Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Mayor Carlsrud was not present, Commissioner Magnuson conducted the meeting at the outset until Mayor Carlsrud arrived.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

A Raffle Permit for Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, Shine

A  Parade Application for Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce (Parade of Lights) on Thursday, November 29 at 6:00 PM on Central Avenue

A Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Rotary Wine Tasting at the Barnes County Museum on October 30, 2018 for Dakota Silver & The Liquor Locker.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Mary Lee Nielson spoke, giving a report on her attendance at the Lake Agassiz Water meeting.

She said Devils Lake is requesting joining the organization, and pay for its engineering fees.

The organization was formed to bring water from Lake Sakakawea to the eastern part of the state including the Valley City area.  Devils Lake officials want one cfs of water to the area from the lake.

ORDINANCES:

Approved  The first reading of  an Ordinance Repealing and Reenacting Title 10, Stormwater Management. City Attorney Schoenack said no major changes in the Ordinance, under recodification.   

 

RESOLUTION

Approved a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 118.

Approved a Resolution Amending Rates & Fees for Solid Waste Services.

City Administrator Schelkoph said the rate will go from $20 per ton to zero, for the commercial tree dumps within the city limits.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioners received 2018 Annual Foresters Report from City Forester Wagar.  He said 71 elm trees were removed in the city, stemming from Dutch Elm Disease, compared to 100 in 2017.  He added there is a preventative treatment against the elm bark beetle, that needs to be repeated every four years.  He said the cost is about $1-thousand per tree, and is available from Jerry’s Tree Service in Jamestown.

He added ash tree wood and wood piles in the city is being inspected for the Emerald Ash Borer, that is infecting and killing ash trees, in many areas.

Commissioners considered  Decision Items for (Project No. SU-2-990(059)) – 5th Avenue  Northwest Reconstruction.  KLJ reported that at recent public meeting, the majority of residents were not in favor of widening the roadway to 40 feet.

Two options were presented:

 

Have the roadway one lane at the present width with no parking.

Have the roadway at 34 feet, with parking, on both sides of the roadway with minimum impact on tree removal.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners voted for the second option, with Commissioner Magnuson voting in opposition.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph said the remaining smaller tree branches brought down by ice forming on trees last week, will be picked up.  The pick up is planned for October 25, and 26.

Anything larger than four inches in diameter will not be picked up by the city, and need to be brought to the Transfer Station, by the property owner.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Police Chief Hatcher, said the Battle of the Badges blood drive at Stoudt-Ross Ford continues on Wednesday from 11:30-a.m., to 6-p.m.  The friendly competition is between the police and fire departments with donors indicating which they want to designate, when they give blood.

KLJ reported some project delays in road work due to last week’s snow storm.

Funding for addition permanent flood control work was approved by state officials.

Commissioner Magnuson thanked residents for their patience in dealing with the street projects.

Mayor Carlsrud reported on his participation in the State Water Commission meeting, along with city crews picking up storm related damages last week.

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