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Morton County Commission approves cemetery name change, development grant and upholds termination
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Summary
At its Aug. 27 meeting, the Morton County Commission approved renaming Fairview Cemetery near Timmer, awarded $15,000 (with $10,000 to follow after Jan. 1, 2025) to West River Strategies LLC from the county development fund, adopted an updated Local Emergency Operations Plan, and upheld a personnel termination with no severance.
The Morton County Commission met Aug. 27, 2024, at the Morton County Courthouse in Mandan and took several unanimous actions, including approving a cemetery name change, a development fund disbursement, and a resolution adopting an updated Local Emergency Operations Plan. The commission also upheld the termination of an employee and denied severance pay.
The meeting, called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Nathan Boehm, proceeded through routine business before a 6:00 p.m. public hearing on the proposed renaming of Fairview Cemetery near Timmer, N.D. The hearing was closed at 6:05 p.m. and the commission approved a motion to rename the site "Morton County Fairview/Timmer Ladies Aid Cemetery." Commissioner Morrell moved to "approve the name change of Fairview Cemetery near Timmer ND to Morton County Fairview/Timmer Ladies Aid Cemetery," and Commissioner Leingang seconded; the motion carried with all voting aye.
On economic development, Commissioner Zachmeier moved (seconded by Commissioner Morrell) to approve $15,000 from the Morton County Development Fund for West River Strategies LLC and to authorize an additional $10,000 after Jan. 1, 2025. The commission approved the award unanimously.
The commission also approved, by motion of Commissioner Morrell and seconded by Commissioner Leingang, a "Resolution of Promulgation" adopting Morton County's updated Local Emergency Operations Plan dated Aug. 27, 2024.
Before the personnel item, Chair Boehm announced Commissioner Zachmeier would exit the room because he was recused from that agenda item due to a conflict of interest. The commission then considered the personnel matter involving Renae Bleth. Commissioner Morrell moved and (record indicates) Commissioner Leingang seconded to uphold Bleth's termination and to deny any severance pay. On roll call Morrell, Leingang, Buckley and Boehm voted aye; the motion carried. The minutes note Zachmeier's earlier recusal.
County Auditor Dawn R. Rhone reported that the total of all county funds expended from Aug. 9 through Aug. 27, 2024, equaled $1,289,088.98; a detailed list of expenditures by check is available for public inspection at the auditor's office during regular business hours. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Morrell moved/Leingang seconded to approve the Fairview Cemetery name change (approved, all aye). Zachmeier moved/Morrell seconded to approve $15,000 to West River Strategies LLC with an additional $10,000 after Jan. 1, 2025 (approved, all aye). Morrell moved/Leingang seconded to adopt the Resolution of Promulgation for the Local Emergency Operations Plan (approved, all aye). Morrell moved/Leingang seconded to uphold the termination of Renae Bleth and deny severance pay (approved on roll call: Morrell, Leingang, Buckley and Boehm voted aye; Zachmeier was recused).