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

All members were present.

Phillip Hatcher was sworn in by Mayor Carlsrud, as Valley City Police Chief.

 

On January 17, 2017, Valley City Commissioners, unanimously approved the promotion of Lt. Phil Hatcher, the Acting Police Chief, to Police Chief, effective immediately, succeeding former Chief Fred Thompson who resigned on December 8, 2016.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Raffle Permits for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited, ND Appaloosa Horse Club, Valley City Lions

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Procedures:

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

No personal attacks to persons present or not

No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

Thank you for participating in City Government.

From the audience Lloyd Nelson attempted to speak and was told by the Mayor that he did not prior to the meeting, request a time to speak, and to sit down.

 

RESOLUTION

The City Commission  approved a calling for a Special Election to elect a City Commissioner, to succeed, Richard Ross who resigned on January 4, 2017.

Petitions may be taken out starting February 13, 2017.

Petitions must be returned to City Hall be March 14th, with 142 valid signatures.

The Special Election Day will be on Tuesday May 23, 2017.

The time line will include time to officially publish notice of the election in the official newspaper.

In a letter dated January 4, 2017,  to the Valley City Commission, Commissioner Rick Ross tendered his resignation.

Ross was elected to the City Commission in June of 2016.

Ross resigned following what he alleges were threats of violence against him and his family that occurred over several weeks by some Barnes County residents.

 

Commissioners  approved a Resolution approving the  Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Cost for Construction of Improvements for 2017 City Parking Lots Improvement District, and authorizes advertisements for bids.  Storm water runoff and green areas will be taken under consideration.

 

The City Commission approved a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District # 113 to Bituminous Paving Inc. in the amount of $1,826,300.75

 

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission approved  the Final Acceptance of the West Main Street Hot Bituminous Pavement Shared-Use Path Construction & Incidentals

 

Approved Final the Acceptance of the 6th St NE, 2nd Ave NE – Paving Improvement District No.110, Mill and Overlay & Incidentals.

 

Commissioners approved a 5 year income tax exemption and a 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 in building value, for Renaissance Zone applicants, Ronald & LeeAnn Peterson, and designate it as VC-82.  George Dutton said the Renaissance Zone Committee recommends approval with the applicants meeting all requirements.

 

The Commission approved a 5 year income tax exemption and a 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 in building value. for Renaissance Zone applicant Ruth Nathan, and designate it as VC-104.) George Dutton again said the Renaissance Zone Committee recommends approval with the applicants meeting all requirements.

 

Following discussion, Commissioners approved the appointment of David Schelkoph to the MRES Board of Directors.

Schelkoph said issues concern regulation by the federal government are being addressed, adding that he will provide input to the MRES from Valley City.  He told the commissioners that he will have time to take on the extra responsibilities.

Commissioner Bishop noted that Schelkoph still needs a job evaluation performed.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners voted 3-1 to approve with Commission Bishop voting in opposition.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

David Schelkoph reminded residents not to push snow into the streets when clearing snow from their property.

He said compacted snow forms icy conditions on the streets, which is difficult to remove.  The exception is the downtown area.  Sidewalks are to be cleaned within 24 hours following the end of a snow event.

Contractors removing snow are reminded to do the same, as Schelkoph pointed out fines to those not following  the city ordinance.

 

He added that residents purchasing energy efficient items, are entitled to rebates from the city.   Over $100,000 was rebated to Valley City residents last year, under the Bright Energy Solutions program, plus savings in their electricity bills.

 

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Russell Myhre said with the Phase Three Flood protection buyouts, they are continuing.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath reminds citizens to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow.

Police Chief Hatcher reminded residents of the 72 hour parking on streets Ordinance.

 

Mayor Carlsrud pointed out that citizens need to be respectful of all elected officials.

 

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