Adams County public meetings in 2021
20 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 2021
The Adams County Commission is meeting to handle routine business including financial statements, vouchers, and service reports, as well as several specific items. Notable items include abatement requests from the Hettinger Chamber and ACDC, a 2022 liquor license for the golf course, and discussion of road projects and a Johnson Controls maintenance contract. The agenda also includes employee resignation, commissioner appointment, and COVID sick leave pay.
- Abatement requests from Hettinger Chamber (2) and ACDC
- 2022 liquor license for Golf Course
- Johnson Controls Maintenance Contract
- Road Projects
- COVID sick leave pay
December 2021
The Board accepted Sheriff Collins' resignation effective December 31, 2021, and voted to open the application process for his successor. The Board also approved tax abatements for the Hettinger Chamber of Commerce and Adams County Development Corporation, a right-of-way request for a new saw mill, and a $2,500 reduction of a billing dispute with Wolf Butte Township. A motion to provide 5 paid COVID-19 sick days was denied, but a later motion for 3 retroactive days passed.
- Approved Sheriff Collins' resignation effective Dec 31, 2021 (unanimous)
- Opened application process for Sheriff position (unanimous)
- Approved tax abatement for Hettinger Chamber of Commerce: $616.53 (2019) and $605.91 (2020) (unanimous)
- Approved tax abatement for Adams County Development Corporation: $1,419.06 (2020) (unanimous)
- Approved right-of-way request for Ethan Waddington's saw mill (unanimous)
- Approved $2,500 reduction of Wolf Butte Township labor bill (unanimous)
- Denied motion for 5 paid COVID-19 sick days (unanimous no)
- Approved 3 paid COVID-19 sick days for full-time employees, retroactive to 2022 (unanimous)
November 2021
The meeting includes various discussions on county business such as road projects and COVID-19 relief funding. A public hearing regarding tax forfeited property has been postponed indefinitely due to pending legal litigation.
- Tax Forfeited Property Public Hearing (Postponed)
- Covid-19 Relief / ARPA Funding discussion
- Abatement Requests: Hettinger Chamber and ACDC
- County land use – Airport Authority
- Unclaimed Property approval
November 2021
The Adams County Commission approved hiring a temporary deputy from Dunn County when needed, renewed the IPaws emergency alert contract, and approved several purchases including a library scanner, an 82-inch Samsung TV, three iPads, and a website design contract. They also approved right-of-way requests, cost-share weed applications, and tabled two tax abatement requests for further information.
- Approved hiring temporary deputy from Dunn County when needed (unanimous)
- Approved IPaws Reverse 911 contract at $0.44 per line (unanimous)
- Approved NDGF road improvement project on Vern Erickson's property (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of library page scanner for $599 (unanimous)
- Approved website design with Revise, $2,000 design plus $1,500 annual maintenance (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of 82-inch Samsung TV and wall mount under $2,000 (unanimous)
- Approved pre-approval for three 10-inch iPads (unanimous)
- Tabled tax abatement requests for Hettinger Chamber and ACDC
October 2021 Special
The Board of County Commissioners set a minimum sale price of $16,131.67 for a tax-deeded property and scheduled a public hearing for November 9, 2021. They also approved closing county offices on November 12, 2021 for electrical work related to the generator installation.
- Set minimum sale price at $16,131.67 for parcel #24425-000 (Lot 6 Block 8 Johns-Farrington Addition) (unanimous)
- Scheduled public hearing for tax deed property for November 9, 2021 at 11:45 am (unanimous)
- Approved tentative closure of county offices on November 12, 2021 for electrical maintenance (unanimous)
October 2021
The Adams County Commission approved a $75,593.23 pay application for the Overhead Road project, purchased duty guns and belts for all deputies plus a taser for one deputy, and approved a $7,500 online tax statement service. They also accepted a right-of-way request from Pro-Point Cooperative, appointed Ethan Thom to the Planning and Zoning Board, and approved several other routine items. No decision was made on the Hettinger School pool project or the generator bollard invoice.
- Approved $75,593.23 Overhead Road pay application (unanimous)
- Approved duty guns and belts for all deputies (unanimous)
- Approved taser purchase for Deputy Samantha Smith (unanimous)
- Approved $7,500 online tax statement service (unanimous)
- Approved Pro-Point Cooperative right-of-way request (unanimous)
- Approved Ethan Thom to Planning and Zoning Board (unanimous)
- Approved $1,750 FSA building painting quote (unanimous)
- Approved $300 KNDC Farm and Home show booth rental (unanimous)
October 2021
The Adams County Commission is meeting to handle routine business and discuss several new items, including a website design presentation, quotes for online tax statement software and commissioner iPads, and potential grants for court facility improvements and highway safety. They will also address unfinished business such as the NDACO convention and overhead road issues.
