The Devils Lake City Commission met for a regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. After approving the previous meeting’s minutes, commissioners heard from Dennis Olson, Chairman of the Airport Authority Board. The Devils Lake airport is very close to making a passenger goal for December that would increase federal funding from $150,000 for the year to $650,000 for the year. New marketing campaigns are working well.
Under commissioner portfolios, City Attorney Jack Yunker explained that the main stipulation of the joint powers agreement between the city, county, and Law Enforcement Center has to do with booking individuals in for municipal or district charges properly. Nuisance letters are still going out and being responded to regarding mechanical refuse in yards. Police Chief Joe Knowski requested a 2016 Expedition be declared vehicle surplus, and this was approved unanimously.
City Engineer Mike Grafsgaard had a number of pay estimates approved, including curb, gutter, and sidewalk projects and water main replacements. A motion was brought to the commission to approve a preliminary engineering report to pave gravel sections of roadways in the Stromquist division and have some curb and sidewalk work, as well. A public input meeting for this initiative is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. in the city office. There have been multiple funding sources secured for this project so it does not need to be solely funded by special assessments, and the commission unanimously approved the drafting of the preliminary report. A resolution was also passed to create roadways within the west side of the city south of 14th Street Northwest and west of College Drive. Residents are always welcome to voice concerns or support over these proposed projects.
City Administrator Spencer Halvorson explained an agreement that was put in place a few years ago between the City and the airport to extend a $2 million line of credit to cover expenses while federal reimbursements are slow to be received. This was passed unanimously by the commission. City Attorney Yunker then presented options regarding a class-action lawsuit having to do with contaminated water; the city’s water levels were tested and found no contaminants, and the commission therefore voted to take no action at this time as the lawsuit continues. The commission then approved the list of bills.
Past meeting minutes and future meeting agendas can be found at dvlnd.com.
