The Ramsey County Commission held its regular meeting at the Ramsey County District Courthouse on Tuesday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m.
Commission Vice Chairman Paul Wilhelmi called the meeting to order. Chairman Blaine Volk was absent with Commissioners Bill Hodous, Ed Brown, Jeff Frith, County Auditor Kandy Christopherson and States Attorney Daniel Howell in attendance.
Maintenance Supervisor Roger Gunderson spoke about the electrical upgrade in the basement of the courthouse. The plan is to temporarily close down the courthouse at noon on Wednesday, July 15, with any court dates being rescheduled. The work should be carried out Thursday and Friday. If all goes as planned, the power should be back on by the start of the next week. The motion carried, with all voting in favor.
Chris Jaeger of Ramsey County Emergency Management discussed the opening of the courthouse’s severe weather shelter. A plan to manage it will be forthcoming and was approved by the commission, with all voting in favor.
Highway Superintendent Jason Kraft asked for a motion to move forward with using mag water on roads in Ramsey County, with the cost being $15,000 for 2026. Kraft also requested an order of two 72 inch by 40 feet culverts, which are $7,500 each. Other items requested were overlay patches to conceal 13 spots between Ramsey County 4 and Ramsey County 8, and a $35,000 payment to Johnson Excavating out of the emergency fund. All motions were approved by the commission.
Paul Christianson, former mayor of Churchs Ferry, had his authority over the former town’s remaining property rescinded by the commission. There were numerous complaints alleging he used his authority in a concerning manner, which did not reflect the County’s wishes. A letter stating the details of this decision will be delivered to Christianson by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, effective immediately.
County liquor licenses were approved for several businesses by the commission. Buckhorn Saloon, Checkered Flag, Devils Lake Parkboard, Ed’s Bar and Bait Shop, Military Service Club, Pop’s, and Pro’s Lakeside were among the several businesses approved.
The commission approved a $535,000 payment to Devils Lake Public Schools, as they need to make a bond payment this month.
Commissioner Frith reported that there has been no news from the regulatory agency regarding area flooding but he said he would keep asking about it. He also informed the commission of the LEC Board meeting was coming the morning of June 17 and that June 25 would be the date for the county’s proposed ordinances.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Ramsey County Commission will be at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7.