County Considering Replacing Heating/Cooling In Courthouse
By Jessica Wald
Commissioners were presented a new HVAC (heating/cooling) system quote during the regular monthly meeting last week Wednesday, November 13, when all commissioners were present including Chairman John Wald, Blanche Schumacher and Charlie Johs.
Emergency Manger Daniel Schwartz, along with county employee Amanda Hayen, were on hand to present information on the HVAC project. Schwartz said he requested three quotes, but two businesses opted out on supplying a quote, while Prairie Heating submitted the lone quote. Schwartz said there is a $55,000 grant, along with up to $50,000 matching funds, commissioners can apply for if they decide to go that route. After discussion commissioners agreed to apply for grants for the entire courthouse and for the Prairie Heating proposal.
While Schwartz was on hand he also said after going to an LEPC meeting in Gackle at the end of October, he would like to send out a winter weather pamphlet to county residents. He received quotes for a printing company in Bismarck. Commissioners requested Schwartz to check if he can do the project locally and Schumacher suggested getting a printing quote from the Napoleon Homestead. Until more information/quotes are received, commissioners tabled the mass mailing request.
A fire drill was held at the county courthouse and Schwartz said they learned of several things that need to be updated to code and updated for safety reasons. He suggested to apply for a grant to help with the updates. He said there has been no other ND recipients of this grant and only one fire department in South Dakota, receiving the grant in both Dakotas.
Commissioners also approved a new contract for Schwartz’s emergency services for 2025, with minimal changes to the contract compared to the current year.
In other business a public hearing on appraisal of property acquired by tax deed was held. No one attended the hearing and commissioner approved the appraisal.
Katie DeWitt, rep with KLJ Engineering, attended the meeting to discuss projects. She gave feedback on the Lake Avenue West project and said if they look into SRF funding, which could assist in speeding up the project time line. Commissioners approved to pursue SRF funding.
While commissioners talked about recent election results, it was noted outgoing commissioner, . . .