FAQ

What hours is City Hall open?

The City Auditor is in the Office on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2p.m. and on the first Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after the Council meeting, about 6-7 p.m.. Other times are as needed and by appointment. Please call first to be sure the Auditor is in (701) 724-3081.

Do I need a permit to replace my deck?

You do not need a permit to replace a deck IF the new deck is the same size as the existing deck. If the new deck is larger than the original, then a permit will be required.

What is the process for getting a building permit?

Take a moment to read all required information provided on the form. Then print and fill out the building permit application form and return to city hall.  Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email.  We will be happy to help you.

If my neighbor's tree branches hang over my yard, can I trim them?

Yes. By law you have the right to trim branches and limbs that extend past the property line. However, the law only allows tree trimming and tree cutting up to the property line. You may not go onto the neighbor's property or destroy the tree. If you do harm the tree, you could be found liable for up to three times the value of the tree. So use extreme caution when tree trimming!

Do I need to sort my recycling?

SINGLE – SORT RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING

(service provided by Waste Management)

No more separating when you recycle!  You simply put all your recyclable materials into the same green can with the yellow cover….and Waste Management does the separating for you.

Recyclables are picked up monthly – simply roll your cart to the curb on the scheduled pick-up day. 

Buddy System - If you know of a rural resident that would like to participate in this program, simply have them put their materials in your cart. No extra fees apply….

What can I recycle?

WHAT TO INCLUDE:

• Aluminum cans (NOTE: pop cans can be bagged and dropped off behind City Hall - support the Park Board! They must be in closed bags for the Park Board. Not for your recycling container at home.)
• Tin cans
• Plastic milk & water jugs
• Mixed plastic bottles & Containers with neck (laundry, syrup, etc.)
• Glass bottles & jars:  pickle, jelly jars / juice bottles / any colored glass, bottle or jar
• Loose newspaper
• Paperboard – cereal boxes (no liner), cake boxes, chip boxes, jell-o boxes, etc.
• Cardboard
• Magazines and phonebooks
• Office paper and junk mail (corrugated boxes, brown grocery bags, glossy paper, stationary & envelopes, binder paper, notebook paper (any color), adhesive backed or sticky paper. 

What NOT to include in recycling

WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE:

• Garbage, food waste, diapers, paper plates
• Meat or dairy plastic or paper packaging
• Wax or plastic wrap or bags
• Freezer food packaging
• Plastic deli, product or take-out packaging or utensils
• Plastic bags or wrapping film
• Formed or pellet Styrofoam packaging (foam cups and containers)
• Sharps (needles)
• Window glass, ceramics or dishware, mirrors or lightbulbs

PLEASE DO YOUR PART!
Flatten cardboard and paperboard boxes. Cardboard sections must be no larger than 2’ by 2’ to fit into the recycling cart. We appreciate your help.

What do I do if I am experiencing low water pressure?

Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Then call City Hall to report low pressure for your area.

Why do I have a previous balance and late fee when I know I sent in my payment?

Your payment may have been received after the due date or it has not been received at all. Just call the City Auditor's Office for help with this issue.

How could I have used so much water?

Check your statement to see if your usage was estimated last month and read this month which could account for the volume increase. You may also want to check to see if you have a leaky or running toilet or dripping faucet that may be difficult to detect. If you can't figure out the problem, call the City Office.

How do I set up auto pay for my bill?

Autopay is a convenient way to ensure your payment is made on time to avoid late fees.  With this service, the amount of your monthly bill is automatically deducted from your bank account and credited to your utility account. There is no set-up fee or charge associated with this method of payment. To set up Automated Bank Draft, simply download and fill out Utility Application Form located below and drop it off or mail it to our office, along with a voided check.

Online Payment by Credit/Debit Card

Payments can be made by credit or debit card calling City Hall or pay online at AllPaid. A processing fee is assessed by the company on each transaction; the amount will be indicated before you approve payment.

How do I sign up to receive Alerts and News & Notices?

Simply click the "Subscribe" button located on the home page. Sign up with email and/or cell phone number and submit.