City Commission
Regular MeetingDevils Lake, ND · April 15, 2024
Minutes
Minutes of the Devils Lake City Commission
April 15, 2024
The regular meeting of the Devils Lake City Commission was held on April 15,
2024 with the following members present: President Moe, Dale Robbins, Jason
Pierce, Shane Hamre and Rob Hach.
Commissioner Robbins moved to approve the minutes of the regular
Commission meeting held on April 1, 2024. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hach, and the motion carried unanimously.
2024 Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk – The City Administrator communicated that
we received one (1) bid from Elshaug Concrete. The bid amount was for
$58,406. The City Attorney confirmed that Elshaug Concrete had a contract
license. Commissioner Hach made a motion to refer the bid to the Engineering
Department for review. Commissioner Robbins seconded the motion, and the
motion carried unanimously.
2024 Asphalt and Concrete Street Repair – The City Administrator
communicated that we received one (1) bid from Strata Corporation. The bid
amount was for $193,250. The City Attorney confirmed that Strata Corporation
had a contract license. Commissioner Robbins made a motion to refer the bid
to the Engineering Department for review. Commissioner Pierce seconded the
motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Hach – The City Engineer communicated that garbage pickup
will hopefully be moved back to the alley on April 29th. The City Assessor
communicated that during the board of equalization meeting we failed to
make proper motions, so that will be brought forward at the next meeting.
Commissioner Hamre - The City Engineering communicated that there is not an
update for the Utility Department.
Commissioner Robbins – The City Engineer communicated that bids will be
opened for the Westside Project on April 25th at noon in the Commission
Chambers. He also mentioned that the Street Department is working on crack
sealing, pot hole patching, street sweeping, and alley work.
Commissioner Pierce – The Fire Chief communicated that they are working on
repairing the street lights.
The Interim Police Chief communicated that they have been dealing with
juveniles being out past curfew, so their guardians are being cited for that.
The City Administrator gave an update on quarter one utilities, sales tax, and
investment portfolio. He also mentioned that one of the Chief of Police
candidates had withdrew.
The City Attorney communicated that he has been working with the Fire Chief
to stay on top of the Nuisance/Junk ordinances.
City Attorney Services – The City Administrator communicated that the current
City Attorney has expressed willingness to continue providing legal services to
the City beyond his resignation date of April 30th, 2024. He is willing to do so at
the current contracted rate through June 30th, 2024. If the City does not have an
appointed attorney by that time, the law firm’s standard hourly rate would be
charged for the remainder of the arrangement. Commissioner Pierce made a
motion to approve the services with the City Attorney. Commissioner Robbins
seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
Air Rescue Fire Fighting Mission – City of Devils Lake and Devils Lake Regional
Airport – The City Administrator communicated that himself, Commissioner
Pierce, and the Fire Chief met with the airport authority board at their meeting
on April 8th. After communicating to the full airport authority the City’s terms for
assumption of the ARFF operations, they approved and committed to the
following:
1) Reducing the airport’s FTE by one
2) Committing $25,000 from the airport’s operations account for one-time
start-up expenses
3) Assisting the City in applying for future grants with the FAA and other
federal agencies in the effort to replace major pieces of necessary
equipment (SCBA’s and the ARFF truck)
4) Taking a revenue reduction from the City to compensate for the reduced
personnel expenses in the airport’s operating budget.
Commissioner Hamre made a motion to add one FTE to the Fire Department.
Commissioner Pierce seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1 on a roll call
vote.
