Page 11 Mountrail County Promoter, Inc., Stanley, ND Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2021

want to leave that ultimate decision “Because it is under emergency Weekly ND Universities Don’t Plan On up to our students, which is why the use doctrine it is not going to be a university isn’t requiring vaccina- requirement that we can foresee,” Gas Price Update Requiring COVID-19 Vaccine tions.” she said. “We are just going to con- North Dakota gas prices have Neighboring areas and their cur- By Dylan Sherman, “I think there are a lot of students Wilson added the numbers could tinue to follow guidelines from the risen 2.0 cents in the past week, av- rent gas prices: Sioux Falls- $2.76/g, NDNAEF and faculty that have, as soon as be higher from those who received a CDC.” eraging $2.76/g Monday, according down 0.4 cents per gallon from last Universities in North Dakota it has become available, gone and vaccine before the incentive or those Rostad said if certain universi- to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 493 week’s $2.77/g; Fargo- $2.78/g, up have required students to get certain gotten the vaccine,” he said. “It is who have not informed the school. ties wanted to require the vaccine, stations. Gas prices in North Dakota 5.9 cents per gallon from last week’s vaccines, but the COVID-19 vaccine probably similar to our society in She said the university does not it would have to be removed from are 2.6 cents per gallon lower than a $2.72/g; South Dakota- $2.82/g, up will not be one of them. general; there some people that are have any plans to require the vac- the emergency use declaration. month ago and stand $1.01 cents per 2.6 cents per gallon from last week’s Across the nation universities hesitant or maybe for whatever pur- cine in the future. Dickinson State “I don’t think that we would even gallon higher than a year ago. $2.79/g. are facing similar dilemmas, with poses don’t want to get vaccinated University also intends to remove think about approaching it until the According to GasBuddy price re- “Gas prices have remained large- responses ranging from requiring at all.” its mask mandate for the fall 2021 emergency declaration has been re- ports, the cheapest station in North ly stable in the last week across students to receive the vaccine to Cara Helgren, vice president semester. moved,” he said. Dakota was priced at $2.57/g Mon- much of the country with the excep- making it a recommendation. of student affairs at University of Debra Haman, director of health Rostad added while he hopes day while the most expensive was tion of the West Coast, where prices Jerry Rostad, vice chancellor for North Dakota, said UND has been and counseling for Minot State Uni- universities will be close to normal $3.09/g, a difference of 52.0 cents in some areas continue to advance, the North Dakota University Sys- following the same path. “While we versity, said the campus has held in the fall, it is likely going to be a per gallon. mainly in California as summer tem, said they are doing everything have not required the COVID vac- vaccination clinics on campus but “new normal.” The national average price of gasoline and healthy demand have they can to encourage students and cine at this point, we are certainly does not plan to require the vaccine “The numbers (of cases) trending gasoline is unchanged in the last boosted prices, but for everyone staff to get vaccinated. making COVID-19 testing available for students or staff. downward, increased vaccinations, week, averaging $2.85/g Monday. else, we’re far removed from the fast “When you look at what the Cen- and educating on what we know “All students, faculty and staff those are probably the two key indi- The national average price is down pace of increases we saw earlier this ters for Disease Control and our works.” She said. have been offered vaccinations,” cators of where we are at,” he said. 2.2 cents per gallon from a month year,” said Patrick De Haan, head of public health offi cials are saying, Providing the vaccine for stu- she said. “Our nursing department Rostad said some of the coro- ago and stands $1.07 cents per gal- petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. vaccinations are important in de- dents who want it has been a recent was offered it right away due to the navirus safety measures, including lon higher than a year ago. “Gasoline demand has given up veloping herd immunity in the fi ght change. Halgren said UND is work- fact they were on the COVID test- Plexiglas screens at checkout coun- Historical gasoline prices in ground for the second straight