On the agenda: Ward County meeting — Data Center (Sep 1)

AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
9:00 AM – Regular Commission Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance - Call to Order - Chairman Fjeldahl
Any person needing special accommodation for the meeting is
requested to notify the Auditor's Office at 857-6420

Roll Call
Order of Business
1.

Approve Agenda

2.

Review and approve the following meeting minutes:
A. Regular Commission Meeting on August 18, 2026

3.

Review and approve the regular bills totaling $1,685,599.86 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $1,757.14.

4.

Beth Pietsch, Planning and Zoning Administrator

5.

A.

Ansuz, LLC -Animal Feeding Operation- Conditional Use Permit

B.

Loren Hoff-Vacation of Outlot

C.

Kory Richardson-Outlot Plat

D.

Beau Ricketts-Outlot Plat

E.

Mark Roen-Outlot Plats

F.

Harlyn Schmidt-Outlot Plats

Noreen Wilkie, Director of Tax Equalization
A.

6.

Brandi Clouse, Human Resource Generalist
A.

7.

Tax Roll Adjustments & Items for Consideration
Pay Amendments

Paul Olthoff, Detention Major Chief Deputy
A.

Juvenile Joint Power Agreements
i. City of Kenmare

8.

Marisa Haman, Auditor/Treasurer
A.

Receive and file the following correspondence:
i. Basin Electric Power Cooperative Open House

B.

Lease Agreement for Garden Plot

C.

Request for Duplicate Warrant
i. Pamela Olson
ii. Michelle Jacob
iii. John or Loretta Duchsherer

D.

Foreclosed Property Bid
i. MI02D860100020

E.

Raffle Permit Request

Page 1 of 23

i. South Prairie Athletic Boosters
9.

Public Comment

Page 2 of 23

Minutes of the Board of Ward County Commissioners
August 18, 2026
The regular meeting of the Ward County Commission was called to order by Chairman/Commissioner Fjeldahl
as 9:00 AM with Comm. Rostad, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Olson, Comm. Schuler, Chair. Fjeldahl present. Also
present were department heads Brian Vangsness, Dana Larsen, Holly Arnold, Jason Blowers, Jodi Johnson,
Kelly Haugen, Kerrianne Boetcher, Marisa Haman, Nichole Degenstein, Noreen Wilkie, Robert Roed and Roza
Larson.
Moved by Comm. Schuler and seconded by Comm. Merritt to approve agenda as presented. Roll call; Comm.
Olson, Comm. Rostad, Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Moved by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Olson to approve the minutes from the Regular
Commission Meeting on August 4th, 2026, and Special Commission meeting on August 11th, 2026, as
presented. Roll call; Comm. Rostad, Comm. Olson, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Schuler, Chair Fjeldahl voted yes;
motion passed.
Moved by Comm. Merritt and seconded by Comm. Schuler to approve the regular bills totaling $831,826.86
and the Human Service Zone direct bills totaling $27,751.70. Roll call; Comm. Merritt, Comm. Schuler,
Comm. Rostad, Comm. Olson, Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Sheriff Robert Roed and Detention Major Chief Deputy Paul Olthoff appeared to present Donald Wingertsdahn
his 10 years of service award.
Andy Fimrite from DeSour Valley Economic development appeared to discuss their budget request for 2027.
John Warner from Ryder Historical Society appeared to discuss their budget request for 2027.
Tom Kraft from Berthold Economic development appeared to discuss their budget request for 2027.
Warren Anderson, Board member of the Souris Valley Bowman Club and Brian W. Boppre from Maverick Law
group appeared to request the commission reconsider their Right of Way Reversal Application, which had
been denied at the June 2nd, 2026 meeting.
Moved by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Merritt to reconsider approving the Souris Valley Bowmen
Club’s Right of Way Reversal Application and direct County Highway Engineer, Dana Larson, State’s Attorney,
Roza Larsen and Souris Valley Bowmen Club with their attorney to come to an agreement regarding a
permanent easement. Roll Call; Comm. Rostad, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Olson, Comm. Schuler, Chair.
Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Holly Arnold, NDSU Extension appeared with a request to apply for a grant from Velva Aggie’s Foundation for
an automatic ADA complaint door for the 900 Building.
Moved by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Schuler to approve NDSU Extension to apply for the grant
from Velva Aggie’s Foundation. Roll call; Comm. Rostad, Comm. Schuler, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Olson,
Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Human Resources Director Nichole Degenstein presented pay amendments for R. Bray, State’s Attorney; B.
McLeod, Auditor Treasurer; N. Young, Emergency Management and J. Schuck, Jail.

