CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Colder. Lows around 5 below. South winds 5 to 15 mph. Wind chills around 20 below.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny in the morning then clearing. Highs in the mid 20s. South winds 10 to 15 mph shifting to the west in the afternoon.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Not as cold. Lows 10 to 15. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

.THURSDAY…Increasing clouds. Highs in the lower 20s. East winds

around 10 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.FRIDAY…Partly sunny in the morning then clearing. Highs in the

mid 20s.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s.

 

Tuesday evening will see temps continue to fall and after sundown rapidly into the teens below zero with clear skies and a light wind. as the  high pressure slides southeast across the area.

A few locations can be expected to fall into the 20s below. This cold won`t last long as the high slides to the southeast quickly and return southerly flow develops during the overnight.

Some light snow or flurries will be possible Wednesday.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s, Finance & Legal, Building, Planning & Zoning, Civic Center & Promotion Committees met Tuesday Evening at City Hall. All members were present.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

The committee recommends approving the request from Jamestown Tourism to authorize up to $15,000 to match a Cultural Heritage Grant for the purpose of hiring staff to inventory, identify and document artifacts at the Frontier Village, with $2,413 paid from the Jamestown Tourism (BCTF) New Projects Fund and any remainder paid from the Jamestown Tourism (BCTF) Capital Improvement Fund.

The request was approved by the Tourism, Grant/Executive Board, at the November 2019 meeting.

Jamestown Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund said the match is on a one to one basis, and will serve to help determine items that have been donated or loaned to the Frontier Village

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

The committee considered accepting the proposal from SRF Consulting for Planning and Zoning Technical Services for 2020 in an amount not to exceed $60,000. Mayor Heinrich said developers are unnecessarily paying an excessive amount, in regard to platting fees, and delays, stemming from an Ordinance change and that improvement costs can  be reduced.

The committee recommends accepting the proposal, with Mayor Heinrich voting opposed.

Recommended for approval was an Application for Abatement for 235 20th Avenue, Northeast.  For tax year 2019. (74-2180360) The value is recommended for adjustment from $460,000, to $396,000.

The committee recommends approving the 18-42 Frontier Village Road project special assessments for the city-owned parcels in the amount of $119,213 to be paid from the Special Assessment Deficiency Fund.  Council Member Buchanan commented that the National Buffalo Museum as a lessee should pay their fair share of the specials.

Council Member Buchanan vote no on the approval.

The committee discussed the employee annual leave policy.  Deputy Auditor Jay Sveum outlined the changes, he said would benefit new and veteran employees, and would be in line with Stutsman County policy.  The committee voted to recommend approval,  in the change of policy.

The committee recommends amending the job description for Utility Operations Director, including overseeing the sanitation and solid waste disposal operations.

INFORMATIONAL: Appointment applications to be considered at the January 6, 2020, City Council meeting:

Board of Adjustment for a three year term to January 2023

Civil Service Commission for a five year term to January 2025

INFORMATIONAL: Appointment applications to be considered at the January 6, 2020, City Council meeting:

Board of Adjustment for a three year term to January 2023

Civil Service Commission for a five year term to January 2025

Considered was allowing a City Council Member to attend and participate in Committee Meetings and Council Meetings remotely by clear, uninterrupted, two-way telephone or electronic means if the Council Member is unable to physically attend and upon approval by the Members present.

The Committee recommends allowing.

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

No agenda items at this time.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.

 

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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

Approved was a 6 month (January 1 – June 30, 2020) Liquor license for :

My Bar

Woodland Steakhouse

 

The city Commission approved the 2020 Tree Trimming & Removal Service License for:

PLCL/Johnny B’s Trees & Service

Ross’ Tree Service

Z’s Trees

Pine Country Nursery LLC

 

Approved was 2020 Mobile Home Park License for:

Olsberg Properties, LLLP

Richard Plecity Trailer Court

Rockwater, LLC

Viking Drive Estates

Raffle Permit for Express Wrestling

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  No One Spoke

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

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Commissioners approved the appointment of Bill Corwin to the Renaissance Zone Authority Board for remainder of three year term expiring June 30, 2022.

