Finley, North Dakota
February 7, 2012
The Steele County Board of Commissioners met at 8:00 a.m. Present were Chairman Lance Fugleberg and
Commissioners Dennis Lindstrom, Ted Johnson, Randy Richards, and Jane Amundson.
Commissioner Amundson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the minutes of the
January 3, 2012, meeting as presented. All members voted yes. Motion carried.
Office reports were reviewed.
Commissioner Fugleberg informed the commission that he will be unavailable for the regular April, 2012, meeting.
The following bills were allowed:
32807
32808
32809
32813
32814
32814
32815
32816
32817
32820
32825
32852
32853
32856
32856
32862
32864
32864
32865
32875
32876
32877
32891
32894
32894
32894
32894
32897
32897
32905
32933
32935
32936
SOCIAL SERVICE
Payroll January, 2012
Comfort Inn-hotel
Jean Gilbertson-reimbursement for office supplies
Griggs County Telephone-phone charges
NRG-tech support
Sheila Oye-reimbursement for office furniture
Sheila Oye-reimbursement for office supplies
Hewlett-Packard-pc purchase
Human Resource Management Services-training
Minnkota-doc destruction fee
Blue Cross/Blue Shield-dental insurance
NDPERS-retirement
Janice Johnson-consulting
NDPERS-health & life insurance
Kelly Archambeau-postage reimbursement
Kelly Archambeau-travel
Comfort Suites-hotel
Amber Delfs-postage reimbursement
Amber Delfs-travel
Days Inn-hotel
Jean Gilbertson-travel
Griggs County Telephone-phone charges
Griggs County Social Services-mail box
Lutheran Social Services-January expenditure for Great Plains Food Bank
NRG-hardware purchase
NRG-shipping expense
NRG-tech support
NRG-tech support
Sheila Oye-postage reimbursement
Sheila Oye-travel
Steele County Press-subscription renewal
NDACSSD-dues
NDPHA-training
Safe Kids-training
32810
32825
32828
32883
SOCIAL SECURITY
Information Technology Department-wan access
NDPERS-social security
Steele County Treasurer-social security
Information Technology Department-wan access
32786
32884
9-1-1
Payroll January, 2012
Inter-Community Telephone Co-trunking
Inter-Community Telephone Co-trunking
ALLOWED
11316.28
130.00
19.00
160.48
65.00
399.25
24.00
788.00
55.00
105.00
115.55
1241.53
138.62
2114.35
20.83
328.50
207.00
5.65
208.08
207.90
111.18
165.24
25.00
150.16
152.17
26.78
65.00
260.00
10.11
917.25
37.00
50.00
25.00
75.00
440.80
6439.87
9446.41
440.80
758.00
150.00
150.00
32778
32818
32820
32853
32853
HEALTH CARE
Discovery Benefits-amended 2012
Discovery Benefits-1st quarter
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of ND-dental insurance
NDPERS-life insurance
NDPERS-health care insurance
32837
32934
VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER
Payroll January, 2012
Dennis Kubischta-travel
ND County Veterans Services Officer Association-dues
32775
32777
32788
32790
32791
32793
32793
32802
32806
32811
32822
32832
32834
32838
32839
32840
32841
32841
32842
32844
32845
32846
32847
32848
32849
32851
32854
32855
32858
32860
32863
32868
32869
32871
32873
32876
32883
32886
32887
32888
32892
32898
32900
32900
32900
32903
32908
GENERAL FUND
Payroll January, 2012
City of Finley-water
Computer Software Associates-support fee
Linda Leadbetter-envelopes
ND State Radio Communications-teletype rental
Postmaster-stamps
Reardon-supplies
Reardon-binders
Andriena Costello-travel
The Village Business Institute-2012 EAP
Dennis Lindstrom-travel
Johannson, Rust, Yon, Stock, & Rasmusson, PA-contract & clerical
Dacotah Paper Co-copy paper
Heartland-supplies
Linda Leadbetter-1099 service fee
Ness Plumbing Inc-repairs
ND Clerk’s Association-dues
ND Association of Counties-applications
ND Association of Counties-special operation fund
NDSC-dues
Office Max-dry erase board
Otter Tail Power Co-courthouse electricity
Reardon-supplies
Sanford Mayville-blood draw
US Postal Service-envelopes
Verizon-cell phones
Canad Inns Destination Center-hotel
Jane Amundson-assessor class
Anchor-hosting fee
Brager Disposal Service-garbage
City of Finley-water bill
Cooperstown Medical Center-blood draw
Election Systems & Software-battery
Finley Farmers Grain & Elevator-gas
Finley Motors Inc-2012 Impala & 2007 pick-up
Lance Fugleberg-travel
Griggs County Telephone-phone charges
Information Technology Department-user fee
Lisa Jacobsen-postage
Johannsen, Rust, Yon, Stock & Rasmusson, PA-folders
Ted Johnson-travel
New Century Press-notice/meeting/ad
Postmaster-stamps
Reardon-ink cartridge
Reardon-supplies
Reardon-supplies
Nodak Electric Cooperative-electricity at radio tower
TJ Cleaning & Services-custodian & supplies
