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County discusses ownership and safety of inoperable 'yellow' siren
Summary
Commissioners reviewed records showing invoices in Warner Harrison’s name for an older yellow siren, debated who owns and insures it, and asked county staff to take the lead on removing the inoperable unit from a pole before it causes property damage.
Daniels County officials spent a sizable portion of their Feb. 17 meeting reviewing the status of an older, nonfunctional yellow civil-service siren and who is responsible for its maintenance and insurance.
Meeting attendees produced paperwork showing Warner Harrison’s name on invoices connected with the siren and said the records indicate the equipment and associated documents flowed through county channels rather than the city. Commissioners and staff expressed concern that the siren—mounted on a pole on a narrow property strip near the fire hall and a Nemont building—twists in high winds and could fall through the roof of the county building if not removed or secured.
Participants discussed practical removal options (having a tree crew cut it down in pieces, using a tall bucket/mast from Nemont or other utility contractors, or attaching it to a different pole) and the question of which entity should pay to take it down. The board noted the newer sirens will be owned and insured by the city going forward, but the status of this older unit is unclear; county staff said they would attempt to get it down before it causes damage and to determine ownership and insurance history.
No formal vote or change in county policy was made; staff were asked to coordinate with the fire department, Nemont and MDU where appropriate and to report back with options for removal and cost estimates.
