Welcome to Leonard, ND
April 2021 City Minutes
April 12, 2021 meeting called to order by Mayor Tracey Jacobson. Motion made and approved
to adjourn March 1 meeting. Jacobson, Bjerke, Nudell, Goltz, Plante and T Nudell present.
Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved (Bjerke, Goltz) Cass County Sheriff’s report
for Quarter 1 (Jan, Feb & March) is as follows: 10 building checks, 2 public assists, 6 traffic
stops/accidents/complaints, 4 medicals, 17 calls for service (burglaries, suspicious, fraud), 7
other calls.
Midco representative attended meeting & brought new franchise agreement to be signed.
Current franchise agreement ends May 5 th . Motion made to extend current Midco franchise
agreement 10 years. (Plante, Bjerke)
MLGC will be offering internet, MLGC streaming TV, and phone services in Leonard. MLGC will
be sending info via postcard and info will be posted on the City website (cityofleonardnd.com)
Motion made to designate week of April 26 th as clean up week. (Bjerke, Plante) Four roll offs will
be delivered to the old airport area by the end of the day April 23. Garbage company discussion
tabled. Motion made and approved to notify Cass County Sheriff about theft of pea rock and
sewer rock from city storage area. (Bjerke, Nudell) Council will check into purchasing a
surveillance system due to this recent theft of rock from city inventory. Nudell reported that
Matt Heuer with Heuer Construction is willing to donate labor to repair sidewalk by library.
Motion made and approved to have Matt Heuer take care of this sidewalk repair. (Plante,
Bjerke)
First reading of the new ordinances were read. Second reading of these ordinances will be at
the next regular meeting.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Leonard Post Office $165.00, Vandrovec
Accounting $1567.42, ND Sewage & Lift Station Service $275, Waste Management $1576,
Farmers Union Insurance $101, Kubota Leasing $15,016.79, Trina Nudell $369.40, Tracey
Jacobson $554.10, Bill Bjerke $461.75, Rita Goltz $384.82, Mike Nudell $384.82, Tony Plante
$307.86, Eric Vangsness $115.45, Wesly Schatzke $172.00, Mike Nudell $83.12, Bill Bjerke
$83.12, Bill Magstadt $83.12, Ryan & Onica Johnson $294.52 (reimb for swings for park)
Meeting recessed. Next regular meeting will be Monday May 3 at 7 pm.
June 2021 City Minutes
May 3, 2021 meeting – Bjerke, Jacobson and T Nudell present. Quorum not reached.
June 7, 2021 meeting called to order
Motion made and approved to adjourn previous meetings. Jacobson, Bjerke, Nudell, Goltz,
Plante and T Nudell present. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved (Nudell,
Plante) Cass County Sheriff’s report for April is as follows: 6 building and bar checks, 3 public
assists, 6 traffic stops/accidents, 1 medical, 6 calls for service (burglaries, suspicious, fraud).
Report for May is as follows: 1 Fire Call, 2 Traffic Complaint, 2 Medical, 1 Animal Call, 1 Grass
Fire, 1 Suicidal Person, 1 911 Hang Up, 1 Welfare Check & 1 Public Assist.
Public Concerns: Sheet rock had recently been dumped in the airport strip twig pile. Concern
about tires were also mentioned. Sheet rock, tires and all other prohibited items cannot be
brought to the city area as posted on signs. Nudell will take care of disposing the tires properly
since they cannot remain laying around city property. Last public concern was smoke blowing
into houses when city branch pile is burned. Wind direction and speed is always considered but
sometimes the wind changes as the pile burns. Alternative location for city branch pile will be
looked into. (Bjerke, Plante)
Below is the second official reading of the new city ordinances. Ordinances approved (Nudell,
Plante)
10.0108 Keeping of the following animals/waterfowl is prohibited within the city limits of the
city of Leonard, ND
1 Bees / all kind
2 Felines other than house cats
3 Goats / all caprine
4 Horses / all equine (meaning, not kept in yard in city limits as its permanent dwelling)
5 Racoons
6 Scorpions
7 Sheep/ all ovine
8 Skunks
9 Boa Constrictors and all venomous and non-venomous injurious snakes as defined by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
10 All raptor
11 All waterfowl
12 Any animal controlled or governed by the North Dakota Game, fish, US Fish and
Wildlife Service or the US Department of Agriculture
13 All pigs; porcine
No one shall be grandfathered in.
10.0109 Limitation of number of Chickens/Roosters
No household within the city limits of the city of Leonard ND shall be permitted to keep more
than 25 chickens. No more than 2 of the 25 chickens can be roosters.
Owner of Fat Mat Trash attended meeting. Motion made and approved to sign five year
contract with Fat Man Trash LLC. Rates will remain the same. Contract will contain a clause that
contract will be null and void in the event the company is sold. July 2 will be the first pickup.
(Plante, Goltz)
Motion made and approved to check into adding a light on the road to the convenience store to
ensure kids walking to that bus stop have adequate light early in the morning and are as safe as
possible (Bjerke, Goltz)
Motion made and approved to keep researching installation of a surveillance system at the
airport strip. Barb wire around pea rock pile will also be considered. (Bjerke, Nudell)
Motion made and approved to designate the Senior Citizens building as the location for the free
Midco service and to proceed with installation (Plante, Bjerke)
Jacobson presented an idea to start a Yard of the Month contest. Motion made and approved.
(Nudell, Plante) Contest will start in July.
Motion made and approved to do necessary crack repair on paved streets. (Bjerke, Goltz) Rest
of paved street repair will be budgeted for next year.