92.40
181.98
971.05
208.36
14471.72
558.00
198.02
50.00
41854.77
66.02
2255.00
12.99
120.00
132.00
107.62
57.95
106.08
900.00
100.80
3938.00
85.90
97.86
25.00
703.92
60.00
5.00
200.00
175.00
171.99
1962.27
16.90
23.00
519.90
167.08
277.20
29.18
240.00
720.00
65.54
50.00
41.19
699.56
148.97
13.26
570.61
75.00
19.65
82.18
81.60
525.94
45.00
64.61
23.28
107.50
250.19
916.99
32909
32910
32911
32912
32915
32916
32917
32918
32919
32920
32921
32922
32923
32924
32925
32926
32928
32930
32931
32932
32937
Town & Country Co-op-gas
Us Postal Service-envelopes
Verizon Wireless-cell phones
Adam Vonasek-Grand Forks training
Wayne Johnson-assessors class
Keith Palmer-assessors class
Clayton Anderson-assessors class
Carol Carlson-assessors class
Anona Lundstrom-assessors class
Bill Erbstoesser-assessors class
Dennis Kubischta-assessors class
Gene Amann-assessors class
Rick Halvorson-assessors class
Tyrone Hauge-assessors class
Amber Gudajtes-assessors class
Andriena Costello-travel
Bouquets on Burrel-floral arrangement
FHP-plat books
Janet Meyer-assessors class
John Jacobson-assessors class
Verwest Contracting Inc-heater mtc
901.49
513.70
300.03
159.00
36.32
30.20
45.50
27.14
30.20
47.54
40.40
39.38
55.70
20.00
69.36
132.60
75.00
803.69
45.50
45.50
574.00
32903
32903
COUNTY PARK
Nodak Electric Cooperative-electricity at Golden Lake
Nodak Electric Cooperative-electricity at Golden Lake
168.58
50.31
32774
32775
32776
32779
32780
32781
32782
32783
32784
32785
32792
32793
32794
32797
32798
32799
32800
32801
32805
32836
32850
32804
32858
32859
32860
32861
32868
32869
32870
32872
32874
32876
32878
ROAD FUND
Payroll January, 2012
Hourly wages for January, 2012
Butler Machinery Co-repair parts
City of Finley-shop expense
City of Sharon-shop expense
Finley Farmers Grain & Elevator-gas/tires/repair parts/supplies/shop expense
Finley Lumber & Supply-shop supplies
Finley Motors Inc-repair parts
Gillund Enterprises-gas
Griggs County Telephone Co-shop expense
HE Everson Co-repair parts/shop supplies
Hope Municipal Utilities-shop expense
Praxair Distribution Inc-shop supplies
Reardon-supplies
Reiten Inc-shop supplies
Stones Market-shop supplies
Tim Lee-repair parts/supplies
Town & Country Co-op-gas/shop expense
Uglem-Ness Co-equipment
US Bearings & Drives-repair parts
Valley Truck-repair parts
Job Service North Dakota-unemployment
Steele County Water Resource District-drain #2
Fargo Freightliner-repair parts
Brager Disposal-shop expense
Butler Machinery Co-repair parts
City of Finley-shop expense
City of Sharon-shop expense
Farmers Union Oil of Hope-repair parts
Finley Farmers Grain & Elevator-gas/repair parts/shop supplies
Finley Lumber & supply-shop supplies
Flaten Johnson Truck Equipment-shop supplies
GCR Tire Center-tires
Griggs County Telephone Co-phone charges
HE Everson Co-repair parts/shop supplies
4265.00
8907.49
1325.31
57.76
50.47
14164.81
272.16
113.40
519.83
198.28
322.69
118.16
522.53
185.10
57.75
25.42
56.75
696.04
7450.00
377.43
621.32
8400.00
10107.22
6841.25
768.00
1362.43
57.55
602.76
16.61
375.01
54.57
37.46
816.58
215.30
201.56
32879
32880
32881
32882
32885
32889
32890
32896
32899
32900
32901
32902
32906
32907
32909
32913
32914
32927
32929
Heartland Paper Co-shop supplies
Hope Auto Glass-repair parts
Hope Municipal Utilities-shop expense
Dale Houkom Repair-shop expense
Interstate Engineering-seal coat project/project bridge
Lakeside Construction-repair parts
Luckens Truck Center-repair parts
Otter Tail Power Co-shop expense
Praxair Distribution Inc-shop supplies
Reardon-supplies
Reiten Inc-repair parts/shop supplies
Sanford Fist Aid & Safety-supplies
Swanston Equipment-equipment
Tim Lee-supplies/shop supplies
Town & Country Co-op-gas
WW Wallwork Inc-repair parts
Wingfoot Commercial Tire System-tires
Blue-Top Steering Gears Inc-repair parts
Brown & Saenger-supplies
59.48
925.00
114.88
59.90
15467.00
427.50
200.00
634.13
512.00
24.99
347.07
208.75
36500.00
259.30
4556.05
696.61
5606.74
211.05
16.75
32787
32787
32833
32843
32876
32895
COUNTY AGENT
Kristi Berdal-travel
Kristi Berdal-travel
Tammy Doll-postage
Ag Communication-office supplies
Griggs County Telephone-phone charges
NDSU-Customer Account Services-envelopes
32812
32893
HUMAN SERVICE
ND Department of Human Services-program costs
ND Department of Human Services-program costs
1353.98
1545.11
32803
32831
CAPITAL PROJECTS GENERAL
Diamond Vogel-paint & supplies
B&B Products-install equipment in new patrol car
1252.56
3222.80
32835
32835
INSURANCE RESERVE
Ihry Insurance Agency-add 2012 Impala
