City travel expense increases

In a short meeting, the Carrington City Council moved on several items last Monday night, including increasing mileage and travel expenses for city employees.

During the meeting held on Monday, October 9, the council passed a motion to follow state rates for food and lodging and increase breakfast from $7.00 to $9.00; lunch from $10.50 to $14.00; dinner from $17.50 to $22.00 and motel room stay from $55.00 to $96.30.

These expenses will be paid by the city if incurred six hours or more away from the City of Carrington.

The state rate for mileage is set at $.65 per mile.

In other business:

FIRE:

• Carrington Fire Chief Ken Wangen reported that the fire department received one city call and two rural calls since the last meeting, for a vehicle accident and a plane crash.

• He said that SIRN plans on enacting the new state radio system in 2026.

• Wangen also said that the Haunted Fall-out Shelter will set up in the armory again this year and will run on October 21, 22 and 28, 29. Money from ticket sales will be given to chosen charities.

FINANCE & LEGAL:

• Mayor Tom Erdmann reported that issues with the 2018/2019 audit have been corrected.

• He asked for a motion to hire someone to clean city hall. Motion passed.

• Erdmann said they looked at new office furniture. No action was taken, but the new furniture was estimated at $26,000.

• Finally, Erdmann reported that the one-percent city sales tax earned $33,000 ahead of last year at this time.

CCEDC:

Four applications for funding requests were received:

• Central Dakota Sportsmen’s Club requested a Community Connection Grant regarding improvements at the rifle range.

Improvements include: new culvert in the approach, tree clearing for the addition of a 600 yard shooting range and a concrete pad for rifle benches and a target system with backstops and berms.

It was noted that this facility had had increased use from around the area including Jamestown law enforcement; conceal and carry classes, practice target shooting by shooters both young and old, etc.

Many volunteers are interested in assisting with the project.

The council approved the request as per program guidelines up to $10,000 contingent on signing a lease agreement with the group.

• Carrington Park Board is seeking funding for a swimming pool membrane liner with possible other upgrades in the pump area.

This would extend the life of the pool for up to 15 years. Motion passed to approve the request for 10 percent of the total project cost up to $20,000 in grant funds.

• A Job Credit Grant application was received from Larsen Plumbing for the hire of an apprentice plumber. A motion was passed to approve the grant funds request of $2,500.00 for a full-time position.

• Another grant application was received from Larsen Plumbing for improvements to their building structure on Main Street.

Improvements are estimated at $8,738.59 total cost. A motion was passed to approve reimbursement costs at 25 percent of the total project cost up to $30,000.00.

• Finally, it was reported in the minutes of the last CCEDC meeting that Dean Hafner has paid his 2020 taxes and special assessments on the housing development.

As per his agreement with the city, the city will pay Hafner $480 per unsold lot, a total of $10,560 for the 22 lots for 15 years until 2032.

CVB:

• In the minutes of their last meeting, it was reported that the North Dakota Tourism grant has been submitted for Carrington Rainbow Gardens and they are now working with the Otto Bremer Foundation on a grant as well as from the National Park Service.

LIBRARY:

• It was reported in the minutes of their last meeting that the City Library will purchase new flooring for the community room , a new rug and table and chairs as well as furniture to set up a reading room with some of the $35,000 grant money they received.

• It was also reported that the City Library received a $3,000 state library grant for Wonderbooks and Launch Pads as well as some other Early Learning Center materials.

• They also received a $3,800 Makerspace grant and will use it to purchase a 3D Printer and pens as well as some other learning materials.

• Finally, the City Library received a $2,000 grant for programming materials to have the Library open Mondays until 7 p.m.

POLICE:

• Carrington Police Chief Chris Bittmann reported that the department received 233 calls for service since the last meeting.

TREE BOARD:

• City of Carrington Public Works Director Jason Wolsky reported that 35 diseased trees are being removed from the city.

AIRPORT:

• Wolsky reported that they are working on mowing, light repair and talking about future upgrading.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• Wolsky reported that the new payloader will arrive this week.

• The new pickup is here and the old 2006 pickup will be sold on bids.

• Wolsky reported that all Canadian Pacific Rail permits have been signed and the bore will be completed later this month.

• He reported that they are working on repairing the pump house at the water plant.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• Wolsky reported that the city doled out 10 building permits in the past month.