Valley City (CSi) The sale by the city of Valley City’s City Auditorium is pending a review by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

The City Commission voted at its January 7, 2014 meeting to approve the sale of the auditorium to property developers Brandon and Lindsey Culver for $1,000.

VCAuditoriumCity Administrator David Schelkoph says the sale is still pending, and the application to sell the building — locally referred to as the “Audi” — had just recently been submitted to the State Historical Society.

The Valley City Commission received a notice of violation dated January, 15, 2014 from the State Historical Society of North Dakota after local media reports ran headlines stating the city had sold the City Auditorium, which was added to the state’s registry of historic buildings in 2008.

Schelkoph says, “They thought that we had already sold the Audi, but what happened was the commission voted to sell the ‘Audi’ and start the paperwork.

They saw that it’s sold and they got a little excited about that, and rightfully so. It just happened so fast we didn’t have a chance to contact anybody so when we got this letter it was a very big surprise to us because we hadn’t sold it yet; we don’t have any signatures on any pieces of paper that says it’s physically sold.”

Schelkoph said there are also platting and zoning issues that need to be addressed prior to the sale. Brandon Culver said the primary plan is to remodel the main floor of the building into an event center, but he is also looking at other options.

 

Reported previously

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session on TUESDAY January 7, 2014.  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 $2,105,027.71

Electricians License for DC Electric.

Public Forum: No one spoke

A Public Hearing was held for Replat of Hi-Line Estates. City Attorney Myhre said the public hearing was advertised for 10 days as required.

Resolutions:

Approved a Resolution Declaring Resolution of Necessity for the replat of Hi-Line Estates.

Approved a Resolution creating Paving Improvement District No. 104. The area includes the Winter Show Road area, 2nd Street northeast and northwest, 12th Street northeast and northwest.

Approved a Resolution creating Paving Improvement District No. 106. The area includes a mill and overlay on 4th St northwest, and 8th to Central Avenue.

Approved a Resolution approving engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Paving Improvement District No. 104.

Approved a Resolution approving engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Paving Improvement District No. 106.

Approved a Resolution approving an electric rate increase.City Administrator David Schelkoph said the last increase was in 2010.He proposes an overall increase of 4%, a 2% increase in city costs of power, and a 2% increase in materials, labor and other costs of distribution of electricity. Mayor Werkhoven pointed out the increase is based on the city’s cost of power.

New Business:

The City Commission voted to adopt the Operational Procedures for AMI process. Commissioner Magnuson said he is opposed to charging for the meter to be moved outside the home or building at a cost of $600 if the owner opts out. Schelkoph said leaving the meter inside is problematic. About 20-25 customers are affected. The City Commissioners voted to approve the procedures with financing up to 18 months the cost of moving the meters outside.

Commissioners vote to send a letter of support to the ND Highway Dept. requesting the State of ND to sell their land in the SE corner of the Kathryn interchange for Valley City Development Corporation development. Economic Development Director Jennifer Feist explained the procedure would be through the public sale process.  She said the land is located on the south side of I-94 and the east side of the Kathryn Road.

Considered selling three lots city property at 1054 Riverview Drive that came back to the city through delinquent tax payments. City Commissioners voted to approve the sales, which will be advertised.

Considered the sale of the city auditorium, for $1,000, with plans to be converted into an event center, which will stay on State’s Historic Sites Registry. The building is appraised at $178,000, costing the city $25,000 annual to carry the building. The City has invested about $35,000 in upkeep of the building. The City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the sale, contingent upon approval by the City Attorney.

Brandon and  Lindsey Culver of Valley City purchased the building and outlined plans they have for the building.

 

The City Commission approved having a public meeting for Sheyenne River Management-Permanent Flood protection update, along with the Greenway, Erosion mitigation.  The date to be announced.

 

City Administrator’s Report:

The City Commission approved having a public meeting for Sheyenne River Management-Permanent Flood protection update, along with the Greenway, Erosion mitigation. The date to be announced. Commissioners Pedersen, and Nielson voted in opposition

David Schelkoph reported on the Tuesday’s power outage in Valley City (see separate story).  He asked citizens to conserve power usage, such as doing laundry after 8-p.m., and turning off some lights.

 

City Update and Commissioner Reports

City Attorney Myhre noted the city of Valley City is experiences growth, with a recent article in the Fargo Forum, concerning growth along the I-94 cooridor.  He said he will attend to personal items soon, and asked if city matters can be handled through is office before that time.

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen reminded landlords that it’s their responsibility to attend to any heating complaints by renters.

City Fire Chief Retterath reminds residents to keep fire hydrants free of snow.

City Police Chief Fred Thompson said the remodeling process at the police station is progessing  on target.

Commissioner Nielson said the Convention and Visitors Bureau is looking forward to working with the new owners, who will be  converting the auditorium into an event center.

 

 

 

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