week, against COVID-19,” he said. ing to have the healthiest campus ing front line.” With a good portion ters, will likely stay as people have North Dakota and the national aver- likely due to some area seeing a rise Rostad said the campuses are that it can and students have re- of students in the medical fi eld, Ha- been less sick this year compared to age going back ten years: in Coronavirus cases, and as spring going to encourage everyone to get sponded positively to being able to man said many students had already previous years. April 19, 2020: $1.75/g (U.S. Av- break conclude. The next weeks vaccinated, but that is the furthest get the coronavirus vaccine. gotten vaccinated before the school “I think there is a lot of discussion erage: $1.78/g) ahead, until either demand starts to the NDUS will be going. “We have had really strong stu- started hosting clinics. She said in higher education on some of the April 19, 2019: $2.76/g (U.S. Av- increase notably again or we see the “I want to be clear we are stop- dent support for getting (vaccinat- there has not been tracking done on practices we have implemented… erage: $2.85/g) opposite.” ping short; we will not be doing any ed),” she said. Halgren said many how many students, staff or faculty I would think some of these things April 19, 2018: $2.67/g (U.S. Av- GasBuddy is the authoritative kind of vaccination mandate or re- of UND’s students are from the have received the vaccine. we are doing are going to stay,” he erage: $2.76/g) voice for gas prices and the only quirements,” he said. Twin Cities, and while doing on- Haman said the university is still said. “We’ve rethought how we can April 19, 2017: $2.33/g (U.S. Av- source for station-level data span- Rostad said if that was to change line coursework they have driven to tracking coronavirus cases as well deliver academics. The 300-seat lec- erage: $2.42/g) ning nearly two decades. Unlike it would be based on action by the Grand Forks to get vaccinated. as the variants before any decisions ture hall might be a good thing of April 19, 2016: $2.02/g (U.S. Av- AAA’s once daily survey covering state Health Department or the Leg- “Whether or not all students are made on lower safety proce- the past, because anything beyond erage: $2.11/g) credit card transactions at 100,000 islature, and not from the university will get involved, time will tell, but dures. the 10th row is distanced learning.” April 19, 2015: $2.35/g (U.S. Av- stations and the Lundberg Survey, system. clearly we have some students that erage: $2.45/g) updated once every two weeks The current coronavirus vac- are,” she said. April 19, 2014: $3.56/g (U.S. Av- based on 7,000 gas stations, Gas- cines are under emergency use, Other than educating students Grasslands Benefi t From The erage: $3.67/g) Buddy’s survey updates 288 times and Rostad said the system will not on safety and vaccinations, Halgren April 19, 2013: $3.61/g (U.S. Av- every day from the most diverse list implement any kind of mandates for said UND would confer with the Great American Outdoors Act erage: $3.50/g) of sources covering nearly 150,000 emergency use vaccines. NDUS before making any changes The Great American Outdoors of water bars to aid in drainage. April 19, 2012: $3.83/g (U.S. Av- stations nationwide, the most com- The university system does have or requiring a coronavirus vaccine Act gave the USDA Forest Service Buffalo Gap Campground– Sen- erage: $3.89/g) prehensive and up-to-date in the three currently required vaccina- for the fall semester. Dickinson new opportunities to deliver ben- tinel Butte, ND April 19, 2011: $3.81/g (U.S. Av- country. GasBuddy data is accessi- tions, for measles, mumps and ru- State University has taken a differ- efi ts to the American public through This project will improve shower erage: $3.84/g) ble at http://FuelInsights.GasBuddy. bella; meningitis; and a tuberculosis ent approach, by allowing students major investments in recreation in- facilities, repair a sewer lift station, screening. However, Rostad said to be exempt from the school’s mask frastructure, public lands access, and expand the campground host students are able to seek an exemp- mandate two weeks after their fi nal and land and water conservation. campsite. tion form and still be able to attend a dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Mi- The Dakota Prairie Grasslands university without being vaccinated. chelle Wilson, director of university has been selected to receive Great Improved National Forest Sys- “If you have a religious belief or relations, said the program is en- American Outdoors