City Commission gets info on greening areas

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

Valley City Police Officers Phillip Hatcher was sworn in at Lieutenant, along with the swearing in of new Sargeants, Nicholas Horner, and Wade Hannig

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS, INCLUDED:

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 $1,848,059.65

Game of Chance Raffle permit for Ducks Unlimited Barnes County.

Laney’s Inc. for a Master Heater license.

PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke

RESOLUTIONS

City Commissioners approved a Resolution approving preliminary engineering report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost Paving Improvement District No. 112.

Approved a Resolution Declaring the Necessity for Paving Improvement District No. 112.  The total project cost is $1.1 million with federal and state funds picking up a percentage of the costs with the local amount of $110,000, with $55,000 in Special Assessments.

NEW BUSINESS

A Public Hearing was held to serve beer and wine at Vicki’s Viking Room.

Attorney Russell Myhre said all paper work was submitted and approved, as liquor will be served a limited amount of hours.

Following the Public Hearing commissioners approved Vicki’s Viking Rooms’ request to serve beer and wine.

David Locke, from Stockwell Engineering, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota presented The EPA grant and ecco engineering the public parking lots, “Greening America’s Cities.” The firm and EPA have been at four Valley City locations, to perform an evaluation.

During a power point presentation examples were shown of “greening” areas, and in Valley City identified by the city staff and others in the community to be studied with the firm coming back with suggestions. The concept includes areas for pedestrians, and bicycles, and storm runoff capture areas.

The firm’s representatives will return in October, with results of the study, with a final report in December to include input from city residents.

Commissioners approved Election Workers for the September 15, 2016 Special City Election to elect a Valley City Mayor.

Patty Loven

Barb Henke

Jenny Mueller

Darlene Mueller

Naomi Schlecht

Pat Fearing

Deb Kohler

Tweety Bellmore

Bernadette Botner

Diane Kohler – back-up

All five precincts will vote at City Hall, with the polls open September 15, 2016 from 7-am. to 7-p.m.

City Commissioners approved a property tax exemption for improvements to a residential home.  The addition is about a 30% improvement to the structure.

The City Commission approved a 5 year income tax and property tax exemption up to $250,000 for Renaissance Zone applicants Tony and Megan Zarbano, and designate it as VC-102 in the Highland Park area of Northwest Valley City.

The Renaissance Zone Committee recommends the approval.

The City Commission received an application for Property a Tax Incentive for New or Expanding Businesses for Valley Realty and set public hearing date for September 6, 2016.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

The Red River Water Supply Project was discussed, by City Administrator David Schlkoph,concerning future drinking water supplies, and an engineering study, to bring Missouri River water to points east.

He said the plan is a long-term look, and with no commitment at this time.

He said the cost is based on cubic feet of water per second.

He suggests Valley City show interest in the pipeline, with an October 1, 2016 deadline to make a decision.

A small scale solar power plant project is being looked at with a partnership between the city and private citizens, with how to proceed to be decided, including the investment of dollars.

72 solar panels are proposed. Public interest in investments will be determined.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Myhre said legal aspects of renewable resources being implemented will be studied, as allowed by the state.

Finance Director Avis Richter said the 2017 budgeting for presentation has been prepared, with budget meetings coming up at the end of August this year.

Fire Chief Retterath said the outdoor sirens have been tested and are in working condition.

Another smoke alarm installation program will be coming up to certain areas, of Valley City in October.

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