BELFIELD CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Tu

BELFIELD CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 – 5:00 pm City Hall – 208 Main Street North Unapproved The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM (MT) by Mayor Jeff Iverson, with Council Members: Roger Decker, Edward Braun, Kyle Michels present, Brett Northrop absent. Members of the audience include Natalie Wandler, Stark County Tax Director, Jesse Hoff, Stark County Sheriff’s Department, James Baughman City Employee, Danielle Baughman, Joyce Reisenauer, LuAnne Solberg, James Rixen, TJ Snyder, Diane Buckman, James Lund, Rosa Johnson residents. Move to accept the amended agenda. Move Stark County Sheriff’s Report ahead of the Engineers Report (Decker/Braun) All in favor. Move to approve the March 14th, 2023, meeting minutes with changes. (Michels/Decker) All in favor. Mayor Iverson Abstains absent from March meeting. The Council reviewed and approved the March 2023 financial statement. (Decker/Braun) (Michels-Yes, Braun-Yes, Decker-Yes, Iverson-Yes). The Council approved the following audit bills for March 2023 with additions. Discussion: Councilman Michels asked if the Display Sales was reimbursed. Auditor O’Brien explained yes, it was donated money from the American Legion. Sackman Electric is that covered under NDIRF? (Braun/Decker) (Michels-Yes, Braun-Yes, Decker-Yes, Iverson-Yes). 62349- BELFIELD AMBULANCE, $407.44; 62350- BELFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT, $1,222.32; 62351- BELFIELD PARK DISTRICT, $5,007.75; 62352- FORUM COMMINICATIONS, $629.09; 62353- MDU, $7,100.40; 62354- NAOMI URBAN, $629.16; 62355- ROUGHRIDER ELECTRIC, $30.00; 62356 – SENIOR CITIZENS, $407.44; 62357 – SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT HEALTH $50.00; 62358 – SOUTHWEST WATER, $12,418.16; 62359- STARK COUNTY AUDITOR, $17,750.00; 62360 – VERIZON, $200.94; 62361 – ADVANCED BUSINESS MACHINES, $227.22; 62362- ARMOR INTERACTIVE, $1,043.77; 62363- BADLANDS INTEGRITY GROUP, $250.00; 62364- BROSZ ENGINEERING, $17,947.50; 62365- CARDMEMBER SERVICES, $959.36; 62366- CIVIC PLUS, $2,103.61; 62367- CONSOLIDATED, $549.06; 62368-CREATIVE ENERGY, $2,597.08; 62369 – DISPLAY SALES, $6,874.00; 62370-HLEBECHUK CONSTRUCTION, $1,655.75; 62371- LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT, $49.11; 62372- MACKOFF KELLOGG LAW FIRM, $1,619.50; 62373- MENARDS, $139.49; 62374- MGM, $9,890.53; 62375- NAPA, $661.34; 62376- NEWMAN SIGNS, $995.00; 62377 – O’BRIEN OILFIELD SERVICES, $47.50; 62378 – RECORD KEEPERS, $46.00; 62379 – RINKER MATERIALS, $51,442.10; 62380- SACKMAN ELECTRIC, $2,937.26; 62381- SCAD, $1,914.09; 62382 – SOUTHWEST GRAIN, $35.76; 62383- SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT HEALTH, $50.00; 62384- STOPPLEWORTH & SONS, $982.50; 62385 – SUMMIT FIRE PROTECTION, $505.00; 62386- THERAPY SOLUTIONS, $500.00; 62387 – VESERIS, $1,230.00; 62388 – WEST RIVER BUSINESS CENTER, $1,000.00; 61385E- REVTRAK, $273.47; 61384E- VIVINT, $142.96; 61381E- NDPERS, $162.50; 61383E- NDPERS, $162.50; 61378E- NDPERS, $5,392.15; 61379E- NDPERS, $1,916.06; 61380E- INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, $2,085.53 61382E- INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, $2,305.66; 502326E- BIWEEKLY ACH, $5,473.45; 502330E- BIWEEKLY ACH, $5,769.65; TOTAL $177,789.16. Stark County Sherriff’s Report—Jesse Hoff—Discussion Hours spent west of 116th 433.75 hrs., hours spent in Belfield 274 for March. The Sheriff’s goal is to put in 200 hours per month in the city of Belfield. Easter Egg hunt had a good turnout. Staffing is full in the department. PD building is not being used by the Sheriff’s department. Motion to accept the Stark County Sherriff’s Report (Decker/Braun) All in favor Engineers Report Brosz Engineering—Jon Brosz A. Belfield Park Board Water Tap—Discussion The city does have the capacity to water, but Jon’s recommendation is it has to be done during the evening hours, so you don’t lose more pressure than what you do now. We can’t give you an answer on is, will the additional watering cause problems with the old AC lines of the effect of the pressure changes, especially around the creek area due to low pressure areas already. Volume, the city has to accommodate them, but pressure is a different story. Jon Brosz & Mayor Iverson- requesting a water schedule for each field, of intended gallons per minute, meter readings every month before this can be signed off on. The tap is not an issue if it is to the mail line and not to the hydrant lead. Would like to see the model ran from KLJ, their water pressure analysis in the old baseball field area. This model will give a better idea of what happens to the system throughout the day. Attorney Fetch will contact KLJ for all records and to get the data in digital form. B. Task Orders 2 & 3 i. Task Order 2-2023 Belfield Water System Planning & Design—Discussion Motion to accept Task Order 2 not to exceed $142,000.00. (Decker/Braun) (Michels-Yes, Braun-Yes, Decker-Yes, Iverson-Yes). ii. Task Order 3-2023 Belfield Sanitary Sewer Assessment and Report—Discussion Jon Brosz mentioned no map was provided from manhole-to-manhole descriptions with what segment of pipe they were