The following bills were approved to be paid: US Treasury 280.95, Jet Way 652.50, Wesley
Schatze 286.26 & 617.59, T Jacobson 84.58 (reimb for funeral flowers), T Nudell 369.40 &
369.40, Cass County Reporter 86.00, One Call Concepts 7.70, Waste Management 1576, 1576,
1576, 577.22, M Nudell 129.29, Bill Magstad 290.90.
Meeting recessed. Next regular meeting will be Monday July 12 at 7 pm due to Independence
Day.
July 2021 City Minutes
July 12, 2021 meeting called to order at 7:02 pm
Motion made and approved to adjourn previous meeting. Jacobson, Bjerke, Nudell, Goltz,
Plante and T Nudell present. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved (Bjerke,
Nudell) Cass County Sheriff’s report for June is as follows: 4 dispatched calls (1 crash, 1 loud
party, 1 traffic stop, 1 harassment) Miscellaneous: building checks, offender checks & civil
papers delivered.
Bjerke brought up the dry conditions that are creating dry streets and dust. Bjerke will check
into options and pricing of street treatment for dust control. Soybean oil may be one option.
Motion made and approved (Bjerke, Nudell) to move forward with mailing letters to residents
that have unused unlicensed vehicles and/or unwanted debris on their property. Items need to
be removed by midnight August 31, 2021. The letter to the second resident will also include
verbiage about the newly created animal and waterfowl ordinances. Resident has until
midnight July 31, 2021 to remove the waterfowl on their property. If not removed, ND Game
and Fish will be contacted by the City to remove the waterfowl. Any costs incurred will be
charged to the resident.
Motion made and approved (Bjerke, Goltz/Plante) to increase City Auditor pay by $150 per
month effective July 1 since Trina has taken over the billing and accounting duties previously
done by the Vandrovec Accounting. Their accounting office had been charging over $300 per
month for utility billing and administration plus additional fees for quarterly financials,
quarterly payroll reports, budget preparation, Annual Report, 1099’s and W2’s.
Motion made and approved to increase monthly forestry charge from $2 to $3 effective
January 1, 2022 (Bjerke, Plante)
Rita Goltz announced her resignation from the City Council. Anyone interested in this council
position should come to the August meeting. Rita’s replacement will be appointed by the
council at the August meeting.
The following bills were approved to be paid: ND Sewage and Lift Station Service $575,
2639.71, 2542.50, Tony Plante crack and seal street repair materials & labor 8,000, One Call
Concepts 3.15 + 1.95, Waste Management 545.48 + 1576, Fat Man Trash 1584, ND Municipal
Finance Offers Association 30, Trina Nudell Reimb ($55 stamps, 84.91 toner, 180 Auditor
Certification Training, 35.14 envelopes) M Nudell 92.35, Bill Bjerke 92.35, Bill Magstad 453.67,
Wesley Schatze 711.10, T Nudell 507.93
Meeting recessed. Next regular meeting will be August 2 at 7 pm.
August 2021 City Minutes
Aug 2, 2021 meeting called to order at 7:01 pm
Motion made and approved to adjourn previous meeting. (Nudell, Bjerke)
Jacobson, Bjerke, Nudell, Plante and T Nudell present. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read
and approved. (Bjerke, Plante) Cass County Sheriff’s report for July is as follows: 7 dispatched
calls (3 animal calls, 1 traffic stop, 1 medical assist, 1 public assist supporting another county, 1
disturbance)
Bjerke will continue to check into options and pricing of street treatment for dust control.
Bjerke will follow up with Cass County electric about the light by the convenience store bus stop
since they haven’t called back.
Motion made and approved (Bjerke, Plante) to accept Rita Goltz’ resignation. Bonnie Gruel was
the one interested individual that attended the meeting. Unanimous vote to appoint Bonnie
Gruel to open council position. Position is up for re-election in June 2022.
Motion made and approved (Bjerke, Plante) to make $800 donation to Leonard Lions to help
with Fall Festival.
2022 Preliminary Budget is due to Cass County August 10. Motion made and approved to
increase 2022 property tax levy by $20,000 (Bjerke, Plante)
Budget hearing will be Monday October 4, 2021.
The following bills were approved to be paid: US Treasury 1015.43, Cass County Reporter
91.16, Farmers Union Insurance 492, Dakota Hills Electric 80, Bill Bjerke 110.82, Bill Magstad
318.61, Wesley Schatze 346.31, T Nudell 507.93
Meeting recessed. Next regular meeting will be September 13 at 7 pm.
Sept. 2021 City Minutes
September 13, 2021 meeting called to order at 7:00 pm
Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Bill Bjerke, Mike Nudell, Tony Plante, Bonnie Gruel and Auditor Trina
Nudell present. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Bjerke, Plante)
Cass County Sheriff’s report for August is as follows: 15 calls for service, 1 medical assist, 2 drug
related. The bulk of the calls were of the public assist and suspicious variety. There were three
arrests made on current warrants (misdemeanors). There was also a report for a gas drive off
taken. A disturbance was also in this group of calls but it ended up being more of a non-physical
domestic/argument with no injury or related crimes.
Bjerke will continue to contact Cass County Electric regarding adding a light by the convenience
store bus stop since they are not returning calls. Nudell disposed of the illegally dumped tires
accumulating in the airport area by hauling them to Fargo. Cost of disposal was $2.50 per tire.
Nudell will continue to research surveillance cameras for the city airport area to monitor illegal
dumping, thefts of city inventory, etc.
There have been inquiries about a fall clean up week. After discussion, motion made and
approved to designate week of October 11th as clean up week. (Nudell, Gruel) Two roll offs will
be delivered and taken away when full. Trina mentioned that the cost of these roll offs are
currently not being charged to city garbage customers. The City is footing the entire bill for
spring clean up, fall clean up and disposal of illegally dumped items. Garbage rates may need to
increase in the future to offset these additional costs not being charged to residents.
