by Dave DeMars
news@thenewsleaders.com
The Rice City Council at its July 18 meeting voted without discussion to approve a joint-powers agreement between the city, the firm of Kelm and Reuter, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for handling of electronic information.
Kelm and Reuter will assess and send that information on behalf of the city, Mayor Dale Rogholt noted. The electronically-sent data includes information concerning citations, warrants and other crime- and police-related business. The three-way agreement is expected to save the city money and time in postage costs and personnel tasks in handling such information in paper form.
“The agreement is technically between Kelm and Reuter, the BCA and the city since they (Kelm and Reuter) will be assessing information from the BCA on behalf of the city,” Rogholt said.
Wellhead protection
The council heard a wellhead-protection update from Bollig Engineering. The majority of the report was presented by Jonathon Fleck. He explained the purpose of the wellhead-protection plan was to anticipate and chart potential well-contamination sites in order to avoid contamination of drinking water from other private wells.
Should contamination occur, the plan provides for quickly and efficiently dealing with the contamination to ensure a usable, safe water supply for the city. Contamination can occur from a variety of sources. Fleck also noted there were grants available to help with contamination plans and wellhead protection to help cities in maintaining wellhead safety.
Brian Bollig then presented a short overview of Bollig Engineering, its history and the services it could provide to the city. Bollig Engineering is based in Willmar and provides a variety of services to municipalities throughout the area.
Liquor license
The council also approved a request from the Rice Fire Department for an on-sale liquor license at two locations during the Aug. 20-21 Rice Family Fun Days.
Reports
The council received the following reports:
- City Clerk Stephanie Fischer highlighted various parts of the new welcome packet for incoming residents. She also presented information on a data-collection software module designed for monitoring water usage and for providing data for making water-rate decisions. Council member Paula Kampa moved to purchase the software upgrade and the council voted to approve.
- Council member Brian Skroch updated the council on improvements made in city parks.
- Council member Chris Scheel updated the council on street conditions. On dust-control costs for the road leading to the compost site, the estimate is $1,425. Grading that same stretch of road is estimated at $700. Assessment of the north railroad crossing was done, and it was recommended no repair work be done on the crossing as previous work was holding up well. Assessment of a drainage ditch/pond near Mark Sauer’s residence revealed it was in need of major repairs. Another street-repair project was the street leading to Rice Elementary School.
- Scheel also reported the water treatment plant had developed a major leak in the roof that required immediate attention. Cost of repair was about $675.
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photo by Dave DeMars
Jonathon Fleck of Bollig Engineering’s Sartell office presents and explains to the Rice City Council at its July 18 meeting how the wellhead-protection plan helps to keep the city water supply safe from contamination.
