[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6167302,"mediaKeyId","5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517","parentId",5411739,"title","Commissioners authorize DMV contract signings and set July 15 deadline for fairgrounds response","audioSeconds",736,"startMs",1895000,"endMs",2631000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517&start=1895&end=2631","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517/thumbnail_1895000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6167302/Williams-County/North-Dakota/Commissioners-authorize-DMV-contract-signings-and-set-July-15-deadline-for-fairgrounds-response","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167302-adebd50415a8c179a19dda7bb8b686e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071936&Signature=eh4TbIRDkqR8l19pYBLRFbqH~n09eearGbJLm7Op0iki8pQ63mFoH8yoJJ0OYzKK10AhmaIe4p5KnYhk-lrUb4SfaUCqmU12TVWbd5tKQHIJvE3B3UaoXCv2oug4CPF7W7vNXAKlCUDiZbzGyx-yMP--Z8l2w1RdYzudfN5iZrfibu3pIbSQnAzAaaRkuolrW45~-dDRu~YZ0P37KW72XFPXr2u23U3H1lX5BCvYOgPvvHvY0YNOkGOpZVcjEcJB80YzUm4BMTp7m9Lr1eSlGklfR4i6TFN1401zkZHHDkI1DV0XrSOKdGZfP44OgYlEwXf6P-2Jlmc3PRnFt8QpVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Williams County","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","Williams County commissioners authorized the chairman to sign two insurance/bonding documents and any subsequent paperwork needed to initiate the contract process with the North Dakota Department of Transportation to continue providing DMV title and registration services under contract. Staff said the documents ensure the contracting agent has proper insurance and bonding in place; they noted one form’s additional covered parties section contained an outdated name for the dispatch center and staff will correct that before signing.

Separately, commissioners discussed the county’s standing offer to purchase the Upper Missouri Valley Fair Association property. County staff and the chairman had earlier presented an offer intended to provide the fair association cash and the possibility of grant support, but the fair board has not yet voted. The fair board requested an extension until after this year’s fair to finalize a decision. The county commissioners voted to give the fair board until the Board’s second meeting in July (July 15) to provide an answer; if no decision is forthcoming, commissioners instructed staff to pursue other options for locating project facilities tied to the county’s 1% sales tax projects.

Why it matters: The DMV contracting authorization keeps in place a local access point for vehicle title and registration services that the state–through NDDOT–contracts to local entities; the fairgrounds decision affects potential county plans for arena, ag education and 1% sales‑tax‑funded projects and raises questions about future locations for those planned facilities.

Key details

- DMV contract: Staff requested authorization for the chairman to sign two insurance/bonding documents and any future documents required to finalize the county’s recontracting process with the state; commissioners approved the authorization by roll call. Staff will correct an outdated dispatch center name in the insurance documents before signing.

- Fairgrounds offer timeline: The county’s offer to purchase the fairgrounds was presented months earlier; the fair board has asked for an extension until after the fair to deliberate. Commissioners set a hard deadline of July 15 for the fair board’s decision; if no decision is received, commissioners instructed staff to pursue other potential land options for projects associated with the 1% sales tax and to consider withdrawing or reworking the offer.

