CityHallVCValley City (CSi) The Valley City  Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. Commissioner Nielson was not present.

Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,704,103.92.

Liquor license for Eagles Club, American Legion

LP Gas Permit to Vining Oil & Gas, LLC, and Dakota Plains Cooperative

Mobile Home Park License to Rockwater, LLC, and Richard Plecity Trailer Court

Taxi License renewal for South Central Adult Services.

Pawn Shop License for Northwestern Industries.

PUBLIC FORUM:  No one spoke.

PUBLIC HEARING

The Commissioners  discussed changes to the City Zoning Ordinance No. 987 Zoning Matrix allowing “assembly from previously prepared or manufactured products, including food, plastic, electronics and metal products including sub-assemblies” in a B-2 District (Highway Business District). 

Valley City/Barnes County Development Director, Jennifer Feist outlined the changes, and explained that expansions of businesses would likely occur, including Pizza Corner. She said it standardizes the way of doing business.

A resident spoke not in favor of the Ordinance, who lives across from Pizza Corner, and explained excessive noise, at night and litter at the business, and improperly parking semis in the middle of the street. The employees also allegedly walk across their property, and parking in their driveway. The actions have been going on since the residents lived there since 1983.

They said they’ve come before the City Commission many times without results.

Ms. Feist said she’s talked with Pizza Corner owner, on the issues, which she said are two separate issues, in conjunction with the zoning amendments.

Commissioner Magnuson said if Pizza Corner comes before the Planning Commission for a public hearing for a zone change, that’s the time to bring these issues up.

Another resident spoke of similar problems, while another resident suggested that an Ordinance include a quiet time during the night.

Mayor Werkhoven reminded residents to call police if someone is breaking the law.

Bobby Koepplin noted amending the B-2 Zoning Ordinance, will not allow public input or comment, on issues.

ORDINANCES

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission on a 4-0 vote,approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 1001, an ordinance amending the City Zoning Ordinance No. 987 Zoning Matrix allowing “assembly from previously prepared or manufactured products, including food, plastic, electronics and metal products including sub-assemblies” in a B-2 District (Highway Business District).

More discussions will be held, and a second reading of the Ordinance will come later.

NEW BUSINESS

City Commissioners received an application for Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses for Smith Lumber Do It Best Hardware & Rental. Auditor Richter asked the Commission to scheduled Public Hearing for January 5, 2016.  The Commissioners voted to approve.

City Commissioners approved purchasing property located at 704 East Main for Permanent Flood Protection buyout in the amount of $20,020. City Administrator Schelkoph said the amount is the assessed value plus 20 percent.

VCSU Learning to Live/Living to Learn group presented information about  the walking paths they designed.  They created PDF documents with the information about the routes, plus a 3 minute video to highlight the pathways is available in the form on brochures and on line.

THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR HAD NO REPORT

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Retterath noted good support from the recent dance.

He said the Fire Deparment’s web site will have information concerning Carbon Monoxide.

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