City of
Ph: 701-633-2356
409 Main St
PO Box 126 email:
Buffalo ND 58011 website:
July 26th, 2016
Dear Friends of Buffalo:
It has been said that “it takes a village.” Never has this been truer when I look at things this summer. Our city looks beautiful with lawns mowed and flowers planted. Much of the mowing is done not only by the city but by many volunteers. The summer began with Memorial Day Activities and flags being hung all over Main Street. These sorts of activities take a lot of work and planning. The fireworks for the 4th of July were amazing and many people have commented that they enjoyed having music with this event. Fireworks are costly and this event is partially paid for by a donation from the city; however, most of it is paid for by other donations and gifts. Shuffle Off to Buffalo was very well organized and it had many fun events throughout the day. The planning and organization for this event is going on all year long. Great food was served as well throughout the day. The 100 Year Anniversary of the 1916 School was a great success with many people from all over the country attending. The Saturday activities at the school presented a variety of things for people to do during the day. In particular, I heard many good comments about the petting zoo. Heidi asked me to thank the students and others who helped. The grand opening of the Veteran’s Memorial Hall on Main Street is exciting. New improvements made to the football field will enhance the fall games. Don’t forget the annual National Night to Unite to be held on August 16th in Buffalo. It should be a great night for all. I must also mention that there is a man in town who goes out every Sunday morning and picks up any trash that has been left around. Thanks to the Park Board for getting summer activities organized. I wish a continued thank you to Lois Smith for her ongoing dedication to the MF Public Library. I need to thank our city employees for all that they do to keep things running smoothly in our town. Also, thanks to the people who do such a good job with the Buffalo Food Market, it is something that we can be proud of. Must remember to mention the annual Ice Cream Social which is always a great time for people to come together and share a good time.We had our first wind storm of the summer which made quite a mess. Again, lots of people helped get things cleaned up very quickly. We were blessed that it was not worse than it was.
The city has been busy with lots of things. We say thank you to council members Brian Steckler and Chuck Kasin and welcome Alan Dostert and David Percel. As you may have noticed, construction on our new pump house has begun. Total cost of the project is $650,000. We were very lucky to receive a Rural Development grant of $292,999 (44.92%) and a Rural Development loan of $358,000 over 40 years at 2.24%. I was hesitant about starting another big project so soon after we finished the new sewer; however, when I realized that the loan on the lagoon will be paid off in 2019, the very low interest rate of the new loan, the grant, and a carful discussion with our auditor, I concurred that this was a good thing.
I must also tell you that Cass Rural Water Users District has raised their water rates beginning in January of 2017. To keep current and not fall behind, we will be raising water rates $0.55 per thousand gallons. The increase should be minimal for most depending upon how much water you use.
Fraedrich Transport expects that the no sort recycling center should arrive towards the end of August. There has been an influx of residents requesting additional garbage totes. Once the recycling center arrives, I hope that the need for extra garbage totes will be less. At the end of September, Fraedrich Transport will collect all those residents who have extra totes and bring them to the city shop. Anyone requesting an additional tote will need to request through Ron Howitz. There will be an additional charge of $8 per extra tote. Please note that Fraedrich Transport will still pick up an extra bag or two if left out on the side of your first tote.
Thank those of you who attended the meeting about the streets. Thank you to Mr. Monilaws who gave us good information. Discussion will continue. The council did talk about lowering the city speed limit. For the moment, we are going to ask people to slow down. Many people are going faster than 25 MPH. There were several complains that the speeding is especially bad on the north/south streets. Slowing down would help with dust control. A concern is safety of the young people in town. Children must be taught to rid with care; however, kids are young and they often forget. Drivers please be watchful.
Being mayor is not always easy, but I try my best. When I wrote the residents a letter before my election I promised two things; 1) fiscal responsibility and 2) polite, pleasant, and production meetings. I believe that in those two areas, I have been successful. As always, I continue to welcome all visitors and try my best to help them when I can.
On a personal note, I wish to thank people in the community and the first responders who have helped me when I am in trouble at home. Sometimes there are challenges to keep my dear husband going. Also, there is a secret elf who has been putting my garbage came back to my house after it has been emptied. This has been going on for many years and I am grateful.
Thank you to everyone for all that you to do make Buffalo a great place to live. If I have left something out or forgotten to mention people, please excuse me, it was not my intent.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Antoinette
Council & Staff Info:
Antoinette Babcock, Mayor 633-5286Public Works: Ron Howitz 633-5701
Alan Dostert, President261-9589 City Auditor: Harmony Richman633-2356
Virgil Olson, Vice- President471-5303Custodian: Mary Andel 793-3066
James Jager633-5275City Attorney: Del Losing 347-4652
David Percel840-7679
The City of Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.”