City to begin rewrite of zoning ordinances

Discussion about the Board of Adjustment and Zoning Committee continued at the New Rockford City Commission’s meeting on Monday, March 5. Commissioner DeVon Allmaras re-iterated that she thinks the zoning ordinances should be rewritten first, and that the commission should only appoint people to serve on committees once the ordinances are updated. The chapter on zoning has been in place virtually unchanged for more than 30 years.

City Attorney Travis Peterson said that the North Dakota League of Cities does have a current model ordinance the commissioners could review and revise as appropriate. Auditor George Ritzke was directed to prepare copies of the chapter so the commissioners can begin studying it. Discussion was also held on zoning for medical marijuana, as there is a possibility that a dispensary application could be filed in the county.

Craig Voigt presented a petition to vacate streets and alleys as platted in Sunrise Addition, of which he owns all the property. The land had been slated for a trailer park many years ago, but no development had been completed, so the streets and alleys do not exist. However, since the roadways are on a plat that is recorded with the county, they must be vacated per city ordinance before Voigt can develop the property as he wishes. Peterson will review the petition and advise the commission regarding a hearing on the matter.

The commission approved a variance requested by the New Rockford-Sheyenne School. The document provides the school district with the documentation it needs to install brick on the 6-inch-wide section of the school building that was inadvertently built on city right-of-way.

Ed O’Connor was present to address concerns about cars parked on the street and recreational vehicles parked in the front lawn of an apartment building in town. After discussion about city ordinances that prohibit parking on front lawns, allow the removal of “nuisance” vehicles that are not registered and call for the towing of vehicles parked on the street that have not been moved for more than 48 hours, Commissioner Packard was appointed to have a discussion with Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies about enforcing the ordinances and then reporting to the commission at the April meeting about the action taken to correct the issues.

The city also took the following action at the meeting:

 • Opened two bids for the purchase of the remaining street signs that were removed last year. Larry Danduran was the successful bidder, offering $435.40 for the remaining signs.

 • Passed a motion to solicit bids for the demolition of the derelict house at 418 Second Avenue North. The property was obtained by the city through tax foreclosure. Public Works Superintendent Hirchert said that he will request that the bidding contractors include the cost of stubbing in sewer and marking the water so the utilities are in place should someone purchase the property from the city and decide to build another structure.

 • Reviewed plans for the 2020 construction work occurring on U.S. Hwy. 281 north of the city from the junction of Hwy. 15 to Sheyenne.

 • Approved the annual contract with the North Dakota Department of Health for laboratory services, which includes drinking water quality testing.

 • Approved three local gaming permits.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, April 2. The annual tax equalization will also be held that evening beginning at 7:30 p.m.