CSi News Now – Valley City, ND – August 6, 2012

The Valley City Commission met in regular session. In attendance were Commissioners Werkhoven, Pedersen, Magnuson, Luke and Nielson.

Minutes approved.

Click for Online Agenda & other documents

Approval of Consent Agenda – approved

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works, Accountant.

B. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $

C. Approve Game of chance Raffle Permit for Trinity Lutheran Ecuador Mission, Barnes County Senior Citizens Council, Inc and Ducks Unlimited-Barnes County Chapter.

Public Forum – sign in required – no one

Resolutions

R1) Approve Resolution No. 1866, a resolution approving final plans, specification and estimate of probably cost and directing advertisement for bids for construction of improvements for Main Street Retaining Wall for eroded river bank. (KLJ – Erik)

– to put in sheet-piling wall to protect Main Street. No comments from audience. Approved 5-0

New Business

N1) Consider approving new platt of Hillside Addition. (Valley Realty) Jim Knutson appeared to speak on developing 17 lots, ready to start work after approved. Hill stabilization was discussed, City Engineer noted this area north of area that had problems.No soil studies have been done to date. No questions from audience. Approved 5-0

N2) Consider appointment of George Dutton to the Visitor’s Committee to replace Mary Lee Nielson for a 4 year term. (Visitor’s Committee) Approved 5-0.

N3) Consider publishing the agenda in the Times-Record at $110 per publication. (Auditor Richter) Price of publication has increased from $100 to $110, twice a month. Magnuson voiced concerned over spending $220/month for information available on the website. The City also publishes minutes. Approved 3-2, Magnuson & Nielson voting nay.

N4) Consider increasing the Credit Card line of credit from $12,000 to 20,000 and to approve the designation of the card holders. (Auditor Richter) and authorize 5 cardholders – Police Chief, Fire Chief, City Auditor, City Administrator, Public Works Accountant

Approved 5-0

N5) Discuss preliminary long range plans for capital improvements/infrastructure. (KLJ)

Put together 10 year plan for streets and infrastructure in a priority list.

2013 – $2.1 million in projects (streets)

2014 – $3.3 million in projects (more street work & water line replacement Victory Park area

Ten year total for long range plan at $2-3 million dollars per year, estimating $20-30 million

N6) Discuss Budget process. (Auditor Richter) – Richter will present 1st draft budget by August 20, will print preliminary budget by Sept 10. Sept 17 will be 1st reading.

N7) Update on tree project along 13th Avenue SE. (City Administrator Schelkoph)

Grant money to purchase trees not available, City working on alternatives & quotes on trees to plant as buffer between residential and commercial properties.

N8) Discuss infrastructure improvements for Law Enforcement Center. (City Administrator Schelkoph) – looking to move 911 window and install larger evidence locker in LEC.

N9) Commissioner Pedersen’s review on the State Water Commission comments on the City Auditorium – Pedersen commented on groups interested in purchasing building, so he had KLJ do elevations on the property. The property sits in floodway since the land is below the approved level. SWC likes the idea of use of the property, but they couldn’t support a project in the building since in the floodway. Pedersen asked what direction should the City pursue. City had wanted to do some improvements in the building on hopes to sell the building. The auditorium costs the City approximately $25,000 in costs.

N10) Update on housing buyout. (Commissioner Pedersen) – meeting of the task force held, likely to have $500,000 left over, discussion was to open up for bids from contractors for removal/tear down. Might be able to accelerate some buyouts.

N11) Addition to Agenda: Consider adding a Lieutenant position. – not to change function, but to change title. City Attorney Myhre said appropriate to make a motion to change position from detective to Lieutenant. Pay would not change. Approved 5-0

City Administrator Report – pavement repair needed around Water Treatment Plant. Auditor, Commissioner Nielsen and Chief Thompson will be attending the County Commission meeting August 7 on the topic on 911. The City position will be to leave the contract as is for another year. Stoplight on Central blinking has bad control box. If others fail, may have to put in 4-way stop signs. Looking to get bids on new controllers. A salvage plan for buy-outs has been okayed by State Water Commission. Land use after buy-out needs a City enacted resolution to not allow any home construction on the land in future.

Fire Chief Retterrath – will receive $4500 for old fire truck. Chief Thompson – has started new policy and procedures. Mayor – suggested new commissioners attend League of Cities meeting.

Stated water treatment is controlling sulfates.

Adjourn at 6:05pm .

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68, and will REPLAY throughout the week.