bobdrake2Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session, Monday evening (Oct. 7, 2013) at City Hall.

Commissioner Nielson present via a telephone conference call.

Jennifer Pickard, the Executive Director of a Bullying Support Group talked about the group, and that it’s a peer support group. She noted that bullying occurs not just in schools, but in all walks of life. She said Wednesday October 9, 2013, residents are asked to wear orange shirts or orange ribbons, to show support, and she announced local showings of the move “Bully.”

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 $2,185,667.74.

Public Forum:  Bob Drake talked about the Armed Citizens Patrol, and the number of fights that he says are occurring downtown…11 fights 3 weeks, he said, plus domestic disturbances .  He said arming individuals is not the main goal, but rather to stop fights.   He noted many years of law enforcement experience, have resigned the Valley City Police Department.  He said an officer with 28 years experience has left the Police Department.

Police Cheif Fred Thompson said, some officers left to retire, or to seek positions with more money.  He said officers who left “wouldn’t give me a straight answer.”

City Attorney Russell Myhre said in talking with his peers they noted an increase in criminal activity in North Dakota.  He said he does not recommend an armed citizens patrol, as the individuals would not be trained, and the city would incurr liabilities.  He said fights in Valley City are occurring in parking lots, and streets, and not inside bars.

Mayor Werkhoven said the fights are not necessarily caused by people just moving to Valley City.

Ordinances

Approved the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 960, an ordinance approving the 2014 budget. City Auditor Avis Richter said, the budget is just under $1.2 million, at 94 mills. She said the budget now will be sent to Barnes County for approval.

Resolutions

Approved a Resolution for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event license for Market Place Liquors and Dakota Silver to serve wine and beer at the Barnes County Museum on November 5, 2013, for the Rotary Club’s Wine and Beer Tasting.

 

New Business:

The City Commissioners approved a Cost Participation and Maintenance Agreement with the NDDOT for the I-94 Exit 294 Lighting with the city cost share of $23,927.

 

Commissioners voted to approve a Cost Participation and Maintenance Agreement with the NDDOT for the 7th Street SE road extension, by John Deere Manufacturing Plant.

 

The City Commission approved the preliminary engineering design and construction contract for I-94 Regional Development Corridor Phase I (7th Avenue Street Improvement – Greenline Deere Addition) with Moore Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $283,500, paid with and approved by the Economic Development.

The City Commission approved the preliminary engineering design and construction contract for I-94 Regional Development Corridor Phase I (water, sanitary and storm sewer improvements) with Moore Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $256,100.

The City Council approved the preliminary engineering design contract for I-94 Regional Development Corridor Phase I (I-94 and Wolski Plaza Road Improvements) with Moore Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $87,000.

The City Commissioners approved the Cass County Electric and Valley City Public Works Service Territorial Agreement.

 

Approved a Food and Beverage Grant for ND Winter Show in the amount up to $75,000.

Approved using Public Works funds, up to $400,000, for the local share of 25% for the Phase II buyout for 5th Avenue SW.

The City Commission approved the amendment to the SWC buyout contract.

The City Commissioners directed the permanent flood committee to develop a conceptual permanent flood control plan including funding for the November 18, 2013 commission meeting. (Commissioner Luke)

City Administrator Report

David Schelkoph gave an update on the installation of the automated utility meters, and the equipment communicating within the system.

The Recodification process is proceeding.

The Barnes Rural Water agreement is nearing completion, pending one more meeting, followed by presentations to their board and the City Commission.

 

City Updates & Commission Comments:

City Auditor Richter noted the next City Commission meeting will be held on TUESDAY Oct 22, 2013, instead of Monday Oct 21.

Fire Chief Retterath said applications are being reviewed, and more are being accepted in the recruitment of volunteer city fire fighter.

City Police Chief Fred Thompson said a new officer will be coming on duty with the swearing in at the next City Commission meeting.

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