City landfill to remain open by appointment only

At the New Rockford City Commission meeting on Monday, June 4, Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert reported that during the trial period whereby they were opening the landfill by appointment only had gone fairly smoothly. Usage is down, he said, but he determined that it was likely due to the availability of free landfill days during the spring and summer.

Hirchert said workers are spending about one-half hour each day with people who make appointments, and all loads are inspected. He said they haven’t had any issues. The commission agreed to continue to open the landfill by appointment only for the foreseeable future. A state inspector was slated to arrive at the landfill Thursday, June 7, to review the operations.

Hirchert also noted that the Department of Homeland Security had awarded the city a grant to purchase and install a back-up generator for the water plant. The cost is estimated at $150,000, of which the city will pay 15 percent, or about $20,000-25,000 of the cost. The federal government will pay 75 percent and the state 10 percent. Hirchert will need to get concrete estimates and report back to the commission.

City commissioners approved an agreement with the N.D. Supreme Court to have all municipal cases transferred to Southeast District Court. The agreement was last signed in 2001. It outlines that the city will receive 40 percent of the fees collected from municipal cases, with the remaining 60 percent retained by the state. The city will be responsible for paying indigent defense fees, attorney fees to prosecute cases and jail expenses to house inmates if needed.

City financial support for the New Rockford Park District Manager position was increased by $10,000 as well. “I think we need to do something,” commented Commissioner Stu Richter. Auditor George Ritzke said that the second application round had yielded a few candidates. Interviews will be conducted Friday, June 15. Commissioners also discussed the possibility of offering benefits if necessary.

There were other actions taken by the commission, including the following:

 • Commissioners appointed Larry Danduran to the Airport Authority. He will take the place of Craig Voigt.

 •Held a hearing on the petition from Craig Voigt to vacate streets and alleys in the undeveloped Sunrise Addition. With no residents attending to voice concerns, the commission approved Voigt’s petition.

 • Approved annual beer and liquor licenses for seven local establishments and three residential building permits

 • Approved Renaissance Zone incentives for Reed Weisenburger’s new office and studio, which is currently under construction

 • Enacted a new ordinance allowing Auditor Ritzke to review and approve state gaming permits that meet the requirements outlined by the state

 • Agreed to allow the Eagles Club to block off part of 8th Street for its dance on June 30, and Buck-its to block off 9th Street from the corner of Central Avenue to the alley for its street dance on July 7.

With the local election taking place on Tuesday, June 12, the commission has planned a re-organizational meeting for June 26 at 7 p.m. to orient any new commissioners and determine portfolio assignments for the coming year. The commission will have a vacancy as well, as Commissioner DeVon Allmaras, who is currently on the ballot for re-election, passed away on Tuesday, June 5.