Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Dec 20

CSi Weather…

JAMESTOWN AREA…

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM CST WEDNESDAY…

..TONIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA, A 50 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA. PATCHY

BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS 15 TO 20.

TEMPERATURES RISING INTO THE LOWER 30S AFTER MIDNIGHT. SOUTHWEST

WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH. GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT.

.WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. PATCHY BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW.

WINDY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 30S. NORTHWEST WINDS 25 TO 30 MPH WITH

GUSTS TO AROUND 45 MPH.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS 15 TO 20. WEST WINDS 15 TO

20 MPH.

.THURSDAY…SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S. SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND

15 MPH.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS 15 TO 20.

.FRIDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. LOWS AROUND 10.

.SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE

AFTERNOON. HIGHS 15 TO 20.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. LOWS

10 TO 15.

.CHRISTMAS DAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY WITH SNOW LIKELY. WINDY.

HIGHS IN THE MID 20S. LOWS AROUND 10. CHANCE OF SNOW 70 PERCENT.

.MONDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE

MORNING. WINDY. HIGHS AROUND 10.

STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH IN SOME AREAS ARE

FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY. THERE IS A CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW WITH

LITTLE ACCUMULATION…BUT BLOWING SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH SUCH

STRONG WINDS.

THERE IS A CHANCE FOR ACCUMULATING SNOW SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

(CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY)…POSSIBLY LINGERING INTO

MONDAY. THIS MAY IMPACT TRAVEL FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

KEEP UP TO DATE ON LATER FORECASTS REGARDING THIS POTENTIAL STORM SYSTEM.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Icy roadways, and snow blowing across highways, has led to Tuesday morning accidents on I-94 in the Valley City area.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol investigated a van rollover  on  I-94 , 5 miles west of Valley City about  8:50-a.m.

Barnes County Sheriff’s deputies and Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene, as two individuals were extricated from the van

Another I-94 crash Tuesday morning involved a U-Haul moving van that went out of control and slid off the icy roadway  into the median west of Valley City.

Law enforcement reports I-94 along Hobart Lake west of Valley City was extremely slippery.

Also reported Tuesday morning was another rollover that occurred on I-94 about 10:20-a.m., east of the Eckelson Exit.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s committees met in joint session Tuesday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.

The committee recommends  authorizing the de-obligation of the following Economic Development Funds:

City of Jamestown      Stutsman County        Total

NDSCS Mfg. Training Center                        $20,000                       $5,000             $25,000

JSDC Partners in Marketing Match                $22,500                       $2,500             $25,000

$42,500                       $7,500             $50,000

The committee recommends the City Council authorize providing the City Attorney $47,600.00 per year to hire and maintain a full time staff position’s salary and benefits to provide advocacy for victims of crime under Marsy’s Law.  The North Dakota Constitution was amended, stemming from approval of voters statewide, in November.

City Council Member Buchanan recommends holding off on funding until the law becomes more clear, and guidance from the Legal of Cities, and suggested tabling the authorization.  Mayor Andersen said the city is mandated under the law, to provide the funding.  Council Member Phillips said the funding needs to be in place, up-front.

Council Member Buchanan voted in opposition to the authorization.

The committee tabled entering into Amendment number 4 with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for Planning and Zoning Technical Services in the amount of $60,000, until more information is available, including input from the City Planning Commission.

The committee recommends  the City Council approve the request of Lois Humann for Renaissance Zone incentives by granting a five

(5) year 100% property tax exemption and to recommend the State of N.D. grant a five (5) year 100% state income tax

exemption on Lot 9, Block 1, Lindberg Addition (215 Lindwood  Drive SW.)

The committee    recommends the City Council approve the request of Violet Porterfield for Renaissance Zone incentives by granting a five (5) year 100% property tax exemption and to recommend the State of N.D. grant a five (5) year 100% state income tax exemption on Lot 12, Block 1, Lindberg Addition (209 Lindwood  Drive SW.)

