News

Special city council meeting held

By Scott Wagar

09/25/2012

A special city council meeting was held on Wednesday, Sept. 19, so that the council members could meet with Roger Riley, the developer for the Preserve Addition on the west side of Bottineau, to work out the details on how hook-up fees will be billed for outstanding balances with the additions.

During the discussion, the two entities agreed that Riley will be billed at the end of each year at three percent interest on the outstanding balance remaining from the hook-up fees. The council voted unanimously on the agreement.

The council revisited the lift station bids for Riley’s development. Last month, Manitou Construction presented the city with the lowest bid at $181,920, which was above the city’s estimate of $133,820. Riley stated that he would pay any cost over the estimated of the bid. At that time, the city tabled the bid until they had a written statement from Riley stated he would pay the over cost. On Wednesday, the council voted in favor of accepting the $181,920 bid from Manitou.

In other city news, Alderman Greg Bernstein stated that the financial committee met about financing equipment to upgrade and improve the sound for the local television channel which airs the city council meetings. Bernstein said the cost for the equipment would be $1,475, which the council approved.

City Auditor Penny Nostdahl and city superintendent Keith Fulsebakke presented a design for entrance signs that they have been working on which will be placed near city limits.

The estimated cost for the signs is estimated at around $20,000. The fund setup for the entrance signs currently has $10,000 with expectations the fund will have enough to cover the project’s cost next year. The aldermen made the decision to start work on the west entrance with hopes of completing the cement work by winter.

City attorney, Swain Benson III, was asked by the council to study “Meetings of the Whole,” which deals with a legislative body being considered one large committee to discuss and debate such issues bills, or other main motions. Benson stated that this type of meeting can only be called when a disaster emergency has been declared in the city.

The National Guard has asked the city to share the cost of the Guard’s bathroom in the armory, which needs to renovated. The two entities received one quote for the project, which came from Peter Schmidt for $1,450. The council approved the bid.

The final business of the meeting came from Jim Dahle who has resigned as Bottineau building inspector. The council discussed the option of obtaining a full-time building inspector in Bottineau and made the decision to have the employment committee make up a job description and compensation plan.