Official Proceedings of the Board of County
Commissioners, McKenzie County, North Dakota
March 3, 2026
The Board of Commissioners of McKenzie County, North Dakota met at the Commissioners Room at the McKenzie County Courthouse in Watford City, North Dakota on March 3, 2026.  Present: Commissioners Clint Wold, Howdy Lawlar, Kathy Skarda, Joel Brown, and Craig Hystad. Also present Auditor/Treasurer Johnsrud and Attorney Skarda. Chairman Lawlar called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moved by Hystad, seconded by Skarda, to approve the agenda as amended to include Road & Bridge Operator backfill. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve the February 2026 minutes as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Discussion was held on the bills presented for payment. Moved by Brown, seconded by Hystad, to approve the bills as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
ACKERMAN-ESTVOLD, $32,211.25; ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS, $3,024.09; ALLEGIANCE COBRA SERVICES, INC., $173.00; AMERICAN WELDING & GAS, $505.41; ARMOR INTERACTIVE, $71.00; BADLANDS OCCUPATIONAL TESTING SERVICES, $165.00; BARRETT PHARMACY, $1,178.48; BOLKEN/DOUGLAS, $3,789.10; BORDER STATES ELECTRIC, $111.94; BOSS OFFICE & COMPUTER PRODUCTS, $1,154.35; BROSZ ENGINEERING, INC., $44,201.50; BURNS & MCDONNELL, $27,091.00; BUTLER MACHINERY COMPANY, $168.65; CAPITAL CITY RESTAURANT SUPPLY, $2,350.00; CARLSON/JONATHAN, $44.93; CASCADE AUTO GLASS, $760.00; CERTIFIED POWER. INC, $564.48; CIM SANITARY TECH LLC, $27,746.86; CONNECT INTERIORS LLC, $207.37; DMC WEAR PARTS LLC, $326.27; DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, $1,232.00; DTE,INC., $890.05; DUSTBUSTERS ENTERPRISES INC., $150,968.16; ELITE CABINETS AND BUILDING SUPPLY LLC, $349.63; ELLIE PAPINEAU LLC, $1,820.00; EXTREME CLEANING INC., $765.00; FAIRFIELD AND WOODS, P.C., $887.50; FARSTAD OIL IN, $519.64; FASTENAL COMPANY, $3,202.62; FORSTIE/SAMUEL A, $180.00; G&G GARBAGE LLC, $2,978.75; GALLS INCORPORATED, $2,781.60; GIERSDORF/KYLE, $158.00; GRAFIX SHOPPE, $1,380.60; HECK BUILT LLC, $1,185.00; HEGGEN EQUIPMENT CO., $476.33; HORIZON RESOURCES, $319.58; HURLEY ENTERPRISES, INC, $562.50; INFORMATION SYSTEMS CORP., $40,277.00; INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES, LLC, $305.25; INGRAM/MAX, $488.00; JJ ELECTRIC LLC, $725.00; JOHNSRUD/NICOLE, $55.10; KO SAFETY SERVICES LLD, $825.00; KUMMER’S PUMPING, $3,600.00; LEGENDARY SMILES, $1,207.00; LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC., $1,720.15; LISOK/STEPHEN, $94.00; MAGNUSON/JORDAN M, $63.89; MCCODY CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC, $585.81; MEDALLUS & VACHAROTHONE LTD, $12,760.00; MEUCHEL COMPUTER SERVICES & OFFICE SUPP, $120.56; MIDWEST TAPE LLC, $84.26; MOTOROLA, $134,774.61; MYSTERY INK, $142.00; ND ASSN. OF COUNTIES, $189.00; ND STATE UNIVERSITY, $64.00; NORMAN/THOMAS, $180.00; NORTH CENTRAL INTERNATIONAL LLC, $758.97; NORTHERN HEAVY DUTY TRUCK