Meeting begins with Minutes approved for August 4th, & 25th of 2026. 

Bills are Approved for Transmission for $10,000; DOT bills for bridge project North of Town.

Balance Sheet Approved; road dept is climbing out of the negative; funds in bank; approval of signatures.

Correspondence:  Pictures of bridge project; recorders network refund; public notice for public comment – Mitigation acres, 5 miles south of Fessenden, 115 acres; Fall Wild Turkey.

Portfolios:  Miller – no update from Sheriff or clerk; Lautt – fair board meeting 9-8-26 – floor work for women’s building; Buxa – no report; Boone – Applicants for recorder; Dockter- Road Dept.

Zoom today for Harvey Reservoir discussion:  Ann Eine is still working on it.  Storm sewer from Harvey is high contaminants for the river.

KTL gutters:  Approved; roof work nearly done; gutter work needs to be done for new roof; 6” gutters; to get water  away from building.

Ideal Energy LED light proposal:  50% grant through Match; KTL, courthouse & Festival Hall all included and approved.

Wells Co 2024-2025 Audit:  Approved; Auditor wants more people looking at the audit; The audit had many mistakes; Dan appeared nervous; Dan said he covers enough & the auditors are wrong, Auditors said sick leave is major liability, Auditors did not offer a solution.

Kyle Hart:  He resigned as chairman of Chaseley township.  They are now a 2-member board and that is an issue.  They will need to merge with another township.  Perhaps with Silver Lake.  This lowers Chaseley voice.  Roads are good in township now; Commissioner all over see the water board.  Talked about the kide removal.  Water board did not do their job.  The project was a waste money.  Hwy 200is being damaged by the removal of dike, as well as township roads.

Garrison Diversion Project discussion:  New Rockford where government wants to wash their hands of Garrison diversion.  What happens to 8 bridges in Wells?

Carrie Krause (Recorder of Wells  County) -  She said the office needs 2 people in the office for the checks and balances.  Last  meeting the Commissioners and auditor spoke  of eliminating one personnel in that office due to not busy enough.  This office has to have timely completions.  Records searches must get done quickly.   They have a lot of paperwork & bookwork.  They have to be certified to passports. Vacation time with  only 1 in office is not possible. Even educational days must be done by not having only 1 in the office. Krause states that the mentoring program is strong for recorders.  It is a national organization.

Krause rebuttal that their office is very busy & needs 2 people.  They need to be constantly in the office to keep up with what is going on. 

Gary Heintz:  Wells  on farmstead, 500 plus feet deep with 2-inch  pipe, well that will be under water because of the flooding from the dike that was removed through water board discission.  Not sure of the cost to plug the wells.  This will contaminate the aquifer that feeds 8 wells in that area.  Commission wants written approval & estimate to plug well on Rotter’s land.

Jason Mayfield:  Wold Engineering, Talked about road work that needs to be done for the new road, bridge project.  $5000.00 bill will come out of the township the rest of million will come from the state; Albrights asked about a box culvert on 47th ave instead, this is the next bridge project on 47th.  It will most likely be closed in 2 years due to deterioration.

ND Dept. of Environmental Quality: Harvey Reservoir; Anne Ehnie talked about Sept. 24th in person.  Meeting in Harvey at Armory.  Soo Line constructed the Harvey Dam in 1920 for water for steam engines.  Water sampling information shared by Merideth Miller.  Sampling areas checked for phosphorous 2024 showed high amounts.  Chlorophyl Sampled; Harvey is increased TSI:  Have low dissolved oxygen to support fish; Harmful algae bloom 2023-2025 has been recorded; Urban water has been a cause of high Phosphorous levels.  Emily Beck: Helps evaluate pollution in waterways to help with grants.  What do they plan to do with Harvey Dam???  Worst water quality in the State of North Dakota!!!

Jana Mogren: Certificate of survey Check List, asked for additions to survey adopting new portions of the checklist.  Comprehensive plan for planning & Zoning. 