Ending: Staff will finalize the DMV documents with corrected insurance language, obtain chairman signature as authorized, and proceed to look for alternate sites if the fair board does not respond by the July 15 deadline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Williams County Board of County Commissioners - Jun 03 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board authorized the chairman to sign insurance and bonding documents needed to renew the county’s contracted DMV services with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, and voted to give the Upper Missouri Valley Fair Association until July 15 to accept or decline the county’s offer to purchase fairgrounds property.","taxTitle","Williams County, North Dakota","taxId",58404,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6167306,"Commissioners allocate frost‑law funds to townships, authorize equipment advertising and name load‑pass designees",141,1167000,1308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517&start=1167&end=1308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517/thumbnail_1167000.jpg","/articles/6167306/Williams-County/North-Dakota/Commissioners-allocate-frostlaw-funds-to-townships-authorize-equipment-advertising-and-name-loadpass-designees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167306-d215d25acb46407ab5982fb99683b8d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071936&Signature=JJlZbX6eB7KTEDY0rOlyxTepaLOKm2TCmfQPzBkAlKXiN2DqDQ7PFN-5RGr-BghxjrToSYwLBYlWt~8Kpd5CXGWtdjMSfRhec2rO~bCCZ6hmw5deaEMP23eimuU5cHuQTTpQ3ipaJjG3al7933-zq175~chTUVySR9FDTaRL4WcB7rtmWN8baNPPg~7HaDxtZJhx3P08J2UmeO4M-dsArAQxP0-9DougA2ppWlKQOzuHOWPGneVbQwX-lDq4y0TfHeqgy~gI~-WoKsQ4hP8KrXjrRGdK0rD10aSHaI7bd1eM-0CzeGGcKcVEVJKxhibeSnaUqJ4z98fQRCmjhtGXYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Williams County commissioners approved a multi‑part road and equipment package: they agreed to distribute $10,000 to each township from frost‑law funds, keep remaining funds in reserve for contingencies, authorized the county to advertise for a mechanics pickup (with a box hoist near compressor) and a possible skid steer, and designated county commissioner Dennis and Jamie Huschka from the sheriff’s office as the county’s load‑pass designees for the multi‑county overweight permit program.

Why it matters: Frost‑law funds are used to support township road repairs at the start of construction season; equipment purchases and clear load‑pass designees affect road maintenance capacity and the county’s role in overweight permitting enforcement.

Key points and actions

- Frost‑law distribution: Staff noted “Christie has printed out $470,000 in Frost Laws this year” during discussion. A separate account balance was referenced with unclear transcription; the board nevertheless approved giving each township $10,000 and leaving the remainder in reserve for later needs. Commissioners said the past practice of providing each township a share “has worked out well.” The motion to distribute $10,000 per township carried on roll call.

- Equipment procurement advertising: The board authorized advertising for a mechanics pickup (with box hoist near compressor) and possible procurement of a skid steer; that motion passed by roll call.

- Load‑pass designees: Staff described the Load Pass organization as a multi‑county program that collects fees for overweight permitting and noted each county typically has two delegates (a commissioner and the sheriff or a sheriff’s delegate). Commissioners approved Dennis (commissioner) and Jamie Huschka (weight enforcement oversight at the sheriff’s office) as the county’s designees.

Discussion versus decision

- Discussion included whether to split available funds among 52 townships and to keep an amount in reserve for unforeseen needs; commissioners emphasized the distribution is a modest “piece of the pie” to assist townships.

- Formal board decisions included the per‑township $10,000 allocation, authorization to advertise equipment procurement, and designation of load‑pass delegates. All motions passed on roll calls recorded in the meeting.

Ending: Staff will proceed with advertising for equipment, distribute frost‑law checks of $10,000 to townships as authorized, and record Dennis and Jamie Huschka as official load‑pass delegates for the county.","Williams County commissioners approved distributing $10,000 to each township from frost‑law funds, authorized advertising for a mechanics pickup and possible skid steer, approved related equipment procurement advertising, and named Dennis and Jamie Huschka as load‑pass designees.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6167312,"Williams County introduces new building official and authorizes recruitment for several positions",658,968000,1626000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517&start=968&end=1626","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517/thumbnail_968000.jpg","/articles/6167312/Williams-County/North-Dakota/Williams-County-introduces-new-building-official-and-authorizes-recruitment-for-several-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167312-e71845eaa2a1c41670688383b5eefb7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071936&Signature=fl6z-FWKNK5MxoxQSrWogw6bRQoCLJP8ytcdlt4OrLrVCrm7aV9LUiQ264arFW9uvXk~c-mVMC~zpq4KLKrTC3wIEZ~B3WKVm8P8viYcalNezyCNp5BKbpC1O-AaG6h6xOhuKpkXOnzFriUPycIJx3bD9Wvs57gGUirmdSaomCbJZIpOcR~cjn0Y5QrqRw6mOdurOBPNd7-kKBGIHP4eKd1Z1pz2NtGHcicZf-metyqcR9sZ3fqVzda1k9xvG~OfgBD1PsWW6X7ipNDLYmlLdOYkPB2HgS~hLH5EaKGNL3mDGbc7JjjVLPeEMRWTr4luqvXTt8bMcbRcJ~NbNqjxdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cameron Heimer of Development Services introduced Sean Cavanaugh as Williams County’s new building official and commissioners approved advertising for multiple open or newly defined positions across county departments.

