The Official Newspaper for Foster County

Council to hold public meetings for restaurant tax

In a very-short meeting last week, the Carrington City Council ran through the agenda in 25 minutes.

During the meeting held on Monday, March 13, Mayor Tom Erdmann reported that the state has approved the wording of the ordinance for the proposed restaurant tax.

It states that all revenues raised, collected, and interest earnings upon vote of the city council, shall be utilized for the Carrington Visitor’s Promotion Capital Construction Fund.

The Carrington Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, or any other local marketing/visitor’s organization as the City Council shall direct, shall serve as an advisory committee to the City Council who shall administer the fund.

The funds shall be used generally for tourism or the purchase, equipping, improving, construction, maintenance, repair, and acquisition of buildings or property consistent with visitor attraction or promotion.

He said the CVB (Carrington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau) will hold at least two public meetings on the tax before they vote, but none have been scheduled yet.

In other business:

• Erdmann reported that the newly hired administrative assistant, Jill Edinger, has tendered her resignation.

Committee Reports

FIRE:

• Jason Wolsky of the Carrington Fire Department reported that they had no calls since the last council meeting and nine firemen attended fire school.

FINANCE & LEGAL:

• The council talked more about the electronic time clock for city employees.

He said they are hoping to have it up and running by June 1.

CCEDC:

• The CCEDC minutes were presented.

Director Laurie Dietz shared information on which N.D. communities have the restaurant tax and what each of those communities do with the funding.

Erdmann explained to the CCEDC board the pros and cons of implementing the tax.

• The CCEDC is looking to fill a position on the board.

CVB:

• The CVB held a discussion on the size of the building and changes to the layout on the Rainbow Gardens property.

The building has been moved to the front of the block with gardens to the north and west.

• The OK Tire Car Show will be held on July 29 on Main Street.

• With the success of The Market and other happenings in the City Park, they discussed if the Park Board would be interested in installing electrical outlets on the west side of the Carrington City Park. There is a possibility of grants to help cover the cost.

AIRPORT:

• Wolsky reported that the new AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) was installed at the airport.

POLICE:

• It was reported that the police committee discussed hiring more officers.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• Wolsky said the public works department has been busy moving snow.

• He also said the main lift station at the lagoon is in need of repairs; the armory has had heating issues and the city hall has also had some heating issues.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• Wolsky said one building permit was issued in February.

• Finally, Erdmann reported that the city board of equalization meeting will be held at Carrington City Hall on Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m.