City of Underwood

Key discussions included receiving a report from the McLean County Sheriff's office and updates regarding the City Library Board appointments. The commission addressed the water main replacement project on County Rd 14 using remaining grant funds, authorizing the auditor to sign necessary documents. Approval was granted to reduce the retainage amount for Maguire Iron, while Moore Engineering continues work on the water tower project punch list. The commission approved Amy Riddle's participation in the 2-year Water Apprenticeship Program, contingent upon discussing further contract agreements with Riddle and the mentor, Neal Repnow. The commission requested an accounting of employment wages and supplies costs for Emergency Fund qualification. Approval was granted for on and off beer liquor licenses contingent upon full payment of the water bill. Procedures were established for handling delinquent accounts, including sending notices, requiring 50% payment by February 17th, and shutting off water services for non-compliance. The commission discussed but ultimately declined holding sand and salt due to lack of space. Authorized agent changes were made for the J.P. Morgan credit card and all Bravera Bank accounts. Various year-end fund transfers were approved, and Bravera Bank was designated as the city's official depository. Participation in the 2026 Random Drug and Alcohol Program was renewed. The commission reviewed a sample Floodplain Management Ordinance prior to its first reading. The discussion regarding property bids for the Industrial Park was tabled pending further cost analysis.

The primary purpose of this special meeting was to declare a State of Emergency and establish water advisory procedures for the City of Underwood. Key actions included the official declaration of a State of Emergency, effective immediately, and the signing of the Water Emergency Declaration for Underwood, North Dakota. Discussion among physical attendees and online viewers resulted in a consensus to notify local news channels and utilize the CodeRED notification system to reach the broader community, supplementing updates posted on the official city website.

The Commission meeting involved several significant operational and financial discussions. Key topics included approving a building permit, receiving updates on ongoing city projects from Moore Engineering, and deciding on the use of surplus grant and loan funding to replace water mains on County Road 14 and Garfield Avenue, requiring an application for DWR funding. Action was taken regarding change orders and pay applications for water tower and underground utility projects involving Tecta America, Maguire Iron, and Tand Construction. The Commission approved financial changes related to meter installation contracts with Core & Main, approved an amendment to Moore Engineering's services, and discussed staffing changes following the decline of an Auditor candidate, leading to readvertising the Auditor and Deputy Auditor positions. Additionally, decisions were made regarding employee bonuses, the approval of a gaming permit, removing an employee from city accounts, and depositing proceeds from the sale of city equipment into the Generator Special Revenue Fund.

The meeting included discussions about the change to an internet based phone system, the capital improvement plan, unrestricted funds, and the township road and infrastructure fund. Also discussed was the repair to the fence at the mass chapel cemetery, putting in a mini split at the storage facility at the Ping Hills location, and the fire service. A board member also resigned from the Morgantown Fire Territory board.

The meeting centered on discussions about the fire department, taxes, and community support. Topics included exploring options for combining resources with other townships for fire rescue, concerns about a significant tax increase and its impact on residents, and the possibility of redirecting funds to lower the tax rate. Additional points of discussion involved the ISO rating of the fire department, the need for better communication from the township, and a proposed road structure capital improvement plan.