Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening (Sept. 17, 2012) at City Hall.  All members were present.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

Plumbing and Heating License for Air Anderson, Inc.

Game of Chance Raffle Permit for El Zagal Shrine, Sheyenne Valley Flag Corps and the Valley City USBC Youth Bowling Team.

A new Tobacco License for Family Dollar Stores of North Dakota, Inc.

 

Public Forum: No One Spoke.

 

Resolutions :

A Public Hearing was held Regarding Abatement of Taxes for Tamara Berg for Property at 1014 11th Street Southwest in Valley City,for the 2010 and 2011 tax years.

City Assessor Nick Lee approves with the abatement.

Following the Public Hearing, Commission voted to reduce the 2010 and 2011 tax true and full values to $16,300.00.

 

The City Commission approved a Resolution awarding the low bid to Reiner Contracting, for the West Main Street Retaining Wall in the amount of $270,002.08, contingent upon release of funds from the Governors Fund of Community Block Grant.

 

Also approved was a Resolution to approve obligation of future city sales tax revenue.

Valley City Barnes County Development Director Jennifer Feist said the funding is for development of the National Guard facility, and private sector development on Valley City property.

She said the City Sales Tax Fund is needed to secure financing and purchasing the land.

She said the total amount is $3.5 million.

City Commissioners approved a Resolution of Sponsorship for the Application of CDBG Funds.

Ms. Feist said the action is the first step to obtain dollars through a grant for infrastructure development for the project.

 

Commissioners approved a Resolution calling for a Special Election on November 6, 2012 for an Advisory Vote on an Ordinance which would Amend, Update and Re-enact the Existing 1% City Sales Tax for an Additional 10 year term from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2029, with the Dedication of Proceeds to Remain Unchanged.

Ms. Feist says the action begins the process of extending the City Sales Tax, time frame, in order to cover the long term commitments, such as financing, with the National Guard project.

A series of public presentations on the topic will be held.

 

Ordinances

An open Public Hearing was held for 2013 Valley City Budget.

City Auditor, Avis Richter said, the city will levy just over $1.1 million, or 95.54 Mills down slightly from 2012, with the property values increased.

Commissioners then approved the First Reading of an Ordinance approving the 2013 budget.

The budget will be voted on to finalize at the October 1, 2012 City Commission meeting.

 

City Commissioners discussed the Sheyenne River Management Plan.

Commissioner Luke said, additional insight is suggested from a company, URS on another view, on the plan, in addition to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers study.

Commissioner Pedersen said, the erosion issue is still of concern.

Mayor Werkhoven is in agreement with inviting URS to meet with city officials.

City Commissioner, Nielson suggested inviting more than one company, for other views, and options.

The consensus of the City Commission was to invite URS, to meet with Valley City Officials.

The City Commission considered, and approved, issuing the Corps of Engineers, $55,000 to secure funding for a Feasibility Study.

 

City Commissioners approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Marketplace Food and Drug in the amount of $2,281.00. The Visitors Committee has approved the grant, toward a new sign.

 

Considered the transfer of funds from the Sanitation Department to the Street Department in the amount of $144,202.27.

Accountant Claude Beach said the Street Department is operating a deficit due to a number of factors, including flood recover issues.

An additional $50,000 was put into the 2013 budget for the Street Department.

 

The Commissioners approved submitting an Economic Development Administration application in cooperation with the VCBC Development Corporation and the City of Valley City as co-applicants.

Jennifer Feist said the city is eligible for the funds stemming from the 2009 and 2011 floods.

 

The Commissioners placed on the City Commission meeting agenda, the approval of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Industrial/Commercial Development Park in the amount of $1.25 million for a period of 15 years.

 

The City Commission heard a presentation from Vicki Rosenau, on “Retaining Local Control — Warding Off Preemptive Legislation”

She asked the Commission consider having its “voice” be heard in future discussions concerning state law, relative to public health issues, specifically tobacco use, and second hand smoke, in public places.

The City Commission’s consensus was to approve.

 

Commissioners considered selling 7 State Water Commission buy-out homes for relocation.

City Administrator Schelkoph said out of 27 properties purchase, some property owners have

considered moving the buildings off the present foundations to another location.

He said any property with asbestos issues would be taken off the list and demolished rather than spending dollars on asbestos removal.

The Commissioners approved selling a home if it is found not to have contained asbestos, and selling the house in “as is,” condition.

The buyer would have 30 days to completely remove the building after purchase.

The city will advertise for bids or quotes in the newspaper.

 

The City Commission approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event for VCSU Foundation & Alumni/VCSU Athletics at VCSU Skoal Room & Cafeteria on September 28, 2012, for a homecoming activity.

The City Lights Supper Club’s license will be used.

 

The City Commission approved the Final Recommendations for Safe Routes to School, project.

The routes and improvements were disclosed, including sidewalk enhancements, and signage for motorists.

The premise of the program is to provide safe walking and biking for students to school, and home.

 

City Administrator Report:

David Schelkoph updated street projects with several nearing completion.

With the flood protection buy out program… Officials would like the buidlings removed before next spring, in the event a spring 2013 flood would necessitate the raising of dikes or levys.

He said about 95% of the homes have been inspected for asbestos.

 

City Updates & Commission Comments:

 

City Attorney Russell Myhre said the home buyout program is moving from the buyout, to the demolition phase.

Police Chief Thompson added, the process of selecting a new police officer is progressing, and an announcement of a hiring is forthcoming.

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