VCcommissionValley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Commissioner Luke joined via telephone conference call.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

Renewal of electric license for Tom’s Electric.

A Memorial Day Parade for the AmVets Post 3 on May 25  has been cancelled.

In lieu of the parade, the Valley City Jr/Sr High School bands will perform a patriotic concert in the 100 block of Main Street, starting at 10:30 a.m., which was approved by Commissioners.

PUBLIC FORUM:  No one spoke.

ORDINANCES:

Approved the second and final reading of an Ordinance accepting the South Valley Addition plat.

RESOLUTIONS

Following a Public hearing the City Commission approved, a Resolution of Necessity to Replat Lots 2-10, Block 2 and Lots 4-6, Block 4, Hyland Park Addition, in Northwest Valley City.

Approved a Resolution to refer to a Professional Land Surveyor for the Hyland Park Addition.

NEW BUSINESS

Considered whether to move forward with appropriate legal actions to resolve Phase II Buyout program disputes. City Administrator Schelkoph said the buyout committee has recommended changes, specifically concerning the Gary Schlagel property.

Originally the plan was to construct a flood wall behind the home, however as construction proceeded it was determined the house would be in jeopardy if left in place.

Schlagel asked for another house in lieu of his present home, which officials felt was over the current valuation of the present home and property.

The state which partially funds the buyouts recommends removal of the property, through eminent domain if necessary, and was moved to approve including amendments by the City Commission. Mayor Werkhoven voted in opposition to the original consideration. 

City commissioner Duane Magnuson and Mayor Werkhoven will be negotiating with Schlagel over the next two weeks to reach an agreement.

 

The City Commission moved to approve the 2016 City construction projects as outlined by KLJ.

Approved the renewal of Edgar A Fisher Post No. 60 of the American Legion Site Authorization in the Legion Club.

Approved the  renewal of Frank S Henry Post 2764 Site Authorizations for the VFW Club, The Captain’s Pub and the NuBar.

Commissioners considered increasing the hourly wage from $100/hour to $125/ hour for all legal work outside of the contract with Myhre Law Office. Commissioner Luke said she’s more comfortable in waiting for the budgeting period to approve any increase. City Administrator Schelkoph said the increase was fair, and City Commissioners voted to approve, with Commissioner Luke voting in opposition.

Approve a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for S & S Auto Electric in an amount not to exceed $7,500.

Consider Preliminary, Design, and Construction Engineering Agreement for approximately 10 blocks of Milling, Hot Bituminous Pavement Overlay, ADA Ramps and Incidentals for Paving Improvement District in the amount not to exceed 17%. (NDDOT Project Nos. SU-2-990(051)055, PCN 20855 – 6th St NE (Central Ave – 8th Ave NE) and SU-2-990(052)056 PCN 20856 – 2nd Ave NE (2nd St NE – 4th St NE) Mill and Overlay)

The City Commission voted to approve.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

David Schelkoph said Lake Ashtabula’s water level is dropping, following a rise from runoff from the recent heavy rain amounts, and that Bald Hill Dam’s release is at between 1700 cfs and 1800 cfs as of Tuesday. Officials do NOT expect the release to reach the 2300 cfs release. He says the Sheyenne River level is expected to drop over the next few days, and urges residents to use caution around the river.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Retterath said the outdoor siren that was out of commission has been repaired, and all sirens have been tested.

Commissioner Nielson commented that she will attend a state meeting that will allocate state funding approved by the legislature for permanent flood control. She will also attend a state water commission meeting representing Valley City.

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