– City Commission approves utility rate increases

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

Commissioner Magnuson was not present. Commissioner Ross was present via conference phone call.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

An electrical license for Red River Electric, Inc.

A Parade Application from VCSU for Homecoming on Sept. 24^th at 10:30 A.M.

A Raffle Permit for VCSU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society

A Parade Application from VC High School for Homecoming on Sept. 23rd at 4:00 P.M.

A Raffle Permit for 24th District Republican Party.

Blocking off a street for Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge event.

PUBLIC FORUM : No One Spoke

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

A public hearing was held for the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation to discuss Vacation of Street of property at New Horizon Subdivision. The vacation is in conjunction with the construction of a new building for new apartments.

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission approved a Resolution approving the Petition for Vacation of the Street.

A public hearing was held for Meridian Addition, a plat submitted by Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation.

Following the public hear Commissioners approved a Resolution approving plat of Meridian Addition.

An Open public hearing was held for the 2017 City Budget.

Finance Director Avis Richter said there is no increase in city property taxes, and no Mill Levy increase.

The 2017 General Fund Budget is $1,288,700, an increase of $30,000. She said the increase will be absorbed by continued development in the city.

The City Commission then approved the First Reading of Ordinance No. 1014, an ordinance adopting the 2017 City Budget.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution increasing water utility rates. City Administrator Schelkoph said increased costs stem from improvements to the water system. He said the increase is 15%, or an average increase of $3.52 per month.

Approved a Resolution increasing electric utility rates. City Administrator Schelkoph said there is a winter rate, and summer rate, due to different costs of purchasing electricity by the city.

The residential rate is an increase of 6.6%, on average an increase of $3.14 per month the lwest cost residential rate in North Dakota.

After hours re-connects will now cost $100 per hour to the customer.

Approved a Resolution increasing sewer utility rates. City Administrator Schelkoph said, the residential rate is to increase by 24%, or $6.28 per month per residence. The first increase in over two years.

An amended Resolution, approved was to cut the construction fee to $2 and thus the rate increase will be 12.65%

Approved a Resolution providing that the Police Chief shall be appointed by the Board of City Commission. City Administrator Schelkoph read the language in the Ordinance providing for the hire, and possible termination, or suspension, and appointment an interim Police Chief. It also established duties of the Police Chief and term of office.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioners considered participation in the Red River Valley Supply Project and pipeline.

City Administrator Schelkoph recommends a participation rate of 1.5 cfs of water, at an initial cost of $21,000.

The city is not committed to a long-term involvement. He said the project is completely separate from the Garrison Diversion Project.

The City Commission voted to participate in the project.

The City Commission then approved the Amendment between the ND State Water Commission and the City for Cost share participation for Phase II Flood Control Master Plan and Preliminary Design Engineering.

This is an amendment to the original plan.

Considered next was the Amendment between the ND State Water Commission and the City for Cost share participation for Permanent Flood Protection Property Acquisition Project…the Phase III buyout program.

The City Commission then Approve Attachment A, the Financial Agreement for the 2017 Blue Savers 100 Healthcare Insurance. Finance Director Avis Richter said, the attachment allows Blue Cross Blue Shield to change the present contract. Employees will meet with city officials later this week for explanations to the plan.

City Commissioners then considered appointing an appraiser for Phase III Permanent Flood Protection buyouts. City Administrator Schelkoph recommends the appointment of Broadway Appraisers, and accept their bid of $625 per property, and was approved by City Commissioners.

The 2016 Tree Report was received from the City Forester Willis Wagar. He said that 85 tree were identified with Dutch Elm Disease and marked for removal.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:

David Schelkoph said the city will meet with the State Water Commission on cost sharing.

He pointed out the street closures and detours, as street projects start to wind down starting next week.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS:

Avis Richter thanked election workers for their help in the recent Mayoral Election, noting the vote canvass will take place starting at 9-a.m. on Wednesday.

Building and Fire Inspector Dave Andersen said, Valley City’s building permits issued so far this year has exceeded the total of 2015’s $35,850,000, presently at $35,945,774. He added there may be an additional two permits issued yet this year. He reminded residents about the purchase of Flood Insurance, and the map that rates levels of risk and policy costs. Northeast sidewalk replacements are being determined. Northwest sidewalks have been replaced.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath said another smoke alarm distribution is to be made in Valley City.

Police Chief Thompson said a new officer is headed to the academy and then sworn into office.

The recent spray paint vandalism to the flood wall, cost $3,300 to remove.

He asks anyone with information is asked to call Valley City Police.

President Pedersen thanked city officials for their support in the time he served as Interim Mayor and congratulated

In-coming Mayor Dave Carlsrud on his election.

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