2022 Final Budget is due to Cass County October 10th. City of Leonard budget hearing will be
Monday October 4, 2021 at 7 pm at the Leonard Senior Center.
The following bills were approved to be paid: L&L Tree Service $500, Custom Graphics 150,
Plains Grain & Agronomy 236.25, Cass County Reporter 62.30, 40.05, ND One Call 26.20, 4.35,
Fat Man Trash $1600, Mike Nudell tire disposal reimb 124.50, Bill Magstad 290.90, Wesley
Schatzke 283.98, Trina Nudell 507.93
Meeting recessed. Next regular meeting will be October 4 immediately following the 7 pm
budget hearing
October 2021 City Minutes
October 4, 2021 meeting called to order at 7 pm
Motion made and approved to adjourn previous meeting. (Plante, Gruel)
Jacobson, Bjerke, Plante, Gruel and T Nudell present. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and
approved. (Bjerke, Plante) Cass County Sheriff’s report for September given by Deputy
Mortenson.
2022 final budget is due to Cass County October 10 th . Motion made and approved to levy taxes
as submitted in the preliminary budget sent to Cass County August 10 th (Bjerke, Plante)
Motion made and approved to proceed with installing surveillance system at airport area.
(Bjerke, Gruel) Fines and fees for illegal dumping will be discussed at the November meeting.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Bill Magstad 263.20, Wesley Schatzke 295.52, M
Nudell 55.41, T Nudell 507.93, Leonard Convenience 154.12, Postmaster 84.00
Meeting recessed. Next regular meeting will be Monday November 1 at 7 pm.
November 2021 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday November 1, 2021 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Jacobson, Bjerke, Nudell, Gruel and Auditor T Nudell. Meeting called to order at 7:04 pm.
Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Bjerke, Nudell) Cass County Sheriff’s report for
October given by Deputy Mortenson. There were five calls for service.
The City of Leonard’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the state is $36,111.93.
Required paperwork was submitted to the state on September 15. The first $18,055.97 installment was
received October 1. and the second installment will be received in 2022. Dollar amounts were determined
by population. The city needs to allocate where/how the funds will be spent by the end of 2022 and all
funds need to be spent by the end of 2024.
No public concerns.
The Senior Center has decided to keep the Senior Citizens building rather than turning it over to the city.
The surveillance system at the airport area has been installed and works well. Adding a second camera at a
different angle would be beneficial. Decision to purchase second camera tabled until next meeting. Motion
made and approved to impose a $50 fine for each instance of illegal dumping (Bjerke, Gruel) Council
members will make or purchase a sign that says NO ILLEGAL DUMPING to be used in conjunction with the
sign already there that states which items cannot be dumped at the airport area.
Santa Day will take place on December 11 at the Senior Citizens Center from 1-3pm. The city will provide
refreshments. All are welcome.
The following bills were approved to be paid: US Treasury 578.04, Bill Magstadt 180.08, Wesley Schatzke
342.85, T Nudell 507.93, Fat Man Trash 1600, 1027.41, ND League of Cities 451, 33, Tracy Jacobson reimb
for printer ink 42.99, Kindred True Value 13.76, Cass County Finance 500, SL Computer Services 130,
Farmers Union Oil Company 1746.86, MLGC 840.16, Cass County Reporter 56.76, ND One Call Concepts
2.80.
Next regular meeting will be Monday December 6 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
Dec. 2021 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday December 6, 2021 at 7 pm.
Present: Mayor Jacobson, Bjerke, Plante, Gruel and Auditor T Nudell. Meeting called to order at
7:03 pm. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Bjerke, Plante)
November Cass County Sheriff’s Report: 5 calls for service
No public concerns.
Senior Center may allow the City to use the corner office of the Senior Citizens building for
meetings and office space. Locks would need to be changed. More details will be given once the
Senior Citizens members have discussed further.
Ornaments and cards will be given to residents from the City Government. Jacobson will
deliver. (Bjerke, Plante)
Sewer budget was submitted to the USDA by December 1 deadline and $42,704 USDA sewer
loan payment will be automatically withdrawn from bank account on December 16th. IRS form
was submitted in November to claim interest rebate. That interest refund of 6K will be sent
from the IRS to our bank account later in December or early next year.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Fat Man Trash $1600, Leonard Convenience 50,
Leonard Cafe 50, Bonnie Gruel reimb for cards & ornaments 298.38, Farmers Union Oil
Company 77.69, Dick’s construction 977.46, Cass County Reporter 25.81 & 53.40, ND One Call
Concepts 6.30.
Next regular meeting will be Monday January 3 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
Jan. 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday January 3, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Jacobson, Bjerke, Nudell, Gruel and Auditor T Nudell. Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm.
Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Bjerke, Gruel) Cass County Sheriff’s report for
December given by Deputy Mortenson. There were four calls for service.
No public concerns. The locks will not be changed on the corner office door at the Senior Center Building,
but the city could purchase a locked cabinet for that office if they’d like. Cass County sent all political
subdivisions in Cass County an agreement called “Joint Powers Agreement” which lays out the terms by
which the County, City and District shall coordinate the holding of their general elections in conjunction
with the County’s Primary Election. Joint Powers Agreement approved. (Bjerke, Nudell)
The city is considering purchasing a small salter for spreading salt when the roads in town are extremely icy.
Cost and options were discussed. Due to supply chain issues and lack of inventory, the city wouldn’t receive
until after winter was over, so tabled until summer. For now, bags of pellets will be purchased to have on
hand in the event of an ice storm. Council members are willing to spread by hand this winter if necessary.
