VCcommValley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.

Mayor Werkhoven was not present. Commission Vice President Matt Pedersen conducted the meeting.

Mayor Werkhoven’s  Declaration was read, that May 18, 2016 is Arbor Day in Valley City.

 

Also that National Public Works Week is MAY 15 – 21, 2016.

Eric Gilbertson from KLJ addressed the Commission, with information from a national organization.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED.

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

$3,761,839.97.

An application to Block off the Street for the Memorial Day Concert on May 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The area includes Central to Second, starting at 9:30-a.m.

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for Valley City Lodge #7 AF & AM, Ashtabula Fireworks Association and Sheyenne Care Center.

Blocking Off the Street for the Soapbox Derby on June 4 and June 5.

A Special Event Beverage Permit for City Lights for the VCSU Employee Recognition Dinner on May 12.
Public Forum:  No One Spoke

ORDINANCES

As explained by City Attorney Russell Myhre..

Approved the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1007, an ordinance repealing, amending and reenacting Title 2, Administration, of the revised ordinances of the City of Valley City, North Dakota. Part of the ongoing re-codification process.

Attorney Myhre said Ordinances will include “gender-neutral,”references.

The motion to approved passed with Commission Luke voting in opposition.

Approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 1010, an ordinance repealing, amending and reenacting Title 15, Public Works, of the revised ordinances of the City of Valley City, North Dakota. Myhre said there will no longer be a Director of Public Works, with a change in the city’s governmental structure.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission approved a contract with AE2S to design and install a High Service Pump to the Valley City Water Treatment Plant, in the amount not to exceed $10,000.

City Administrator Schelkoph said the fee is for time and materials, and came in  $1,000 tless han projected.

Commissioners approved a Gaming Site Authorization for the North Dakota Wildlife Federation at the Eagles Club.

Next week is cleanup week in Valley City, with information posted on the city’s website.

Alleys are being graded, with more complete work to be continued in the near future.

Security at City Hall will be addressed, and an “emergency button,” is being proposed, a five desks, at offices, and at municipal court.

The button activation will go through 9-1-1 and law enforcement will be alerted.

City Attorney Myhre approves an increase in security.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Assessor Hanson will begin the annual inspection process for assessment next week, with letters going out last week to property owners on the initial inspections.

Building Inspector Andersen said he has issued over $10million in building permits so far this year.

He reminds residents not to walk on wet concrete that has been taped off.

He says lawns need to be mowed on a regular basis, and to remove tree stumps.

City Fire Chief Retterath reported that 112 smoke alarms were installed last weekend.

City Police Chief Thompson said the department has been working Barnes County Emergency Management, on training.

KLJ Viking Drive will temporarily open for VCSU graduation.

The permanent flood protection project will include the closure of the East City Park Bridge, starting Wednesday May 4, 2016.

Pedestrian traffic will not be able to cross the East City Park Bridge.

The Viking Drive Bridge will remain closed to vehicles but remain open to pedestrian traffic.

Work is currently going on east of the Viking Drive Bridge and on College Street in Valley City.

Anyone with questions regarding the project should call the KLJ office at 845-4980.

Commissioner Nielson said at a meeting of the Devils Lake outlet committee, it was agreed to reduce the lake level to 1,448 feet, which will increase the Sheyenne River level.

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