TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

RICHLAND COUNTY TOWNSHIP OFFICERS
Annual Meeting
March 24, 2003

Chairman Steve Ginsbach called the meeting to order at 7 P.M. with 24 townships present. A motion was made and 2^nd to dispense with the minutes from the November 26, 2002 meeting. Motion carried.

Treasurers report was given by Allan Braaten. Beginning balance was $1914.49, Income of $2160, Expenses $2763.69 with an ending balance of $1310.80. A motion was made and 2^nd to approve. Motion carried.

Dr. David Hopkins, NDSU Soils Department gave a presentation on saline soil development and potential research planned for the Richland County area.

Steve Ginsbach , Vice-President, NDTOA reported on state activities and legislation that affects townships that is currently pending.

Chairman Don Holen, Richland County Commissioners reported on recent activity regarding handicapped doors for the LEC, office relocation in the courthouse and the Colfax radio tower.

Tim Schulte, Richland County Highway Engineer, updated the township officers on road and bridge repair and rebuilding projects for 2003. Schulte indicated the dust control program would continue on a 50-50 cost share basis with county and township roads. Schulte indicated the communication between townships and road maintenance personnel on this program needs to be worked on so they are informed where this material is located when maintaining roads. Road restrictions went on March 17. The current GIS program of marking center lines of roads for emergency vehicles was also underway.

Kim Murphy, Richland County Sheriff discussed fire conditions, meth education programs and awareness, road restrictions and homeland security efforts.

Larry Osborn, Director of Tax Equalization, provided an update on current legislation affecting property taxes pending before the legislature in North Dakota.

Steve Ginsbach, Richland County Weed Board, asked townships to map leafy Spurge areas. Also asked them to be alert for yellow starthistle and salt cedar, two new noxious weeds that are beginning to move into the area.

Nominations were received for Directors for District 1, Lester Johnson, District 2-Allan Braaten, District 3 Bill Krause and District 4 Arnie Anderson. A motion was made and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot for all districts. Motion seconded and carried.

Meeting Adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dale L. Siebert
Secretary