County: Former Mill Pump property to be sold "as is"

“It’s not as dramatic as we first thought,” Commissioner Dave Gehrtz said of the clean-up work required at the former Mill Pump property. He reported on his follow-up discussion with officials from the Department of Environmental Quality at the commission’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19

Gehrtz said he learned that the fuel tank in question was installed in 1997 or 98 when the business was operated by the Guthries. The agency sent a letter to former tenant Trevor Lesmeister in 2017 requesting removal of the tank. No action was taken by Lesmeister, according to agency officials.

Three samples taken around the tank at 12-14’ deep tested positive for contamination. The agency reps believe all the contamination is contained near the tank.

The agency asks that the tank be removed, and added that the area excavated to remove it be filled in with concrete.

The building itself is relatively sound. However, if a new owner wishes to raze the structure, asbestos testing and abatement is required prior to demolition. According to the agency reps, abatement would likely be minimal, perhaps limited to safe removal and disposal of floor and ceiling tiles. Overall, the project is much too small for the county to seek an EPA Brownfields grant.

The commissioners came to a consensus that they should simply sell the property as is, either by auction or through written bid. The new owner would then be responsible for all clean-up, abatement and demolition. Chairperson Glenda Collier will ask State’s Attorney Ashley Lies to move forward with the process.

This is the last piece of available property along U.S. Hwy. 281 in New Rockford city limits, and the commission is clear about their intentions for the purchaser. “As long as it’s on the tax rolls as a business,” Gehrtz said.

Ongoing challenges at the county shop in Sheyenne have struck officials into action. Gehrtz visited the facility recently and observed, “It’s really tight in there.” He suggested building a 10-by-10 foot lean-to on the west side to allow room for the county blade and its attachments to be stored indoors.

There is no water or sewer service to the building, and the electrical service has outdated fuses. Further, staff is unable to open the overhead door during electrical outages, making it impossible to remove the blade. Gehrtz noted that at minimum a generator should be installed, and the county has a few on hand to use. He also suggested that a restroom facility be built in the lean-to and a sump pump installed with a check valve.

After further discussion, the commissioners reached a different conclusion.

“We’ve outgrown that building,” Commissioner Neal Rud said.

“Eventually that building’s gotta be replaced,” Gehrtz added.

“(The county) owns property to the north,” declared Collier.

All agreed that the best long-term solution is a larger, more modern facility. However, they concluded that they would rather purchase an existing building than construct a new one or piece-meal the current shop. They will continue to entertain options and engage Cash & Carry Lumber in preparing drafts and estimates.

Chris Augustin of NDSU Extension met with the commission to review their intentions to hire a full-time county agent specializing in natural resources. Augustin said the county has full support refilling the position from NDSU; however, due to the voluntary separation of previous agent Tim Becker, they are typically required to wait one year to refill the position he vacated.

Augustin asked the commission to identify ways the position’s description and duties could be changed to avoid that long wait. He noted there is room for more emphasis on 4-H and additional horticulture programs such as Master Gardener. He also asked that the commission consider partnership opportunities with Foster County.

Collier reported that local NDSU Extension staff are forming an advisory board to help guide the future of the local office, with a meeting planned next month. County commissioners were asked to review the job description and suggest any changes, with input from the advisory board.

The parties agreed to meet again in January to review the revised job description.

“After all, this is your county agent,” Augustin said.

Augustin reported that there are other changes coming in NDSU Extension personnel around the region. Foster County will have a new natural resources agent starting Dec. 2 or 3, and Benson County is interviewing candidates for an open family and community wellness agent position.

Three bidders vied for the right to own three lots in Hamar during the annual tax foreclosure sale. After a rousing exchange between two of them, the property sold for more than 25 times the meager asking price. The high bidder was Tom McMahon, who offered $1,500 for the property. McMahon owns the adjacent property. The minimum sales price was $58.64, the back taxes due on the property. County officials said, “This one will go down in the record books.”

Commissioners discussed salary for the Emergency Manager and agreed to add Jess Earle to the county’s pay plan. She will receive a 4% raise for 2020 as a result.

In regards to emergency response, Cash & Carry Lumber offered pallets for sandbagging, as long as the county has a place to store them. The commissioners will follow-up with Todd Weber to identify how many they can store in the shop nearby and noted that they greatly appreciated the offer.

Kristy O’Connor was present to discuss the pay increase she previously requested to assume a new role as Zoning Director. Collier said that there isn’t room in the budget for 2020. Therefore, the new position will not be filled until 2021, and in the meantime Collier will assume the responsibilities, which include organizing meetings and considering any changes to the ordinance. O’Connor will continue to issue permits as stated in the ordinance. The commission will reconsider O’Connor’s request when they develop the 2021 budget.

Rather than the customary Christmas potluck, county employees will be treated with a meal prepared by Commissioner Dave Gehrtz this holiday season. Service awards will be handed out at the evening event, $100 per employee with more than one year of service. Those employed less than one year receive a jacket and $50 in Chamber bucks. Collier noted that there are several new employees this year.

Holiday hours at the Eddy County Courthouse are as follows:

• Closed Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, Nov. 28 and 29.

• Closing at noon Christmas Eve day and closed all day Christmas Day, Dec. 24-25.

The next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m.