00:00:06,000	OK, it’s 5 o’clock, uh, chaplain, please. Right Evening. Let us pray. Your heavenly Father, we gather again to give you thanks this evening for the many gifts you’ve bestowed upon us. We thank you for our families, for our friends in a special way for our community.

00:00:37,000	Lord, is this commission gathers tonight we ask for your guidance and your wisdom. We ask that all of tonight’s discussions and deliberations and decisions. would begin with your inspiration, be in accordance with your will and continue with your unfailing help.

00:00:57,930	Lord we make this prayer with faith and trust in your promises, as we ask all glory and praise be unto you, as we pray in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. If you’d rise, please face the flag and join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

00:01:29,330	Thank you OK, I’ll call the October 21, 2024 meeting of the Burleigh County Park Board to order first item is roll call members please, Comm. Herman. Comm. Woodcox. Here, Comm. Munsen here, Comm. Bakken here, Comm. Schwab, Comm. Bain. German Bittner here. Next item is approval of the agenda.

00:01:55,600	Moved to 2 motion a 2nd to approve any further discussion. Call the roll, please. Comm. Woodcox. Yes, Comm. Munsen, Comm. Bakken, Comm. Schwab, Comm. Herman, Chair Bittner. Yes, motion carries. Con consideration of the July 15, 2024. Meeting minutes. Mr. Chair, I read them and felt that they were in order, so I moved to approve.

00:02:20,230	And I, uh, if you want to combine these, I uh went through the bills and they are in order as well. Add that. I will add that. Approval of the bills. So that’s a motion in a second. OK. A motion second a further discussion. Call the roll. Comm. Munsen. Yes, Comm. Bakken, Comm. Schwab, Comm. Herman, Comm. Woodcock, Chair Bittner, yes, motion carries. Next item is Parks update.

00:02:44,670	I would ask, uh. Rick to come up and give us a little report, please. Good evening, Chair Bittner and commissioners, quick update as far as the county boat ramps are concerned. Uh, we have. Hold the dock at both uh. McLean bottoms and knifle bolt landing. The docks still remain in at Kimball Bottoms and up at Steckle.

00:03:19,330	Um, The fish cleaning station has been shut down, starting to hit that intermittent time of freesty. I don’t want to run the risk of blowing any pipes above ground, so. That kind of year, that time of year when we start closing those things down, so those have that has been shut down.

00:03:34,730	I noticed that when I was up at Nel today that, uh, Game and Fish has closed up that little cleaning station that was put in, so that’s shut down for the year as well too.

00:03:50,930	Um, Other than that, I did take a look at the boat ramps to maybe get the ball rolling in conversation for dredging next year. Um, Took a look at McLean seems to be in fairly good shape. Possibly, I mean, we, we all know throughout the winter we may see something else uh in the spring once the spring comes, but Kimball Bottoms is our, our perpetual problem child, um.

00:04:15,930	And nifle is still kind of in a state of we should probably do something as well again next year plan to do something like that next year. Uh, I would ask, uh, the board’s permission if you see fit, uh, over the winter to start getting the 404 permit ready, we can make a decision later on, you know, maybe January, February.

00:04:32,400	If we want to You know, at least submit it so we get the paperwork done and then we can uh put it off for quotes once the ice is off, uh, so we know what the for sure what the quantity is going to be and if it really needs to be done.

00:04:47,700	Um, but I just thought in anticipation, you know, hopefully the water’s a lot higher next spring. Uh, right now it’s running pretty low, and coming out of um. Um, Garrison Uh, Garrison Dam at 18,000 cubic feet per second, it’s, you know, the water’s down about. 2.5 ft from what it was earlier this summer, 3 ft possibly, uh, so it’s running really low right now.

00:05:11,930	Uh, hopefully that, and I haven’t seen any projections for next spring that I mean that’s, that’s a big crystal ball to look at that one, so the projections for the next 3 weeks. I can tell you those, the game or the core hasn’t changed those.

00:05:30,700	Um, but, uh, I just wanted to get that out there, uh, conversation-wise, uh, maybe start thinking about that again for next year for those at least um Kimball and Nifel maybe McLean, but if it is, it’s gonna be a very small amount because there’s not a lot, a lot of area there. Uh, we do know with that boat ramp.

00:05:49,330	That Pretty much of concrete, you know, with the concrete boat ramp goes out there and then the grade of the, the river bottom kind of drops off, so it’s not like it builds in there, it’s just whatever kind of sits on top of that, that concrete, so it’s gonna be minimal at McLean. Kimball We know how that one runs, so it’s uh it’s gonna be yeah.

00:06:07,530	Probably a decent quantity there and then uh up at Niel. At least what it was last year, if not more. So At least if we did the applications earlier we wouldn’t be.

00:06:26,370	So late getting them cleaned up, and that’s why I wanted to at least have that conversation tonight so we could, you know, if, if the board sees fit, I could at least get the paperwork done and get in and it doesn’t take much to do that paperwork and get it into to the Army Corps, um, at least that way we could be ready for it and have the permit in hand, it makes sense to me to do that.

00:06:40,630	Yeah, absolutely I’ll get the paperwork we’ll just plan on it. You want that in a motion or I, I don’t know that that’s necessary that’s necessary direction consensus I think everybody understands the significance of getting ahead of that game, yeah, OK, perfect. I will get that done. Other than that, um.

00:07:04,130	Things went pretty smoothly, still people camping, still people fishing. So they catching? I don’t, I haven’t heard that. I’ve seen them fishing. All right. Anything else? Thanks, Dave. Thank you. I appreciate that. It was a good update.

00:07:32,530	Um, any other business for the County Park Board Chair one little piece, um, I was notified on Friday that the DAV has completed their six-year agreement with maintaining the Driscoll Sibley Park, and their hope is that we will find somebody else. To take care of that park moving forward. There, their group is getting older and they’re having a little tougher time getting out there to and finding members to go out and do the mowing and the cleaning, so, uh, they.

00:07:51,230	Give me the The desire of theirs is not to resign and. We can find somebody else. So, uh, I think we’ll ask some 4H groups or some other local groups to see if they can. Take on that But We’ve got time. We’ve got this winter to work through it, OK.

00:08:11,330	And we also have the we have a Guy that does mowing and and whatnot at some of these various areas. You’d be interested in expanding that as well. Perfect. That’s it? OK. Anything else for the county Park board? OK, I’m gonna adjourn the. County Pork board. Thank you.

00:08:36,400	Co And I’ll call the uh October 21, 2024, a meeting of the Burleigh County Commission to Order. First item is roll call of members, Comm. Woodcox here, Comm. Munsen here, Comm. Bakken, Comm. Schwab, Chair Benner. Uh, the next item is approval of the agenda. Move to approve motion 2 to approve any further discussion being uncollateral. Comm. Munsen, Comm. Bakken. Yes, Comm. Schwab, Comm. Woodcox, Chair Bittner, yes, motion carries.

00:09:05,800	Consideration of the October 7th, 2024 meeting minutes and bills. I looked at the meeting minutes and the bills and all look to be in order. Move to proof. Second. And motion is second a further discussion. Um, there was, there was a special meeting at one of these past meetings.