cleaning, would like to get this information or will have to spend time figuring this out. It does show the bad areas. Motion to accept Task Order 3 not to exceed $61,500.00. (Braun/Decker) (Michels-Yes, Braun-Yes, Decker-Yes, Iverson-Yes). C. East Lift Station—Discussion BEK will be back to finish the project once the frost lifts. MDU will come and look at their transformer. A project closeout with a punch list for a couple of the council to attend, once all the work is done. Councilman Braun mentioned we would like to be able to test the system and signal the alarms at any time to make sure it is working properly. The SCADA should be able to do a test and see what is failing. City employee, James asked if it was possible to get a phone call instead of text messages or email. D. Safe Walk to School/TAP Sidewalk Update—Jon Received an 80-20 grant for total reconstruction cost, they took the $200,00.00 cap off. Would like to set up a meeting with everyone so we are all on the same page. Working with Railroad to see if they will raise the north track on double tracks to make level. Hoping they will meet ADA requirements. Will be bringing the quiet zone to the BNSF meeting and easement to bring the 12” water main crossing at the same time. Stark County is good with adjusting the light pole/guide wire with a different style and moving the fire hydrant up on old 10. E. Street Assessment—Waiting for the frost to lift and will work on core data and have a report. Will do a DCP tests to look at the soil underneath and recommend what needs to be done. The drone survey done by Interstate is beneficial for all the city projects. F. Lead Service Requirements—DEQ/ND Water their report is due October 24th, 2024 . Jon recommends the city submit a Lead Service Line Assistance Application. G. National Rural Water Association— PFAS Contamination—Jon suggests the city fill the application out and when the city gets this back have city attorney review. Motion to accept Brosz Engineering Report (Braun/Michels) All in favor Attorney’s Report A. Memorial Hall—Bryce Kephart—Attorney Fetch said a letter was sent out with a deadline of the end of May for funds to be returned or will act. B. City Property Land Lease—Discussion Will wait on this until someone wants to lease any land. C. Guardian Fleet Safety Bill—-K-9 Motion to pay the Guardian Fleet Safety Invoice 220768 for $1,839.09 from the K-9 account. (Michels/Braun) (Michels-Yes, Braun-Yes, Decker-Yes, Iverson-Yes). D. K-9—Discussion—To propose to buy out the K-9—Tabled E. Stark County Joint Powers Agreement Copy—FYI Motion to accept the Attorney’s Report (Braun/Decker) All in favor Public Works Report Streets: Discussion Councilman Decker 1. will clean Main St, 1st Ave. NE and 2nd Ave. NE on Tuesday and if no moisture will crack seal on Wednesday. Auditor O’Brien was asked to post this. 2. 4th St.—Has washed out. Will need to fill around outlet of culvert. 3. 3rd Ave. SE Immediate Remediation Plan & Comprehensive Long-Term Plan—Discussion This is a subgrade issue, need to get the water to run down the curb. It needs a base; gravel will provide strength. May have to blade and remove what was put down. This is under the Street Assessment Plan Councilman Decker will help James blade some potholes around town. 4. 3rd St. NE—Pulled this in and now will need to scoria 5. 5th St. SW—Need to get some material on it. Councilman Michels—Prairie Dog funds have been deposited these are restricted to infrastructure. Auditor O’Brien said the funds were designated for the East Lift Station. Water/Sewer: Discussion 1. East Lift Station—All is holding. The water is going down. Ray with Dakota Pump said not to use degreaser when cleaning the East Lift Station. Use Dawn dish soap and Vinegar. Councilman Braun-Paul with James Oil Well Service will be helping James as needed. Auditor O’Brien was asked to reach out to Ward and see if he has any recordings of the water tests he helped with last fall. Councilman Michels have we ever decided if the leak by Ukrainian Church is a leak or not. Discussion: This is a pressure issue when tested. Should come up from a water model. Procedures Update—In progress Equipment: Motor Grader needs a couple cylinders repaired. Found one tire for the Jeter needs a second one. The ford is going to Kevin’s Auto this week for check engine light. Skid steer needs tires but will wait on these until fall. Street Sweeper will be coming out to start cleaning streets. Refuse/Inert Pile: Discussion Auditor O’Brien was asked to post the closing of the inert pile due to muddy conditions until further notice. New Business A. Resignation Letter—Kevin Anderson Motion to accept the resignation letter. (Michels/Iverson) All in favor B. Special Event Permit—Austin Buckman—Discussion Motion to approve the Special Event Permit (Decker/Braun) All in favor C. Special Event Permit—Rusty Rail—Harvest Hoedown Motion to approve the Special Event Permit (Braun/Michels) All in favor D. ND Rural Water Systems Apprenticeship Program—Todd—Discussion Another option to get our employees certified and trained properly. Jeff will reach out to Todd. E. American Legion-Memorial Hall—Martin Braun Martin asked if they could fix or refurbish