Heimer said Doug Lallam, the previous building official, retired in April and that Sean Cavanaugh was formerly a plans examiner with the city of Williston with experience in architecture and real estate. Heimer told commissioners, “I just wanted to introduce him so you have a face and a name to associate with that position.” Sean Cavanaugh spoke briefly and commissioners welcomed him.

Why it matters: County staff described an increased volume of road and construction work and long‑term staffing needs; the new building official and recruitment actions are meant to strengthen permitting, engineering and public‑safety functions.

Key staffing and recruitment actions

- Introduction of Sean Cavanaugh as building official (new hire); background noted: prior plans examination work for the city of Williston and experience in architecture and business ownership.

- Highway/engineering recruitment: staff explained one CAD technician position previously existed but the department will advertise for two options (CAD technician and an engineer‑in‑training) and return to the board if both candidates are good and an additional hire would affect the budget. The county staff said they will move forward to fill one position quickly and discuss adding an engineer‑in‑training in 2026 if needed.

- Sheriff’s office positions: commissioners authorized advertising for an accounting/payroll clerk and a patrol deputy.

- Vector director: staff said they will proceed to advertise for a vector director position.

Board action and process notes

- The board voted to approve the advertisements for the listed positions. Staff noted budgetary constraints if multiple strong candidates are available for both proposed positions; in that case staff would return to the board for permission to hire more than planned because of budget implications.

Ending: The county will proceed with recruiting and advertising; staff asked commissioners to expect a follow‑up if hiring decisions exceed the current budgeted plan.","County staff introduced Sean Cavanaugh as the new building official and the Board approved advertising multiple vacancies including an engineer‑in‑training/CAD role, sheriff office positions and a vector director posting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6167317,"Commissioners approve first complete housing incentive application for up to $15,000 buyer assistance",111,1032000,1143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517&start=1032&end=1143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517/thumbnail_1032000.jpg","/articles/6167317/Williams-County/North-Dakota/Commissioners-approve-first-complete-housing-incentive-application-for-up-to-15000-buyer-assistance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167317-e417dafd7130a5de528defab0c15f436/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071936&Signature=HxwAH9kWw3yAVVKEY36q3aVKIKWPLz8APDX2ofVOi-eVw1~8~jNR81VE1ovLx0nRxD2UWKaTQUx1h5Swm8pFDtsz0DpbCgcG6csmj6eLTCAyO9C8jx4l~rMW9I1Aao7kehERAq3dcxyVTdztxpH0pwEzOb-k-z85nM2g7D843-zk4NHpcHUdtU4HQiOJvor1hlv~JGiKAuyLi3g6ePa2Kr~wXDaZwODLwvuF9cf5j7CI8amjsbgqB5pq7nVB4zUuYfKPhzmEa2eyOS3~bPZ00TGecEVZrPk~iFQ2NQFjypByKs~2kMQRvmjd-6GWjeK75u7nWdk88HWflIPFhTvP7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Williams County commissioners voted to approve the first complete application received under the county’s housing incentive program, authorizing up to $15,000 toward closing costs and interest buy‑down on a new construction home located in the city of Williston, contingent on payment in full of special assessments and property taxes prior to closing.