Budget 2027 discussion: 

Health Human Service: They asked how much they can ask of the people.  Rural Health care grants discussion.

Wells County Recorders Position:  Open to public; We can record; Position closes Friday Sept. 11th, 2026; Names will be released of the applicants so far.

Meeting begins with Minutes approved for August 4th, & 25th of 2026. 

Bills are Approved for Transmission for $10,000; DOT bills for bridge project North of Town.

Balance Sheet Approved; road dept is climbing out of the negative; funds in bank; approval of signatures.

Correspondence:  Pictures of bridge project; recorders network refund; public notice for public comment – Mitigation acres, 5 miles south of Fessenden, 115 acres; Fall Wild Turkey.

Portfolios:  Miller – no update from Sheriff or clerk; Lautt – fair board meeting 9-8-26 – floor work for women’s building; Buxa – no report; Boone – Applicants for recorder; Dockter- Road Dept.

Zoom today for Harvey Reservoir discussion:  Ann Eine is still working on it.  Storm sewer from Harvey is high contaminants for the river.

KTL gutters:  Approved; roof work nearly done; gutter work needs to be done for new roof; 6” gutters; to get water  away from building.

Ideal Energy LED light proposal:  50% grant through Match; KTL, courthouse & Festival Hall all included and approved.

Wells Co 2024-2025 Audit:  Approved; Auditor wants more people looking at the audit; The audit had many mistakes; Dan appeared nervous; Dan said he covers enough & the auditors are wrong, Auditors said sick leave is major liability, Auditors did not offer a solution.

Kyle Hart:  He resigned as chairman of Chaseley township.  They are now a 2-member board and that is an issue.  They will need to merge with another township.  Perhaps with Silver Lake.  This lowers Chaseley voice.  Roads are good in township now; Commissioner all over see the water board.  Talked about the kide removal.  Water board did not do their job.  The project was a waste money.  Hwy 200is being damaged by the removal of dike, as well as township roads.

Garrison Diversion Project discussion:  New Rockford where government wants to wash their hands of Garrison diversion.  What happens to 8 bridges in Wells?

Carrie Krause (Recorder of Wells  County) -  She said the office needs 2 people in the office for the checks and balances.  Last  meeting the Commissioners and auditor spoke  of eliminating one personnel in that office due to not busy enough.  This office has to have timely completions.  Records searches must get done quickly.   They have a lot of paperwork & bookwork.  They have to be certified to passports. Vacation time with  only 1 in office is not possible. Even educational days must be done by not having only 1 in the office. Krause states that the mentoring program is strong for recorders.  It is a national organization.

Krause rebuttal that their office is very busy & needs 2 people.  They need to be constantly in the office to keep up with what is going on. 

Gary Heintz:  Wells  on farmstead, 500 plus feet deep with 2-inch  pipe, well that will be under water because of the flooding from the dike that was removed through water board discission.  Not sure of the cost to plug the wells.  This will contaminate the aquifer that feeds 8 wells in that area.  Commission wants written approval & estimate to plug well on Rotter’s land.

Jason Mayfield:  Wold Engineering, Talked about road work that needs to be done for the new road, bridge project.  $5000.00 bill will come out of the township the rest of million will come from the state; Albrights asked about a box culvert on 47th ave instead, this is the next bridge project on 47th.  It will most likely be closed in 2 years due to deterioration.

ND Dept. of Environmental Quality: Harvey Reservoir; Anne Ehnie talked about Sept. 24th in person.  Meeting in Harvey at Armory.  Soo Line constructed the Harvey Dam in 1920 for water for steam engines.  Water sampling information shared by Merideth Miller.  Sampling areas checked for phosphorous 2024 showed high amounts.  Chlorophyl Sampled; Harvey is increased TSI:  Have low dissolved oxygen to support fish; Harmful algae bloom 2023-2025 has been recorded; Urban water has been a cause of high Phosphorous levels.  Emily Beck: Helps evaluate pollution in waterways to help with grants.  What do they plan to do with Harvey Dam???  Worst water quality in the State of North Dakota!!!