Page 3 of 23

Moved by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Schuler to approve pay amendments as presented. Roll
call; Comm. Rostad, Comm. Schuler, Comm. Olson, Comm. Merritt, Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion
passed.
Detention Major Chief Deputy, Paul Olthoff, presented Contract for Boarding Inmates between Ward County
and City of Burlington, City of Berthold, City of Surrey, Renville County and McHenry County.
Moved by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Schuler to approve and have the chairman sign all
contracts as presented. Roll call; Comm. Rostad, Comm. Schuler, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Olson and Chair.
Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
County Highway Engineer, Dana Larsen, appeared requesting permission to serve on the NDACo Executive
Committee.
Moved by Comm. Merritt and seconded by Comm. Olson to approve Mr. Larsen’s request to serve on the
NDACo Executive Committee. Roll call; Comm. Merritt, Comm. Olson, Comm. Rostad, Comm. Schuler,
Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission that the County’s only unorganized township needs to hold a budget
hearing.
Moved by Comm. Merritt and seconded by Comm. Schuler to hold the unorganized township public budget
hearing on September 10th, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Roll call, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Schuler, Comm. Rostad,
Comm. Olson, Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Chris Huus from Makoti Economic Development and Makoti Threshers appeared to discuss their budget
requests for 2027.
Auditor/Treasurer Marisa Haman appeared.
Move by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Merritt to receive and file the following correspondence:
Economy at a Glance; Data Center Summit; Tioga Community Center on September 14, 2026 @ 10:00 AM;
and Letter from Property owner regarding Basin Electric CUP Permit. Roll Call, Comm. Rostad, Comm. Merritt,
Comm. Olson, Comm. Schuler, Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes, motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Schuler and seconded by Comm. Olson to receive and file the monthly reports including
financials. Roll call; Comm. Schuler, Comm. Olson, Comm. Rostad, Comm. Merritt, Chair. Fjeldahl voted
yes; motion passed.
Moved by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Schuler to appoint Chairman Fjeldahl as the ND
Association of Counites delegate for Ward County. Roll call, Comm. Rostad, Comm. Schuler, Comm. Merritt,
Comm. Olson, Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Moved by Comm. Schuler and seconded by Comm. Merritt to approve the gaming site authorization for North
Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Roll call, Comm. Schuler, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Rostad, Comm. Olson, Chair.
Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Moved by Comm. Olson and seconded by Comm. Rostad to approve the raffle permit for MHS Girls Hockey.
Roll call; Comm. Olson, Comm. Rostad, Comm. Olson, Comm. Schuler, Chair Fjeldahl voted yes; motion
passed.

Page 4 of 23

Moved by Comm. Schuler and seconded by Comm. Merritt to accept the bids to purchase foreclosed property
KM270240100081 & KM270240200061 as presented. Roll call; Comm. Schuler, Comm. Merritt, Comm.
Olson, Comm. Schuler, Chair. Fjeldahl voted yes; motion passed.
Moved by Comm. Rostad and seconded by Comm. Schuler to approve the 5 special event permits for M&S
Concessions. Roll call; Comm. Rostad, Comm. Schuler, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Olson, Chair. Fjeldahl voted
yes; motion passed.
No one from the public appeared.
At 9:54 AM with no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Page 5 of 23

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING 09/01/2026 BILL LIST
GENERAL BILLS
VENDOR
CHECK #
ACCURATE CONTROLS INC
ACCURATE CONTROLS INC
ACCURATE CONTROLS INC
AUTO DOCTOR
AUTO DOCTOR
AUTO DOCTOR
AUTO DOCTOR
AUTO DOCTOR
BEKKA'S BUTTONS
BURKETT, EMILY
BURKETT, EMILY
201196 CENTURYLINK
HAUGAN, KELLY J
HOW, EMILY
HOW, EMILY
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPT
201197 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201197 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201197 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201195 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201197 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201197 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
DD-1796 MINOT CITY OF, WATER DEPT
201202 POST BOARD
PROGRAMMERS BROADCASTING INC
STARK COUNTY
SUMMIT FOOD SERVICES LLC
THOMAS FAMILY FUNERAL SVC INC
THOMAS FAMILY FUNERAL SVC INC
DD-1805 THOMAS LAW FIRM
THOMPSON LARSON FUNERAL HOME MNT
THOMPSON LARSON FUNERAL HOME MNT
THOMPSON LARSON FUNERAL HOME MNT
TJ APPLIANCE LLC
TRACKTECH LLC
TRACKTECH LLC
TURNKEY CORRECTIONS
UNITED MAILING SERVICES INC
UNITED MAILING SERVICES INC
WESTERN AGENCY INC
WIDMER ROEL PC
DD-1805 WILHELM TIM
WILKIE, NOREEN
WILKIE, NOREEN
DD-1795 XCEL ENERGY
DD-1797 XCEL ENERGY
DD-1778 XCEL ENERGY

DESCRIPTION
BOSCH HIGH PERFORMANCE DECODER--JAIL OPS
ETHERNET SWITCH, TRANSCEIVER--JAIL OPS
GOOSENECK MICROPHONES--JAIL OPS
VEHICLE REPAIRS--SHERIFF
VEHICLE REPAIRS--SHERIFF
VEHICLE REPAIRS--SHERIFF
VEHICLE REPAIRS--SHERIFF
VEHICLE REPAIRS--SHERIFF
PATCH REPLACEMENT--SHERIFF
DAY TRIP MILEAGE--EXTENSION
DAY TRIP MILEAGE--EXTENSION
KENMARE LISTING--SHERIFF
OVERNIGHT PER DIEM - PIO CLASS BISMARCK--EMERGENCY MGMT
DAY TRIP MILEAGE--EXTENSION
DAY TRIP MILEAGE--EXTENSION
ADOBE ACROBAT PRO--IT
INTUNE--IT
MISCELLANEOUS BILLINGS--IT
OFFICE 365 BASIC (NON-STATE)--IT
OFFICE 365 PRO (NON-STATE)--IT
WAN ACCESS--IT
PEXIP VIRTUAL MEETING ROOM--IT
GAS COURTHOUSE--FACILITY MGMT
GAS JAIL BLDG SUP.--FACILITY MGMT
GAS ADMIN BLDG--FACILITY MGMT
GAS 900 BLDG--FACILITY MGMT
GAS 425 BLDG--FACILITY MGMT
GAS JAIL--FACILITY MGMT
WATER 425 BLDG--FACILITY MGMT
LICENSE RENEWAL 2026--SHERIFF
ADVERTISING EMPLOYMENT--HUMAN RESOURCES
BREIJO CASE - DATAVANT INVOICE--STATES ATTORNEY
INMATE MEALS - JULY 2026--JAIL OPS
TRANSFER TO M.E.--CORONER
TRANSFER TO M.E.--CORONER
INDIGENT DEFENSE SEPTEMBER 2026--GENERAL
TRANSFER TO M.E. - JJ--CORONER
TRANSFER TO M.E. - CD--CORONER
TRANSFER TO M.E. - BB--CORONER
SERVICE CALL FOR JAIL WASHING MACHINE--FACILITY MGMT
WORK RELEASE--JAIL OPS
HOME CONFINEMENT--JAIL OPS
LAW LIBRARY--JAIL OPS
POSTAGE--EXTENSION
SERVICE--EXTENSION
ADD 2013 SILVERADO - TAX--INSURANCE
2025 FINANCIAL AUDIT SERVICE RENDERED THROUGH 08/17/26--GENERAL
INDIGENT DEFENSE SEPTEMBER 2026--GENERAL
OVERNIGHT MILEAGE - CONFERENCE BISMARCK--TAX
OVERNIGHT PER DIEM - CONFERENCE BISMARCK--TAX
ELECTRICITY 900 BLDG - COLD STORAGE--FACILITY MGMT
ELECTRICITY 900 BLDG--FACILITY MGMT
ELECTRICITY 425 BLDG--FACILITY MGMT
Total General Bills:

K-9 BILLS
CHECK #

VENDOR

DESCRIPTION

$90,926.24

AMOUNT

Total K-9 Bills:
PARK BOARD BILLS
VENDOR
CHECK #
MENARDS - MINOT
MENARDS - MINOT
MENARDS - MINOT
NORTH PRAIRIE RURAL WATER
DD-1802 XCEL ENERGY
DD-1803 XCEL ENERGY

AMOUNT
$3,920.44
$1,487.24
$3,380.69
$600.00
$75.00
$359.15
$359.15
$559.10
$10.00
$2.47
$300.75
$11.00
$225.00
$23.71
$158.46
$336.60
$26.40
$151.56
$1,758.90
$5,365.20
$615.00
$25.00
$88.49
$351.15
$92.56
$189.02
$25.52
$827.65
$36.09
$350.00
$1,197.00
$160.65
$46,805.05
$500.00
$500.00
$2,240.00
$500.00
$500.00
$644.00
$127.91
$2,509.50
$155.00
$171.00
$87.96
$29.90
$302.00
$8,000.00
$2,240.00
$164.16
$36.00
$32.22
$1,954.21
$358.38

DESCRIPTION
INV #23340 PARK SUPPLIES
INV #23847 PARK SUPPLIES
INV #23858 PARK SUPPLIES
RICE LAKE WATER 08/24/2026
ELECTRICITY - O.S. PARK 8711 PROJECT RD N
ELECTRICITY - O.S. PARK PUMP 401 PARK RD

$0.00

AMOUNT
$4.39
$88.91
$28.94
$101.52
$512.64
$36.02
Total Park Board Bills:

$772.42
Page 1 of 2

Page 6 of 23

ROAD/HIGHWAY BILLS
VENDOR
CHECK #
C3 ENERGY PARTNERS LLC
CENTRAL SPECIALTIES INC
201198 ENERBASE FARMERS UNION/CENEX
FACTORY MOTOR PARTS COMPANY
FARDEN CONSTRUCTION INC
FARDEN CONSTRUCTION INC
GENERAL TRADING CO
LIGHTHOUSE TRADES INC
LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC.
MACS INC
MACS INC
201199 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201199 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201199 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201199 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201199 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
201199 MDU - BISMARCK OFFICE
MENARDS - MINOT
MENARDS - MINOT
MENARDS - MINOT
MENARDS - MINOT
MENARDS - MINOT
MINOT AUTO SUPPLY
201200 MINOT CITY OF, LANDFILL
ND DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
201201 NORTH PRAIRIE RURAL WATER
RDO/POWERPLAN
RDO/POWERPLAN
RDO/POWERPLAN
SCHULTZ PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LLC
SWANSTON EQUIPMENT CO
SWANSTON EQUIPMENT CO
TEAM LABORATORY CHEMICAL CO
VESTIS
VESTIS
VESTIS

DESCRIPTION
PRAIRIE DOG - PROJECT ESTIMATE #2 FOR BR135-39.0 & BR144-35.0
SALES TAX - PROJECT ESTIMATE #1 FOR CP1510(26)
INV. 48746 - FUEL FOR DOUGLAS SHOP
INV #93-293801 MULTI PURPOSE PRESSURE SENSOR FOR UNIT 1102
STATE FLEX FUNDS - PROJECT ESTIMATE #2 FOR FXTA 0051(065) PCN 24999
SALES TAX - PROJECT ESTIMATE #5 FOR CP-1202(26)
INV #319926 SHOP SUPPLIES
STATE FLEX FUND - PROJECT ESTIMATE #2 FOR FXTA 0051(064) PCN 25002
INV #58598760 WELDING SUPPLIES
INV #756347 SHOP SUPPLIES
INV #756333 SHOP SUPPLIES
KENMARE SHOP ELECTRIC 08/20/2026
BUILDING D GAS 08/19/2026
BUILDING B GAS 08/19/2026
BUILDING A GAS 08/19/2026
BUILDING C GAS 08/19/2026
BUILDING E GAS 08/19/2026
INV #23615 NAILS FOR CP1510 (26)
INV #23318 SIGN SHOP SUPPLIES
INV #23324 SHOP SUPPLIES
INV #23131 ENGINEERING SUPPLIES
INV #22930 SHOP SUPPLIES
INV #5062-1029773 PARTS FOR UNIT 3301
INV #634486 TREES FROM 1752
YEARLY DRIVING RECORD CHECK
DOUGLAS SHOP WATER 08/24/2026
INV #P1825207 0-RINGS FOR UNIT 5707
INV #P1815007 FUEL FILTER FOR UNIT 5709
INV #P1815107 PARTS FOR UNIT 5707
INV #132060 SECOND APPLICATION-FERTILIZER
INV #P79336 OIL FILTERS FOR UNIT 5209
INV #P79495 PARTS FOR UNIT 5211
SALES TAX - INV #0053031 BASE STABILIZER FOR CP 1510(26)
AUGUST JANITORIAL 08/24/2026
AUGUST JANITORIAL 08/17/2026
AUGUST JANITORIAL 08/10/2026