PARTS, $1,837.70; O.K. TIRE STORE, INC, $336.91; PRO-TAINER, INC, $277.00; QUALITY QUICK PRINT, $1,150.00; RDO EQUIPMENT CO., $2,295.74; ROGER NEU, $250.00; ROSLING/WILLIAM, $26.10; ROUGH RIDER CENTER, $1,917.72; ROUGH RIDER INDUSTRIES, $3,116.00; RUBBER INC, $1,709.35; SKARDA LAW FIRM PLLC, $10,000.00; SNOW-WHEEL SYSTEM, $11,045.00; STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC., $2,613.60; STEIN’S INC., $1,610.49; SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE, LLC, $14,947.42; SUNDRE SAND & GRAVEL, INC., $13,054.50; TREVIPAY (NORTHERN TOOL), $1,018.32; TRI-CO. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, $250,000.00; TRICORNE AUDIO, INC, $180.00; UHLICH/ROXANN, $90.00; UNITED QUALITY COOPERATIVE, $1,323.42; VOTAVA LAW OFFICE, $10,000.00; WATFORD CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP, $100.00; WAYNE’S TRUCKING INC., $12,942.50; WESTLIE MOTOR CO.MINOT, $54.16; WOLF/PHILIP, $191.05; YELLOWSTONE NARCOTICS LLC, $897.00; ALEX TWP., $89,575.93; ALEXANDER PARK DISTRICT, $3,118.60; ALEXANDER RURAL FIRE DISTRICT, $85,925.01; ALEXANDER SCHOOL DIST. #2, $3,092,839.38; ANTELOPE CR. TWP., $3,930.18; ARNEGARD PARK DISTRICT, $4,837.31; ARNEGARD RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DIST., $75,127.84; ARNEGARD TWP., $84,078.47; ARNEGARD/CITY OF, $10,211.61; BLUE BUTTES TWP., $98,798.68; CHARBON TWP., $141,053.91; EARL SCHOOL DIST. #18, $61,197.72; ELM TREE TWP., $111,097.42; GARRISON DIVERSION CONSERVANCY DIST., $304,936.89; GRAIL TWP., $3,333.07; GRASSY BUTTE FIRE DISTRICT, $11,895.68; HAWKEYE TWP., $206,361.53; HORSE CREEK RURAL FIRE DIST., $8,381.45; HORSE CREEK SCHOOL DIST. #32, $99,505.00; KEENE TWP., $75,916.61; MANDAREE SCHOOL DIST. #36, $17,692.36; MCKENZIE CO. AMBULANCE SERVICE, $541,299.19; MCKENZIE CO. FIRE PROT. DIST., $1,004,586.78; MCKENZIE CO. HISTORICAL SOCIETY, $76,232.36; MCKENZIE CO. SD#1, $16,753,154.77; MCKENZIE SOIL CONS. DIST., $429,878.71; ND STATE TREASURER, $301,156.58; NEW TOWN PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST., $813,459.04; NEW TOWN RURAL AMBULANCE DIST., $83,399.03; NEW TOWN RURAL FIRE DEPT., $37,746.77; RANDOLPH TWP., $2,268.01; RIVERVIEW TWP., $22,856.40; SIOUX IRRIGATION DISTRICT, $12,727.60; SIOUX TWP., $20,678.06; SIOUX-YELLOWSTONE RURAL FIRE DIST., $26,464.42; TRI TWP, $19,278.09; TWIN VALLEY TWP., $210,333.30; UPPER MISSOURI DIST. HEALTH UNIT, $298,832.73; WATFORD CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, $30,867.32; WATFORD CITY PARK DISTRICT, $536,415.14; WATFORD CITY/CITY OF, $2,262,689.94; WILLIAMS COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DIST., $174.66; WILLISTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, $8,012.07; YELLOWSTONE PUMPING IRRIG. DISTRICT, $194.83; YELLOWSTONE SCHOOL DISTRICT #14, $497,841.58; YELLOWSTONE SCHOOL DISTRICT #14, $219.62; YELLOWSTONE TWP., $79,058.38; CONSOLIDATED TELCOM, $110.39; INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT., $5,440.82; LYREC, $64.07; MCKENZIE