00:09:28,730	We, that was the that was the one before, before you Um just below County Engineer Hall. Uh I don’t know if this makes sense to anybody. Comm. Bach and to extent. Public hearings it should be. proofread it. It should be extend. I will amend my motion to include that correction. It’s minor, but it’s good kind of looks like.

00:10:06,400	Well, I’m we gonna see. OK. OK. Any further discussion, thank you for that clarification. Call the roll. Comm. Bakken, Comm. Schwab, yes, Comm. Woodcock, Comm. Munsen, Chair Bittner, motion carries. Next item is consent agenda. You may want to pull anything off of there for discussion or? What are your wishes? Move to approve. 2.

00:10:33,330	Motion is 2nd to approve the consent agenda. Any further discussion? Seeing none coral. Comm. Woodcox Comm. Munsen, Comm. Bakken, Comm. Schwab, Chair Bittner, yes, motion carries. Next Engineer Hall. We have 3 items public hearing, vacation of excess right away and maintenance certification on Highway 10 weight limits. Marcus, welcome. Good evening, Comm.

00:10:58,470	first item that I have is the vacation or possible vacation of access right away. We did continue the public hearing, um, from the last meeting, you had some questions for the state’s attorney as well as for me in regards to different parts of this.

00:11:14,930	I don’t know if the state’s attorney would like to address those questions first and then I can follow up with a couple of things I checked into. So the questions that I had last time were whether or not we could do this if the county commission wanted to and, um, yes, you can give up portion of her right away as long as you’re keeping that portion that’s required to be there as necessary for the road that we

00:11:35,770	have, um, And so it’s just a matter of drawing up the right documents if this is a an easement, then it is basically redefining what that easement is and filing that with the recorder’s office if we do own the land that’s in the right of way, then it would be a transfer of property to

00:11:53,470	whomever would purchase that land. So it’s just which document do we draft up if the county commission wants to give that up? So the things that I would have the county commission consider is when, um, this easement was put in place, I think.

00:12:11,600	1940s is what I had heard is when it was put in place, um, that there might have been some future development in mind as to why they, um, got an easement that was more than what they needed or was required at the time.

00:12:29,730	Keeping in mind that, um, Highway 10 was a major thoroughfare back in before I-94 was made, but, um, you know, consider what may happen in the future because if you have it now and give it up and you need it again in the future, it’s a lot harder to get it back than it is to give it up, so keep that in mind as you’re. Making your decision.

00:12:45,200	OK, so is that an easement or actual owner that was an actual ownership of that particular property. OK, so it’s not an easement. Um, Is there a is there a requirement that That the property be sold at bids or? Or how, how does that? So if you look, and I’m not going to use all the legal ease that’s involved with it, but if you look at the portion that’s in

00:13:05,530	your packet, there’s a map that shows um that it’s 1 point, approximately 1.61 acres and it’s a small strip of land, um, that wouldn’t benefit anybody other than the adjacent owner.

00:13:23,730	Um, there’s no need to do like a bid or anything like that because it’s such a small parcel and because of where it’s situated and how it wouldn’t, um, it wouldn’t be of use to anyone other than those adjacent owners, there’s an exemption. For having to go big. I’ll follow up with a few additional items, um, number one, as I said last meeting, I believe I said I’m basically just processing a request from the residents in that area, uh, to.

00:13:54,800	Pursue The returning of this property to them to get it back on the tax rules and then that my understanding is that they’re going to follow up and do a plat of this area and then they would include that particular, uh, property, uh, along that area we are still maintaining a 100 ft easement, uh, a typical what we have is

00:14:13,330	75 ft, um, let me rephrase it, 100 ft of ownership. It’s not an easement. We’d have a 100 ft of ownership through that area. So that strip, the 1.6 acres, uh, basically. That would be consistent with the rest of the property on either side of that particular area.

00:14:32,030	Uh, I believe in the corner there on 83 and Highway 10 at one time they were just thinking about the possibility of an interchange being at that location, um, so that’s why it is excessive on all four sides. They have reduced that property on the other three corners and we’re just starting to reduce it on the southwest corner, um, we would still have plenty.

00:14:53,930	Additional right away in that location. Um, if we chose to move forward with some type of, I, I doubt if we’d ever do an interchange at that location, but some type of expansion, uh, lights at that location around about at that location.

00:15:11,600	Some of the type of feature, uh, we would still have plenty of uh right away to work at that location. One of the other things that came up during our discussions. I, um, the cost associated or what is the value of that property and I mentioned that the last meeting, uh typically right now we’re paying about $3000 an acre for roadway right away.

00:15:30,700	Um, I did have a chance to talk to the Burley County tax director, and he felt he would feel comfortable with seeing the value of that property is worth $3500 per acre, uh, so that was his input on that particular item. At this point, um, I would, uh.

00:15:51,030	Happy to answer any questions you may have, and then we hope at the end that you direct the highway department how to proceed with this particular application. said it was 1.6 acres. There’s two parcels there, the 1.6 acres is the longitudinal portion and then right at the corner there’s an additional 0.35 acres. That’s 1.95966. OK. A calculator.

00:16:21,700	What’s that at 3500? that 6860. 68 60 68 60. OK. Anything else you want to add? No. OK, so this is a continuation of the public hearing, correct? question for Marcus before he’s first. Quick question for you, Marcus, when the DOT. vacated or took their building and all of their equipment out of there.

00:17:18,070	What condition is that land left in? My commissioners at this point, they still haven’t removed all of the material and stuff that’s in there, uh, our, uh, agreement basically with him is it will be uh the, um, any type of buildings or anything laying on it, such as the Jersey berries or any other kind of scrap that they have on, they

00:17:36,830	have to remove all of that. Uh, we did have a discussion, um, on the lay down area which is a a blended base, basically, um, they said they still wanted that That was so we said fine then get it out of here as soon as you can, um, so they’ll pick that up and take that away with

00:17:55,400	them. So then we also said at that point we wanted it basically black dirt back on it and seeded so it’s very similar to what’s adjacent to it. That was, that was my biggest question right there makes sense. Mr. Schwab. I got my answer about the lay down the trail.

00:18:18,870	OK OK, well, if you want to stay available, um, this is a public hearing anybody else want to speak on this item? Those public hearings as anybody else wish to speak on this item? 3rd and final call. Anybody wish to speak on this item, seeing none, no close the public hearing. Commissioners, what are your thoughts? Mr.

00:18:44,400	Chair, I move we approved the sale. 1.96 acres at $3500 an acre. OK I have a motion. Is there a 22. A motion to second any further discussion. Seeing none call the rule. Comm. Schwab, Yes, Comm. Woodcox, Comm. Munsen, Comm. Bakken, Chair Bittner, yes, motion carries.

00:19:12,800	Commissioners just for your information, I will follow through with that sale once the DOT gets all of their stuff off of that particular property and cleans it up so the next item I have on the agenda Marcus is uh.

00:19:30,330	What’s the timeline with DOT as far as getting that cleaned up because I, I’m kind of curious of, you know, if if we have an opportunity to sell that now and somebody wants to move forward with the sale process pending DOT’s clean up, uh, commissioners, um, the last I heard they had several projects that they were in the process of letting and depending on how those went, uh, those Jersey berries are gonna be part of that process.

