City Commission

MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE, ND MARCH 26, 2025 The special meeting of the Devils Lake City Commission was held on March 26, 2025 with the following members present: President Moe and Commissioners Hach, Knowski, Pierce and Uhlenkamp. MEETING ITEMS - City Facility Long Term Planning & Funding Options President Moe addressed the City Commission regarding the proposed .5% referendum that has been discussed at past meetings. He said that since Devils Lake is so heavy on tourism and a regional destination, the City should consider increasing the sales tax to reflect the economy of the area and reduce the burden on area residents for the funding of city services. He added that the City has immediate facility needs, which include a relocation of the Police Department and garage space for public safety vehicles. President Moe says he thinks pursuing the sales tax increase to relocate the Police Department and renovate or relocate City Hall, while offsetting the burden to area residents through utility fees, is a strategic way to meet the city’s needs while being mindful of City residents. He said the City has current and long-term needs and can do these projects responsibly with virtually no increased cost to residents of the City. Commissioner Pierce asked about potential future site locations for the Police Department. The City Administrator said there are a number of options and future public meetings regarding trade- offs and costs would have to be pursued. He said relocating the Police Department downtown may cost more, but the Commission would need to determine if the extra costs were worth the strategic location. Whatever is decided with the Police Department would dictate what to do with City Hall, and whether to relocate it or Commissioner Knowski made a motion to direct the City Administrator and City Attorney to put together ballot language for a .5% sales tax referendum to the residents of the City. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. - Authorize Call for Bids – Project 250103- Seal Coat Commissioner Pierce made a motion to authorize a call for bids for Project 250103 for Seal Coating. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously. - Resolution Approving Plans and Specification and Directing Advertisement for Bids – Street Impr. District 82-25 Commissioner Knowski made a motion to approve the resolution, specifications, and directing advertisement for bids for Street Improvement District 82-25. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. - Resolution Approving Plans and Specification and Directing Advertisement for Bids – Street Impr. District 83-25 Commissioner Knowski made a motion to approve the resolution, specifications, and directing advertisement for bids for Street Improvement District 83-25. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. - Resolution Approving Plans and Specification and Directing Advertisement for Bids – Street Impr. District 84-25 Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the resolution, specifications, and directing advertisement for bids for Street Improvement District 84-25. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. - Resolution Approving Plans and Specification and Directing Advertisement for Bids – Street Impr. District 85-25 Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the resolution, specifications, and directing advertisement for bids for Street Improvement District 85-25. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. - Budget Amendment 25-02 – Christmas Decorations – City Beautification Fund (8008) Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve Budget Amendment 25-02. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously by roll call vote. __________________________________ __________________________________ SPENCER HALVORSON JIM MOE CITY ADMINISTRATOR/AUDITOR PRESIDENT OF CITY COMMISSION