ELECTRIC CO-OP INC., $14,610.87; WATFORD CITY WATER DEPT./CITY OF, $6,807.80; ACCUSOURCE HR, INC, $633.43; ADVANCED BUSINESS METHODS, $525.00; ADVANCED ENGINEERING & ENVIROMENTAL SERV, $4,297.50; ALEXANDER RURAL FIRE DISTRICT, $13,365.00; AMERICAN WELDING & GAS, $38.68; ARMOR INTERACTIVE, $72,495.41; ASSOC.OF PUB-SAFETY COMM. OFFC. INTL INC, $50.00; ASTRO-CHEM LAB, INC., $120.00; BADLANDS HARDWARE, $535.25; BADLANDS OCCUPATIONAL TESTING SERVICES, $40.00; BAKER METAL AND RECYCLING INC, $841.00; BALCO UNIFORM COMPANY, INC., $937.00; BARRETT PHARMACY, $318.18; BEICEGEL STATION, $45.05; BLAINE’S AUTOBODY & SALES, INC., $1,760.00; BONNIE & CLYDE PEST CONTROL, LLC, $2,320.00; BORDER STATES ELECTRIC, $5,888.52; BOSS OFFICE & COMPUTER PRODUCTS, $1,048.16; BROSZ ENGINEERING, INC., $1,140.00; BUTLER MACHINERY COMPANY, $550.00; CALAMP WIRELESS NETWORKS CORPORATION, $15.00; CDW-G GOVERNMENT, $2,319.37; CENTRAL SPECIALTIES INC., $130,977.44; CERTIFIED POWER. INC, $1,417.22; CHERREY’S PROPANE, $1,200.00; COOK’S DIRECT, INC., $3,294.01; CORPORATE TRANSLATION SERVICES, INC, $42.97; DEAN ANDERSON, INC., $695.00; DIRTY BIRDS, LLC, $1,950.00; ELITE CABINETS AND BUILDING SUPPLY LLC, $736.99; FARSTAD OIL IN, $585.34; FASTENAL COMPANY, $1,504.90; FERGUSON WATERWORKS, $720.00; G&G GARBAGE LLC, $264.50; GALEAZZO/TAYLOR, $656.40; GALLS INCORPORATED, $1,591.45; GRACIE GLOBAL LLC, $2,500.00; GRAINGER, $1,059.16; GRAY MEDIA GROUP, INC, $710.00; GREY GROUP LLC, $3,580.00; HECK BUILT LLC, $2,110.00; HEGGEN EQUIPMENT CO., $2,994.54; HILL ENTERPRISES, $4,074.23; ICON ARCHITECTURAL GROUP, $327,492.62; INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES, LLC, $92.97; INTERACTIVE DATA, INC, $51.00; JOHNSRUD/ERICA, $568.25; KEYZ-FM, KYYZ-FM, KTHC-FM, WILLISTON ND, $998.00; KLJ ENGINEERING, LLC, $5,889.00; KUMMER’S PUMPING, $2,300.00; LARSEN SERVICE DRUG, INC., $1,415.99; LEGENDARY SMILES, $851.00; LESLIE/TRACY, $317.00; LUND OIL, INC., $6,570.37; LUPINE CONSTRUCTION INC, $4,215.00; MADERA/JENNICA, $384.60; MCKENZIE CO. HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS, $195.83; MCKENZIE ELECTRIC CO-OP INC., $2,060.35; MEUCHEL COMPUTER SERVICES & OFFICE SUPP, $946.69; MIDWEST TAPE LLC, $75.72; MOTOROLA, $7,554.60; ND ASSN. OF COUNTIES, $252.00; NEHRING LAW OFFICE, $315.00; NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY 2000 INC, $1,266.17; NORTH CENTRAL INTERNATIONAL LLC, $946.29; NORTH DAKOTA ONE CALL, $141.90; O.K. TIRE STORE, INC, $7,824.21; O’DAY EQUIPMENT, LLC, $754.18; O5 MOTORSPORTS, LLC, $461.68; PHARMCHEM. INC., $1,278.00; PHOENIX SUPPLY, LLC, $108.75; PRAIRIE CARE LLC, $2,500.00; PRO-WEST & ASSOCIATES, INC., $1,422.42; QUADIENT FINANCE USA, INC., $4,000.00; QUADIENT LEASING USA, INC., $1,247.01; RDO EQUIPMENT CO., $15,312.96; ROUGH RIDER CENTER, $80.00; RUBBER INC, $56.18; RUNNINGS, $449.99; SMITH/JAMIE L, $656.40; SRF CONSULTING GROUP, INC, $4,070.27; STOREY-KENWORTHY; MATT PARROTT; IOWA OFF, $213.61; SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE, LLC, $22,358.36; THE