00:19:49,070	So if the contractor wanted to start right away with those particular construction projects, they could remove those New Jersey breeze yet this fall. They may be next spring before those get off and that’s something that the DOT is a little bit.

00:20:10,070	Lack of a better term, wishy-washy on? I’m just, I’m questioning hanging up a sale that if somebody has an intent, um, hanging up a sale, waiting on that timeline cause that could get drug out and drug out and drug out, so is there an opportunity to, uh, maybe proceed with that sale and contingent on contingent on.

00:20:29,200	Absolutely we’ll work with our state’s attorney’s office and the the buyers on that particular property and work out something that works for everybody. OK, thank you. OK go ahead. The next item I have on the agenda is every year the Burleigh County Highway Department reviews all federal aid highway projects, and certifies that they meet, uh, the meet or are being maintained and good and safe conditions for the general public use.

00:20:47,730	We have done that as part of that process, the county board has to approve a certification and and directs the county, the proper county officials in signing that certification. There’s a proposed resolution in your packet, the certification is also in your packet.

00:21:08,600	I’ve also gave a copy of that, uh, to the, the auditor, so he will be approaching the proper individuals if, if you pass that particular resolution. I’d recommend approval. move to approve as recommended. I Motion second any further discussion. Comm. Woodcox, Comm. Munsen, Comm. Bakken, Comm. Schwab, Chair Bittner, yes, motion carries.

00:21:34,800	The next item I have on the agenda is County Highway 10, uh, looking at various aspects of the area in which we reduce the load and reduce the speed on back in September of 2023, we had a lot of breakup going on on that particular segment of the roadway, uh, basically from 66th Street out to 158, that’s the area in general that we were looking at.

00:21:54,070	We reduced it at the uh speed limit and we reduced the weight at that time, uh, at the last meeting, Also at that time we had made the comment to the public that we we would reconsider those reductions once the project had taken place to repair those areas we have completed that project, uh, so we decided, well, we should at least reconsider what we’ve done out

00:22:14,800	there and uh decide where to go. Uh, there were several different approaches coming at the last county board meeting and I’d asked for just a little bit of time to pull that kind of all together and put a resolution together that kind of Hopefully answers all the questions that we need answering for that particular,

00:22:30,900	uh, process. So I would like to just walk through the proposed resolution in your packet, um, and talk a little bit about each one of the items and then the county board can decide on what ones they want to approve, what ones they don’t want to approve, or how they want to change that.

00:22:45,830	So to begin with, uh, the speed limit. Um, what we’re, what I’m proposing in the resolution, and this is based somewhat off what the county board was saying last time, uh, to match with that is from the city, Bismarck City limits, which is 66th Street, out to 119th we would leave the we would have set the speed

00:23:05,130	limit at 55 miles an hour. That’s basically what it was before this project started. That was the location of where we had, so that’s really no change from what we had, uh, what we have now and what we propose to have in the, what we had. For this, uh, the problems started to occur.

00:23:22,770	And then from 119th Street to the county line, uh, I would propose a 65 mile an hour speed limit with a truck speed limit of 55 that is based on what the county board was basically stating your desires were last time.

00:23:41,870	I will reiterate that as a highway engineer, I’m, I’m not necessarily totally in favor of that because those changes in speed limit create a speed differential, and we can have problems with that. concerns. So I’m not necessarily recommending that, but I did put it in the pause resolution because that’s the way the board was leaning last time, so that’s the way I put it in there.

00:23:59,700	Um, I would not care if you wanted to leave it at 55 or if you wanted to leave it all at 65, but as long as it’s consistent across the board, that’s what’s more important to me. OK, I will go into the weight restrictions now unless the chair and the board would like to talk about speed first and then do weight second.

00:24:17,170	I just want to talk about the speed limits. Actually, I would. I’m not in favor of splitting. Uh, speed limits cause you wind up with congestion issues and, and. Having a Extensive background running a family business and and trucking speeds. I, I’m just not in favor of. Having truck speeds versus vehicle speeds.

00:24:41,600	So either. I would like to see it all at 65 or all at 55. I, I don’t really care either way, but you know, maybe if Sheriff Leeman’s got some input on that as well, I’d be entertained, uh, his input, um, but I, I’m is not in favor of splitting up truck speeds and regular traffic speeds. Mr.

00:25:08,970	Chair, Commissioners, um, I would agree with Marcus on that, um, you know, we do have a lot of truck traffic out on Highway 10, um, obviously, can we enforce it that way? Yeah, we can, but it would create some congestion issues. The other thing is obviously the, you know, we’re pretty um.

00:25:32,400	saturated with 65 mph speed limits now in the state, so I think um Marcus and I talk about this a lot, you know, what is the natural speed and flow.

00:25:51,670	And ultimately, like Mark has said, I’ll support whatever this commission wants to do, um, but I think if we do go with 55 all the way out there, we’re going to see increased enforcement um because it is kind of a wide open road. It’s built very nice, and I think people tend to travel at that 60 to 65 naturally, so again, um, sometimes, you know, like I said, we’ve had a lot of conversations, Marcus and I, as we at other roads in the county.

00:26:14,170	I think the road can sustain it at just the wear and tear on it. Thank you. Mr. Bachman last year, I mean, sorry, I called you back sorry I mean, sorry, I called you back sorry I mean, sorry, I called you back sorry Schwab, sorry.

00:26:33,030	Last year I got a lot of calls in that row about Truck speeding, 65 means maybe close to 70 and whatever. And I never got a one call that said they’re not going fast. Well, this year, Since that road’s been fixed. I’ve got 2 calls, one from a biker and one from a lady. And they are happy at 55.

00:27:00,330	We don’t have to fight them trucks. I have nobody has called me rural farmer, whatever. And said, you know, we got to get that up to 65. Uh, There’s a lot of traffic, you know, going through Apple Valley and stuff that’s a very heavily traveled road.

00:27:26,770	Um, I, uh, I, I can’t support going over 55 on that and keep everybody, keep it equal. Nobody’s complaining to me and I’d be the Guy they call. Mr. Buck. So getting through Apple Valley, would there be another point to maybe keeping it through Apple Valley to 55 and then after we get past that going to 65 Marcus, 119th gets us out there quite a ways.

00:27:51,330	We’re pretty rural after that, so 55 up to that spot, it’s pretty reasonable spot. Um, you, we may want to go a little bit farther, um, if you remember correctly, uh, before these changes, we had 55 to basically down that valley where Apple Creek crosses Highway 10.

00:28:11,530	That’s Where the change was at and if we wanted to continue it at that location, we could do that too, so. OK I would, I would be in favor of that if. If you want separate motion or wait until you get through the other part of this, but uh. Um I would be in favor of keeping it 55 until through that point and then.

00:28:31,770	65 for the rest of the way out. That a motion? Yeah, I’ll make that a motion if you want it now. The motion is there a second? Second Emotional secondary further discussion. Non color Comm. Munsen, yes, Comm. Bakken. Comm. Schwab, Comm. Woodcox, Chair Bitner, yes, motion carries.

00:29:04,370	weight limits, I’ll go on to the weight limits then, um, as we talked about, um, I I do believe this road is capable of handling 1055, uh, the only issue is the more weight you put on a particular road, the, the quicker it’ll break down. So we just have to keep that in mind.

