City Council: Bittmann takes helm; ordinance readings

The first order of business at the Carrington City Council meeting last Monday was to appoint Christopher Bittmann as the new chief of the Carrington Police Dept.

In a roll-call vote, all voted aye except for councilman Neil Fandrich who voted no, saying he received several references for another deputy within the police department.

In other business:

• The council heard the first reading of ordinance 275 which was created to combat residents putting grass clipping into the city’s storm drain.

The council agreed that if an infraction occurs, the resident will first be given a warning for educational purposes rather than a fine.

• The council also heard the first reading for ordinance 276 which was created to establish regulations for utility vehicles, ATVs and golf carts.

A discussion ensued about people driving golf carts around the city using them as vehicles.

Mayor Tom Erdmann asked for a motion for the first reading of the ordinance, when no motion came forth, Carrington City Attorney Leo informed the council that they can follow the state ordinance where residents can drive their golf cart from their home or the place of storage to the golf course and back only.

Erdmann said they will take it back to the organizational review board again.

Committee Reports

FIRE:

• Carrington Fire Chief Ken Wangen said they received two calls in the city for two accidents.

He also said they received several rural calls for service including a fire, equipment fire, and structure fire.

Wangen said there were 40 calls so far this year with only 58 calls for the year in 2021.

Wangen said they are writing grants and ordering two new thermal imaging devices as well as taking classes on ice rescue.

ORGANIZATIONAL REVIEW:

• Erdmann said they reviewed the junk ordinance.

FINANCE & LEGAL:

• Erdmann said they are moving forward with electronic time clocks. He said it streamlines payroll.

• He also said there were grievances filed against four employees including himself.

• Erdmann said they reviewed the salary scales and the city financials are looking good.

CCEDC:

• The minutes of the CCEDC meeting were presented.

• Strengthen ND will be announcing the grant recipient and amounts in the near future. An application for funding is currently being worked on for a feasibility study for the Carrington Rainbow Gardens project. A motion was passed to submit the application asking for a total of $80,000.

• The Main Street elevator lot/Johnson property are currently being advertised with other information being ready. Bids will be accepted until September 30, 2022.

• The board is considering a slight change or new adaptation of the current logos and are considering an updated website.

• There is a current open position on the board due to the resignation of Rosie Mozelle. No action was taken.

Two new applications for housing incentives were received. One from Tami Ann Aljets and one from Nathan Johnson.

Both will receive a $1,500 check and $1,500 in Carrington Cash.

CVB:

The minutes of the CVB board were presented.

• Under the Choose Carrington Initiative, the board is brainstorming on planning for the Community Picnic, Live@5, and electricity for The Market at the City Park.

• There was nothing publicly to report on the Japanese Garden.

• Holiday marketing grants will be coming around soon.

LIBRARY:

The City Library minutes were presented.

• There were no changes to the budget, but are waiting to hear from the county about considering a larger salary increase.

• Librarian Michele Seil has written three grants. Two have been funded already and she received information that the third has been approved. State aid will be $2,080 which is the exact population of the city.

• The Kids Entrepreneurship class was well attended and many entered the mini market in the park.

AIRPORT:

• The runway project has started.

• The airport will be getting a new AWAS system.

POLICE:

• Bittmann said there were 346 offenses in the month of August.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• It was stated that they are still working on the west-side water project.

Carrington Public Works Department Director stated:

• There are issues at the water plant with faulty valves. Each valve costs $14,000. They are looking for a less costly option.

• Crack sealing will begin when it gets cooler.

• Concrete issues on overpass.

• Sludge testing on holding ponds. One pond has 3½ feet.

• Sewer flushing will be starting.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• Six new building permits were issued in August.