A member of the county’s community engagement staff told commissioners the application met program criteria after review by the housing incentive review committee. Staff noted the financial assistance program is available anywhere in the county but that a property tax exemption component is available only for properties located outside city limits, “that’s just how the law is written,” the staff member said.

Why it matters: The housing incentive program is intended to assist buyers of new construction and to direct local incentives toward housing production countywide. Approval of this first complete application establishes a procedural precedent for how the county will process future applications.

Key details

- Approved amount: up to $15,000 for buyer assistance aimed at closing costs and interest buy‑down. The motion specified the award was contingent upon payment of special assessments and property taxes before closing.

- Process: The application was reviewed by the housing incentive review committee for completeness and program criteria; the committee recommended approval contingent on payment of specials and taxes.

- Geographic scope: County staff emphasized the assistance program can be used anywhere in Williams County; a separate property tax exemption is limited to properties outside municipal boundaries per staff explanation.

Board action and next steps

- Commissioners moved and seconded the approval and authorized the chairman to sign the agreement (staff continuing to finalize the agreement language with county counsel/finance staff). The roll call recorded commissioners voting “Yes”; the motion carried.

Ending: Staff will finalize the agreement paperwork with the county chair and proceed toward closing only after the required special assessments and property taxes are paid in full.","Williams County commissioners approved the first complete application to the county housing incentive program, authorizing up to $15,000 for buyer assistance toward closing costs and interest buy‑down for a new construction home, contingent on payment of special assessments and property taxes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6167321,"Williams County commissioners approve five minor subdivisions, zone changes and variances",739,103000,842000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517&start=103&end=842","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5411739-0aac1c65a6617256333bb344ebe67517/thumbnail_103000.jpg","/articles/6167321/Williams-County/North-Dakota/Williams-County-commissioners-approve-five-minor-subdivisions-zone-changes-and-variances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167321-270fc2230a51a295877f69b54c690383/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071936&Signature=ho3dPyL~4JrNij59Q~4M4kMvz5OqP0-4WMiIOHaB-BeiP7txM8Tt7Y7FyNLqwjJNP~UE7hByRJHAPIhQpO-oTYVhtxIngiYYGmAuHVg5Mc8~RYlVVwO5Ly66c-V3K0bkIMrQ61MrQe7GxE5CyvDLH~ngKn-OgcvoyAq5xhFdPYHnf0xSlIZbJ~2AUdkR60dM95y8fsc0OMp9xVPYD4uBeutGDGofY0pmLoLBSGJ-Ari-SwM2R6HZlrCLBZP~HG0Hy1YMqBrMV0HOndz-Wu-UKqBkv2kFgt2ugy2i69lfW5wgKRWS2REI6ChbpaadYdBHEQpGDmNW~PjafCN77gZ-Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Williams County commissioners on an unspecified May meeting date voted to approve five separate planning and zoning items: variances and minor subdivisions for parcels identified as LUDash0010Dash25, LUDash0015Dash25, LUDash0017Dash25, LUDash0019Dash25 and LUDash0024Dash25.

The items were presented by Michelle Haugen of Planning and Zoning, who outlined parcel sizes, requested actions and township recommendations. The requests included variances to keep newly created lots in agricultural zoning that do not meet minimum acreage, and separate requests for zone changes to the rural residential zoning district. Several townships either were undecided or recommended against approval; the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on each item (majority votes ranged from a narrow 5–3 to unanimous 8–0 depending on the item). The board recorded motions to follow staff recommendations and carried each motion by roll call.

Why it matters: These actions change the permitted use and formal lot configurations for parcels across multiple townships and may remove acreage from agricultural production or enable future residential development, depending on the recordation and any subsequent approvals.

Most important facts

- LUDash0010Dash25 (Ed Rentemaki presenting on behalf of Don and Jason Hanson): The parent parcel is about 49.98 acres in the agricultural‑rural residential zoning district; the proposed minor subdivision would create two lots of approximately 31.07 acres and 18.91 acres. The applicants requested a variance to allow those lots to remain in the agricultural zoning district despite not meeting the minimum acreage standard. Mont Township’s comment packet was described as “undecided” and the township staff noted they do not recommend approval because of concern over removing 40‑acre parcels from agricultural production; the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 5–3. The county commissioners approved the variance and minor subdivision; recordation will be contingent on final approval of the variance.