Adjustment to Grade and Step – Assistant Fire Chief – The City Administrator
communicated that it has been asserted that with the pending assumption of
ARFF responsibilities at the airport, a grade adjustment for the Assistant Fire Chief
from a 13 to a 15 is warranted. The Fire Chief briefly discussed the duties that the
Assistant Fire Chief will be taking on if they do ARFF responsibilities. There is also a
memo from the HR Consultant attached to the agenda. Commissioner Hamre
made a motion to approve the motion. Commissioner Pierce seconded the
motion. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
Engineering Agreement – Highway 2 Lighting – The City Engineer communicated
that street lights are going to be extended on Highway 2 from Gouldings Road
to Eash of Urban Limits. He also went over the agreement that is attached to the
agenda. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the agreement for
highway 2 lighting. Commissioner Robbins seconded the motion, and the
motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Grant Application – Automated Sanitation Truck – The City Engineer
communicated that the City had budgeted for a $300,000 read loading
garbage truck to replace an existing one that is currently being used. He
mentioned that an automated system will provide larger residential cans, 64
and 96 gallons, rather than the 32 gallon that is currently used. It is estimated
that switching to an automated system will cost between $600,000 and
$650,000. Switching to this system will allow the department to operate with one
less employee, which would save the City an estimated $80,000 per year. The
Sanitation Supervisor communicated that he recently went on a garbage route
with an automated truck for a few hours and got quite a bit of questions
answered. The recommendation is to appoint the City Engineer as the
authorized representative to apply for USDA grants. He also recommends the
City Commission support the Sanitation Department in continuing to evaluate
an automated residential collection system to see if it is the best option for the
City. Commissioner Hamre made a motion to approve the recommendations.
Commissioner Robbins seconded the motion, and the motion carried
unanimously.
Declaration of Surplus Property – The City Administrator communicated that it is
recommended to declare the attach list of property surplus. Commissioner
Hamre made a motion to approve the declaration of surplus property.
Commissioner Pierce seconded the motion, and the motion carried
unanimously.
Mark Olson, with Mark’s Greenhouse, asked about receiving a bid for the flowers
that go downtown and he had heard that we are getting them from Anamoose
this year. The City Engineer communicated that we are getting them from
Anamoose. The reasoning behind this was that they have a potting system
where the flowers will not need to be watered everyday and the Street
Supervisor was getting talked to about how nice the flowers look/stay in
Carrington, so they did some looking into it.
Commissioner Robbins moved to approve the list of bills as submitted. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Hach. The motion carried unanimously
on a roll call vote.
SPENCER HALVORSON JIM MOE
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/AUDITOR PRESIDENT OF CITY COMMISSION
Agenda
Monday, April 15, 2024
5:30PM CST
Directly following BOE Meeting
Devils Lake Jobs Development Authority
Devils Lake City Hall Commission Chambers
423 6th St NE, Devils Lake, 58301
Meeting Items
1) Approval of Minutes – March 18, 2024
2) Devils Lake Park District – Dockside Entertainment Center Update
3) FlexPace Interest Buydown Program Request – Golden Rule
4) RWIP Update – Mobile Career Exploration Classroom
Directly following JDA Meeting
City Commission Meeting Agenda
Devils Lake City Hall Commission Chambers
423 6th St NE, Devils Lake, 58301
Meeting Items
1) Call to Order
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Approval of Minutes – April 1, 2024
Awards and Proclamations
1) N/A
Public Hearings – 5:30 PM
1) N/A
Bid Openings – 5:30 PM
1) 2024 Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk
2) 2024 Asphalt and Concrete Street Repair
Visitors or Delegations
*Limited to five minutes per guest, unless extended by presiding officer
1) N/A
Commission Portfolios
1) Utility Quarterly Update
2) Sales Tax Quarterly Update
3) Investment Portfolio Update
Old Business
1) City Attorney Services
2) Air Rescue Fire Fighting Mission – City of Devils Lake & Devils Lake Regional Airport
Consent Agenda
1) N/A
Page 1 of 2
New Business
1) Adjustment to Grade and Step – Assistant Fire Chief
2) Engineering Agreement – Highway 2 Lighting
3) Approval of Grant Application – Automated Sanitation Truck
4) Declaration of Surplus Property
Citizen Comment
1) N/A
Informational Items
1) N/A
Motion to approve payment of the list of bills as submitted.
