Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Morton County Commission approved a new weather safety policy for outdoor events and accepted a $666,333 low bid from SiteWorks Excavation for the Sweetbriar Bridge replacement. Commissioners discussed ongoing issues with unauthorized horse grazing at Greenwood Cemetery, directing staff to formally terminate a lease arrangement and research long-term solutions including potential transfer to the City of Mandan.
Key Decisions (6)
Morton Mandan Events Weather Policy Adoption
Commission approved a comprehensive weather safety policy for outdoor events establishing a color-coded system (green/yellow/red) with specific triggers for protective actions including lightning within 30 miles, 1-inch hail, and 58 mph winds. Policy applies to events where Emergency Management is requested to assist.
Sweetbriar Bridge Replacement Contract Award
Accepted low bid from SiteWorks Excavation and Development for $666,333.31 for replacement of bridge number 30-145-11.0 near Sweetbriar School. Five bids received; winning bid was 26% below engineer's estimate of $898,000. Project scheduled to complete during summer school break.
Township Road Mileage Certification
Approved certification of organized and unorganized township mileage for roads to be submitted to North Dakota State Treasurer. No changes from 2024; only one organized township (Captain's Landing) with remainder unorganized. Total of 1.1 miles.
Homestead Tax Credit Abatements 7204-7206
Approved homestead abatements: 7204 for City of Hebron (2024), 7205 and 7206 for City of Mandan (2025).
Veterans Tax Credit Abatements 7207-7208
Approved veterans abatements: 7207 for Morton County (2025), 7208 for City of New Salem (2024).
2025 Budget Amendments
Approved budget amendments for funds exceeding original budget including MANTF (Sheriff reimbursement), HVAC fund (cooling tower and roof beam repairs at social service building), memorial wall ($2,000 for fundraising printing), special assessments, internal service fund (Sheriff vehicles carryover), hazardous chemical prep (gas monitors for Mandan Fire), and economic development ($1 overage).
Development Activity (2)
Sweetbriar Bridge Replacement
Bridge replacement project with Superior Walls precast box culvert sections. Contract value $666,333.31, below engineer's estimate of $898,000.
Social Service Building HVAC and Structural Repairs
New cooling tower installation plus emergency structural repairs to rusted roof beams discovered during HVAC work.
Market Signals (2)
Infrastructure
Morton County received five competitive bids for bridge replacement, significantly exceeding typical DOT bid counts of two to three, with winning bid 26% below engineer's estimate indicating strong contractor interest and competitive pricing.
Infrastructure
Eagle View aerial imaging flights commenced for county property assessment updates, with data expected June-July 2026, indicating ongoing property valuation modernization efforts.