Jana Mogren: Certificate of survey Check List, asked for additions to survey adopting new portions of the checklist.  Comprehensive plan for planning & Zoning. 

Budget 2027 discussion: 

Health Human Service: They asked how much they can ask of the people.  Rural Health care grants discussion.

Wells County Recorders Position:  Open to public; We can record; Position closes Friday Sept. 11th, 2026; Names will be released of the applicants so far.

Meeting begins with Minutes approved for August 4th, & 25th of 2026. 

Bills are Approved for Transmission for $10,000; DOT bills for bridge project North of Town.

Balance Sheet Approved; road dept is climbing out of the negative; funds in bank; approval of signatures.

Correspondence:  Pictures of bridge project; recorders network refund; public notice for public comment – Mitigation acres, 5 miles south of Fessenden, 115 acres; Fall Wild Turkey.

Portfolios:  Miller – no update from Sheriff or clerk; Lautt – fair board meeting 9-8-26 – floor work for women’s building; Buxa – no report; Boone – Applicants for recorder; Dockter- Road Dept.

Zoom today for Harvey Reservoir discussion:  Ann Eine is still working on it.  Storm sewer from Harvey is high contaminants for the river.

KTL gutters:  Approved; roof work nearly done; gutter work needs to be done for new roof; 6” gutters; to get water  away from building.

Ideal Energy LED light proposal:  50% grant through Match; KTL, courthouse & Festival Hall all included and approved.

Wells Co 2024-2025 Audit:  Approved; Auditor wants more people looking at the audit; The audit had many mistakes; Dan appeared nervous; Dan said he covers enough & the auditors are wrong, Auditors said sick leave is major liability, Auditors did not offer a solution.

Kyle Hart:  He resigned as chairman of Chaseley township.  They are now a 2-member board and that is an issue.  They will need to merge with another township.  Perhaps with Silver Lake.  This lowers Chaseley voice.  Roads are good in township now; Commissioner all over see the water board.  Talked about the kide removal.  Water board did not do their job.  The project was a waste money.  Hwy 200is being damaged by the removal of dike, as well as township roads.

Garrison Diversion Project discussion:  New Rockford where government wants to wash their hands of Garrison diversion.  What happens to 8 bridges in Wells?

Carrie Krause (Recorder of Wells  County) -  She said the office needs 2 people in the office for the checks and balances.  Last  meeting the Commissioners and auditor spoke  of eliminating one personnel in that office due to not busy enough.  This office has to have timely completions.  Records searches must get done quickly.   They have a lot of paperwork & bookwork.  They have to be certified to passports. Vacation time with  only 1 in office is not possible. Even educational days must be done by not having only 1 in the office. Krause states that the mentoring program is strong for recorders.  It is a national organization.

Krause rebuttal that their office is very busy & needs 2 people.  They need to be constantly in the office to keep up with what is going on. 

Gary Heintz:  Wells  on farmstead, 500 plus feet deep with 2-inch  pipe, well that will be under water because of the flooding from the dike that was removed through water board discission.  Not sure of the cost to plug the wells.  This will contaminate the aquifer that feeds 8 wells in that area.  Commission wants written approval & estimate to plug well on Rotter’s land.

Jason Mayfield:  Wold Engineering, Talked about road work that needs to be done for the new road, bridge project.  $5000.00 bill will come out of the township the rest of million will come from the state; Albrights asked about a box culvert on 47th ave instead, this is the next bridge project on 47th.  It will most likely be closed in 2 years due to deterioration.