00:29:26,230	So what I’m recommending on this particular segment of roadway from the City Bismarck, city limits, 66th Street, going out to 158th. I would recommend 80,000 pounds, uh, with axle loads on that, on those vehicles. For those at home that may not be. Privy, uh, could you explain the difference between the legal Axel road and.

00:29:50,770	Yes, during this transition period, we had a 66 ton axle load and that was a fixed number, 6 ton. So under legal axle loads it can vary from 6 all the way up to 8 to 9 maybe. It depends on the configuration of your vehicle. So each vehicle is, is dependent.

00:30:12,130	uh, it has its own maximum weight now it’s a complicated table when you show that on on trucking as far as legal wastes go and stuff like that, but a law enforcement is very. Familiar with that information and truckers are generally very familiar with that information. So when we state legal acts or loads, they’re, they’re comfortable with that. So thanks, Martin. So then from 158th.

00:30:37,200	Over to US 83 over to Sterling, basically, we’re recommending that we would run a 1055 with legal axle load configuration on that segment too. So that’s a step up in that area. And then from Sterling going out to the county line, we would recommend 80,000 pounds with a legal axle load configuration so we step back down on that last portion, and the only reason I stepped

00:30:57,000	down on that last portion is, is we have a lot less traffic out now out there, so if we keep the heavier loads on it, it may break down quicker and uh under our current funding situation, spending a lot of money on that last segment of road may be very hard to, to come by. So.

00:31:15,670	I just recommending that we keep that load a little bit less out there to extend the life of that particular road lay. In addition to that, we’re making two additional recommendations. Uh, during this transition time we basically uh did not approve any overload permits.

00:31:38,530	Um, at this time we would go back to approving overload permits on that roadway with the previous established rules that we apply to all those overloads, um, and that would basically carry us from the city limits all the way to the county line.

00:32:00,500	Um, in addition to that, the county can under the load pass permit system that we, we have, uh, use and allow a harvest permit to go into effect. This would help our farmers out in that area a little bit. Uh, so from July 15th to November 30th, they would be allowed to increase their maximum loads from 80,000 to 88,000. Basically it’s a 10% increase for them out in that area.

00:32:21,370	Uh, that is our recommendation and the resolution is included in your packet. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. I’ve got one for you, Marcus. Um, with regards to the harvest permit, because that was, that was really the, the only concern that. Well, it wasn’t the only concern, I shouldn’t say, but I had. Three contacts concerning harvest time.

00:32:39,800	And they’re they’re concerned about uh You know how much they were going to be able to haul for good reason, and I I just want to let you know I appreciate the, the harvest permit concept because I don’t think they knew about that.

00:33:01,270	So does that Harvest permit, limit them, or do you know the question is, do you know if farmers, producers are hauling heavier than 88,000 they do the 1055. do any of them run I did look at that. They’re not allowed to go any more than the 1055.

00:33:22,070	OK, so there’s no 10% on top of that, OK, so that is a, that’s a hard mas, um, but they can go higher on the 80,000 up to 88, so. OK. So if, if somebody came along and they Had a grain truck and I don’t know that I’ve ever seen one that was able to haul 1055, would they be able to permit that? Well, if they were dealing, if we approved the segment in between 158th and and uh 83 as 1055 they could

00:33:46,170	run on that as 1055. So, uh, beyond that, they would not be able to run 1055. OK, Mr. Chair. Comm. Munsen. Marcus, I would assume that would also be done with the legal axle loads. I’m not taking a tandemaxwell truck to 105.

00:34:11,730	Yeah, I believe that’s still legal axial loads under, under the, the harvest permit legal axle loads. I just wanted to clarify that because some of those guys will pull a pup behind and that would get them to their 105, OK.

00:34:30,930	Sure I know, uh, I know a Guy that hauls uh for a farmer and, and they actually have an air system on their trucks so they know what they’re loaded with every time they’re, every time they load that truck, they’re. Good to go. I didn’t know such a thing existed, but OK. Um. Mr. Chair, I would move to approve the weight limits as outlined in our. Packets. The motion a second to approve. Any further discussion? Caro Comm. Schwab, Comm. Woodcock, yes, Comm.

00:34:57,730	Munsen. Yes, Comm. Bakken, yes, Chair Bittner, yes, motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Marcus. Appreciate the hard work on that. Next item Bavari insurance presentation. Rivera Insurance in the room. Well, They called me and asked me to put it on the agenda.

00:35:29,930	And um, so I put it on the agenda and I think we’ll just, we’ll just add that to the agenda for the next meeting. Just keep it going, give them a chance to show up. They might have forgotten. OK, next is city recreation discussion, Comm. Munsen. Yes, I would like to invite the Bismarck Parks and Rec to come on up, um.

00:35:48,870	As you see in your packet, I’ll, I’ll kind of talk about it a little bit, uh, as they’re coming up. There was a joint powers agreement that was approved in uh Now I get to the bottom of that page. 98 Uh, between the city, the park district, and the county, uh. Basically, the The um JPA that was approved, uh, says that we will.

00:36:17,900	Levy one city mill. Uh, to city residents, the distribution of the funds as it’s outlined in here, 35% of that meal will be split 50/50 between the county and the city park district for the benefit of Riverfront improvements. 35% will be used at Silly Park. 15% will be used.

00:36:43,270	For improvements at Burleigh County for the Bertie County Park Board and 15% will be for law enforcement along the riverfront. Uh, an item that did not get into your packet. I have at your table, uh, it is a listing from the parks department of all of the money that they’ve spent since 2013.

00:37:04,300	Uh, they’ve highlighted each project that they’ve done, uh, and, uh, where, where they’ve spent their money and whether they were over or under uh for those that year’s distribution. With that, I’ll call on Kevin Klipfel. Thank you, Chair Bittner and commissioners. Um, I’m here to answer any questions and try to, uh, answer any questions you may have on this process. OK Comm.

00:37:27,600	, any questions? The question I would have, Chair. Um, back in either 14 or 16. Um, Burleigh County commissioners voted to Only Assess the portion that is being given to the city. And not Collecting the portion that would help our own Burleigh County.

00:37:54,900	Park districts My first question probably more for if if Kevin knows about it or not, I, I wasn’t around at that point, and I don’t recall that vote, um, question for state’s attorney is, wouldn’t that need to be done annually? Um, my understanding is we are still only Um, Assessing the amount for the city portion or the city parks department portion of it.

00:38:22,070	But my question is, why would the county Not collect portion of that funding for their own part. Improvement And I think I guess the answer, yeah, about the only answer I would say is that we’re already budget for each individual park and and boat ramp and all that. So this would help pay for it.

00:38:46,100	Well, yeah, but it, it’s already budgeted, you know, there’s budgeted separately so that this, this just wasn’t needed. OK. OK Um Does this budgeting, you know, I looked at it. Uh, and I see, do they count the fairground as a park being that they put a park in there. Because if they did, We’re paying $6500 for a building that belongs to us.

