Billings County, North Dakota

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will hold a special meeting to prepare the 2027 county budget. No other items are on the agenda.

• 2027 Billings County Budget Preparation

Billings County Commission

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Billings County Commission

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Billings County Commission

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Billings County Commission

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Billings County Commission

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Billings County Redistricting Board

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Billings County Redistricting Board

The Billings County Redistricting Board will meet to organize the board and appoint an At-Large Member.

• Organization of the board
• Appointment of At-Large Member

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will discuss road issues with Pat Lavelle, consider tax and zoning matters including ARW and pipeline permits, and hear the SWDHU budget from Sherri Adams. The commission will also review department budget requests for 2027 and consider a Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan resolution and a letter of support for an NDDOT INFRA Grant for the I-94 truck parking expansion project. Other actions include approving vouchers, correspondence, and committee assignments.

• Pat Lavelle – road issues
• Tax & zoning / ARW & pipeline permits
• Sherri Adams – SWDHU budget
• Review department 2027 budget requests
• Letter of Support for NDDOT INFRA Grant I-94 truck parking expansion

Billings County Commission

This is a special meeting of the Billings County Commission with a single agenda item: discussion of a potential 5-member board and the redistricting process. No votes or decisions are scheduled; it is strictly a discussion session. The meeting will be held at the county courthouse.

• Discussion of 5-member board and redistricting process

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss two items: the potential expansion to a 5-member board and the redistricting process, as well as a proposal for appointment-only access to the county courthouse for the week of June 29, 2026. No votes or decisions are scheduled; only discussion is planned.

• Discussion of a 5-member board and redistricting process
• Discussion of appointment-only access to the county courthouse for the week of June 29, 2026

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss the redistricting process and a 5-member board.

• Discussion regarding 5 Member Board and Redistricting Process

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Planning & Zoning Commission will review the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation's application for a major subdivision west of the Little Missouri River, proposing Recreational and Commercial districts within the Medora ETZ. The board will also consider amendments to zoning regulations for industrial water depots and for data centers and battery energy storage systems. Additional items include updates on TRMF and TRPL projects and a review of known zoning violations.

• Application: Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation – Major Subdivision (Western Heritage) with proposed Recreational and Commercial zoning
• Proposed amendment to add Industrial Water Depots and Ponds section (Article VI: Special Provisions 6.19)
• Proposed amendment to regulations for data centers & battery energy storage systems
• Review of known zoning violation: Logan Irrevocable Trust moving a manufactured home at 13561 Logan Ave without a permit
• Standing agenda: TRMF and TRPL project updates

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will discuss the 2027 budget direction and annual cost-of-living adjustments. The meeting includes a public hearing for the County Board of Tax Equalization and discussions regarding a land swap with the National Park Service.

• Annual COLA and 2027 budget direction discussion
• National Park Service/Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library land swap discussion
• West Access Emergency Road cost discussion
• County Board of Tax Equalization public hearing
• NDDOT Bid Award TAC-0434(059) East River Road Phase II

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will discuss a letter of support for a land swap involving the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and the National Park Service. The item is presented by County Auditor Marcia Kessel. No other agenda items are listed.

• Letter of Support for Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library/National Park Service land swap

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Planning & Zoning Board extended two existing temporary‑use permits for three years and approved a new temporary‑use permit to allow bus parking for the library opening weekend. A variance was granted for a residential garage setback. The board also set a task to revise water‑depot regulations for the June meeting. All other items were procedural.

• Approved extension of Arvid Hecker temporary‑use permit (3 years) – all aye
• Approved extension of Albert & Anita Kessel temporary‑use permit (3 years) – all aye
• Approved temporary‑use permit for ~50 bus parking spaces during library opening (June 30–July 6) – 4 aye, 1 abstention
• Approved variance for Jefferson & Jenna Beck garage setback – all aye
• Set task to update industrial water depot and pond regulations for June meeting
• Approved minutes from April 16, 2026 – all aye
• Approved agenda with added request for temporary bus parking lot – all aye
• Adjourned meeting – all aye

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

The board corrected two typographical errors in the April minutes and approved the revised record with all present members in favor. A motion to approve the financial statement and pay outstanding bills was also passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved April minutes with corrections (all present in favor)
• Approved financial statement and authorized bill payments (all present in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all present in favor)

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Billings County Commission will hold a public hearing on May 5, 2026 to consider approving or denying several amendments to the Billings County Zoning Resolution No. 1. The amendments update the definition of temporary use and add or revise conditional‑use permit provisions for agricultural, recreational, commercial and temporarily permitted uses. These changes relate to commercial and special‑event temporary uses that serve the traveling public and tourism industry around Medora. The amendments were recommended for approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission on April 16, 2026.

