City Commission discusses downtown improvements

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Wednesday evening at 6-p.m., at City Hall.   The meeting was postponed a day due to the blizzard conditions.  All members were present.

A PRESENTATION BY VCSU STUDENTS WAS MADE, DAKOTA UNKNOWN’S ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL.  The students were gauging possible interest, with a possible location at City Park, featuring musicians, and artists, in late spring or early summer.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

PUBLIC FORUM No One Spoke

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution Approving Replat of Lots 1-3 Block 1 of Northern Pacific East 2nd Addition for Dollar General store.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioners consider adoption and approved a report prepared by Attorney Patricia Monson with Center for Mediation. The report concerns grievances filed a few months ago, against four city officials.

Approved appointing a commercial appraiser, Appraisal Services, Inc., for Phase III Permanent Flood Protection Buyouts.  City Administrator Schelkoph said the total cost is between $10,000 and $12,000.

Approved a request to State Water Commission for funding Phase II Construction of Permanent Flood Protection, to be presented on Friday this week, to the Stat Water Commission.

Approved the terms and conditions set forth in the Commitment letter with the Bank of North Dakota, to Provide $860,614 in Financing for the local share of Phase I Permanent Flood Protection.  Principal and interest paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

Approved a request to concur on bids for NDDOT project for Mill, HMA, Sidewalk and ADA Ramps for Valley City Main Street from 3rd St SW to 5th Ave SW; Central Ave to 5th Ave NE; & 9th Ave SE to City Limits City Engineers. The low bidder was Border States Paving, at$1.1 million.

Approved the  renewal of agreement with Valley City – Barnes County with the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation. Director Jennifer Feist explained some minor change.

Approved the Valley Development Group Roundtable Request for Funds: $50,000/year for 3 years. Jennifer Feist said dollars are through the  City Sales Tax Fund, earmarked for economic Development..

Approved the  Valley Development Group Request for Funds – Small Projects: $12,000,through the City Sales Tax Fund, earmarked for economic Development.

Approved a recommendation to accept the bid for refuse load packer from Nelson International in the amount of $111,372.61  as requested by City Engineer, Jeff Differding.

Approved a recommendation to approve the Revised Guidelines for Image Enhancement Grants which include a scoring guide and a map of eligible properties. Bobby Koepplin, chairman of the Visitors Commiittee explained, the maximum grant award is $5,000 with no more than $1,000 available for landscaping and/or signage. The committee also recommended, and approved by the City Commission,  that up to 25% of the grant funds may be used by the City annually for three years for Streetscape projects.

Approved a recommendation to approve new Grant Guidelines for a Historic Building Renovations Grant which includes a scoring guide, downtown map of eligible properties for buildings 50 years and older and design guidelines. Grant maximum would not generally exceed $15,000 and require a dollar for dollar cash match. The Committee recommends that up to 25% of the grant funds may be used by the City annually for three years for Streetscape projects. Bobby Koepplin said downtown business owner would like a more historic look to the downtown area.

Approved a recommendation to create a Downtown Streetscape Committee, an ad hoc committee under the Visitors Committee for the next three years. Bobby Koepplin showed a concept concerning such areas of street lighting and other designs.  The ad hoc committee is open to the public to join.

Approved purchasing five properties within the city limits that did not sell at the Barnes County November 15, 2016 Tax Deed Sale.  Finance Director, Avis Richter, said the agreement to purchase is with Barnes County, to come from the city’ deficiency Fund.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:  No new information was presented.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS:

Fire Chief  Retterath pointed out that residents should use care in operating heating appliances.  He said the river is not solidly frozen, and to stay off it.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked and complemented city staff in working with the public and their service to the community.  The Mayor and others pointed out on Pearl Harbor Day the sacrifices made by service members that day in 1941. The Mayor also pointed out the freedoms in America, including, the freedom to burn the American flag.  He does not favor the action, but pointed out the right to do so.

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