Rugby Job Development Authority listened to concerns voiced by Dr. Kathy Santjer about the fate of office space she rents in the JDA-owned Heart of America Clinic building at its regular meeting held Feb. 8.

JDA board listened as Santjer asked questions about whether the JDA would continue to own the building after Heart of America Medical Center (HAMC) moves the clinic to a new campus east of town in about two years. Santjer also asked about the impact the move might have on rents she and the operators of Dakota Eye Institute pay.

The discussion did not result in any decisions or votes; however, board members told Santjer they would keep her informed of any changes with the building.

JDA Executive Director Karl Frigaard said in his director’s report he and board member Susan Steinke serve on the HAMC reuse committee, but there have been no final decisions made on the fate of the building.

In other business, the board heard from Jeff and Chris Wahl of Reign Realty. Both said they hoped to make Regin Reality a listing agency for lots in the JDA-owned Chalmers Addition.

However, Chris Wahl noted if the firm could not serve as a listing agency, “We still plan to establish a presence (in Rugby) no matter what.”

In other Chalmers Addition-related business, the board discussed setting a budget for mowing, weed spraying and other summer maintenance for the lots.

The board also discussed and approved a 35 cent per hour raise for JDA Executive Director Karl Frigaard. The increase matches the raise and retirement account contribution rate given to all City of Rugby employees.

The board also approved the January treasurer’s report, which noted 1099 tax forms had been mailed to all student loan program recipients. The report also addressed a need to help Frigaard with meeting minutes and QuickBooks software. The board voted to advertise for a part-time office assistant for Frigaard.

Frigaard reported contacting North Dakota Health and Human Services representatives to determine the need for affordable daycare for workers in the community. He also reported talking to local businesses about connecting with colleges in the state to recruit employees at events such as job fairs held by the schools.