FAIRMONT– The Fairmont City Council meeting lasted just a brief half hour on Monday evening. Mayor Deb Foster and council member Britney Kawecki were not in attendance.

City Administrator Cathy Reynolds said now that the state has finished up redistricting, the council needs to reestablish theirs by the end of March.

“Based off the 2020 census and the state’s redistricting, the state did not need to change any of our wards or precincts,” Reynolds said.

The number in each of the four wards vary from just under 2,500 to just over 2,700 people per ward. The average is 2,622 per ward and Reynolds said they’re allowed a 10 percent variance from that without having to redistrict.

The council unanimously approved of reestablishing wards, precincts and polling place with no changes.

In other news, the council heard from Rachel Greeley, treasurer of the Interlaken Heritage Days Festival regarding a funding request. Reynolds said the council gives money to the festival on an annual basis.

Greeley said, “each year our committee works for months finding and scheduling events and entertainment to bring to the festival which will be at no cost or very little cost to all those that attend.”

She said this is done through fundraising and local business sponsors.

“We are excited to be back to our full two day festival this year with our free community meal on Friday, June 10 at Heritage Acres,” Greeley said.

She listed some events that will happen at Gomsrud Park on June 11 and shared that the festival will end that evening on Downtown Plaza.

Council member Bruce Peters asked how they’re doing with committee members and Greeley said they actually have the biggest committee she’s seen right now with eight members but that they’re always looking for more help.

The council approved granting $6,000 in funding to the Interlaken Heritage Days Festival.

The council also heard from Fairmont Police Chief Mike Hunter regarding an information technology support tract with Martin County IT for the police department.

“We have a unique set of circumstances at the law enforcement center for our IT related needs,” Hunter said.

He said when the city contracts with Bevcomm he has to vet the employee through the criminal justice information system access process which requires a background check and finger prints.

Hunter said they’re looking for a more efficient way of proving some IT needs and contracting with Martin County IT as they’re already on staff and familiar with the system.

“For the police department, it would be a great step forward in solving some of our technical needs that we’re running into,” Hunter said.

Peters asked if it’s already been budgeted for. Hunter said it’s outside of the budget and they’d be billed at $70 an hour for a five year commitment with no increase over the five years. Hunter estimated it would be about $4,000 a year.

The council approved of the contract as presented.

In other news:

— City Engineer Troy Nemmers provided an update on the new Public Works building and said that crews are putting on finishing touches and that they’re on track for time and budget.

— In giving his Fairmont Economic Development Authority update, council liaison Peters expressed his regret at the news that Fairmont Economic Development Coordinator, Linsey Preuss, will be moving on from her position with the city and said he wishes her nothing but the best.

— Reynolds reminded the council and the community that there will be a public hearing at the next council meeting on March 14 regarding the proposed charter amendments.