Total Road/Highway Bills:
VISION ZERO BILLS
VENDOR
CHECK #
SCHOEN, MOLLY C
SCHOEN, MOLLY C

DESCRIPTION
OVERNIGHT MILEAGE - CONFERENCE FARGO
OVERNIGHT PER DIEM - CONFERENCE FARGO

AMOUNT
$241,521.93
$777,449.18
$4,388.35
$52.08
$289,501.92
$50,992.39
$66.32
$133,967.30
$115.82
$64.37
$51.06
$53.77
$97.21
$195.41
$112.92
$96.65
$27.26
$101.94
$32.57
$131.89
$127.91
$136.75
$65.86
$27.75
$63.00
$56.91
$6.18
$58.60
$33.50
$395.00
$60.44
$272.85
$92,400.00
$239.17
$239.17
$239.17

$1,593,442.60

AMOUNT
$444.60
$14.00

Total Vision Zero Bills:

$458.60

GRAND TOTAL

$1,685,599.86

Page 2 of 2

Page 7 of 23

WARD COUNTY HUMAN SERVICE ZONE

LISTING OF BILLS
BILLS PAID-

9/1/2026

ZONE BOARD REVIEW-

9/1/2026

HUMAN SERVICE ZONE
VENDOR

DESCRIPTION

AMOUNT

Jenna Aasand

Employee Travel

299.44

Tanya Davie

Meal for child in FC

Kristi Frederick

Employee Travel
Employee Travel

594.36

Montiors

390.00

Mail Processing

419.39

Allison Kosanda

Riverside Technologies
United Mailing

Sub Total

14.43

39.52

1757.14

JP Morgan
TOTAL

1757.14

Page 8 of 23

Page 1

SCHEDULE OF AUDITED VOUCHERS
PRESENTED TO COUNTY AUDITOR FOR PAYMENT

To: County Auditor of
From:
WARD

WARD
County
County Human Service Zone
Date Fordwarded to:

PAYEE

County Auditor

9/1/2026

Date Paid

9/1/2026

Fund to be Charged

AMOUNT

Jenna Aasand

150 0028 302 2306

299.44

Tanya Davie

150 0035 302 2202

14.43

Kristi Frederick

150 0030 302 2308

594.36

Allison Kosanda

150 0035 302 2306

39.52

Riverside Technologies
United Mailing

150 0030 302 2410

390.00

150 0030 302 2408

419.39

Human Service Zone Fund

1757.14

The foregoing accounts and/or claims have received administrative examination and have been approved for payment in
amounts stated.

County Director
Kristi Frederick

Page 9 of 23

WARD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Planning and Zoning Admin.
701-857-6405
PO Box 5005
Minot, ND 58702-5005

DATE:
TO:

August 26, 2026
Ward County Board of Commissioners

FROM

Beth Pietsch, County Planning and Zoning

SUBJECT: Planning and Zoning Items from Planning & Zoning

MEMORANDUM
1. Ansuz, LLC (July 15th, 2026 Application)-Animal Feeding Operation- Conditional Use Permit
Application for Animal Feeding Operation Conditional Use Permit for the following described property:
NW & SW less R-W Section 16-155-81 Surrey Twp
The applicant is applying for an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) with 2,000 a.u. cattle on 80 +/- acres of
land.
Ward County zoning applies and the township does not recommend approval. Planning Commission
recommends Denying the Animal Feeding Operation CUP application based on finding of facts and staff
recommendations including odor and water setbacks not being met and current cattle count of the current
unpermitted AFO being above the allowed amount.
2. Loren Hoff- Vacation
Application for Vacation of Outlot for the following described property:
Outlot 35 coming out of Sublots C & D of Outlot 7 of of Sec 31-154-81- New Prairie Twp.
The applicant is requesting to vacate Outlot 35 and the parcel go back to Sublots C & D of Outlot 7 of Sec.
31-154-81 as he is wanting to transfer the parcels to each of his children.
Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval. Planning Commission
recommends Approval of the Vacation application based on finding of facts and staff recommendations.
3. Kory Richardson-Outlot Plat
Application for Outlot for the following described property:
Proposed Outlot 2 coming out of Outlot 1 and portions of the N1/2SE of Sec. 31-159-89
Spencer Twp
Page 1 of 2
Planning Commission Agenda

