City Commission considers changes to fireworks ordinance

The New Rockford City Commission is considering a change to its fireworks ordinance. Robert (Joe) Lies, a local retailer, has requested that the city allow fireworks to be sold and set off in city limits at year’s end.

Lies’ request was accompanied by a sample ordinance, which states that sales would be allowed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, with the ability for residents to light them off during the same period.

The North Dakota Century Code allows fireworks to be sold Dec. 26 - Jan. 1, but only by licensed fireworks distributors and retailers. The specific fireworks to be sold and when are outlined in Chapter 23-15-01. The law was changed in 2012 to allow fireworks for New Year festivities.

Commissioners had interest in entertaining the idea, but tabled any action until the January meeting. Residents are encouraged to share their opinion on the subject with commissioners.

City Attorney Peterson said that in order to make the change, an ordinance would have to be drafted, then read at two consecutive meetings to allow public input.

Peterson also suggested that the city make some other changes to the existing ordinance, which does not currently specify when fireworks can be expelled in city limits.

City Hall is now closed to walk-in traffic. Auditor George Ritzke reported that residents have not been following COVID-19 safety precautions when entering the building. He said visitors are entering city hall for unnecessary reasons, and they are often not wearing masks.

“If people aren’t abiding by it, then lock the door,” Commission President Stu Richter replied.

Commissioners directed Ritzke to close city hall to walk-in traffic until further notice. Residents should leave all correspondence and utility payments in the mail slot at the front entrance, and call Ritzke at (701) 947-2461 to conduct any other business.

Wade Senger of Interstate Engineering said work at the water treatment plant was underway. The contractor, Sentry Crane, spent the last month removing trees and hauling lime to landfill. They are now pouring footings and foundation walls for the new addition. Work will likely stop soon and resume in March due to weather, Senger said. The next step is to bring in a crane to set the walls of the addition. The city approved a $164,000 payment request from Sentry Crane for work done in November.

Senger is also working with BEK Consulting to complete close-out paperwork on the water main replacement. The project came in under budget, so a change order is forthcoming, likely at the January meeting.

Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert noted that three structures have been torn down in the past month. The quonset by the funeral home was demolished by Pat Biel, and only the cement foundation remains. Houses owned by Earl Stokke and Diane Rue houses were also torn down, and the remains were hauled out to landfill.

Lutheran Social Services assisted the city with the resolution of vandalism that happened in October. City officials and representatives met with the families of the youth who had sprayed graffiti on concrete. One family paid in full, and another set up a payment plan. The youth were also directed to send letters of apology to the property owners affected by the vandalism. The total cost of the repair was $600.

Commissioners Jim Belquist and Justin Ystaas serve as the evaluation committee for city employees. They will conduct employee job evaluations and recommend 2021 salaries to the full commission in January. In lieu of a Christmas party, all full-time employees will receive $200 in Chamber bucks, and part-time staff receive $100.

A resident verbally requested to have six dogs at his property within city limits. Per city ordinance, residents are limited to two dogs. Any resident who desires to have more than two dogs must present a formal request to the city for review and approval by the commission. The resident’s paperwork was not received prior to the meeting, so the matter was tabled.

A couple of meeting date changes were requested by Ritzke due to holiday conflicts. In both instances, the regularly scheduled Monday meetings will move to Tuesday. The new dates are July 6 and Sept. 7.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.