• Update to definition of Temporary Use (Section 2.3(106))
• New/updated Conditional Use Permit provisions for Agricultural Districts (Sections 5.1.2 t‑w)
• New/updated Conditional Use Permit provisions for Recreational Districts (Sections 5.3.2 f & k)
• New/updated Conditional Use Permit provisions for Commercial Districts (Sections 5.4.4 h, i, k)
• New/updated provisions for Temporarily Permitted Uses (Section 6.17)

Billings County Commission

The Commission will discuss a land swap request between TRPL and the National Park Service. The body will also consider increasing election worker pay to $25 per hour and open bids for Kubas Scoria.

• Increase election worker pay to $25/hour
• TRPL and National Park Service land swap request letter of support
• Kubas Scoria bid opening
• Paasch Well Medora Grazing Association water request
• JPA Billings/Golden Valley Counties updates

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider several land-use applications and zoning ordinance amendments. The board will recommend approvals or denials for construction projects in Medora and Fryburg, as well as updates to regulations for water depots and temporary commercial uses.

• Application 2026-11: Conditional use permit for a 40’ x 60’ shop with living quarters at 13547 Bryan Ave, Fryburg
• Application 2026-13: Variance request for a 33.9' cell phone antenna pole at 3422 Chateau Rd
• Application 2026-14: Redevelopment of Ranchorama site at 14532 I-94 Loop East including mixed-use buildings and horse stalls
• Application 2026-15: Construction of three 16’ x 30’ cabins at 3370 Pool Drive
• Proposed amendments to Article VI: Special Provisions 6.17 regarding Mobile Food Units and Temporary Use Permits

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Board approved the March 19 minutes and the agenda. It granted a conditional use permit for Syzygy LLC with a two‑year expiration, approved a Verizon Wireless antenna variance with a 0.9‑foot height exception, and approved several Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation projects with specific conditions. The board also approved an administrative permit for three cabins and adopted a amendment to Special Provisions 6.17 for temporarily permitted uses.

• Approved March 19, 2026 minutes (all voted aye)
• Approved agenda (all voted aye)
• Approved conditional use permit 2026-11 for Syzygy LLC with 2‑year expiration (all voted aye)
• Approved Verizon Wireless antenna variance 2026-13 with 0.9' height exception and dark‑sky lighting (all voted aye)
• Approved Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation redevelopment 2026-14 with eight conditions (all voted aye)
• Approved grading site plan 2026-16 with weed and dust control conditions (all voted aye)
• Approved administrative permit for three cabins 2026-15 (all voted aye)
• Approved amendment to Special Provisions 6.17 for temporarily permitted uses (all voted aye)

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Board will hold a work session to review and discuss regulation and amendment proposals regarding temporary uses, mobile food units, and transient merchants. No action or decisions will be made at this session.

• Discussion of regulations and amendment proposals for temporary uses, mobile food units, and transient merchants

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

The board approved the March 2026 minutes after correcting two typographical errors. It also approved signing the reduced pledge amount from 1° State Bank and authorized payment of the financial statement's bills. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved March 2026 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved signing reduced pledge amount from 1° State Bank (unanimous)
• Approved financial statement and payment of bills (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss a policy regarding the use of cameras in county public buildings. The meeting is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Billings County Courthouse.

• Special meeting to discuss policy for cameras on public buildings
• Meeting location: Billings County Courthouse, Commissioners' room
• Meeting time: 1:00 PM on Monday, April 13, 2026

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will review a petition regarding the number of commissioners and discuss a beer and liquor license for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The body will also address insurance renewals and road improvements for Roughrider State Park.

• Beer and liquor license for Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
• Petition to change the number of county commissioners
• Roughrider State Park access road improvement
• Annual insurance renewal with Dan Farstveet
• Medora Grazing Association letter regarding proposed airstrip Allotment #279

The Billings County Commission approved a series of actions, including the Kubas scoria lease, several road equipment purchases, and the removal of the CMC 0401 designation from I‑94. It rezoned a 40‑acre parcel from agricultural to recreational and authorized a two‑site RV campground, and approved a temporary glamping site for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library with nine conditions. Additional approvals covered utility permits, the maintenance salary budget, and the appointment of primary‑election inspectors.

