August 12, 2014

Watford grows by 1,131 acres

By Stephanie Allums
Farmer Staff Writer

A record amount of annexations were approved by the Watford City City Council at its regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 4. Seven applications for annexation totalling 1,131.79 acres were approved to be brought into the existing city limits.  
“This is by far the most annexations we’ve ever seen at one meeting,” Watford City Mayor Brent Sanford said. “It doesn’t usually happen like this. That’s a lot of acres.”
The Homestead was the largest parcel of land that was approved for annexation equalling 780 acres.
Other applications that were approved include 184.07 acres submitted by Stenehjem Commons; 112 acres submitted by the Fox Hills Golf Course Subdivision; 38.93 acres submitted by the Rolfson Subdivision; 10.01 acres submitted by North Dakota Venture Acres; 6.28 acres submitted by Basic Energy; and .50 acres submitted by SSID, LLC/Robert Trupe.
New City Engineer
In other business, the City Council approved offering the City Engineer position to Todd Kelley, who currently works for Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S).
AE2S is responsible for many projects currently underway within Watford City, such as the water tower construction project.
“Todd Kelley’s plate is full with city projects already,” City Planner Curt Moen said.
Because he is already familiar with the current projects and the area, he would be a great fit for the job, according to Moen.
Kelley will begin his duties on Aug. 16 at an annual salary of $110,000.
Public Works Updates
According to Justin Smith, superintendent of Public Works, there have been two new connections made to the city water system, including The Highlands and Emerald Ridge.
The water main replacement on 4th Street has begun and the Highway 23 water main project is complete.
A new sewer truck has been delivered and is being used daily to jet sewers. And the Sanitation Department’s second route is about 2/3 of the way full already.
Smith said larviciding and fogging of mosquitoes will continue in Watford City.
Watford City also got a new street sweeper, which is working well, according to Smith.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER