Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The special assessments for the New Rockford street project are nearly finalized.
There were four members of the public present for the final hearing on the street project special assessments, held during the commission’s regular meeting on Monday, Oct 3.
President Stu Richter said he had received five written appeals from property owners. The city staff had also pored over the list and found a few others that needed to be corrected, mostly due to address side miscalculations on corner lots.
After review of the parcels in question, including a conversation with one property owner, Adnan Aldayel, the hearing was recessed to Monday, Oct. 10 at 8 a.m.
In the meantime, Auditor Becki Schumacher has been tasked with reworking the numbers and presenting a final list for confirmation. Commissioners expect to certify the list on Oct. 10, and then property owners will have 10 days to pay off their special assessments without accruing interest. The final list will be posted to the city website, http://www.cityofnewrockford.com, and will also be linked on the Transcript website as soon as available.
All special assessment payments will be put into a savings account to cover loan payments as well as city parcels and delinquent tax properties.
President Stu Richter and Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert gave a brief update on the water situation.
The next step is to conduct a block-by-block “ big flush” to thoroughly clean out the distribution system. However, they cannot flush with milled streets, so the flushing will wait until the streets are all paved.
“We need to be patient and wait until the work is done,” Hirchert said.
In the meantime, there is still a punch list of projects for the contractor to complete.
Notably, the two wells aren’t balanced, so the second clear well is not functioning. They have also introduced phosphates to help with scaling due to mineral deposits and to reduce the soluble lead and copper in the water as it comes through the tap.
The reverse osmosis system is running, and the clear water is drawing off any corrosion in the lines.
“It’s a work in progress. We haven’t given up,” Richter concluded. “We won’t give up.”
The commission also approved the final 2023 Budget. The total levied for the general fund is $232,582.27 and the overall total amount levied is $326,025.27.
Notable budget increases include $50,000 for building and grounds, $40,000 for street lights, a $25,000 line item for nuisance clean up and a 10% salary increase for city staff. The mill levy will increase “a little,” Schumacher noted.
Commissioners also reviewed and approved the lease with the NRABC for the use of the Brown Memorial as a childcare center, pending a few minor changes. The lease takes effect Nov. 1 and is in effect for one year. Discussion was also held with Emergency Manager Lisa Thompson about designating the Brown Memorial as an emergency shelter. The most pressing needs are wireless internet and a generator. She said there are funds available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the project, and requested that NRABC participate by writing the grant application.
The next regular city commission meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
