Bainville Council Addresses Voting Rights

Bainville town councilman Matt Giese (left) and mayor Dennis Portra discuss a resolution to restore voting rights to

Giese, Portra

The Bainville Town Council held their regular meeting Monday, Nov. 15. Mayor Dennis Portra was in attendance, along with council members Matt Geise and Ron Butikofer.

During new business, a resolution was passed to update the town boundary map to include new residents living outside the town’s original limits. Despite updated maps dating back to the 1970s, voter rolls did not include some area residents. The resolution will address the problem in the future. The mayor and council expressed frustration that previous efforts to update the voting system were incomplete or unsuccessful.

“I really feel terrible about anyone who didn’t vote because of this issue,” said Portra.

A resolution was also passed approving the council to seek a contractor to investigate possible water leaks behind the Welcome Stop which may have contributed to water loss experience by the town during the summer.

Under legal issues, the council heard from Williston, N.D., attorney Greg Hennessy, who said he was finalizing letters regarding the status of Dorothy Crawley’s property and the disconnection of water services to the man camp property formerly known as the MacBain Man Camp.

During public works, the council passed a resolution requiring three-inch pipes for the low-pressure sanitary sewer service connection plan for Gracie’s.

Clerk Nikki Rogers said the next local emergency planning committee meeting will be at the Bainville Firehall Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The council approved the minutes for Oct. 11 and the treasurer’s report, including claims totaling $20,863 and JV, UB vouchers and payroll slips in the amount of $8,086. Delinquent accounts were reviewed.

The next regular meeting is set for Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.