[{"_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",6478162,"mediaKeyId","5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439","parentId",5710182,"title","Roads superintendent asks commission to add blade and operator amid heavy workloads","audioSeconds",135,"startMs",2416299,"endMs",2551670,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439&start=2416&end=2551","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439/thumbnail_2416299.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6478162/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Roads-superintendent-asks-commission-to-add-blade-and-operator-amid-heavy-workloads","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478162-3d913ef05baf012153b9b30cb030599c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565185&Signature=diswGR0oXpTWlcYgZhpoxCt9dEKv4-sz68e8Gkg~rSWBBgCkHccV1kLm873~RoKe08OhB~2k6u5oJWi5r7afb~MVNWYbbM5ujvUGuNSGz9cm0gVMadkYcB4h-7h1u2qHalWHxFf-tXsGJ6bVmrX2lmtAKqvD-ksnvCPJGNH8ETAYAFqQAGF4qA3NUhvYVPb0T~X5AB9WbuN9rgr70UA4L1F6M1fICZF2Q3~xTKXPIr9OZ-9kfLhq~5S-M7uvPQnE6KsRp8Yd3w6BlzP2brohzfydU2hdsuSTTgd-R1e7kqGy37jCHj7PUQ2Pa5fCS6uCuZIzw0YDCPeSH5-f-bapew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Emmons County, KS","date","2025-09-03T13:30:05Z","article","County roads staff asked the commission to consider adding a grader (blade) and a full-time operator, saying recent workloads and staffing shortages are causing maintenance delays in remote areas of the county.

The roads speaker described long distances and seasonal pressures that make it difficult to keep up with grading and gravel cycles, especially after rain events. He said leaving a grader in the field only works until weather events set the crew behind and that an additional machine and operator would help catch up and reduce maintenance backlogs.

Commissioners acknowledged the staffing and equipment gap, noted the mid-year budget inclusion of the request, and asked staff to evaluate funding and timing. The commission did not take immediate action but accepted the request for further budget consideration.

The roads official said the additional equipment and operator would make a meaningful difference to remote road service levels and help the county respond faster after storms.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Emmons County Commission Meeting 9/2/25 pt 2","oneSentenceSummary","Roads staff asked the commission to consider hiring another grader (blade) and operator to keep up with maintenance across a broad geographic area; commissioners acknowledged staffing constraints and agreed to consider the mid-year budget request.","taxTitle","Emmons County, North Dakota","taxId",77577,"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},6478167,"Commissioners outline zoning overhaul steps, propose single conditional-use permit and staged fees",876,3987020,4863489,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439&start=3987&end=4863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439/thumbnail_3987020.jpg","/articles/6478167/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Commissioners-outline-zoning-overhaul-steps-propose-single-conditional-use-permit-and-staged-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478167-a102a967c045082be7470e8c2ee1acea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565185&Signature=T7DHM9SbtN3zbaOVvyKFBFI4TWSqjDiCV6FNXANn5Efk-si2AdvvJmCzh8mg13xjxnUGG1dkW2MzQbZeq32NyKcVexNY9I03XgUyPT4iz5XUbcJn7DF9H0Pr5RfNMIHDQsdXSIl71PI7XCiwX~nZkwN2DR8WfdY5NIqMpo-kp6LvRWYq2nqGZsWNF7eYMKX4~2KtRe4AulNdFN-xeKxS5Za~2ss6cLOoBerYjnq0EznNVhPDWmT0r6yq78alo0BvIvkqhZYADO8S814y6h3tQtDInjl3ug5aNBjpaoSiwwy~XtEeE1kG5WiHDtFnqQBgSahf~V4A8cT8jxftag5lYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emmons County commissioners discussed a multi-part plan to update the county zoning ordinance and conditional use permit (CUP) process to avoid rushed decisions and clarify review steps.

Staff and several commissioners recommended consolidating disparate permit types into a single conditional-use permit framework with clear stages and fee schedules. Commissioners discussed model provisions used by Sheridan and Dunn counties: a nonrefundable application fee (examples cited: $250–$600), a defined review period (options discussed ranged from 20 to 120 days depending on complexity), and staged fees tied to project milestones so the county would not retain large refundable balances if a project failed or withdrew.

The commissioners discussed the benefits of a defined internal review timeline before a permit reaches commissioners, with individual department review windows (e.g., planning, engineering, county attorney) to ensure adequate technical vetting and to reduce last-minute decisions made with limited review time. Multiple commissioners favored a minimum public-notice interval before hearings, and a process that could require payment stages (for example: application fee, payment upon first review, payment upon PSC or state approval) and that would make later-stage fees nonrefundable.