The City has had to remove snow at Sunrise Apartments twice so far this winter because the garbage truck
and residents have been getting stuck. City has reached out, but owner has not responded. Motion made to
bill RK&K Property Management a minimum of $200 each time the city has to remove snow at Sunrise
Apartments. (Bjerke, Nudell)
Ballot signature forms need to be filled out and submitted by anyone interested in running for this year’s
election of two council seats. The election for the other two council seats and mayor will be in 2024.
No new guidance or updates from the state on how the city can spend the $18,055.97 received from ND
through the American Rescue Plan Act. (ARPA) The second installment of $18,055.97 coming in 2022. Funds
need to be allocated by the end of 2022 and spent by 2024.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Myron Myer 200, ND One Call 1.40, Sheyenne Valley Lumber
57.58, Cass County 23.68, Fat Man Trash 1600, Tony Plante reimb for street repair materials $8,000.
Next regular meeting will be Monday February 7 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
Feb. 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday February 7, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Jacobson, Bjerke, Nudell, Gruel and Auditor T Nudell. Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm.
Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Bjerke, Nudell) Cass County Sheriff’s report for
January given by Deputy Mortenson. There were three calls for service.
No public concerns. More ARPA guidance was e-mailed out from ND League of Cities on January 18. The US
Department of Treasury released the final rule on the American Rescue Plan Act on January 6. Each city can
now spend the ARPA funds on anything fitting into the category of government services. The ARPA
guidance defines government services as “any service traditionally provided by the government, including
road building and maintenance, general government administration, staff and administrative facilities,
environmental remediation and provision of police, fire, and other public safety services.” ND League of
cities also notes that according to the US Treasury publication, sewer and storm projects do not appear to
qualify under the revenue loss category. So, cities that want to spend their ARPA grants for water, sewer
and storm sewer projects can still so, but the projects still need to qualify as projects under the Clean
Water State Revolving Fund or the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and expenditures in this category
will have more detailed ARPA reporting requirements. Restrictions on ARPA funds are as follows: cannot be
used to directly or indirectly offset a reduction in net tax revenue, cannot be deposited into a pension fund,
cannot be used to pay off debt or replenish financial reserves, cannot be used to satisfy judgements, and
cannot be used in any way that would undermine the purpose of ARPA (undermining COVID mitigation
practices for example) The first reporting deadline for all cities is April 30, 2022. Funds need to be allocated
by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.
Information about the Main Street ND Initiative 2022 Vibrancy Grant was also sent out to city leaders by
the ND League of Cities. Leonard is considering applying for this grant.
Motion made to have electrical components on the light poles uptown rewired/upgraded so Christmas
decorations and other items can once again be plugged in. (Bjerke, Gruel)
Motion made to install proper drainage/culverts on 4th Street South. (Bjerke, Gruel)
Motion made to research cost of street repair/resurfacing on 4th Street South from Railroad Ave South to 2nd Ave South. (Bjerke, Gruel)
The following bills were approved to be paid: Fat Man Trash 1600, Cass County Reporter 137.60, One Call
Concepts .70
Next regular meeting will be Monday March 7 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
March 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday March 7, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Bill Bjerke, Mike Nudell, Tony Plante, Bonnie Gruel and Auditor Trina
Nudell. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Bjerke, Gruel) Cass County Sheriff’s report for
February given by Deputy Mortenson. There were five calls for service.
No public concerns. Motion made to schedule Spring Clean-up Week for the week of May 15 th and to once
again, order four roll-off bins for the airport area. (Bjerke, Plante)
After further research, the city wouldn’t have any use for the Main Street ND Initiative 2022 Vibrancy
Grant, so the city won’t apply. Snow removal, sidewalk project at Watts Library, insurance renewal, online
cattery scam, potential tree pole trimmer purchase and Annual USDA Sewer/Wastewater Report were
other topics of discussion. Motion made and approved to sign ND Sewage and Lift Station Service Company
Sewage Service Agreement. (Bjerke, Plante)
Notice regarding June 14 Leonard City Council Election deadlines will be printed in the Cass County
Reporter and posted around town. Two council seats are up for election. Candidates must turn in
completed SFN 2074 Petition/Certificate of Nomination and completed SFN 10172 Statement of Interests
to City Auditor by 4pm on April 11.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Fat Man Trash 1600, Waste Management 1694.20, ND WSI
250, Leonard Convenience 448.17, Sheyenne Valley Lumber 102.29, Farmers Union Oil 1415.81, Trina
Nudell paper & envelope reimbursement 98.35
Next regular meeting will be Monday April 4 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
April 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday April 4, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Bill Bjerke, Mike Nudell, Tony Plante, Bonnie Gruel and Auditor Trina
Nudell. Secretary and Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Bjerke, Plante) Cass County Sheriff Jesse
Jahner gave PowerPoint presentation on Cass County statistics and updates for the past year. Cass County
Sheriff’s report for March given by Deputy Mortenson. There were five calls for service.
Several public concerns relayed via council members. Building Permit applications given out to two
individuals and questions answered. Motion made and approved to fix sewage lines by Fredrickson’s.
(Plante, Bjerke) Bjerke will look into this. Motion made and approved to flush out all sewer lines. (Greuel,
Bjerke) M Nudell will reach out to get price.
Estimated cost of asphalt repair/resurfacing on 4 th Street South from Railroad Ave South to 2 nd Avenue is
$29,500 per March 31 proposal from Hubert Oye & Sons Asphalt Paving in Fargo. Motion made to get at
least one more bid before making a decision (Greuel, Bjerke/Plante)
Quote for lift station control panel is $7,225 and price is good for 60 days. This cost was anticipated and
budgeted for and considerably less than completely replacing the entire control panel. Motion made to
move forward with lift station control panel upgrade. (Greuel, Bjerke)
The City has been notified that in 2024 the Highway 18 bridge eight miles north of Leonard will be under
construction. The bridge is in the vicinity of an active landslide and improvements are needed on the north
side of the bridge. Either an onsite temporary bypass or an offsite detour is anticipated during construction.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Fat Man Trash 1,869, Leonard Fire Department 51.67,
Leonard Library 71.46, Leonard Cemetery 28.01, ND League of Cities Grant Finder 75.00, Cass County
Finance 70.61, Farmers Union Oil 1,609.20, Kubota 15,001.79, SL Computer Services 155.88.
