Column by Gordeon Weixel/Bismarck Tribune

While the importance of the Burleigh County comprehensive land use plan is magnified by the declaration of a year-long development moratorium, the $64,000 question is - how will it effect Clairmont Properties Sundown Acres 2nd subdivision?

Prior to the seating of two new members of the Burleigh County Commission - Mark Armstrong and Jim Peluso - it appeared Sundown Acres 2nd was a done deal having been unanimously approved by the commission despite concerns by the Burleigh County Planning Commission.

But the old truism that the decision of a past commission cannot bind a future commission to that same decision is playing itself out with the present Burleigh County Commission. With the new players in place, a motion to reconsider the plat approval of Sundown Acres 2nd will take place at the commission's first meeting in January.

Should the commission move ahead with reconsideration they will be faced with the same questions - approve, deny or table, perhaps sending it back to the planning commission for its recommendation. Should they send it back, how will it be impacted by the moratorium? Having waited a year and a half for a plat decision, being put on the backburner for up to another year may not set too well with Clairmont Properties.

Should the commission deny or table it faces a possible lawsuit to recover any expenses incurred by Clairmont Properties preparing the subdivision. While no earthwork has taken place, a lot of planning and surveying has.

Dave Patience, Swenson and Hagen consultant who has worked long and hard on Sundown Acres 2nd, makes the argument that since there is a moratorium instituted, how can the commission reconsider? I don't think that will carry too much weight with the commissioners.

Provident work awarded

The Burleigh County Commission awarded bids for renovation of the third floor of the Provident Building.

The general contractor will be Associated Builders, mechanical went to Central Mechanical and the electrical contractor is Bergstrom Electric.

The three bids totalled $324,000 less than half of the original estimate of $700,000. The difference was explained on a very competitive environment.

When the work is complete the child support unit will move into the Provident from the courthouse.

How much do they make?

The Burleigh County Commission also approved the salaries for its newest employees.

Sheriff Pat Heinert will receive $6,125 a month, recorder Deb Kroshus $3,894 a month and commissioners Mark Armstrong and Jim Peluso $1,316 a month. These figures don't include the benefits they can receive.

MPO reorganizes

The Metropolitan Planning Organization reorganized this past week electing Morton County commissioner Matt Erhardt chairman and Lincoln Mayor Glenn Christmann vice chair.

Washington Street update

At the MPO policy board meeting, Bismarck city engineer Mel Bullinger reported that the Washington Street project, that controversial bottleneck between Rosser and Avenue D, is in the design phase.

The utility design is nearly complete. The cost of the reconstruction project is being put at $2 million and is expected to be put up for bids in later March or early April. Bullinger said another public meeting is being planned for later February or early March.

Mandan appointments

The Mandan City Commission reappointed Jayden Veil and Holly Dickson to the Architectural Review Commission.

Ansely is court clerk

Robert Ansely will become U.S. District Court Clerk of Court effective Jan. 2, chief justice Dan Hovland announced.

Ansley has served as staff attorney and human resources manager to the court for more than 10 years. He replaced long-time clerk Ed Klecker who retired after 23 years.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)