Valley City  (CSi)  the Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, virtually on Tuesday evening.  All members were present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

 

Approved a 2021 Tree Trimming and Removal License for Pine Country Nursery.

Approved a 2021 Application to Operate Mobile Home Park for Plecity Mobile Home Park.

Approved paying bills in the amount of $1,290,121.10

 

Public Comments … No One Spoke…

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.

ü No personal attacks to persons present or not

ü No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform

ü 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair

ü Thank you for participating in City Government.

 

ORDINANCE

 

Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance Creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant for Structures to be removed in Accordance with the State Water Commission. City Attorney Martineck said, the structures are a part of Phase 4, of the Permanent Flood Protection.

 

 

RESOLUTION

Approved was a Resolution 265, a Resolution to sell Real Property at a Private Sale. City Administrator Crawford said the property is vacant having been removed by an explosion.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Transformer Purchase Request.  Electrical Superintendent Senf said made the presentation at the Finance Committee meeting, and was approved by the City Commission.

 

Approved was the Economic Development Contract.  Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said the contract is in force until December 21, 2029, when the city sales tax expires, and is reviewed every two years.

 

Approve Procurement Committee Final Report – 6th Street NW Engineering.  City Attorney Martineck said funding comes from the State Water Commission.  RFQ’s were received and KLJ, Moore was selected for Preliminary Engineering.

The approval passed on a 3-2 vote.  Commissioners Erickson and Bishop voted in opposition.

 

The city Commission received a Payment In Lieu of Taxes request for Trademark Tooling and Schedule date for a Public Hearing. The business performs machining and welding, and has a store front to sell items.  The payment information goes to the ND Commerce Department for approval. Each competitor will be informed of the Public Hearing date.

The request was unanimously approved.

City Commissioners, approved the Valley City CARES Business Assistance Program. Commissioners Gulmon and Magnuson spoke.  Gulmon said a committee was formed to discuss the issue.

Proposed is $200,000 in CARES Business Assistance Program funds, to be run by the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce.  $12,000 is earmarked for the Chamber to pay expense, $21,000 will go to waiving the liquor and beers license permit fees.  The total funding expenditure is  $233,000.  The Chamber will have more information on how the program will work using Chamber Bucks, which will have turnover of dollars to benefit local Valley City businesses.

 

Approved were Updates to the Covid 19 Cares Act Relief Fund. Finance Director Richter said the dollars go toward city projects, and to reduce the city mill levy, plus to pay thee $233,000 in previously action.

It then leaves a balance of $28,000..

 

The City Commission   approved  amending the Valley City Emergency Order, concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The Original Order stated that the Order will be amended in accordance with the North Dakota Emergency Order.  With the state change moving Barnes and all counties from High Risk to Moderate Risk, the Valley City Emergency Order is likewise amended under the Moderate Risk protocols.

 

The City Commission approved items in the 7th Avenue Northwest and 2nd Avenue Northeast reconstruction projects.

The City Engineer position was discussed. Commission Bishop said regarding transparency issues with the engineering scenario he pointed out that in the past, problems resulted in bringing in additional engineering firms to make corrections.  He moved that KLJ not bid on city projects if they want to be the city engineer.    Jennifer Feist added that based previous experience she feels the KLJ and Moore firms is having the “best of both world’s,” in performing engineering.

Mayor Carlsrud said he’s been supportive in the past engineering of KLJ, adding the city has a system of checks and balances, in making sure engineering by the firm is in accordance with city policy.

The motion was defeated, 3-2 with Commissioners Bishop and Erickson voting for the motion.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford said city portfolio holders are being updated regularly.  She noted that the recent snow removal process was reviewed for possible updates.

Police Chief Hatcher said, law enforcement is attending the ND legislative session to express possible changes in state law.

Commissioner Bishop complemented the City Fire and Police Departments for their work.

Commissioner Magnuson also praised the city staff for their work in 2020 during the COVID -19 pandemic.

Mayor Carlsrud reminded motorists to drive using winter time driving habits, now that the snow is falling more regularly.

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