Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Survey crews are in New Rockford making preparations for the upcoming water infrastructure improvements slated to be completed in 2019. Most often these surveyors are working during the day, locating water lines in need of replacement. Superintendent of Public Works Bruce Hirchert gave an update to the commission at their regular meeting on Oct. 5 and advised that any lathes sticking out of the ground on surveyed streets will be removed before winter, once marks can be painted to take their place.
City commissioners met with USDA Rural Development (USDA-RD) Area Specialist Ranetta Starr for several hours this past month to work on compliance matters for the project, which involves replacing more than 80 blocks of cast iron water mains, coating and painting the water tower, upgrading the city water plant by adding a reverse osmosis treatment skid, and installing valley gutters to alleviate stress on the city’s combined sewer system during rain events.
Commissioner Kelly McKnight, who attended the meeting, noted that there was work to do on the city’s 504, or ADA accessibility report, including a few minor compliance issues at city hall that should be addressed soon. For example, the handicapped parking sign outside of the building needs to be raised, hot water pipes in the bathrooms insulated and toilets replaced.
The board approved several other items required by USDA-RD for funding, including a Limited English Proficiency Plan, Conflict of Interest Policy and USDA Loan Resolution. The commission will use Rath & Mehrer for auditing, Arntson Stewart Wegner, P.C. for bond legal services and Dougherty and Company, LLC for bond counsel.
New Rockford resident David Bymoen approached the commission about adding “Home of the Rockets” to the water tower when it is painted next summer. Bymoen said that New Rockford-Sheyenne School, Rocket Boosters and alumni may be interested in paying the costs of associated with adding the text to the tower. The preliminary estimate for painting the water tower a solid color with the name of the town on the front is $15,000. Other enhancements, including words or additional colors, come with added costs. Commissioner Stu Richter said that the request will be considered.
Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies presented his quarterly report. During the third quarter, there were 484 calls for service, 36 arrests, 33 incident reports and 10 accidents. Lies discussed his issues with Law Enforcement Center (LEC) dispatch. Right now the fire and ambulance crews use LEC. Lies would like to see the county use state radio, as there are features that would be helpful to law enforcement that LEC doesn’t offer.
Next year will be busy for construction, as in addition to the water infrastructure project, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is making improvements to U.S. Hwy. 281 through the city. The frontage roads will be rebuilt and the ditches resloped to improve drainage. The NDDOT requested an amendment to the project, calling for the city to pay more local funds for the drainage portion. The total local match has increased from $197,000 to $201,190.
The commission approved five building permits, including one for a new roof and overhang at New Rockford Apartments, new shingles on the CHI St. Alexius Family Clinic building, and new office windows for Vorland Land Company. Two housing incentive applications were also approved.
Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert received approval to purchase two new commercial mowers at a cost of $3,800 each after trade-in.
President Calvin Packard reported that the Airport Authority is seeking funds from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission to rebuild the airport hangar that was destroyed July 8. The estimated cost of the project is $900,000. Packard added that a key to the project will be partnership between the city and the county. The debris from the destroyed hangar will be burned after the corn has been harvested in the field adjacent, said Hirchert.
