City Commission continues Thompson as Police Chief

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

A  Game of Chance Raffle Permit for Valley City USBC Youth Bowling.

A new electrical license for Top Tier LLC.

PUBLIC FORUM:  Madeline Luke reported on an Opioid panel discussion of state and national officials she attended.  She related numbers of individuals misusing the drugs, and that they come by it from in many cases, friends or family.  She said the legal disposal may be accomplished at drop off locations at law enforcement locations.  She pointed out the drugs should be locked up to avoid individuals taking the drug without a doctor’s prescription.

RESOLUTIONS

City Commissioners approved a Resolution creating new fees for the Public Works Hook-up fees to existing water and sewer lines.  City Administrator Schelkoph pointed out that the city has incurred a 20 percent markup in parts for the system.  The resolution passed with Commissioner Magnuson voting in opposition.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved the renewal of Gaming Site Authorization for the North Dakota Winter Show at the Valley City Eagles Club.

The City Commission then  approved blocking off frontage road in front of NAPA for their summer tool sale, August 29, 2016 from 9 am to 9 pm.

Commissioners  tied on a 2-2 vote on appointing City Administrator, David Schelkoph to the MRES Board of Directors. Pedersen and Magunuson voting in favor, Ross and Bishop, opposed.

Before the vote, Schelkoph told Commissioner Ross he would be in Sioux Falls, once a month, to serve on the board.

Ross suggested a job responsibility review of Schelkoph before adding more duties.

Commissioner Pedersen said the City Administrator is an ambassador of the city, and Schelkoph’s experience will be a great fit for the board position.

Commissioner Bishop asked if the board position is paid.

Following the vote, the appointment will be re-visited at a later date.

Commissioners considered adding a 2.19 percent surcharge onto credit card payments.  Public Works  Accountant Gary Jacobson said it would be a month before the surcharge takes effect.

Commissioner Ross moved to deny the surcharge which was unanimously approved.

Approved  appointing VCSU’s new Athletic Director, Nate Stewart, to the Visitor’s Committee to replace Jack Denholm.

Received an application for Property Tax Incentive for New or Expanding Businesses for Valley Bluffs, LLC and set public hearing date for September 6, 2016.  Commissioners approved receiving the application and setting the Public Hearing.

The Commission approved participation and maintenance agreement with the NDDOT for Project No. NHU-2-094(083)929 and NHU-2-094(084)930, Main Street from 3rd St SW – 5th Ave SE, for milling bituminous pavement, hot mix asphalt, ADA ramp construction and incidentals.

Commissioners also approved participation and maintenance agreement with the NDDOT for Project No. NHU-2-094(130)931, Main Street – 9th Avenue SE to City Limits, for hot mix asphalt, curb and gutter, sidewalk and incidentals.

Considered appointing an appraiser for Phase III Permanent Flood Protection buyouts. City Administrator Schelkoph no bids have been received.  He said another submission will be sent out.  The item was tabled.

The City Commission officially recognized the continued employment of Police Chief Thompson.

City Administrator Schelkoph said in October of 2015, the city received Thompson’s resignation effective January 15, 2016.  He decided to stay on voluntarily while searching for another chief, and in the mist of the city revisiting the police department’s combining with the Sheriff’s Office, which was not affected.

Schelkoph said Thompson has requested to stay on as chief.  Thompson told the commission that he resigned due to a hostile working conditions, and an arbitrator agreed with the group, filing the complaint, and then former Mayor Werkhoven resigned.

The commission discussed the withdrawal of the resignation letter, which City Attorney Myhre said was not formally accepted by the City Commission.

Myhre’s legal opinion is that Chief Thompson has, and continues to be the police chief.

The motion was to recognized Thompson’s continued employment as chief.

The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Thompson’s continued employment as police chief.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT  Nothing was stated by David Schelkoph.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

It was noted that absentee ballots are available at City Hall, for the September 15, 2016, Mayoral Election.  Ballots can be mailed, if requested.

Chief Thompson reminds residents not to allow strangers in your home, some, wanting to use the restroom, are looking for access to drugs.

KLJ reported a public input and discussion meeting will be held on Tuesday August 23, 2016, from 6-p.m., to 8-p.m., at City Hall on the proposed storm sewer project.

The meeting  was shown live on CSi 68 followed by replays.