Act funds to re- tem Access N.D. Cropland Rents And are concerned about your physical tirely voluntary, but as of April 14, duce deferred maintenance and in- The Forest Service will perform well-being, you do have avenues to 27 percent of on-campus staff and crease access to recreation through deferred maintenance on grass- opt out of those (vaccinations),” he faculty had been vaccinated and 26 completion of the following proj- land roads improving visitor access Values Increase Modestly said. percent of on-campus students had ects. across the Dakota Prairie Grassland. Despite the recent commodity NDSU regions did not display the While NDUS has not required been vaccinated. CCC Campground Rebuild- Wat- This project will improve deterio- price rallies and ad hoc government consistency that rental data did students and faculty to get vacci- “Dickinson State was looking ford City, ND rating roads through aggregate spot payments to farmers across North across the state. The northwest re- nated, Rostad said the number that for an opportunity to incentivize This project will update the CCC surfacing, culvert replacement, and Dakota, farmland values and rents gion data showed an increase of already have is similar to that for the our students to receive a COVID-19 Campground near Watford City, grading. have been reluctant to change. 15.5% while the southeast region general public. vaccine,” she said. “Obviously we ND. The project will construct dedi- These projects are part of the Relative to 2020, farmland val- showed a decline of 8.03%. Other cated loops for equestrian, tent, and $285 million investment made pos- ues across the state are up a mod- than the north-central region, which RV users, expand the Maah Daah sible by the newly created National est 1.74% while cropland cash rents also showed a decline of 1.06%, N.D. Pastureland And Cash Hey and Long X trailhead, con- Parks and Public Land Legacy Res- are up 0.77%, according to data col- the remainder of the regional data struct equestrian facilities, improve toration Fund, established in 2020 lected by the North Dakota Depart- showed small to moderate increases. Rental Rates Inch Upward parking, and install pressurized wa- by the Great American Outdoors ment of Trust Lands Survey found The southwest showed almost ter spigots and electric RV hookups Act. online at https://www.land.nd.gov/ no change, at an increase of 0.06%, North Dakota pastureland rental west at just above $17 per acre. Most throughout the campground. For more information on the resources/north-dakota-county- while the northeast and south-cen- rates and land values recovered of the variation across the state is Blacktail Trail– Lemmon, SD Great American Outdoors Act and rents-prices-annual-survey. tral increased nearly 3%. The east- some of last year’s decline heading explained by increased stocking The Blacktail Trail is a seven related projects, visit https://www. “This comes after 2020’s surveys central increased 3.2% while the into 2021. rates in the east, as well as pressure mile non-motorized loop trail that fs.usda.gov/managing-land/gaoa. showed statewide cropland rents had northern Red River Valley increased Statewide average pastureland from cropland rent and value move- begins and ends at the Blacktail Pic- fallen 0.42% while land values went 4.59%. Next to the northwest region, rental rates moved up 3% from ments, Parman says. nic Area near Lemmon, SD. After up slightly, 1.73%,” says Bryon Par- the southern Red River Valley data $17.40 per acre in 2020 to $17.90 years of use, this trail needs resto- man, North Dakota State University showed the next highest increase at per acre in 2021. Pastureland val- Pastureland values across NDSU ration. Trail repairs include rees- Plaza City Extension agricultural fi nance spe- 6.52%. ues increased 1.92% from $817 per regions showed some wide swings, tablishing trail tread, repairing trail cialist. acre in 2020 to nearly $833 per acre with the northwestern region in- rutting and erosion, and installation Council With respect to rents, NDSU Since 2018, land values have in 2021, according to county-level creasing 16.5% while the south- county regional groupings showed inched upward at 1.6%, 1.73% and data compiled from the North Da- eastern region declined nearly 10%. Minutes surprising consistency across re- 1.74% in 2019, 2020 and 2021, re- kota Department of Trust Lands an- The remaining regions increased gions, he adds. Only two regions, spectively. While regional swings in nual survey posted online at https:// between about 1.5% and 7%, with Minutes Of the north-central and the