Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, Monday evening (May 6, 2013) at City Hall.  Commissioner Nielson was not present.

Proclamations weree read for Nurse’s Day

and Arbor Day and observed on May 3, 2013 .

 

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 $1,966,609.03

An Electric License renewal for Fehr Electric.

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Valley Soapbox Derby Club (2) and Barnes County 4-H Hippology Club.

A Renewal of PLCL Tree Trimming License.

A fireworks Display by The Broken Spoke on June 15 for Rally in the Valley.

 

Public Forum..No one spoke…

　

Resolutions

Commissioners approved a Resolution accepting the Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 102 and Paving Improvement District No. 103 to Strata Corporation in the amount of $696,911.52

 

Approved a Resolution establishing Water and Sewer Hook-up rates to

$1,000 per hook-up if done after ten years of sewer or water main replacement.

$1,000 per hook-up if done after ten years of sewer or water main replacement

$2,000 per hookup if done in conjunction with total reconstruction of street

$3,000 per hook-up for water or sewer replacement with trench patch up to 10 years.

New Business

Approved the 2012 transfers out of the infrastructure R&R fund.

City Auditor Avis Richter outlined the two projects and the costs incurred.

City Commissioners approved a request to Block Off Central Avenue on June 8, 2013 for the Soap Box Derby (or June 9 if it rains) from 3rd Street to 8th Street. (Sheyenne Valley Soap Derby Club)

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for The Broken Spoke Family Restaurant & Saloon during June 15 Rally in the Valley

 

Police Chief Fred Thompson discussed a weapon purchase plan by officers.

He indicated the weapons that are purchased, are paid back to the city by a payroll deduction.

The City Commissioners vote in favor of the plan.

 

As explained by City Administrator Schelkoph, the City Commission considered the Valley Recycling Garbage Truck Lease Agreement in the amount of $25,000.

The City Commission approvedthe Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Three ER sites, Safe Routes to School, Paving Improvement District No. 97 and Box Culvert replacement, hot bituminous patching, riprap and incidentals.

Approved the Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Paving Improvement District No. 101.

Approved the Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 48.

 

From the audience, Bob Drake discussed Smart Meters. He said the City Commission did not have the proper facts to approve the meters, at a prior Commission meeting, including the over all costs and the number of meters that will need to be replaced.

City Administrator Schelkoph said it was unfair to say the City Commission did not take time to review issues, and that Cooper Power made a presentation to the city.

Drake  questioned if the City Commission followed Roberts Rules of Orders in the original vote on the approval of smart meters.

Mayor Werkhoven said some of Drake’s and other community issues on the meters, including F.C.C. regulations will be addressed at a public meeting.

Commissioners approved the renewal of Site Authorization for North Dakota Wildlife Federation at the Eagles Club.

Also approved was the renewal of Site Authorization for Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club at Tavern 94 (renewal) and one at Bridges Bar & Grill (new).

Considered the Environmental Health Services voluntary testing fees of $25/per employee, with a wellness program with On the Move.  The Commissioners voted to approve the availability.

 

Approval was given for the Barnes Rural Water Agreement for Hoff and Swanberg properties to hook up to city water, applying to those two customers only, at the appropriate rates.

 

City Administrator Report

David Schelkoph noted this is Cleanup Week in Valley City and noted what will be picked up and what will not be picked up.

He said the Army Corps of Engineer’s reported Monday that releases from Bald Hill Dam may be increased to 2,400 cfs with the current inflows at 4,100 cfs. Rich Schueneman the Bald Hill Dam, Manager said the increase may not be necessary and will be decided later this week.

Schueneman has said inflows coming in from the north are manageable this year and the summer pool level of 1266 feet should be reached on Lake Ashtabula by the end of this week.

A release 2,400 cubic feet per second would put the Sheyenne River level in Valley City to about 11.25 feet.

City Attorney Russell Myhre explained Roberts Rules of Order, and Mason’s Rules of Orders as they apply to the City Commission business, and did not note any flaws in following the rules of order.

City Updates & Commission Comments

Commissioner Pedersen told the panel that the Governor has signed the bill that allocates $12 million in permanent flood control for Valley City, including flood walls, clay levees and protection for Valley City State University’s campus.

Mayor Werkhoven said he appreciates the efforts of Governor Dalrymple and State Senator Larry Robinson, in getting the dollars, along with the State Water Commission.

 Steve Hammel was introduced as  the new  Barnes County/Valley City Public Library, Director, effective May 6, 2013.

Hammel was the library director in Denison, Iowa before coming to Valley City.

Hammel asked for volunteers, adding that he looks forward to the challenge.

Hammel succeeds  library director Mary E. Fischer, who  passed away in  late 2012.

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