Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met on Tuesday (Sept. 4, 2012) at City Hall. All members were present.

 

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 $3,470,305.93

A new Master Heater Installation license for SA Mechanical.

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for Tony Kramer Benefit Fundraiser.

　

Public Forum: No one spoke.

 

Resolutions:

The City Commission approved a Resolution authorizing the city to work with economic development to purchase land from Stan Ryan for the National Guard.

City Administrator Schelkoph the land is 70 acres, east of John Deere.

He said the land is the number one site of the National Guard.

Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said a public presentation will be held as the plan comes together, including the economic “big picture.”

 

New Business:

The City Commission approved the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Contract for 2013.

Auditor Richter recommended the current policy be continued in 2013.

 

The City Commissioners reviewed a buyout of the Julie Munkeby property lost to fire, at 420, 422 and 424 5th Avenue SW and Mike Schmidt at 440 5th Avenue SW (land only).

City Administrator Schelkoph said the land could then be used for flood mitigation.

 

City Commissioner, Luke led a discussionthe status on housing buyouts.

Commissioner Luke explained the buyouts have been accomplished without complications.

$3 million came from the State Water Commission and $1million is the local responsibility.

Commissioner Pedersen said he supports changes in phase two.

He supports the buyouts of 110 percent of the city assessments of the property, and independent appraisals.

He looks at comparable sales as a method to determine to purchase price, and income producing items for apartment unit buyouts.

 

The City Commission then discussed the River Management Plan.

Commissioner Luke commented some areas of town could benefit from federal intervention.

She said Phase I includes the Corps of Engineers generating a computer model of the Sheyenne River Valley, and then look at methods of flood control.

Erosion control and bank stabilization is also a primary concern.

She said keeping the aesthetic values in place, is of primary importance.

Phase II, and III will be in about three years, with the Corps looking closer at action based on the computer model, and develop a comprehensive plan.

Commissioner Pedersen said the Commission should wait to take any action, on hiring firms, until Phase I is completed.

Mayor Werkhoven continues to be concerned about funding.

 

City Administrator Report:

With construction projects;

Adminstrator Schelkoph said the 9th Avenue project is about 15% complete.

The mill and overlay is 100% complete.

Paving and and seal coat work is 100% complete.

With the FEMA project, work includes the Southeast quadrant of town, south of Brotheres Three, the Marketplace Foods area, and then heading to the Northeast part of Valley City.

 

He pointed out, City Forester Dave Dunham’s work is finished this year, and pointed out the need to continue to be vigilant on the spread of insects, and the effect on Valley City trees.

He added 25 of the homes on the flood buyout list have been purchased.

　

City Updates & Commission Comments:

Commissioner Nielson pointed out the Air Show will be held this weekend at the Barnes County Airport.

She added the Sheyenne Shuffle, last weekend was successful, and safe.

　

City Attorney Russell Myhre said the final phase of the flood buyout is nearly complete, and said the process “went amazingly well.”

He thanked the staff, Administrator Schelkoph, Commissioner Pederson and Myhre’s staff for their assistance in the program.

 

City Auditor Avis Richter said city budget meetings are still left to be held.

 

Police Chief Fred Thompson said, interviews are continuing for a police officer.

He said 48 adult arrests, and 10 juvenile arrests were made in August 2012.

He said 2 of the adult arrests required the use of force.

 

Mayor Werkhoven pointed out a successful weekend at the North Dakota Winter Show location, and noted that the projected weather forecast for this winter to the end of December this year, from theNDSU Climatologist, showed normal to below normal snow fall for this part of this state.

He said a mild winter will help the city catch up next spring with street work.

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