Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, Tuesday evening virtually via the Zoom platform.

All members were present.

Discussion was held on the Valley City Mask Plan.   Mayor Carlsrud said, the commission had three options, on the Mask Mandate that expires on Friday February 19, 2021.  Options included ending the mask mandate in place, ending at the meeting date, or extending the mandate.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to end the mask mandate, only, in the Emergency Order.

Mayor Carlsrud agreed  to end the mask mandate, which can be reimposed at a later date, with City Commission approval.  The Commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the mask mandate.  Masking up in Valley City public buildings by employees is still encouraged, if social distancing is not being observed, with a specific plan to be developed.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

  1. ApproveD Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:
  2. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
  3. Peterson Mechanical Inc.
  4. Kohn Electric LLC
  5. Enterprise Electric, Inc
  6. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.

 

  1. Hi-Line Electric, Inc. Master Electricians License Contingient Pending

 

  1. Bentson Electric
  2. Dakota Electric Construction
  3. Hope Electric
  4. Scott’s Electric
  5. BDT Mechanical

 

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for the following:
  2. Dakota Plans Ag
  3. Valley City Music Boosters
  4. District 24 Republicans

 

 

Public Comments  No one spoke

 

ORDINANCE

Approved the first reading of Ordinance 1073 an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies. City Attorney Martineck said based on activities over the past nine months, the Ordinance regulates appropriate activities, and restricts times and places to set up pickets and protests, and to notify police prior.  Bull Horns are limited for use during certain hours.  Violators will be guilty of an infraction with no jail time, and a fine up to $1,000, handled in municipal court.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approved the VCBCDC request for $16,254.  Director, Jennifer Feist said, the dollars will be used for small project funding, with reimbursements to the taxing authority.

 

Approved changing the April 20th Commission meeting to Monday, April 19th to allow for NDLC training. Finance Director Richter  said the conference will be held in Bismarck and the change in date will allow those interest to attend.

Approved to move forward with 2021 Main Street Seal Coat Project. City Administrator Crawford said the approval includes specifics with elements of the project approved.

Approved a  Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve application by Valley Bridges Properties, LLC at 753 8 ½ Ave NW for the 5 year property tax and 5 year income tax exemption up to $300,000 for construction of new home, contingent on their Certificate of Good Standing, and designate it as VC-127. Avis Richter said, certificate in good standing has been approved by the state.

 

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Gwen Crawford said, the Chamber Bucks promotion is going well, adding that the Chamber will adjust purchasing hours if needed on a case by case basis.    She said water tower changes will continue to be addressed at future meetings with those involved.   She thanked department employees for working outside, during the brutally cold temperatures.

She was notified during the meeting that the Power Emergency level has been reduced from Level 3 to Level 1, which indicates  the chance of rolling black outs continuing is lessening.

 CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Martineck said the wireless communications items are being addressed, with the topic coming up for review in March.

Avis Richter said it’s possible that beginning in March the City Commission meetings are likely to return to City Hall.

Fire Chief Scott Magnuson reminds residents to keep sewer and furnace vents clear of ice, change furnace filters regularly and make sure floor drains have water in them to eliminate sewer gas in buildings.

Commission Gulmon said there remains $150,000 in the Chamber Bucks Love of Local funding.

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