Valley City, ND  (KCSi-T.V. News)  —  The Valley City Commission met Tuesday (Jan 17, 2012) at City Hall. Commission Pedersen was not present.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items, included:
The Renewal of  the Tree Trimming License for Pro Lawn Care and Landscaping was approved.

The City Commission  discussed  the transfer of the liquor license of the RAM Club (the former Peanut Bar), requested by Co-owners Michelle Brendmoen,  and Ryan Trzpuc, to the former Labor Club & The Clock Lounge location at 240 East Main Street.   The owners planned the move following the city annexation of their property south of Valley City.  The owners proposed physical changes to the East Main Street building, which was addressed by City Building & Fire Inspector, Dave Andersen.  He said if the changes were made he had no problem, with approval.
Ms. Brendmoen said new occupants for the present RAM location plan to open an establishment, not requiring a liquor license.
The City Commission will take action on the transfer and remodeling of the East Main Street location at another meeting.

Resolutions:
City Commissioners approved a Resolution that Court Fees be designated to the Abused Persons Outreach Center, the agency in Valley City that qualifies for the designation of $25.
The fees are assessed to individuals by the Municipal Judge stemming from a court finding a defendant guilty of a crime.  The fee was previously approved by the City Commission under a City Ordinance.

New Business
Commissioners approved the Employment Contract for David Schelkoph, as City Administrator.  Schelkoph will begin his duties, this Monday, January 23, 2012.

Also approved was the  Designation of Canvass Election workers for the January 24, 2012 Recall Election.  The Board is comprised of City Attorney Russell Myhre, Commissioner Dutton, Auditor Richter, Deb Bjornson and Tory Hart.  The Recall Election vote canvass will be on Monday January 30, 2012, at 9-a.m.

The City Commission approved the designation of Naomi Schlecht as an additional Clerk at January 24, 2012 Recall Election. City Auditor Avis Richter said, reviewing the number of absentee ballots she felt the ballot counting would go faster election night with an additional Clerk.

The Valley City Commission discussed the Storm Sewer Outlet North of Hi-Line Bridge, with KLJ outllining  the location, as requested by Mayor Werkhoven.

The Commisisoners discussed the acceptance of a Lagoon Discharge Restoration Project.
Erosion issues continue at a property.  Officials will do a walk-through of the property in the spring.

City Updates & Commission Comments
Commissioners Wagar and Evenson welcomed City Administrator Dave Schelkoph.
City Attorney Russ Myhre welcomed Schelkoph.
He then noted comments appearing on the internet concerning the upcoming Recall Election.  He said the election will be conducted within the spirit of the letter of the law.  He said ballots will be counted fairly.
City Auditor Avis Richter reminded that absentee ballots will be accepted at City Hall through business on January 23, 2012.  The polls will be open on January 24, 2012 from 8-a.m. to 7-p.m., at one polling location, City Hall.
Mayor Werkhoven reviewed the just completed 2011 City Budget.  He said city departments “did a good Job,” in controlling spending.

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