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

A PRESENTATION WAS MADE TO VALLEY CITY OF  THE TREE CITY USA AWARD.

The presentation was made by Bobby Koepplin, who recognized others in the audience that contributed to Valley City receiving the award.

NO ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMENTS   No one spoke

A presentation was made on Solar Gardens, where a savings on electricity can be made by installing a solar panel.

100 solar panels are now in use in Valley City.  A community solar garden would be available for the community to tap into, if approved in the future.  Petitions have been circulating in Valley City to determine support of residents. City officials will review the materials.

 

RESOLUTION

Following an October 3, 2017Public Hearing for an Application for Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses (PILOT- Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) for Meridian Apartments II City Commissioners tabled a Resolution approving Property Tax Incentives to review materials.

Apartment building owners and developers spoke in opposition at that time.

 

The item was reconsidered at Tuesday’s meeting.  Developer Paul Diegel spoke, commenting on bringing more residents to Valley City with jobs development.  He said if jobs come, then apartment units will have a better opportunity to be occupied.

Others spoke about a number of apartment vacancies in Valley City, and take that into consideration when planning future apartment buildings, adding that existing units should be remodeled.

Commissioner Magnuson noted that a number of apartment units were lost due to being razed with permanent flood protection.

He says new businesses can be attracted with living units available.

Jim Knutson with Valley Reality, who made the PILOT application pointed out risk taking that has occurred in Valley City, and noted businesses looking at locating in Valley City.

Commissioner Bishop stated that the North Dakota Century Code says action should be based on what’s best for the municipalities.

Mayor Carlsrud said the issue is not “black and White,” and took several items under consideration.

The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the PILOT application.

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Commissioners received the 2017 Tree Report from City Forester Willis Wagar.   He said in 2017, 75 elm diseased trees were marked, with 50 removed through September.  He said Black Ash trees are being insect killed.

He pointed out a spray can be used to combat the disease.

He added that the Emerald Ash Borer insect has not yet appeared in North Dakota.

 

City Administrator David Schelkoph announced the city’s Energy Efficiency Promotion.

Valley City is placing a blue bag with light bulbs on residential doors of residence with electrical service this month, in recognition of October as Energy Awareness Month and to promote energy conservation.  He said over 7,000 LED light bulbs have been purchase, for just under $2 per bulb.  Rebates will be offered to consumers.

He said an LED light bulb uses one-sixth the energy of an incandescent light bulb.

The energy efficient light bulbs will be distributed through November 14, 2017.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph said the Valley City telephone system is being reviewed with a committee appointed.

He said its an old computer based system.  With reliability issues the city is looking a purchasing a new telephone,  system with BEK Communications the least costly plan for replacement.

Over the next few weeks the city will work with BEK to replace and install the new system.

Missouri River Energy Systems  has implemented a three year rate freeze.

He pointed out the Transfer  station is the new drop off point for yard wastes including trees, leaves, and wood open 24/7.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath reminded the Battle of the Badges Blood drive is this week, Wednesday and Thursday at Stoudt Ross Ford showroom in Valley City.

KLJ reported on public hearings that will be held on pavement projects, on Wednesday October 25, 2017 at City Hall.

Mayor Carslrud thanked the commission members for their research on the PILOT application before Tuesday’s vote.

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