ND Dept. of Environmental Quality: Harvey Reservoir; Anne Ehnie talked about Sept. 24th in person.  Meeting in Harvey at Armory.  Soo Line constructed the Harvey Dam in 1920 for water for steam engines.  Water sampling information shared by Merideth Miller.  Sampling areas checked for phosphorous 2024 showed high amounts.  Chlorophyl Sampled; Harvey is increased TSI:  Have low dissolved oxygen to support fish; Harmful algae bloom 2023-2025 has been recorded; Urban water has been a cause of high Phosphorous levels.  Emily Beck: Helps evaluate pollution in waterways to help with grants.  What do they plan to do with Harvey Dam???  Worst water quality in the State of North Dakota!!!

Jana Mogren: Certificate of survey Check List, asked for additions to survey adopting new portions of the checklist.  Comprehensive plan for planning & Zoning. 

Budget 2027 discussion: 

Health Human Service: They asked how much they can ask of the people.  Rural Health care grants discussion.

Wells County Recorders Position:  Open to public; We can record; Position closes Friday Sept. 11th, 2026; Names will be released of the applicants so far.

Meeting begins with Minutes approved for August 4th, & 25th of 2026. 

Bills are Approved for Transmission for $10,000; DOT bills for bridge project North of Town.

Balance Sheet Approved; road dept is climbing out of the negative; funds in bank; approval of signatures.

Correspondence:  Pictures of bridge project; recorders network refund; public notice for public comment – Mitigation acres, 5 miles south of Fessenden, 115 acres; Fall Wild Turkey.

Portfolios:  Miller – no update from Sheriff or clerk; Lautt – fair board meeting 9-8-26 – floor work for women’s building; Buxa – no report; Boone – Applicants for recorder; Dockter- Road Dept.

Zoom today for Harvey Reservoir discussion:  Ann Eine is still working on it.  Storm sewer from Harvey is high contaminants for the river.

KTL gutters:  Approved; roof work nearly done; gutter work needs to be done for new roof; 6” gutters; to get water  away from building.

Ideal Energy LED light proposal:  50% grant through Match; KTL, courthouse & Festival Hall all included and approved.

Wells Co 2024-2025 Audit:  Approved; Auditor wants more people looking at the audit; The audit had many mistakes; Dan appeared nervous; Dan said he covers enough & the auditors are wrong, Auditors said sick leave is major liability, Auditors did not offer a solution.

Kyle Hart:  He resigned as chairman of Chaseley township.  They are now a 2-member board and that is an issue.  They will need to merge with another township.  Perhaps with Silver Lake.  This lowers Chaseley voice.  Roads are good in township now; Commissioner all over see the water board.  Talked about the kide removal.  Water board did not do their job.  The project was a waste money.  Hwy 200is being damaged by the removal of dike, as well as township roads.

Garrison Diversion Project discussion:  New Rockford where government wants to wash their hands of Garrison diversion.  What happens to 8 bridges in Wells?

Carrie Krause (Recorder of Wells  County) -  She said the office needs 2 people in the office for the checks and balances.  Last  meeting the Commissioners and auditor spoke  of eliminating one personnel in that office due to not busy enough.  This office has to have timely completions.  Records searches must get done quickly.   They have a lot of paperwork & bookwork.  They have to be certified to passports. Vacation time with  only 1 in office is not possible. Even educational days must be done by not having only 1 in the office. Krause states that the mentoring program is strong for recorders.  It is a national organization.

Krause rebuttal that their office is very busy & needs 2 people.  They need to be constantly in the office to keep up with what is going on. 

Gary Heintz:  Wells  on farmstead, 500 plus feet deep with 2-inch  pipe, well that will be under water because of the flooding from the dike that was removed through water board discission.  Not sure of the cost to plug the wells.  This will contaminate the aquifer that feeds 8 wells in that area.  Commission wants written approval & estimate to plug well on Rotter’s land.