- Website Design Presentation at 12:00 PM
- Software Online Tax Statement quote
- Court Facility Improvement Grant Opportunity
- Hwy Safety Improvement Program
- Cost Share Weed Applications
September 2021
The board unanimously approved the 2022 budget totaling $4,459,832.68 across all funds, with estimated tax levies of $1,681,428.20. They also approved a new Marco printer contract at $310 monthly for 48 months, and directed the contractor on the North Lemmon Overhead Road Project to return for hot-mix patch work with two engineers present. The board accepted resignations from two Planning and Zoning Board members and appointed Kathy Vliem to fill one vacancy.
- Approved 2022 budget of $4,459,832.68 with $1,681,428.20 in tax levies (unanimous)
- Approved new printer and Marco Stax contract at $310/month for 48 months (unanimous)
- Approved contractor to complete North Lemmon Overhead Road with hot-mix patches, with two engineers present (unanimous)
- Approved Sheriff's out-of-state travel to Pierre, SD (unanimous)
- Approved radar purchase for $3,080 and in-car camera for $4,800 (unanimous)
- Accepted resignations of Jeri Lynn Bakken and Lucille Bartels from Planning and Zoning Board (unanimous)
- Appointed Kathy Vliem to complete Lucille Bartels' term ending 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved NDDOT grant application for Country Club Road (unanimous)
September 2021
The Adams County Commission is meeting to handle routine business and discuss several items, including the use of federal fiscal recovery funds, a county website, and a sprinkler system. A public hearing on the 2022 county budget is scheduled for noon.
- 2022 Adams County Budget Hearing at noon
- Fiscal Recovery funding discussion
- Planning & Zoning member appointments (2)
- Extension Agent Assistant contract
- Auditor's Office printer/contract update
August 2021
The Adams County Commission approved a list of bills totaling over $500,000, including a $150,000 payment to Deere Credit and a $149,789.93 payment to the Department of Transportation. They also approved a $4,850 quote for a sidewalk project, a permit for Tanner Sonn to occupy highway right-of-way, and the resignation of Deputy Westin Cline. The commission discussed road projects, including the Overhead Road, and reviewed the 2022 budget.
- Approved bills including $150,000 to Deere Credit and $149,789.93 to ND DOT (unanimous)
- Approved $4,850 quote from Mike Marion Construction for South Courthouse sidewalk (unanimous)
- Approved Tanner Sonn's permit to occupy highway ROW, contingent on Highway Supervisor review (unanimous)
- Approved resignation of Deputy Westin Cline (unanimous)
- Approved NDSU contracted service agreement for 9/1/2021-8/31/2023 (unanimous)
- Approved appointment of Kortney Kindsfater to ACDC Board (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 SW Dakota Human Service Zone budget (unanimous)
- Approved out-of-state travel for Emergency Manager Frank Fettig to Baker, MT (unanimous)
July 2021 special
The Adams County Board of Commissioners met in special session on July 27, 2021, to review the 2022 budget. They approved the purchase of a 2017 road grader for $190,100, with $150,000 from the 2021 budget and the remainder from the 2022 budget. The board also discussed budgeting for a courthouse sprinkler system and other road projects.
- Approved purchase of 2017 road grader for $190,100 (unanimous)
- Decided to budget for courthouse sprinkler system
- Discussed budgeting for road projects and gravel pit equipment
July 2021
The Board approved the quote from Denny's Electric of Dickinson for the Courthouse complex generator project, despite a higher quote from Western Edge Electric. The Board also approved a right-of-way request from Nathan Strid, a detention service agreement with the State, a library sidewalk replacement, and the start of applying for American Rescue Plan funds. The meeting included updates on the Overhead Road project, with soft spots requiring further construction, and a discussion on the need for a new police vehicle.
- Approved the quote from Denny's Electric for $100,790.76 for the Courthouse generator project.
- Approved the right-of-way request from Nathan Strid for a second approach at 1309 15th St NW in Reeder.
- Approved the detention service agreement with the State of North Dakota for juvenile services at $284.98 per day.
- Approved the quote from Mike Marion Construction for $2,600.00 to replace the Library front sidewalk.
- Approved the Auditor beginning the application for the first half of American Rescue Plan funds ($430,432 available).
- Approved Alex Messer to replace Melana Howe on the SW REAP Board.
- Approved the payment of bills, with one Road & Bridge bill held for further information.
- Approved the minutes of the June 8, June 11, and June 24 meetings, and the agenda as amended.
July 2021
The Adams County Commission is meeting to handle routine business and discuss several items including the 2022 county budget, road projects, contract renewals, and emergency funding. The agenda lists specific times for presentations from various officials and department heads.
- Fiscal Recovery funding - Emergency Funding
- Haynes Road and Overhead Road-N. Lemmon projects
- DOCR contract renewal
- County AED Units and Emergency Generator grant update
- 2022 County Budget discussion
June 2021 Special
The Adams County Board of Commissioners met in special session by phone and approved a gaming site authorization for the Hettinger Jaycees to hold gaming at the Hettinger Country Club. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Approved gaming site authorization for Hettinger Jaycees at Hettinger Country Club (unanimous)
June 2021
The Adams County Commission approved a new $57,720 phone system for the county complex, set property values at 90% for NDIRF insurance, and approved a memorandum for a generator project. They also approved a $150/month rental for a deputy, a $30 fair sponsorship, and the resignation of a deputy. The commission tabled fiscal recovery funding and took no action on health insurance changes.