The City of Devils Lake may convene in an executive session as provided by NDCC 44-04-19.2 to consider
and discuss closed or confidential records and information, negotiating strategy or negotiating instructions
as provided by NDCC 44-04-19.1, 44-04-19.2, 44-04-18.4.
Page 2 of 2
Minutes of the Devils Lake Jobs Development Authority
March 18, 2024
The regular meeting of the Devils Lake Jobs Development Authority was held on
March 18, 2024 with the following members present: President Moe, Jason
Pierce, Dale Robbins, and Rob Hach.
Rob Hach moved to approve the minutes of the regular Jobs Development
Authority meeting held on January 16th, 2024. The motion was seconded by Dale
Robbins, and the motion carried unanimously.
Jason Pierce moved to approve the minutes of the regular Jobs Development
Authority meeting held on February 5th, 2024. The motion was seconded by Dale
Robbins, and the motion carried unanimously.
Woodland Resort PACE Interest Buydown – Brad Barth, Forward Devils Lake
Executive Director, communicated that Woodland Resort would like to expand.
The expansion consists of over $5 million dollars of state, Rural Electric Coops and
Bank of ND/First United Bank financing. Woodland’s request is for the City JDA to
provide up to $125,000 of BND Primary Sector PACE Tourism interest buydown
support. The BND PACE interest buydown payments are annual payments over
a 10-year period, with the total amount to then be repaid to the City of Devils
Lake JDA over a 5 year payback period with a no interest loan with monthly
payments. Kyle Blanchfield, owner of Woodland Resort, presented their plans for
the new building and talked a little about what events they would be able to all
have there. Dale Robbins made a motion to approve Woodland Resort PACE
Interest Buydown. Jason Pierce seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously on a roll call vote.
2021 City Audit Expense Contribution – The City Administrator communicated
that the JDA portion of this bill would be $7,500. The state auditors had spent
quite a bit of time reviewing the JDA loans receivables/payables, so this amount
would be allocated for the time spent on that. Jason Pierce made a motion to
approve the 2021 City Audit Expense Contribution. Rob Hach seconded the
motion. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
SPENCER HALVORSON JIM MOE
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/AUDITOR PRESIDENT OF CITY COMMISSION
Minutes of the Devils Lake City Commission
April 01, 2024
The regular meeting of the Devils Lake City Commission was held on April 01,
2024 with the following members present: President Moe, Dale Robbins, Jason
Pierce, Shane Hamre and Rob Hach.
Commissioner Pierce moved to approve the minutes of the regular Commission
meeting held on March 18, 2024. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Hamre, and the motion carried unanimously.
Devils Lake Planning Commission – Change in Zoning – The Devils Lake Planning
Commission took action at their March 28, 2024 meeting to recommend a
change in zoning for the following areas: highway commercial to neighborhood
commercial for an area west of College Dr between Walnut St & 4th St NW, a
table change in zoning from highway commercial to neighborhood commercial
for an area on each side of 5th Ave SE between 4th St & 8th St, a change in
zoning from light industrial to neighborhood commercial for an area located
east of an adjoining SmileQuest Dental on 5th Ave SE, and a change in zoning
from manufactured housing to residential low density for an area located at the
east end of 16th St SE. Commissioner Robbins made a motion to approve the
recommendation. Commissioner Hamre seconded the motion, and the motion
carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
Lake Region Heritage Center – Lisa Crosby gave an update on what is going on
at the Hertiage Center along with the Arts Center. She mentioned the events
that they have going on at each location. She also mentioned that they had a
local photographer’s artwork displayed at the Arts Center and a few pieces
were sold, so they received commission on those. The City Administrator
recommended a release of quarter 2 funds to the Lake Region Hertiage Center.
Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the release of funds for quarter
2. Commissioner Robbins seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously
on a roll call vote.
