The Bemidji City Council will hold the first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s code on Animals in their meeting Monday.
Language changes presented include removing a portion allowing unclaimed animals to be transferred to a licensed educational or scientific institution.
An updated state statute allows unclaimed animals to be temporarily transferred to a veterinary school for sterilization and needed veterinary care.
Another change is reflecting notice of impounding, where the Bemidji Police Department’s social media pages will replace posting written notice in city hall, the law enforcement center and on the city’s website.
The council will also consider awarding a quote for solar panel installation on the Tourist Information Center.
The lowest quote is from Blue Horizon at $41,500, but a quote from Real Solar at $73,000 offers a rebate of $36,500.
Staff is recommending the Real Solar quote.
In the final item of new business, the council will hear an overview of Neilson Reise Arena’s Feasibility report.
The feasibility report compares estimated costs to renovate it into something else, such as equipment storage for around $2 million; basketball/volleyball courts for around $4 million; and pickleball, wrestling, or artificial turfed spaces for closer to $5 million.
The estimated cost to demolish the arena is around $1 million.
