MINOT — The Minot City Council met Monday evening to kick off National Public Works Week and hear a legislative update before turning to an extensive agenda that included budget reforms, public safety, and infrastructure planning.
Finance Director Dave Lakefield introduced in his monthly finance update, went over the multiple budgeting possibilities the city may pursue. The city also announced a new hire for HR Director that the city approved as well as a June 5th public meeting at the Roosevelt Park Zoo to discuss the next stages of flood control.
Minot will also host 3 of the candidates to become the next Chief of Police at City hall Tuesday, May 27 for a public meet and greet.
Several items passed with minimal debate, including public hearing approvals for new plats and zoning changes. This led to the consent items being passed, however, a proposed insecticide contract for mosquito spraying contract was pulled and sparked dissent from Alderman Blessum, who cited health concerns tied to the chemical "naled". The contract passed 5-1.
Separately, the Council approved the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan after removing an unfunded $8 million bridge project that some members called unrealistic in the current fiscal climate.
The most divisive topic of the night was a proposed policy governing Flock license plate reader technology. Alderman Pitner offered amendments to clarify usage and enhance the submitted policy, which passed unanimously. However, the Council voted 4-2 to table the final vote until a full council is seated, citing transparency concerns and a possible 3-3 tie on a final vote. Some public commenters echoed those worries, with one invoking Orwell’s 1984.
