Valley City Commission reorganizes

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

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 $ 3,291,478.10.

Raffle Permit for North Dakota Hereford Association

Raffle Permit for American Fisheries Society Student Subunit

Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals

Plumbers License for Jerred’s Plumbing

PUBLIC FORUM

Madeline Luke informed the Commission that there will be an open public hearing on Wednesday October 12, 2016, a 7-p.m., at the Hi-Liner Activity Center Lobby concerning concepts of storm water infrastructure.

 

A Public Hearing was held Regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement Districts No. 108.   Commissioners then approved  The Special Assessments as Recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving  Improvement Districts No. 108.

 

ORDINANCES

Approved the Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1014, an ordinance adopting the 2017 City Budget.

Auditor Avis Richter says  Valley City lowered the current mill levy from 83.87 mills to 80.81 mills.

The city has reduced operational expenses and capital purchases by $213,000. She said there will be  small decrease in their city’s property tax bill in 2017.

Valley City property owners with commercial property valued at $100,000 will see a reduction in their city’s tax bill by $11.90.

Residential property valued at $100,000 will see a reduction in their city’s tax bill by $10.71.

Richter said residential property valued at $100,000 will have about $363 in city property taxes and commercial property valued at $100,000 in Valley City will have about $404 in city property taxes.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 Approved a Resolution designating depositories and authorizing officers to make deposits and withdrawals. Finance Director Richter said the Resolution establishes Valley City financial institution available, with signer designations.

 

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission received and accepted the Official Canvassed Abstract from the Special City Election held on September 15, 2016.

The Commissioners  appointed Matt Pedersen, as Vice President to the City Commission.

Reorganization of the Commissioners Portfolios included:

Pedersen:  Finance Committee

Carlsrud: Building and Grounds

Appointed Mike Bishop as the City Commissioner to the City-County Health Board.

The City Commissioners  considered a Property Tax Exemption for Clear Cut Investments at 1026 6th Ave NE, in the Victory Park Addition, for substantial improvements to the house.     Assessor Sandy Hansen explained the criteria concerning the exemption.

City Commissioners unanimously approved.

The City Commission then approved a Property Tax Exemption for Jason Phillips at 648 4th St SW.

From the audience Lloyd Nelson said with granted property tax exemptions, other property owners should also get a tax break.

The City Commission approved Preliminary and Design Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Phase II of Permanent Flood Protection.

Approved an Application from VC Eagles Club for a Special Beverage Event Permit at Puklich Chevrolet’s Grand Opening, on Thursday October 13, 2016 from 4-p.m., to 7-p.m.

Considered the selection of Stantec Consulting Services Inc., Bismarck office, to facilitate the creation of a Land Use and Transportation Plan for Valley City, which is required by state law.  City Administrator Schelkoph said the last plan was approved in 2001, and with growth in the city, an updated plan is needed.  Four engineering firms have submitted a proposal.  The four gave the city, and NDDOT officials a presentation that anticipates future growth.

Following an evaluation process it was determined that Stantec be selected.

The cost has yet to be determined, with and 80-20 grant from the NDDOT.  City dollars have also been set aside.

Schelhoph added that a series of public hearings will be held to receive input from the community.

The City Commission approved the hiring of Stantec.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

David Schelkoph said letters have been set to 21 property owners for property on the Phase Three flood buyout list.  He said a Public Meeting will be held on Monday October 10, 2016 at 6-p.m., at City Hall, on the topic, with the appraisal firm.

Schelkoph walked the entire area in the Phase One permanent flood control project, now completed, giving thanks to the contractor, Swanberg Construction and KLJ Engineers.

 

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Myhre said the recodification process will be resuming.

City Auditor Richter gave an update on the 1.5 percent low interest  loan for Phase One of the Permanent Flooding Control project, at $800,000.

Fire Chief Retterath reminds residents to check the working condition of smoke detectors, adding that the installation of more smoke detectors and checking batteries.

 

Police Chief Thompson reminded that the Walk to School Day is on Wednesday.

He reminds residents about if you see something, say something, and report anything suspicious seen to police.

Commissioner Magnuson said the city and police department will be looking at a resource officer for Valley City Public Schools.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked the city employees for a warm welcome as mayor, and working with him as he takes office, and thanked the commissioners for serving.

The first Coffee with the Mayor session will be on Wednesday October 12, 2016 from 5:30-to6:30-p.m., at City Hall.  The sessions are planed each month the second Wednesday, to be held at announced locations.

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