The committee   recommends the City Council approve the request of Ella Rettig for Renaissance Zone incentives by granting a five (5) year 100% property tax exemption and to recommend the State of N.D. grant a five (5) year 100% state income tax exemption on Lot 14, Block 1, Lindberg Addition (205 Lindwood  Drive SW.)

Informational: Departmental and financial reports were presented.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Informational: The Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1489, introduced by Council Member Brubakken, to amend and re-enact Sections 9-12, 9-13, and 23-38 of the City Code pertaining to the Building Code and Plumbing Code, is scheduled for the January 3, 2017, City Council Meeting.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No items at this time.

FIRE & POLICE COMMITTEE

The committee recommends introducing the First Reading of an ordinance to amend and re-enact Article III, Chapter 15 of the City code pertaining to the Fire Protection Code.

Council Member Buchanan praised the work of former Police Chief Dave Donegan who recently passed away.  He thanked the Fraternal Order of Police, for the Shop with a Cop program.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Discussion was held on the upcoming (2017) Watermain Replacement Project.  Mayor Andersen pointed out that work will start in the spring, in areas of immediate concern, with multiple pipe breaks.  The committee recommends proceeding.

The committee recommends submittal of Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). The list includes in 2017, work on Highway 20.  The Land use and Transportation Plan projects are not listed, but may be included in the future. Added are the LUTP 17^th Street Southwest bridge addition, and grade separation at the railroad crossing in Northeast Jamestown.

The committee recommends approval of balancing Change Order to Border States Paving, Inc., on Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District No. 16-41.

The committee recommends  adopting Resolutions pertaining to Seal Coat, Patching, Construction and Reconstruction District No. 17-41.

1. Resolution creating the district.
2. Resolution directing the preparation of an Engineer’s Report on the district.

The committee considered a timeline for submitting an order for two new dual armed automated sanitation trucks and timing for the switch to automated garbage collection.  City Administrator Jeff Fuchs looked at the City of Minot’s recent purchase, for information on the type of truck Jamestown would need. The committee recommends piggy-backing with the Minot bid, for two new dual-armed automated sanitation trucks.

Considered a possible project to clear the James River of fallen trees in Nickeus Park.

City Street Forman Harold Sad recommended the process of clearing the river, utilizing the frozen river.

The committee recommends a one week trial of the procedure, when the river is completely frozen.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs says the city funds tree removal from the river on public property, adding tree removal in the river from private property are the responsibility of the private property owner.

The committee recommends starting the process when the river ice allows.

Council Member Phillips addressed concerns of downtown property owners and snow removal, pushing the snow onto adjacent businesses.

The committee recommends those with concerns to contact the Jamestown Police Chief.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs pointed out that Renaissance Recycling has asked for clarifications in the residential recycling program, contract,which will be forwarded to the City Attorney. The topic will be brought before the January committee meeting for updates.

The meeting was shown live on CSi 67, followed by replays.

 

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:

The Liquor License Renewal for American Legion Club, Main Street Off Sale, Sabir’s Dining & Lounge

Sell L.P. Gas License Renewal for Dakota Plains Ag, Vining Oil

Mobile Home Park Renewal for Plecity Mobile Home Park, Richard Plecity Trailer Court, Rockwater LLC, Viking Drive Estates

Pawn Shop License Renewal for Northwestern Industries

Slaughterhouse License Renewal for Valley Meat Supply

Taxi License Renewal for South Central Adult Services

Tree Trimming License Renewal for Belling Tree Service, Johnny B’s Trees & Service, Ross’ Tree Service,

Liquor License for The Labor Club.

And approval of all license renewals received before January 1, 2017.

 

PUBLIC FORUM:  Lloyd Nelson asked if Police Chief Thompson retired, or resigned?

City Administrator Schelkoph said Thompson resigned under the mutual agreement.

