into the new zoning ordinance book.
Alternative Energy Construction Permit – Sean Stocker, APEX gave an update on the Bowman Wind Project. Fischer asked Stocker the following questions regarding the AECP: 1)Is the submitted blueprint accurate and to scale for the project? 2)Is all metadata accurate and included? 3)Does your application include all roads in the project area? 4)Are all structures in the project area included in the submission? 5)Are all items required by the AECP included in your submission? Stocker replied yes to all the questions that were asked. Moved by Janikowski, seconded by Schaaf to send the AECP submitted by APEX, Bowman Wind to Y2 Consultants for review. A roll call vote was taken with all members voting yes. Motion carried.
New Business: APEX Representatives – Janikowski questioned Stocker about the letter that was sent out to participating landowners regarding the Bowman Wind Project.
Mineral Drilling – Freier received correspondence regarding possible exploration in southwest North Dakota. Discussion was held on current ordinance and if a conditional use permit would be required.
Data Centers – Data and AI Centers are starting to move into North Dakota. There is nothing in current zoning ordinance that would cover these centers. The board would like to hold off on an ordinance on these at the current time and focus on the new zoning ordinance book.
With no further business to discuss, Vail moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 pm, with Williams seconding the motion.
Respectively submitted, Mindy Schumacher, Secretary