Page 10 of 23

WARD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

The applicant is requesting to create this outlot to expand yard.
Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval. Planning Commission
recommends Approval of the Outlot application based on finding of facts and staff recommendations.
4. Beau Ricketts-Outlot Plats
Application for an Outlots for the following described property:
Proposed Outlots 15 & 16 coming out of Outlot 4 of the SWSW of Sec. 32-156-83 Eureka
Twp
The applicant is requesting to create these outlots for future rural residential use.
Eureka township zoning applies and the township is recommending approval with comment. Planning
Commission recommends Approval of the Outlot application based on finding of facts and staff
recommendations, understanding that no new approach will be permitted off the County Road and that the
access road be improved per Townships recommendations.
5. Mark Roen-Outlot Plats
Application for Outlots for the following described property:
Proposed Outlot 2 coming out of the E1/2SE of Sec. 13-152-85 Rice Lake Twp
And
Proposed Outlot 2 coming out of Gov’t lot 3 of Sec. 18-152-84 Hilton Twp
The applicant is requesting to create these outlots for future rural residential use.
Ward County zoning applies and both townships are recommending approval. Planning Commission
recommends Approval of the Outlot applications based on finding of facts and staff recommendations.
6. Harlyn Schmidt-Outlot Plats
Application for Outlots for the following described property:
Proposed Outlot 4 being portions of the W1/2NW of Sec. 14-153-81 Sawyer Twp
And
Proposed Outlot 1 being portions of N1/2NE of Sec. 15-153-81 Sawyer Twp
The applicant is requesting to create these outlots to separate crop from pasture land.
Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval. Planning Commission
recommends Approval of the Outlot applications based on finding of facts and staff recommendations.
Page 2 of 2
Planning Commission Agenda

Page 11 of 23

Minutes of the Ward County Planning Commission
July 16, 2026
The meeting of the Ward County Planning Commission was called to order at 7:02 PM by Chairman
Heller with Commissioners Fjeldahl, Hargrave, Olson, Samuelson, and Schumaker present. Also in
attendance were County Planning and Zoning Administrator Beth Pietsch, Highway Engineer Dana
Larsen, and Secretary Amanda Winkels. Absent from the meeting were Comms. Fuller, Hendrickson,
and Schmidt.
Moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Comm. Schumaker, to approve the minutes with the
alternate presented language from the regular meeting on June 16, 2026. Roll call; all voted yes;
motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Farden Construction applied for a gravel pit conditional use permit for the following described
property:
S1/2NW of Sec. 14-157-81Margaret Twp.
The applicant is applying for a Gravel Pit Conditional Use Permit for the production of sand, gravel,
rock aggregates. Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval.
Farden Construction applied for a gravel pit conditional use permit for the following described
property:
N1/2SE, S1/2NE Sec. 18-157-87 Ree Twp
The applicant is applying for a Gravel Pit Conditional Use Permit for the production of sand, gravel,
rock aggregates. Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval.
Gravel Products, INC. applied for a gravel pit conditional use permit for the following described
property:
Outlot 5 of Sec. 34-156-84 Kirkelie Twp
The applicant is applying for a Gravel Pit Conditional Use Permit for the production of sand, gravel,
rock aggregates. Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval.
Gravel Products, INC. applied for a gravel pit conditional use permit for the following described
property:
S1/2SESE of Sec. 18-152-84 Hilton Twp
The applicant is applying for a Gravel Pit Conditional Use Permit for the production of sand, gravel,
rock aggregates. Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval.
Gravel Products, INC. applied for a gravel pit conditional use permit for the following described
property:
SE of Sec. 13-153-87 Lund Twp

Page 12 of 23

The applicant is applying for a Gravel Pit Conditional Use Permit for the production of sand, gravel,
rock aggregates. Ward County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval.
Moved by Comm. Samuelson, seconded by Comm. Schumaker, to consolidate the public hearings
on gravel pit conditional use permits and open a public hearing at 7:04 PM. Roll call; all voted yes;
motion carried.
A written public comment from Larry Simonson was received.
Tore Knudson, Gravel Products, INC. came forward to address the concern from the written public
comment regarding dust and reclamation of the land.
Moved by Comm. Hargrave, seconded by Olson, to close the public hearing for all gravel pit
conditional use permits at 7:21 PM. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Comm. Olson, to approve the five gravel pit conditional use
permits with the understanding that they must have a reclamation or non-reclamation agreement
with the landowner. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
REGULAR AGENDA
John Erickson applied for a subdivision plat for the following described property:
Proposed Lots 1-13 Block 1, Lot 1 Block 2 coming out of portion of Outlot 23 of Sec 10-152-85 Rice
Lake Twp
The applicant is requesting to create this subdivision for future lake residential lots. Ward County
zoning applies with the township recommending approval.
The commission asked if there was anyone to speak in regards to the application.
Rusten Roteliuk, Houston Engineering, Inc., spoke in regards to the application and plans for a loop
road in the subdivision.
Moved by Comm. Hargrave, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl, to deny the subdivision plat from John
Erickson in first reading due to lack of secondary access. Roll called; all voted yes; motion carried.
The application will come back for a public hearing in August.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
There was a discussion held regarding the proposed Battery Energy Storage System language that
is to be added to the Ward County Land Ordinances.
Daulton Pearson, NextEra, came forward to present his suggestions regarding the presented added
language for BESS.
Darrin Mineke, Minot Rural Fire Chief, spoke regarding fire protection.
The commission made changes to the first 10 pages of the proposed language and will continue at
the next meeting.

