Shane Schmidtgal

The Ray City Commission met jointly with the Nesson School District Board to discuss a potential collaborative development project concerning a football field, track, throwing facilities, and parking, alongside a possible community center. Discussions centered on land ownership, transfer mechanisms, timelines, and necessary legal safeguards, including a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). The city recently acquired twenty-six acres, with plans for the School District to develop and operate the athletic facilities on 16-17 acres, while the city retains ownership of parking areas. The JPA will stipulate milestones, such as hiring an architect within 12 months and issuing a construction contract within 24 months, with land reversion to the city if deadlines are missed. Preliminary cost estimates for the athletic facilities range from $1 million to $6 million. The meeting concluded with direction given to legal counsel to draft the JPA once legal descriptions are finalized, emphasizing that completing the land swap is essential before accurate design and cost planning.

Key discussions included planning and zoning items such as errors in the West Side Annexation to be corrected in 2026, updates on funding opportunities for Parks Planning, and finalization of the development agreement for the Sandstrom property. In Engineering, progress was noted on street/sidewalk/drainage projects, with the Final Payment Application submitted to NDDOT, ongoing design for South Park Roads, and completion milestones for the Surge Tank and Water Main Extension projects. The Commission approved Amendment 5 of Task Order 2 to increase budgets for design engineering, construction engineering, and additional services. Several funding applications were submitted to DEQ for DWSRF and CWSRF consideration for upcoming water and sewer improvement projects. A comprehensive scope of work for West Side Development planning, covering survey, streets, water, sewer, and stormwater, was outlined, with a draft task order pending. The Commission also addressed administrative items, including adopting the regular meeting schedule resolution for 2026, approving financials, and adopting a resolution designating official fund depositories. Furthermore, there was a first reading of an ordinance to modify the City Commission meeting rules, a discussion regarding a favorable ruling anticipated from the W. S. Raymond Trust court hearing, a decision to charge rent for city-provided housing starting February 2026, initial discussion for an auditor trainee position, an update on the 10 Main Street/daycare building renovation, an increase in the water usage charge effective March 2026, and approvals for purchasing grader cutting edges and trading equipment for an excavator bucket and snow pusher.

Key discussions focused on infrastructure and community development. The commission addressed equipment maintenance by approving a motion to rebuild the current failed pump and install it, replacing the oldest unit which will be sent off for rebuild as a backup. A Gaming Permit (2026-02) for a Ray High School raffle was approved. Significant deliberation occurred regarding a potential West Side Complex/Community Center, with the commission favoring a city-driven approach for shared use with the school, ensuring design serves broad community needs. The city aims for rapid development, targeting football play by the next season. The commission moved to authorize IEI to prepare a task order detailing design options, scope, timeline, and budget for this complex.

The regular meeting addressed several key areas including bid rejections and acceptances for mowers. Under Planning & Zoning, errors in the West Side Annexation map and legal description were noted, with plans to correct them in 2026. Updates were provided on funding for Parks Planning, the Comprehensive Plan, and finalizing the Sandstrom property development agreement. The Commission approved Task Order No. 14 for 2026 On-Call Planning Services. In Engineering, progress was reported on Streets/Sidewalks/Drainage (project substantially complete), South Park Roads (design ongoing), Surge Tank Project (warranty walk-through complete), and Water Main Extension Project (anticipated completion on December 8, 2025). A payment application for $266,182.00 for engineering services was authorized. The Commission also approved requisitions for BND IRLF Loan payments and noted the denial of a community center grant application. They submitted questionnaires for DWSRF/CWSRF consideration, noting the Highway 2 water main project's ranking. A change order for West Side Grading Improvements totaling $126,363.89 was authorized, along with a significant payment application for $571,146.11 related to those improvements. The Commission reviewed and approved October and November 2025 financials, checks, and payroll, and authorized depreciation transfers to water/sewer funds. Key Commission reports included updates on the school district's potential 2026 bond referendum, establishing a committee to assist with access to a Tax Forfeiture property, approving a modification to the W.S. Raymond Trust to benefit charitable organizations, accepting a trust statement and a pledge pool report. Employee wage increases, including a 6% increase for one employee, a rate adjustment for another, and a 5% base salary increase for other office staff plus a 3% bonus, were approved. Updates on the daycare building construction were provided, and the Commission accepted an offer from Western Coop Credit Union regarding a lot for the playground area. The Commission also decided to disregard a letter sent regarding signage visibility on a specific property and authorized payment for furnace repairs at the Trax 22 property, pending attorney review of lien documentation. Finally, the rate increase for the Williams County Correctional Center was accepted, a gaming permit for the Ray Fire Department raffle was approved, and the Commission decided to change the regular meeting day from the second Monday to the second Wednesday of each month, with final confirmation in January.

The Ray City Commission meeting covered several topics, including the West Side Annexation, Pitt Group Lot Rearrangement, and Parks Planning. The commission discussed and approved the preliminary plat for the Sandstrom subdivision and a zoning change. They also addressed street, sidewalk, and drainage issues, including the completion of the 2025 Chip Seal project and the South Park Road project. The commission discussed funding opportunities for a community center and sanitary sewer system rehabilitation. Additionally, they reviewed the street sweeper situation and considered replacing the problem unit, discussed updates on the daycare building, and reviewed ordinance compliance officer duties. The commission also discussed West Side Water Main Expansion hook-ups and approved several building permits and a business incentive loan.