Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The reverse osmosis equipment for the city’s water treatment plant has finally arrived. Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert reported to the commission at their meeting on Jan. 3 that it was delivered on Dec. 15, and put in place the following day.
Hirchert said he has reviewed the work completed so far and made a list of open items for Sentry Crane. The company was scheduled to be onsite this past week.
After consultation with Interstate Engineering, commissioners approved a $353,592.35 payment to Sentry Crane for work completed in December, pending final approval from USDA-Rural Development. The water plant will not be converted to the new treatment system until spring.
The city intends to accept bids for garbage removal services in 2022. The declaration came after MM Sanitation’s co-owners, Brad Wolbert and Mike Brazil, appeared before the commissioners and asked to be considered when the city’s contract with Waste Management is up.
“We think we’d be a good fit for you guys,” Wolbert said, noting that they recently began providing services to the towns of Sheyenne and McClusky.
With five trucks, the Cathay-based company has the manpower and equipment to handle the city’s needs, Wolbert added. “We think we could do a better job on cost for you guys.”
Wolbert also noted that should any concerns or issues arise, New Rockford officials would have access to a local person.
With any change would come brand new dumpsters and totes for all New Rockford users, Wolbert said. MM Sanitation procures their dumpsters through a contract with the N.D. Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Totes come from an out-of-state supplier. Both have a lengthy lead time. Right now, MM Sanitation hauls their garbage to Sawyer, but they would instead haul it to Jamestown, if New Rockford utilized their services.
Commission president Stuart Richter said that officials had discussed accepting bids in the next few months, to allow enough time for the city to give proper notice to Waste Management, and for the winning firm to obtain containers, should a change be in order.
“We will definitely keep you in the loop when we are ready to put it out for bids,” Richter said.
Hirchert noted that he had done some research last month and determined that the city has 510 totes and 99 dumpsters. He also contacted Edgeley, a community utilizing services from Recycle North Dakota, the firm that had attended last month’s meeting to express interest in providing garbage removal and recycling services. He said officials there were pleased with the service, and particularly liked the recycling program. Reportedly 35% of their volume is recycled.
Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies was present for the commissioner’s requested quarterly visit. He said that his office had responded to four unattended deaths in the last month and a half.
Commissioners reported that they had heard anecdotal reports about people lighting off fireworks over the new year.
Lies replied that he had not received any calls for service or reports regarding the matter, and he said that anyone with information should contact his office. He added that the text-a-tip line is also open for anonymous reports. That number is 701-341-0534. It is against city ordinance to light off fireworks within city limits at any time of the year other than from June 27 to July 4.
Lies also asked city officials to consider locations downtown where it might be beneficial to add surveillance cameras. There are two slots open on the county’s existing network.
The city will begin accepting ACH payments for utility bills as early as February. Commissioners approved the move after hearing from other North Dakota cities who have already implemented it.
“I was impressed with the high percentage of people who were using it,” Commissioner Jim Belquist noted. He made the motion to proceed, which was approved by the commission.
The city commission also approved two gaming permits, as well as a liquor license for NR Bowl, LLC., which includes on-sale liquor and beer, pending receipt of the $650 in license fees.
The next regular commission meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
