– City Commission Approves Flood Buyouts

Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening (Nov 4, 2013) at City Hall.

All members were present.

Mayor Werkhoven swore in a new Valley City Police officer, Andrew Eisenschenk a native of St. Cloud, Minnesota.

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 $2.4 million/

Game of Chance Raffle Permit for ND Winter Show, VCHS Art Department, Sheyenne Valley Area CTC.

Public Forum: No one spoke

Ordinances

Approved First Reading of an Ordinance changing the regular scheduled meeting day of the City Commission to Tuesday.

Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance rezoning I-1 Light Industrial to B-2 Highway Business on Fairhill Properties for Stoudt Properties, LLC.

The Planning Commission previously recommended approval, for the Stoudt-Ross Ford re-location.

New Business:

The City Commissioner Pedersen reviewed and approved appraised amounts for Phase 2 buy-out:

667 5th Avenue SW 659

5th Avenue SW 496 6th Street SW

504 5th Avenue SW

492 5th Avenue SW

480 5th Avenue SW

The amount totals $413,000, with a buffer of $100,000.

City Commissioner Luke suggested the appraisal be reviewed by the City Assessor, as also indicated by City Attorney Russell Myhre.

The City Commission voted to approve, on a 3-2 vote, with Werkhoven and Luke voting in opposition.

Approved the design and engineering contract with KLJ for Water Main Improvement District No. 96 in the amount up to 17% of the construction cost.

Approved the design and engineering contract with KLJ for Paving Improvement District No. 104 in the amount up to 17% of the construction cost.

A Follow up discussion was held on Resolution No. 1932, the buyout resolution. Commissioner Luke, said another member of the negotiating committee is needed.At Monday’s meeting the City Commission approved the appointment of Keith Hovland and Ken Reid.

An update was given on the Sheyenne River Bank Restoration Study received from URS. Commissioner Luke said the study in nearly completed, under budget.One area of the city was not included. A CD on the study is available. 14 spots were note of concern. A public meeting will be set with the engineers performing the study.

City Commissioners then discussed the Advanced Planning Techniques program. Commissioner Luke noted that she and Commissioner Nielson attending a recent meeting on the computer program. She says MWH says a software program available, and asked if the city would like a demonstration by the company, which the Commission concurred with.

City Administrator’s Schelkoph’sReport:

There has been a delay in the Cooper Power load control equipment, adding there has been so far 170 combined combined utility meters installed in Valley City.He noted the city’s recodification process is continuing.He pointed out that the Valley City Police Department has made “high profile” arrests in recent cases.

City Updates and Commissioner Comments:

City Assessor Sandy Hansen explained the assessment process of property, in the city. She started a sales verification of recent home purchasers. Homes have been selling higher that the assessed valuation.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterrath reported on the recent recuitment process.

City Police Chief Thompson reminded resident, in an emergency call 9-1-1 as the police department is on duty 24-7.

He says the police department will be fully staffed by the end of this year after the hire one more p officer. Five new police officers have been hired in the past year and a half, as saeveral veteran police officers have retired, or left to work for other law enforcement agencies.

Commissioner Nielson said she will attend the State Water Commission meeting to be held in Jamestown, in November, and encouraged other city officials to attend if possible. She noted that tourism is up in Valley City.

Mayor Werkhoven said an updated map is needed on the redrawn city limits.

He noted a separate phone number is need for public works in the event of an emergency situation rather than using 9-1-1. Administrator Schelkoph said residents should call 9-1-1 in the event of a utility emergency.

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