Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Work continues on an application for funds to complete the major water and sewer infrastructure project planned for the City of New Rockford.
Travis Dillman and Senger Wade Senger of Interstate Engineering attended the City Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, January 2 to review a two-page request for documentation from USDA. The paperwork must be turned in before the city will receive a notice of award from the agency. The city could receive up to 40 percent of the project cost in grant funds from USDA through this program, which would greatly reduce the cost to residents and taxpayers. Dillman and Senger said the paperwork should be completed within 30 days.
The board authorized President Calvin Packard to sign all necessary documents and later committed up to $1 million in city funds towards the project. The USDA applications asks that the city provide a financial contribution. Auditor George Ritzke suggested that the city pull from four accounts, including two street improvement district funds totaling approximately $350,000; a sum of $38,000 from the infrastructure improvement fund, and $600,000 from the water works fund, which has a balance of $1.1 million.
The water tower repair contract with H & H Coatings was also discussed, and Dillman said he recommended that the city include the repair in the scope of work for the water & sewer project so that any grant percentage would be applied to that cost as well. The city will make a final determination on the water tower repair contract once they have a notice of award from USDA. Public input meetings will be scheduled to get residents’ feedback as well before making a final decision.
Jill Louters, NR-S School Superintendent, approached the commission about an issue the architects discovered when working on plans for the school renovation project. A portion of the building on the southwest end of the high school wing was inadvertently built 6 inches onto city street right-of-way, and part of two classrooms therefore are technically located on city property.
“Our position is that we want to correct the situation,” Louters said. City Attorney Peterson said he would review the documentation and research possible solutions.
The four-way stop at the intersection of Fifth Street and First Avenue North is now permanent, following action by the commission. Commissioner DeVon Allmaras made a motion to make the stop signs on First Avenue North permanent, and also to permanently prohibit parking on the north half of the west side of the 100 block of Fifth Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. The measures were implemented in August in order to improve traffic flow and safety around the school. Sheriff Paul Lies, who was in attendance to deliver his annual report, said that even though there were issues when the signs first went up, the changes have been positive.
“Honestly, I think it slows traffic down in that area,” Lies said. “It’s safer for kids to cross the street. I think it’s a positive move.” The commission unanimously approved the motion on a roll call vote.
The First Reading of a revision to city ordinance 10-02-04 was read and approved. The change addresses the minimum height of tree limbs allowed alongside streets and alleys, as there was inconsistency between 10-02-04 and 3-02-02. With the change both ordinances will reflect a 12 foot minimum height, an increase from the 9 foot minimum in 10-02-04.
The commission also reviewed a written quarterly report from New Rockford Park District Manager Jon Johnson. Commissioners noted that they are pleased with the fundraising efforts undertaken. Allmaras asked about the status of the ice skating rink, as she said it would be nice to have it open during winter break from school. Public Works Superintendent Hirchert commented that he was aware that the rink had been flooded earlier in December, but the ground wasn’t frozen, so the water just soaked into the ground. The rink was then flooded twice more during the break. The board requested that Johnson deliver his reports in person in the future so they can ask him their questions.
Election for the New Rockford City Commission and New Rockford Park District will be held in June. Terms are up for two commissioners, Amy Ellingson and DeVon Allmaras, and three park district members, Jim Ehni, Jodi Hirchert, and Joseph Greiner. Petitions are due April 9. Anyone who wishes to run for a seat on either board must complete the necessary forms and get at least 31 signatures from city residents. Forms are available at City Hall.
The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6 at 7 p.m.