Leonard Golf Course Beer and Liquor Permits and Sunday Opening Permit approved by council via
electronic vote.
Next regular meeting will be Monday May 2 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
May 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday May 2, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel and Auditor Trina Nudell. Secretary and
Treasurer Reports read and approved. (Plante, Greuel) Cass County Sheriff’s report for April: Four calls for
service. Fat Man trash was contacted to clarify dumpster charges. This is a monthly charge that continues
and not a rent-to-own charge. The fee is $20 for 2 yard dumpster, $30 for 3 yard and $40 for 4 yard. An
alternative option is for businesses to buy their own dumpster, which would cost approximately $800 to
$1,000. Jacobson contacted Ohnstad Twichell seeking information about ordinances and enforcing
ordinances. Leonard is officially a municipality, which means we can have a judge to enforce ordinances.
The city had been contacted about an opportunity to try a city mobile device app through KAT & Company
called “Living Local” for city communications and announcements. KAT & Company has partnered with the
State of ND, so our out of pocket cost would initially be $0. ND will also pay the $225 app hosting and
maintenance for the first two years if contract signed by deadline. Cost is $750 after that. Contract can end
at any time. Motion made to move forward with this phone app (Plante, Greuel)
Council/Mayor raises tabled until next meeting. Tractor lease renewal is coming up next spring. Tracy has
contacted Lee Menge. Everyone should be watching for tractors for sale.
Commercial Blanket Bond Public Employee/Public Official Coverage for the city has been renewed through
North Dakota State Bonding Fund in Bismarck. Limit of Liability is $142,500 based on calculation of assets
and yearly revenue. Coverage from April 1 2022 to April 1 2024. Change of coverage can be requested at
any time.
Yard of the Month was voted on in 2021. Motion made to start Yard of the Month June 1. (Greuel, Plante)
The following bills were approved to be paid: Fat Man Trash 1,848, United States Treasury 797.90, Ohnstad
Twichell 187.50, Cass County Reporter 177.93, Trina Nudell shop timesheet clipboard reimbursement
11.59, Leonard Cemetery 156.54, Leonard Fire Department 282.35, Leonard Library 386.50
Next regular meeting will be Monday June 6 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
June 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday June 13, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting rescheduled from June 6.
Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Bill Bjerke, Mike Nudell, Bonnie Greuel and Auditor Trina Nudell. Guests
present: Jim and Deyon Suchla.
The June 6 meeting was postponed to the following week on June 6 at 9:35am. Jacobson had contacted the attorney and Cass County regarding the ballot issues and whether a special election would be needed. Later
that day, Mike Nudell announced his resignation at the end of his 2022 term.
Secretary and Treasurer reports read and approved. (Nudell, Greuel) Cass County Sheriff’s report for May: nine calls for service. Jim & Deyon Suchla requested a building permit application.
The problem with the primary election ballots was mentioned. Even though names were not included on the ballot, it will be a valid election unless contested. Street signs and a sign signifying the direction of the city park was discussed. Bjerke will check on prices. Motion made that the city will not pay the cost of tree removal of the Senior Citizens Center tree. Tree
removal costs are the responsibility of the Senior Citizen Center since on their property. (Bjerke, Greuel) Mike Nudell’s resignation, duties and status of tasks/projects was discussed. He was thanked for everything
he has done. End of term is June 28. Ownership and mowing of the parcel by the highway were discussed. The owner will drive out every other
week to mow. The abandoned Johnson house at the corner of the golf course road was also discussed. Wells Fargo now owns per phone call Jacobson recently made. Bid received for the culvert replacement is $10,865. Andy’s Excavating will be submitting a bid as well. A couple flags were damaged, and a bracket was broken when the city flags were up for Memorial Day weekend. The flags are very heavy and not an ideal material for hanging outdoors in heavy winds. Pricing of replacement flags will be researched. Trina received an e-mail about a ND League of Cities workshop in Bismarck on July 14. Cost is $75. City will pay the cost of the workshop for anyone on the council who would like to attend. (Bjerke, Greuel)
The following bills were approved to be paid: Cass County Reporter 43.66 & 54.29, Carr’s Tree Service 300,
Farmers Union Oil 25.99, Fat Man Trash 1,848, Matt Hahn 1,274, ND One Call .75 & 8.25, Sheyenne Valley
Lumber 91.50 & 278.20, Anderson Contracting 1,105, Bill Magstadt 83.12 & 420.19, Wesley Schatzke
768.81
Next meeting will be Tuesday June 28 to swear in newly elected council members. Bill Bjerke’s resignation was received Tuesday June 21. This special June 28 meeting will also be a reorganizational meeting. Bill
Bjerke’s last day will be June 28 and was thanked for everything he has done for the city.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
2022 Re-Organizational Meeting. June 28th, 2022
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Tuesday June 28, 2022 at 7 pm for swearing in of new council members andreorganizational meeting.Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson and Auditor Trina Nudell. June14 meeting minutes read and approved (Plante, Greuel)
Bill Bjerke’s resignation is effective today. The council is looking for someone interested to fill this position.
Onica Johnson and Bonnie Greuel were sworn in and took the oath of office for their council positions.
Onica Johnson will be President of the council and Bonnie Greuel will be Vice President.
