Chief rescinds resignation; Hoggarth takes council spot

The Carrington City Council learned at their last meeting that police chief Chris Bittmann resigned his position, with his last day to be August 11.

During the meeting held on Monday, August 14, Mayor Tom Erdmann reported to the council that Bittmann resigned his position as chief of police for the City of Carrington, but after a meeting with the police commission, he rescinded his resignation and will stay on as chief.

During the city's budget meeting on Wednesday, August 2, the council welcomed its newest member, as Tyler Hoggarth was sworn in to fill Al Trader's unexpired term on the council. Hoggarth will serve in the seat until June 2024, when it is up for election.

In other business:

• The council passed a motion to approve an additional $1,200 per month payment to the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund with a $1,500 deductible for things such as equipment failure.

Councilman Troy Roundy said, "It would be beneficial to the water plant equipment in the event of a lightning strike or even a power surge. Some of that equipment is expensive."

• A motion was passed to contribute $300,000 from the sales tax fund toward lowering District 14-1 Special Assessments for taxable year 2023.

Committee Reports

FIRE:

• With Carrington Fire Chief Ken Wangen absent, Jason Wolsky reported that the fire department had three rural calls last month.

• He also asked the council to allow them to use the armory with the Lions Club on October 20, 21 and 27, 28 for the haunted house.

• Finally, Wolsky reported that there is a new fire marshal located in Jamestown.

CCEDC:

• The minutes of the August 1 CCEDC meeting showed little activity within the department and no funding requests.

AIRPORT:

• Councilman Neil Fandrich reported that since the last meeting they have been busy repairing lights and mowing, and that they have passed inspection by the FAA.

POLICE:

• The police department is still looking for another officer and they had 227 calls for service in July.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• Roundy reported that for the west side water expansion project they are in the process of getting permits to bore under the railroad tracks and he said they are going to do a different kind of bore.

• Roundy said crosswalk painting and tree trimming is on-going.

• He reported that sewer flushing will begin soon and the lyme landfill passed state inspection, but the inert (old landfill) had a couple of issues.

• Finally Roundy reported that City of Carrington Clean up week will be September 21, 22 and 23.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• Wolsky reported that they had eight requests for building permits in July and four new residences being built.

NO MEETINGS:

• Organizational Review

• Library

• CVB