Regular Council Meeting - 2/21/2022

 City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 2/21/2022
The regular February Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:06pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Tom Wulfekuhle, Shaun Jacobson, Kyle Krump, and auditor Jen Skoog. Absent was Council Member Justin Reiland. Audience members in attendance were Bonnie Gylland, Festus Mickelson, Neil Berseth, Kim Berseth, Inis Frankl, Mike Freeberg, and Jeremy Fischer & Mark Berseth with Montana Dakota Utility.
Jeremy Fischer & Mark Berseth with Montana Dakota Utility introduced themselves and presented information regarding bringing a natural gas line within a mile of Colfax. MDU is looking to have a natural gas line from Wahpeton to Mapleton built in Summer 2024, being completed in Fall of 2024. MDU would look to have the line brought to Colfax in Summer 2024, with infrastructure available to residents in Summer 2025. MDU is looking to get a ‘buy-in’ from 40% residents and 40% of businesses in Colfax before proceeding with the Colfax part of the project. They also ask that the City provide an estimate number of resident & commercial water accounts in town, and would need a franchise utility agreement with the City of Colfax. In the future, MDU would set up ‘business hours’, at a location in town, where residents of Colfax would have the opportunity to sit down with a representative of MDU, bring in their current utility bill, and MDU would help determine if switching to natural gas will help them save money or not. No further questions from the council or audience.
Festus Mickelson reported that the Colfax fire dept is interested in having gaming options in the Colfax bar. The Fire Department’s long-term goal is to construct newer fire hall to fit a larger truck. The department is considering a different location, and funding from gaming would assist in this process. The fire department will need to work with the state to set up a new organization, and then complete the gaming site authorization and the rental agreement for the Colfax council to review. The Council expressed support to keep gaming funds local.
Mike Freeberg approached the board with plans to build a house north of Rudolf’s current residence on the East side of town, with the hopes in getting hooked up to City water and sewer. It would be Freeberg’s cost to bring the lines to the house, and the Council had no objection to the preliminary plans. Freeberg will need to work with Todd Johnson on plans/setbacks, and will need to complete the building permit for approval.
The minutes of the January Regular City Council meeting were reviewed; Krump moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
Financial report for January was unavailable due to moving to the new system. Reports should be available at the March or April meetings.
The February bills and January meter reading differences were reviewed; Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
Old Business
No update regarding the Savion Project. There is a new project manager.
Regarding the Water Loop Project, Olson spoke with the engineer and they are looking into applying for a sizable grant that may assist with this project. Council is currently waiting for this to be submitted by the engineer. The City Snowblower is still being used with Olson’s personal tractor, and the intention is to continue this process through the rest of the winter. Olson called the county asking if we could hire them to spread some sand along the icy corners in town. Olson will provide a map of the city to the county for them to proceed.
No update regarding the Fire Hydrant repair.
Council discussed the need to decide on something soon regarding the future of Grant Street. Olson will visit with Interstate Engineering to get an estimate on hardening up the surface for the time being. Jacobson brought up the possibility of putting up a ‘no construction trucks’ sign on the highway or at the beginning of Grant Street.
Council reviewed the Metro Sports Gaming Application for gaming at the Colfax Bar. Discussion was held on the importance of keeping these gaming dollars in our local community. Wulfekuhle motioned to deny the application, seconded by Krump. Carried.
New Business
The MT Septic Contract was reviewed. Jacobson motioned to accept the contract as presented, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried.
The ND Sewage Pump Contract was reviewed. Wulfekuhle motioned to accept the contract as presented, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
Nathan Berseth with BLB Investments inquired about the possible reduction of the CD Guarantee being held for the Colfax Meadows Third development. At this time, Berseth only owns about half of the lots since all the other lots have been sold. Wulfekuhle motioned that the City requires that 60% of the funds still remain in the CD while releasing the remaining 40% for Berseth to withdraw, seconded by Krump. Carried.
The Building Permit for 109 Broadway was reviewed by the Council. The owner has been in contact with Todd. Krump motioned to approve the building permit, pending Todd’s approval, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
Mayor Report
Olson reported that Stubson inquired about some of the lots by the wellhouse, wondering if he is able to acquire them. Discussion was held, and no decision was made.
The 2022 Election filing deadline is 4pm on April 11th. Notices are posted at the Community Center and the Colfax Post Office. There are currently two Council Member positions open, both are 4-year terms. More information can also be found on the City Website.
Discussion was held regarding the North Country Trail connecting Colfax and Abercrombie.
There being no further business, Wulfekuhle made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Krump. Carried.
Adjourned at 8:32pm.