The Rutland City Council met on Monday evening, June 1, at City Hall with all members present.  Calvin Jacobson was present to discuss the matter of sump pumps and discharging them onto the lawns or into the streets. He expressed concern with the number of low spots and areas where the water would settle and not flow. The Council noted the problem with the volume of water into the City lift station when the sump pumps are drained into the sanitary sewer. The Public Works vacancy was discussed, and the position will be posted and advertised. The Council reviewed three responses to the City’s request for qualifications for the City Engineer and selected Interstate Engineering as the new City Engineer effective at the reorganization meeting. Building permit No. 230-20 was approved for Chuck Sundlie and Kim Kohler for a new metal shed 20’ x 14’ x 14’ high to be placed on their lot. The financials and bills were approved as submitted. The Council discussed several yards with overgrown grass, abandoned homes and unlicensed vehicles in town. People have been contacted about grass that needs to be mowed. Owners of vacant and abandoned property and unlicensed vehicles will be contacted to clean-up the property and/or remove the blight. The Council reorganization meeting will be held Tuesday, June 23 at 5 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting will be held Monday, July 6, when the Council will begin discussion of the preliminary 2021 budget.

The Ellendale Motor Vehicle Branch Office opened on Monday, June 1, providing another location with more hours of service. The new location is 101 1st St S (South Entrance at Senior Citizen Building) in Ellendale. Service is by appointment only 701-349-2045 but the office is open daily 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Driver licenses and motor vehicle tabs due beginning March 1, 2020 until disaster declaration has ended, remain valid and do not need to be renewed at this time, per the Governor’s Emergency Declaration.

Many local groups including the NDSU Extension Office, the NDSU Extension Office community garden group and the Rutland Community Club worked together to provide a community garden. Two raised beds were placed and planted behind the Rutland Senior Center to use and harvest fresh vegetables for the senior meals. Two other raised beds were placed in the park by City Hall for everyone and anyone to help maintain (weed and water) and to harvest. There will be a digital sign up for people to help maintain the gardens, but feel free to help anytime you walk by!

The Rutland Community Club will meet on Monday, June 8, at 1 p.m. in City Hall to discuss events that may be held this year considering the COVID-19 restrictions. On Sunday, June 14, Cora McKinney will be crowned as Miss Rutland. There will be a small program at 7 p.m. at the basketball court followed by a parade heading east on Gay Street then South on Dakota Street and West on Anthony Street. Get your signs ready and line the streets to congratulate Cora. The Sargent County Fair may have been cancelled but the Sargent County Queen Pageant is hoping to hold its event so stay tuned for news on when that will be held.

That is it for the news from Rutland this week. Keep up to date on what is happening on the website and Facebook page. If you have not completed your 2020 Census yet or need help, contact Rutland City Hall at 724-3081 for assistance. The Auditor will be in the office on Monday, June 8.  Acting Mayor Michael Mahrer would appreciate getting it done so he will not have to promote the winning town(s). Rutland is competing against Forman, Gwinner and Milnor and at Rutland is lagging. Time to get it done!