ROUNDUP, $457.00; THOMSON REUTERS-WEST, $1,230.00; THORGRAMSON/WESLEY R, $552.00; TORRES/FLOR I, $639.54; TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT CO., $7,310.83; TRICORNE AUDIO, INC, $465.00; TRIPLESEAT SOFTWARE, LLC, $275.58; TRITECH SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, $3,872.18; ULTEIG, INC., $3,078.00; UNITED QUALITY COOPERATIVE, $1,331.49; VOGEL LAW FIRM, $2,621.50; WALLWORK TRUCK CENTER, $1,029.95; WATFORD CITY/CITY OF, $13,475.22; WAWSA, $201,542.41; WAYNE’S TRUCKING INC., $15,190.00; WESTLIE MOTOR CO.MINOT, $11.99; WIR3D ELECTRIC INC., $330.00; ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEM INC, $14,550.00; AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, $3,474.36; BLADE-TECH INDUSTRIES, INC, $332.72; DACOTAH PAPER CO., $1,675.92; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH DAKOTA, $575.00; FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK & TRUST CC, $5,014.63; GREY GROUP LLC, $2,380.00; HARLOWS SCHOOL BUS SERVICE INC, $233.33; HDR ENGINEERING, INC, $85,138.67; INTERNATIONAL ASSOC OF CHIEFS OF POLICE, $85.00; JAY R’S AUTOBODY LLC, $21,133.64; MAINSTAY SUITES-BISMARCK, $660.00; MCKENZIE CO. MOTOR VEHICLE BRANCH, $5.00; MCKENZIE COUNTY AG EXPO, $100.00; MILES PARTNERSHIP LLLP, $1,620.00; NARDINI FIRE EQUIPMENT, $1,108.00; ND STATE LAND DEPARTMENT, $58,271.23; ND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ASSN., $4,000.00; NDGS LLC, $207.07; NDTIA, $650.00; NORTHERN LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, $1,774.58; OK IMPLEMENT CO., $9,310.14; PLACER LABS INC., $12,960.00; SANFORD HEALTH, $40.16; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; TWO LANE TACTICS LLC, $254.99; VEEDER/EUGENE, $8,250.00; WESTLIE TRUCK CENTER OF WILLISTON, $2,963.19; WILLISTON WINDOW TINT LLC, $1,400.00; WSLREA, $206.50; ND STATE UNIVERSITY, $125.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; ALEXANDER/CITY OF, $14,200.77; L. YELLOWSTONE IRRIG. DIST. #2, $344,260.21; ARMSTRONG SANITATION, $479.93; AT&T MOBILITY, $522.70; MCKENZIE CO. TREASURER-VERIZON, $8,591.16; MCKENZIE COUNTY RURAL WATER, $753.44; MONTANA DAKOTA UTILITIES CO., $36,980.13; RESERVATION TELEPHONE CO-OP, $7,341.00; SOUTHWEST WATER AUTHORITY, $59.94; PAYROLL - MARCH 13, 2026, $1,200,706.28.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve the Commission Consent Agenda Items 1 -5 as presented. All voting aye, motion carried. Items approved: 1. Approve Out of State Training - High Threat CQC Instructor - Farmington UT - April 20-23 - 4 MCSO Deputies; 2. Approve Out of State Training - Gracie Survival Tactics Level 2 - Billing MT - Aug 3-7, 2026 - 2 MCSO Deputies; 3. Approve Out of State Training – MCSO Drug Trafficking in Transportation & Service Industries - Bemidji MN - March 9-13, 2026; 4. Approve & Authorize Signature - JPA with Alexander District (Ambulance Cot); 5. Approve & Authorize Signature - WC Fraternal Order of the Eagles Gaming Site Authorization.
