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Wishek City Council approves payloader purchase, raises cemetery plot fee and OKs liquor/gaming permit changes
Summary
The council on June 2 approved several equipment purchases (a payloader and cemetery mower), awarded a city-hall air-conditioner contract, raised cemetery plot fees from $50 to $150, and approved changes to local gaming and liquor permits; all motions passed by 5-0 votes.
President Whittney Lipp presided over the Wishek City Council’s regular meeting on June 2, 2025, during which the council approved multiple equipment purchases, adopted a higher cemetery plot fee, and authorized changes to local gaming and liquor permits. The meeting lasted from 5:02 p.m. to 6:25 p.m.
The most consequential votes involved street and cemetery equipment. Josh Kiefer presented three bids for a payloader; the council voted 5-0 to accept the lowest bid from RDO, trade in the city’s CAT, and finance the purchase with a seven-year loan through Unison Bank. The RDO offer included a 5-year/3,000-hour warranty. Separately, the council approved the purchase of a Grasshopper mower intended for cemetery maintenance; that motion also passed on a 5-0 roll-call vote.
In building maintenance business, the council accepted a PH bid of $4,585 over a $7,083 bid from Vetter’s for a new air conditioner at city hall. The motion to award the contract to PH passed 5-0.
The council also raised cemetery plot prices from $50 to $150 per plot on a motion by Councilperson Eiseman, seconded by Opsahl; the measure passed unanimously. Councilmember Welder additionally moved to purchase two long tables and six round tables for the campground; that purchase was approved 5-0.
On permits and licensing, the consent agenda included approval of minutes from May 5 and May 14, 2025; a gaming-site authorization change moving Tri-County to Hagel Haus, LLC from Blondies; and liquor-permit changes including approval of Curt Michaelsohn’s off-sale beer and wine permit and Hagel Haus LLC’s on- and off-sale liquor authorization. The consent agenda was adopted by roll call, 5-0.
Other updates noted during the meeting: Auditor Mary Vickers said staff will pursue grant opportunities related to the fire hall and siren. The police report included routine enforcement activity and a note that a new police truck is undergoing equipment installation. Councilmember Opsahl reported that Interstate Engineering made three attempts to complete the Lead and Copper survey originally distributed in February 2024; the auditor said that if residents do not return the survey staff will assume they have lead service lines and provide further information. The Water Systems Improvement Project (DL Barkie) is scheduled to begin the week of June 9.
A citizen request from Margaret Burton to close an avenue near her house was rejected; the council voted 5-0 not to close the access. The meeting ended on a motion by Opsahl to adjourn at 6:25 p.m.
Votes at a glance: consent agenda (Opsahl/Welder) approved 5-0; picnic tables (Welder/Lake) approved 5-0; payloader purchase (Opsahl/Welder) approved 5-0; Grasshopper mower (Eiseman/Roth) approved 5-0; city-hall AC (Eiseman/Lake) approved 5-0; cemetery fee increase (Eiseman/Opsahl) approved 5-0; avenue closure denied (Roth/Lake) approved 5-0; adjournment (Opsahl) at 6:25 p.m.
