Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The severe storm that whipped through Eddy County on Sunday, July 8 caused damage to 51 structures and 15 vehicles within the city of New Rockford, according to information received by city officials as of Tuesday, July 17.
The New Rockford City Commission held a special meeting that evening to discuss storm response and recovery efforts. President Calvin Packard had prepared a Proclamation expressing appreciation for everyone who assisted, which was approved unanimously. Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert said he was also pleased with how volunteers conducted themselves.
Commissioner Kelly McKnight was the first city official on-scene at City Hall the morning of the storm. She requested that the city prepare an Emergency Preparedness Plan with contact information, maps and a checklist of items that need to be completed in the event of emergencies, including natural disasters. She also noted that the New Rockford Fire Department had taken a leadership role in communicating with residents via Facebook, for which she was grateful. However, she would like to see city officials take a larger role in communication efforts moving forward. She suggested that the commission look into connecting the electronic signs to a generator so they can be used for official communication during an emergency. Setting up an official Facebook page for the City of New Rockford was also discussed.
Property owners should note that the New Rockford Tree Board has a boulevard tree planting grant program available. Anyone who lost trees in the boulevard that wishes to replant is eligible for a grant that covers 50 percent of the cost of new trees, up to $75. Funds are limited, and there are specific requirements on the species of trees to be purchased and the distance they should be planted from alleys, curbs and existing trees. Applications are available at City Hall or on the city website at https://www.cityofnewrockford.com/index.asp?SEC=19781440-E006-4551-A734-A1F3986B6AD5&Type=B_BASIC
The landfill will be back to regular hours as of Monday, July 23, after being opened daily from dawn until dusk for two full weeks. Hirchert said that there has been abuse of the open landfill by some, which is regrettable, and stressed that the same rules apply, even in an emergency situation. Anyone accessing the landfill should make sure to properly sort their loads and dispose of garbage in the appropriate places. Follow the directions on the sign, or ask if it is not clear where an item should be disposed. For landfill access on or after July 23, call City Hall to set up an appointment.
As noted before, residents and property owners are encouraged to report all damage, including tree losses, to City Auditor George Ritzke at (701) 947-2461. Also as noted before, reports should also include receipts for costs of restoration work completed and hours spent volunteering. A more detailed report of the damages will be presented to commissioners at their next regular meeting, which will be held Monday, August 6.