Page 13 of 23

Receive and File
Moved by Comm. Olson, seconded by Comm. Samuelson, to receive and file the email
correspondence from Eric Olson, Attorney for Ansuz, LLC. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The floor was opened for public comment.
Brian Lee, county resident, came forward and spoke on transparency from large companies such as
NextEra and Basin Electric.
With no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:18 PM.
ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 20th DAY OF AUGUST 2026

______________________________________________
Chairperson, Ward County Planning Commission
Attest:
____________________________________
Ward County Auditor, Secretary

Page 14 of 23

Minutes of the Ward County Planning Commission
August 20, 2026
The meeting of the Ward County Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman
Heller with Commissioners Fjeldahl, Fuller, Hargrave, Olson, Schmidt and Schumaker present. Also
in attendance were County Planning and Zoning Administrator Beth Pietsch, Highway Engineer Dana
Larsen, Tax Director Noreen Wilkie, State’s Attorney Roza Larsen and Secretary Amanda Winkels.
Absent from the meeting was Commissioner Samulson. Commissioner Hendrickson entered the
meeting at 7:03 PM.
Moved by Comm. Schumaker, seconded by Comm. Hargrave, to approve the minutes with the from
the regular meeting on July 16, 2026. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
John Erickson - Subdivision Plat
Moved by Comm. Schmidt, seconded by Comm. Fuller, to open a public hearing at 7:02 PM and limit
all public comment for the hearings to 5 mins. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
John Erickson applied for a subdivision plat for the following described property:
Lots 1-13 Block 1 and Lot 1 Block 2 Lakeview 4th Add-Rice Lake, coming out of Portion of Outlot 23
of Sec 10-152-82 Rice Lake Township
The applicant is requesting to create subdivision for future residential lake front purposes. Ward
County zoning applies and the township is recommending approval.
The application was denied at first reading due to lack of secondary access.
Rusten Roteliuk, Houston Engineering, Inc., came forward asking that the application be tabled as
they are working on a plan for secondary access to the development.
No one else from the public came forward to speak.
Moved by Comm. Schmidt, seconded by Comm. Fuller, to close the public hearing at 7:08 PM. Roll
call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Fuller, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl, to table the item for up to 90 days. Roll call;
all voted yes; motion carried.
Ansuz, LLC (May 15th, 2026 Application)- Animal Feeding Operation Conditional Use PermitAPPLICANTS DEMAND FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Moved by Comm. Schumaker, seconded by Comm. Hendrickson, to open a public hearing at 7:10
PM and limit all public comment for the hearings to 5 mins. Roll call; all voted yes motion carried.
Ansuz applied for an animal feeding operation conditional use permit for the following described
property:

Page 15 of 23

Application- SW less Otl 1 & 2 Sec 9-155-81 & NW of Sec. 16-155-81 & SW Less R-W Sec. 16-15581- Surrey Township modified to;
June 1st Letter from Engineer- NW, NE & SW of Sec. 16-155-81- Surrey Township
The applicant is requesting the Conditional Use Permit for an Animal Feeding Operation. This
Application was heard at the June 18th, 2026 P & Z meeting. The applicant was not present, nor was
a representative of the applicant to speak on the project. There was an approved motion to
recommend to County Commission to deny based on Findings of Fact and Staff recommendation.
The applicants’ council demanded a public hearing and for no motion to be made at CC. Ward
County zoning applies and the township does not recommend approval.
A formal withdrawal of the application along with dismissal of the lawsuit was received by Planning
Administrator Beth Pietsch just prior to the meeting.
Eric Olson, Bowman and Brooke, Council for the Applicant, came forward and confirmed the
dismissal of the lawsuit pertaining to the application and the withdrawal of the application.
Moved by Comm. Fuller, seconded by Comm. Schmidt, to close the public hearing at 7:13 PM. Roll
call; all voted yes; motion carried.
No motion needed as the application was withdrawn.
Ansuz, LLC (July 15th, 2026 Application)-Animal Feeding Operation- Conditional Use PermitPublic Hearing
Moved by Comm. Olson, seconded by Comm. Fuller, to open a public hearing at 7:13 PM and limit
all public comment for the hearings to 5 mins. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Ansuz applied for an animal feeding operation conditional use permit for the following described
property:
NW & SW less R-W Section 16-155-81 Surrey Twp
The applicant is applying for an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) with 2,000 a.u. cattle on 80 +/- acres
of land. Ward County zoning applies and the township does not recommend approval.
Sean Weeks, Ackerman-Estvold, Engineer for the project, came forward to speak to the placement
and design of the feed lot.
Eric Olson, Bowman and Brooke, Council for the Applicant, came forward to answer any questions
from the commissioner and respond to the written comments from Surrey Township.
Nathan Pessa, DGA Engineering, Agricultural Engineer for the project, came forward to answer
questions for the application.
Bart Burns, neighboring property owner, came forward and spoke in opposition of the application.
Clide Shiele, neighboring property owner, came forward and spoke in opposition of the application.
Kimberly Shaw, City of Surrey Planning Commission President, came forward and spoke regarding
to the City’s ET and the zoning adjacent to the feed lot being zoned as Residential Ag.

