SB 2372 and upcoming Legislation was reported by Kale Van Bruggen, Attny. This bill was proposed by the Department of Water Resources amending Century Code 24-03-08 which will limit water resource boards from requesting stream crossing studies until after a stream crossing calculation has been made by a road authority or a culvert that doesn't meet the stream crossing standards has already been constructed or reconstructed.

Larry and Tom reported on the November 7, 2024, Commissioner meeting. The WRD attorney, Kale Van Bruggen advised the WRD to go into executive session to receive and discuss legal consultation regarding potential litigation over the crossings.

Century Code 44-04-19.1, 2, 5 was stated for authority for closing this portion of the meeting. Subject 55th Ave NE Crossing in the Oak Creek Drain. The public was asked to leave at this time. Ask for the minutes. District decision and payment plan in 30 days of a township. The meeting came back after executive session; however, the We the People were not there due to not knowing when they would reconvene.

The Water opened with Hurdsfield Project. It was reported that the chain and lock have been cut for the second time on the vault gate valve. This has caused East Lake to rise. Sulfate levels are too high. Elevation up and flow into James River tributary of James River assuming that there is flow in the James River and the sulfate concentration is under the 225 mg/L threshold.

Drain no.1 Culvert - Mark Schmitz Larry reported the culverts are in and all the grading is complete.

Railroad Culverts - Drain no. 1: Thomas reported that the DWR is not requiring a modification to the Drain 1 Permit due to following Stream Crossing Standards.

Watch both Videos. More happened than reported in unapproved minutes.

Nothing much on this one. Just closing of the meeting.

Sheriff Budget came into play. Wells County Sheriff texted on Slide one that he was not going to attend the meeting. One of the Commissioners motioned to reduce his budget by 5%.

Discussion after a supportive second, brought up the following:
1. Unwilling to communicate and attend the meetings
2. New deputy added with no prior communication
3. People pay his salary
4. He could have sent or text his data report or sent a deputy
5. People are asking Commissioners, how come you are not holding him accountable?
6. If he is not doing his job, then he is stealing from the taxpayers
7. New States Attorney should look at this and tell the Commissioners if it can be done.

In the meantime, vote failed at 3 to 2. Why do we have rules and Laws and they are not followed?

A citizen attendee told the Commissioners to attend Kris Ann Hall meeting in Dickinson in order to learn what the Sheriff duties are. Dale S. filed his formal complaint against Larry S. on the Waterboard. Discussion on the complaint.

Township needs approval to be paid by county for Bridges and more. ND Century code dictates county to pay 60% for culverts. Since payment is regulated, could they use prior approval as a way to be sure the standard of installation is followed verses the cheapest way on the market?

The Federal government gave all bridges to the county. Even the ones that they installed on annexed land. Now the repair of these old bridges become the expense of the county verses the Federal government; however, the government regulates a standard on how they are repaired.

Letter from Federal Government requirement of signatures of the Commissioners. What money they are getting from Federal and State will not be enough for the responsibility.

Elections were covered. 530 absentee ballots were sent out and 513 were returned and counted. Harvey had 1000 voters turn out. Wells County had 85% of active voters vote.

Foreclosure of property was touched on again. Auditor states that people have the right to own property, but they also have responsibility on the property they own.

Wells County came to a settlement on the Eddy Co. and Foster Co. human services funds owed. Wells will be reimbursed for some of the funds after deal was made in the amount of over $98,000. Arrangements for most direct costs will be paid by each county verses Wells Co. paying all.

Convention updates. Auditor would like to create a Public Information page on their site. He said he is wanting to overcome all the BS uptown coffee shop misinformation that floats around.

New Employee Retirment Plan