Nelson County commissioners approve mileage increase, create highway shop foreman post and set up Bell Bank savings account

Nelson County commissioners on Jan. 2 approved a series of routine administrative actions, including a raise to the county mileage reimbursement rate and the creation of a Shop Foreman position in the Highway Department.

Chairman Cody Johnson called the meeting to order and roll call showed Commissioners Aaron Mork, Cameron Swenson and Steve Forde present. Nathan Parks, Nelson County auditor, told the board the North Dakota Association of Counties recommended raising the personal-vehicle mileage reimbursement from $0.655 to $0.67 per mile; the commission approved the increase on a roll-call vote (moved by Commissioner Steve Forde, seconded by Commissioner Cameron Swenson; vote 4-0).

Parks also relayed a request from the City of Pekin to remove special assessments added to parcel 26-0003-57612-000 because the assessment was paid directly to the city; the commission voted to remove the special assessments (moved by Commissioner Steve Forde, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Mork; vote 4-0).

Paul Bjornson of KLJ Engineering joined the meeting to discuss use of DocuSign for a Historic Bridge Memorandum of Agreement; the commission approved signing the memorandum (moved by Commissioner Cameron Swenson, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Mork; vote 4-0). Parks presented a Joint Powers Agreement among Ramsey, Benson and Nelson counties to share a Veterans Service Officer; the commission approved the agreement and directed that Bryce Crosby, the VSO, attend the next regular commission meeting for follow-up (motion to approve the Joint Powers Agreement moved by Commissioner Steve Forde, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Mork; vote 4-0).

Curt Loe, Highway Superintendent, reported on Road & Bridge business and auction results at Steffes Auction: a 2007 Challenger MT555B sold for $37,500; a 2000 John Deere 7610 sold for $72,000; a 1999 Freightliner sold for $12,000; and a 1981 Freightliner sold for $16,750. Loe proposed creating a Shop Foreman position and promoting from within the Highway Department; the commission approved creating the position and directed internal recruitment (moved by Commissioner Steve Forde, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Mork; vote 4-0). A discussion about pressure washers and a clothing allowance for highway staff was tabled for additional information.

The board also discussed a maturing certificate of deposit and heard that Bell Bank offers an Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) savings option at 5.25% without pledged securities and without a time lock; commissioners voted to open an ICS savings account with Bell Bank (moved by Commissioner Cameron Swenson, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Mork; vote 4-0).

Michelle Linstad, Tax Director, presented three abatements for parcels 15-0001-23679-000, 18-0001-35302-000 and 32-0001-79085-000; the commission approved the abatements and authorized that Linstad may hold over additional comp time during the assessing season (moved by Commissioner Cameron Swenson, seconded by Commissioner Steve Forde; vote 4-0).

Commissioner Aaron Mork said he is planning a February meeting at the Highway shop and is researching trucks and power washers. Commissioner Cameron Swenson said he has checked in with the Veterans Service Officer and will hold an exit meeting at Stump Lake Park; Commissioner Steve Forde raised training requirements for department heads and commissioners; and Chairman Johnson said he will attend a Weed Board Convention in Bismarck and noted preliminary work on a long-term Law Enforcement Center building committee. Jayme Tenneson, State's Attorney, mentioned a commissioners' conference in March; discussion about possibly utilizing Grand Forks County for the Law Enforcement Center was tabled.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved the minutes and amended agenda; raised the mileage reimbursement to $0.67 per mile; removed the special assessment for parcel 26-0003-57612-000; authorized signing the Historic Bridge Memorandum of Agreement; approved the Joint Powers Agreement for a shared Veterans Service Officer; created a Shop Foreman position in the Highway Department; approved opening an ICS savings account with Bell Bank at 5.25%; approved abatements for three parcels; approved payment of presented bills; and adjourned the meeting (all motions carried on roll-call votes, 4-0).

The board directed that VSO Bryce Crosby attend the next regular commission meeting for further discussion of the Joint Powers Agreement. There being no further business, the commission adjourned.