Council Meeting - 9/13/2021

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held September 13th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, Oestreich. Also in attendance was Sue Farsdale and Jeremy Fischer with MDU.
August minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried
Jeremy Fischer with MDU discussed details regarding the possible implementation of Natural Gas in Walcott. MDU is scheduling resident meetings in 2022, with planning in 2023 and installation and implementation in late 2024. MDU requires 40% of customers to sign up before the project can more forward. Once the lines are installed, residents have the option to hook up later, however MDU encourages residents to sign up right away to ensure the project can move forward. Residents could expect a savings of up to half their propane bill. The path of the final line has not yet been determined and depends greatly on easements with landowners.
Sue had some questions regarding the new water meters, dirt or gravel to fill a spot dug for water, and the current status of the cleanup of Miller property.
Regarding property clean-up, there has been no response from Anderson. Taxes on the property are due October 1st. B. Nelson’s abandoned home has been torn down and is being cleaned up. Properties that will be contacted and are needing clean-up are Duray and C. Anderson.
Steve Koenig purchased the South Well from the city for $1,000. Vining is working with the attorney on proper paperwork. Cass county electric bill is for this well.
Water break at residence on Southside of ball diamond has been discovered and fixed.
Glacier and Jetway will be working on manholes that need cleaning this week.
Manhole that was previously thought to be plugged with flushable wipes is plugged up again, however Glacier thinks it may be white shop towels instead. Residents are asked to please NOT flush these items.
Herb Berg is trying to get water dug into his new shop without a water meter. Glacier has informed him that if he needs water hooked up, he is required to have a water meter.
With assistance from AE2S, City submitted a $500,000 grant request to the county Diversion funds for a new Lagoon.
Due to various revisions, the First Reading of the revised Ordinance 2021-2 was read, regulating move of structures or buildings and amending zoning ordinance governing mobile homes. Janowicz motioned to accept the first reading, including the revisions, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried. Second reading will occur at the October meeting.
Skoog brought forth the proposed bid from Banyon Data for $7,570. Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept the bid, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
Starting this week, Vining and Skoog will be visiting each residence to deliver an information sheet on the new meters and obtain resident information for the city records.
Water bills were discussed.
Next Meeting October 4th, 2021.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 121,983.68
OTPCO 30.15 & 382.67; Jen S 554.10; JDF 147.79; Daily News 40.50 & 86.40; NDLC 451; Glacier Ent 5442.76; TJM 3813
WSG Balance 85,847.67
OTPCO 211.92 & 85.77; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1965.15; City of Fargo 62; AE2S 70; WM 1713.16 & 12.08; CCE 29 & 29; Ferguson 152.81; BND 1126.21 & 24703.64