south- land values may occur as a result of PLAZA CITY COUNCIL www.land.nd.gov/resources/north- the south-central increasing about MEETING MINUTES east, showed any decline, at 1% and data noise and challenges in getting dakota-county-rents-prices-annual- 6.8% and the north-central increas- the Palermo MARCH 8, 2021 1.88%, respectively. representative samples in certain survey. ing 1.5%. PRESENT: Mayor Terry Reese, City “Although that is technically a counties, the statewide average data Pastureland rental rates moved “Much of the wide swings in City Council Council members Phil Westgard, Dave decline, it is still not dramatically have been much more consistent. upward in the north-central, south- pastureland values, like pastureland Reum, Greg Schoess, and Becky Wold far off the state average of 0.77% Since 2015, the largest statewide central and southeastern regions rents, is due to data availability and Others Present: City Engineer Jason growth and easily explained by data average movement was a decline CITY OF PALERMO MEETING Strand, AE2S; Jim Olson, AE2S, City At- while declining modestly in the counties with small sample sizes,” MINUTES torney Bill Woods noise,” Parman says. in 2016 of 3.95%. Otherwise, the northwest, southwest and the east- Parman says. “However, when 4-13-21 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 The two largest percentage changes are less than 2% in any di- central regions. The biggest increas- looked at through time, the values Tax Equalization Meeting p.m. changes of cash rents in any direc- rection. es occurred in the south-central and are much more stable.” Mayor called the meeting to order. Approval of Minutes tion were in the northeast region, The highest statewide land value north-central regions, moving up The fi ve-year average pasture- Lori Hanson talked about the Farm Resi- Dave moved, seconded by Becky, to showing 3.56% growth, and the achieved for North Dakota crop- dence Exemption Law and Changes. She approve the minutes of the February 8, nearly $2 per acre in the south-cen- land values for the northwest, north- also explained the Ag land values. Talked 2021 meeting as amended. The vote was northern Red River Valley, show- land was in 2014, with an average tral and $1.20 per acre in the north- central, southwest, south-central, about cropland average per acre which is all in favor, motion carried. ing 2.65% growth. Regions with a of $2,313 per acre. Following 2014, central region. southeast and east-central are $582, $747.33. Does not affect the city much. Approval of Agenda percentage growth between 1% and statewide cropland values dipped “The remaining movements in $788, $906, $1,008, $1,341 and $943 There is going to be a 5% increase on resi- Phil moved, seconded by Greg, to add 2% were the northwest, at 1.32%, to $2,146 per acre in 2018 and have pasture rental rates were more than per acre, respectively, which is with- dential structures based on the states ratio a demolition permit request from Jason the southwest, at 1.36%, the south- steadily increased since, although small enough to be explained by in a few percentage points of any study. Palermo and White Earth are going Yoder to the agenda. The vote was all in central, at 1.95%, and the southern modestly. The 2021 data show a to be 8% increase. Talked about the differ- favor, motion carried. noise in data and smaller sample given year during that time period. ent mill levies around the area. Motion to Approval of Bills Red River Valley, at 1.4%. The east- statewide average cropland value sizes,” says Bryon Parman, North However, all regional pastureland accept the values as presented was made by Becky moved, seconded by Phil, to ap- central region data showed a slight of $2,274 per acre, which is below Dakota State University Exten- values in 2021 are higher than their Michael Hamers, seconded by Kevin Mar- prove the March 2021 bills. The vote was increase of 0.81%. the highest year posted in 2014 and sion agricultural fi nance specialist. respective fi ve-year averages, which mon. Motion carried. Motion to adjourn all in favor, motion carried. Overall, rent data into 2021 in- about at the same levels as 2013 and “However, statewide average rental indicates that an increase in pasture- was made by Kenny Meckle, seconded by Terry mentioned that we have six street dicated this was one of the more 2015. rates since 2015 have been pretty land values has occurred year over Wayne Enger. Motion carried. lights that aren’t working that we’ll have consistent years, lacking the wild When looking at the six- or sev- Regular City Meeting to get