Commission hears update from NDSU Extension

by Allison Lindgren 

 Eddy County Extension Agent Tim Becker reported to the commissioners at their recent meeting, held Oct. 16, regarding a review completed by NDSU Extension in 2017. The purpose of the review is to summarize their strengths and develop a strategic plan for the future.

 Becker noted that their name has changed slightly, from NDSU Extension Service to NDSU Extension. For the past 104 years NDSU Extension has served its mission by responding to North Dakota’s needs with science-based education to improve lives through their multi-level support team.

 Becker relayed that following 2017 review, Extension remains a county-based system with each of the counties staffing decisions remaining flexible to reflect local needs and strengths.  

 Since March of 2014, NDSU Extension has seen a staff reduction of 20.1 full time equivalents. Still they continue to allocate resources to program areas as mandated by federal, state and local levels, while focusing on effectiveness and efficiencies, ensuring inter-agency collaboration without duplication of efforts.

 Becker also informed the commissioners that longtime Eddy County Extension secretary Kathleen Thueson, will be retiring on Dec. 31, after 46 years of working with NDSU Extension.

Eddy County Roads Superintendent, Irvin Loe, said they will finish mowing by the end of the week. Commissioners also discussed the trees encroaching the road on Eddy County 8. Harvey Sand & Gravel will remove them while they have their equipment out in that area finishing up the rest of that road project.

The Eddy County Commission held the hearing on minimum sale prices for delinquent tax properties. There was no one in attendance for the hearing.

In other new business, the commissioners discussed the following items:

 • The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Maintenance Certification for County Federal Aid Projects was signed and will be returned. This is a routine form that is signed every year, certifying that the county is properly maintaining the federally funded construction projects.

 • Using the guidelines from the state policy, the commission approved the addition of the FMLA policy to the Employee Policy Manual.

 • Commissioner Glenda Collier requested and received information about elevators that could possibly be used to replace the current accessibility system used in the Eddy County Courthouse. The current system has one elevator entering at the ground level that carries a person to the main floor. Then, a chair lift carries a person up the stairs from the main level to the second floor. The commissioners will review the information and contacts.

 • The commissioners also provided updates from the recent North Dakota Association of Counties convention. They were impressed with one particular safety video that focused on workforce safety and active shooter events. Emergency Manager Jess Earle will be assessing the county offices and making suggestions on what small steps can be implemented immediately.

Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies presented the third quarter Sheriff’s Report and told the commissioners that drug arrests have skyrocketed, with many drug arrests made that began as traffic stops.

He also reported that the new vehicle is here, but that there have been some difficulties in getting it fitted as a squad car. They are working with Verizon now to iron out some of the connectivity issues.

The next meeting of the Eddy County Commission will be held Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 8:30 a.m.