Welcome to Leonard, ND
October 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday October 3, 2022 at 7 pm. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell and Wesley Schatzke
September meeting minutes read and approved (Johnson, Greuel)
Per electronic council vote on October 5, to clear up confusion, amend minutes regarding airport area.
Motion by Greuel, seconded by Johnson.
Original verbiage in August minutes: Since the city is no longer accepting scrap metal at the
airstrip, the sign will need to be taken down.
Amended verbiage: Since the city is no longer accepting scrap metal at the airport collection area,
the sign will need to be taken down.
Original verbiage as stated in the September minutes: 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.
Amended verbiage: Please stay out of the airport area unless dumping branches. The hanger
building and land south and southwest of the hanger is the property of the city. The airport strip is
not owned by the city. It is privately owned. Anyone on city property for reasons other than
dumping branches or compost material could be reported to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department.
Cass County Sheriff’s report: 11 calls for service.
Budget Hearing: 2023 budget numbers were read by Auditor Nudell. There have been no changes since the 2023 preliminary budget was approved by council and sent to Cass County in August. Plante made motion to approve the final 2023 budget, seconded by Hinkel.
Bert’s Truck Equipment has two spreaders in stock. Motion made by Greuel and seconded by Plante to move forward with the tailgate spreader purchase.
Mike Pulczinski would like to create a subdivision along the westerly side of the golf course property, where the driving range is located. Pulczinski plans to plat this lot for a family member to build a house and would like the option to plat an additional lot to the northeast of the one currently being platted for an additional family member to possibly build a house. Plante made a motion to go forward with the plat on the golf course with room to expand. Seconded by Johnson.
Motion made by Johnson, seconded by Plante to contact Dakota Hills Electric to have another switch
installed on the west side of the hanger door.
The donation request for George & Marcy’s retirement party at the Golf Course was declined. (Hinkel, Greuel)
The city is looking for one or two people that live within city limits to take on Land and Zoning. Please
spread the word and contact Mayor Jacobson if interested.
Tony Plante offered to sell the café building to the city for $200,000. The building would be made into a city hall with offices, meeting space, records room, and a community room that could be rented to community members. Another possibility is to also have a dog treat company rent space, which would create jobs for the town. Greuel made a motion to move forward and approve the purchase of the café building with the intention of making a $100,000 down payment out of the shop building fund immediately upon signing of the contract. The remaining $100,000 will be paid by the city to Tony Plante by May 31, 2024. Seconded by Johnson. Mayor Jacobson will have the City Attorney at Ohnstad Twichell draw up a purchase agreement.
The council will look into a USDA community facilities loan or other loan and grant opportunities.
The following bills were approved to be paid:
Fat Man Trash 1,898.82, ND Sewage & Lift Station Service 7,275, Sheyenne Valley Lumber 206.43, Trina Nudell reimbursement for stamps 132.00, Wesley Schatzke 387.87, Trina Nudell 507.93. Bert’s Truck Equipment $2,885
Motion to adjourn (Greuel, Plante)
Next meeting will be Monday November 7 at 7 pm.
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
October 2022 Special Mtg. City Minutes
The Leonard City Council met Tuesday October 18, 2022 at 6:30 pm for a special meeting called on October 11. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell, Wesley Schatzke and numerous community members.
October 3 meeting minutes read and approved (Plante, Johnson)
Mayor Jacobson addressed attendees about purchasing the café building from Tony Plante. On Friday
October 14, the council announced to Tony via text message, that upon further consideration, the City of Leonard couldn’t financially purchase the café building. Greuel made a motion to retract the October 3 motion to purchase the café building. Johnson seconded the motion to retract.
Mayor Jacobson stated that they were considering the café building because it was the only option they had. It would have helped get the city government a place to work out of. After the October meeting, a lot of research concerning the purchase was done and it started to become evident that it wouldn’t be feasible.
The reasons for looking for a building are:
1) To fully use the city’s status as a municipality, a place to work out of is a must. This would enable
the council to carry out city ordinances.
2) City auditors have had to work out of their homes. If a fire occurs in their home, whose insurance
covers property destroyed? The city would like a building to work out of so all city information can
stay in one place, where the auditor, mayor and council members can go to work.
3) The council would also like to be able to give back to the city. The hope is to find a building that’s
the right price and size, so part of the building could be used by the community for large meetings,
birthday or anniversary parties, graduation parties or just community gatherings.
Both Mayor Jacobson and council member Greuel stated that the October 3rd motion should have been worded differently. The wording of the motion should have been that consideration would be given to purchasing the café building and research will be done rather than making a motion to purchase the cafe building for $200,000.
