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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

A Mechanical Contractor License for Laney’s Inc.

Approved was  Blocking  off Street Application for the VC Chamber of Commerce on July 22nd for Crazy Daze.

PUBLIC COMMENTS …NO ONE SPOKE…

During the COVID-19 emergency, members of the public may request to make a public comment regarding city business by contacting City Hall (701) 845-1700 by 12 NOON on the day of the meeting to make arrangements.

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.

ORDINANCE

Approved was the second and final reading of an Ordinance Creating Section 20-04.01 to Extend City Sales, Use & Gross Receipts Tax dedicated to Permanent Flood Protection. City Attorney Martineck said no changes were made in the first reading.  The Ordinance was passed by voters in the June 2020 elections.

City Commissioners approved second and final reading of an to amend and reenact sections 14-08-07 and 14-08-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to penalties for striking unattended motor vehicle and driving without liability insurance. City Attorney Martineck said no changes were made, with administrative order previously approved by the Commission.

RESOLUTION

Approve was a Resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for Permanent Flood Protection Erosion Mitigation Phase 1 (Woodland Park Riverview Drive).  KLJ recommends the low bid of just over $445,000, by Strata Corporation.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved was a Special Alcohol Beverage Permit for the Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 on Central Avenue-200 Block for Summer Nights on Central Event on 7/23/2020, 7/30/2020, 8/20/2020 and 8/27/2020.

Census 2020 Report.  Committee Chairman Fire Chief Magnuson said, Valley City residents has filed 70-percent of the forms, and Barnes County 50.8 percent.   He said census takers will only visit addresses of those not already filing the form.   Those being visited will observe social distancing.   Census forms can also be filed on line.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Gwen Crawford gave a report on the StreetScape lighting with acorn lights just for the park recommended.

The lights will ordered and installation to then start.

She is meeting with department heads on projects for recommendations, which has saved the city money.

She observed a Valley City Rescue drill.

CITY UPDATES AND COMMISSION REPORTS:

City Attorney Martineck said one applicant for the Operations Superintendent will be interviewed, and two applicants for the City Engineers position have been received.

City Public Works Manager Gary Jacobson said Valley Recycling reported over 100 tons has been recently recycled by residents, with the recycling fee generating $62,700.

Building/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen reported that excavation has started on the VCSU building project, and construction has started on the Love’s Travel Center.  He said so far this year $20 million has been collected in building permit fees.

He noted that he is retiring from the position, and was wished well by those in attendance.

City Fire Chief Scott Magnuson reminded residents of the high water level on the Sheyenne River through Valley City, which is moving fast.  He cautioned residents to stay out of the fast moving current.  The crest is expected at 13.5 feet on Wednesday this week.

The Valley City budget meeting is Tuesday July 28 at 7-a.m. at City Hall.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked city employees for their work, and reminded residents of upcoming event in Valley City this week, and to observe social distancing when attending.   He noted a recent rise in positive COVID-19 tests in Barnes County.

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