fi xed. steady, from $18.20 per acre to year in North Dakota. Mayor called the meeting to order. Auditor was instructed to contact Ener- swings shown between regions in en-year trends, land values and cash $17.10 per acre. Minutes from the last meeting were base to see if the City had a credit balance previous years’ data. For instance, rents have remained mostly static. “Additionally, rental rates are not read. Motion to accept the minutes as read that transferred over when Enerbase took in 2019, data from the Trust Lands Some yearly dips and increases reported for the northeast, northern was made by Kenny Meckle, seconded by over from the Farmers Union. Survey grouped into NDSU regions have occurred in both, and some Red River Valley or southern Red Wayne Enger. Motion carried. Attorney Report had a decline in the north-central wild swings from region to region Old Business: Bill prepared notice letters for three River Valley regions due to sparse Gronos Construction will be residing property owners who will need to address region of 2.5% and an increase in (explained at least somewhat by data availability in those areas,” he and fi xing the doors at the Mailroom soon. health and safety issues at their properties. the northern Red River Valley of data noise) have occurred, but when adds. NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS We are next on the list. The letters will be sent certifi ed mail. 11.86%. viewed on a longer time horizon, The highest dollar-per-acre rental The North Dakota Department of Trans- Bill from Gustafson Septic Service was Greg mentioned another property own- Still, state average rental rates things have mostly moved sideways. rates remain in the eastern portion portation (NDDOT) will receive bids for talked about. Motion to pay half of the fi rst er who has a number of junk vehicles in have shown a modest trend upward, “This is especially important for of North Dakota, with the southeast the construction of the following project(s): bill was made by Kenny Meckle, seconded their yard; the property owner’s contact in- with average dollar-per-acre rents land values because land purchases Job No.: 14 by Michael Hamers. Motion carried. The formation was given to Bill. having the highest price per acre of Project No(s).: SC-CVD-3100(021) remaining bill will go to Mike and Sandy Phil asked Bill about requirements for increasing from $65.80 per acre in are typically a much longer-term $32.51. The central portion of the Length: 30.000 Corcoran. a City noise ordinance and Bill and the 2018 to $69.10 in 2021. However, the commitment than a cash rental state, including the south-central Type: CHIP SEAL AND PAVEMENT New Business: Council discussed equipment and other high-water mark for the statewide agreement,” Parman says. “An im- and east-central regions, remains at MARKING Robert Hamers came to the meeting to requirements to enact a noise ordinance. average cash rental rate occurred six plication here is that those who pur- about $22 per acre. County(s): MOUNTRAIL Co talk about the speeding by his house and They also discussed what would be needed years ago in 2015, with an average of chased farmland from 2014 to 2016 The western regions have the Location: VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN what can be done about it. He is going to to deal with citizens who let trucks run for $70.40 per acre. on average have realized little or no MOUNTRAIL COUNTY put up some red fl ags on the speed limit hours in residential and commercial areas. lowest rental rate, with the north- Bids will be received via the Bid Express signs and see if that helps and if not we will Engineer Report Land value data grouped into capital gain on those purchases.” west at $11 per acre and the south- on-line bidding exchange at www.bidx. come up with a different plan. Jason asked about the two proposals com until 09:30AM, May 14, 2021. Bids Talked about getting a new box for he handed out at the last meeting and the will be opened at that time at the NDDOT the garbage and sewer bills put up at the Council decided to hold off on the Senior building on the capitol grounds in Bis- City building. Motion to purchase one Center project until the water tower project Burgum Signs HB 1435, Covering Cost Of Health marck and the bid results will be distrib- was made by Kevin Marmon, seconded by is completed. uted and posted online at https://www.dot. Wayne Enger. Motion carried. Jason discussed the proposed utility Insurance For Family Of Fallen Emergency Responders nd.gov/business/bidinfo.htm approximate- Motion to get a dumpster this year was