County lends funds to Lake Washington Township officials for grade raise

Lake Washington Township officials reached an agreement with the county for the repair of their washed out roads. Kathy Fleming and Aaron Ehlers appeared before the Eddy County Commission on Tuesday to review the newly drafted joint powers agreement.

Per the agreement, the county will provide a $45,000 lump sum to Lake Washington Township for the road repair, to be repaid over 15 years in $3,000 annual installments. Per North Dakota Century Code, the county cannot charge interest, but can add penalties if an annual installment is not paid within 60 days of the due date. When the township receives its disaster funds from FEMA, the check will be deposited by the county and applied to the balance.

If necessary, the term can be extended by 5 years, and there is no penalty for early repayment. Township officials must provide copies of all bills to the county, and all documents regarding the work are open record. Documents need to be retained for 3 years following completion of construction.

Township officials accepted a bid from Ritterman Excavation for $37,555, and the road will be raised 2 to 3 feet. Work will commence right away. Gehrtz said he had driven out to the site last week, noting that. the wind is a major factor, as wind creates waves that continually erode the road bed and wash it out. He asked officials to consider installing white oak boards as a waterproof barrier, in addition to rock.

State's Attorney Ashley Lies reported that the telephonic court hearings have been successful, generating the best attendance that Eddy County has seen in some time. Only one person did not appear for a hearing on the last master calendar date. Lies said she'd like to see the telephonic hearings continue even after the threat of COVID-19 has passed, as they save the county travel time and costs. She is also working on electronic methods for delivery of service documents and discovery. The service documents are an issue, as the U.S. Postal Service is not seeking signatures due to COVID-19, but a signature is required in order for the court to have proof of delivery. Electronic delivery would save the county money as well, including postage and printing costs for serving them on paper. The next master calendar date is Monday, June 8.

Leben Masonry will continue cleaning up and repointing the mortar in the front of the brick courthouse. Commissioners decided not to replace the capstones, as the contractor has successfully repaired them. The existing style was not available, which also contributed to the decision. "He's done a great job," Gehrtz said.

The courthouse will reopen for public access on Monday, June 15. That day the canvassing committee will meet to certify the June 9 election results. The decision to reopen was impacted by the sheriff's department's desire to resume electronic monitoring and the 24/7 program. As State's Attorney Ashley Lies explained, the program is used both as an alternative to jail and an attempt to keep offenders clean.

Only one person has responded to repeated requests for a third water board member. Monty Schaefer offered to fill the vacant position shortly after Peter Larson issued his resignation. The commissioners appointed him to the seat at Tuesday's meeting. Gehrtz explained that Schaefer will recuse himself on any votes regarding his own situation with Rosefield Dam. Schaefer will begin his service immediately.

The commissioners also approved a special permit for Hanson's Bar to serve alcohol at a wedding reception to be held in rural Eddy County, as well as a gaming authorization for New Rockford Lions Club to conduct charitable gaming at New Rockford Golf Course.

North Central Planning Council's annual funding request was approved.

In an early budget discussion, the commissioners approved raises and cost of living adjustments for all county staff for 2021. Each employee was moved up to the next step in the pay plan and given a 1.6% cost of living adjustment in addition. As a result, all county employees will see an increase of 3.6% to 4.6% next year. Three employees not on the step program were given a 3.6% raise.

No one appeared to dispute their property tax valuations at the annual Tax Equalization Meeting at 10 a.m. Director Kristy O'Connor noted that all the city and township equalization meetings were held via teleconference this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, which saved O'Connor a great deal of time and travel compared to attending in-person meetings. Eddy County's taxable land value per acre has increased from $575.23 to $591.07. Due to a change in the farm exemption, a total of 11 rural homes were transferred from taxable to exempt status and another eight went from exempt to taxable. The result was a wash in terms of tax dollars collected.

The next regular meeting will be held Monday, July 6 at 8:30 a.m. The commission has decided to hold one meeting per month through the summer season.