00:39:21,030	In my opinion, Based on what was here. I don’t see it listed here. It’s not it has money hasn’t been expended towards that from this allocation of funding. So Forget it. I do believe the part that was placed out at the fairgrounds was mostly a donation by a group of 4H people. Chair Bittner and commissioners, both commissioners Swab and Munsen.

00:39:47,630	So the money that we receive from the county. Uh, 55% of that is allocated for the riverfront, which is that’s from Fox Island to Pioneer Park and 45% is allocated to General Sibley Park. None of these funds are allocated for the Missouri Valley complex or that playground at that location.

00:40:09,930	Perfect Bismarck Parks and Recs has its own mill levy authority. Right? You have your own budget, your own park board re. OK So I guess I’m not real clear on why we’re collecting money for um uh Bismarck Park board. I, I kind of look at it, Cher Bitner as. It, it’s one of the items that Burley County.

00:40:43,530	is doing for the benefit of all residents in Burleigh County, which does include the city, you know, to me, I’m a kind of a farmer, so to me it kind of reminds me of that seed that you plant.

00:40:57,200	And you watch it grow and at the end of the, at the end of the day, you’ve got an asset. The items that the park district has taken the money that We’ve allocated for this GPA. has helped grow our park district. It’s helped grow our riverfront. It’s helped grow a lot of programs in our area.

00:41:19,870	Now, being part of the chamber, one of the things I’ve done is interview a lot of young people that have moved to our community. They move here for their job. But They stay here And and they list amenities as the reason that they stay here and typically. In that top 3 amenities. is listed as a park or listed as the park district or listed as the programs.

00:41:44,330	So personally, I feel like this is a. Great way for Burley County. To help our community grow and keep our young people here. I understand what you’re saying, but I think that’s the mission of the. Parks and recreation District, not the mission of the county commission. Comm. Schwab, I have a suggestion for you guys.

00:42:14,870	Why don’t you hit up the garrison version, right? I mean, I’m dead serious. They, they’re trying to be relative in this day and age and aren’t, and I see they are giving you guys money. Uh, right there, we gave them what, 700,000 next budget. Enough’s enough.

00:42:43,670	Well, and to be honest with you, that’s the reason the Park District qualifies for those grants from Garrison Diversion is because Burleigh County is part of the Garrison diversion. If Burley County is not part of the Gars diversion, correct me if I’m wrong, and maybe for someone from Garrison can correct me. Bismarck Park District wouldn’t be able to get those grants because we’re not part of that. Program.

00:43:02,930	I thought they’re giving grant money to counties that are not on that again, correct, I could be wrong. I saw that in the last in the handout from last meeting, but I, I think we qualify because we are, but I could be wrong. I don’t have that for a fact.

00:43:22,270	I, I think that what we’re getting from the garrisonny version. We could Spend their money a lot wiser and Save money for the taxpayer. It’s a pass-through thing. It’s not gonna affect our budget. It can’t because we’re just collecting like the IRS for heaven’s sake.

00:43:47,270	But It’s our job to protect the citizens, and I think it’s just a bunch of BS, to be honest with you that. They get a cut of everything that goes through. To be relevant And actually we can do the same thing and save money. So Mr. Schwaber, you’re talking about the Garrison version or this I’m talking about paying the garrison version.

00:44:08,130	We pay them and then they give out grants and they’re relevant. I get that and, and that’s on later on in the agenda. I just want to make sure we’re relevant to this topic, sorry. I think it would be a lot more transparent to the citizens if, if the funding for Bismarck Parks and Recs was through their funding. Levy, not the county levy.

00:44:34,730	It would be the same difference, but I just don’t think we need to be collecting and and uh I wish I knew the history in. 98 when this was Brought before the county board. Um, to. Create this partnership and to. To, to help the The city grew. I wonder if there might be some record of that.

00:45:05,200	Ader responseskowski, can we ask you to dig in the books? I don’t laugh so hard. I’m sorry, that was not on purpose, um. Yeah, I can’t get to the final budget in the general election first I don’t have to take action on this today.

00:45:24,470	We have, if we choose not to be part of this, we need to give them a written notification by the end of the year. We’ve got some time, but I’d I’d really like to know the history as to why. This was created and I mean, I know you guys were on the board when we reduced it to the. Just Uh, half for the, the 6. 0.

00:45:46,830	625 mLs, um, but I’d really like to see the history of why it came about in the first place. Maybe the former auditor might know because he’s on the. He signed it. I walk in and come and go out and. So OK, I guess we’ll, we’ll just carry on, Mr. Chair, Comm.

00:46:15,670	one question on one of these expenses, um, that maybe you can help me with. Sir Toma Park sovereign Land Access. It’s about 40% down the Chart, almost $200,000. What do you know what that is? What did Chair Bittner and Comm., Comm.

00:46:38,600	Woodcock, that was for the parking lot improvements at, uh, by the sand volleyball and Wildwood horseshoe Complex Complex out to the sovereign land bought that land. Near the near the river, correct. OK, great. OK, any other questions for we’ll let auditor, uh, Sponskowski get through the election and then we’ll. Bring this back up and see if we have some history. Thank you for coming, Comm.

00:47:03,870	, I just want to thank you for your partnership over the last 25 years with this because I think it is like Comm. Munsen said, I think it’s beneficial to our residents and it shows a good leadership, I think that you’ve participated in this for that many years, so thank you. Hey, county planner Mitch Flanagan McAdonsky subdivision and Churney Morrisset subdivision. Yeah, good evening, Comm., Mr. Chair.

00:47:34,170	Yes, that’s Cherny Morris said. Uh, uh, in your packet are two items, um. From the uh recommendation of the October 9th Planning Commission. First one up is the Macedonski final subdivision. Out in Sterling on highway, um, 14 16.

00:48:04,600	Or 14, um, the, this is a 79 acre parcel that uh that is contains 44 lots. Um, it was recommended approval 6 to 0. The uh the plant is Fairly busy On the fact that it has 44 lots there and it’s got a gooseneck lot that has also has a 66 ft easement running east to west on it. There was some discussion on what uh what they plan to do with that.

00:48:28,070	They’re going to subdivide it again and that, you know, for them to go back through a subdivision, they’d have to go through the same process of what this went through. Uh, it’s, um, Sterling, um, Sterling Township recommended approval of it. They did not consider changing any of the zoning. They’re just gonna leave that as ag.

00:48:50,500	Um, the stormwater management waiver was approved on October 7th, the paving waiver was approved on September 4th and the public hearing was on the 9th. Uh, this platform went through 4 revisions to reach this point, and it’s recommended to be approved. Commissioners. Mr. Chair, I move to approve.

00:49:14,400	Second, motion is second to approve any further discussion, seeing Munsen, Comm. Bakken. Yes, Comm. Schwab. Yes, Comm. Woodcox, Chair Bitner, yes, motion carries. Next up is the Cherny Morris set final subdivision. This is a 5.57 acres that has two parcels.... 11 is 1.89 acres and the other one is 3.68. They wanted to um build on the property.

00:49:40,700	And I told him that it was never platted, so they need to plaid. It’s also in a flood zone and so we had the flood zones of AE and the shaded e zone John on the plant, so we know wherever wherever bills are gonna go, we have that guideline to uh determine. The elevation, that sort of thing, and it was recommended for approval at 6.0.