Devils Lake Chamber & Tourism – Suzie Kenner gave an update on both Tourism
and the Chamber. She went through the last year for Tourism and gave an
update on how it all went. For the Chamber, she communicated the dates for
the events that they will be having this spring/summer/fall. She also mentioned
that she will be full staffed again starting in July. The City Administrator
recommended a release of quarter 1 & 2 funds to the Devils Lake Chamber.
Commissioner Hamre made a motion to approve the recommendation.
Commissioner Pierce seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on
a roll call vote.
Commissioner Hach – The City Engineer communicated that garbage pickup is
still in the streets and will be until further notice. The City Assessor communicated
that the board of equalization meeting will be held on Monday, April 15th at
5pm in the Commissioner Chambers.
Commissioner Hamre - The City Engineering communicated that the Utility
Department is still working on the lead service line inventory. He mentioned that
the homeowner can either complete this themselves or call the City Office and
someone can swing by and complete it for the homeowner.
Commissioner Robbins – The City Engineer communicated that the Street
Department is going to start working on street sweeping, crack sealing, and
filling potholes. He also mentioned that the Engineering Department has 7.5
million dollars’ worth of projects going on this year.
Commissioner Pierce – The Fire Chief communicated that there are two people
who will be traveling out of state. He also mentioned that they will be having
regional training and structural collapse training coming up.
The Interim Police Chief communicated that they had another new hire start
and he will be attending the academy.
The City Administrator communicated that we got our bond rating from
Moody’s and it was confirmed to be an 8.2.
LEC Joint Powers Agreement – The City Administrator communicated that the
questions from the previous meeting have been answered and he recommends
approval of the agreement. Commissioner Pierce cleared up the questions from
the previous meeting and mentioned that he spoke to the City Attorney who
also recommends approving the agreement how it is. Commissioner Pierce
made a motion to approve the LEC Joint Powers Agreement. Commissioner
Hamre seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Agreement for Aerial Mosquito Spraying – The City Engineer
communicated that this agreement is for preparation for the summer season
and that the agreement has to be signed and sent in by April 20th. VDCI will
provide aerial mosquito control at a fee of $3.10 per acre. In 2023, they sprayed
an area of 2,900 acres. The total application cost for 2024 is estimated to be
$9,440.00 for each application. Commissioner Robbins made a motion to
approve the agreement for aerial mosquito spraying. Commissioner Pierce
seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Approval of 2024 County Blading Agreement – The City Engineer
communicated that Ramsey County will blade for a sum amount of $6,547.20.
This contract will run from April 1st of the year of the contract is entered into, until
October 31st of the same year. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve
the 2024 County Blading Agreement. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion,
and the motion carried unanimously.
St Improvement #79-24 Insufficient Protest – 17th St SE, 16th St SE, 8th Ave SE, 10th
Ave SE – The City Engineer recommended approval of the resolution.
Commissioner Hamre made a motion to approve the resolution. Commissioner
Hach seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
St Improvement #79-24 Approve Plans – 17th St SE, 16th St SE, 8th Ave SE, 10th Ave
SE – Commissioner Robbins made a motion to approve the resolution to
approve plans for St Improvement #79-24. Commissioner Pierce seconded the
motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
St Improvement #80-24 Insufficient Protest – 8th St NW, 9th ST NW, 10th St NW, 11th
St NW, Etc – The City Engineer recommended approval of the resolution.
Commissioner Robbins made a motion to approve the resolution. Commissioner
Pierce seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
St Improvement #80-24 Approve Plans – 8th St NW, 9th ST NW, 10th St NW, 11th St
NW, Etc – Commissioner Robbins made a motion to approve the resolution to
approve plans for St Improvement #80-24. Commissioner Pierce seconded the
motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney Contract Discussion and Direction – President Moe communicated
that the current city attorney has submitted his resignation effective April 30th,
2024. The City Administrator communicated that he had a conversation with the
city attorney on Wednesday and he felt that it was a very good conversation.