He said the city decided to go “in another direction,” concerning the police department.

Nelson said Thompson’s $110,000 separation pay was inappropriate, and that Thompson owed the city money.

Mayor Carlsrud said Nelson was out of order and was removed by  Acting Police Chief Hatcher, when Nelson continued to speak.

The Mayor said Nelson was welcome to come to city hall and discuss concerns.

Nelson said he wanted his comments aired in public.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

Open public hearing for new beer license for Jimmy’s Pizza

The owner said an employee training will be held concerning operating under the liquor license.

Following the Public Hearing, Commissioners, approved the beer license for Jimmy’s Pizza

 

RESOLUTIONS:

Approved   a  Resolution determining the Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 113. Deputy Auditor Klein, said six different areas were under the Paving Improvement District, saying the protest were not over 7 percent in any area.

 

Approved a Resolution providing for the Issuance of Sales Tax Revenue Bond, Series 2016

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Approved the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 360 9th Ave NE for the appraised value of $171,000.

 

Approve the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 310 9th Ave NE for the appraised value of $85,910

 

Approved the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 336 9th Ave NE for the appraised value of $163,000.

 

Commissioner Pedersen said he was comfortable with the buyout purchase figures.

City Administrator Schelkoph said the homes will likely be occupied until May or June 2017, and then auctioned.

 

The City Commission approved a recommendation to accept the bid for a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT from Stoudt-Ross Ford in the amount of $32,206 Acting Chief Hatcher explained the reasoning for asking for approval of the Stoudt-Ross Ford bid.

The Commission approved Commissioner Magnuson abstaining from the vote, citing a conflict of interest.

Commissioners minus Magnuson approved the bid.

 

Approved the 2017 BCBS contract.

 

Approved the 2017 Public Works Operating & Capital Budgets

 

City Commissioners approved the Urban Roads project requests for Fiscal Year 2018-2021.  Chad Peterson from KLJ outlined the time frame, locations, and costs.

 

Commissioners approved applying for funding through the NDDOT Transportation Alternative Program for funding the downtown streetscape improvements, for 2018. Chad Peterson said the funding includes the shared use path, and other improvements as funds become available.

Funding is up to $290,000 per project with and 80-20 federal, city cost share.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization for North Dakota Winter Show at the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph outlined the city’s holiday schedule including changes in the garbage pick up date changes. (Outlined on line at CSiNewsNow.com)

He said despite the sub-zero temperatures, last week, city workers accomplished a connector repair in the force-main, in a timely manner.

He pointed out that for every ton of refuse collected at the landfill it cost  $70, and urges residents to recycle on a regular basis.

 

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Building/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen pointed out that Valley City set a record for building permit values in 2016 at well over $40-million.

He added that next year the cost of cement will rise to $165 per yard, and noted that “shaving” cement in sidewalk projects is cost-effective.

Fire Chief Retterath said the ice on the river is still unsafe, with an unusually high water flow still being released from the dam.

 

Commissioner Magnuson said the city’s snow removal program has been effective.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked those who work outdoors in the cold weather, and thanked Commissioners for there work.

Commissioners wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Icy roadways, and snow blowing across highways,  led to Tuesday morning accidents on I-94 in the Valley City area.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol investigated a van rollover  on  I-94 , 5 miles west of Valley City about  8:50-a.m.

Barnes County Sheriff’s deputies and Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene, as two individuals were extricated from the van

Another I-94 crash Tuesday morning involved a U-Haul moving van that went out of control and slid off the icy roadway  into the median west of Valley City.

Law enforcement reports I-94 along Hobart Lake west of Valley City was extremely slippery.

Also reported Tuesday morning was another rollover that occurred on I-94 about 10:20-a.m., east of the Eckelson Exit

 

Valley City  (CSi)  Valley City Public Schools are participating Wednesday December 21, 2016, in competition from 2-p.m., to 5-p.m., to determine which school can raise the most donation to Barnes County  the Salvation Army.

