VCcommPixsValley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening  (Sept 3, 2013) at City Hall.  All members were present.

Fire Chief Retterrath presented to Lorraine Thompson a plaque for Chuck Thompson for his many years of service to the Valley City Fire Department.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

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 $1,816,894.17

Game of chance raffle Permit for Barnes County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. and Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals.

Public Forum…no on spoke.

Ordinances

The City Commission approved the First Reading of Ordinance approving the Platting of the Northport Addition.

New Business

City Commissioners apporved the South Central Dakota Regional Council proposal to administer the Phase II Housing Buyout and enter into a contract for the Phase II HousingThe approval is contingent upon a signed contract with the State Water Commission.

 

The City Commission approvedVCSU’s Tailgating request.The City Attorney and Police Chief have met and agreed the request is consistent with the State Board of Higher Education policies, and the Valley City Ordinance pertaining to open containers being allowed at the tailgating parties.

The City Commission then discussed the status of the drainage on Winter Show Road near the AmericInn. Mayor Werkhoven said with the development in the area, and the June 2013 flash flood that something needs to done to address the drainage issue there. He said the NDDOT needs to address previous actions, and help mitigate drainage issues.He suggested a new piping system and or retention pond be installed. The Commissioners were in agreement that the drainage issues in the city be addressed including the ponding of water.

Discussion then centered on the mill & overlay on 5th Avenue NE from 12th St to the north end of city limits, in conjunction with the county road project. 

Discussion then centered on the mill & overlay on 5th Avenue NE from 12th St to the north end of city limits, in conjunction with the county road project. KLJ suggested options that might be possible, with the contractor and Barnes County. Mayor Werkhoven said the city will look into financing for the city’s participitation.

The City Commission approved General Fund dollars transferred to a money source for emergency projects at the VCPD.

The City Commissioners discussed the Design and Construction Engineering contract with KLJ for well replacement (well number 5) a part of which has collapsed, near St. Catherine’s Church in the amount of $9,000.The Commissioners approved the project and costs.

 

 

City Administrator Report:

David Schelkoph said the Cooper Power utility load control AMI box did not meet an Underwriters Laboratory approval. That means a delay in receiving new boxes of about 5-6 weeks. He suggested that the city stay with the Cooper Power AMI load control boxes, even with a November 1, 2013 delivery date. Commissioner Luke suggested the city get out of the contract with Cooper Power, or look at options in light of the present issue. Commissioner Nielson suggested at looking at the city asking for damages from the company. Schelkoph said the company has the issues resolved to the satisfaction of U.L.He added the delay is not costing the city money.

City Updates & Commission Comments

City Attorney Myhre said, with recodifciation three proposed items are being addressed under animal control, criminal, and traffic codes. City fire codes are being discussed with the Fire Chief.

With buyouts, phase two is underway, with discussions with FEMA.

Talks are also ongoing with Barnes County Rural Water.

Auditor Richter said a preliminary budget is drafted with the exception of the Public Works budget. The budget will be ready for approval at the September 16, 2013 meeting.

KLJ gave an update on the 9th Avenue Northwest project, which may run past the September 16th completion date.

Paving of other projects should be completed by mid to late September this year.

Commissioner Luke said the river bank erosion study project has the fieldwork and soil samples completed.

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

Stutsman County officials have learned that technical issues arose during the integration of the Stutsman County-Richland County 911 system with Barnes County, which was supposed to be complete Aug. 14th this year. Stutsman County 9-1-1 Coordinator, Jerry Bergquest says new activation date has not yet been set.