The City Commission met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting opened with the approval of the minutes from March 20’s regular meeting, and with a thank-you and goodbye from Paula Vistad, who will be retiring from her role as Executive Director at the Chamber of Commerce as of May 1. The commission voted unanimously via roll call vote to release quarter 1 and 2 funds to the Chamber for the amount of $12,500.
Highlights of commissioner’s portfolio updates include the fact that the North Dakota State Water Commission granted $1.77 million to Devils Lake for 60% of construction costs for 2023-2024 water main replacement projects. Minor pothole patching will occur this week, with more serious work and sweeping happening once everything dries up. It was also noted that garbage will be picked up in streets and avenues as opposed to alleys until further notice, and that this week there is free dumping at the landfill by appointment from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. this Monday-Friday. Next week will begin special spring garbage pickup; see the city’s website for more details.
Rob Johnson, the City Assessor, gave an update about the cost to recoup the January data loss of commercial property parcel information. The software vendor projected a cost of $250,000 and would not be able to complete this service for at least five years. As a result, different options are being explored, including the potential to partner with Ramsey County on another data service. Firm options will be presented at a future commission meeting.
The following motions were made and approved unanimously: to authorize a call for bids for the 2023 asphalt and concrete steel repair project; to authorize a call for bids for the 2023 curb, gutter, and sidewalk projects; to approve an agreement with Ramsey County to maintain gravel roadways within the City of Devils Lake; to opt-in to an opioid class-action lawsuit that the State of North Dakota is involved in against corporations including Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart; and to pay the initial and first annual fee of the fire department’s new software.
City officials met prior to this meeting and drafted a capital improvement plan for the City of Devils Lake through 2028. Assistant City Engineer Devin Gathman gave an overview of the plan, highlighting the projects identified by the city moving forward and funding sources for them. This plan does not necessitate the need to take on any new debt. City Engineer Mike Grafsgaard took a moment to commend Assistant Engineer Gathman on his work, and the fact that many projects are made possible because of him and his position. The commission voted unanimously to approve the capital improvement plan.
City Administrator Spencer Halvorson recommended to the commission that the city serve as the financier for a $1 million bond to the Park Board for the completion of the family entertainment center. The Park Board is willing and able to bond this amount privately, but the city would potentially be able to offer a better rate and therefore save the taxpayers approximately $100,000 in interest payments. There was discussion about keeping the $1 million as a reserve for the city if projects or unexpected costs were to come up and whether the City should continue to be responsible for funding requests like these. After more discussion and reiteration that this plan of action is to save taxpayer money, the approval for the City to act as financier of a $1 million bond to the Park Board was passed unanimously by roll call vote. City Attorney Jack Yunker will be drafting this agreement and it will be presented at a later date.
Finally, the commission voted to approve the closure of the 2022 actuals vs budgeted and to pay the bills presented to the city.
Agendas and past meeting minutes can be found at dvlnd.com.