Commissioners also proposed creating a zoning board or committee to handle technical reviews and recommended bringing 5–10 draft ideas to the next meeting with the goal of publishing a proposed resolution for first reading and scheduling a public hearing by late fall or winter. One commissioner suggested a public hearing in November but some commissioners said November might be too soon and recommended November–December as a realistic target.

The commission asked staff to draft a resolution incorporating the board’s preferences—single CUP process, staged nonrefundable fees, defined internal review windows, and a public hearing timeline—and to return a proposed first reading at the next regular meeting.","The commission discussed proposed changes to the county’s zoning/conditional-use permit process including higher application fees, staged nonrefundable payments tied to project milestones, longer review periods, and creation of a zoning board.",{"_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},6478172,"Commission denies building permit for storage facility in mapped city limits; applicant advised to consult city floodplain administrator",1228,2500089,3728515,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439&start=2500&end=3728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439/thumbnail_2500089.jpg","/articles/6478172/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Commission-denies-building-permit-for-storage-facility-in-mapped-city-limits-applicant-advised-to-consult-city-floodplain-administrator","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478172-47c0500eacfc2235aea6ddae53d52b97/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565185&Signature=jKsBr92kTvEHqxeMk2T3joGEe3~AnXvA9ME9BscPmTJA6Qk05gq6Ps4G~-7VvLibFDJOF1tQwszIhs4aT0vHJrSYvEjf5isnT9ChM1M2g4dzFfusKRGC5Q0yWOUgsutfnBCglZCn-MelbOstqwM9~qmeCdANCjnsgfLV3ss2Mw9i9ahl9NjEpWX-BQzJBQo9e6OamwyofSOQbpHnvMqBlD6TPdeIkrS5MD3WU2YGXYOaFkLp8828KzuglBuU4QN7tKJWpQBiOJX5rpjrsV4cAH6ZBQ3xDrjfPk1Zo~U~ERJk1NxvB2EKsBI9nYi73wLLxG8UKn8NfFNfNdye3yulBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Emmons County Commission voted to deny a building permit for a storage building after commissioners concluded the applicant’s parcel falls within the city’s mapped corporate limits or its half-mile jurisdiction and that floodplain approval and city reviews are required.

Donovan (full name not specified), who applied to build a storage facility on land he says is outside city limits, attended the meeting and described his plan to place a building on the former Hiramund house site. Commissioners and staff reviewed a city survey from 2013 that showed the county parcel as within the city corporate limits. The commission and staff said the city’s floodplain administrator and other city officials need to review any permit for a site adjacent to mapped floodplain areas.

A commissioner moved to deny the permit on the grounds that the city — not the county — has primary jurisdiction and floodplain administration responsibility for the site. The motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners advised Donovan to seek a survey and to coordinate with Sharon, the city’s floodplain administrator, and to check whether an elevation certificate or other FEMA-related approvals would be required. Commissioners described typical mitigation: elevation above base flood elevation, prefabricated flood nets, or electrical and main-floor elevation adjustments depending on FEMA and city requirements.

The commission recorded the denial and told Donovan the county would not approve the permit without the necessary city approvals and documentation; staff offered to follow up and provide contact information for city staff.","The commission denied a permit for a proposed storage building near the river, concluding the parcel falls within the city limits (or the city's half-mile jurisdiction) and that the city and its floodplain administrator must process the permit.",{"_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},6478176,"Commission discusses how to assess battery energy storage systems; ownership and PSC role unclear",464,1679000,2143975,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439&start=1679&end=2143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439/thumbnail_1679000.jpg","/articles/6478176/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Commission-discusses-how-to-assess-battery-energy-storage-systems-ownership-and-PSC-role-unclear","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478176-9810fe28bbf16c2c60ef75f0ad2d49d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565185&Signature=oDUvPrTLp-xACttZl6JXHDXrR7ZSoe9gzvwRwRZKbObWIej7m9b-4QV-3M4IyRtwMJ6rG5lKqA1LM-pyC5CPrDhk7vjYpFacULtqnJrdr0Ui0HzdpU45dQ9QdKy9ihfJFAl6kYL9O1yUKansrP8mbc4YMGPLf7SL7x6LD5yEVw2iXU5j3wFii9FKEhpTgheTbkQqIVUOl0ve~KjczbeQO2PGuRgyy5xd8FB6sGUBFor67~f-RqGMA9Ek9yjGS-ps6UyBlb-hihDI9egJEYeigMz1yFZBednkPKH1gu-wQSnkPAZLET6lusWopoGH96gxc5WJMyr41o3PhVMPa4JTNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emmons County officials discussed how large battery energy storage systems (BESS) proposed near wind facilities would be taxed and assessed, and concluded the matter depends on ownership and operating structure.