Ihry Insurance Agency-add tractor & snowblower
387.00
273.00
32857
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Barnes County Corrections-prisoner board
130.00
143.76
118.83
19.09
137.00
82.36
67.18
Commissioner Johnson will continue to look for a sprayer for the new Ranger purchased for the weed control
department.
An individual has accepted the position as the Steele County Extension Agent. Formal paper work is being
completed through NDSU. Employment is expected to begin in early April.
The 75% cost-share reimbursement was received from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for the boat
ramp project completed in 2011.
A permit application for ditch cleaning was reviewed. Minor corrections were made to the language of the
document presented. The changes will be made and the document will be provided to townships at the upcoming spring
meeting. Commissioner Richards made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lindstrom, to adopt the Application for Permit
to Clean Road Ditch and provide to the Steele County Highway Department and Steele County Township Officers. All
members voted yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Lindstrom made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to appoint Tammy Doll as the Steele
County Title VI Coordinator with compensation set at $50 per month. All members voted yes. Motion carried.
The administrative assistant position involving assessments and GIS mapping was discussed.
The law enforcement contract and joint powers agreement for the cities of Finley and Hope were reviewed. The
state’s attorney and sheriff will be asked to review them prior to final approval by the commission.
The campground management agreement for Golden Lake was reviewed. Minor changes were needed for the areas
included in this contract. The state’s attorney will be asked to update the contract before providing to Jeff and Lisa Ringstad.
A park board meeting will be planned for March. Dan Machart will be asked to be present to discuss the
groundskeeper position. A contract will be developed for this position.
Steele County Public Safety Coordinator Don Huso met with the commission to discuss the 9-1-1 rural street signs.
Mr. Huso will prepare a letter for township officers and provide detailed standards for the rural street signs. This topic will
be addressed at the spring township officers’ meeting. Commissioner Lindstrom made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Richards, to allow townships to use county sign posts at intersections to mount street address signs. All members voted yes.
Motion carried.
Sheriff Wayne Beckman was seated at the meeting. A discussion regarding the law enforcement contracts was held.
The sheriff has been asked to be present at city council meetings. Sheriff Beckman explained that he has attended meetings,
but had not presented specific reports for his department. The commission suggested to Sheriff Beckman that he request a
specific time to be on the city agenda to present reports so he is not expected to sit through the entire meeting.
Mike Opat of Moore Engineering, Josh Ihry, Tor Bergstrom, Jill Borth, and Bill Brudvik and met with the
commission representing the Steele County Water Resource Board. Plans were presented for the proposed assessment for
maintenance of dams in the area. Approval for the plan will need to be received from seven different boards. Public
meetings will be held before anything is finalized. The water board agreed to keep the commission informed.
Proposed snagging and clearing projects were also briefly discussed.
Steele County Highway Superintendent Tim Lee met with the commission. An overall report was presented
regarding repairs and staffing of the highway department. The status of the bridge northeast of Pickert was discussed. Tim
Lee will check the inspection report for this structure.
Sheriff Beckman proposed that the county plan a property auction again this spring.
GPS tracking services for the county highway equipment were discussed.
Staffing at the road department was discussed. Commissioner Richards made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Johnson, to establish the Equipment Operator IV position to include all operating requirements of the Equipment Operator III
designation and to include supervisory and dispatching responsibilities in the absence of the county highway superintendent,
with an additional $1.50 per hour added to the current wage. All members voted yes. Motion carried.
