Regular Council Meeting - 12/15/2025

​City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 12/15/2025
The regular December meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Council Member Gauslow at 7:02pm. Present were Council Members Scott Gauslow, Jesse Moch (via phone), Tom Steinolfson, and auditor Jen Skoog. Absent were Mayor Kyle Krump and Council Member Shaun Jacobson. Audience members in attendance were Nancy Kelly, Trace Bakke, and Todd Johnson.
Gauslow recognized the audience. Trace Bakke updated the council on the possibility of using the community center for the wrestling club. He reported that liability insurance has been obtained, and would like to use the community center Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30pm during the months of January to March. Skoog asked that the city be added as an additional insured, and a copy of the Certificate of Insurance be sent to the city. Trace will work with Skoog on reserving the requested dates.
Todd Johnson reported that the North Dakota Building Code is being updated effective January 1, 2026. He requested that the council complete a first reading tonight of the required amendment to approve the new code. Steinolfson inquired on what the legal responsibility is for covering the building inspector under insurance. Gauslow also inquired if the building inspector can stop a building process if not in compliance, and Johnson confirmed that he can halt construction, if necessary. Council requested that Johnson provide a quick update each month, emailed to the city by the Friday before each monthly meeting. Johnson reported that he is looking to increase house inspections by $250/house starting next year, and then provided a copy of his rates starting in 2026. After reviewing the documents provided, Steinolfson motioned to approve the first reading of the City of Colfax Ordinance Amending Section 8-85 to adopt the 2026 North Dakota Building Code with local amendments, seconded by Moch. Carried.
Nancy provided a breif update on lots/houses being sold in town, reporting there are already two lots sold in Reserve. Nancy also confirmed that all lots in Colfax Meadows 4 are currently on the market, including the one lot the city was considering to allow for a road to the east. Discussion was held. This topic will need discussed further at a future meeting.
The meeting minutes of the 10/24/25 City Council meeting were reviewed. Moch motioned to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Steinolfson. Carried.
The meeting minutes of the 11/17/25 City Council meeting were reviewed. Steinolfson motioned to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Moch. Carried.
The meeting minutes of the 11/19/25 City Council meeting were reviewed. Steinolfson motioned to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Moch. Carried.
The November financials were presented. Discussion was held. Skoog brought forth that the Richland Auditor’s office contacted her regarding a new levied amount for the 2026 budget. Council requested further details surrounding how the new levied amount was calculated and Skoog will contact the Auditor’s Office. Further discussion was held regarding total amount coming in from water rates. Item needs to be included on the January agenda. Moch motioned to approve the November financials as presented, seconded by Steinolfson. Role Call vote: Steinolfson – yes, Moch – yes, Gauslow – yes
December bills were presented. Council decided to move the Interstate Engineering $4,500 bill to the sewer account, and wait on the Interstate Engineering $2,800 bill until the next meeting, and wait on the annual council payments until the special meeting on 12/22/25. Steinolfson motioned to approve the bills as presented, with the modifications as stated, seconded by Moch.  Role Call vote: Steinolfson – yes, Moch – yes, Gauslow – yes
Old Business
Discussion was held regarding the outstanding R&R bill for EPAC. A special meeting will be held virtually at 7am on 12/17/25 to further discuss information from Interstate Engineering.
No update on the Reserve project.
No update on the Boehm Addition project.
There were no building permit requests. Further discussion on the permit application cost resolution will take place at a future meeting.
Regarding the reservoir expansion, discussion was held on appointing two City council members to meet with SEWU beginning of January to gage interest in regards to the letter sent.
No update on the lagoon expansion project.
No update on the street repairs/maintenance.
The topic of the City attorney was tabled until a future meeting.
Gauslow’s tractor was too big to run the City blower. Kyle was able to locate someone to take care of snow for the 25-26 winter season with the same payment terms as last year.
Regarding the additional city employee, Steinolfson provided a draft of a job description via email. Discussion was held.
The topic of the ETZ expansion was tabled until a future meeting.
No update regarding the Flex Funds application.
New Business
The review of the council and auditor salaries was tabled until a future meeting. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of expanding the council size, and looking at a committee that can assist the council with tasks/projects.
The 2026 liquor & beer licenses for both Colfax Bar and EPAC were discussed. Steinolfson motioned to approve the Colfax Bar Beer/Liquor licenses for 2026, seconded by Moch. Carried. Moch motioned to approve the Colfax Bar Beer/Liquor licenses for 2026, seconded by Steinolfson. Carried. Starting in 2026, an application for beer & liquor licenses will be required to be submitted by the requesting entity to the City council to be considered for approval.
There being no further business, Gauslow made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Steinolfson.  Carried. Adjourned at 9:31 pm.