00:50:02,070	It’s in um Riverview Township. The um stormwater management plan, a waiver was approved on the uh the 7th of October, the paving river again was on November 4th. And the public hearing was on the 9th. This this plot went through for revisions to reach this point. It’s recommended to be approved. Commissioners Move to approve.

00:50:29,900	The motion a second to approve any further discussion, seeing none color. Uh, Comm. Bakken, yes, Comm. Schwab, yes, Comm. Woodcox, Comm. Munsen, Chair Bittner carries. Thank you, Mitch. Next Finance Director Jacobs unclaimed property list. Welcome. Oh, not late. Just substitute, this didn’t make this didn’t make OK. Thank you.

00:51:13,530	Mhm On your drive but Well, I don’t see my name on there anywhere, so, OK, so those are just the list of checks that are outstanding as of, and I don’t have it in front of me, but as of the date on that report. And we will just need your permission to cancel those checks and send them to unclaimed property.

00:51:31,130	a motion you want a motion, please. OK. Commissioners will entertain a motion to cancel those checks and send the. Amongst the unclaimed to do just that, OK. Emotions are motion a second. You got the motion, correct? Yes. OK. Any further discussion? Call the roll. Comm. Schwab, Comm. Woodcox, Comm. Munsen, Comm. Bakken Shaman Bitner. Yes, motion carries. Thank you.

00:52:00,600	OK, next, County Sheriff Leeben, Capitol Electric rate fee agreement and Burley East Renovation Project. Welcome, Kelly. Good evening, Mr. Chair. Comm., the first item is a cap electric rate fee agreement and with us tonight is Josh Schaffner with Capital Electric, um, to give you a little background, we have, uh, worked with Capital Electric in the

00:52:26,730	past, ever since we took over, um, occupancy of the new Burley Morin Detention Center. Obviously that facility. Has a big impact with the electrical usage out there and uh so we have met over the course of that building’s existence with Cappita Electric looking at cost saving ideas.

00:52:54,470	Uh, we were recently re-approached by Capitol Electric, Josh, and some of his coworkers, um, to talk about two things. The first one is this Capital Electric rate fee agreement and basically uh I’ll bring Josh up here shortly and he can.

00:53:15,600	Explain more and answer questions, but currently, when they look at our usage of that facility and the peak demand times and the different things like that. They have approached us and basically said this new rate fee agreement, uh, they believe would be a short term cost savings for us and what I mean by short term is we have the option to go to it, um, but eventually, probably around the first of the year we would be

00:53:35,070	mandated to switch to this fear. Agreement in the short term, it’s gonna save us they think roughly about $1650 a month, um. And then the first of the year, it sounds like there will be a fee increase that we will incur um either way, and so that may negate some of the cost savings,

00:53:58,000	um, but again, there will be some pros and cons, um, to go into this, um. Last thing I’ll say before I bring Josh up, I do believe I’ve reviewed the joint powers agreement for the Burling Morton Detention Center between us and Morton County.

00:54:20,500	I do believe this is one piece of action that only needs to come before this board, uh, to be authorized and not before both boards. Unless you have any questions, I’ll have Josh come up and kind of take over the nuts and bolts of it. Any questions for sheriff? All right. Welcome, Josh. You could see it. Thank you. Um, so, like Sheriff Lieben had said.

00:54:46,170	Our rate structures are changing and Capitol Electric would be forcing the detention center into or out of a commercial rate and into what we call our coincident peak rate and that would be starting in January 2025.

00:55:06,500	So we did a little research into the facility and they have the potential to save about $1700 per month starting right now just by switching rates, no changes needed, just essentially going on to a different rate plan. Um, we have some options for further savings that we can talk about in a future date, but The intention here this evening is to. Make this change before November 1st so they can.

00:55:26,230	Take advantage of 2 months of savings of roughly $16 to $1700 a month. It would be a move that’s gonna be required anyway as of January 1, just by our rate structures. So, uh, Taking being proactive and making the move now. Has some savings opportunity there for the next 2 months. Well, it seems to make real good sense to me.

00:55:45,870	What is there a downside to doing this? I mean, you’re, you’re offering to save us money. I can’t argue with that. This other rape, um, the summer bills could potentially be a little higher than they are now, but over the course of the year, the averages is about a $1600 per month savings.

00:56:05,170	You know it’s somewhat of a a new opportunity as a rate we didn’t have available a couple of years ago. That’s why we reached out to the facility at this time. OK. Thank you. Um Do you want to add anything else? Mr. Chair and Comm.

00:56:24,200	, I’ll just, uh, go a little bit further um what Josh kind of alluded to, we are looking at um the some additional cost savings which might be even more significant, um, it would require us to come off of the grid, um, during peak usage times for the cooperative, um, and potentially. Run our generators to sustain the facility for power. So we’re looking at that, we looked at this in the past.

00:56:48,930	I don’t want you to get all excited. Um, we looked at it in the past and it didn’t make sense, uh, but we did sit down with Josh again and discuss it and uh we wanna at least review it again before we make a recommendation. I remember those conversations from before, so.

00:57:09,200	OK, there’s a proposed resolution in the packet, Commissioners, move to approve. Second A motion 2nd to approve any further discussion. Comm. Woodcocks. Is that what your motion is just for the two months or the program, the program, the really discuss a whole lot other than that it can be a, we have got some investments to be made.

00:57:33,200	On the after the first of the year and then when they switch us over to where we’re using our generators, we have to run our generators, which is in my mind is good for a generation to be run occasionally and uh. And and the savings would be. No, I wasn’t even on on board.

00:57:49,130	Now you can’t hear me either. Uh, anyway, the savings after that time is 13,000 a month, not $1250.02 months, OK, just so everybody understands that. So, Mr. Chair, Comm.

00:58:17,930	, just to clarify, this is just for that uh off whatever Josh referred to it as coincidence versus commercial rate and so until so we’re probably quite a ways away from even reviewing the other. Proposal, this would just move us to the coincident peak rate. At no additional infrastructure costs for us. OK. So we have a motion to second any further discussion. Comm. Woodcock, Comm. Munsen, Comm. Bakken, Comm. Schwab, Chair Bittner, yes, motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

00:58:45,630	Commissioner’s next item I have is the Burley East, um, architectural and engineering selection process. Um, so as you’re aware at the last commission meeting, uh, this board directed us to move forward with um looking at architectural and engineering services. Uh, we did that, um, basically it falls under the threshold where we don’t have to bid it.

00:59:09,270	So what we did was ultimately reached out to 4 different. Companies Conducted a walkthrough of the facility with them. Uh, went over the project as we see it and receive proposals from all four companies. Uh, basically what we did then is, um, the two primary uh.

00:59:33,530	People on this project for our department is Major Jim Hall, Sergeant Nathan McLeish, uh Jim is unable to be here tonight, but Sergeant McLeish is if there’s any questions. So basically they did that walk through the gathered the proposals from the company. Uh, we then, uh, brought in Dan Sherock from the County Highway Department to help us review these proposals.

