Challenges ahead for Lake Region Law Enforcement Center

A shakeup is underway at Lake Region Law Enforcement Center (LEC), Commissioner Dave Gehrtz reported at the Jan. 21 Eddy County Commission meeting. The Towner County Commission has taken action to end its contract with the agency for 911 dispatch and intends to receive services from Cavalier County instead.

Gehrtz noted that the Towner County Commission has not yet provided written notice to the LEC board, on which he represents Eddy County. He specifically referenced that Towner County approved the 2020 LEC budget last fall, which included 911 dispatch services for the full year. With the December action, Towner County appears to be seeking an exit much before the end of 2020, the period for which funds were already approved.

“It puts the Law Enforcement Center in jeopardy,” Gehrtz said. “It isn’t fair to the other counties that are involved in this process.”

The official minutes of the Dec. 3, 2019, Towner County Commission meeting, found on the county’s website at https://www.tccounty.com/agenda-minutes, are clear about the action taken. Some of the reasons for their desire to switch are outlined in the minutes, including that Cavalier County is more prepared financially and technologically than LEC. Towner County officials particularly noted that Cavalier County is moving forward with the Statewide Interoperability Radio Network (SIRN) program, whereas LEC has not committed to doing so. “Several of the local fire and ambulance districts had people at the Commissioners meeting to concur that they would be in favor of switching,” the minutes further state. Commissioner Scott Boe of Perth made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner of David Lagein of Rock Lake, “to move towards switching the Towner County dispatch services to Cavalier County and pay LEC for each quarter their services are used plus the remainder of a contract Towner County has with the LEC to update the security system at jail.” Commissioner Ken Teubner of Cando cast the sole dissenting vote.

All commissioners from the counties who contract with Lake Region LEC have been asked to attend a joint meeting in Devils Lake on Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. The Lake Region Law Enforcement Center serves Eddy, Ramsey, Benson, Towner and Nelson counties, as well as the City of Devils Lake. The “Transcript” intends to have a reporter at the meeting and provide continuing coverage of this issue, which could have serious impacts on LEC operations and the services provided to Eddy County.

Chris Augustin, Interim Central District Director for NDSU Extension, gave an update on the pursuit of a new full-time Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agent for Eddy County. The Eddy County Extension Advisory Board has met twice, and a proposed job description was prepared for the position. Augustin said he will submit the job description for approval by NDSU Extension leadership. Once it is approved, the opening will be posted for a minimum of one month and until filled. He said there’s a possibility that a new agent could be in place by April.

Among the changes to the job description, Augustin noted the desire for a stronger 4-H presence, with several related duties outlined, and the addition of the Master Gardener program. Commissioner Glenda Collier, NDSU Extension Agent Donna Anderson, Eddy County 4-H Council President Jenna Helseth and Eddy County Advisory Board member Bill Smith will serve as the local interview committee.

Sheyenne farmer Peter Larson has resigned from the Eddy County Water Resources Board, after more than 13 years serving in his capacity. According to N.D. Century Code, the county commission must appoint someone to take his place. Monty Schaefer, a Barlow area farmer, has expressed interest in filling the position. Larson told Williams that he recommends they bring some diversity to the panel. No action was taken. Individuals interested in serving on the board should contact a county commissioner or Auditor Williams.

Access Elevator has agreed to pay $1,800 for step repair at the courthouse. Randy Linderman will do the repairs, which are necessary after Access Elevator crew members damaged the steps when installing the system in the courthouse’s main interior stairwell. Installation of the back elevator is delayed as the company awaits a new model from the manufacturer. A representative from Access told Auditor Patty Williams that the new model will be offered at the rate quoted for the previous model.

State’s Attorney Ashley Lies signed an updated Bridge Inspection & Load Rating Services Agreement presented by North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). The last version was signed 40 years ago. The major change is that NDDOT will now contract with a firm to ensure that all bridge inspections throughout the state are conducted, and the counties will foot the bill.

The next commission meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

***CORRECTION***In the Jan. 7 Eddy County Commission report published on Jan. 13, the reporter stated that county commissioners agreed to purchase gravel from a Maddock pit. In fact, a company called Maddock Construction offered to crush gravel to Road Superintendent Weber’s specifications at the Gene Hartl pit for $3/ton. This gravel will be hauled for use on county roads on the western end of the county, located in close proximity to the pit. We apologize for the error.