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Regular City Council Meeting

May 7, 2012

The Forman City Council met at 5:00 PM.  Present were Mayor Mark Bopp, council members, Dave Jacobson, Jason Rockswold, Sue Kleingarn and Mary Bishoff.  Also attending were Mary Ann Gadberry, Trish Pearson, and Al and Debbie Carton.

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the April 2, 2012 Tax Equalization meeting and the City Council meeting (Dave Jacobson, Jason Rockswold, passed).

A motion was made to approve the preliminary April financial statements (Mary Bishoff, Sue Kleingarn, passed).

A motion was made to approve the bills (Dave Jacobson, Sue Kleingarn, passed).

The water heater we recently installed at the library blew up.  The element rusted out and blew a hole through the side.  We will need to replace it.  Mark will check with Martinsen’s to see if they stock the 5-gallon heaters.

We had received a check from Full Circle Ag with a letter stating that matching funds would be coming from Land O’ Lakes for a wooden playground train.  They had indicated that they were working with the Park Board.  However, several Park Board members were present and new nothing about the project.  After a few phone calls it was determined that the project is actually with the Sargent Central Playground Committee.  They said they would pick up the paperwork and contact Full Circle to get things straightened out.

Park Board members Brenda Peterson, Donavan Hajek, and Mark Hansen were present to discuss the sales tax revenue received from the city.  We clarified that they will continue to receive the sales tax revenue through the end of 2013.  They updated the council on some of the projects they are working on and future plans.  They also asked that we verify the age requirement for summer employees who may run the riding lawnmower.  Trish will check on this.

Joe Aberle completed his inspections of the abandoned and dilapidated homes in the city.  We will set up a meeting with Lyle to send out the required certified letters notifying the homeowners of the work that needs to be completed.

Most of the dead trees in the city have been removed.  There are still a couple that have power line issues and we will reassess the situation once the trees have finished leafing out this spring.

The Drain #4 sewer project is substantially complete.  Crews were in town, repacked the gravel road on the north end of town and brought in additional gravel.  The seeding is done.  There are two patches of paving that need to be done but that won’t happen until late fall or maybe next spring.  We still have not received any reimbursement funds from the state.  Moore Engineering will try to move that process along.

Moore Engineering has continued to pursue the hazard mitigation grant Lake Agassiz wrote for us even though the grant has been twice denied.  Mark will check into it.

While researching information for some issues with the Drain #4 project we came across a contract with Rick Hoistad for farming approximately 15 acres of city property that had expired some time ago.  A motion was made to send a new 3-year contract to Rick Hoistad for land rent at $90 per acre.  (Sue Kleingarn, Mary Bishoff, passed).

Jason gave an update on the RayMac improvements.  We are still waiting for some details on the bids we got.  The city will need to replace the roof and will be getting estimates for that work.  We may be able to work something out with FCDC on the addition they want for the building.  We will need to revisit the rent if we fund the building improvements.

Motion to approve the raffle permit for Coyote Youth Soccer (Dave Jacobson, Jason Rockswold, passed)

Motion to approve the building permit for Rick Hoistad’s machine shed (Jason Rockswold, Sue Kleingarn, passed).

Daryl Peterson is having a problem with the driveway paving that was done when the city repaved the road.  It was not done properly and it has broken apart.  He is working with the contractor but may need the city to step in.

FCDC is looking at bidding on the Anna Martin property and has asked if the city would assist them with debris removal if they acquired it.  The council said that would not be a problem.

Trish thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing her the flexibility in her schedule through Marvin’s illness and death.

The next meeting will be on June 4, 2012 at 5:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.

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Understand Measure 2 Before You Vote On June 12, 2012

What is Measure No. 2?

It’s a proposal to amend the North Dakota Constitution to prohibit political subdivisions (cities, counties, school districts, townships, park districts, water districts, irrigation districts, fire protection districts, soil conservation districts, etc.) from levying a tax on the assessed value of property. The proposal will be on the primary election ballot on June 12.

If local services are now funded by property tax, how would those local services be funded in the future?

The measure provides that “taxes upon real property which were used before 2012 to fund the operations” of political subdivisions must be replaced by state resources.

