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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM(S)

A Raffle Permit for St. Catherine’s PTO

PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke

ORDINANCES

Approved the second and final reading of an Ordinance rezoning property from R-2 Single and 2 Family Districts to B-1 Central Business District (Perkins). Commissioner Magnuson abstained from voting.

Approved the first reading of an Ordinance approving the 2015 Budget. City Auditor Richter said the 2015 Mill Levy is 88.8 Mills, with 1 mill equaling $13,900 and increase of 900 from the 2014 budget.

A presentation was made by members of Girl Scout Troop #30830 regarding safety concerns by Recreation Center.

They cited concerns of distracted motorists, as they crossed the street.Mayor Werkhoven said the Police Chief will look into stricter enforcement of speeds. Crosswalks may also be considered.

NEW BUSINESS

A Public Hearing was held regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 100, Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 47, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 60, and Water Main Improvement District No. 95.

City Commissioner Luke pointed out by having reserves in department funds will help lessen the burden of Special Assessment. Mayor Werkhoven said bidding projects earlier will help lower construction costs.  He added the city is working on ways to reduce costs, including substituting  materials.

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission:

Approved the Special Assessments as Recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 100. ..$107 per linear foot.

Approved the Special Assessments as Recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 47.

Approved the Special Assessments as Recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 60.

Approved the Special Assessments as Recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Water Main Improvement District No. 95.

City Commissioners approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Stoudt Holdings not to exceed $7,500.00….recommended for approval by the Visitor’s Committee.

City Commissioners approved a contract with KLJ for recodification of the zoning ordinance, in an amount not to exceed $19,500.

Approved the transfer of $20,000 from the property tax relief fund 241 to the General Fund for attorney recodification fees, as recommended by City Auditor Richter. City Attorney Myhre suggests that the code by placed on line as well as hard-bound copies, which is planned.

The City Commission received an Application for Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses for Northport Apartments LLP and Scheduled a Public Hearing for October 21, 2014.

The City Commission then approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event for City Lights at the VCSU Hall of Fame Banquet.

 

Commissioners considered moving Commission Meetings to 5:30 P.M. as proposed by Commissioner Luke. She noted the extra 30 minutes would allow more of the public, including working people to attended meetings after work. She proposed trying the time for a period of time to see if it works. Commisioners Pedersen and Nielson said they prefer the present 5-p.m. start time. A motion to try the 5:30-p.m., start time for a period of three months, died for the lack of a second.

The City Commission approved sending a letter of support for Bjornson Golf Course Bank Stability Project for ND DOH for EPA 319 Grant, as proposed by Commissioner Luke.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph said 63 percent of the new utility meters have been installed.

He noted that the water main 96 project is running behind schedule.

Contractor penalties and retainage is possible, but the city will work with the contractor in negotiating any penalties. He said city residents will have water service even as freeze up approaches.

He added that more mill and overlay work will be done the next few weeks.

He pointed out that motorists still need to use caution with various projects still in progress.

 CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Commissioner Nielson pointed out that garbage being place in receptacles other than their own, amounts to “theft of services.’  She said such activity has been noted in Valley City, including garbage being placed in dumpsters by out of town people.

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