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Nelson County commissioners approve culvert payment, abatements and financials; hear public concerns on weed spraying and roadside ditch
Summary
At its March 19, 2024 meeting the Nelson County Commission approved payment of $3,677 to Johnson Construction for a culvert, authorized two tax abatements, and approved February financial statements and county bills; commissioners also heard public comment about weed spraying and a steep ditch on the Adler Township–Grand Forks County line.
Nelson County Commissioners convened March 19, 2024, in regular session. Chairman Cody Johnson called the meeting to order and the board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 5 meeting and the amended agenda, which added abatements.
Public commenter Greg Kueber urged the commission to consider hiring a contractor for weed spraying and flagged a safety hazard: a steep roadside ditch on the Adler Township–Grand Forks County line. The commission noted the comment; no action was recorded on hiring a contractor or on the ditch during this meeting.
Curt Loe, Highway Superintendent, briefed commissioners on Road & Bridge topics, including whether the county should cover the cost for highway employees to obtain commercial driver licenses (CDLs). Commissioners tabled the CDL-cost discussion pending additional information about costs and requirements.
The board discussed a Johnson Construction bill for a culvert installed between the county, Illinois Township and the Nelson County Water Board and said the county needs a formal sign-off process to document approved work. Commissioner Aaron Mork moved and Commissioner Cameron Swenson seconded approval of the culvert payment in the amount of $3,677; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call.
Commissioners considered a Law Enforcement Center Joint Powers Agreement item but tabled discussion because there had been no recent LEC meeting. The board also addressed past-due rent for Michigan Daycare: a $1,200 payment was received and $1,400 remained unpaid as of March 15; Auditor Nathan Parks was directed to ensure the account is brought current.
Michelle Linstad, Tax Director, presented abatements for two parcels (18-0001-35196-000 and 18-0001-35197-000). Commissioner Mork moved to approve the abatements, Commissioner Mike Haugland seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Auditor Nathan Parks presented the February financial statements. Commissioner Cameron Swenson moved and Commissioner Steve Forde seconded to approve the statements as presented; the board voted unanimously to accept the financials. Commissioners also approved the county bills as presented following a motion by Commissioner Mork and second by Commissioner Swenson.
Commissioners gave brief portfolio updates: Swenson said he is arranging an inspection of the pavilion floor and progressing the Stump Lake shop construction; Mork reported on Highway Department activity and an Extension Agent update; Haugland updated the board on sheriff’s office matters; and Forde said the Human Service Zone is seeking a satellite office in McVille.
Angela Herda, Emergency Manager, joined the meeting to discuss burn restrictions for Nelson County; no formal action on restrictions was recorded in the transcript.
With no further business, the commission unanimously approved a motion to adjourn.
Votes at a glance - Approve March 5 minutes: Moved by Commissioner Cameron Swenson; seconded by Commissioner Aaron Mork; roll call: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved. - Approve agenda (addition: abatements): Moved by Commissioner Cameron Swenson; seconded by Commissioner Steve Forde; roll call: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved. - Approve Johnson Construction culvert payment ($3,677): Moved by Commissioner Aaron Mork; seconded by Commissioner Cameron Swenson; roll call: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved. - Approve abatements (parcels 18-0001-35196-000 & 18-0001-35197-000): Moved by Commissioner Aaron Mork; seconded by Commissioner Mike Haugland; roll call: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved. - Approve February financial statements: Moved by Commissioner Cameron Swenson; seconded by Commissioner Steve Forde; roll call: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved. - Approve county bills as presented: Moved by Commissioner Aaron Mork; seconded by Commissioner Cameron Swenson; roll call: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved.
What’s next - The commission directed Auditor Nathan Parks to pursue collection of past-due Michigan Daycare rent and requested additional cost and requirement information before deciding whether to cover CDL costs for highway employees. No formal action on burn restrictions or the Law Enforcement Center JPA was taken; those items may return to a future agenda.