- LUDash0015Dash25 (Tom Leshofsky on behalf of Colleen Wyrock): Parent parcel roughly 131 acres; proposed split to create a 112.21‑acre and an 18.36‑acre parcel. The applicant requested a zone change for the 18.36‑acre lot from Agricultural to Rural Residential to separate the home and outbuildings from tillable land. Equality Township had not returned comment at the time of the presentation; Planning and Zoning recommended approval 8–0. The commissioners approved the zone change; recordation of the plat will be contingent on approval of the zone change.

- LUDash0017Dash25 (Ed Rentemaki on behalf of TJC Smith Farms LLP and Jennifer Smith): Parent parcels totaling about 160.17 acres; proposed lots of approximately 152.20 acres and 7.97 acres. The smaller 7.97‑acre parcel is the subject of the zone change request from Agricultural to Rural Residential to separate the home from tillable land. East Fork Township recommended approval and Planning and Zoning recommended approval 8–0. The board approved the zone change.

- LUDash0019Dash25 (Ed Rentemaki on behalf of Steve Mortensen): Parent parcel approximately 120 acres; proposed one 80‑acre parcel to remain Agricultural and four 10‑acre parcels for rural residential development. Round Prairie Township reported it was undecided and raised concerns about easements, safety of access to the third and fourth 10‑acre lots, and possible impacts on sales in the adjacent Rolling Hills Subdivision to the north. Planning and Zoning recommended approval 8–0. Commissioners approved the request; plat recordation remains contingent on final approval of the zone change.

- LUDash0024Dash25 (Ashley and Andrew Borrud): Parent parcel about 10 acres in the rural residential district; proposed split into approximately 8.97 acres and 1.08 acres. The applicants requested a variance to allow the 1.08‑acre lot to remain in the rural residential district despite not meeting the minimum acreage. Planning staff noted the applicants had been approved for a conditional use permit in October 2023 for a second dwelling, moved a modular home onto the property and subsequently demolished the existing farmhouse. Planning and Zoning recommended approval 8–0. The board approved the variance and the minor subdivision; recordation will be contingent on approval of the variance.

Discussion versus decision

- Discussion items included township recommendations and safety/access concerns (notably for LUDash0010Dash25 and LUDash0019Dash25). For LUDash0010Dash25, staff noted the applicants revised a prior four‑lot proposal to a two‑lot minor subdivision after township feedback. The transcript records township reservations about removing 40‑acre agricultural parcels from production.

- Formal board action: For each item, commissioners moved to approve following Planning and Zoning recommendations; roll call votes carried each motion. The recorded votes show commissioners answering “Yes” in roll calls (names recorded in the meeting as Steve, Corey, Beau, Chris and Barry among others). Recordation of plats is contingent on final approval of the related variance or zone change as noted by staff.

What remains to follow: Recordation of each plat will only occur after administrative conditions are met; some neighborhood and township concerns about agricultural loss and access were noted during the presentations.

Ending: The land‑use items approved at the meeting change parcel zoning or allow variances for reduced lot sizes; final legal recordation is contingent on satisfying the stated conditions and the county’s review process.","The Williams County Board of Commissioners approved five separate land‑use requests including minor subdivisions, variances and zone changes affecting agricultural and rural residential parcels, with several townships expressing concern or declining to recommend approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners authorize DMV contract signings and set July 15 deadline for fairgrounds response

Commissioners allocate frost‑law funds to townships, authorize equipment advertising and name load‑pass designees

Williams County introduces new building official and authorizes recruitment for several positions

Commissioners approve first complete housing incentive application for up to $15,000 buyer assistance

Williams County commissioners approve five minor subdivisions, zone changes and variances