Leonard City Council portfolio descriptions were handed out and assignments made. The council will try to find someone off the council for Planning and Zoning. Building Grounds and Maintenance and Streets,
Sidewalks and Alley’s, Signage and Traffic and Police will be combined. That portfolio will be open for now.
Onica Johnson and Toni Plante will take Water, Sewer, Garbage, Public Works and Safety. Bonnie Greuel will take Personnel, Finance and Community Development. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to hire a part time city manager. This will be considered when working on the 2023 budget.
Earlier that day, the city received a letter of apparent noncompliance from North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regarding burning of tree branches and plastic intermingled with metal in the scrap
metal pile. Any burning requires burn variance approval from ND Dept of Environmental Quality prior to burning. A search of Department Records also revealed that the City of Leonard had not submitted a Permit-By-Rule application. The City of Leonard needs to submit a Permit-By-Rule application within 20 days of receipt of the letter and a plan addressing the plastic items in the scrap metal pile. Motion made to completely get rid of the scrap metal pile. (Johnson, Greuel) Plastics will be removed by the end of July and scrap metal will be loaded up and hauled away. Motion to adjourn (Johnson, Plante) Next meeting will be Monday July 11 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
July 2022 Meeting Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday July 11, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson and Auditor Trina Nudell.
Bjerke’s council position remains vacant. Interested individuals should contact Tracey. June 28 meeting minutes read. Minutes approved by Greuel, seconded by Plante. Cass County Sheriff’s report for June: Four
calls for service.
Mayor Jacobson has been receiving complaints about the number of cats in town. There is nothing the city can do other than tell people they can trap the cats. There have also been complaints about dogs not on
leashes. Cass County animal control was called in one such instance. Deputy Mortenson was able to answer the council question about who receives the funds for animal control violations. It’s a county ordinance, so
money collected from fines goes to the county. Part time City Maintenance Manager position was discussed including duties and pay. Number of hours is uncertain at this time and will vary greatly depending on season. Johnson made a motion to offer $20 per hour. Seconded by Plante. After a year, a fixed amount will be considered based on average number of hours and other factors. Job will be posted in paper, flyers put up around town, insert will be put in monthly bills and everyone is asked to spread the word.
Mayor and Council raises were discussed. Current Mayor pay is $600 per year. Current council pay is $41.67 per meeting attended, which is $500 if council member attends all twelve-monthly meetings. Bonnie Greuel
made a motion to raise mayor pay to $60 per meeting or $720 per year and to raise council pay to $50 per meeting attended effective July 11. Seconded by Onica Johnson. Amounts will now be paid quarterly
rather than yearly and amounts will be addressed on an annual basis. Tony Plante offered to donate his to the city park ball diamond.
Any purchases less than $100 for maintenance of the city does not need to be approved beforehand. Motion made by Bonnie and seconded by Onica to get rid of the city debit card. Council members will pick up any parts or maintenance items and either charge to the city or pay on their own and get reimbursed later. Topic will be revisited if this does not work well. Tony offered to mow any city property if the mower is broken down and there’s an urgent need to get mowing done.
Council will require city workers/employees to attend city council meetings so they can give the council first
hand information on how things are going and how the equipment that they are using is running.
Timesheets will continue to be submitted to the city auditor via the mailbox in the convenience store. City
auditor will send a picture of timesheets to the council before each meeting.
The city mowed the vacant lot on the corner of the Golf Course Road across from Disrud’s on Saturday July 9 th . Council needs to find out how many times this has been done and send a bill to the bank that owns the
property. About $200 should be billed each time. Onica will find out and a bill will be sent. Motion made by Onica and seconded by Tony to increase the dollar amount we donate to the Fall Festival from $800 to $1,000. Doing a shop inventory was discussed. Will follow up with Mike for any questions.
City office space was discussed. Alternatives to using the storage and meeting space at the Senior Citizens were discussed. Tony Plante was asked if the back room or front of the café could be used for city storage,
office space and city council meetings. Tony will check with his wife. Motion made by Onica Johnson to figure out lot size of the piece of land between the MLGC building and the old craft store and to get blueprints drawn up for a city government building on that piece of land. Seconded by Greuel. One idea would to be to generate revenue to offset the cost of the building by renting out a portion of the building for community events. The Shop Building Improvement bank account could be utilized in addition to ARPA
funds. The following bills were approved to be pai: Carr’s Tree Service $2,000, Cass County Reporter 60.52 and
70.31, Farmers Union Insurance 508, Fat Man Trash 1,848, Kindred True Value 56.81, Leonard Convenience 464.51, Mike Nudell Acme Reimbursement for mower blades and spindle cover 67.63, Ohnstad Twichell 1,054.79, One Call Concepts 8.25, Bill Magstadt 1,025.09, Wesley Schatzke 512.54, Tracey Jacobson reimbursement for funeral flowers 102.63, binders and binding supplies 53.39 and key duplication 30.04.
Meeting adjourned. Auditor review followed. Auditor position will be re-visited in December. Special working Council Meeting will take place on Tuesday July 26 at 7 pm to go over city budget and assessment amount that is due to Cass County on August 10 th . Next regular meeting will be Monday August 1 at 7 pm. Budget Hearing is also scheduled for Monday August 1 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
July 26th, 2022, Special Meeting
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Tuesday July 26, 2022 at 7 pm for special working meeting to discuss the 2023 budget and assessment/tax levy amount that is due to Cass County on August 10 th .
Present: Mayor Jacobson, Plante, Greuel, Johnson, Auditor Nudell and Deb Schumacher.
Trina Nudell was sworn in and took the oath of office for City Auditor.