Page 16 of 23

Mark Vollmer, Surrey Township Chairman, spoke in opposition to the application as they have had
issues with township roads being blocked by the applicant and having to give up their zoning to the
county due to the applicant being non-compliant and the township having lack of resources to
handle the situation.
Anita Trotter, City of Surrey Auditor, spoke to taxes vs. zoning and how a home may be taxed as Ag
but be zoned as residential.
Caleb Weekman, neighboring property owner, came forward and spoke in opposition of the
application.
No one else came forward to speak either for or against the application, however, there were multiple
letters against and for the application submitted prior to the meeting.
Moved by Comm. Schmidt, seconded by Comm. Fuller, to close the public hearing at 8:33 PM. Roll
call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Moved by Comm. Hargrave; seconded by Comm. Schmidt; to deny the application based on staff
recommendations and finding of fact including odor and water setbacks not being met and the
current cattle count of the current unpermitted AFO being above the allowed amount. Roll call; all
voted yes; motion carried.
REGULAR AGENDA
Loren Hoff applied for a vacation for the following described property:
Outlot 35 coming out of Sublots C & D of Outlot 7 of of Sec 31-154-81- New Prairie Twp.
The applicant is requesting to vacate Outlot 35 and the parcel go back to Sublots C & D of Outlot 7 of
Sec. 31-154-81 as he is wanting to transfer the parcels to each of his children. Ward County zoning
applies and the township is recommending approval.
Moved by Comm. Schmidt, seconded by Comm. Fuller, to approve the vacation for Laren Hoff based
on finding of fact and staff recommendations. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Kory Richardson applied for outlot plats for the following described properties:
Proposed Outlot 2 coming out of Outlot 1 and portions of the N1/2SE of Sec. 31-159-89 Spencer
Twp
The applicant is requesting to create this outlot to expand yard. Ward County zoning applies and the
township is recommending approval.
Moved by Comm. Fuller, seconded by Comm. Hargrave, to approve the outlot plats from Kory
Richardson based on finding of fact and staff recommendations. Roll call; all voted yes; motion
carried.
Beau Ricketts applied for outlot plats for the following described properties:
Proposed Outlots 15 & 16 coming out of Outlot 4 of the SWSW of Sec. 32-156-83 Eureka Twp

Page 17 of 23

The applicant is requesting to create these outlots for future rural residential use. Eureka township
zoning applies and the township is recommending approval with comment.
Moved by Comm. Schmidt, seconded by Comm. Fuller, to approve the outlot plats for Beau Ricketts
based on finding of fact and with the recommendation of the township for the roadway needing to be
approved and complete. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Mark Roen applied for 2 outlot plats for the following described properties:
Proposed Outlot 2 coming out of the E1/2SE of Sec. 13-152-85 Rice Lake Twp
And
Proposed Outlot 2 coming out of Gov’t lot 3 of Sec. 18-152-84 Hilton Twp
The applicant is requesting to create these outlots for future rural residential use. Ward County
zoning applies and both townships are recommending approval.
Moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Comm. Schmidt, to approve the outlot plats from Mark Roen
based on finding of fact and staff recommendations. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Harlyn Schmidt applied for 2 outlot plats for the following described properties:
Proposed Outlot 4 being portions of the W1/2NW of Sec. 14-153-81 Sawyer Twp
And
Proposed Outlot 1 being portions of N1/2NE of Sec. 15-153-81 Sawyer Twp
The applicant is requesting to create these outlots to separate crop from pasture land. Ward County
Zoning applies and the township is recommending approval.
Moved by Comm Fuller, seconded by Comm. Schumaker, to approve the oulot plats for Harlyn
Schmidt based on finding of fact and staff recommendations. Roll call; all voted yes; motion carried.
Data Center Summit
The commissioners were invited to a data center summit that I being held in Tioga on September 14,
2026.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
There was a discussion held regarding the proposed Battery Energy Storage System language that is
to be added to the Ward County Land Ordinances.
Daulton Pearson, NextEra, came forward to present his suggestions regarding the presented added
language for BESS.
Moved by Comm. Hendrickson, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to keep the language under Noise
Study in the Noise Mitigation Requirements section of the proposed Battery Energy Storage System
ordinance the same as originally presented. Roll call; Comms. Fjeldahl and Hendrickson voted yes;
Comms. Fuller, Hargrave, Olson, Schmidt, Schumaker, and Chairman Heller voted no; motion failed.

Page 18 of 23

Moved by Comm. Fuller, seconded by Comm. Schumaker to accept the redline changes under Noise
Study in the Noise Mitigation Requirements section of the proposed Battery Energy Storage System
ordinance. Roll call; Comms. Fuller, Hargrave, Olson, Schmidt, Schumaker, and Chairman Heller
voted yes; Comms. Fjeldahl and Hendrickson voted no; motion carried.
Brian Lee, county resident, came forward and gave his opinion on the BESS language and having
waivers from landowners be allowed without compensation for future landowners.
Moved by Comm. Olson, seconded by Comm. Hendrickson to leave the word “maximum” when
describing the allowable sound levels instead of changing it to “permissible”. Roll call; Comms.
Fjeldahl, Hargrave, Hendrickson, Olson, Schmidt, Schumaker and Chairman Heller voted yes;
Comm. Fuller voted no; the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The floor was opened for public comment.
Brian Lee, county resident, came forward and spoke on the BESS and Wind Energy and his thoughts
on setting up industrial zones for the energy and data centers that are likely to come in the near
future.
With no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:24 PM.
ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 17th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026

______________________________________________
Chairperson, Ward County Planning Commission
Attest:
____________________________________
Ward County Auditor, Secretary

Page 19 of 23

DIRECTOR OF TAX EQUALIZATION
Noreen Wilkie
Ward County Tax Director
PO Box 5005
Minot, ND 58702-5005
(701) 857-6430
[email protected]
www.wardnd.com

MEMO

DATE: 8/26/26
TO:

Ward County Commissioners

FROM: Noreen Wilkie, Director of Tax Equalization
RE:

