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Richardton commission approves sewer payments, sets $1.505M bond and flags DEQ lead-and-copper costs
Summary
At its May 11 meeting, the Richardton City Commission approved multiple actions — including a $45,423.25 pay application for sewer lining, acceptance of a BEK Consulting bid paid from fund 310, and Resolution 2026-03 setting the 2026–2028 bond at $1,505,193.25 — and discussed costly DEQ lead-and-copper requirements for the water system.
The Richardton City Commission on May 11 approved a series of routine motions, including payment for sewer work, acceptance of a consulting bid and setting the city’s bond for 2026–2028, while hearing reports on the water system and public-safety matters.
In the meeting presided over by President Jesse Aman, commissioners voted to approve Pay Application 1 for National Rodding Company in the amount of $45,423.25 for SS Lining Phase 2 and to accept a bid from BEK Consulting to be paid from fund 310. The commission also approved Change Order 1 for the SS Lining Phase 2 project and accepted several claims for payment, including SEH Inc. for $30,495.62 and MGM Rural Sanitation LLC for $13,165.05, according to the minutes. The motions were recorded as carried; individual roll-call tallies were not included in the minutes.
City Attorney Olivia Krebs introduced Resolution 2026-03, and the commission approved it, setting the bond for 2026–2028 at $1,505,193.25.
Why it matters: the actions move forward a sewer infrastructure project and lock in the city’s bonding level for the next biennium, both of which affect how the city will finance capital work and manage rates. At the same meeting, staff raised potential costs the city may face to comply with state DEQ lead-and-copper requirements for water systems, a concern that could influence future budget and capital decisions.
Public works and utilities: Public Works Superintendent Connor Gill reviewed the water-tower inspection, recommending sandblasting and painting, and the commission discussed the prospect of a new water tower. The minutes note a broader discussion of the North Dakota Environmental Quality (DEQ) lead-and-copper program — "there will be a substantial amount of work by each city to meet requirements; cost is a concern" — but record no specific funding decision; further planning or budgeting appears likely.
Other actions and community items: The commission approved an endorsement for sewer coverage from NDIR at $1,965.30 per year; approved Wilbur Ellis water sales contingent on Superintendent Gill implementing a metering system; and scheduled city-wide clean-up days for June (dates and times were listed in the minutes). Visitor items included a request from Ted Bohn for a fence variance (set for further discussion at a special May 14 meeting) and a project update for the Richardton Senior Citizens Center from Tom Roll.
Enforcement and next steps: Building Inspector Patrick Kuntz reported ongoing work on dangerous-building cases; the minutes say letters are being drafted and will be mailed to property owners. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.; the next regular commission meeting is June 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Notes on sourcing and limits: The commission minutes record motions as "carried" but do not include individual vote tallies in the published minutes. Where the minutes attribute an item only to "Chief Aman" or to an office, the text preserves the transcript wording and notes where the minutes do not clarify whether two same-surname references refer to the same person.