There were no updates on upcoming NDIC, PSC, NDDOH, and other public hearings. 
Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to allow the Library Sanford Room to be used for the classroom portion of the Hunter Safety courses for the homeschool students as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve the HydroBIND letter of support as requested. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Hystad, to approve the Shop Foreman backfill request as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Hystad, seconded by Skarda, to approve the release of the 2026 Bridge Preservation project (MCKM25003) bid on March 11th, 2026, with bids to be opened on March 26th, 2026. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Wold, to approve Change Order 1 for the Little Beicegel Creek Revetment project (MCK-BR2018(001)) in the amount of $67,349.84 and authorize the chairman to sign. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Word, to approve the Auditor/Treasurer Accounting Specialist position backfill request as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Hystad, seconded by Skarda, to update the bank signatories as presented to remove Keeley Adkins from all financial institutions. All voting aye, motion carried.
At 9:30 a.m. the public comment period was opened. One person from the public was present for public comment. No other persons were present and the comment period was closed.
Landfill Director Schreiber requested permission to move forward with an RFP for the radio tower work needed. Board consensus was to proceed forward with an RFP, bringing it back to the Board for approval to release when prepared.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Brown, to approve the replacement of two boilers at the Ag Expo as presented and authorize the chairman to sign. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Hystad, seconded by Skarda, to approve the LEC hydronic system work as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Hystad, seconded by Skarda, to approve the Facilities Cleaning Staff position backfill as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
At 10:02 a.m. a public hearing was held on Abatement Application 4579. No persons were present in support or opposition, and the public hearing was closed. Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve Abatement Application 4579 as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Bids were opened for new motor graders. Moved by Skarda, seconded by Hystad, to rebid the sign truck and service body/crane bids as no truck bids were received. All voting aye, motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 10:12 a.m. for the County Park Board meeting. The meeting reconvened at 10:48 a.m.
Fleet Manager Shannon reviewed the opened motor grader bids and recommended RDO be awarded the bid. Moved by Skarda, seconded by Brown, to award the motor grader bid to RDO, low bidder, and approve the trade in of 5 units as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve the Road & Bridge Operator backfill as requested. All voting aye, motion carried.
HR Director Raver provided an update on the CWE program. Raver stated there are four departments interested in participating in the program. Raver stated she would provide updates to the Board once applications are received, interviews held, and students make their placement decisions.
Raver discussed with the Board a temporary/intermittent remote work request. Raver presented telecommuting and policies to guide the request or any future requests, all of which would require Board approval. Raver stated the current request is anticipated to be 48 weeks in duration. Moved by Brown, seconded by Wold, to approve the telecommuting documents and policy as presented. All voting aye, motion carried. Moved by Brown, seconded by Wold, to approve the temporary, intermittent, remote work request as presented. All voting aye, motion carried.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Brown, to withdraw the requested Water Resource District stay of rates. Brown provided an update following the special meeting with the WRD Board where financials, rate adjustments, and proposals were reviewed. All voting aye, motion carried.
