Ordinance procedure explained

Ordinance questions brought about explanations at the Carrington City Council meeting last week.

During the meeting held on Monday, September 11, Carrington resident Linda Schuster attended the meeting to ask the council what the procedure is to approve a new ordinance.

Mayor Tom Erdmann explained that usually a committee will bring the proposed ordinance to the council and then a motion is made to discuss it. That is called the first reading.

Then they hold a second reading and if approved, it becomes a city ordinance.

Schuster asked if they put the ordinance in the Independent so people know about it.

“It would be a shame if something important came up and no one knew about it or understood the process,” said Schuster.

Erdmann said the first and second readings are held at city council meetings that are open to the public.

Committee Reports

FIRE:

• Carrington Fire Chief Ken Wangen reported that the fire department received three city calls (all false alarms) since the last council meeting as well as a couple rural dumpster fires.

ORGANIZATIONAL REVIEW:

• Erdmann reported that ordinances 279 and 280 pertaining to junk in the city was pulled from the agenda because more research is needed before a first reading.

FINANCE & LEGAL:

• Erdmann reported that the city has too much money in their reserve account in the general fund.

After the meeting City Auditor Jennifer Gast explained that according to N.D. Century Code 57-15-27, the cash reserve/interim fund is not to exceed 75 percent of the current year appropriation for all purposes other than for debt retirement and appropriations financed from Bond Sources.

The general fund reserve currently has a balance of $1,110,475.76. Seventy-five percent of the city’s current year appropriations is $882,526.

These funds have not officially been designated for one specific thing, however, the intent is to utilize the funds on future projects that would reduce/eliminate the need to special assess property owners.

• He also reported that the two-percent sales tax generated $95,000 ahead of this time last year.

CCEDC:

• The board received a complete Commercial Building Improvement Grant application from The Garden Gate for upgrading their electrical box and air conditioning as well as a new application for window replacement.

Both projects qualify under the city’s Main Street guidelines of 40 percent reimbursement up to $50,000.00 maximum. A motion was passed to approve the reimbursement.

• The board also received a Commercial Building Improvement Grant application from DK Freeman LLC dba Headlocks for improvements in flooring and bathrooms. A motion was passed to approve the reimbursement.

• The board passed a motion to approve a reimbursement of 25 percent for demolition of the Flegel building owned by Ryan and Melissa Edwardson.

• Finally, the board passed a motion to approve a Commercial Building Improvement Grant for the Central City Wellness Center.

AIRPORT:

• Councilman Neil Fandrich reported that airplane fuel now costs $6.04 per gallon.

LIBRARY:

The library report consisted of:

• Carpet cleaning/replace in the community room

• Two new initiatives: Teen Advisory Board will be made up of a group of teen library patrons to come up with ideas to draw other teens to library activities.

• Provide early learning resources with a center where children can play in a safe environment with appropriate activities and add STEM and learning resources and possibly create a toy library where toys can be checked out.

• The annual book sale brought in $300

• Librarian Michele Seil submitted three grants from the state library including a $3,000 grant for J chapter Wonderbooks and launch pads; $3,800 grant for Makerspace (3D printer and robotics materials); $2,000 grant for programming which would have the library open till 7 p.m. on Monday evenings for use of Makerspace materials, family game nights, etc.

• Finally, Seil applied for and received a $35,000 grant from the state of N.D.

POLICE:

• It was reported that the police department received 229 calls for service in the past month.

TREE BOARD:

• Thirty-five trees on boulevards in the city will be removed.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• Councilman Troy Roundy reported that the Central Dakota Sportsmen’s Club is requesting to install a 600 yard target range at the rifle range. Motion passed.

• Roundy reported that the SIRN20/20 program is looking to place three 17 foot antennas as well as erecting a new building at the water tower.

• He reported that hydrant flushing will begin soon and pavement will be replaced where water breaks occurred in the city.

• Finally, Roundy reported that the west-side water project is at a stand still waiting for permits from CP Rail.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• Carrington Public Works Directory Jason Wolsky reported that 10 new building permits were purchased in the month of August.