Oliver County weed board weighs interim options after weed-control officer resignation

The Oliver County Weed Board reviewed options for staffing the vacant weed-control-officer role after Rick’s resignation from his county agent position. Board members said Rick had been asked to resign by his employer amid a complaint and that NDSU had expressed concern about a perceived conflict of interest; some members described the resignation as politically motivated while others said the board should focus on practical coverage (Speakers 2, 3 and 5; SEG 1424-1496).

Members discussed interim approaches including appointing a board member to carry out limited duties, contracting with a local certified applicator, or asking Scott (a local applicator who has been covering short-notice duties) to provide more coverage. "If we approached him with this idea, he would be open to accepting that spot," a board member said of Scott (SEG 1724-1734). The board also discussed storage and procurement: who holds a commercial applicator’s license for purchases and the logistics of warehouse pickup and bids; members said bids should be solicited about two weeks before the spring meeting and noted county warehouse procedures for registering a certified number (SEG 1868-1876; SEG 2068-2076).

The board noted constraints: limited staff capacity and political sensitivities around rehiring or contracting. A member suggested pausing heavy recruitment over winter and restarting in February or early spring. The board also agreed to continue internal oversight and to forward calls and operational responsibilities as needed until a permanent officer is appointed.