Ryan Thornock, Hydrus Energy Solutions, requested a waiver of Landfill fees for filter socks that were discovered in a load from their location. Thornock stated his company does not utilize filter socks in any aspect of their business. He stated the business has been a good partner with the Landfill when things needed to be corrected. Thornock also stated they will be looking at locked dumpsters in the future and have adjusted the camera system to better view the dumpster locations. Moved by Wold, seconded by Hystad, to deny the Landfill fee waiver as requested. The Board stated their reluctance to waive fees which are intended to be deterrents for prohibited Landfill waste. All voting aye, motion carried.
MCSO Lt. Newman and Communications Coordinator Chavez presented information on 911/PSAP operations returning to McKenzie County. Discussion was held on rationale, staffing needs, equipment needs, budgets, training, and pros and cons of returning 911 operations to McKenzie County. 
Lawlar and Attorney Skarda left the meeting at 1:00 p.m. Vice Chair Brown took over chair for the remainder of the meeting.
Skarda left the meeting at 1:06 p.m.
Discussion continued with the Board stating their desire to see all local emergency responders support the project before final approval. Representatives from McKenzie Rural Fire District expressed concern over the proposed plan. Brown asked for engagement between responders who had not submitted letters of support and the MCSO to determine if a workable solution exists.
The meeting recessed at 1:30 p.m. until March 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
March 17, 2026
The Board of Commissioners of McKenzie County, North Dakota met at the Commissioners Room at the McKenzie County Courthouse in Watford City, North Dakota on February 17, 2026.  Present: Commissioners Howdy Lawlar, Joel Brown, Clint Wold, and Kathy Skarda. Absent: Commissioner Craig Hystad. Also present Auditor/Treasurer Johnsrud and Attorney Skarda. Chairman Lawlar called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve the agenda as amended to include an additional PDQ request under HR and Cornerstone Bank Signatories under the Auditor/Treasurer. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Discussion was held on the informational reports provided. 
Discussion was held on the bills presented for payment. Moved by Wold, seconded by Skarda, to approve the bills as presented. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, $3,722.25; AMERICAN RAVEN EXTRADITION AGENCY, LLC, $2,350.00; B&M SUPPLIERS LLC, $13,856.85; BEK CONSULTING, LLC, $6,392.50; BIG HORN TIRE, INC, $8,010.00; BLOTSKY/KYLE, $52.00; CORE & MAIN, $3,523.20; COSTAR REALTY INFORMATION, INC., $430.00; COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY, $3,640.00; CREATIVE PLANNING HOLDCO, LLC, $1,967.16; DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP, $2,311.04; DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, LLC, $750.00; EAST END AUTO & TRUCK PARTS INC., $660.00; FARMERS UNION OIL COMPANY, $64,784.46; GONZALES RAMOS/HECTOR J, $41.00; GUARDIAN ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., $102.00; H.A. THOMPSON & SONS,INC., $9,693.75; HOLIDAY STATIONSTORES, LLC, $148.50; HUMANITY INC, $1,453.44; LSC ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS, LLC, $1,202.91; MCKENZIE COUNTY MEDIA LLC, $2,248.78; MCKENZIE COUNTY ROAD & BRIDGE, $49,559.82; MONTANA DAKOTA UTILITIES CO., $63.42; ND DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION, $182,061.99; ND OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, $5,008.00; NDGS LLC, $9.98; NEXSTAR MEDIA INC, $2,420.00; OK IMPLEMENT CO., $169.41; RED ROCK OF DICKINSON, INC, $48.56; RESERVATION TELEPHONE CO-OP, $472.34; REVISION MILITARY LTD, $417.73; SKORPIL/COLE, $43.00; TENET CORP, $3,972.24; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; US BANK NA DBA VOYAGER FLEET SYSTEMS, $1,423.94; VALLI INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC, $2,140.66; VARGAS CONTRERAS/ROBERTO, $116.00; WESTLIE TRUCK CENTER OF WILLISTON, $3,847.23; WILLISTON WINDOW TINT LLC, $700.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; THE TITLE TEAM, $15,000.00; PAYROLL - MARCH 27, 2026, $1,203,916.15.