A deviation for a new aircraft detection lighting system for a wind farm in northern Pierce County received a nod from Pierce County commissioners at their regular meeting held on September 7 at the courthouse of the Pierce County.

The Commissioners listened to representatives from SWCA Environmental Consultants, who spoke on behalf of Rugby Wind, LLC to explain the need for the tower lighting system. The aircraft detection lighting system, known as ADLS, is said to be built on land owned by Linda Ripplinger, who attended the meeting with resident Doug Mundahl. Mundahl expressed concern about the safety of planes flying from Rugby Airport.

According to the meeting minutes, SWCA representative Sarah Emery, who attended the meeting by phone, told the group that the North Dakota Civil Service Commission is now requesting that wind farms install the new technology, which prevents the lights on top of wind turbines from flashing all night, instead of turning them on. only when aircraft are detected in the area.

Emery told the group that the new technology detects planes flying 1,500 feet above the ground within a three to six mile radius. She added that the FAA is considering the Civil Service Commission’s request and is expected to make a decision by November.

The committee voted to approve the request for the lighting system.

Commissioners also heard information presented by Mike Graner, administrator of the Heart of America Correctional and Treatment Center. Graner reported that the facility’s average prison population in August was 75, with a maximum of 90 inmates during the month. Sixty-seven inmates were housed in the facility as of September 1. Twenty-nine detainees were booked in August, while 63 were released. The facility housed 10 Pierce County inmates in August.

Graner added that the facility had a deficit of $ 1,342.81 in July and that 20 of the 24 officer positions were filled. Graner also reported that an officer who had resigned had “Canceled the resignation”. In addition, Graner had received a new application for an officer position. Graner said two officers on sick leave had returned to their posts and he expected another to return in October. He also asked the council to “Consider adjusting paid leave for employees to an hour and a half rather than granting them eight to twelve hours of additional annual leave”, according to the meeting minutes.

The establishment had also carried out a compliance audit with the law on the elimination of rape in prison, which found it in full compliance.

Graner also reported issues with a new server recently purchased for the prison resulting in unforeseen expenses. He told commissioners he had requested quotes for the replacement of a new prison fire control panel. In addition, Graner asked the Commissioners to approve two Lenova laptops for use in telehealth; two Cellsense Ultra contraband cell phone detectors with Xact ID technology and a vehicle intended to replace a pickup truck were destroyed in an accident in August. The commissioners approved Graner’s requests.

In other law enforcement cases, the commissioners met with Pierce County State Attorney Galen Mack to discuss the county’s community service program, which has been affected by recent trends in matters of criminal conviction. A candidate who had previously expressed interest in becoming a community service officer for the county had declined an offer for the position, according to information shared with the group.

“Misdemeanor charges, which used to be attributed to hours of community service, are now reduced to offenses and fewer community service cases (are) available.” according to meeting information. The commission will hold a full advisory meeting on community service to further consider the issue before posting an advertisement for a community service officer position.

Mack also presented information from State Court Administrator Sally Holewa on implementing a recruiting program to bring lawyers to rural communities such as Rugby or Pierce County. The program stems from legislation enacted during the past biennium in the North Dakota House and Senate. Counties or cities must sign an agreement to pay a portion of the financial incentives to bring lawyers into their communities. Information provided by Mack puts the cost to participants at approximately $ 3,150 for five years. The commission approved Mack’s request for Pierce County to participate in the program.

The commissioners also listened to information presented by NDSU County Extension Officer Pierce, Brenden Klebe and Sandra Scherr, the Extension Administrative Assistant who runs the county’s 4-H program. Scherr said a date for the 4-H Achievement Awards would be set soon and asked a county commissioner to attend the ceremony. Scherr also called on the commissioners to promote the 4-H program and raise awareness.

Klebe told commissioners he plans to set a date for a Farm Safety Day in September. He added that the hay and soil survey services by the extension office would start soon.

Jesse Brandvold and Jessica Tagestad, both of Wold Engineering, also met with the board to provide an update on a remodeling and gravel project on a three mile section east of Selz to the boundary of the Benson County. The commissioners will meet with the North Dakota Department of Transportation at the Bismarck Civic Center on October 4 to discuss federal assistance for county roads for 2022.

Council members also heard an update on a snow plow recently purchased by the county. Brian Kraft of supplier RDO told the board that the blade will likely arrive in early October. Board members agreed to have staff trained to use the new blade.

In other cases, the council has approved requests for county deeds on four properties. The council approved the tax relief requests on two properties.

The board also approved the invoices and financial statements for August.

The commissioners will then meet on October 5 at 8 a.m. at the Pierce County Courthouse.