The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
Dennis Swanson, president of Carrington Rainbow Gardens, presented plans for the planned gardens and visitor center at an informational meeting held at the Chieftain Conference Center Tuesday evening, January 10. Funding for the project could potentially come from a proposed one percent city restaurant tax, an ordinance currently in front of the Carrington City Council. A copy of the proposed ordinance is online at fosterconews.com.
The proposed ordinance enacting a 1% restaurant tax
A new sales tax could be on the horizon for Carrington residents and visitors.
The Carrington City Council held a first reading of Ordinance #277 that would impose a one-percent city restaurant tax at their meeting last week.
During the meeting Monday night, January 9, Mayor Tom Erdmann explained that the tax will be used for tourism or the construction, operations and maintenance of visitor attractions, namely Carrington Rainbow Gardens.
The first reading was approved at the Monday meeting. A second reading must be held and approved before the new sales tax can go into effect. The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed tax at that time.
A copy of the ordinance as presented is online at fosterconews.com.
In other business:
• The council heard from Kelly Hagel, but not about the drainage question on his property in the northwest of Carrington. He attended to discuss erecting a sign.
He said he is interested in installing a sign for the Wrestling Club on his property near Highway 52-200.
Hagel told the council that sports to be recognized on the sign will also extend to basketball, football and other activities.
Hagel asked if it is something of which the city would be in favor, and was wondering about any legal issues it may cause.
He said the sign would recognize state championships.
Erdmann said the Red River Valley and Western Railroad will be widening their tracks in that area, so that may impact Hagel's property.
Hagel said it is a small piece, worthless for anything else but a sign.
No action was taken.
• Erdmann introduced Jill Edinger as the new administrative assistant for city hall.
Committee Reports
FIRE:
• Carrington Fire Chief Ken Wangen reported that there were two more calls for service last month. He said total calls for the year is 58, 10 down from last year.
FINANCE & LEGAL:
• Erdmann reported on year-end transfers and total one-percent sales tax collected for 2022, which was more than in 2021. "About $4,000 more," said Erdmann.
CCEDC:
• In the CCEDC meeting minutes from January 3, it was reported that they received the grant check and closed on the property for the Carrington Rainbow Gardens.
They are forming a fund-raising committee with other grant applications being worked on.
AIRPORT:
• The Airport Board discussed getting a snowblower for the rental tractor. Councilman Neil Fandrich reported that LifeFlight came in three times during the storms and there is much snow to move.
He also reported that the courtesy car will receive new tires.
POLICE:
• It was reported that 277 calls for service were received this past month.
PUBLIC WORKS:
• Councilman Troy Roundy reported that the year end water plant production report showed 106 million gallons of water was produced in 2022.
• The council discussed snow on the railroad tracks near Dakota Central and on the east side of the city.
Public Works Director Jason Wolsky reported that the railroad asked him not to touch the tracks with the blade and that the railroad will clear them, but he said the railroad isn't keeping up with the snow removal.
• Erdmann told the council he won't declare a snow emergency until they have another snow event.
BUILDING OFFICIAL:
• Wolsky reported no building permits were purchased for the month of December.
NO MEETING:
• Organizational Review
• CVB
• Library
• Tree Board
