The Devils Lake City Commission met for a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20. After approving the previous meeting’s minutes and current meeting’s agenda, Mayor Jim Moe and the City of Devils Lake proclaimed Sunday, December 3 as Lake Region Public Library Day in honor of 20 years of operation in Devils Lake and Ramsey County. Library Director Maddie Cummings gave a short overview of the past year, as well as a public invite to the 20-year-birthday event on December 3 at the library.
A bid was submitted and opened for sidewalk snow removal, and it was unanimously approved to award the bid to Dakota Washmaster.
Under commissioner portfolios, Commissioner Jason Pierce motioned to give city employees the Friday after Thanksgiving off; after some discussion, this was approved unanimously with a roll call vote. Commissioner Shane Hamre passed on a commendation to the recycling pickup crew for the excellent work they do. The commission then voted to allocate grant funding for law enforcement the way Chief Joseph Knowski proposed.
City Administrator Spencer Halvorson and Mayor Moe gave a short overview of the healthcare roundtable events the previous week, as well as the meeting with Senator John Hoeven. Hopefully action will begin soon on the healthcare facility needs of Devils Lake.
Administrator Halvorson also gave a high-level overview of a proposed Jobs Development Authority to be created with the sitting commissioners to clean up economic development financials, with Forward Devils Lake acting as Executive Advisor to this authority. This will be decided at the next meeting. There was also a question about the process to replace Chief Knowski, who is retiring May 1, 2024. The position will be advertised in late January or early February to hopefully have a candidate in place in late March or early April to take over May 2.
Commissioners asked City Attorney Jack Yunker about the enforcement of nuisance ordinances, and stressed the importance of laying out the process so all responsible parties know what they are accountable for. The commission then approved a number of measures, including the certification of roadways, to allow the purchase of a lot in the Roundhouse subdivision, to pay a curb, gutter, and sidewalk pay estimate, to amend a change order for water main replacements and the 14th and 14th gravel project, and to work with Ottertail Power Company and other entities to certify 131 acres out of town to give accurate statistics to potential businesses and individuals interested in building in Devils Lake. Finally, the commission voted to pay the bills.
Past meeting minutes and future meeting agendas can be found at dvlnd.com.
