The Williston Planning and Zoning Commission forwarded a recommendation to the city commission for approval of a 158-bedroom temporary housing facility for Halliburton.

Approval came at the end of a public hearing in which a long list of conditions for compliance were attached.

Prior to the hearing on Halliburton’s request, a public hearing on amending City Ordinance 613 took place. Changes to the amendment were made to allow for the use of temporary housing in M-2, Heavy Industrial District zoning and requirements for it to be acceptable as a Special Permitted Use. Changes made prior to the presentation were then used while discussing the Halliburton project.

Several representatives from Halliburton were in attendance, with the presentation on the proposed housing made by District Manager Brent Eslinger. The location for the project was to be on the edge of Halliburton’s facility in the Williston Rail Industrial Park, on a roughly 6.5 acre lot.

Eslinger said their plan was to put together a facility equipped with 158 one-person bedrooms. If demand were high enough, the rooms could become two-person rooms, with a maximum capacity on site of 312.

“But we’d like to keep it with each person having their own room,” said Eslinger.

They are planning on bringing in a facility of housing units from Target Logistics, units that were at the recent Vancouver Olympics.

“They’re going to be demobilized by the end of March,” Eslinger said.

Eslinger said the facility would be equipped with 24-hour staff and security. The units would be available to employees only, and they would have security badges to enter and exit the premises.

“We’ll also hire staff locally if available. All employees would have to go through a thorough background check that takes about six weeks, and the facility is to be firearm and alcohol-free,” said Eslinger.

Eslinger was asked about the setup of the camp and the ability to link up with utilities. He replied that they would hook up with city water and sewer and they’ve already had conversations with MDU about electric hookups.

He added that there also is a sprinkler system, security fencing, and the units are self-contained.

Eslinger also said that there were stipulations put forward by the city to have a graveled lot, proper lighting, and a request by the city engineer to construct an eastbound right turn lane onto 24th Avenue Northeast.

He said Halliburton was willing to do the what they can to comply and make the proposal work.

“This is not just your run-of-the-mill camp,” said Eslinger.

Eslinger said they also plan on having emergency response plans filed with the city that were requested.

The issue of what kind of structures would be put in place would they be taxable, Eslinger was to the point. He explained that they would be placing the units on floating concrete slabs, which if they’re attached or bolted to the ground, are taxable as real property.

“This is a $20 million investment we’re looking at here. I’m sure you’ll find a way to tax us,” Eslinger said, drawing laughter from the audience and commission.

Some residents who live near the proposed site had questions. One nearby resident who spoke up was Jackie Lund. She asked if there was any other place that the proposed camp might be able to be placed.

“I mean, how many years are we going to have to look at it and deal with a lot of outgoing traffic with it?” said Lund.

One of the representatives replied that the setup of the building isn’t cluttered or unattractive and they do have a buffer zone of trees on the edge of the site. He also mentioned the turn lane as well as the fact that heavy trucks won’t be coming and going from the site.

Resident Jolene Lordemann asked about the impact the housing might have on home values and investment in housing in the area, citing that she and her husband have just built a home nearby.

“Would that deter people from building? And what percentage of the workers are wanting permanent housing?” said Lordemann.

Eslinger replied that they have quite a few wanting to find permanent housing.

“We actually had a few with offers for employment end up turning it down recently because they couldn’t find housing,” said Eslinger.

After further discussion, a motion to approve the housing project was made. A series of further stipulations were added to the motion.

Among the added stipulations were a building permit would be needed, at least 200 feet of pavement would need to be added onto 24th Avenue Northeast and the entire project would be approved for five years.

The commission voted to recommend to the city commission approval of the project pending the approval of the revised city ordinance and compliance of the stipulations. The vote was unanimous by a seven votes to none margin.

The Williston City Commission meets Tuesday.