City Commission Talks Frozen Pipes, Utility Bills

Valley City, ND (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.

Commissioner Luke was not present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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 $1,315,525.44.

Electric, Plumbing and Master Heating license renewals for Peterson Mechanical, Inc., John’s Refrigeration Electric, Inc., Dakota Electric Construction Co, Inc., Magnum Electric, Inc., Grotberg Electric Inc., Pederson Electric, Hope Electric Inc., Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc., Sheyenne Mechanical, Grotberg Electric, Inc. dba Triton Mechanical, Bakkegard & Schell, Inc. and Hi-Line Electric, Inc.

Game of Chance Raffle Permit for Ashtabula Fireworks Association, Disabled American Veterans, Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals.

 PUBLIC FORUM:  No one spoke.

ORDINANCES

Approved second and final reading of amended Ordinance No. 963, an ordinance recodifing the liquor ordinance.  City Attorney Russell Myhre said the amendment follows input meetings including with license holders, and update the Ordinance in “a comprehensive Way.”  The Ordinance becomes effect when published, and includes allowing openings until 2-a.m.

Approved second and final reading of Ordinance No. 966, an ordinance enacting a “blanket” rezoning of properties within the l mile extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Valley City, Barnes County, North Dakota. Building Inspector Dave Andersen said all impacted have been notified by his office.

Approved second and final reading of amended Ordinance No. 967, an ordinance relating to building permit fees. President Werkhoven said no protests have been received.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a resolution to determine the sufficiency of protests for Paving Improvement District No. 104. Auditor Richter said about 4% to 9.6% of those affected in total, protested.

Approved a resolution to determine the sufficiency of protests for Paving Improvement District No. 106. Auditor Richter said the city received no protests.

Approved a resolution to refer to Professional Land Surveyor to survey the replat of Lot 4, Hi-Line Estates Addition, Valley City, Barnes County, North Dakota.  The location of the former C.H. Carpenter Lumber, out buildings.

Approved No. 1967 a resolution to refer to Professional Land Surveyor to survey the replat of Lot 4, Hi-Line Estates Addition, Valley City, Barnes County.

Approved Resolution No. 1968, a resolution approving final plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids for Paving Improvement District No. 104. The Seal Coat portion of the project.

City Commission tabled until the March 18^th meeting Resolution No. 1969, a resolution switching to Fixed CROD process as per WAPA request.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioners approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Bergan Enterprises LLC (Pizza Ranch) not to exceed $7,500.

Approved a request to Block off Street for the Deb Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride 3^rd Avenue SW, Main Street to 2^nd Street on July 26, 2014 from 8 am to 12 midnight, and to waive fees for the charitable event.

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Permit until 1-a.m.,  for Boomer’s Corner Keg on July 26, 2014, to serve alcohol on 3^rd Avenue SW, Main Street to 2^nd Street for the Deb Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride.

City Commissioners discussed yearly employee performance evaluations. Commissioner Magnuson said the evaluations should be done annually.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

David Schelkoph said 25% of the AMI meters have been installed, or 1,700. He added 46 days of electric load control were recorded this winter, with a saving of $120,000 per month. He reminded residents to expect more high utility bills with the unseasonable cold weather. He added that once the meters are read after being estimated, the next bills will likely be very high.

He added the problem with frozen pipes continues with the depth of the frost line. He said some Valley City plumbers have gone to Jamestown to assist in thawing frozen pipes.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Myhre said a few more recodifications will be coming before the City Commission. He added another flood buyout agreement was completed on Tuesday morning.

City Auditor Richter said the process of putting the items on line will be starting, following City Commission approval.

Commissioner Nielson said she has been staffing the City’s Welcome Booth at the NDWS.

Commissioner Pedersen said, he and Mayor Werkhoven have met with representatives of the State Water Commission to look at the city’s preliminary flood control design.

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