Jerry Hollingsworth

Key discussions included the approval of Contractor's Application for Payment #9 and an invoice from Moore Engineering for street improvement projects. The Council approved a resolution directing the engineer to advertise for bids for the Water Improvement District 2025-1 Oakes Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project and approved invoices related to WTP expansion and technical assistance. A geotechnical proposal from AET for $8,000 for sewer boring on Main Avenue was approved. The council approved several special event permits for Angry Beaver Lodge at various locations. Committee reports addressed manpower shortages, leading to a motion to advertise for another full-time public works laborer, and the plan to enroll an operator in the water plant operator training program. Council decided to close the landfill for the winter. In unfinished business, the Council approved a resolution regarding the building permit application for Great Plains Oil Company and imposed a temporary moratorium, lasting the shorter of 6 months or completion of a study, on commercial development along Highway 1 from the Oakes Golf Course to the Oakes Public School. New business included approving the presentation of Oakes Bucks to employees and approving a flood plain ordinance amendment.

The meetings covered numerous operational and financial activities, including receiving and filing Secretary, Treasurer, and Gaming Profit and Loss reports. Key discussions involved the rollover and investment of Certificates of Deposit (CDs). Several Gaming Fund Requests were addressed, with funding approved for the Oakes Community Hospital Foundation, Tiny Tornadoes (rebranded as Main Street Little Learners), the DECA and HOSA students' national competitions, the Bear Creek Roughriders' Irrigation Days Rodeo, the Stronger Together Foundation, and the Oakes Area Chamber of Commerce's Main Street Flower Basket program. Funding decisions were also made regarding BUMP projects for Quilter's Mercantile, Main Street Mini Mall, Praska Hardware, Good Samaritan Center, and The Last Shot, as well as sports sponsorships for the upcoming school year. Discussions on Economic Development included updates on the Relocation Specialist position, Strategic Planning with external consultants, potential walking path phases, and the demolition of the North 11th Street property. Business items included approving the sale of a lot in the Industrial Park to Matt Hill and establishing usage fees for the vacant lot traded from the Oakes Fire Department. The board also reviewed and took action on various correspondence and ongoing matters such as the ND Water Resources paperwork and the land east adjacent to Economy Oil.

Key discussions during the meeting included the review of engineer reports, resulting in the approval of two invoices for the street project and an invoice for water plant improvements. The timeline for the water treatment plant improvement final design meeting was set for the first week of December. The sewer backup incident on Main Street was discussed. Game of chance permits for the Oakes Wrestling Club (Raffle) and PTO (Raffle) were approved. For building permits, one permit for moving a new home was approved, while another permit was tabled pending contact with the state fire marshal and other regulating entities for compliance checks. The council approved a large list of outstanding bills totaling over $200,000. Committee reports covered the completion of the spray foam project at the city shop, plans for winter tree committee meetings and a citywide tree assessment, the need to notify owners about parking campers/trailers before snow removal, the landfill summer hours ending November 15th, issues with the sweeper truck, interest in reviving the prairie twister gymnastics program, and discussion regarding ordinance enforcement for blowing leaves into the street. The council approved the purchase of the Sicunet system for all entry doors following receipt of DRN Entry Security system quotes. An amendment to Ordinance 15.0223 passed its second reading. The council addressed private property use on FEMA Lots on South 12th Street, with the Mayor tasked to speak with the property owner.

The City Council reviewed and approved several reports, including the auditor and police reports. Multiple building permits were approved, covering egress windows, fertilizer plant upgrades, a new liquid tank, and foundation piers, as well as several fence permits. Permits for games of chance, including raffles and bingo for various community organizations, were also approved. The council approved the bills as presented. Visitors introduced a proposal for a new fueling station and convenience store, which will be subject to a future building permit application. Committee reports covered the progress of water meter installation, the street sweeper's operational status, and the need to purchase new tables and chairs. Discussion addressed a parking issue concerning abandoned vehicles on Pine Avenue, with a plan to address the matter in the next meeting. A quote for a well inspection was approved, and time was allotted for a resident to remove recreational items from city property. An investigation into potential illegal hookups at the Huebner Trailer Park was initiated. The council passed the second reading of an amendment to the ordinance regarding fence placement and the first reading of an amendment concerning vacant property billing policy. The emergency siren near the football field was approved for removal due to liability concerns and its limited necessity for emergency situations.

The City Council meeting addressed critical infrastructure concerns. Engineers presented information and a proposal regarding sewer issues affecting Main Avenue and 14th Street, leading to the council's approval to implement the first proposed option for resolution beginning in the spring. Discussion also covered subsequent steps for sewer line maintenance, including vac-trucking and flushing, and coordinating with septic pumping companies or private contractors. A letter will be sent to affected residents inviting them to the December meeting. Furthermore, the council reviewed the status of leasing land to a company for multi-unit mobile home relocation in two mobile home parks. Approval was granted to move forward contingent upon engineers verifying the adequacy of infrastructure plans for the proposed units.