Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Mar 27, 2013) — The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Wednesday (Mar 27, 2013) at 8-a.m. at City Hall.  All Commissioners were present with Commissioner Luke participating via telephone.

Commissioners overviewed the spring 2013 flood forecast with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bald Hill Dam, Manager Rich Schueneman.

He said, as of this morning the Lake Ashtabula level was at 1257. 15 feet, with the maximum draw down scheduled for 1257 feet..

The Bald Hill Dam release this morning was cut to 100-120 cfs.

He said the release will continue to be cut back to match inflows.

He pointed out that the flood buyouts in Valley City has eliminated the need for 200,000 sandbags should the need for flood protect arise.

Schueneman pointed out that the latest snow pack moisture survey indicates 2-4 inches locally and about 3-5 inches in the upper basin, which he said is good figure right now.

He added that the National Weather Service will issue an updated seven day forecast this Friday.

He said the river level, trigger that requires the installation of clay dikes on the Sheyenne in Valley City is 17 feet and at 18 feet the flow is 5500 cfs through Valley City.

On line links to Sheyenne River levels:

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=fgf&gage=vcrn8&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

 

A Valley City Public Works budget update was presented by City Administrator David Schelkoph, which is planned to be regularly updated.

He presented the five year overview history of each of the department’s budgets.

He projects a profit in the electrical department.

He pointed out if the AMI meter reading proposal is approved, it will mean a reduction in overall costs.  A public meeting is planned for April 4, 2013.

Each department’s estimated incomes were projected, with the electrical department income projected at $7.169 million.

The Water Department budget was broken down to Treatment Plant income, and operations and maintenance.

Discussions included the AMI and Electric Fund Payback Funds

He said cash on hand is about $5.829 million.

Schelkoph pointed out improvements to the downtown electric substation, and a transformer change out.

Capital Improvement projects are earmarked at $1.4 million.

The Commissioners discussed transfers from the city’s electric fund to other utilities and for permanent flood control in Valley City, which includes $1 million.

More decisions will be made based on action by the State Water Commision.

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