Jason Mayfield:  Wold Engineering, Talked about road work that needs to be done for the new road, bridge project.  $5000.00 bill will come out of the township the rest of million will come from the state; Albrights asked about a box culvert on 47th ave instead, this is the next bridge project on 47th.  It will most likely be closed in 2 years due to deterioration.

ND Dept. of Environmental Quality: Harvey Reservoir; Anne Ehnie talked about Sept. 24th in person.  Meeting in Harvey at Armory.  Soo Line constructed the Harvey Dam in 1920 for water for steam engines.  Water sampling information shared by Merideth Miller.  Sampling areas checked for phosphorous 2024 showed high amounts.  Chlorophyl Sampled; Harvey is increased TSI:  Have low dissolved oxygen to support fish; Harmful algae bloom 2023-2025 has been recorded; Urban water has been a cause of high Phosphorous levels.  Emily Beck: Helps evaluate pollution in waterways to help with grants.  What do they plan to do with Harvey Dam???  Worst water quality in the State of North Dakota!!!

Jana Mogren: Certificate of survey Check List, asked for additions to survey adopting new portions of the checklist.  Comprehensive plan for planning & Zoning. 

Budget 2027 discussion: 

Health Human Service: They asked how much they can ask of the people.  Rural Health care grants discussion.

Wells County Recorders Position:  Open to public; We can record; Position closes Friday Sept. 11th, 2026; Names will be released of the applicants so far.

Meeting begins with Minutes approved for August 4th, & 25th of 2026. 

Bills are Approved for Transmission for $10,000; DOT bills for bridge project North of Town.

Balance Sheet Approved; road dept is climbing out of the negative; funds in bank; approval of signatures.

Correspondence:  Pictures of bridge project; recorders network refund; public notice for public comment – Mitigation acres, 5 miles south of Fessenden, 115 acres; Fall Wild Turkey.

Portfolios:  Miller – no update from Sheriff or clerk; Lautt – fair board meeting 9-8-26 – floor work for women’s building; Buxa – no report; Boone – Applicants for recorder; Dockter- Road Dept.

Zoom today for Harvey Reservoir discussion:  Ann Eine is still working on it.  Storm sewer from Harvey is high contaminants for the river.

KTL gutters:  Approved; roof work nearly done; gutter work needs to be done for new roof; 6” gutters; to get water  away from building.

Ideal Energy LED light proposal:  50% grant through Match; KTL, courthouse & Festival Hall all included and approved.

Wells Co 2024-2025 Audit:  Approved; Auditor wants more people looking at the audit; The audit had many mistakes; Dan appeared nervous; Dan said he covers enough & the auditors are wrong, Auditors said sick leave is major liability, Auditors did not offer a solution.

Kyle Hart:  He resigned as chairman of Chaseley township.  They are now a 2-member board and that is an issue.  They will need to merge with another township.  Perhaps with Silver Lake.  This lowers Chaseley voice.  Roads are good in township now; Commissioner all over see the water board.  Talked about the kide removal.  Water board did not do their job.  The project was a waste money.  Hwy 200is being damaged by the removal of dike, as well as township roads.

Garrison Diversion Project discussion:  New Rockford where government wants to wash their hands of Garrison diversion.  What happens to 8 bridges in Wells?

Carrie Krause (Recorder of Wells  County) -  She said the office needs 2 people in the office for the checks and balances.  Last  meeting the Commissioners and auditor spoke  of eliminating one personnel in that office due to not busy enough.  This office has to have timely completions.  Records searches must get done quickly.   They have a lot of paperwork & bookwork.  They have to be certified to passports. Vacation time with  only 1 in office is not possible. Even educational days must be done by not having only 1 in the office. Krause states that the mentoring program is strong for recorders.  It is a national organization.

Krause rebuttal that their office is very busy & needs 2 people.  They need to be constantly in the office to keep up with what is going on. 

