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

During the Public Forum portion of the meeting,  Lloyd Nelson asked if Police Chief Thompson retired, or resigned?   City Administrator Schelkoph said Thompson resigned under the mutual agreement.

 Video Clip from CSi 68 

Nelson “Out of Order”, removed from Valley City Commission 

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.  He said  that “We want good answers … no hogwash”

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.

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

……………….

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,

And approved all license renewals received before January 1, 2017.

………………………

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 costs  $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.