City Commission appoints Hatcher Police Chief

Valley City  (CSi)  Valley City Commissioners, Tuesday  with all members present, unanimously approved the promotion of Lt. Phil Hatcher, the Acting Police Chief, to Police Chief, effective immediately.  City Administrator Schelkoph said a search committee and the process would have taken three months to complete.  He and Commissioner Bishop the police portfolio holder agreed that promoting from within is positive and will save time and money for the city.

Bishop said he’s looking at longevity in Hatcher’s appointment.

City Attorney Myhre added that Hatcher is highly professional and understands the law, and endorses Hatcher’s promotion.

Former Police Chief Fred Thompson resigned on December 8, 2016 and the City Commission accepted the resignation.

Meanwhile Valley City residents may see a petition circulating, asking if electing a police chief should be put on an election ballot as an initiated measure. Three Valley City residents have formed a committee to initiate paperwork which has been filed to circulate a petition.

Brian Mindt of  Valley City is reported to saying that he and other residents believe electing a police chief, who is now appointed  is a good idea.

The three members of the sponsoring committee consist of  Mindt, Larry Hetland and Anthony Drake.

At the January 17, 2017, the Valley City Commission  unanimously approved Acting Police Chief, Lt. Phil Hatcher becoming the permanent Chief of Police. Which followed the retirement of Fred Thompson in December of 2016.

 

In other business Tuesday:

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK PROCLAMATION WAS GIVEN BY MAYOR CARLSRUD.

The week is being observed from January 29 – February 4, with programs and activities at

St. Catherine School which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

A Raffle Permit for Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS No One Spoke

Policy for speakers: Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

No personal attacks to persons present or not

No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

Thank you for participating in City Government.

 

ORDINANCES

The City Commission approved the  Second and final reading of an Ordinance to Rezone of E 35’ of Lot 3 Block 1 of Northern Pacific East 3rd Addition from I-1 to R-4

 

City Commissioners approved the  Second and final reading of an Ordinance Amending Title 14, Motor Vehicles for the City of Valley City, North Dakota.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved  the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 519 8th Avenue NE for the appraised value of $144,000.

 

Approve the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 890 East Main Street for the appraised value of $119,000.

 

Approved  the Permanent Flood Protection buyout purchase of 606 East Main Street for the appraised value of $97,000.  Commissioner Pedersen said the buyout figures are $51,000 over budget, but with the city helping with demolition it should bring the over budgeted figure down to a break even point.  $1.7 million dollars was allotted for all the buyouts.

The City Commission  approved the  2016 Audit Engagement Letter with Eide Bailly for services in the amount of $24,900.

Commissioners  accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Ross, who resigned, January 4, 2017.

Commissioner Bishop said it was a sad day when a city commissioner resigned due to “Bullying tactics.”

Commissioners Magnuson and Pedersen echoed the sentiments, alont with City Attorney Myhre who added that he enjoyed working with Ross, and supports Ross’ resignation.

Mayor Carlsrud said “Toxic negativity should not influence our culture.”  He said the ‘silent majority’ needs to stand up to the negativity.

City Attorney Myhre said within 15 days of Ross’ resignation petitions to the city commission to hold a Special Election must be received.

An alternative is the City Commission appoint a commissioner, or call for a Special Election on its own.

 

Approved  offering an extension of  a $200 grant to City Commissioners who provide proof of annual membership to the fitness facility of their choice.

Approved offering an extension of $200 grant to volunteer firemen who provide proof of annual membership to the fitness facility of their choice.

 

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph reminded residents that the State Legislative Session in happening, and that a number of changes are coming that will affect the state and local governments.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Myhre said he encourages women to apply for city positions including police and fire department positions in the future.

He added that Phil Hatcher needs to have a swearing in ceremony as police chief.

City Fire Chief Retterath asks residents to clear fire hydrants of snow, and lead a path to them.

He added that applications are still being accepted for volunteer fire fighters.

Newly appointed Police Chief Phil Hatcher said he was humbled by the appointment, and thanked his wife a family and police officers for their support.

KLJ reported on the cause of water main breaks that occurred in December and June of 2016.

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