PedersenMattDeputyMayorValley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.  The meeting was conducted by Vice President Pedersen.

The City Commissioners formally, and unanimously accepted the resignation of Mayor Robert (Bob) J. Werkhoven.

He submitted his resignation on May 12, 2016.

The acceptance takes affect on Tuesday (May 17, 2016.)

The City Commission has 15 days to decide whether to hold a special election or appoint someone to fill out the remaining two years left on the mayoral term that expire in 2018.

The City Commission received and accepted the final report, and recommendation,  from the Law Enforcement Committee. Commissioner Magnuson said there were several committee members. The petition concerned the combining the Valley City Police Department with the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office. She said the committee met three times over the past months.

A subcommittee also met with others including the police chief, sheriff, dispatch and members of the community.

Aspects of the combining include control of the combined department.

Space issues were addressed.

With finances, the committee looked at the individual and combined budgets.

The Sheriff indicated an increase in salary and staff.

The committee determined no cost savings of a combination of departments.

The combination of the two departments would cost upheaval.

Tony Drake said the purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of combining the two.

He said a combination is not in the best interest of the community.

 

In other business:

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event permit for NuBar, VFW and The Captain’s Pub on June 18, 2016 at Rally in the Valley.

PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke.

 

ORDINANCES

Approved the second and final reading of an ordinance repealing, amending and reenacting Title 13, Mobile Homes, of the revised ordinances of the City of Valley City in line with state law as part of the city’s re-codification.

Approved the second and final 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. No major changes with the language modernized, with language changes.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a resolution awarding bid to Precision Concrete Cutting for Sidewalk Concrete Cutting. City Administrator Schelkoph said the action is in compliance with ADA mandates.

He said the PCC bid was the only one received, at $109,927. That compares to replacement costs of $578,000. There were 1,437 “trip hazards” in the Northeast part of Valley City.

 

NEW BUSINESS

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

Approved purchasing a Ring-O-Matic 50HP Cat Vacuum Excavator with Hi-CFM in the amount of $54,549, including the increase in motor size. City Administrator Schelkoph said the equipment is a budget, line item.

Approved a Renaissance Zone exemption for Zach and Chelsea Traverse at 721 8 ½ Avenue NW for a 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000.

Approved a 5 year property tax exemption for residential building improvements at 325 3rd Ave NW. Assessor Hansen said Charles and Debbie Thorsen submitted the request, which Hansen inspected, saying it was below normal condition.

Approved purchasing electric transformers for 2016. City Administrator Schelkoph said it is a budgeted item, with five quotes received, with the bid at $49,532 approved.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization renewal for the Frank S Henry VFW Post 2764 at the VFW and NuBar.

 

Approved a Cost Share Request for Mill Dam Rehabilitation/Replacement Feasibility Study. KLJ’s Chad Petersen said, the cost share is 35% from the State Water Commission, and $11,000 from the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. If approved by the agencies the city’s cost is about $17.000.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:

David Schelkopf said with City Wide Cleanup, 200 tons of items was brought to the landfill, and Transfer Station.

City Attorney Myhre said his office has entered into an agreement with an attorney as a special city attorney, to handle municipal court prosecutions.

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen said, so far this year $451,545 has been issued in residential permits.  In businesses at total of $14.9 million in total has been issued so far this year.

City Fire Chief Retterath reminds residents to use caution with using grills and firepits.

Police Chief Thompson said grants appliced for will be used for vests, along with a grant for the education of  children walking to school, plus additional patrols.

An Emergency Operations excercise will be conducted later this year.

Commissioner Luke said an Utility Assistance Fund is available for those with problems paying their utility bills.

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