Despite some opposition remaining, city council moved to go forward with the project

The latest report on the project, given by City Engineer Kyle Meyer included new cost estimates and a call for specific action and resolutions from the council. The project had been scaled back some, taking out the retention pond, explained Meyer. The new cost estimates put the project at $990,000, including a $120,000 grant. The project will be paid for by Maple River Grain, Underverth, and other businesses and owners in the TIF (tax increment finance) district. Discussion focused on the cost of redirecting the water and the cost of the equipment needed to efficiently do so.

A couple property owners were at the meeting and expressed their concern for the cost. Property owner Dave Piper proposed a different rerouting idea for the water flow and asked if this would cut the cost of the project. There was some discussion on this idea but no further pursuit of it.

The council then decided to close the discussion with asking Meyer for the next step, where four resolutions were proposed.

The council passed four resolutions, provided support for moving forward with gathering information on the project. The resolutions included creating the assessment district, discretion to prepare the engineer’s report, approval of the engineer’s report, a necessity for the project, and authorizing the engineer to approve plans and specs.

There will be a special meeting with the landowners, before the special protest meeting, which will be held in approximately 30 days.

Nickel Pool

In other important action, a timeframe has been laid out and bids will soon be taken for improvements on the Casselton pool, and a new splash pool, replacing the current kiddy. The proposed location for the new bathhouse will be east of the pool, where the parking lot is currently location. Councilman Tillisch has been gathering information about the structure and one key component has been the splash pool. Stephen Bartholomay, Casselton park and recreation director, believes Park board chair that the splash pool is “the latest and the greatest” as an alternative to the kiddy pool. Information was given as to what the splash pool would serve as and how the water would be refiltered into the pool water system.

Discussions centered on the possibility of the pool and splash pool being completed by September of this year. More plans will be formalized at the upcoming special meeting between the park board and members of the city council. The date and time of this meeting is yet to be determined.
Other news included:

Tourism Committee

The community will have until May to move the historical oil can pile. Greg Kempl began the discussion and sought advice from the city council as to where this landmark should be moved. Discussion of possible new locations included the Industrial Park, schools, and the park.

One factor that was discussed regarding the move was the cost. Kenny Habiger stated that they are looking into grants and other cost effective means.

While some may see it as a waste of money, even the mayor reinforced its important role of creating a tourist attraction for Casselton. “We can’t lose the can pile, let’s face it,” McConnell said.

More discussion of as to the new home of the can file is to be held after the meeting of the tourism committee Feb.19.
Valley Grain

Randy Brog, partner of the Valley Grain, responded to numerous citizen complaints to the city council of excessive dust. Brog is checking on bids to put up a bag house, which would control the dispursement of barley dust in the neighborhood of the elevator. A bag house will cost an estimated $50,000.
Planning and zoning reconditions for Tharldson Ethanol Plant properties

Two motions were passed by the council to rezone two sections of property, with strict limits on use. The first motion stated that Parcel 1, 70 acres kiddy corner to the reservoir currently designated for agriculture could be used for heavy industrial with conditions. These conditions exclude Tharldson from using the piece for activities that result in “noises, odors, or other nuisances which have material impact on the residents of the City of Casselton,” specifically cannot include grain or corn drying.

The second motion stated that parcel 2 & 3, a narrow strip of property, currently designated agriculture could be used for commercial agriculture. This property will be used for the railroad line, drainage and above and below grade utilities.