The Ramsey County Commission met Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the Courthouse at 5:30 p.m. for their regular meeting. As Commission Chair Blaine Volk was present for the meeting only through remote telephone, the meeting was chaired by Paul Wilhelmi. Commissioners Ed Brown, Jeff Frith and Bill Hodous were present, as was County Auditor Kandy Christopherson.
The meeting began with George Ellertson, Northland Security, and Scott Wagner, Bond Attorney, who gave a presentation remotely to the Commission on various financing options the county may employ as they look to future projects.
States Attorney Daniel Howell asked about using a combination of the options available to the County. Frith asked about the next step moving forward for the county. Frith also asked about any “words of wisdom they might have for Ramsey County going forward”
The response was to “look at the debt limit, sales tax, home rule charter, if they come up with a project and it is approximately $60,000 perhaps a series of bonds or a focus on General Allocation Bonds would be the best, knowing the county’s existing debt outstanding would be where to begin.”
Jason Kraft, County Highway Superintendent then stepped up to the podium to inform the commission of the grant from the NDDOT shared financing for Ramsey County Hwy. 1 construction-only costs. The remainder would all be the local share. He also informed them of a bridge in the county that is underwater and needs to be removed as it is no longer in use, a considerable expenditure of county funds, but the NDDOT will pay for expenses of approximately $160,000 to remove this bridge.
Unfinished business: The 2026 Ag Values will be discussed at the first February meeting.
The Beer/Liquor License application that was tabled at the last meeting for Wallys Bad Ass Bar & Famous Food was addressed by Howell who stated that, according to Section 12 of the Code, the facility is required to have adequate toilet and lavatory facilities, which it appears it does not. There was also a question about whether or not the applicant, only referred to as Mr. Johnson, lived in Ramsey County or not. His recomendation was to deny the application.
New business: One Homestead Credit Abatement was approved.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bryan Lang reported that he was in need of storage for items that his office needs to keep on hand. Said items were not evidence, but needed supplies like 12 new tires for RC vehicles, etc. As he was explaining, Jason Kraft moved up beside him, explaining that he, too, had a similar need and that perhaps they could work together to provide a space, like a small building of some kind in the County’s lot to serve both their needs for the time being. After some discussion it was decided that a small building would be purchased to help out both the Sheriff’s Department and the Highway Department, something that is secure and safe for storing the items in question.
The commission voted to provide the $400 from the General Fund to pay for signage for a stretch of highway in the County dedicated as a memorial for Officer Rudolf Howell who died in 1950. once a location in Ramsey County is selected for this memorial dedication.
Finally, using the metal detectors for security had a trial run recently on third floor and the Sheriff reported that it seemed to go pretty well. Another trial run will take place on Feb. 10, on the main floor of the Courthouse to determine where it would be best to have it in the building on a more permanent basis. All other doors will be locked except the front doors to allow people access to the metal detectors if they wish to attend meetings, court proceedings and have other business in the Courthouse.
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