The Devils Lake City Commission met for a regular meeting on Monday, July 3 at 5 p.m. After approving the previous meeting’s minutes, the commissioners discussed the upcoming 4th of July festivities. Highlights from commissioner portfolios included the notice that the Renaissance Zone of Devils Lake is over capacity on blocks, so the previously approved zoning of the block including the Fireside Inn & Suites to complete significant improvements to the hotel will not be able to go into effect. Following portfolios, City Administrator Spencer Halvorson gave a high-level overview of special accounts held by the city before budget defense hearings begin next week.
The commissioners then discussed the proposed nuisance ordinance, noting that the adoption of this ordinance will give the city the option to charge a $25 fine per day after notice is given to individuals who do not dispose of the refuse in question. This fine can be assessed for up to 60 days for up to $1500. After this, the city may remove the refuse in question. The ordinance defines special vehicles for parts, antique cars, and other provisions that will not be counted as a nuisance. Potentially affected vehicles will not include running vehicles that are licensed and fully operable. There was some dispute over what the ordinance pertains to regarding vehicles in driveways, but ultimately the nuisance ordinance was passed 4-1 with Commissioner Hamre voting nay.
At the last meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to grant Unpopped Colonels, LLC a forgivable $200,000 loan to re-open the movie theater in Devils Lake. The formal agreement was put forth at this meeting, which includes a clause saying that if another movie theater purchases the building, the city will have the option to offer this same agreement to them. Approval of this agreement passed unanimously. Commissioners then approved the pay estimate of $130,892.19 for a water main replacement on 12th Street NW, and to pay the submitted bills. Commissioner Pierce then asked citizens to be sure to clean up used fireworks after the 4th of July celebrations.
Past meeting minutes and future meeting agendas can be found at dvlnd.com.
