City Commission

Name: City Commission — Devils Lake, ND
Start: 2025-08-18
End: 2025-08-18
Location: Devils Lake, ND

Regular Meeting

Devils Lake, ND · August 18, 2025

Minutes

MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE, ND AUGUST 18, 2025 The regular meeting of the Devils Lake City Commission was held on August 18, 2025 with the following members present: President Moe and Commissioners Hach, Pierce, Knowski, and Uhlenkamp. MEETING ITEMS 1) Call to Order 2) Approval of Minutes – August 4, 2025 Commissioner Knowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2025 City Commission meeting. Commission Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS PUBLIC HEARINGS – 5:30 PM 1) Public Hearing – Change of Zoning – 7965 County Rd 1 – Blake a. Recommendation to Approve Change of Zoning – 7965 County Rd 1 – Blake Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the recommendation for change of zoning at 7965 County Rd 1 – Blake. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 2) Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit – 7933 County Rd 1 – Reese a. Recommendation to Approve Conditional Use Permit – 7933 County Rd 1 – Reese Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the recommendation for a conditional use permit at 7933 County Rd 1. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. BID OPENINGS – 5:30 PM VISITORS OR DELEGATIONS COMMISSION PORTFOLIOS Commissioner Pierce – The Fire Chief communicated that they are working on preparing for the tri-annual event at the airport, which will take place on August 26th at 10am. They are hoping to schedule some interviews for Friday. There is a fire investigator training class that is happening in Mandan. The National Night Out will be happening sometime in September. Their annual open house information will be going out soon. They will also be bringing a firetruck to the block party for LRSC. President Moe, on behalf of the city, gave condolences to the family of Alvin Schroeder in light of his recent passing. Commissioner Uhlenkamp – The City Engineer said that there was a spike in mosquito counts a little over a week ago. The department has been doing morning and night ground spraying. Commissioner Knowski asked if we kept track of the trap numbers year-to-year. The City Engineer mentioned that we have records of when we sprayed, but the count information was not as readily available as it is now. They are also still working on striping the roadways. Commissioner Hach – The Airport Manager communicated that the tri-annual event is coming up next Tuesday. They are still looking for volunteers for the aircraft crash stimulation exercise. They are also going to be getting a backup ARFF truck. Grand Forks is actively pursuing getting a route to Denver. The Airport Manager mentioned that there is nothing to be scared of because SkyWest will more than likely pull out. The Essential Air Service is what really helps Devils Lake, which Grand Forks is not eligible for. There is not an update for the Sanitation Department. The Engineering Department is submitting a grant to the NDDOT to try to secure some funding for roadways in the industrial park. They submitted this grant in the past and were not successful but are going to submit again. The City Assessor communicated that he had the State Board of Equalization last week in Bismarck. Commissioner Knowski – The City Engineer said that there is not an update for the Utility Department. President Moe – The Police Chief communicated school starts tomorrow. SRO Dallas will be at the High School and SRO Scheen will be at CMS. The City Administrator communicated that he went to a city manager conference in Montana. He mentioned that other states are having some of the same issues we are having with downtown loitering. He mentioned that over the past year the city has had conversations with Stride Development, PBC regarding the development potential of the city-owned parking lot west of the Post Office. There have been a couple of meetings with the Senior Meals board regarding the potential for a new home for Senior Meals and Services. It was mentioned that city administration and Mayor Moe intend to meet with the Senior Meals and Services Boad on Wednesday to discuss the concept, potential, and create a clear path forward. A letter of intent between the developer and the city will be presented to the City Commission at the September 2nd meeting to further commit both parties. He also communicated that at the beginning of every even numbered year the city is required to designate its depositor of public funds. The city currently banks with Bremer Bank, which is now a branch of Old National. He mentioned that this usually happens in November, but due to the transition from Bremer Bank to Old National, it is recommended to expedite the proposal process. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the recommendation for the request for qualification for treasure management services. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. OLD BUSINESS 1) 2026 Budget – General Fund President Moe mentioned that the preliminary budget was approved with a -$120,000 deficit and that he wants to put forward a balanced budget. Use full max cap of property tax levy permitted by North Dakota Century Code, raise sales tax percentage allocated to the General Fund from 42.75% to 44.00%, reduce the transfer from the General Fund to the Police Department Equipment Reserve from $25,000 to $15,000, and the financial support to outside organizations are the items to be looked at. Commissioner Pierce asked where the additional sales tax allocation would be coming from. The City Administrator said that it would come from one of the bond fund (5476). Discussion continued on the sales tax allocations and the 2026 budget. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to proceed with what is being presented. Commissioner Knowski seconded the motion. Commissioner Knowski asked why the amount does not get changed in the ordinance. The City Administrator mentioned that the sales tax purposes were amendments to the home rule charter, so if the city that changed, if would have to go to the citizens of Devils Lake for a vote. The motion was approved unanimously. 2) NDPERS Public Safety Plan – Fire Department The City Administrator mentioned that transferring the Fire Department employees to the Public Safety plan is doable. When the city first enrolled, firefighters were not eligible for this plan but in 2017 they became eligible. Commissioner Pierce mentioned that Chief Bennett would like to transition to the public safety plan for the fire department. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve transitioning the Fire Department to the NDPERS Public Safety Plan. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. 3) Police Department Relocation & City Hall Remodel Due Diligence The City Administrator gave a brief overview of the options that are being looked into for relocating the police department. The four options that were presented will give a good idea of costs associated with relocating the Police Department. The City Administrator provided an overview of current inadequacies in the physical building at City Hall and requested authorization for staff to engage in architectural services for a two-phased remodel of City Hall. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to authorize the city staff to engage in architectural services for a two- phased remodel of City Offices. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. CONSENT AGENDA NEW BUSINESS 1) Second Reading of Ordinance 1019 – Chapter 973 Tobacco, Electronic Smoking Devices, Alternative Nicotine Products A second reading of Ordinance 1019 was held. Commissioner Knowski made a motion to approve Ordinance 1019 – Chapter 973 Tobacco, Electronic Smoking Devices, Alternative Nicotine Products. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 2) Second Reading of Ordinance 1020 – Vaping A second reading of Ordinance 1020 was held. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve Ordinance 1020 – Vaping. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 3) Second Reading of Ordinance 1021 – Section 10.16.441 Use of Safety Belts Required in Certain Motor Vehicles A second reading of Ordinance 1021 was held. Commissioner Uhlenkamp made a motion to approve Ordinance 1021 – Section 10.16.441 Use of Safety Belts Required in Certain Motor Vehicles. Commissioner Pierce seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 4) First Reading of Ordinance 1022 – Section 9.72.010 Regulations A first reading of Ordinance 1022 was held. 5) First Reading of Ordinance 1023 – 9.72.040 Parental Responsibility A first reading of Ordinance 1023 was held. 6) First Reading of Ordinance 1024 – 9.72.050 Penalty-Violation A first reading of Ordinance 1024 was held. 7) Opioid Litigation – Purdue Pharma Proposed Bankruptcy Plan and Settlement & Nationwide Settlement Agreements The City Administrator communicated that this is related to the class action lawsuit nationwide. Commissioner Knowski make a motion to approve the bankruptcy plan as stated. Commissioner Pierce seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 8) Pay Estimate #1 – 2025 Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalk Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve pay estimate #1 for 2025 Curb, Gutter, & sidewalk. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. 9) Pay Estimate #1 – City Project 250102 – SI 83-25, SI 84-25 Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve pay estimate #1 for City Project 250102 – SI 83-25, SI 84-25. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. 10) Pay Estimate #13 - City Project 230201 – Watermain Replacement 28-23 & 29-23 Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve pay estimate #13 – City Project 230201 – Watermain Replacement 28-23 & 29-23. Commissioner Knowski seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. CITIZEN COMMENT INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1) July 2025 Financial Report LIST OF BILLS Commissioner Uhlenkamp made a motion to approve the list of bills as submitted. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. __________________________________ __________________________________ SPENCER HALVORSON JIM MOE CITY ADMINISTRATOR/AUDITOR PRESIDENT OF CITY COMMISSION

