City takes up landfill policy for contractors

A lengthy discussion ensued at the New Rockfod City Commission meeting Monday regarding contractor dumping practices at the landfill. Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert has expressed concern about their lack of regard for the rules, and he asked the commission to consider requiring contractors to get a roll off for larger remodel and construction projects. Often contractors bring unsorted loads to the landfill and attempt to dispose of items that are not allowed, such as caulking tubes and pails containing joint compound remnants. Ritzke requested input from other communities about their policies regarding construction waste, but he did not get any input from other cities.

A motion was made to assess a $250 landfill fee to licensed contractors who bring unsorted loads of construction materials to the landfill.

“We are trying to protect our landfill,” Richter clarified, noting that the available land is finite, as is the life of the landfill, if policies aren’t followed.

“You’re not gaining any teeth from an enforcement standpoint by charging a fee,” city attorney Travis Peterson declared, adding that it was likely the contractor would simply pass the cost on to the homeowner.

“We’ve gotta do something,” McKnight replied. “We have to start thinking about conserving what land we have left.”

The motion failed, and the commission decided instead to direct Hirchert and the public works staff to refuse access to the landfill to any contractor with an unsorted load. Letters will be sent to all contractors regarding proper disposal procedures.

Wade Senger of Interstate Engineering reported that the dirt work for the water plant lagoon is complete and the dikes have been built. General contractor Sentry Crane submitted a bill totaling $304,815.10 for work completed during the month of May, which was approved for payment by the commission, pending sign-off from USDA.

Hirchert said that over a million pounds of bentonite clay will be used to seal the floor of the lagoon, as the contractor had concerns about the amount of topsoil remaining. Bentonite clay is a natural expanding clay sealant, that when exposed to moisture, can expand 15 times or more, creating a very effective pond sealant. The clay came on 370 pallets, which cost the contractor $3,700. Anyone interested in purchasing the wood pallets should contact Hirchert, as they are available to purchase for $10 each until gone.

“They’re organized, they’re coordinated, and they get things done,” President Stu Richter said in regards to Sentry Crane, the general contractor for the water plant upgrades.

There are 30 nuisance vehicles remaining in the city after the commission sent notices to residents earlier this spring. The next step is to send a “final notice,” which must be served by the sheriff’s office, per Peterson. Once the final notice is served, the vehicle owner has 7 days to remove the vehicle, cover it or license it. Any vehicles that remain after seven days will be towed to the impound lot.

“Let’s put our money where our mouth is,” McKnight said. A form letter has been prepared, and the commission directed Ritzke to forward the final notices to the sheriff.

When it comes to substandard buildings, however, more work needs to be done. Initial notices haven’t been mailed out, per Peterson, because the city ordinance states that notice of substandard/dangerous/blighted buildings must come from a city building official or board of health. Since the city does not have a building official, he has enlisted the help of Candace Carlson with Lake Region District Health Unit (LRDHU), who asked for a list of properties and their condition. LRDHU will be on site this week (June 14) to assess the properties and potentially make a determination regarding their condition. “Should we consider changing the ordinance?” McKnight asked, noting that seeking outside help delayed the process. “At the end of the day, the right answer is yes,” replied Peterson. He will research ways to revise the ordinance in a way that expedites the process.

The commission agreed to sponsor NRABC in its pursuit of Community Development Block Grant funds to install handicapped accessible bathrooms at Wonder Lanes. The city will be the official applicant for the grant, and if the application is successful, the funds will be passed through to NRABC for the Wonder Lanes project.

The city’s insurance agent recommended that the commission consider increasing the value of its buildings due to the rising cost of construction materials. After a review of the recommendations, the commissioners agreed to keep the values steady. The water plant’s valuation will be adjusted when upgrades are complete at the end of the year.

The commission approved a number of building permit applications for residential properties, as well as annual liquor and beer licenses for the city’s five establishments. Buck-It’s Bar received approval to hold a raffle fundraiser for Wayne Eldridge, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. American Legion Post 30 also received approval to hold a calendar raffle.

The city will hold a special meeting later this month to review applications received for the city auditor position. Commissioners plan to go into an executive session to narrow the list of applicants to a short list of finalists. Interviews for the finalists will follow.