After the meeting, it was discovered that a commercial appraisal would have cost $3,500-$5,000 and an inspection would have cost $3,000 and funding just wasn’t there. That’s why a meeting was set up to withdraw the October 3 motion.
After the mayor’s statement and council members spoke, the floor was then opened for public comment where community members could voice their thoughts, concerns and ideas. Topics included why the café closed, possibility of renting a portion of the Senior Building, Senior Building updates needed, and electrical repairs needed, and costs of building a Morton-type steel building being $300,000-400,000. Also mentioned was the city owned land where the Olson building was torn town. The ground has to be packed on that land, which will cost thousands of dollars. Other ideas brought up were the old Bremer bank building and purchasing a fireproof filing cabinet.
The council asked the community members in attendance to please give any and all ideas and also would appreciate contact information of places to call to get steel building prices.
Discussion also included office space options for law enforcement. Sheriffs in other towns use space in the fire hall or city building. The Leonard fire hall doesn’t have enough space unless the conference room is an option.
The Senior Center Board meets the third Thursday of every month. The council will plan to attend the
November meeting or arrange a time for Senior Center board members to meet with the council.
Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Greuel and Plante.
Next meeting will be Monday November 7 at 7 pm.
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
November 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday November 7, 2022 at 7 pm. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell, Maintenance Manager Wesley Schatzke and community members.
New information was sent via group text on Oct 21 regarding adding the switch on the west side of the
hanger door. Dakota Hills Electric can do the work, but the new door put in on the west side of the hanger requires a light to be up to code if their work gets inspected. Cost will be $465 for the inside light switch, $290 for the outlet and $545 for the outside light. $1,300 total. Onica Johnson made a motion to proceed. Seconded by Greuel.
October 18 special meeting minutes read and approved (Plante, Greuel)
Cass County Sheriff’s report: 8 calls for service.
The city has experienced repeated vandalism and is considering adding more security cameras. Marty with MLGC gave council members information about camera options for the ball diamond, city shop, and park. Cameras are available with or without internet access. Cost to bury 850 feet of fiber optic cables to all locations would be $3,464, which includes labor. Price including four model 1100 cameras, four routers and four housing shells would be $4,994.22. Waterproof/weatherized boxes would also need to be purchased for each location. Cost of monthly internet access was not included in that price. The option to put internet access on a very tall pole for all cameras was discussed, but buildings and trees block the signal. The option of cameras without internet access was also discussed. Motion made by Johnson, seconded by Plante to get quote for internet at hanger and upgraded camera so license plates can be seen. Decision on remainder of locations will be tabled.
A public concern brought up by a community member was dogs not on leashes. Dogs have been seen running around town and owners are not around. One individual has already been warned by the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. Council encouraged community members to take pictures and show pictures to law enforcement. Also let council members know and they’ll keep track of complaints/incidents. Mayor Jacobson had previously inquired about Cass County fines regarding dogs. First offense is a written warning. Second offense is a $50 fine and another written warning. Then $50 citations continue.
Bill Magstadt has resigned. The city is looking for a replacement to take over his snow removal and mowing duties.
It was discovered that the city plow truck has seven cracks and the plow itself is twisted to the right handside. Todd could frame-weld pieces of metal to fix the cracks. Motion by Greuel to have Todd fix the plow truck. Seconded by Johnson.
Mayor Jacobson mentioned all the free materials sent to promote the new city app.
A new liner needs to be purchased for the ice rink. Please also spread the word that the city is looking for ice rink volunteers. Plante made a motion to purchase liner for ice rink. Seconded by Hinkel.
Jeanne Johnson will be including the $50 building permit payment for their deck with their city bill
payment.
Santa day will be December 3 from 1-3. There will be a bake sale and coloring and/ or craft activities for the kids. There will also be a holiday house/yard decorating contest. Deadline is December 17. $25 prize for winner.
There have been complaints about yards and vehicles. Jacobson will send out a list of City Clean Up letters that need to go out. The first letter will be a warning to allow the homeowner to come up with a plan. For vehicles, current tabs are needed, or vehicle needs to be removed. A second letter will be sent if problem continues. Motion made by Johnson that after second letter is sent, if not taken care of in 30 days, vehicle will be towed by Hopewell’s. Seconded by Greuel.
Neil Roesler would like to split a portion of the Roesler land from the farmland for a home. Eventually, the piece of land will be reunited with the quarter. Since this is within the extra-territorial limits of Leonard, council approval is needed. Council says platting a new parcel is not necessary. Ok to make change via legal description and deed. Approved by Johnson. Seconded by Plante.
