08/26/2026
Road Maintenance & Funding
Date: 8/20/2026
Duration: 49 min, 58 sec
MEETING LOGISTICS & FINANCIALS
* Attendees: Ken Shearer, Elvina Contla, & Bill Skidmore.
* Motion to approve minutes passed.
Financial Report Approval:
* Beginning balance: $62,239.32
* Ending balance: $42,920.71
* Contingency balance: $15,027.46
* Total for all accounts: $57,948.17
* Deposit from county: $755.38
* Payment to Knife River (rock for roads): $1,285.35
* Payment to W.D. Wilson Construction (drainage repair): $18,137.71
* Payment to Knife River (more rock for roads): $650.93
* Outstanding Bills: No outstanding bills to pay.
* Motion to approve financial report passed.
ROAD CONDITIONS & GENERAL MAINTENANCE
* Current State: Roads like Freight Road, Ponderosa Lane, and Big Buck have significant
issues, including potholes and washboards.
FREIGHT ROAD PAVING PROPOSAL
* Current capabilities are limited to "putting grindings in potholes and putting some reactivator on it and then topping it with cold patch."
* The county no longer contracts for chip sealing roads
* The board cannot hire unlicensed individuals for road work; due to concerns about liability if an unlicensed individual causes damage (e.g., throwing a rock, damaging a culvert).
* Funding Concerns: Past "band aids" without long-term consideration. A bad winter could deplete funds, leaving no excess for additional maintenance.
Long-Term Paving & Funding Challenges
The Board discussed the long-term cost of paving roads within the district. A past district-wide paving proposal was reviewed, which would have required voter approval and an increased tax levy.
Current district revenues remain limited, and the existing tax rate has not increased for many years. It was noted that paving all district roads has previously been estimated at approximately $2.7 million.
The Board discussed past attempts for a levy or petition-based funding options, as well as the need to consider ongoing maintenance costs before pursuing paving projects.
The Board also noted that savings from lower snow-removal expenses (the past winter) allowed for additional funds to be used for road and drainage projects.
An attendee offered to assist financially with projects if the District experienced a funding shortage. No action was taken.
Speed Limits & Enforcement
The Board discussed ongoing concerns regarding speeding within the district.
Discussion included limitations on establishing and enforcing speed limits on gravel roads and the District's lack of enforcement authority. Law enforcement may respond to complaints involving unsafe or reckless driving when sufficient evidence and witness information are available.
Residents were encouraged to report unsafe driving to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Dust Control
The Board discussed ongoing dust concerns on higher-traffic roads within the district.
Dust-control products have been used successfully by residents in some areas, including Ponderosa. Professional application costs were discussed and were considered too high for routine district-wide use.
Residents may choose to apply dust-control products independently. Proper preparation and dilution were briefly discussed.
No district-wide dust-control program was approved.
Action Items & Upcoming Discussions
● Obtain measurements and additional information for Freight Line Road to evaluate a
possible paving repair project.
● Obtain grindings from Rocky Mountain Construction for pothole repairs, consistent with prior Board approval.
● Inspect district roads as needed.
● Remove saplings and other growth from drainage ditches as needed.
Adjourned at 7:50 PM