Following a discussion the City Commission approved a Renaissance Zone Authority Board recommendation for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption for rehabilitation of 239 2nd Avenue Northwest by L & B Properties and designate it as VC-121.  Karen Berg explained the building, the former home of Valley Drug, will be renovated into a dental office.

Approved was an Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to a Residential Building at 617 10th Avenue Southwest.  City Assessor Hansen recommends approval, it is one side of a duplex.

Approved was $50,000 per year for 3 year period of October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2022 with funds from City sales tax dedicated to economic development for Recruiting & Retention (R&R) Coordinator Position.  Economic Development Director,  Jennifer Feist said the position has been funded the past year and a half, replacing some of the previous work of Job Service. She added that the three year funding is for $115,000 over the three year period, and funded through economic development funds.

Approved was the designation of the Main Street Program to include East Half Block 10, West Half Block 11, North Half of Block 18 and East Half of Block 19 of Original Townsite. Jennifer Feist said

the program provides grant funds for rehabbing structures in the downtown area.  The designation process including inventory, and inspection, moves on to other entities for their approval under the program specifications, including matching percentages, under a scoring and ranking process, with the Regional Council, as Administrator.

Approved was the designation of voting places for each precinct for 2020 election.  City Auditor Richter said the Barnes County Courthouse as the polling location, and to administer vote by mail.

Approved was a Gaming Site Authorization for ND Chapters of Delta Waterfowl Inc on February 22, 2020 at the Valley City Eagles Club 2192. City Auditor Richter said this is the annual convention.

Approved was a Gaming Site Authorization for Valley City Baseball Association from January 1 – June, 30, 2020 at The Clubhouse Lounge.  City Auditor Richter that this is a new authorization previously under the American Legion.   

Approved  was accepting Project No. SU-2-990(054)058 – Concrete Pavement Repairs, Curb & Gutter & Incidentals (Paving Improvement District No. 116).  KLJ  said the project occurred in 2018 and was closed out this year.  

The City Commission approved the contract of employment between City of Valley City and Chief of Police, Phil Hatcher.  City Administrator Schelkoph said, this is a new four year contract.

Following discussion, City Commissioners, approved the Proposed Public Works Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and Streetscape II requests for 2020.  Public Works Accountant Jacobson presented a copy of the operating budget, including budget increases, and decrease, and no changes.  He said the snow removal budget was increased by $57,000, with a total 2020 calendar year budget of $11.8 million.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

David Schelkoph said the State Water Commission has approved a loan, funding for the next two years  the city’s permanent flood control protection.

He said after a snow event vehicles need to be removed to another area, to allow for efficient snow removal. He said Snow Emergency Routes need to be cleared, and all vehicles must be removed for plowing, or will be ticketed/towed.

 

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS:

City Fire Chief Scott Magnuson said residents are asked to clear fire hydrants near their property.

He warned parents to keep children of the river’s unsafe ice cover.

The new city fire truck is expected to arrive this Friday.

 

City Police Chief Phil Hatcher said the Cops and Kids shopping through Fraternal Order of Police will be this coming Saturday in Downtown Valley City.

Mayor Carlsrud said the snow removal cost the city $20,000.  He wished the community a Blessed Christmas, and holiday season.

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

 

 

(CSi) Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent, Robert Lech has passed along information reminders on the School Hot Lunch program.

Lech says according to  policy,students will always have access to lunch and will not be denied a meal because of the amount of support provided by various programs.

More information on the school lunch program.