01:00:01,030	Uh That committee met myself, Major Holmes, Sergeant McLeish, and assistant engineer. Sherock, um, ultimately the committee selected Jeff Oel based on the proposals submitted, uh, basically when we looked at all of the proposals, um, and the material that we had to review, um, Ubo did come in as the lowest cost, uh, but also, uh, there was a lot of things noted

01:00:25,100	in the proposal, um, or in the selection, um, Uel had great project understanding extensive experience with the County and with that building, um, positive walkthrough discussion on the project, uh, he had a favorable project timeline because we are looking at ARPA fund usage, so there is some time constraints there.

01:00:48,030	Uh, one of the, the big things was, um, actual cost billing without overhead, um, some of the other companies did have overhead included in their cost estimates.

01:01:12,530	Um, one of the things, uh, Uber is looking at is this would be and and it’s a term I’m not familiar with, but Dan was um the uh will be the project will be billed hourly with a not to exceed clause, so we see the, the cost of the engineering and architectural services, um, but regardless of the project cost, those are fixed and won’t exceed that.

01:01:34,400	So, um, at this time our early today I did meet with Mary Singer, um, since she was a part of the Provin had a lot of good knowledge and experience from that. She reviewed these proposals and was in agreement with me and our committee on that.

01:01:56,930	So I guess at this time what I’m asking the commission is, you know, and again, I’m, I’m a cop, not the contractor, so bear with me on this, but um I think we’ve already committed to using the ARPA funds. At least the ones I know.

01:02:21,930	We had left over from the initial Burleigh East project and also the PPE, um, so I guess what I would request from this board is the ability to move forward to enter into a contract with Uber Design and at least start getting our uh drawings and the project put together, um, so that we can actually next look at what is the proposed cost of this or estimated. Cos prior to going out to bed. Unless this board has some other direction, that’s kind of the way I see where we’re at right now with the project.

01:02:45,930	I would move to approve moving forward with Uber. What hang on, I have a motion in a second. Go ahead. Pardon me. I have a motion in a second. Go ahead. I believe Uh, I don’t know, Uber, I guess you’d pronounce it.

01:03:09,400	was involved in a feasibility study out at the fairground and We paid them $16,000 and never got a study. I don’t know why we are. Working with this outfit until we get our study. And I have tried to get that study way back. Mhm Nowhere to be found, but we never got it. So, in my opinion, That’s not the way to run a business. They either was a study or $16,000.

01:03:39,330	You know, this goes back quite a ways, but I don’t forget that stuff. And that was on the fairground when they did. Not this last horse arena, but the one before.

01:03:59,830	And they were involved in the study and they were supposed to produce a feasibility study with somebody else they were involved with, but they were listed. We didn’t get it Well, My opinion, why are we doing business with them? Mhm What is the spread on these bids. Mr. Chair, Comm., Comm. Schwab, um, so I’m not aware of uh what you’re speaking about. I can tell you we did have work with Uval Design.

01:04:30,770	On the Burleigh County Courthouse remodeled. That was the last major project, um, I was just coming in as sheriff in the middle of that project. Uh, we had good results with that, so the, the experience we have with Ubo has been good, um, you know, some of the other things, um, that came into play, you know, is, um, Jeff Oel has

01:04:53,570	extensive knowledge of that building he had worked with the highway department, is my understanding, maybe Marcus can uh weigh in on that, um, so I mean there is a spread in these proposals, uh, one of the difficulties we had in looking at these proposals is everybody was given the same walkthrough, um, the same presentation, the

01:05:15,670	same prints to look at of the building. And ultimately you you get a little bit different with each proposal, um, on, you know, what they see the project as, um, what they see, um, you know, the cost going to be, so it wasn’t like you could just look textbook we had to do some

01:05:34,770	work as we looked at these proposals, um, ultimately I, I can’t speak to that project, you know, it just was the consensus of all of us that reviewed these proposals. Well, yeah, the can do what they want, but I’m not going to support them on account of that. Uh In business and as a businessman.

01:05:56,600	Uh You expect results and if you don’t get it, you have to write out a check for nothing. And that’s my opinion, what happened there. If we had that study now. We could actually use it. For the equine center. Because you know, it would be the same thing.

01:06:25,470	We didn’t get it, so if they don’t want to cough up that study. I think amend that thing and say upon getting a feasibility study. Mr. Chair, Comm. Woodcock, I did have one of my portfolios was the, the courthouse back when we were remodeling that there was a several million dollar project we came in on time and under under budget and Jeff was

01:06:46,730	heavily involved in that. I think we had a contractor at risk type of a contract, but uh he worked heavily with us and that project and another one on the Provin I can’t remember exactly when that was that I worked with him too, so, uh, I know it’s it, I don’t know anything about this this study

01:07:02,800	you’re talking about. But maybe we can do some research on that and find out maybe maybe that study has been here and we don’t know what it is.

01:07:19,830	I don’t know it wasn’t done, but anyway, I still, I know I talked with the sheriff and uh the, the difference between their proposal and the other three was significant, and I. Did somebody move the second. OK, thank you. Well, I, I assume it’s gonna pass, but I’m not going to support it on account of that. So they know. I do know what you’re talking about, and I recall that and we were supposed to get a report.

01:07:41,670	Now, I, the only question I have is, is we should have some facts on the table here about either minutes or something because I, I do recall it. Um, I just don’t recall that it was him or the actual firm that was kind of the overall, so.

01:08:03,970	Well I, I know, I know who’s the players were involved in the feasibility study never showed up. And you’re right about that. Um, you’re right that we never got the report and I’m sure. Comm. Woodcox, you remember that because I know you looked at me when we were walking out and you said you’ll get a report. I don’t know what you’re talking about I don’t know what you’re referring to.

01:08:22,830	OK, OK, that’s fine. Um, anyway, we have a motion a second a further discussion. the rope. Comm. Munsen. Comm. Bakken. Yes, Comm. Schwab, Comm. Woodcox, Chair Bittner, no motion carries. Yeah I would like some additional information on that, on the background on that, I think we should get to the bottom of that little question.

01:08:48,930	OK, next, uh, auditor, treasurer Sploskowski, delinquent taxless minimum sales price. Yes, Chair and commissioners, this is the same list that was presented to you before, uh, 2 weeks ago, uh, however, there was a discrepancy, not in the numbers or the information but from the Excel spreadsheet over to Adobe Pro, uh, so really only the

01:09:11,400	part, the top part of the Excel spreadsheet printed out into the packet, so I thought it would be right to present the full list before you guys just. That you would have the full list in front of you before approving it.

01:09:27,930	Uh, so it’s it’s the same list just we made sure that was uh transferred over to Adobe correctly from Excel so you would have all the names and properties. Moro. Second The motion to second a further discussion. non Comm. Schwab, yes, Mr Woodcock Mer Munsen, Sharon Venner, yes, motion carries.

01:10:05,330	Um, Garrison diversion discussion, who’s got that one? Any further information on garrison diversion, left over from last week, put it on this week, a water resource district meeting last Wednesday and I brought up the date with the uh water resource district, what we were intending on doing, which was protesting the or trying to get out of the annual $7,000,000 donation, and I challenged them because they do a lot of water, they do all the water projects in the county

01:10:26,970	and I wanted to know whether the Garrison diversion ever benefited them, whether they got anything out of it, and so they’re gonna look into their records and see what they can find because if they have substantial uses from the garrison diversion, that blows our theory all out of the water, I mean, then because we were,

01:10:45,370	we were supposed to be able to, we’re supposed to have to prove that Bertie County was not getting any benefit at all. So I updated him on that project and, and, uh, I haven’t heard anything back then since then. Comm. if she would like to be recognized. I am from Garrison Well Come on.

