Rugby’s City Council is short one member.

One day before Monday’s regular meeting, Ward 3 Councilman Matt Lunde sent a resignation letter to Rugby Mayor Sue Steinke, City Attorney Bill Hartl, Auditor Jennifer Stewart and all council members.

“I am reluctantly resigning my position as Ward 3 council member,” Lunde said in his letter. “I have enjoyed working with you all and hope I was able to assist with the council in a positive way.”

Lunde said in his letter that he received a letter stating if he and his family were unable to return to their permanent address in Ward 3 that he would have to resign. At the time, Lunde and his family were renting a residence, which Lunde’s letter said was “intended to be a temporary move” until projects for their permanent residence could be completed.

Lunde was given 60 days to complete the projects and be moved back into their permanent residence by June 1. Lunde said in his letter that due to medical reasons and physical capabilities “there was no way I can meet that deadline.”

Lunde was elected to an unexpired two-year term in Ward 3 in the June 2018 election.

Other actions

– The council approved an abatement request for Marvin Michaelenko.

– The council approved a charity permit for the Rugby Sports Boosters, and gaming site authorizations for the Rugby Jaycees for I.C. Dubbles and 3rd Street Station and the Rugby Amateur Hockey Association for Lee’s Bar. The council also approved a special events permit from the Rugby Eagles for the Pierce County Fair.

– The council approved a resolution that set’s the auditor’s bond limit. Section 40-13-02 of the N.D. Century Code allows the City Council to set an amount that is at least equal to 25 percent of monies subject to the Auditor’s control during the last fiscal year, not exceeding $2 million.

– The council approved a finance proposal from the All Seasons Water Users District to pay $62,193.68 in four payments with a 3 percent interest rate. Payments will be made in June with no interest, and in December 2019, June 2020 and December 2020 with interest.

– The council discussed an easement request from the N.D. Department of Transportation for an easement. The council approved a motion that would grant the requested easement pending mayoral negotiations.

– The council approved May meeting minutes, bills and financial statements, Job Development Authority meeting minutes and financials and the Municipal Judge’s report.

– The council accepted a bid from Randy Deplazes on an Ingersoll Rand packer.

Ward 4 Councilman Chuck Longie was absent for the meeting.