Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening (Jul 16, 2012).  All members were present.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

Approval of a Game of Chance Raffle permit for 164th Infantry Association.

The oath of office was given to Valley City Police Chief Fred Thompson.

Thompson thanked the city for the opportunity to become the Valley City Police Chief, and looks forward to the challenges of the office. He added that he hopes,”to do the city proud.”

Public Forum: No one spoke.

Resolutions

The City Commission approved a Resolution to approve final plans and specifications and estimate for probable cost and directing advertisement of construction bids for Pavement Marking Improvements. Funding for the project comes from the State Department of Transportation.

New Business

The City Commission approved a Construction Engineering Agreement for Paving Improvement District No. 98 to Kadrmas Lee & Jackson in the amount of $138,575. The project is expected to be completed in 6-8 weeks.

Commissioners approved a Construction Engineering Agreement for Paving Improvement District No. 100 to Kadrmas Lee & Jackson in the amount of $509,800.

City Commissioners considered installing a fence which encroaches on city property for Curtis Marshall at 1110 3rd  Avenue Northwest. City Building Inspector, Dave Andersen said he is comfortable with the fencing. Any damage to the fence, by city snow removal would be Marshall’s responsibility. The bushes currently in place will be removed. The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve.

The City Commission discussed the Flood Task Force committee membership. The current make-up of the Task Force was reviewed.

Discussion then centered around improving internal communication. Commissioner Magnuson said, he feels the City Commissioners need to, for example, be contacted about news conferences without hearing about them from the media. Commissioner Luke added that the judgement of whether to hold open meetings should be based on holding an open meeting, if there is any question, if the meeting should be open. She added any committee that has a city commission on it, should be open. She said any meeting that determines that city funds be expended should be open to the public. She pointed to the advertisement of meetings, for the public.

She suggests public postings of all committee meetings. She said media notification is not required by law. City Auditor, Avis Richter pointed out the only charge for notification is if paid space is taken in the newspaper. She added the city web site, posting at City Hall, and notification of other media is at no charge.

City Attorney Russell Myhre added, that, by law, the open meetings require a person to take the minutes. He said if media coverage is “over-done,” the public has a tendency to become apathetic over some issues. Mayor Werkhoven pointed to the availability of the media to attend all scheduled meetings. He added Valley City is meeting it’s responsibility of notifying the public of required open meeting announcements.

Mayor Werkhoven suggested posting committee meeting notifications at the end of meeting agenda publications.  The city will publish committee meeting dates, times and locations, and minutes will be taken at each meeting.

City Administrator Shelkoph’s Report:

With the water treatment plant project and force main project, the dedication of the plant is set for August 15, 2012. He said a Valley City Police officer is going to be replaced, and new Chief Thompson is expected to have new approaches to new hires.

He pointed to a great deal of street construction in Valley City the next two months, and reminds residents to watch for direction signs. With empty city lots, he said, the city will come forth with a plan to sell those lots.

City Updates & Commission Comments;

Commissioner Luke pointed out the Valley City water quality has improved, in the latest report.

She said water volume on the Sheyenne River is greater, with pumps in operation at Stump Lake.

With tourism, Commissioner Nielson said, tourist numbers are on the increase at the Rosebud Visitors Center, the first quarter of this year.

City Attorney Myhre said about one-third of the city flood  property buyouts are completed.

City Fire Chief Retterath, reminds residents of electrical safety using cooling appliances, and the over heating of extension cords and wiring within walls.

Police Chief Thompson said he has held a meeting with his staff.

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