• Approved Kubas scoria lease (all voted aye)
• Accepted John Deere 724P loader bid $289,300.00 (all voted aye)
• Accepted Gooseneck Implement tractor quote $180,929.14 (all voted aye)
• Approved purchase of 3 Schulte Mower Model FX‑1800 attachments at $63,770.13 each (all voted aye)
• Removed CMC 0401 designation from Interstate 94 (all voted aye)
• Approved rezoning of 40‑acre parcel to recreational and authorized 2‑site RV campground (all voted aye)
• Approved temporary glamping campground for library with 9 conditions (all voted aye)
• Approved multiple utility permits (Ragnar Pipeline Permit 4478, Roughrider Electric Permit 26‑04, McKenzie Electric Permit 26‑05, RTC Networks Permit 26‑06) (all voted aye)

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Billings County Commission will hold a public hearing to consider approving amendments to Zoning Resolution No. 1. This includes a new Floodplain Management Ordinance and updated definitions for campgrounds and RV parks.

• Proposed Floodplain Management Ordinance based on ND SB 2027 and ND DWR Model A
• New zoning definitions for Primitive Campground and Glamping Campground
• Updated definition for Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park
• Updates to conditionally permitted uses in the 5.3 Recreational District

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will meet jointly with the Golden Valley County Commission to award engineering services for the Buffalo Gap Road Extension. Following the joint session, the Billings County Commission will meet to act on a purchase agreement for 10.11 acres of land.

• Award of engineering services for Buffalo Gap Road Extension project
• Purchase agreement for 10.11 acre tract of land in SE1/4 SE1/4 of Section 10-142-99

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider recommendations for several land-use applications, including two campgrounds and a residential subdivision. The board will also review proposed amendments to ordinances regarding mobile food units, transient merchants, and water depots.

• Application 2026-3: Minor subdivision and rezoning from agricultural to residential for a 1.01-acre lot at 1305 126th Ave SW
• Application 2026-5: Conditional use permit and rezoning to Recreational for a 2-site RV campground at 1910 131st Ave SW
• Application 2026-7: Conditional use permit for a temporary 50-tent glamping campground at 3370 Pool Dr
• Application 2026-4: New house construction on Lot 3, Block 1 of Sully Creek Subdivision (14638 36th St SW)
• Proposed ordinance amendments for Mobile Food Units, Transient Merchants, Temporary Use Permits, and water depots

The board approved Cole Faller’s application to rezone a 1.01‑acre mobile‑home site from Agriculture to Residential and granted a variance for the lot size. It approved Bill Palanuk’s conditional use permit to rezone an agricultural parcel to Recreational for a two‑site RV campground and adopted specific conditions for expansion and a storm shelter. It also approved the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation’s conditional use permit for a temporary glamping campground, adding conditions on food‑service inspection, lighting, sewer service, burn‑ban compliance, insurance and other requirements. The board scheduled a work session on April 16 to review proposed amendments to Article VI regarding temporary uses.

• Approved Cole Faller application 2026-03 with variance to rezone Agriculture → Residential (all aye)
• Approved Bill Palanuk application 2026-05 to rezone Agriculture → Recreational for RV campground (all aye)
• Approved Bill Palanuk application 2026-05 with conditions for RV campground (all aye)
• Approved Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation application 2026-05 (glamping) with conditions (all aye)
• Scheduled work session on April 16 to review Article VI temporary‑use amendment (all aye)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:50 pm (all aye)

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

The board approved the February 2026 minutes and the March 2026 board election. It kept the current officer positions, ceased further nominations, and approved a reduced pledge amount with 1* State Bank. The financial statement was approved and bills were authorized. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved February 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 2026 board election (unanimous)
• Retained current officer positions (unanimous)
• Ceased nominations (unanimous)
• Approved reduced pledge amount with 1* State Bank (unanimous)
• Approved financial statement and authorized bill payments (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

The board approved the March 2025 election minutes unanimously. The board voted to re‑elect Dwayne Shypkoski, Brian Buckman and Corey Simnioniw for another term, and to cease further nominations. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 2025 election minutes (unanimous)
• Re‑elected Dwayne Shypkoski, Brian Buckman and Corey Simnioniw (unanimous)
• Ceased further nominations for board positions (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will approve minutes, hear department reports, and consider several agenda items. Items include a beer and liquor license request for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, zoning and pipeline permit matters, a bid opening for the Tim Armbrust gravel pit crushing contract, and a discussion on a veterans memorial. Miscellaneous items such as revenue vouchers, a funding agreement for the Clerk of Court, and a Department of Trust Lands easement will also be addressed.

• Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library beer & liquor license request
• Zoning, ARW, and pipeline permits presented by the Tax & Zoning Director
• 2026 Tim Armbrust gravel pit crushing bid opening
• Discussion regarding a veterans memorial
• Clerk of Court Funding Agreement

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

The Billings County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners regarding floodplain management and zoning updates. The board will also review regulations for campgrounds, mobile food units, and transient merchants.

• Review of floodplain management requirements based on state law SB 2027
• Review of draft Billings County Floodplain Management Ordinance (Model A)
• Proposed amendment to Section 5.3.2(a) regarding RV parks and campgrounds in Recreational Districts
• Proposed amendments to Article VI: Special Provisions 6.17 and 6.19 for Mobile Food Units and Transient Merchants
• TRMF Project Updates

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission and Golden Valley County Commission will hold a joint special meeting on February 17, 2026. The agenda includes a discussion about upgrading Buffalo Gap Road. No decisions or votes are indicated in the agenda.

• Discussion regarding upgrading Buffalo Gap Road

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will open the meeting with standard items such as a pledge of allegiance, approval of minutes, and public comment. Commissioners will receive reports from appointed boards, the road superintendent, and engineering staff. The agenda includes a discussion of a beer and liquor license for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and a review of zoning, ARW, and pipeline permits by the Tax & Zoning Director. Miscellaneous items cover revenue and expenditure vouchers, a resignation appointment to the Council on Aging, and Resolution 2026-11 pledges.

• Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library beer & liquor license
• Zoning, ARW, and pipeline permits review
• Revenue vouchers
• Expenditure vouchers
• Appointment to Council on Aging – Darlene Mitchell resignation

The commissioners approved Resolution 2026-12, declaring a pre‑event local emergency for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library grand opening and authorizing use of emergency funds. They also adopted Resolution 2026-11, placing county‑wide burn restrictions in effect. Board stipends were raised to $75 per meeting and Karen Putnam was appointed to the Council on Aging. The library's liquor‑license request was rejected, with the board asking for a revised consumption‑area plan.

• Approved January 6, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 5, 2026 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-11 burn restrictions (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-12 pre‑event emergency declaration (unanimous)
• Increased board stipends to $75 per meeting (unanimous)
• Appointed Karen Putnam to the Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Rejected the library liquor‑license application (unanimous nay)
• Approved ARW permits 2026-1 and 2026-2 for Roughrider Electric Cooperative (unanimous)

Rural Fire District Board Meetings

The Rural Fire District Board unanimously approved the December 2025 meeting minutes, the 2025 board election results, the September 2025 budget minutes for 2026, the quarterly pledge report, and the district’s financial statement with payment of bills. All motions were seconded and passed with all present members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved December 2025 meeting minutes (all present members in favor)
• Approved 2025 Board Election results (all present members in favor)
• Approved September 2025 budget minutes for 2026 (all present members in favor)
• Approved Quarterly Pledge Report (all present members in favor)
• Approved financial statement and authorized bill payments (all present members in favor)
• Recorded two new fire calls YTD (informational)
• Noted pending supplemental insurance from Hartford representative (no decision)
• Adjourned meeting (all present members in favor)

Billings County Planning & Zoning Board

Billings County Commission

The Billings County Commission will consider 2026 resolutions and hear reports from the Road Superintendent, Engineering, and other department heads. The Tax & Zoning Director will present matters related to zoning, ARW, and pipeline permits. The commission will also discuss compensated time and overtime for staff. Miscellaneous items include revenue and expenditure vouchers and the resignation of Darlene Mitchell from the Council on Aging.

• Zoning, ARW, and pipeline permits presentation by Tax & Zoning Director
• Discussion of compensated time and overtime for county staff
• Review of revenue vouchers
• Review of expenditure vouchers
• Appointment to Council on Aging – resignation of Darlene Mitchell

The board approved the December 4, 2025 regular meeting minutes and the December 30, 2025 special meeting minutes. They approved the annual Bowman Radar Contract for $2,500 and a letter of support for the City of Medora’s Rural Catalyst Grant application. The commissioners also adopted Resolutions 2026‑01 through 2026‑10, set new equipment‑use rules, and agreed to use north/south zoning for load‑pass road restrictions.

• Approved December 4, 2025 regular meeting minutes and December 30, 2025 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda addition: letter of support for City of Medora Rural Catalyst Grant (unanimous)
• Approved annual Bowman Radar Contract for $2,500 (all voted aye)
• Approved letter of support for Medora Rural Catalyst Grant application (all voted aye)
• Approved Resolutions 2026‑01 through 2026‑10 (all voted aye)
• Directed that non‑employees may not operate county equipment (policy directive)
• Adopted north/south zoning as the enforceable boundary for load‑pass road restrictions