Valley City Flood Protection Discussed At Meeting

Valley City, ND  (KCSi-T.V. News Aug 19, 2013)  —  The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

Discussion was held on the design of 2013 Flood Protection Program, specifically College Street, 5th Avenue SW, and general design concept citywide. KLJ in Valley City help lead the discussion.

Following comments from the public, Commissioner Matt Pederson said Valley City has plans and priorities to protect the city, adding that flood risk factors have been taken into consideration city-wide. He pointed out that the city does not yet have funding for a comprehensive flood study plan.

Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson added that the city is working with the State Water Commission, and said Valley City will hold more public hearings on the issue.

Mayor Werkhoven is also looking for additional funding from outside sources, including the State of North Dakota.

In other business…

A Public Hearing was held for an Application for a 5 Year Commercial Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses for Stoudt Properties LLC, Stoudt-Ross Ford, at 4th Avenue SW & Winter Show Road.

Casey Stoudt appeared and explained plans for the business in Valley City. He said Stoudt Ross Ford in Valley City will be moving to the top of the hill along Winter Show Road.  One option is to move both Stoudt Ross Ford and Miller Motors near the Wagon Wheel Inn.

Stoudt says another option is to build a new Stoudt Ross Ford facility and to move Miller Motors into the existing Stoudt Ross Ford location on West Main Street.

Stoudt says the new facility would be about 18,000 square feet compared to the existing facility of 13,000 square feet.

He said the current amount of Valley City employees will be retained, and eventually expanded.

He added that prospects are likely for the purchase of existing buildings.

Following the public hearing the City Commission unanimously approved a Resolution allowing a 5 Year Commercial Property Tax Incentive to Stoudt Properties LLC.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included

Blocking Off Street on August 23 from 5:30 – 8:00 at 8th Ave NE between 3rd & 4th Sts.

A game of chance raffle permit for “Fore Anna’s Sake Charity” and USBC Youth Bowling.

Public Forum  No one spoke.

Resolutions

Approved a Resolution approving new city garbage rates. City Adminstrator Schelkopf said the commercial gabage rates will double in all rate classifications, and the landfill fees will also increase. He pointed out the adjustments reflect increasing costs in garbage hauling by the cityl

Ordinances

Approved was the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance approving the Plat of the VanBruggen Subdivision located in the NE ¼ Sec 29, Twsp 140 N Range 58, W of the Fifth Principal Meridian, Valley City, Barnes County, ND.

Also approved was the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance approving Replat of Block 3, Fairhill Properties situated in the NE ¼ of Sec 28, Twsp 140 N Range 58, W of the Fifth Principal Meridian, Valley City, Barnes County, ND.

New Business

City Commissioners reviewed the Housing Incentive offered by the city.Noted in addition to construction allowance, the city park and recreation department also offers incentives. The Commissioners voted to keep intact the present city housing incentive.

City Commissioners approved the low bid of $23,692 to Miller Motors for 2014 – 2 ½ Ton Extended Cab Pickup for the Water Treatment Plant. Two bids were received.

A Retail Image Enhancement Grant up to $5,000 for The Captain’s Pub was approved.

The improvement project includes replacement of doors and windows.

City Updates & Commission Comments

City Auditor Avis Richter noted FEMA has sent the city a check for $458,000 for 2009 flood related street repairs, the FEMA portion of the total costs.

City Fire Chief Retterath said, with recent accidents, in Valley City and the area, he reminds residents to drive carefully.

Mayor Werkhoven praised the first responders when the multiple vehicle accident occurred on Main Street, last Friday evening.

KLJ gave updates on the various street projects….at 12th avenue Northeast near Legacy Place, 9th street Northeast, 9th avenue northwest.  KLJ’s Chad Petersen says most of the street reconstruction projects should be finished by the middle or by the end of September.

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