the sign in the front of the building and second if it was OK to install a permanent sound system. Permission was granted and appreciate the communication of any improvements and fill the council in before any improvements. F. Leaking Dam Repair—Roger Decker—Discussion Councilman Michels has filled out the 50,000.00 grant, Auditor O’Brien will add the letter Councilman Decker has to the grant application. Submit with Connie or Jeff to sign it. Councilman Decker if we can split this cost four ways, this will take place this fall. 700 trout will be stocked in dam. It will be an auto system vs a manual system. Fishing Derby and Youth Shoot will be held earlier than the hoedown. Motion to move forward with the repair of the leaking dam repair. Discussion: Councilman Michels asked if we can use any funds for the repair out of the Heart River Funds if we don’t get the grant? It’s a tributary, flood control. Attorney Fetch will check into the Heart River Fund can be used for this. Discussion: The water level is set by the spillway it can’t be raised but can be lowered. There is a height that has to be followed. The level is set by the core. (Decker/Michels) All in favor G. CD $1 million—Rath & Mehrer—Discussion Motion to table until the next meeting (Braun/Michels) All in favor H. Bid on Sale of Lot 12 B 35 OP Parcel # 46-0001-006353-000. Motion to sell the property as is. Discussion: Will this put it back into the tax base? Yes, it will. (Decker/Braun) (Michels-Yes, Braun-Yes, Decker-Yes, Iverson-Yes). Unfinished Business: A. West River Business Center Donation: Discussion Motion to give $1000.00 to the West River Business Center with caveat he comes out here quarterly. (Michels/Decker) (Michels-Yes, Braun-Yes, Decker-Yes, Iverson-Yes). B. South Welcome to Belfield Sign Update—FYI Mayor Iverson mentioned he had talked to Rob Rayhorn on the plans, also mentioned Rhoda will work with the company to get them the information. Committee Reports: Auditor’s Report: i. Rath & Mehrer Audit—It went well. There are a couple changes we are going to try with the receipt entries. Put all grant money in its own fund instead of bunching it in the grant fund. Did reach out to Wandee to help with the Bryce Kephart issue. American Legion was very generous for our water, sewer and snow removal funds and street pole banners for summer/fall holidays. Auditor O’Brien mentioned the League of City Workshop was very good and helpful. Motion to accept the auditor’s report. (Braun/Decker) All in favor Personnel: Auditor O’Brien reported she posted the Public Works position and a Public Works Supervisor position on April 3rd. Have one application. Another one has come in as well. Councilman Bruan suggested making a motion to hire him. Discussion: Advertise for two weeks. Concern if only hire for a week and we have someone come in and is more qualified. Motion for a Special meeting for interviews for two weeks. Not needed. Discusson: Have a good employee why make him wait. Have more positions open. We should reach out to the applicant to let him know we are very interested but haven’t made a decision this month. Economic Development: Have had a few pople intersted in the committee. Will keep it open for a little bit longer and then start holding meeting and come up with ideas to improve. To look at ideas to revitalize main street. Councilman Michels reported he would like to have the JDA do an evening presentation to look at ideas to revitalize main street. Does our community understand the options they have available to them from JDA, Stark Development, and Matt. Councilman Michels reported he would like to have all three do an evening presentation at the theater to have our businesses ask quetions. Buildings/ Grounds: Discussion Councilman Michels reported: Am going to put the river Project on hold for now. West Shop—Measured East side garage doors so can be put in. The theater needs rain gutters on the NW side, water is starting to run into the back room, seal was replaced. PD the basement is dry. There is a lot of space and room to house the city hall and sell this building and room for PD if we get our own again. We need to look into leasing, renting, selling or if we want to hold on to it. Pocket Park we have five members, will set up a meeting, sent in for an AARP Grant. There is a Forestry Grant for trees, this is due at the end of April, it is a matching grant. Dam area needs to have some landscaping before any trees are planted. Mayor Iverson asked to have the East city shop door seals replaced. Auditor O’Brien reported Hlebechuk’ s will demo the two buildings next week. Will he haul in any material in by the East shop? Miscellaneous: A. Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Update—FYI B. Theater Financial Report—FYI Councilman Braun would like to see this every month from each entity receiving sales tax funds. Theater does not get any tax revenue like the other entities. Being no further business, Councilman Decker, made a motion for adjournment at 8:20 pm with the next regular city council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, 5:00pm. (Decker/Michels) (Unanimous) ATTEST: Jeff Iverson, Mayor Connie O’Brien, Auditor (May 10, 2023) 221844