The following bills were approved to be paid:
Cass County Reporter 124.71 & 97.12, Fat Man Trash 1,898.82, Kindred True Value 34.94, 32.55, 45.27, Leonard Post Office box renewal $90, Ohnstad Twichell 802.05 , Plains & Agronomy 12.50, Leonard Convenience 351.88, ND League of Cities 465 & 34, Leonard Fire Department 20.77, Cemetery 10.19, Library 29.74, Bill Magstadt 270.12 & 55.41, Wesley Schatzke 547.17, Trina Nudell 507.93
Motion to adjourn by Johnson. Seconded by Hinkel.
Due to scheduling conflicts, next meeting will be Thursday December 1 at 7 pm.
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
December, 2022 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Thursday December 1, 2022 at 8 pm. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell, Wesley Schatzke and two community members. November 7 meeting minutes read and approved (Plante, Greuel) Cass County Sheriff’s Report given by Deputy Mortenson. Eleven calls for service.
Rollin Johnson attended due to his concern about the building permit he was asked to pay. He was not aware that decks require building permits and wanted to know how community members are supposed to know this information. The council will post the most used ordinances on the city website and work on spreading the information other ways as well. A copy of ordinance 12.10.2.3 was given to Johnson. That ordinance reads: 12.10.2.3 Building Permit Applications
Any person or persons intending to construct or reconstruct or relocate a building or make
alteration, shall, before proceeding with the work, or commencing any excavation in connection
with it, shall obtain a permit from the City Auditor. These provisions shall also apply to the mobile
homes. 1) Each application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a legal description and a map showing the actual dimension of the lot to be built upon, the size, shape and location of the
building for observing the yard requirements of this code. 2) The application shall specify the type of the building, structure, material of which it is composed, the part or portion of the lot to be occupied by the principal building and accessory buildings and the building cost.
City maintenance updates were given. The city has an appointment to get the pellet spreader installed on the plow truck December 20 th . Bill Magstadt has expressed interest in mowing this summer if needed. Dakota Marsaa might mow a little. The total for the metal repairs on the plow truck is $400. Plante made a motion to pay Todd for the repairs. Seconded by Greuel. Before payment can be made, Trina needs a bill with the vendor name and address, description of work and total amount due. Purchasing fireproof filing cabinets was discussed. At a minimum, a small two drawer cabinet could be purchased. More information regarding prices and options will be gathered. Creating an office in the closet at the Senior Center for the City Auditor and any other Council to work out of was discussed. The following bills were approved to be paid: Fat Man Trash 1,858.82, Cass County 735 & 500. Dakota Hills Electric 1,300, Jet Way $1,420, Wesley Schatzke reimbursement for Sturdevants 47.81, Matt Hahn 250, Tracey Jacobson 221.64, Tony Plante 184.70, Bonnie Greuel 184.70, Onica Johnson 184.70, Ryan Hinkel 184.70, Dakota Marsaa 96.63, Wesley Schatzke 685.03, Trina Nudell 507.93 Greuel made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Johnson. Next meeting will be Monday January 9 at 7 pm.
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
January, 2023 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday January 9, 2023 at 7 pm. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell, Wesley Schatzke and one community member. December minutes read. Approved by Plante. Seconded by Greuel.
Cass County Sheriff’s report: 11 calls for service. Public concerns included railroad arms & branches hanging over road on the Wessels road. Johnson made a motion to get pricing of three brands of pole saws, spending no more than $800. Seconded by Plante. Tractor lease is ending March 17, 2023. Jacobson has been in contact with Brandon at Acme Equipment (formerly Fargo tractor). Everyone was asked to be on the lookout for used tractors for sale. Buying the
leased tractor is another option. More information will be gathered. Further discussion and decision
making coming in February. Office equipment for the city office was discussed. A laptop and printer could most likely be purchased for less than $2,000. Info will be gathered. Filing cabinet decision tabled until February. Review of auditor position was next item on agenda since the six months have lapsed. Johnson made a motion to open the auditor position to the public to comply with North Dakota statues. Position will be posted for 60 days. Applications should be sent to Mayor Jacobson by March 22. Term will be two years. Seconded by Hinkel. The following bills were approved to be paid: Acme Tools, 68.30, Cass County Reporter 198.69, Cass County Government Finance 122.87, Fat Man Trash 1,858.82, Trina Nudell reimbursement for printing, stamps and envelopes 218.09, Wesley Schatzke reimbursement for wiper blades 18.26, Wesley Schatzke 1,657.68, Dakota Marsaa 498.69, Trina Nudell 507.93. Next meeting will be Monday February 6 at 7 pm.