 The measure says taxes on real property used before 2012 to fund operations must be replaced by state resources; does that mean the state-replaced revenue would be frozen at 2011 levels?

The measure requires funding to be determined “according to a formula devised by the legislative assembly.”

 Would all local operations be required to be funded?

The measure’s language requires funding of “legally imposed obligations” of political subdivisions.

 How are “legally imposed obligations” defined?

The proposed measure does not define this term, nor does state law define this term for political subdivisions.

 Would police and fire protection be considered “legally imposed obligations”?

There is no legal requirement in state law to provide police and fire protection.

 Would local control of local budgets be affected?

Funding for the political subdivisions would be determined “according to a formula devised by the legislative assembly.”

 Would the measure affect special assessments?

Special assessments are based on the benefit to property, not based on the value of property. However, the method of collecting (currently through property tax statements issued by the county) and the method of enforcing (currently through a sale conducted by the county for delinquent taxes) could be affected.

 Would the measure affect the limit of public debt?

Currently in state law, the debt limit is five percent of “assessed value of the taxable property.” The measure would change the debt limit to five percent of “the market value of the property.” The public debt limit would increase significantly and market value would have to be determined on all property, including churches, personal property and other property not currently taxed.

 When would the proposed measure become effective?

The effective date is January 1, 2012.

 If the effective date is January 1, 2012, how would political subdivisions fund local services before the 2013 Legislative Assembly meets?

Either the legislature will have to meet in special session, or the method of funding would be unknown after June 12. The measure specifies funding “according to a formula devised by the legislative assembly”.

  North Dakota League of Cities n 410 E Front Ave n Bismarck ND 58504 n 701-223-3518 n www.ndlc.org

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The City of Forman Electronic Community Message Board Sign is provided for use only by local nonprofit organizations or schools to advertise upcoming community events free of charge.  Sign applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City of Forman reserves the right to post the messages at its discretion.

The  Sign Use Application form is available online by clicking on the link or at City Hall.  Once completed, please email this form as an attachment to auditor@formannd.com or return completed forms to City Hall in person, 349 Main Street, or by mail, PO Box 122.

 We hope you enjoy the newest addition to our community!

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Forman CCR 2010

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http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1267215425001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GP3JuiX5BY&feature=related

Click Here for an easy to read
Printable Pickup Schedule.

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View interactive map full screen

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Read our Featured Article

Click on the image below.

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Lake Lithia

Photo courtesy of Elaine Anderson; Information from Forman’s Century of Progress Centennial Book

Lake Lithia has been a focal point in Forman since the town was founded.  It has provided recreation and occasional hazards.  It is the only thing that has always been a part of Forman is Lake Lithia, before there was a town until now.  True, it was much bigger before so much fill took place, but it remains much as always.  No true Formanite would ever allow it to be called a “slough.”

We have not been able to find how Lake Lithia got its name.  Perhaps it was named for a town or lake back East, or a fondly remembered friend or relative of a pioneer.  In an old 1887 newspaper, there was an advertisement for a Lithia water product supposed to be great medicine.  This was made in New York.  Lithia is an element; maybe we can stretch our imaginations and conclude it was named for its mineral content and benefits.  We will probably never know for sure.

“In 1899, Joe Lewis built a wharf and boathouse on the east bank of Lake Lithia, where fishermen in years to come would launch their boats.”  This is according to an old newspaper item from September 1899.

When the old schoolhouse stood across the lake, school children had a shortcut in the winter when the ice became thick enough to hold their weight.  In the early days, there were few buildings or trees to break the wind and it was a bitterly cold walk to school.  Thus, the shortcut was most welcome.

In the spring, after the ice went out, the south winds sent high waves over the bank and sidewalk on the north side.  Pedestrians were forced to walk down the street.  Waves, also, brought up ugly creatures that we called “slough puppies”. They looked like a cross between a bullhead and a lizard.

Recess and noon hour found most of the kids on the ice skating or sliding.  “Kick the can” was also a popular game.  After school and evenings found skaters again for more fun and for all around the bonfire.

Lake Lithia…long may she continue to be a constant reminder of the way it was.

Reprinted from the Sargent County Scoop, June 27, 2009

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