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

Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.   Members of the public may view the meeting on line, at zoom.us/j/922 69970205.   Or listen by calling –  1-346-248-7799. Webinar ID: 922 6997 0205)

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

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 $1,431,492.21

 

A  Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on 9/24/2020.

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.

NEW BUSINESS

Considered advertising for bids the sale of vacant lot at 14th St SW, Parcel 63-0880017  A motion was made to retain the property which was approved.

Considered was a member participation agreement in the  North Dakota Public Health Insurance Trust. City Attorney Martineck  said if a two year agreement is maintained there will be no immediate increase in health insurance premiums, if the same plan is kept, along with a smaller increase in the future.  The City Commission voted to approve the participation.

The City Commission considered a Site Authorizations for VCSU Foundation at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, VC Town & Country Club, Shelly Ellig Field @ Lokken Stadium and the Valley City Eagles Club.   Finance Director Richter said the action is for a renewal, which was approved by commissioners.  She said the site authorizations are good for one year.

Considered was a recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board for tax exemptions for property tax and income tax for Smith Lumber.  Avis Richter said an approval is for five years, for a new building, as part of the businesses expansion.  The City Commission approved the action, as recommended by the Renaissance Zone Authority Board.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford said nuisance and junk was addressed, with police and the city, asking the commission for their input, in order to step up enforcement of the Ordinance.

CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS

City Finance Director, Avis Richter said, there will be a Special City Commission meeting Thursday September 3 at 7-a.m. at the Commission Chamber.  Agenda items will include reviewing the City Engineers  job applications, and reviewing the 2021 City Budget, and any possible changes before it is finalized.

Scott Magnuson reminded residents to there is one month left to have census information sent in.

Police Chief Phil Hatcher reminded motorists to watch for students in school zones, noting changes in the traffic flows involving students drop off and pick up locations, and more parents transporting children to and from school.

KLJ gave and update on projects, with some completions, including lighting.

Commissioner Gulmon thanked those who worked on the health insurance plan changes.  He said the Valley City Budget audit  was completed with no problems indicated.

Mayor Carlsrud addressed the surge in COVID-19 positive cases, in Barnes County, noting some decisions on the part of some people was not appropriate, (large social gatherings)  leading the spread of the virus.  He encourages masking and observing social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

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