There is a request for qualifications for City Attorney services that will be
advertised April 18th, 2024. Discussion continued on the topic. It was
communicated that the current City Attorney may remain the City Attorney
while we are advertising for a new one. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to
release a request for qualifications and look into them over the next few months.
Commissioner Hach seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a
roll call vote.
Air Rescue Fire Fighting Mission – City of Devils Lake & Devils Lake Regional
Airport – The City Administrator communicated that they met with the airport
authority members earlier in the day and they had a good, productive
discussion on what the plan is moving forward. There will be a rundown for the
full airport authority board on April 8th at their meeting. On April 15th, this will be
brought to Commission for final decision. The airport is willing to take a deferred
revenue in direct proportion to the extra responsibility that the City will take on. It
was communicated that there are three options: 1) Keep the status quo, 2)
cover the mission with existing fire department personnel while reducing one FTE
at the airport, 3) cover the mission by adding a FTE to the fire department and
reducing a FTE at the airport. The volunteer fire department said they are not
willing to help with this due to the extra time it would take for them. The Fire
Chief gave a breakdown on everything it will take for the Fire Department to
take over this task. Discussion continued on this topic. There was no action
needed tonight.
Commissioner Hamre moved to approve the list of bills as submitted. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Pierce. The motion carried unanimously on a
roll call vote.
SPENCER HALVORSON JIM MOE
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/AUDITOR PRESIDENT OF CITY COMMISSION
CALL FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received by the Board of City Commissioners until 5:00 pm, April 15,
2024, for “2024 Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk”. Bids will be opened and publicly read at City
Office, 423 6th St NE, Devils Lake, ND at 5:30 pm, April 15, 2024.
Copies of the plans and specifications are available in the office of the City Engineer, City
Offices, 423 6th St NE, PO Box 1048, Devils Lake, ND, 58301.
The Board of City Commissioners reserve the right to reject any or all bids, to waive
technicalities, or to award each section of the project individually, or in any combination
thereof, that is deemed in the best interest of the City.
Each bid must be labeled on the outside of the envelope with the following:
1. Name of the person/firm submitting bid.
2. Must be marked “2024 Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Bid”.
3. Bidder must include a two percent (2%) bid bond or certified check and copy of current
contractor’s license with the proposal for consideration.
For legals: 3-26-24,4-2-24, 4-9-24
CALL FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received by the Board of City Commissioners until 5:00 pm, April 15, 2024,
for “2024 Asphalt and Concrete Street Repair”. Bids will be opened and publicly read at City
Office, 423 6th St NE, Devils Lake, ND at 5:30 pm, April 15, 2024.
Copies of the plans and specifications are available in the office of the City Engineer, City
Offices, 423 6th St NE, PO Box 1048, Devils Lake, ND, 58301.
The Board of City Commissioners reserve the right to reject any or all bids, to waive
technicalities, or to award each section of the project individually, or in any combination thereof,
that is deemed in the best interest of the City.
Each bid must be labeled on the outside of the envelope with the following:
1. Name of the person/firm submitting bid.
2. Must be marked “2024 Asphalt and Concrete Street Repair”.
3. Bidder must include a two percent (2%) bid bond or certified check, and copy of current
contractor’s license with the proposal for consideration.
For legals: 3-26-24, 4-2-24, 4-9-24
STAFF REPORT
City Commission Meeting
April 15, 2024
Agenda Item: City Attorney Services
Submitted By: Spencer Halvorson, City Administrator/Auditor
Staff Recommended Action: Consider the proposal for the current City Attorney to
continue providing legal services until a new attorney is
appointed
The City Attorney has expressed his willingness to continue providing legal services to the
City beyond his resignation date of April 30, 2024. If the Commission would like the current
City Attorney to serve in that capacity until another attorney is appointed, he is willing to
do so at the current contracted rate through June 30, 2024. If the City does not have an
appointed attorney by that time, the law firm’s standard hourly rate would be charged
for the remainder of the arrangement.