rate study, he’s looked at what other cit- ly 30 minutes after bids are opened. made by Kevin Marmon, seconded by Mi- ies have done to conduct such a study and Gov. Doug Burgum signed the door to go work,” Burgum said. “emergency responder” includes a The proposal forms, plans, and specifi ca- chael Hamers. Motion carried. recommends the proposal to conduct such House Bill 1435, which will cover “Now, along with thanking them peace offi cer, member of a correc- tions are available on the NDDOT web- Motion to pay the monthly bills was a study for $5800.00. the cost of health insurance for sur- with our words, we can show our tional facility staff, emergency med- site at http://www.dot.nd.gov and may made by Kenny Meckle, seconded by Mi- Phil moved, seconded by Dave, to viving spouses and dependents of gratitude with our actions. This bill ical services personnel or fi refi ghter be inspected at the Construction Services chael Hamers. Motion carried. accept AE2S’ proposal to conduct a util- emergency responders who die in ensures that the families of those who is employed by the state, a po- Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bis- The mayor was going to have Mike ity rate study for the City for the fee of marck, North Dakota. Corcoran blade the streets. $5800.00, to be completed by April 30, the line of duty. emergency responders who make litical subdivision of the state or an All bidders not currently prequalifi ed with Motion to pay the gaming applications 2021. The vote was all in favor, motion Joining Burgum at the offi cial the ultimate sacrifi ce will have their institution under the control of the NDDOT must submit an online Contrac- was made by Michael Hamers, seconded carried. bill signing were Attorney General health insurance costs covered. Just state Board of Higher Education. tor’s Prequalifi cation request to the Depart- by Kenny Meckle. Motion carried. They The Council discussed the various Wayne Stenehjem, representatives as emergency responders protect The bill has a retroactive application ment at least ten (10) business days prior are as follows: properties that either don’t have a meter of law enforcement, fi refi ghters and and care for the health, safety and date of Jan. 1, 2010. to the bid opening. The online application Stanley Scholarship Funds, $1,000; yet or their meter is not working properly. other emergency responders, state well-being of our communities, we can be found on the NDDOT website at Stanley Legion Post, $800; Stanley Spe- Demolition Permit https://www.dot.nd.gov/business/contrac- cial Ed, $1,000; Blue Jay Boosters, $1,000; Phil moved, seconded by Greg, to ap- legislators, and Mandy Holte, wife can show we care by taking this one The bill passed with overwhelm- tors.htm Stanley Area Cares for Kids, $1,500; Mo. prove Jason Yoder’s request for a demo- of Grand Forks Police Offi cer Cody burden off of their plate when the ing bipartisan support, 75-18 in the NDDOT reserves the right to reject any and Co. Hippology, $1,000 lition permit for an old building on his Holte, who was killed in the line of unthinkable happens.” House and 43-4 in the Senate. It was all proposals, waive technicalities, or to ac- We are going to hang the fl ag at the property. The vote was all in favor, motion duty on May 27, 2020. House Bill 1435 requires the introduced by Rep. Zachary Ista cept such as may be determined in the best Mailroom inside so that way it won’t keep carried. North Dakota Public Employees Re- of Grand Forks and co-sponsored interests of the state. falling down. Adjournment “House Bill 1435 acknowledges tirement System (NDPERS) board by Reps. , Ron Gug- For disability/language assistance, call Motion to adjourn was made by Wayne Dave moved, seconded by Greg, to ad- 701-328-2978. Enger, seconded by Michael Hamers. Mo- journ the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The vote the incredible sacrifi ces made by the to offer health and pharmacy in- gisberg, , , Requested by: tion carried. was all in favor, motion carried. family members of our courageous surance coverage at no cost to the , Emily O’Brien, Matt William T. Panos, Director Next meeting will be on May 4, 2021 Pemina Yellowbird, law enforcement offi cers, fi refi ght- surviving spouse and dependents of Ruby and and Sens. North Dakota Department at 7:00 p.m. City Auditor ers and other emergency responders an emergency responder who dies JoNell Bakke, Curt Kreun and Scott of Transportation Kathryne Meckle Terry Reese, every time their loved one walks out in the line of duty. Under the bill, Meyer. Apr. 21, 2021 City Auditor Mayor