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Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Sept 16, 2013) — the Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday (September 16, 2013) at City Hall. 

Vice President Matt Pedersen presided over the meeting in the absence of President Werkhoven.

 Approval of Consent Agenda included:

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for St. Catherine School PTO and Valley City Men’s Bowling Association, and Pheasants Forever.

A Parade permit for VCHS Homecoming Parade on September 27, 4 pm.

Approval of Electricians Permit; for 3-Phase Electric.

Approval of Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit of City Lights on October 4 for the VCSU Viking Hall of Fame Banquet.

Approval of a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for City Lights on October 5 for the VCSU Stickler Scholarship Dinner.

Public Forum: No one spoke.

Ordinances

Approved a Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance, zoning North Port Addition to R-4 Multiple Family Dwelling.

City Commissioners held a Open Public Hearing for 2014 Budget. City Auditor Avis Richter said the city’s levy for 2014 is $1,194,100, and 93.29 Mills. She pointed out, that figure is $100 less than the 2013 budget. Appropriations are $8.5 million.

From the audience, Bobby Koepplin asked the City Commission to added more dollars to the budget, and consider other city needs and projects in the city.

Following the Hearing the City Commission voted to approve First Reading of an Ordinance adopting the 2014 budget.

The Second Reading will be at the October 7, 2013 City Commission meeting.

New Business:

Commissioners unanimously approved a request for funds in the amount of $25,000 to the VC Development Corporation for the movie theatre. Jennifer Feist, Economic Development, Director said the amount equals that requested from Barnes County.

Pedersen pointed out that renovations of the building has started.

City Commissioners reviewed funding for the I-94 Regional Development Corridor. Jennifer Feist, from Economic Development provided an update including that the bond issue, on the land is in effect and the payment schedule has been established. She said no EDA Funding is available, and offered options. She said the project is being funded by Economic Development resources, and Tax Increment Financing agreements. She detailed the financial recap. She added when bids come in and information from John Deere Seeding is availble the numbers will change again.

She noted the National Guard’s contribution changes.She said she will be back to the City Commission with periodic updates.

Approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant up to the amount of $5,000 for RFM Investments, Inc. (Bridge City Car Wash). Visitor’s Committee Chairman Bobby Koepplin said the committee unanimously voted a do-pass recommendation.

The City Commission approved a Visitor’s Committee recommendation to release the balance of the Flex PACE funds from Fund 240 to Economic Development Corporation in the amount of $14,000, and returned to the sales tax fund. Koepplin and Feist explained changes in the program, which has been sent to local businesses, on leveraging Bank of North Dakota loans.

The Commissioners approved the revised guidelines and application for Service & Retail Business Development & Image Enhancement Grant Fund (the cap increased amount from $5,000 to $7,500). Visitor’s Committee Chairman Bobby Koepplin said the Flex Pace language was taken out of the proposal.

Informationally, The City Commission received an application for Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses for VC Developers LLC dba Bridges Bar & Grill and Schedule Public Hearing for October 21, 2013.

 

The City Commission Approved a letter of support for the Sheyenne River Watershed, Non Point Implementation grant to include the Sheyenne River and its tributaries.

City Administrator’s Report from David Schelkoph:

A bi-weekly report will be issued in conversation with Cooper Power for the utility meter reading project . November 1st is the scheduled receiving date for a portion of the equipment.

He noted information he obtained from attending various seminars at last weekend’s League of Cities meeting.

City Updates & Commission Comments:

City Attorney Russell Myhre added that he also attended the meeting and seminars, which he will distribute a portion of his information concerning the Home Rule Charter in terms of regulations, to the City Commission, along with planning and zoning and the annexation process.

The City Commission will be scheduling additional meetings regarding working on the City’s recodification process of the City Code.  Initially it will include issues of Animal Control, Crime, and Traffic.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath said the fire department is presently recruiting new members.  Those interested may contact him at the City Fire Hall.

Commissioner Nielson pointed out that the State Park and Recreation meeting was held recently in Valley City, and pointed out that the city’s has ideal services and other amenities to be able to host smaller state meetings.

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