- Approved the purchase of a new county phone system for $57,720.00.
- Approved property values at 90% for NDIRF insurance, increasing the premium.
- Approved a memorandum of understanding with NDDES for a generator project.
- Approved renting the courthouse basement apartment to a deputy for $150/month.
- Approved a $30 trophy sponsorship for the Adams County Fair.
- Approved the resignation of deputy Daniel Spencer from the Sheriff's Department.
- Tabled the fiscal recovery funding application until next month.
- Took no action on increasing health insurance coverage for family and dependents.
May 2021
The Adams County Commission approved several expenditures, including up to $1,000 for a website upgrade and $1,500 for the Sunrise Youth Bureau. They also approved $900 for an extension agent training, remained on the current health insurance plan, and accepted a board resignation. No major road or construction contracts were awarded; the Overhead Road project is scheduled to begin later in May.
- Approved website upgrade with Jeff Jacobson, budget up to $1,000 (unanimous)
- Approved $1,500 annual payment to Sunrise Youth Bureau (unanimous)
- Approved $900 for extension agent REAL COLORS training (unanimous)
- Approved remaining on high deductible Blue-Saver 2800 health plan (unanimous)
- Accepted Melana Howe's resignation from SW REAP Board (unanimous)
- Approved payment of all listed bills (unanimous)
April 2021
The board awarded the Overhead Road project in North Lemmon to Central Specialties Inc. for $1,590,036.00, the low bid. They also declared a drought emergency due to dry conditions, approved tax abatements, and disbursed $16,000 to the county fair. Several other items were discussed but not decided, such as website upgrades and commissioner portfolios.
- Awarded Overhead Road project contract to Central Specialties Inc. for $1,590,036.00 (3-0)
- Declared drought emergency for Adams County (3-0)
- Approved tax abatement of $337.63 for Cindy Larson (3-0)
- Approved tax abatement of $1,838.79 for WMBTC, LLC (3-0)
- Approved resignation of deputy Matt Miller (3-0)
- Approved $4,580.00 quote from Viking Glass for NRCS door replacement (3-0)
- Approved $16,000.00 disbursement to Adams County Fair (3-0)
- Approved out-of-state travel for Sheriff Collins to Deadwood SD (3-0)
March 2021
The Board of County Commissioners declared a fire emergency and adopted automatic fire restrictions for Adams County due to very dry conditions. The restrictions ban fireworks, garbage burning, campfires, and burning of farm or crop land when the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating is Very High or Extreme or a Red Flag Warning is issued. The board also approved the February minutes, the agenda as amended, and an audit contract with Rath and Mehrer for 2019 and 2020.
- Declared a fire emergency and adopted automatic fire restrictions for Adams County
- Approved the February 9, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved the agenda as amended
- Approved a letter regarding section line impeding with added land descriptions and addresses
- Approved Rath and Mehrer to complete the official audit for 2019 and 2020
- Approved payment of all listed bills
- Set April 13, 2021 at 8:00 am as the next regular meeting date
- Set June 8, 2021 at 12:00 pm for the regular June meeting to include the Equalization Hearing
Feb 2021
The Board approved renaming the Hettinger Airport to the Hettinger JB Lindquist Regional Airport, approved the McLean County jail agreement, and accepted a sheriff's deputy resignation. They also discussed the North Lemmon Road project cost increase to $1.79 million and approved several contracts and payments.
- Approved renaming airport to Hettinger JB Lindquist Regional Airport (3-0)
- Approved McLean County jail agreement at $75/day (3-0)
- Accepted resignation of Larry Morrow from Sheriff's Department (3-0)
- Approved letter of support for ADA grant (3-0)
- Reappointed Lynn Heath to Airport Authority (3-0)
- Approved bank account changes adding Nancy Secrest (3-0)
- Approved Johnson Controls service contract at $5,250/year (3-0)
- Approved paying $60 grant-writing incentive to Michele Gaylord (3-0)
Jan 2021
The board approved a 2020 budget amendment for the Human Service Fund, year-end fund transfers, and several contracts including a $9,500 software agreement and a $4,643 courthouse door installation. It also approved hiring a former emergency manager for training, set a new rental rate for the State's Attorney, and accepted a deputy auditor's resignation.
- Approved 2020 Human Service Fund budget amendment of $168,040.07 (3-0)
- Approved 2020 year-end fund transfers totaling $190,666.39 (3-0)
- Approved hiring Michele Gaylord for emergency manager training at $25/hr up to 40 hrs (3-0)
- Approved Midwest Doors quote of $4,643.03 for courthouse basement door (3-0)
- Approved State's Attorney office rental at $550/month with annual review (3-0)
- Approved 2021 Software Innovations contract for $9,500 (3-0)
- Approved Christina Maier's resignation with vacation and longevity pay (3-0)
- Approved 2021 state mileage rate of $0.56/mile effective Jan 1 (3-0)