Bainville council approves routine claims, payroll and permits; discusses missing railroad crossing sign

The Bainville Town Council on April 14, 2025 approved a series of routine administrative measures and discussed a missing railroad crossing warning sign near the town cemetery.

Mayor Toby Romo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Bainville Town Hall. The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda (added item: railroad crossing markers) and the March 10, 2025 minutes with an added public-comment note from Darrel Rasmussen about the aquifer.

Council members voted unanimously to approve claims and journal vouchers totaling $14,060.09 and payroll of $6,896.44. The body also approved two building permits (Kayla Heen for a storage shed; Elijah Romo for a new fence), authorized advertising for summer help and cemetery maintenance, and approved a trade agreement with First English Lutheran Church regarding the softball field; details of the trade will be forwarded to Attorney Laura Christoffersen for review. The council approved bringing on community service workers contingent on meeting insurance requirements.

During public comment resident Diane Panasuk said she is seeking access to her land behind Gracies Bar & Casino and that she will meet next week with the State Highway Department to discuss options for access. No formal action on that request was recorded at the meeting.

Mayor Romo reported a missing cemetery railroad crossing warning sign (the pole remains but the sign itself is missing). He suggested replacing the yield signs at that crossing with stop signs and requested the railroad install crossarms; he said he will visit with the railroad about those possible safety improvements.

Other items: Clerk Cochran will gather prices and options for playground equipment to present at a future meeting; the Cemetery Advisory Committee plans to return with proposals for a new fence and tree plantings; and the mayor said he will contact Attorney Laura Christoffersen for comparative information on meeting stipends. The town reported 8% water loss for March 2025. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Will Rathbun moved to approve claims and JVs totaling $14,060.09; John Gilligan seconded — approved unanimously. Carol Rasmussen moved to approve payroll of $6,896.44; Will Rathbun seconded — approved unanimously. Carol Rasmussen moved to approve Kayla Heen’s building permit (second: John Gilligan) — approved unanimously. Will Rathbun moved to approve Elijah Romo’s fence permit (second: Carol Rasmussen) — approved unanimously. Carol Rasmussen moved to advertise for summer help and cemetery maintenance (second: John Gilligan) — approved unanimously. Will Rathbun moved to approve the softball-field trade with First English Lutheran Church (second: John Gilligan) — approved unanimously. Will Rathbun moved to approve community service workers contingent on insurance (second: John Gilligan) — approved unanimously.

The council scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Bainville Town Hall.