Meeting called to order. Tax levy amount for cemetery discussed. For dozens of years, the amount levied was $131.25. Amount levied for 2022 was 214.97. For 2023, it was decided to raise the levy to $350 to help
maintain the cemetery. The fire department tax levy through the city of Leonard had been $315 for dozens of years. Levy was raised to $381.61 last year. The fire department gets funding through the county as well. Due to not having an official meeting, the fire department levy for 2023 will remain at 381.61. Amount will be re-addressed next year.
The library levy was then discussed. The amount levied for the library had been $472.50 for dozens of years but raised to 527.05 last year. No one knew if that amount was adequate or if there were any special projects coming up, so Trina will reach out to Diana Wessels. One item that was brought up is that several residents in town would like to see a comeback of the ice-skating rink in the park. A new liner would most likely need to be purchased and city will look into keeping a small snow blower in the warming house. An inexpensive Bluetooth speaker could also be purchased, but park rules regarding noise would have to be adhered to.
Another item brought up was a letter of credit through the FHLB that the city received in 2020. Tracey is having Bremer Bank do more research on how it came about. The letter of credit was never used. Johnson made a motion to have that FHLB letter of credit through Bremer Bank closed. After further discussion, Johnson made a motion to VOID the previous motion. More research will be done on whether the letter of credit would be beneficial to have, and subject will be revisited at a later time.
OSHA posters will be ordered and hung in the shop. Update on status of City Maintenance Manager position was mentioned. Maple River Grain money received to repair roads was discussed. Garage door on
shop was also discussed. It’s very hard to open. Past due sewer and garbage bills were also discussed. Past due balances >$500 are sent to Cass County every October and the amount is added to that customer’s
property tax bill. Notices will be included in bills so residents are aware this will be happening if balance remains past due. Unpaid sewer and mowing for bank owned properties could also go to Cass County if the balance is not paid by the bank. So far, this property has been mowed 2 times. Tall weeds on edge of old craft building on North Railroad Ave was also brought up but tabled until later. Council members said the budget looks good. Nudell will make the couple changes discussed and bring the
revised version to the next meeting.
Next regular meeting will be Monday August 1 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
August 2022 Meeting Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday August 1, 2022 at 7 pm for regular meeting.
Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Auditor Trina Nudell, Deb Schumacher, Ryan Hinkel, Wesley Schatzke, Randy and Debbie Jawaski. July 11 meeting minutes and July 26 special meeting minutes read and approved with revisions noted. Cass County Sheriff’s report for July: Four calls for service. Deb Schumacher and Ryan Hinkel were both interested in the council position vacated by Bill Bjerke. Two
years remain of the four-year term. Both individuals were given the opportunity to state why they’re interested in the council position. Greuel made a motion to vote Ryan Hinkel as part of the council. Seconded by Johnson. Wesley Schatzke has accepted the part time City Maintenance Manager position. Randy and Debbie from Fat Man trash attended the meeting to discuss the upcoming 3% price increase. This 3% increase was stated in the original contract, but they asked the city to sign an acknowledgement to make certain everyone is on the same page. The 3% increase will be reflected on the next monthly bill for services and annually thereafter as stated in the contract signed a year ago. Greuel made a motion to sign acknowledgement that the city knows 3% increase is coming on the next bill. Seconded by Johnson.
Since the city is no longer accepting scrap metal at the airstrip, the sign will need to be taken down. A “No Dumping” sign will need to replace that sign. Johnson made a motion to order a “No Dumping” sign as soon
as possible. Seconded by Greuel. On Friday July 29, Cass County Electric notified Jacobson that a ground fault caused the city building at the
airport hangar to lose power. Cass County Electric will repair as soon as possible. The cost is the responsibility of Cass County Electric.
Graveling city streets was discussed. Johnson reported that there are several streets in town that need gravel. Johnson gave prices from Camas Sand and Gravel and number of loads needed. Greuel made a
motion to get at least two more bids for gravel. Seconded by Johnson.
New city signs, a city park sign and a no trespassing sign for the airport strip was discussed. There are street signs in town that are missing, faded or broken. ARPA funds could be used. Johnson made a motion to get
three quotes to replace all street signs in town. Seconded by Greuel.
Discussion of the salt spreader was continued from last winter. ARPA funds could be used. Sand model verses pellet model was discussed. Schatzke pointed out that sand is not an option since the city doesn’t have a heated shop. Johnson made a motion to get new quotes. Seconded by Greuel.
A flag was damaged and a couple brackets were broken when the flags were up for Memorial Day. Johnson made a motion to replace brackets, lower brackets and get pricing for six ND flags and six USA flags.
Seconded by Greuel.
Decorative fall garland for light poles was also discussed. Motion made by Greuel and seconded by Johnso to purchase four sets of fall garland for Fall Festival.
$100,000 Letter of Credit from FHLB opened in June 2020 was discussed. Nudell mentioned it may have come about as part of COVID aid. Johnson made a motion to close letter of credit due to unknown necessity as to why it was created. Seconded by Greuel. Reminders will be put in the city bills regarding the noise ordinance and leash law. There are some trees in
town that needs to be trimmed back. Schatzke will take care of. The sewer control panel replacement work will be completed by ND Sewage Pump and Lift Station Service Company as soon as the part they’ve been
waiting for is in. The line will be flushed by Jet Way at the same time. Billing the railroad for mowing and spraying was discussed. $1,000 had been billed in prior years. Motion made by Johnson and seconded by Greuel to raise to $1,500. Greuel made motion to add Onica Johnson as checkbook signer. Seconded by Jacobson. Updated budget was distributed and library levy amount discussed. Library would make do with the same
amount, but an increase would be greatly appreciated. The library can always use some updates, so anything is always welcome. The library is staffed by volunteers and does not pay any wages, so any amounts would be for books or update of the building. The question arose as to whether the library gets money from any other sources. Gruel made a motion to have library report to the city yearly. Financials will be due to the city in July each year. Dollar amount will then be decided once this information is
received. This was further discussed at the special meeting on August 4 th .
