City Commission funds Wellness Center

Valley City (CSi)  Media reports of the vote by the Valley Commission on January 20, 2015 said the vote was unanimous to approve the request for the city’s share of funding for the Valley Development Group request for $500,000 in economic development funds for the VC Health, Wellness & Physical Education Center.

However, Mayor Werkhoven has clarified that he voted in opposition, with a “nay” vote, which sounded to many as an “aye” vote to approve.

According to protocol commissioner’s are  to say a loud “aye” sounds like eye for a yes vote and a loud “nay” for a no vote.

Administrative Assistant Becki Anderson says  she heard Werkhoven vote “nay” and she said the official vote will be recorded as 4 to one.

Werkhoven said he voted “nay” against the request, and has  apologized for his pronunciation and the confusion and frustration that his action may have caused the public.

 

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission meeting in Special Session Wednesday morning voted  to approve the city’s share of funding for the Valley Development Group request for $500,000 in economic development funds for the VC Health, Wellness & Physical Education Center.

The commission heard more testimony from the audience during the 20 minute meeting, along with comments from City Commissioners, and economic development Director, Jennifer Feist.

Before the vote, Mayor Werkhoven expressed his concerns about funding without firm a financial footing, and has a concern about the long-term financing.

He added the with several meetings, each side of the issue has had the opportunity to add their voices.

Mayor Werkhoven pointed out that the City Commission upheld the voter advisory vote to approve the Wellness Center funding in the amount of $3-million dollars.

Commissioner Nielson said the project will not move forward until all funding is in place. She feels the project does fall under the  criteria of economic development.

She noted the support of young people in the community.

Commissioner Luke added, Parks and Recreation has done a good job in developing the project, and that the mission is continuing.

She also expressed concerns over continued funding.

Commissioner Magnuson said the facility is needed in the community, adding that he too has concerns about continued funding. He said it’s now up to Parks and Rec and community support to continue the project.

Commissioner Pedersen added that support from the City Commission will keep the funding effort going, and a vote of confidence for Parks and Recreation concerning the continuance of the project.

Tuesday, a request to transfer $250,000 from the economic development fund to help finance the construction of the proposed Wellness Center in Valley City was denied by the Barnes County Commission on a 4 to one vote.

 

Previously…

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

A Proclamation was read by Mayor Werkhovem proclaiming Catholic Schools Week, January 25-31, 2015.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

A new electric license for Pete’s Electric LLC and new heater installation license for Anderson Refrigeration & Heating.

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for VCSU EBC Fraternity and Valley City Lion’s Club, and the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke

ORDINANCES

Approved the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 983, an ordinance increasing the commission salaries by $1,000 effective January 1, 2015.

Commissioner Nielson voted in opposition saying the item was not fully discussed by commissioners.

Commissioner Luke said she would not accept the the raise, and did not last year.

From the audience Lloyd Nelson said any commissioner raises should come from the City Administrator’s salary.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61, North Central Avenue from 12th Street NW to 15th Street NW.

Approved a Resolution approving final plans and Specifications on Paving Improvement District No. 108, 8 ½ Avenue NW from 7th Street to 9th Street, and authorize advertisement for bids.

Approved a Resolution approving final plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement District No. 109, North Central Avenue from 12th Street to 15th Street, and authorize advertisement for bids.

Approved a Resolution approving final plans and Specifications for Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 61, North Central Avenue from 12th Street NW to 15th Street NW. and authorize advertisement for bids.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved a modifications to the 2015 VC Infrastructure Plan.

Approved an Urban Roads & Urban Regional project requests for 2016-2019.

By the request of Commissioner Luke, the City Commission consider an Open Gov program contract for financial transparency in the annual amount of $9,000.

She explained that OpenGov.com is a software program that would keep track of expenses in nearly every city department, available to the public on line.

City commissioners voted to approve based on the contract offered, reviewed by and approved by the City Commission.

Commissioners Nielson and Pedersen voted no.

City Commissioners discussed  Jennifer Feist/VC-BC Development Corporation said approval is one piece to make the Center, a reality. She also sited the Wellness Center’s job creation, and diversity of the area’s economy.

She said all funds need to be in place including another three and half million dollars for implementation of plans from private sector funds.

Earlier, Tuesday a request to transfer $250,000 from the economic development fund to help finance the construction of the proposed Wellness Center in Valley City was denied by the Barnes County Commission on a 4 to one vote.

Mayor Werkhoven pointed out that the City Commission upheld the voter advisory vote to approve the Wellness Center funding in the amount of $3-million dollars.

After listening to testimony from the audience, the City Commission voted to continue at 8:30-a.m. on Wednesday to consider the $500,000 request.

Information on the Homeless Coalition was presented.

The City Commission heard information and updates on the Police Department’s policy and procedure manual, from Police Chief Fred Thompson.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORTDavid Schelkoph said he will testifiy at the state legislature concerning VCSU and flood permanant flood protection.

He also said he has information on the cost of the installation of street lighting in the area of 7^th Street, and the new Industrial Park.

 

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Commissioner Nielson said she’s heard from several younger people in the community about their support of the Wellness Center.

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