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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Approved 2022 License to Sell L.P. Gas for:
a. Dakota Plains Ag
b. Petro Serve USA #071
c. CBF Oil Inc dba Vining Oil & Propane
And authorize the Auditor’s Office to issue licenses for applicants who meet all licensing requirements before December 30th, 2021.

Approved 2022 Mobile Home Park License Renewals for
a. Rockwater LLC
b. Richard Plecity Trailer Court

And authorize the Auditor’s Office to issue licenses for applicants who meet all licensing requirements before December 30th, 2021.

Also approved:
Approve 2022 Tree Trimming and Removal Service License for Pine Country Nursery.
Approve Raffle Permit for Sharp Shooter Showdown on February 5, 2022 at the Eagles.

Public Comments  No One Spoke

PUBLIC HEARING
Regarding changes to the official Zoning Map of the City.

Following the Public Hearing.  Approved was the Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1091, an Ordinance approving changes to the official Zoning Map of the City.  City Attorney Martineck said he received no comments from adjacent property owners.

ORDINANCE
Approved a  First Reading of Ordinance 1093, an Ordinance Amending and Reenacting Chapter 20-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code re City Lodging Tax.  City Attorney Martineck said several language changes were made under the North Dakota Century Code.  The tax will remain at three percent.

Approved the First Reading of Ordinance 1094, an Ordinance to Amend and Enact Section 15-01-16.2 of the Valley City Municipal Code regarding Surface Drainage and Storm Sewer System Cleaning and Maintenance Fee. City Attorney Martineck the fee was at $1.  The Resolution includes an increase in the fee.

RESOLUTION
Approved a Resolution 2328, a Resolution Establishing Electrical Rates. Public Works Manager Jacobson said, a rate increase was necessary, and involves large power usage, to reach a predetermined profit margin.  The rate increase amounts to an average $73 per month.

Approved a Resolution 2329, a Resolution Establishing Rates and Fees for Solid Waste Services. The rate increase includes, residential from $13 to $14,  and commercial rates from $22 to $24 per month, plus other increases, to offset losses, this year at $28,000.  The increase allows for a $30,000 margin.

Approved a Resolution 2330, a Resolution Establishing Rates for Surface Draining and Storm Sewer Cleaning and Maintenance Fee. Public Works Manager Jacobson said the fee goes from $1 to $2.50 per month, allowing for a margin of $62,500.

NEW BUSINESS
Approved Final Copy of the 2022 Employee Policy & Procedure Manual. City Attorney Martineck said major changes include family sick leave, removing the 40 hour cap as a written policy.  Full time employees only  are  not allowed to have family members to work in the same department.

Approved a new Service Agreement with Valley City Parks and Recreation and Valley City Convention and Visitors Bureau for Administration of City Lodging Tax.

Approved a Request for Funds from VCBCDC for Resource Development Specialist (3 years).  Director Jennifer Feist said the position will be for three years at a salary of $66,00o per year,  funding coming from the city sales tax for economic development.

Approve a Request for Funds from VCBCDC for Small Projects (2022). Jennifer Feist said the $20,000 is used for architectural  engineering, and a portion to pay property taxes on the small projects.

Approved a Public Works Capital and Operating Budgets for FY22. Public Works Manager Jacobson said the budget includes salary increases.   The capital budget is at $2,358,000, including a reserve of $3-million.  Public Works is looking to invest $180,000 for a new automated garbage truck next year, and another truck the following year.

Approved a  Gaming Site Authorization Renewal for ND Chapters of Delta Waterfowl Inc. Finance Director Richter said this is the annual renewal.

Approved  moving forward with NDDOT Maintenance Contract along I-94 Frontage Road from 12th Ave e to Exit 294.

Approved  the NDDOT Urban Roads Project Submittal List for Fiscal Year 2023-2026. City Engineer Chad Peterson said it includes newly programed projects for 2022-23, and project schedule changes.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Gwen Crawford said city officials have met with officials on flood mitigation, that included addressing to Mill Dam repairs in the funding.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Assessor Hansen said forms will be sent out to those asking about tax breaks and other issues, to be applied for annually.

Fire Chief Magnuson encourages Carbon Monoxide detectors be installed in residence, in light of the tragic loss of life Moorhead, MN, last weekend, evidently caused by the family being over come by carbon monoxide.  He said there are several different types of detectors available.

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