Uniting 4 Ukraine program suspended

The Uniting 4 Ukraine grant program was the primary topic of discussion at the Carrington City Council meeting held on Monday, October 14.

Commissioners reviewed three applications for sponsorship.

Two of the requests, one each from Pat Biel and Grant Stangeland, did not receive unanimous support. Although Stangeland's request was for the family of an employee who already works on his farm, two councilmen voted no. The same two councilmen also voted no on Biel's request.

However, with four "yes" votes, both applications were ultimately approved.

A third request failed to even generate a motion. The application was submitted by a Ukrainian national who has lived in Carrington for over a year and currently works at Golden Acres Manor and Estates. The individual applied to sponsor her sister and brother-in-law who currently live in Ukraine.

During the discussion, two of the councilmen said they think sponsors for Ukrainians should be U.S. citizens.

Before the votes, Mayor Tom Erdmann told the council that the Uniting 4 Ukraine grant program has been temporarily suspended. He cited concerns about the school's need for translators for the Ukrainian children that are being sponsored.

He said once the issue is ironed out, the sponsorship program will be up and running again. There was also discussion on making some language changes to the application before the program reopens.

Carrington Public School superintendent Janelle Helm told the Independent Tuesday that the school was not consulted or asked to address the city council regarding the United 4 Ukraine program or the school's needs. She said the school supports local efforts to recruit people to the fill gaps in the community's workforce and will provide education to all students who come to Carrington, regardless of their educational needs.

Committee Reports

FIRE:

• Carrington fire chief Ken Wangen reported that the city received two calls for service. One was a gas spill at Casey's General Store and the other was a grass fire near the pasta plant.

On the rural side, Wangen said a bailer was destroyed by fire.

• He reported that the fire department received two new volunteers.

• Finally, Wangen said they are expecting to receive about $20,000 more including the 6x6 ranger from CPKC for the train derailment near Bordulac.

FINANCE & LEGAL:

• Erdmann reported that the next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, not Monday, November 11, due to Veteran's Day.

• He said the one-cent city sales tax is up $77,000 from this time last year.

CCEDC:

While the minutes of the last CCEDC meeting were not read aloud, they held several important actions including:

• Two donations were received for the Rainbow Gardens project.

• A discussion was held on possible incentives for anyone interested in building apartments.

• A Commercial Building Grant application was received from MidStates Insurance (Ryan and Melissa Edwardson). Motion passed.

They will be replacing a roof in the near future and also seeking estimates for windows, doors and a mini-split (heating/air conditioning units).

• A new Job Credit Grant application from Gussiaas Electric was received for two apprentice electricians. Motion passed.

• An application from Randy Stedman for a Uniting 4 Ukraine Sponsorship/Supporter Grant was received. This was for the wife and young son of an employee of Stedman Farms.

Since this application was already being reviewed before the temporary stop to the grant program, a motion was passed to approve the application.

CVB:

• Board member Wendy Wise shared that the 'Wandermore' Facebook promotion of N.D. cities and towns by Seth Varner has really had an impact on out-of-state visitors who stayed at Carrington Inn & Suites this past summer. She said many mentioned Seth Varner and follow him.

• The electricity upgrades in City Park have been completed.

AIRPORT:

• Councilman Neil Fandrich reported that they have been working on mowing, lighting and upcoming crack sealing.

LIBRARY:

• It was reported that the DPI Summer Reading Grant was awarded to 17 libraries in the state, with Carrington receiving $20,000, the highest amount awarded. A new circulation desk will be ordered and delivered by the end of December.

• The board reviewed the library standards and it was decided to continue meeting the standards of the developing level. With that, the frequency of board meetings can be reduced and the board is considering meeting every other month.

• Upcoming programming was discussed.

• Carpeting throughout the library will be cleaned.

• A cemetery walk was discussed. The biggest hurdle was choosing a date that does not conflict with school and community events. A Sunday evening in October was decided upon as the best day of the week.

• Instead of Main Street trunk-or-treat, a Halloween event will be held inside the library.

• The library will also take part in Christmas Around the Town.

• The annual raffle fundraiser will be held in January.

• The taco-in-a-bag fundraiser will not be held this year.

POLICE:

• It was reported that the Carrington Police Department received 272 calls for service in the month of September.

• Also, the junk ordinance is working well with some yards being cleaned up.

TREE BOARD:

• It was reported that 10 trees have been identified for removal due to the emerald ash borer.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• Councilman Troy Roundy reported that the water plant experienced a power outage. Apparently a fuse needed to be replaced.

• Roundy said the crosswalk painting is almost done and sewer and hydrant flushing is completed.

• He said the center line striping on Main Street and the pasta plant road will be done by J&J Striping for $4,000. Motion passed.

• Finally, Roundy said the armory steps are a safety hazard and must be repaired. A motion was passed to approve the repair of the armory steps at a cost not to exceed $10,000.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• Carrington Public Works Director Jason Wolsky reported that nine new building permits and one demolition permit were purchased in September.