Nelson County Commission accepts gravel bids, raises grader rate and adopts burn-notification policy

At its April 2, 2024 regular meeting, the Nelson County Commission unanimously accepted multiple gravel bids, raised the county motor grader hourly rate and adopted a burn-notification policy requiring controlled-burn callers to notify the Law Enforcement Center.

The action-packed meeting opened with Chairman Cody Johnson calling the session to order and roll call confirming Commissioners Aaron Mork, Mike Haugland, Cameron Swenson and Steve Forde were present. The commission approved the March 19 minutes and the amended agenda, which added two items: Burn Restrictions and the Courthouse parking lot.

Highway Superintendent Curt Loe presented Road & Bridge business and the commission opened and accepted gravel bids from Dvorak Gravel, Gowan Construction, Close Construction and Lakeside Construction. Commissioner Cameron Swenson moved to accept all gravel bids; Commissioner Steve Forde seconded and the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

The commission also addressed equipment charges, voting to raise the county’s motor grader hourly charge from $95.00 to $105.00. Commissioner Aaron Mork moved the increase; Commissioner Forde seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

On infrastructure matters, the commission reviewed the County Road 19 drain project, which remains on hold, and approved a land-use agreement involving Jay and Margaret Estvold and the Nelson County Water Board. Commissioner Swenson moved approval and Commissioner Mork seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Commissioners discussed a County and Township Cost Share Agreement and approved the Nelson County Road & Bridge Policy. Commissioners also received an update on the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center cost-share arrangement.

Tax Director Michelle Linstad presented two tax abatements. Commissioner Steve Forde moved to approve abatements on parcels 21-0001-46102-000 and 21-0001-46238-000; Commissioner Swenson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

States Attorney Jayme Tenneson reported progress on hiring an Assistant States Attorney, saying discussions have been held with Jack Yunker of Devils Lake, who is expected to start April 15. Emergency Manager Angela Herda recommended burn restrictions; the commission adopted Nelson County burn restrictions that require callers to notify the Law Enforcement Center for controlled burns and did not add other local restrictions beyond state mandates for Extreme or Red Flag conditions. Commissioner Aaron Mork moved approval; Commissioner Swenson seconded and the vote was unanimous.

Traci Lagein of NDSU Extension briefed the commission on extension motor pool information, and commissioners provided portfolio updates including shop construction at Stump Lake and a Human Service Zone effort to locate a satellite office in McVille.

The commission approved the county bills as presented and, with no further business, adjourned. Nathan Parks, Nelson County Auditor, and Chairman Cody Johnson signed the minutes.

Votes at a glance: approval of March 19 minutes (unanimous); acceptance of gravel bids from four vendors (unanimous); extension of culvert bid deadline to May 7 (unanimous); motor grader rate increase to $105/hour (unanimous); approval of Estvold land-use agreement for County Road 19 (unanimous); adoption of Nelson County Road & Bridge Policy (unanimous); approval of two tax abatements (parcels 21-0001-46102-000 and 21-0001-46238-000) (unanimous); adoption of Nelson County Burn Restrictions requiring notification to the Law Enforcement Center (unanimous); approval of county bills (unanimous); adjournment (unanimous).