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to accept the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending February 28, 2026, as presented. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve Items 1-5 on the Commission Consent Agenda as presented. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent. Items approved: 1. Approve & Authorize Signature - Dunn County Fair Association Gaming Site Authorization; 2. Approve Out of State Travel - MCCF - PREA Conference July 21-23, Charleston, WV; 3. Approve Out of State Travel - Landfill - NDSWRA Spring Conference - April 26, Moorhead, MN; 4. Approve & Authorize Signature - BRP-BRC-2700(053) Certification of Local Match; 5. Approve Out of State Travel - MCSO - Master PIO Training-Aug 31-Sept 4, 2026, Paradise AZ.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Brown, to approve Planning & Zoning Consent Agenda Items 1-4 as presented. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent. Items approved: 1. #01-26COMP/ZC - Sage Highlands, LLC Applicant wishes to have a Zone Change from Residential High Density (R-3) to Heavy Industrial and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment from Urban Residential to Heavy Industrial. Planning and Zoning Board recommends approval of Comprehensive Plan amendment and Zone Change request #01-26COMP/ZC, Sage Highlands LLC, to the Board of County Commissioners to allow the Comprehensive Plan amendment from Urban Residential to Heavy Industrial and Zone Change from Residential High Density (R-3) to Heavy Industrial, adopt the findings and conditions as provided in the staff report; 2. #03-26CUP - Sage Highlands, LLC Applicant wishes to put in Temporary Workforce Housing consisting of 18 structures and 1 additional accessory Live-work unit. Planning and Zoning Board recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit # 03-26CUP, Sage Highlands, LLC, to allow 18 structures for temporary workforce housing and 1 accessory live-work unit to the Board of County Commission, adopt the findings and conditions as provided in the staff report; 3. #02-26CUP - DC Aggregates, LLC Applicant would like to open a commercial scoria pit with a total of 80 acres. The pit would be mined in 20-acre sections. Planning and Zoning Board recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit #02-26CUP, DC Aggregates LLC, to allow the 80-acre scoria pit, to the Board of County Commission, adopt the findings and conditions as provided in the staff report; 4. #04-26CUP - Elkan Inc Applicant wishes to build one 49.3-acre foot industrial freshwater pond, which will be replacing existing reservoirs. Planning and Zoning Board recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit #04-26CUP, Elkan Inc., to allow the construction of a 49.3-acre foot industrial freshwater pond, to the Board of County Commission, adopt the findings and conditions as provided in the staff report. 
There were no updates on upcoming NDIC, PSC, NDDOH, and other public hearings. 
Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve the Library Assistant backfill as requested. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent. 
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve the 2026 Fire Emergency Burn Restrictions as presented. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
2026 FIRE EMERGENCY BURN RESTRICTIONS
WHEREAS, McKenzie County, North Dakota can have very dry conditions with significant fuel loadings available; and
WHEREAS, McKenzie County, North Dakota has sustained or been threatened with rural fires in the past and the McKenzie County Department of Emergency Services has been in consultation with local fire departments; and
WHEREAS, all available resources remain committed to protecting life and property; and
WHEREAS, the cost of response, inordinate equipment wear, and fire damages may be in excess of County resources.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of McKenzie County Commissioners declare a Fire Emergency Burn Restrictions which include the following:
1. No open or controlled burning when the North Dakota Fire Index Rating is VERY HIGH, EXTREME or there’s a RED FLAG WARNING in effect.
2. Open or controlled burning must be called in beforehand. Please contact the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office at 444-3654 extension #4 for instructions.