Motion made by Johnson and seconded by Greuel that October 3 rd at 7 pm will be the final budget hearing.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Acme Tool $14.88 mower part, Dick’s Construction 44 yards gravel 706.64, Fat Man Trash clean up week 2,109.35, Randy Rusch park building painting 500, Leonard
Cemetery 22.71, Leonard Fire Department 44.67, Leonard Library 63.35, Lions – Fall Festival 1,000. US Treasury Q2 payroll tax return 1,110.03. Zac Johnson 41.56, Tracy Jacobson reimb 47.28 web domain, 104.19 door handles/locks. Council pay is now paid quarterly: Bill Bjerke 76.96, Bonnie Greuel 246.28, Mike Nudell 76.96, Onica Johnson 130.83, Tony Plante 207.80, Tracey Jacobson 295.52. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next regular meeting will be Tuesday September 6 at 7 pm.
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
September 2022 Meeting Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Tuesday September 6, 2022 at 7 pm. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell, Wesley Schatzke and Deb Schumacher.
A representative from Consolidated Construction in Bismarck gave a presentation about services they provide, which include construction project planning and management, budgeting and funding, design and construction feasibility, sustainability, material selection and project timing.
Cass County Sheriff’s report for August given by Deputy Mortenson. There were 9 calls for service.
August meeting minutes read and approved (Johnson, Greuel)
Schatzke reported that there had been vandalism, trespassing and hunting out at the lagoon recently because the “No Trespassing” sign was ripped off, there were about 80 twelve-gauge shotgun shells and two dead ducks on the ground and 2 bullet holes fired from inside the lagoon area through one of the signs. Other vandalism within city limits has included broken glass in the basketball court and ball diamond areas. Greuel made a motion to put up signs around town offering a reward for information pertaining to damage/vandalism to city property. Seconded by Johnson.
The gopher issue was discussed and there is a badger out at the lagoon as well. Wes has been successful at trapping several gophers already. Johnson made a motion to purchase gopher bait. Plante seconded. Motion to get a badger trap and six new gopher traps also made by Johnson and seconded by Plante.
Street signs bids were discussed. Total price for all replacement signs will be around $2,000. Johnson made motion to accept the 3D Specialty Sign Solutions bid, but add 3 poles, brackets and add arrows to City Park signs. Seconded by Hinkel.
Weeds on properties and abandoned vehicle by apartments by the convenience store was discussed. Motion made by Johnson to send letter to 112 Main Street South. Clean up of weeds and trees at this address needs to be done by end of October 2022. If cleanup is not completed by that time, the city will charge at least $500 to remove the weeds and trees. Amount charged to the resident may be greater than $500 if the city has to spend a significant amount of time to get everything removed and cleaned up. Seconded by Greuel. Johnson also made a motion to send another letter to the owner of the old craft building on the same street as the café. Weeds were sprayed, but they need to be removed by October 1st. Regarding the abandoned vehicle, the tabs are now expired, so the city has authority to have the vehicle removed. Motion made by Ryan Hinkel to call Hopewell’s salvage to have the vehicle removed. Seconded by Greuel.
Regarding mowing on the abandoned Johnson property, the city has now mowed the property 3 times and Fanny Mae now has the property. A bill will be sent at the end of the year.
A culvert by Connie Braun’s property was discussed. Braun would like the drainage ditch filled with dirt, but that ditch is needed for drainage. Gruel will talk to Matt Hahn and Andy Nokelberg to see what culvert options are available that would provide the proper drainage for that area of the city.
A pickup is parked in an alley and a camper is parked in a different alley. Motion made by Greuel to send letters to owners of those items to have them moved. Seconded by Hinkel.
The following notices will be put in the next city bill:
1)Stay out of the airport area unless dumping branches. This is private property of the city, and the back end is private property of Ryan Richards. If anyone is caught on camera riding around in there, that is not part of the city government or city maintenance, the Cass County Sheriff will be contacted.
2)Dumping of any metal or appliances is no longer allowed at the airport strip area
Santa Day was discussed. Johnson made a motion to hold Santa Day on December 3, 2022. The City will plan and everyone is asked to start thinking of ideas. Seconded by Greuel.
The ice rink was briefly discussed. Greuel made a motion to get ice rink back up and running including purchasing a liner. Seconded by Plante.
The following bills were approved to be paid:
Cass County Reporter 404.39, Fat Man Trash 1848, 1848, 1898.82, Jet Way 792.50, Kindred True Value 54.94, Leonard Convenience 256.96, Leonard Golf Course 200.00, Plains & Agronomy 306.25, Trina Nudell reimbursement for envelopes and toner 116.51, Onica Johnson reimbursement for seven keys 19.49, Wesley Schatzke reimbursement for Menards 25.70, Bill Magstadt 498.69, Wesley Schatzke 1276.74, Trina Nudell 507.93, Tracey Jacobson 166.23, Tony Plante 92.35, Bonnie Greuel 138.53, Onica Johnson 138.53, Ryan Hinkel 138.53.
The following building permits were approved by the council via text message between the August and September meetings: Randy and Nancy Rusch for fence. (Plante, Greuel) Gordon Baker for a new house and garage (Greuel, Johnson)
Discussion about sponsoring the Fall Festival golf scramble occurred via text message on August 26th. Johnson made a motion to donate $200 to the golf course for the golf scramble. Seconded by Greuel.
Motion to adjourn (Johnson, Plante)
Next meeting will be Monday October 3 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Trina Nudell, City Auditor