A staff member who reviewed assessment practice told the commission there are three possible assessment scenarios: (1) centrally assessed by the state if the system is part of a larger utility or centrally metered entity; (2) locally assessed if the BESS is an independent taxable entity; or (3) assessed on production/usage metrics if taxed as energy output. The staff memo urged the county to determine whether the batteries will be owned by NextEra (or a NextEra-affiliated LLC), leased to other entities, or operated as a distinct company.

Commissioners said the county should wait for determinations from the North Dakota Public Service Commission and the state tax department. One commissioner noted the public hearing had clarified that the battery company may draw power from the grid (buying lower-cost power) to charge batteries and later sell or dispatch energy during price spikes, meaning batteries may interact with the grid independently of turbine output.

Staff recommended the county confirm three items before designing a local tax approach: ownership (which legal entity owns the BESS), how income from the facility will be reported, and how much energy flows through the batteries. The commission assigned staff to make additional calls to the state tax department, the Public Service Commission and to NextEra representatives to gather specific ownership and operational details.

The commission noted Emmons County will likely be among the first jurisdictions in the state to see this configuration and that statewide guidance or amendments to Century Code may follow. Commissioners asked staff to monitor state activity and report back when PSC approvals or clearer guidance arrives.","County officials reviewed preliminary research on tax assessment and ownership structures for proposed battery energy storage systems tied to wind projects, saying state agencies will likely need to clarify assessment rules.",{"_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},6478179,"Emmons County commissioners deny permit to convert stacked Connex containers, plan ordinance review",1575,20825,1596690,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439&start=20&end=1596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5710182-9896ceb64e97e01dbe6a42c33fa63439/thumbnail_20825.jpg","/articles/6478179/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Emmons-County-commissioners-deny-permit-to-convert-stacked-Connex-containers-plan-ordinance-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478179-30a8e8c023ad1ef8db082baeed66582c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565185&Signature=UYFGKdaakcv2b-eT5zhwij6o023YbpyZVpWAGXs3CJm85CjGmolDzlcqWjsstrbU7J-Pk1NwgjgPRr39N1C5BHApA6fpX6DQCMDsPGWGtnTtuTjUr613ywsQo5~~rczrwJebAsXHUyGrm6ToccRdmjzj8S3z13ntrdwmpUGcZcxf7ilIcAizL47~lSvEfKL2Ch4pF6vVyOWfRNBBEsemCnF1N6wdmGrj~3M~SXuGfCXH0RNcNQAVOAT0XGmHDmE3uppQXQWEXPKKYGHevRQmFj~NF0Glzl1tXjq4Jcoa-g3U8So9gCCNoQbnaDD-UZu0zJAMBGGDNKamoMpRrOISag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Emmons County Commission voted to deny an application to convert stacked shipping containers into a permanent building, saying the county needs a clearer public process before allowing the use.

Commissioners debated the proposal at length, weighing appearances, durability and precedent. Commissioner Aaron moved to deny the permit; Commissioner Jim Niigwirth seconded the motion. The commission recorded the motion as carried.

The commissioners discussed that the county previously passed a resolution limiting Connex boxes on lots to one container and requiring appearance standards. Several commissioners said that when the current rules were written they had not anticipated using shipping containers as construction material to form a single, permanent-looking building. One commissioner said, “If this turns out to be really good and it's something that's not a big deal, then maybe our resolution needs to be amended,” while also warning that a poor example could prevent future approvals.

Commissioners expressed concern about allowing multiple similar projects without first testing how a single permitted example would affect neighboring properties and property values. Several asked that staff pursue either a variance-review framework that limits approvals to single pilot projects or a formal ordinance amendment that would include public notice and hearings.

The commission directed staff to pursue a public hearing process and tentatively target November or December for public outreach and possible first readings of an amendment. Commissioners said the county will avoid approving multiple similar permits until the policy is reviewed.

The motion to deny the permit carried; commissioners emphasized the denial was not final policy and that the matter could return after a public hearing and ordinance revision.

The applicant was told the denial does not permanently bar the idea and was encouraged to monitor the county’s public hearing schedule.

What happens next

County staff will research model ordinances used by nearby counties and prepare a proposed amendment or a public hearing notice. The commission said it prefers a public hearing process rather than repeated single-variance decisions and will consider a temporary pilot allowance or a capped number of containers if the ordinance is revised.","The Emmons County Commission voted to deny a permit to use stacked shipping containers (Connex boxes) as a permanent residential structure and directed staff to pursue a public hearing and possible ordinance amendment in coming months.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Roads superintendent asks commission to add blade and operator amid heavy workloads

Commissioners outline zoning overhaul steps, propose single conditional-use permit and staged fees

Commission denies building permit for storage facility in mapped city limits; applicant advised to consult city floodplain administrator

Commission discusses how to assess battery energy storage systems; ownership and PSC role unclear

Emmons County commissioners deny permit to convert stacked Connex containers, plan ordinance review