Agenda

Monday, August 18, 2025 5:30PM CST Jobs Development Authority 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 – July 21, 2025 4) RWIP Grant Process Update – Suzie Kenner, Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce 5) Pay Application #1 and MDU Invoice Payment Approval City Commission Meeting Agenda Devils Lake City Hall Commission Chambers 423 6th St NE, Devils Lake, 58301 Meeting Items 1) Call to Order 2) Approval of Minutes – August 4, 2025 Awards and Proclamations Public Hearings – 5:30 PM 1) Public Hearing – Change in Zoning – 7965 County Rd 1 – Blake a. Recommendation to Approve Change in Zoning – 7965 County Rd 1 - Blake 2) Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit – 7933 County Rd 1 – Reese a. Recommendation to Approve Conditional Use Permit – 7933 County Rd 1 - Reese Bid Openings – 5:30 PM Visitors or Delegations *Limited to five minutes per guest, unless extended by presiding officer Commission Portfolios 1) City Administrator – City Parking Lot Development Concept & Potential 2) City Administrator – Request for Qualifications: Treasury Management Services Old Business 1) 2026 Budget – General Fund 2) NDPERS Public Safety Plan – Fire Department Page 1 of 2 3) Police Department Relocation & City Hall Remodel Due Diligence Consent Agenda New Business 1) Second Reading of Ordinance 1019 – Chapter 973 Tobacco, Electronic Smoking Devices, Alternative Nicotine Products 2) Second Reading of Ordinance 1020 – Vaping 3) Second Reading of Ordinance 1021 – Section 10.16.441 Use of Safety Belts Required in Certain Motor Vehicles 4) First Reading of Ordinance 1022 – Section 9.72.010 Regulations 5) First Reading of Ordinance 1023 – 9.72.040 Parental Responsibility 6) First Reading of Ordinance 1024 – 9.72.050 Penalty-Violation 7) Opioid Litigation – Purdue Pharma Proposed Bankruptcy Plan and Settlement & Nationwide Settlement Agreements 8) Pay Estimate #1 – 2025 Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalk 9) Pay Estimate #3 – City Project 250102 – SI 82-25, SI 83-25, SI 84-25 10) Pay Estimate #13 – City Project 230201 – Watermain Replacement 28-23 & 29-23 Citizen Comment Informational Items - July 2025 Financial Report 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 MEETING MINUTES OF THE JOBS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE, ND July 21, 2025 The regular meeting of the Devils Lake Jobs Development Authority was held on July 21, 2025 with the following members present: Jim Moe, Jason Pierce, Joe Knowski and Rob Hach. MEETING ITEMS 1) Approval of Minutes – June 07, 2025 Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 7, 2025 meeting of the Jobs Development Authority. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 2) FlexPace Interest Buydown – Joyful Beginnings Brady Ash, Director of Forward Devils Lake, mentioned that Joyful Beginnings is doing an expansion project. Margy Prozinkski, owner, mentioned that they had opened in 2021 in Bethel Church with around 35 kids. They are now licensed in their own facility for around 90 kids. The new facility is going to be an opportunity to have 30 more licensed spots, and this will be for school-aged children. Commissioner Hach made a motion to approve the FlexPace Interest Buydown in the amount of $10,344 for Joyful Beginnings. Commissioner Pierce seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. 3) 2025 Mobile Career Exploration Classroom Sponsorship Commissioner Pierce made a motion to approve the 2025 Mobile Career Exploration Classroom Sponsorship in the amount of $20,000. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. 4) JDA 2026 Budget Review The City Administrator gave a brief overview of the JDA 2026 budget. 5) Growth Fund 2026 Budget Review The City Administrator gave a brief overview of the Growth Fund 2026 budget. Informational _______________________________ __________________________________ SPENCER HALVORSON JIM MOE CITY ADMINISTRATOR/AUDITOR PRESIDENT OF JOBS DEV. AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DEVILS LAKE, ND August 4, 2025 The regular meeting of the Devils Lake City Commission was held on August 4, 2025 with the following members present: President Moe and Commissioners Hach, Pierce, Knowski, and Uhlenkamp. MEETING ITEMS 1) Call to Order 2) Approval of Minutes – July 21, 2025 Commissioner Knowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 21, 2025 City Commission meeting. Commission Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 3) Approval of Minutes – July 24, 2025 Special Meeting Commissioner Uhlenkamp made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2025 Special Meeting. Commissioner Knowski seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. 4) Approval of Minutes – July 28, 2025 Special Meeting Commissioner Knowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 28, 2025 Special Meeting. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously. AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS PUBLIC HEARINGS – 5:30 PM BID OPENINGS – 5:30 PM VISITORS OR DELEGATIONS COMMISSION PORTFOLIOS Commissioner Pierce – The Fire Chief communicated that they had one employee attending fire training in Mandan. They also opened up a firefighter position. Commissioner Uhlenkamp – The City Engineer said that the Street Department that there is not an update for the street department. They have not started any work on the cemetery road yet. Commissioner Hach – The Airport Manager communicated that they had a new record of boardings. The City Engineer said that there is not an update for the Sanitation Department. There are items that will be discussed for the Engineering Department. The City Assessor said that the application for the Renaissance Zone has been approved for another 10 years. Commissioner Knowski – The City Engineer communicated that Commissioner Knowski recently did a tour of the water treatment plant. Commissioner Knowski mentioned that it is more complicated than he thought. President Moe – The Police Chief communicated that they met with Superintendent Clooten to review and discuss the cost share for the SRO program. They are looking at a 75% share, as the officers are in the school for nine (9) months out of the year. This year it will be $95,000 and next year it will be around $100,000. The City Attorney communicated that there are three (3) new ordinances on the agenda. In addition to these, there are three (3) blighted structure public hearings scheduled for September 4th, subject to successful service on the property owners. This time they are utilizing Sheriff Deputies to serve. President Moe communicated that he would like to see a new business permit program become a good thing within the City of Devils Lake. He mentioned that the city should know what types of businesses are coming to town. It was mentioned that this would have basic rules that would need to be followed. OLD BUSINESS 1) Picnic Benches at 4th & 4th Commissioner Pierce mentioned that after the last commission meeting, he had a discussion with the Police Chief about the picnic tables and how they have become a collection point for individuals downtown. It was mentioned that the homeless shelter is only open at night, so the individuals have nowhere to go during the day. He also talked to the City Engineer about having a petition go around for the people to decide if they want the picnic tables to go or not. Commissioner Uhlenkamp communicated that we need to start somewhere. Commissioner Hach mentioned that the picnic tables are not going to solve the problem and that there are more issues downtown. Commissioner Pierce looked into seeing if anything can be done with the section 8 housing downtown and there is nothing that we can do. The police traffic downtown has helped and business owners are seeing a difference. Commissioner Knowski mentioned that we did not have this type of issue prior to doing downtown beautification. Removing the picnic tables for a temporary basis would be a good start to see if it does anything. President Moe mentioned that he drove downtown after the last meeting, and he did see five (5) individuals on the benches downtown. It was mentioned that it may have had a bad look, but they were not doing anything wrong. Commissioner Pierce made a motion to remove the picnic tables on 4th & 4th and that the street department holds onto them for future use, if needed. Commissioner Hach seconded the motion. The motion was approved on a 4-1 roll call vote, with President Moe dissecting. 2) Benches at Bridgestone Park Commissioner Pierce mentioned that this was brought up just as an information piece. He mentioned that he was talking to Chief Toso about removing a combination of benches and picnic tables, but after talking to a business owner about the increased foot patrol this is not an issue at the moment. It was mentioned that daycare kids go to this park, and they have someone do a walk through first to make sure there is nothing that could harm the children. The City Engineer communicated that he could talk to the park district about maintaining the park. Commissioner Pierce mentioned that he will talk to the park district about doing events there throughout the summer. It was mentioned that the benches and tables attracted the wrong crowds, which was not the intention. 3) Curfew Ordinance Proposal Commissioner Pierce mentioned that he talked to Chief Toso and Commissioner Hach about the city’s curfew ordinance. It was communicated that there is one and that in the past it used to be enforced. Commissioner Pierce reviewed the current ordinance, and he revised it to be straight to the point. Commissioner Pierce asked if we could set a fine for a juvenile breaking the ordinance. Chief Toso mentioned that the fining is done to the parent or guardian. Commissioner Knowski communicated that changing it to under the age of 18 makes it more difficult. Commissioner Pierce mentioned that this is based off Fargo’s ordinance. The City Attorney mentioned that he can look into this ordinance. He mentioned that there is value in keeping the penalty clause that is currently in municipal code. CONSENT AGENDA NEW BUSINESS 1) Approval of FY 2026 Preliminary Budget and Setting of Public Hearing Date for October 06, 2025 Commissioner Knowski made a motion to approve the FY 2026 preliminary budget and setting of public hearing date for October 06, 2025. Commissioner Uhlenkamp seconded the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. 2) Appointment and Reappointment to the Special Assessment Commission

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