 

BISMARCK (AP) Police say a man poured lighter fluid on a Bible and ignited it at a Walmart in Bismarck in order to cause a distraction in hopes of stealing items from the store. The police affidavit says the suspect, 27-year-old Andrew Ells was captured on surveillance video wearing a camouflage ski mask in the store where he went behind some boxes in the garden center area. Soon a fire appears. The affidavit doesn’t explain why he used a Bible to start the fire. He left the store through an emergency exit. It wasn’t clear if he stole anything.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A group seeking to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota can begin circulating petitions to try to bring the issue to voters. Secretary of State Al Jaeger approved the format of the petition on Monday. LegalizeND would need to gather and submit nearly 13,500 signatures by July 6 to get a proposed measure on November ballot. The proposed measure would allow any person over the age of 21 to use, possess, and transport up to 2 ounces of prepared marijuana, but it would ban home growing of the plant.

 

In sports…

Class B Boy’s, Girl’s Basketball Polls

Boys

  1. Four Winds-Minnewaukan (10), 0-0, 169
  2. Hillsboro-Central Valley (2), 0-0, 153
  3. Rugby (3) 134
  4. Shiloh Christian (3) 1-0, 132
  5. Richland 0-0, 113
  6. Beulah 0-0, 62
  7. Linton-HMB 2-0, 57
  8. Ray 0-0, 42
  9. Dickinson Trinity 0-1, 36
  10. Langdon-Edmore-Munich 1-0, 25

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Thompson, Central Cass, Enderlin St. John, Oakes, Dakota Prairie, New Rockford-Sheyenne, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier, Hatton-Northwood, Oak Grove, Powers Lake

Girls

  1. Kindred (15) 4-0, 175 [1]
  2. Langdon-Edmore-Munich (2) 2-0, 159, [2]
  3. Grafton (1) 4-0, 147, [3]
  4. Kidder County 6-0, 125, [4]
  5. Trenton 4-0, 103, [6]
  6. Linton-HMB 4-0, 81, [8]
  7. Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 4-0, 78, [7]
  8. Thompson 4-1, 55, [5]
  9. Rugby 5-0, 26, [NR]
  10. Four Winds-Minnewaukan 4-1, 21, [10]

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Oakes, Richland, Carrington, Hettinger-Scranton, Our Redeemer’s, Underwood

 

In world and national news..

WASHINGTON (AP) — On the eve of his all-but-certain impeachment, President Donald Trump sent off a fiery letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi denouncing the “crusade” against him. But he acknowledged that at this point he was unlikely to change any votes. At the Capitol, meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans sparred over the rules of debate for Wednesday’s historic session. They set aside the lofty rhetoric of constitutional duty for the rugged politics of the House action and the Senate trial that is expected to follow. Impeachment on Wednesday would send the case to the Republican-majority Senate for a trial that would be likely to acquit the president.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has ratcheted up pressure on Syria, Russia and China while making it more difficult for the Trump administration to reduce commitments to allies from Europe to Asia. As part of a defense policy bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday, lawmakers will impose sanctions on Syrian troops and others responsible for atrocities committed during Syria’s civil war and fund war crimes investigations and prosecutions. The bill also registered strong congressional concern about Russia and China, will bind the U.S. to supporting Ukraine militarily and bar the Trump administration from any move to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine will be leaving his post at the beginning of next year after a term convulsed by the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. Two U.S. officials say William Taylor will step down as the charge d’affaires of the embassy in Kyiv on Jan. 1. Taylor earned Trump’s ire with testimony before House impeachment investigators when he recounted his experience in dealing with a parallel diplomatic channel with Ukraine. Taylor was limited in the length of his tour in Kyiv due to the Vacancies Act, which allows temporary appointments like his for only 210 days.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort has been hospitalized during his federal prison sentence. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter who couldn’t discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Manafort is serving more than seven years in prison, after being convicted as part of the special counsel’s Russia investigation. The people said he was moved to the hospital last week from a federal prison in Pennsylvania for a heart-related condition. The federal Bureau of Prisons says it could not provide specific information about an inmate’s medical condition, citing safety and privacy concerns.