Gary Heintz:  Wells  on farmstead, 500 plus feet deep with 2-inch  pipe, well that will be under water because of the flooding from the dike that was removed through water board discission.  Not sure of the cost to plug the wells.  This will contaminate the aquifer that feeds 8 wells in that area.  Commission wants written approval & estimate to plug well on Rotter’s land.

Jason Mayfield:  Wold Engineering, Talked about road work that needs to be done for the new road, bridge project.  $5000.00 bill will come out of the township the rest of million will come from the state; Albrights asked about a box culvert on 47th ave instead, this is the next bridge project on 47th.  It will most likely be closed in 2 years due to deterioration.

ND Dept. of Environmental Quality: Harvey Reservoir; Anne Ehnie talked about Sept. 24th in person.  Meeting in Harvey at Armory.  Soo Line constructed the Harvey Dam in 1920 for water for steam engines.  Water sampling information shared by Merideth Miller.  Sampling areas checked for phosphorous 2024 showed high amounts.  Chlorophyl Sampled; Harvey is increased TSI:  Have low dissolved oxygen to support fish; Harmful algae bloom 2023-2025 has been recorded; Urban water has been a cause of high Phosphorous levels.  Emily Beck: Helps evaluate pollution in waterways to help with grants.  What do they plan to do with Harvey Dam???  Worst water quality in the State of North Dakota!!!

Jana Mogren: Certificate of survey Check List, asked for additions to survey adopting new portions of the checklist.  Comprehensive plan for planning & Zoning. 

Budget 2027 discussion: 

Health Human Service: They asked how much they can ask of the people.  Rural Health care grants discussion.

Wells County Recorders Position:  Open to public; We can record; Position closes Friday Sept. 11th, 2026; Names will be released of the applicants so far.

Wells County Special Meeting

August 25, 2026

Budget

Part 1 is Flash Back to the Past:  Oliver Bromke’s Interview and Commissioners McHenry Motion Passed.

Part 2 through 6

Bromke, States Attorney, for both McHenry County and Wells County discussion:  Wells County is paying same salary plus Health & Dental insurance.  McHenry refused to help with cost of Heath & Dental which comes to $36,000.00 annually paid by Wells County; A formal letter to be sent to McHenry from the auditor, Dan Stutlein, signed by the Wells County Commissioners due to Bromke spends more time in McHenry County; He is paid the same from both Counties.

Reservation on State meeting not full disclosure

Think about what Stutlein is saying about saving the county money by him absorbing positions.  Did we really pay out the amounts stated?

Health insurance cost discussion: Single, family and no insurance gap; there is a 3% cap by State regulations.

Additional increase in cost: Water Board, health, soil conservation, Historical Society and extension Services; Everyone is getting a tax increase due to vote.

Road Department: increase revenue on ballot vote; has 9 Blades; money from general fund can end now; counties highest expenses; problem finding workers; capital projects is part of the road department funds; Townships need to fix roads for the county to maintain. 

Longevity Plan:  Pay policy; declining value of increase as the years of service increase; Bromke & Stutlein have max pay even though they don’t have longevity; (Dan has not been there long and has max pay?); Lautt want to study the longevity plan before putting into practice.  The rest of the room told Lautt they have a salary schedule in place; therefore, request denied.

Savings on employee salaries by positions share: Auditor office=1 employee, Recorders office =1 employee; 10% increase for recorder’s office; pay increases & mileage discussion.

Sheriff: Federal fund discussion; proposed reduction to Sheriff salary by 20% due to lack of communication (??) (States Attorney not there; Why Sheriff?); pre-budgeted level; complaints by ambulance services & fire departments.

Road Department:  Budget will be increased because of roads; Brent has not completed his budgets; Communication on future cost issues; bills sent without prior notice.

Next Meeting: September 8, 2026, Commissioner’s meeting held in courtroom.

Six County Topic: Sept. 10th, 2026, Ashley, ND; NDSU Extension; shared employees between counties; Shared in county employees; (how can another county represent another county without knowing the people’s needs and wants of the county.