City approves paying attorney costs for Ross

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Commissioner Bishop was not present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

Raffle Permits for St. Catherine Elementary School, VC Chamber of Commerce, and Express Wrestling.

The motion was amended to include if a fire arm is won in the raffle, it be established that the person is 18 or older, and pass a background check.

A Mechanical Contractor License Renewal for Anderson Refrigeration & Heating and Sheyenne River Repair.

PUBLIC FORUM:  No one spoke.

RESOLUTIONS:

The City Commission approved a Resolution approving preliminary engineer’s report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications, and probable costs for Paving Improvement District No. 113 (Seal Coat, Mill & Overlay, and Reconstruction in various locations).

Also approved was a Resolution declaring necessity of improvements in Paving District No. 113

NEW BUSINESS

Teresa Will  presented and distributed the City County Health’s views on ND Measure #4 (increase tax on tobacco products).

She introduced Heather Schwehr who explained, the measure if passed would help prevent youth from starting tobacco use, encourage adults to quit using, and to reduce health care costs.

She also outlined the breakdown in the tax distribution.

She added out that tobacco lobbies have purchased advertisement saying the tax is not specifically ear-marked.  She said the tax dollars received will be tracked.

She pointed out if passed City County Health would be expected to be $116,000 the first year, and then decrease.

City Commissioners then considered a Property Tax Exemption at 242 8th Ave NW. Assessor Sandy Hansen explained the work on the property that will be done.  The assessed value currently is $50,000 and will go to over $90,000 with the improvements.

The Commission then approved the exemption.

Approved the Preliminary and Design Engineering Agreement with Kadrmas Lee & Jackson to develop plans and specifications for the city owned parking lots.

Approved Engineering Agreement with Kadrmas Lee & Jackson for the Knife River Gate Valve Project at the Master Lift Station.

KLJ’s Chad Peterson said the firm is working with the contractor, and supplies should be on hand within a week or two.

City Commissioners considered and then approved the hiring of legal representation for Commissioner Ross to represent him and the City in future legal matters. Ross was allowed by the Commission to recuse himself from the vote declaring a conflict of interest.

City Administrator Schelkoph  said a restraining order and other legal matter would necessitate legal representation, and that the city would be responsible for costs.

City Attorney Myhre said it would be appropriate for the city pay the legal fees, of a private attorney, for Ross.

Myhre said his position should not represent a city officials in legal actions.

Valley City Police Chief Fred Thompson said previously that in late September this year, Bob Drake of Valley City issued a verbal complaint about the conduct of Commissioner Rick Ross, over Ross’s alleged interfering with the business transactions of Drake, and Drake’s business associates.

During the conversation, with City Administrator, David Schelkoph,  Drake made repeated threats to harm Ross.  Ross was notified of the conversation and Ross then called Drake.   During this conversation, Drake made direct and repeated threats to physically harm Ross.

Drake was arrested on a felony terrorizing charge.

During Tuesday’s meeting no specific reference was made to that incident.

City Commissioners approved the purchase of property located at 725 6th Ave SW for 110% of the assessed value and add it to the Phase III Buyout Program.

The City Administrator had no report to give.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS:

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen said the city has set a record for issuing all building permits, with the total so far this year at $40,336,000.

He added that it’s possible that the total value by the end of this year could be around $45 million.

Fire Chief Retterath reminds residents to check their heating equipment for the upcoming heating season.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked commissioners, and city employee for their assistance in the transition in he becoming mayor.

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