Valley City Public Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson encourages the community to come out and support the school of their choice at their location or send a donation to the selected school. He says please mark any donations sent to the school as Red Kettle Competition Donation.

Valley City Jr/Sr High will be ringing the bell at Leevers from 2-p.m. – 5-p.m.

Washington Elementary ringing the bell at Shopko from 2-p.m. – 5-p.m.

Jefferson Elementary rings the bell at Market Place Foods,  from 2-p.m. – 5pm.

The principal from the school with the least amount of donations will take a pie in the face at the school with the most donations, during an assembly that will be announced when school  is back in session after the New Year.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s population is at an all-time high.

The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates show 757,952 residents this year, an increase of 1,117 from last year.

Since the 2010 census, North Dakota is estimated to have grown by 85,361 residents, including just over 28,000 from natural growth and nearly 56,300 in net migration.

State Census Office Manager Kevin Iverson says North Dakota remains the state with the highest percentage growth since the 2010 census at 12.7 percent, followed by Texas at 10.8 percent and Utah at 10.4 percent.

 

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) — A company that plans to turn cow manure into a range of products is getting ready to set up shop in Devils Lake.

The Devils Lake Journal reports that Bio Fiber plans to turn what it calls “agripulp” into products including structural materials, flower pots, and pellets for bedding and heating.

The operation will be housed in the former Ultra Green building. That company processed wheat straw into materials such as bowls and plates before shutting down in July 2015. City officials have been seeking a new occupant for months.

Bio Fiber’s lease is for five years, after which the company will have the option to buy the building from the city.

 

BEULAH, N.D. (AP) — Two blizzards, nearly 30 inches of snow and frigid temperatures in Mercer County have caused challenges for builders of a $500 million urea fertilizer plant.

The  Basin Electric Power Cooperative plant is the largest construction project in North Dakota.

Workers already lost a full week to storm days. Project manager Jim Greer says there has also been a loss of efficiency due to the need for workers to wear bulky clothing and take time out in warming huts.

Greer says the combination of snow, wind and cold has been tough on the workers. Conditions forced the project’s cold-weather plan to be implemented right after Thanksgiving.

Greer says constant snow removal also has been a high priority to ensure safe access to the site and equipment.

 

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Trials have been scheduled for a man and woman accused of killing the woman’s 5-year-old daughter on the South Dakota side of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

Desarae Makes Him First and Matthew St. Pierre are charged with first-degree murder, assault and child abuse in the October killing.

Court documents show that St. Pierre is scheduled for trial in Aberdeen beginning Feb. 6. Makes Him First is to stand trial beginning April 17.

Both suspects face life in prison if convicted.

 

In sports…

Bismarck  (CSi)  North  Dakota Game and Fish announces that North Dakota’s free ice fishing weekend is Dec. 31, 2016 and Jan. 1, 2017.

Resident anglers may fish that weekend without a license. All other ice fishing regulations apply.

Those interested in darkhouse spearfishing that weekend must register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department prior to participating. Registration is available by visiting the Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, or through any Game and Fish office. Legal fish are northern pike and nongame species.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Differing rates of recovery for rainbow smelt in two Missouri River reservoirs in the Dakotas after the devastating 2011 flood have resulted in different results for salmon egg collections in the two lakes this year.

North Dakota officials collected about 2 million eggs in Lake Sakakawea. South Dakota officials took fewer than 400,000 from Lake Oahe.

The main reason is that the smelt populations have recovered at different rates in the two fisheries. Smelt is a favorite food of salmon.

North Dakota is donating about 450,000 eggs to South Dakota. Both states will have enough eggs to meet salmon stocking goals next year.

Salmon aren’t native to the region and don’t reproduce naturally. That means the stocking efforts are critical to maintaining a healthy population of the popular sport fish.

In world and national news…