Steele County Public Health Nurse Brittany Ness met with the commission to present information about electronic
health charts. Steele County would be able to tag onto Traill County’s system as an additional user; allowing Steele County
to pay only one-third of the purchase price. Commissioner Lindstrom made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Amundson, to approve the purchase of the electronic health records system with Traill County at an estimated cost of $8,000.
All members voted yes. Motion carried.
Road department discussions continued regarding rehabilitation of a bridge in Newburgh Township near the Jason
Ness farmstead and the load restrictions on county roads.
Commissioner Richards made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lindstrom, to pay Jay Showers $500 for
additional supervisory duties performed for each of the months of October and November, 2011. A letter will be sent to Jay
Showers stating the commission’s appreciation for his extra efforts. All members voted yes. Motion carried.
Mike Bassingthwaite of Interstate Engineering met with the commission to provide updates on proposed road
projects. Mr. Bassingthwaite explained that the North Dakota Department of Transportation is unwilling to proceed with the
bid letting for the overlay project on county road #5 east of Hope without knowing the results of the June election. Steele
County plans to issue bonds for a portion of the county’s cost of this project. If Measure #2, that abolishes property taxes in
North Dakota, is approved this overlay project may not be able to be completed. The condition of this section of county road
will be closely monitored by the county highway department.
The structure replacement for bridge number 46-117-15 was discussed. A meeting will be held at the site today with
representatives of the NDDOT. Plans for obtaining easements for the project were reviewed. Commissioner Lindstrom
made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to establish the following policy for minimum right-of-way acquisitions
on Federal Aid Projects:
 This policy is intended for the acquisition of small tracts of land or temporary easements for highway purposes. By
establishing a minimum payment policy, the property owners that do not donate their property have the ability to
accept the minimum payment and waive their right to just compensation and a formal appraisal.
 The minimum payment for right-of-way shall be established by the county’s engineer and/or the Steele County
Board of Commissioners and shall be between $250.00 for temporary easements and $500.00 for permanent
easements, depending on the property being acquired.
This policy does not supersede the county’s policy to ask for a donation of the property for highway purposes. All members
voted yes. Motion carried.
A discussion was held regarding the county’s contribution to the salary of the Steele County Economic
Development Coordinator position. It was noted that the county contributed $1500 in 2009 and $1600 in 2010. No
contribution was made in 2011. Commissioner Richards made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to pay the
Steele County Job Development Authority $1700 for the 2011 contribution and $1800 for the 2012 contribution to the
economic development coordinator position. All members voted yes. Motion carried.
Following review of funds and history of balances, Commissioner Amundson made a motion, seconded by
Commissioner Lindstrom, to amend the 2011 budgets as follows: General - $75,000; Capital Projects General - $7,000;
Road - $160,000; Flood 2004 - $3,000; Flood 2011 - $140,000; County Agent Special - $1,000; County Park - $18,000; and
Job Development Authority - $1,000. All members voted yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Amundson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to have the chairman sign the
Steele County Highway Department Utility Permit applications for Griggs County Telephone as approved by the Steele
County State’s Attorney. All members voted yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Richards raised concerns regarding the farm residence exemption requirements and letter sent
through the tax director’s office. Legal requirements for allowing individual exemptions were explained. It was noted that
the commission would have preferred to have had a chance to review the requirements prior to the letter being mailed.
Commissioners Lindstrom and Johnson excused themselves from the meeting to attend the bridge site meeting with
the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
The auditor will be asked to distribute a memo for county employees requesting the commission’s involvement in
preparing mass mailings.
Commissioner Amundson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to sell property owned by Steele
County through delinquent tax proceedings in Blabon, Melrose Township to Kenneth and Sharon Kroeplin: Lots 5-6, Block
3, Original Townsite; The West 120 feet of the North 50 feet of Lot 1, Block 6, Original Townsite; The North 25 feet of the
South 50 feet of the West 120 feet of Lot 1, Block 6, Original Townsite; The South 25 feet of Lot 1, Block 6, Original
Townsite; and Lot 1, Block 2, South Addition all in Blabon, Section 03, Township 145N, Range 056W, and to allow the
chairman and auditor to prepare and sign deeds transferring such property. All members present voted yes. Motion carried.
Commissioner Richards made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Amundson, to approve and have the chairman
sign the Traffic Safety Contract Project documents for the Click it or Ticket campaign for the Steele County Sheriff’s
Department through the ND Department of Transportation. All members present voted yes. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned.
Approved_________________________________________
Steele County Auditor
Chairman Steele County Commissioners