The Devils Lake City Commission met for a regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 5. After approval of the May 15 meeting minutes, the Commission recognized Roger Hammond in Public Utilities for 40 years of service to the City of Devils Lake. Thank you, and congratulations Roger.

Several public hearings were held; changes of zoning for Applebee’s, Grace Baptist Church, RWB Investments, Nordic Fiberglass, and Tolbit Properties LLC were all unanimously approved. The commission also voted to extend the Renaissance Zone for one block to include the Fireside Inn, Pizza Ranch, and Bravera Bank.

Commissioner portfolios included the approval for a backup software program with Vanguard to protect the city’s parcel information in the future to avoid any sort of crash like happened in January; the commission unanimously approved a $550 setup fee and $150 annual fee with a roll call vote. Several commissioners and city employees commended various departments on a very successful Devils Run; from law enforcement to streets, it was a very well-received and smooth event.

City Administrator Spencer Halvorson recommended moving the Narcotic Task Force’s remaining city funds to Ramsey County, which now houses the task force. $101,333.27 was unanimously approved to be transferred to the county by a roll call vote. Administrator Halvorson also gave an update to the schedule for reviewing and approving the 2024 budget, with meetings (regular and special) occurring over the summer with the goal of approving the preliminary budget on August 7.

City Attorney Jack Yunker stated that the Ramsey County State’s Attorney Beau Cummings and the Law Enforcement Center attorney Howard Swanson have met and are waiting to hear back from the LEC board before completing the deed agreement. Yunker also stated that Burger King has filed for bankruptcy in several locations, including here in Devils Lake. Deputy Auditor Brina Abrahamson was able to file a claim regarding utilities, and it is not yet known whether this location will stay open. Yunker has a nuisance ordinance drafted and will be meeting with Mayor Jim Moe later in the week to review.

Under new business, the commission voted unanimously to set a commercial blanket bond at $2 million. Police Chief Joseph Knowski proposed a budget amendment that would allow law enforcement to purchase one extra new vehicle this year; they were scheduled to purchase one this year and two in 2024, this will essentially reverse this plan. The commission unanimously approved the $55,000 budget amendment to purchase a new squad car pending city attorney review and approval. Brad Barth from Forward Devils Lake stated that Unpopped Colonels will be present at the June 19 commission meeting with a business plan to get the movie theater open as soon as possible.

Mayor Moe reminded the commission that school board elections will take place on June 13 at the Memorial Building from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Finally, the commission voted unanimously to approve payment of the city’s bills.

Past meeting minutes and future meeting agendas can be found at dvlnd.com.