Published: February 20, 2008 11:15 am         

Bismarck discusses flooding woes

Village mulls land buy for retention pond

BISMARCK — Tuesday night’s Bismarck Village Board, Trustee Michael Pundt told fellow board members of the flooding problems that occurred Feb. 5 as a result of the heavy rain.

The intersection of Holloway and Center was flooded with 12 inches of water, which necessitated Pundt and other volunteers to direct traffic around the intersection.

As a result of the flooding, the village was forced to spend nearly $1,000 on barricades and flashing lights to warn residents of flooded streets.

Board members discussed the possible purchase of 11 acres from Robert Smith for a retention pond to alleviate flooding problems.

The village currently has been paying a monthly option on the land. Smith has given village officials until the end of March to decide if they want to purchase the land. Any money the village has already paid will be applied to the total cost.

Board members are looking at two alternatives in financing the purchase of the land. One option is take out a conventional bank loan. According to newly passed state law, the village can initiate a loan for up to 10 years. The other option is to purchase the land through an installment loan contract with Smith for possibly 20 years.

The matter was tabled until more information could be obtained on loan costs and on whether Smith is willing to carry an installment contract with the village.

The board also learned from Village Attorney Charles Mockbee that Stewart Grain Company has been paid $20,865 under the terms of the new Tax Increment Financing agreement.

According to Mockbee, the village is current on its interest subsidy payments to Stewart Grain.

In other action, the board:

-- Voted to contribute a maximum of $765 for 15 seniors from Bismarck-Henning High School to at-tend the Vermilion Advantage Scholastic Honors Banquet on April 17.

Trustee Julie Boersma suggested Rossville and Henning village boards be contacted to see if they would like to contribute to the banquet since they have students attending the high school.

-- Narrowed down dates for the annual village cleanup day to be either May 3 or 10.

The board agreed to check with the Vermilion County Health Department on whether it is possible to collect tires that day. The board also agreed to allow WITS to bring a trailer to collect televisions, VCRs, computer monitors, computers and other home electronics for their recycling program.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Bismarck Village Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. March 18 in the Bismarck Methodist Church annex.