LIST OF BILLS FOR THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE
15-Apr-24
VENDOR AMOUNT DUE
AIRPORT
Benson County Farmer's Press $84.50
Capital One-Walmart $117.80
Dennis Olson $250.00
Double Z Broadcasting $500.00
Gleason Construction $60.00
Home of Economy $80.97
Klemetsrud Plumbing $108,189.00
Leevers $139.67
Lakota American $71.50
Midco Business $496.98
MDU $1,181.51
Nodak Electric $1,883.74
NDTC $296.91
Scott Cruse $525.00
Sparklight Advertising $1,768.00
CITY
Alex Schwab $76.97
Amazon Capital Services $970.55
Aramark $826.52
AT & T $1,502.86
Axon Enterprise $11,760.00
Baker & Taylor $618.71
Bank of ND $190,831.68
Bergstrom Electric $906.32
Bert's Truck Equipment $300.10
Bibliotheca $2,059.95
Butler Machinery $136.87
LIST OF BILLS FOR THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE
15-Apr-24
VENDOR AMOUNT DUE
Carrot Top Industries $3,245.14
Caselle $1,464.00
Central Bussiness Systems-Advanced Business Methods $1,457.72
Champion Media-DL Journal $1,250.71
Ciox Helath $20.00
CivicPlus $2,536.60
Corporate Payment Systems $5,856.42
Corporate Technologies $450.00
David Rader $633.45
Duke's Car Wash $15.00
Ecolab $215.22
Farmer's Union Oil $17,715.15
Forum Communication $800.00
Gerrell's $2,097.30
Gessner Ironworks $995.40
GF Fire Equipment $596.25
GF Utility Billing $20,396.26
Guy Callender $420.00
Hanson Painting Service $14,700.00
Harold's Auto Marine & Electric Motor $1,948.70
Home of Economy $1,136.92
Information Technology Dept $373.35
Inteerstate Billing Service-Ironhide Equipment $1,076.10
JB Vending $220.83
Johnson Controls $1,092.70
Johnson Controls Fire Protection $789.00
Keller's Briteway $85.00
Klemetsrud Plumbing $901.73
L-Tron Corporation $393.75
Lake Region Corporation $8,492.00
Lake Region Law Enforcement Center $15,353.58
LIST OF BILLS FOR THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE
15-Apr-24
VENDOR AMOUNT DUE
Lake Region Sheet Metal Corporation $266.67
Lamotte's Paint & Glass $6,355.49
Land Surveying Service $1,195.00
LEAF $443.91
Leevers $43.45
Mark's Greenhouse $56.00
Mark's Hwy2 Service $419.77
MDU $2,997.16
Motorola Solutions $6,220.00
Newsbank $808.00
Northland Trust Services $17,781.25
ND One Call $34.75
North Cantral Granite $3,352.94
NDTC $379.90
O'Reilly's Automotive $155.58
Ottertail Power Co $1,047.62
Overdrive $1,000.00
Petty Cash $153.49
Prairie Truck & Tractor Repair $371.90
Quill $831.39
Railroad Management Co. $966.04
Regents of the University of MN $138.00
Sandberg Tech of ND $56.00
Sanitation Products $241.22
Senior Meals & Services $120.00
Service Tire $1,034.60
Setco $5,772.12
State Bar Association $12.95
Stone's Mobile Radio $832.45
Toshiba Business Solutions $17.70
Wang's Welding & Machining $150.00
LIST OF BILLS FOR THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE
15-Apr-24
VENDOR AMOUNT DUE
Xpress Bill Pay $441.99
Xtreme Signs & Graphix $605.00
Yunker Law Firm $8,333.33
TOTAL LIST OF BILLS $495,000.06
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