Ward County Commission reviews earlier feed-lot enforcement motion; takes no action

At its April 24 special meeting, the Ward County Commission discussed whether to reopen a prior enforcement motion concerning an unpermitted feed lot. The prior motion would "direct Ms. Pietsch and Ms. Larson to draft a letter on State's Attorney letterhead for a $100 per day fine for the feed lot not being permitted and to include that no additional or new animals be allowed in until the feed lot is permitted or the operation ceases." The commission reviewed newly obtained information in executive session under NDCC 44-04-19.1 but did not change the prior motion; no formal vote on a new enforcement action occurred.

The discussion included staff and legal counsel who had been present in executive session: Planning Administrator Beth Pietsch and State's Attorney Roza Larson. Commissioners noted concerns about enforcing permitting requirements and the potential $100-per-day penalty referenced in the prior motion, but the board concluded the information presented did not produce a new majority decision and the existing motion remains in effect. The county did not specify next steps, deadlines, or a timetable for drafting the referenced letter in the public record.