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City to sell big water slide

Any hopes the Kenmare swimming pool would finally assemble and erect its water slide were officially laid to rest Monday.

6/12/13 (Wed)

Mini slide ready . . . The mini slide at the pool stands ready for fun on Monday,
although kids around the community were disappointed to learn the pool opening
was postponed that day because of broken pipes.  The bathhouse seen in
the background above is also in need of repairs.

 

Pool opening to be delayed a few days

By Terry Froseth

Any hopes the Kenmare swimming pool would finally assemble and erect its water slide were officially laid to rest Monday.

The City Council agreed to follow the recommendation of the Recreation Committee to put the structure up for sale on bids.

Fay Froseth, president of the “Rec Board,” said the committee was recommending the city sell it on bids and have it removed from the site within a week of its sale.

For the past three summers, the slide has been setting in pieces in the play park just south of the swimming pool.

Froseth said the purchase of the used water slide was a good idea at the time. “There are so many needs at the pool, it would be irresponsible of the board to spend any more on the slide.”

The council was informed of the rec board’s recommendation to install a metal roof on the bathhouse, over the skylights, of which at least ten are completely broken out. Froseth said the bathhouse is already too dimly lit inside, so the committee also recommended installation of additional lighting.

Froseth said she has applied for funds from other sources, such as Kenmare Vet’s Gaming, but was realistic that money has to also come from the city.

Froseth discussed the frustrations with maintenance issues at the pool, but mentioned several positives, such as all the time and work Arlen Gartner has contributed over the years, and having a really good Rec Board to work with. She said the NAWS water now used in the pool is easier and less expensive to treat than the Kenmare city water that was used in the past.

“The pool is an asset to the community. It’s supervised, good fun for the kids, Froseth said. “It was a major disappointment for a lot of kids when it didn’t open as scheduled.”

Froseth said they expect to have the pool open soon.

She said MW Industries blasted the rust off the diving board and it is looking good.

The council instructed the Recreation Committee to get estimates for costs of needed repairs.

In further discussion related to the Recreation Committee, Froseth said in the future they would like to have someone from the city staff certified for testing the pool’s chemical levels. The pool’s new manager, Erika Lemere, is certified for two years.

Lots of kids on
the ball diamonds
Froseth also informed the council of the large number of kids involved in the summer baseball and softball programs, with 40 in t-ball, 20 in Pee Wees, 11 in Midgets, 20 in girls softball, and nine Kenmare boys co-oping with Mohall for a Babe Ruth baseball team that will be playing several games in Kenmare.

Vagrant hand-outs
Kenmare resident Pat Kinsella asked if there could be a fund established to help out “vagrants” passing through town. He said the benevolence fund once administered by the churches is almost depleted, having $192, and is no longer maintained.

Kinsella said he has been talking to the homeless association in Minot and the problem is growing, especially in the larger communities. He said the deacons from his church want to get a fund going again, if possible.

Police chief Gary Kraft said in the past a pastor from one of the churches would approve requests from the charity fund, then the police department would take of giving it out.

There was also discussion of panhandling becoming a greater problem for churchs and cities when it becomes known there are benevolence funds available.

Council member Tori Kling said she will check into the issue to see what they can do as a city.

Building permits
The council gave its approval to four building permits.

Gene Duerre was approved for a 12’x12’ storage shed at 510 4th Ave. NE.

David Beck was approved for a 28’x66’ manufactured home at 114 1st Ave NE.

Jessica Grindland was approved for a 30’x40’ garage at 209 9th St NE.

Joel Riggs was approved for a 249 foot fence at 319 2nd St NE.

County short of road funds
Mayor Roger Ness informed the council of a meeting with Ward County officials regarding improvements to Ward County Road #2, which is Kenmare’s Sixth Street.

He said the county would like to improve the road, but doesn’t have the necessary funds for proper urbanization with sidewalk, curb, gutter, lighting, and 105,000 pound load capacity.
The cost is estimated at $4.5 million.

“They want to know how much we’re willing to put into it,” Ness said.

Ward County will fund a study of the project, Ness added.

No action was taken.

Fund Itt grants
The council gave its approval to recent Fund Itt action.

Fun Zone Day Care and Church of the Nazarene each received $1500 matching grants for business appearance improvements towards new cement sidewalk and parking apron extending from the daycare to the church parsonage.

City Limits was also approved for a $1500 matching grant towards installation of new steel siding, new doors, new exterior light fixtures, and three new windows.

Fun Zone Day Care was approved for a $7016.63 interest buydown to be paid out over the next 5-1/2 years as interest accrues on a $31,500 loan for purchase of the building from which they have been operating for about 10 years. Fun Zone now has four full time employees.

Pass on housing grant
Ness informed the council of a Ward County Community Development Block Grant available to fund new low to moderate income housing.

He said much of the project could be funded through the grant, as long as 51 percent of the units are devoted to low to moderate income households.

The city is required to own the restricted income units and rent them out. The other 49 percent could be sold.

No interest was expressed by council members to undertake the project.

“I think it’s a good program, but I don’t think it works for us,” Ness said.

In other action:
• Kris Zimmer was appointed to the Recreation Committee.

• A raffle permit was approved to the St. Agnes Altar Society.

• A liquor license transfer was approved from City Limits to the Memorial Hall for the June 28 Hess wedding party.

• Ryan Ackerman of Ackerman-Estvold Engineering reported city engineer Justin Froseth has accepted a position with the City of Mandan and would no longer be working for Ackerman-Estvold.

• Ackerman also reported the grant application for downtown improvements was denied. He said the committee for Energy Impact grants would be meeting this month. He recommended council members contact the committee members.

• Ackerman said plans are progressing on downtown improvements, and with ideas on how to fund it. He said special meetings of the council will be held to “fast track” the project.

• Council president Chuck Leet said the city needs to consider a policy for loaning out its tables and chairs for larger events in the city. The current policy does not allow the tables to leave the Memorial Hall.

• Council member Troy Hedberg discussed the possibility of creating a special events permit, whereby the city could allow alcohol in a public place for a specific event. He was referring to the upcoming Ribfest, Classy Car Show, and Hog Roundup sponsored by the Association of Commerce. The council recommended checking into the matter further. The council did approve a transfer of the Beer Bob’s liquor license to the city park square for the June 29 event.

• The Kenmare News was designated the official city newspaper.

• Jan Kostad presented the financial report. The council transferred a $12,086.24 building fund balance to the Memorial Hall fund which was currently at a deficit balance of $4545.90. They also closed out the decades-old “band fund,” moving $3320.22 to the general fund.