Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

County to sell Hwy. 281 property

The most eligible property in New Rockford is officially on the market. The former Mill Pump & Cheers on Hwy. 281 can finally go up for sale, now that the county received a "Letter of No Further Action" from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. The letter was the culmination of a months-long process of clean-up and mitigation as directed by the agency.

The property will be sold at auction on Jan. 5, with details to come in next week's Transcript. Individuals who wish to bid on the property will need to submit sealed bids prior to the auction date to indicate their interest.

The county commissioners expressed at their Dec. 1 meeting that they were ready to get the property out of their hands. "That's what our goal was this whole time, to get this property off the county's books and into private hands," Chairman Dave Gehrtz said.

There is one caveat, however. The new owner will need to work with the Department of Environmental Quality and follow all required mitigation measures. All interested parties will receive a packet with more information about what that means so they can decide whether or not the property will meet their needs before placing a bid.

The total cost of the cleanup and abatement was $26,445.20, according to Eddy County Auditor Patty Williams. That total includes consulting fees from Sarah Smith Warren, who the county hired to lead the project, as well as tank removal, an environmental assessment of the land, and asbestos abatement inside the structure. The minimum bid is set at $27,000, as the commissioners desire to recoup their costs with the sale.

The commission also considered two written requests from local entities to purchase equipment and fixtures left inside the structure. According to the North Dakota Century Code, any property valued less than $1,000 can be sold at private sale. After discussion and consideration of other local organizations that either have inquired or may have a use for that same equipment, the commissioners decided to reach out to them to see if they have interest in it before accepting any purchase offers.

Verle Marsaa of Central North Dakota Steam Threshers Association called into the meeting to discuss a few matters with the commission. First, the commission agreed to pay CNDSTR $500 for mowing the fairgrounds.

Marsaa explained that the organization plans to complete phase 2 of their electrical upgrade plan in 2021, which involves service to the quonsets they own. They also plan to shingle the church in the Pioneer Village. He requested that a few loads of gravel/dirt be brought in to fill in low spots around the arena.

The county received its second and final CARES Act coronavirus payment, a total of $81,268.66. The commission agreed to again pass some of the funds onto the cities of New Rockford and Sheyenne according to the percentage of budget they pay for law enforcement. New Rockford will receive $34,823.62, and $6,403.97 will go to Sheyenne.

Randy Linderman, a local contractor who provides construction and maintenance for the courthouse, suggested commissioners apply for a Court Facilities Grant to renovate the basement. Currently, the basement is used to house jurors and serves as an overflow area during trials. Linderman will work on an estimate, which includes painting, removal of paneling, new flooring, upgraded lighting and other repairs as needed in the hallway, men's bathroom, overflow room and filing room.

Ben Aaseth of Interstate Engineering delivered holiday greetings to the commission, then discussed upcoming work on Brantford Road. The project involves full depth reclamation and stabilization. Aaseth said geotechnical studies should start next summer in order for bidding to occur in early 2022 should funds come available.

The county's Job Development fund, which has been inactive for several years, was closed upon unanimous vote of the commissioners, and the remaining $20,000 was transferred to the general fund.

Upon recommendation from the Eddy County Housing Authority Board, Merita Aldayel was appointed to fill a vacant director position. Aldayel will replace Metta McDowell, who submitted her resignation and desire to retire at the end of her term.

Collier has recently engaged with the county weed board on organizational matters. As county commissioners are responsible for appointing and removing members, Collier said she would like to see the membership more diversified geographically. She will work with the board to set and publish regular meeting dates so the public is aware of their activities, and to update the invasive species list annually.

Neal Rud was appointed chairperson for 2021, and Glenda Collier was elected vice-chairperson. The next regular meeting is set for Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 8:30 a.m