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
February, 2023 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday February 6, 2023 at 7 pm. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell, Wesley Schatzke and Deputy Mortenson. January minutes read. Approved by Plante. Seconded by Greuel.
Cass County Sheriff’s report: 9 calls for service. If anyone on the city government is addressed with any concerns from our community, please encourage them to come to council meetings.
Due to market values and interest rates, Greuel made a motion to continue tractor lease for another year. Seconded by Plante. Plante made a motion to purchase laptop computer, printer, monitors, desk chair and other accessories including mouse, keyboard and cables. Seconded by Johnson.
MLGC will be contacted to set up the free internet in the City Office at the Senior Citizens.
Nudell had been contacted by First International Bank and Trust wondering if we were interested in putting money in a CD. Rates are currently 3.75% to 4%. Johnson made a motion to have Trina check around to get money market and CD rates. Seconded by Greuel. Mayor Jacobson asked the council to start coming up with ideas for a ”Spring into Leonard” community project to help dress up our town. Examples: hanging pots of flowers for the poles uptown in honor or in memory of someone, garden plots and/or memory garden in the empty lot, flower bed with benches, etc.
The following bills were approved to be paid: Leonard Convenience gift card 25.00, Cass County Reporter 70.42 & 46.39, Fat Man Trash 1,865.56, Sheyenne Valley Lumber 413.25, John Deere Financial 950.64, Leonard Convenience 303.39 & 114.82. Trina Nudell reimb for file folders, hanging files, paper and Ringneck gift card 96.56, Acme Tools 4.88, Onica Johnson reimb for office chair 100.90, Wesley Schatzke 715.71, Dakota Marsaa 120.05, Trina Nudell 507.93.
Motion to adjourn by Johnson. Seconded by Hinkel. Next regular meeting will be Monday March 6 at 7 pm.
Trina Nudell, City Auditor
March, 2023 City Minutes
Leonard City Council
The Leonard City Council met Monday March 6, 2023 at 7 pm. Present: Mayor Tracey Jacobson, Tony Plante, Bonnie Greuel, Onica Johnson, Ryan Hinkel, Auditor Trina Nudell, Wesley Schatzke, Deputy Mortenson and community members Guy Leedahl, Deb Schumacher and Bruce Johnston.
Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm. February minutes read. Hinkel made motion to accept minutes as read. Seconded by Plante. Cass County Sheriff’s report: 6 calls for service. No public concerns.
Moving money into money market account and/or CD’s was further discussed. Rates had been gathered from various banks over the past weeks. First International’s rates were the highest. Customized quote for $100,000 to $200,000 split between a high yielding money market account and 13 month CD was 3.75%-4% for the money market and 4.25% for the CD. Bonnie Gruel made a motion to have Trina check on the most recent First International rates. Seconded by Johnson.
Garbage rates were discussed. The current garbage fee rate has not been increased for many years and does not cover the cost of spring clean-up roll offs. Motion made by Johnson to increase the garbage rate by $2. Seconded by Plante. Merchant fees were discussed. Minimum fee for electronic payments through QuickBooks is $1.25. Fees for most monthly bills are $1.74. Bank account debit fee is a flat $3. These costs may need to get passed to the customer as a convenience fee. The Senior Citizens are concerned about having internet access installed at the Senior Citizens. Guy Leedhal attended meeting to gather information and discuss. He will bring information to the next Senior Citizens board meeting. Jacobson and Johnson put in 18 hours setting up and organizing the office at the senior center. They’d like to be compensated for their time at $20 per hour. Bonnie made a motion to pay Tracey and Onica for this
special project. Seconded by Plante. Council will consider paying council members for special projects, but approval will be needed. Hinkel made a motion to purchase pole saw from Acme tool for $229. Seconded by Plante. City is looking for someone to mow this summer. Job opening will be posted and posters hung around town. Tony made a motion to add Bonnie as signer on checking accounts. Seconded by Hinkel. The following bills were approved to be paid: Cass County Reporter 135.73, Fat Man Trash 1,858.82 Robert Broline $60, Trina Nudell reimb for stamps 59.75, Onica Johnson reimb for computer and accessories 1894.91, Wesley Schatzke: 591.04, reimb 126.57, mileage 66.81, Dakota Marsaa 132.98, Trina
Nudell 507.93, Onica Johnson 332.46, Tracy Jacobson 332.46, Tracey Jacobson 166.23, Tony Plante 138.52, Bonnie Greuel 138.52, Onica Johnson 138.52, Ryan Hinkel 138.52. Motion to adjourn by Hinkel at 8:56 pm. Seconded by Plante.
Next regular meeting will be Monday