Tax Roll Adjustments & Items for Consideration and Action on September 1, 2026

1. MH added to tax roll:
Property
Owner

Description

Physical Address

Valuation
Year

Holiday Park
MHP II
LLC

NE510625500000
Holiday Park
Lot D4

5110 Hwy 2
Lot D4
Minot, ND
58701

2026

Old
True &
Full
$0.00

New
True & Full
$26,000

Old
Taxable
Value
$0.00

New
Taxable
Value
$1,170

Old
Taxable
Value
$1,170

New
Taxable
Value
$0.00

2. MH was removed without a Moving Permit and moved to Holiday Park Lot D4:
Property
Owner

Description

Physical Address

Valuation
Year

Parkview MHP
LLC

MI510573800000
Parkview MHP
Lot 8

625 15th St SE
Lot 8
Minot, ND
58701

2026

Old
True &
Full
$26,000

New
True & Full
$0.00

Page 20 of 23

DIRECTOR OF TAX EQUALIZATION

3. House and Attached Garage were destroyed by a fire in December 2023:
Property
Owner

Description

Physical Address

Valuation
Year

Reigh, Austin

SW110160000030
Lindahl’s Addn.
Lot 3
SW110160000030
Lindahl’s Addn.
Lot 3
SW110160000030
Lindahl’s Addn.
Lot 3

142 2nd ST SE
Sawyer, ND
58781
142 2nd ST SE
Sawyer, ND
58781
142 2nd ST SE
Sawyer, ND
58781

Reigh, Austin

Reigh, Austin

New
True & Full

2026

Old
True &
Full
$204,000

$44,000

Old
Taxable
Value
$9,180

New
Taxable
Value
$1,980

2025

$184,000

$37,000

$8,280

$1,665

2024

$174,000

$33,000

$7,830

$1,485

4. Property no longer qualifies for Property Tax Exemption, prorated 6 months from date of
deed transfer:
Property
Owner

Description

Physical Address

Valuation
Year

Old National
Bank
National
Association

MI241022800070
Minot’s 1st Addn.
Lot 7
S ½ Lot 8
Block 28

205 3rd Ave SE
Minot, ND
58701

2026

Old
True &
Full
$0.00

New
True & Full
$230,000

Old
Taxable
Value
$0.00

New
Taxable
Value
$11,500

Page 21 of 23

LEASE AGREEMENT FOR EAST SIDE ESTATES
This lease agreement entered into this ____ day of ___________, 2026 between Ward County, a
political subdivision of the State of North Dakota (lessor), P.O. Box 5005, Minot, ND 587025005, and Russell Holter, Scott Sjol, and Kerry Holen (lessees jointly responsible). The Lessor
rents and leases to the lessees for gardening purposes the following described property: Parcel
NE330990000051: SUBLOT A OF OLT 5 OF NWSE NEDROSE – S04 S33-155-82 A 1.80 and
Parcel NE330051100010: EAST SIDE ESTATES L 1 B 11 NEDROSE – S4. (Attached GIS
map for visual purposes)
1. The term of this lease shall be for 1 year, commencing on Nov 1st, 2026 and ending on
October 31st, 2027. The Lessees agree to pay to the Lessor the sum of $200.00 for the
rental of the property on November 1st, 2026. The payment is based upon the
apportioned rental rate of agricultural land in Ward County, ND.
2. The Lessees use of the property is limited to garden purposes only and the lessees shall
abide by the following covenants:
a. The property shall be used for gardening purposes.
b. No new structures or improvements shall be erected on the property other than:
i. Lessees may erect a temporary electric fence around the area during
growing and harvest season. The fence must be removed at the end of the
season. The fence must be approved/inspected by the Facilities Dept. or
designee.
c. Lessees shall maintain the property during use, including weed management.
d. Lessee shall remove all debris and restore the property to the original condition
prior to use. This includes removing all remaining plants and weeds after
harvesting the garden produce.
3. The Lessor reserves for itself, its agents, successors, and assigns the right to enter upon
the property at any reasonable time for the following purposes: Inspection of the
property; exploration; drilling for oil and gas; exploration and mining for gravel;
surveying, soil boring and other necessary activity related to flood control.
4. The terms of this lease shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives,
successors, and assigns of the lessees and the successors and assigns of the Lessor.
5. The relationship between the parties is strictly one of lessor and lessees and this lease
shall not be deemed to give rise to a partnership relation between the parties. Neither
party shall have the authority to bind the other party without that party’s expressed
written consent. Each party agrees that the other party shall in no way be responsible for
the debt, liabilities, or accidents of the other party.
6. The Lessees shall not assign this lease or sublet the property or any part thereof during
the term of this lease or any extension without the prior written consent of the Lessor.
7. It shall be lawful for the Lessor, its successor, and assigns, to re-enter and take full
possession of the property and to hold and enjoy the same without such re-entry working
as a forfeiture of the rents to be paid and the covenants to be performed by the Lessees
under the terms of this lease in the event the tenant, their heirs, personal representatives,
successors, and assigns fail to make the payments required of them under this lease or fail
to perform any of the covenants contained in this lease.
8. This lease may be renewed annually. Lessees will submit request within 45 days before
the expiration of the lease.

Page 22 of 23

Dated this _______ day of _______________________, 2026.
________________________________________
Chairperson Ward County Board of Commissioners
___________________________
Russell Holter

______________
Date

____________________________
Scott Sjol

______________
Date

____________________________
Kerry Holen

_______________
Date

Page 23 of 23