01:11:07,400	The State your name for the record, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Comm., I am Kim Cook. I am from Garrison aversion, um, Conservancy District, um. And here, knowing that there was some discussion, I just thought that I would attend if there was anything um that I could help clarify for you. OK. Well, thanks for coming in. Comm.

01:11:32,930	, any questions for Kim? I think we should table this. Because There is, there’s really a mix up here. I’m looking at a document off their site. And we received $57 million up to date. That’s what they say. But they don’t say it’s state funds, federal funds, this and that. They’re just sitting there. duplicating work.

01:12:00,870	And getting a cut of it. And I want, I want to get more information on that, and we got the elections to worry about, so I kind of think we should table this down the road. Good winter project. OK, so we can get more information, but I, I tell you, uh, let me see.

01:12:20,870	I’m guessing that you might want her contact information then. Uh, their tax revenue. This year Last year was $4,583,060. Now this comes out of The auditor’s office, E. Looked it up for me. And uh They also have Around With their investments and their cash on hand, $21 million.

01:12:59,530	I mean, that’s gonna really attract flies, I’ll tell you that. So why do they need more? and they say they’re What the owner. Whatever 93 million and they’re just want more and more and more. I think the park board really should go after these guys. Because when we Got involved in this, we’re supposed to irrigate land.

01:13:22,400	And what have we got? 60 some acres in Burley County irrigated. I don’t remember the number, but it was it’s not very much. I think it was under 60, but. Um, I got it right here, Mr. Chair, I would have a question.

01:13:42,600	OK, to follow up on, uh, Fisher Woodcox’s question, can you answer the question as to how much money Garrison Diversion gives to or. Pass into the water resource district for their funding. I don’t have that specific number on hand with me, um, I can tell you that, um, you know, when you are talking reserve funds and large funding amounts of funds that I’m not the accountant, but I do have some information

01:14:04,670	from our accountant. Um, we do have a large annual budget approximately $150 million. That’s for all of our focus areas, irrigation, recreation, municipal rural and industrial, um, Those types of operations and maintenance, um, with that large budget, we do need some onhand funds of cash flow to keep the district moving, um.

01:14:29,070	Of the 33, approximately 33 million that he mentioned for reserve funds. Um, over 18 million of that is restricted or committed to specific purposes, uh, with contract requirements, um, or board action, um, for instance, um, contracts with the Bureau of Reclamation. Um, or our grant programs we have the municipal rural and industrial waters pipe um ground program.

01:14:50,930	We have the recreation grant program, um, and if there are on board action taken to, um, help fund, you know, studies for different, you know, river boards or that sort, um, so, so some of those funds are, are restricted and we can’t do, um, we have to hold those, um, 9 million is flow through funds, um, and

01:15:12,330	then we do have 7.8 million available for and 7.5 million unrestricted, so it’s not that we have that just sitting there for a rainy day, um, but that is just a little bit more context for you. It would be a good point to. to get the information that uh. Comm.

01:15:33,270	Woodcox was was talking about if you could get that to us. Yes, but I agree. Let’s get through the election and let’s push this a more powerful right now, um, I do have a question. I think we were talking earlier, um, do you have to be a member of the water.

01:15:57,730	It’s diversion Conservancy District to take advantage of grant programs or recreation recreational programs you both are recreation grant program, um, and the municipal rural and industrial water supply program or um grant program matching um You have to be one of the 28 member districts of or member counties, excuse me, of the district to take advantage of those funds, so. Comm. Schwab dollars that you guys are.

01:16:24,870	This microphone, can you get the microphone, please? But when you do a project for $57 million that you’re talking about, that isn’t all girls and diversion funds, is it? No, it’s not. It looks like it is the way it’s stated. And that’s where I have a problem with this thing.

01:16:46,730	You guys are putting federal funds in here and saying look we’re we’re doing all this heavy duty lifting. Basically all you are is a middleman. We are a pass through for that, correct. Exactly. That’s all I have to say, OK, I guess we’ll we’ll gather more information and we’ll talk about this again. Thank you. Thank you, and I appreciate you coming in.

01:17:11,400	Slokonski has my contact information so you can reach out to us at any time. All right, sounds good. Thank you so much. Thank you. Mr. Chair. Mr. Woodcock, did you mention there’s an election coming up. I did mention there’s an election.

01:17:29,100	I haven’t heard a whole lot about it, but it’s 2 weeks from tomorrow, which is my birthday too, so let’s remember that and uh our auditor is going to explain the times and dates and what’s going on and when we’re starting and go for it. You’re trying to get away from me. Can we get that many candles on a cake, auditor? Depending on how big the cake is cake.

01:17:50,430	I, I have one other statement before he gets going. Hm, would you do your thing and get it over with, or is there anyone while it’s some other business, so. Uh, is there anybody from uh uh some carbon solutions here. Anybody? Again, Chair, you want, you want to say that, Mr.

01:18:13,900	Chair, I still want to hear our super center is gonna open up pretty sudden and if you can give us the dates of that and uh uh promote some voting because we want everybody to get out and vote. It’s unfortunate that not very many do. Yes, early vote will begin at the Bismarck Event Center on October 24th at noon.

01:18:30,870	Uh, we have the dates and the times for every day after that on our website at urico.gov under elections and early vote, so that’s when the early vote precinct starts, uh, so if you want to vote early, that’s where you do it at the Bismarck Event Center in the main arena. Comm. Bucket.

01:18:50,170	One question because I, I was speaking with the auditor earlier and uh uh Mark, could you tell us where we’re at with the Absentee ballots. As far as right now. So we definitely have a a very large turnout of absentee ballots at this time, which is relatively typical for a presidential election, however, uh, following COVID and the influx of absentees that we did that particular

01:19:10,470	year, we are seeing a a major uptick in absentee voting versus in person voting. So definitely are are definitely very busy with that whole process has taken up most all of our time is the absentee and then on the top of it, we’re ready for election day.

01:19:31,670	That is a whole another process as well, so definitely staying busy, uh, it seems to be a pretty big turnout so far. Hopefully that translates to election day turnout as well, and um. How’s that can be because I, I think the number I’d heard was somewhere around 9000 or so with the absentee ballots.

01:19:53,770	I’d have to check on that, but but where’s that comparing with other counties and some of the discussions you may have had with other auditors, uh, to be honest, I don’t know where, where, where other counties are at as far as absentees goes, um, I just, I’m not familiar exactly with with where they’re at.

01:20:09,270	We’re kind of, we’re the 2nd biggest county in the in the state next to Cass County, so. Right in between Cass County, uh, Grand Forks County in those areas, so I’d have to contact them to see what they’re experiencing with these numbers.

01:20:27,270	But again, the, the absentee ballots is there’s a great deal of extra work involved with those, so yeah, I’m a big proponent of show up on election day and vote on election day, so just. But as long as you vote, it’s all that matters. Thank you. That’s the important part. Any other business for the good of Bha