3. These restrictions are subject to change based on weather, drought and / or fire conditions.
Pursuant to NDCC 31-17.1-1 0. I, Any Individual who willfully violates the burn restrictions is guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor (Maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and/or a $1500 fine), and restitution of fire suppression costs may be sought.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve the HHW Event, to include an Ag Waste disposal, as presented for July 25, 2026, at the Ag Expo Facility. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Wold, to approve the Landfill Scale & Operation position backfill as requested. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve the title change for Rick Schreiber as requested to Director of Environmental Compliance, E911, and Critical Public Safety Infrastructure. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
At 9:30 a.m. the public comment period was opened. No persons of the public were present for public comment and the comment period was closed.
HR Director Raver provided an update on the CWE recruitment event. Raver stated 6 applications have been received and interviews are being scheduled.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve the PDQ review by Gallagher as requested for the following Landfill positions: Pit Boss/Field Operations Supervisor, Administrative Operations Supervisor, and Scale Operator. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Raver and Schreiber requested temporary additional pay for employees who have expressed interest in the new positions at the Landfill until the PDQ evaluation process and hiring is complete. Raver proposed $1/hour to the interested employees with no backpay after the PDQ evaluation and final classification is completed. Employees would then move to the new wages. The Board asked questions regarding implications to the broader organization and potential precedent setting and requested Raver have discussions with other department heads to draw distinctions between this request and what has previously occurred. Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve $1/hour increase for the two employees who have expressed interest in the Landfill Pit Boss/Field Operations Supervisor and Administrative Operations Supervisor, effective March 22, 2026, during the interim while PDQs are being evaluated. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Wold, to approve the PDQ review by Gallagher as requested for the JDA Communications and Tech Specialist position, with a change to a Communication and Technology Manager position as the duties have changed. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve the Ag Expo backfill as requested. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Matt Liertz, FCI, presented information on the pre-engineered steel building bid package for the Ag Expo expansion project. Liertz stated there were 10 bids received, with the low bid coming in under the estimated cost. Moved by Skarda, seconded by Brown, to approve the bid and GMP Amendment as presented for Ag Expo Phase 2/Bid Package #1 and authorize the chairman to sign. Discussion was held on the former fairground property. The Board requested prior to acceptance of the final bids for the expansion project that an exit plan and transfer of ownership for the current fairgrounds property is received. Roll call vote: Brown, aye; Lawlar, aye; Skarda, aye; Wold, nay; Hystad, absent. With 3 votes aye, 1 vote nay, and 1 absent, motion carried.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Skarda, to approve Task Order 2025-06C with Brosz Engineering in the amount of $127,400.00 and authorize the chairman to sign. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Wold, seconded by Brown, to approve and adopt the 2026-2030 CIP as presented. Skarda wants to ensure that this CIP is fluid and can change if needed in the future. The Board thanked Demars for her work on the CIP and documents provided. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to approve the release of the 2026 Dust Control bid as presented. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Watford City Mayor Riely requested a budget contribution of $54M from the County for 2026, which would pay off city debt and allow for investment in other projects. The Board thanked Riely for the presentation and would discuss it along with other requests at needs during the budget process later in the year.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Wold, to grant Courthouse badge access to sworn officers within the WCPD and move forward with changing the West (2nd floor) entrance to employee only at the request of the NWJD Security Committee. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Brown, seconded by Wold, to approve the Six Remnant Defendant Opioid Settlement Agreement as presented and authorize the chairman to sign. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Moved by Skarda, seconded by Wold, to update the Cornerstone Bank Ag Expo signature account to remove Kylee Roff. All voting aye, motion carried, Hystad absent.
Representatives Shaun Rink and Andrea Enderle, McKenzie County Rural Fire District, presented concerns of the Fire District on the PSAP/911 proposal recently presented to the Board. Rink and Enderle presented information that contrasted with information provided by the MCSO. The Board asked the conversations between all emergency responder groups and the MCSO continue in a collaborative way on this topic.
The meeting adjourned at 12:37 p.m. until April 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Howdy Lawlar, Chairman
Erica Johnsrud, Auditor/Treasurer
(April 15, 2026)
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