Commission Asked About Backing Edwards For Mayor

 Valley City (CSi) The Valley Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. Mayor Werkhoven was not present, the meeting was chair by Commission Vice President Matt Pedersen. All other members were present, with the exception of Commissioner Magnuson who left for a call at the outset of the meeting.  He later returned to the meeting.

The City Commission heard a Proclamation of Valley City observing Arbor Day.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

Renewing Alcohol and Beer License for Marketplace Liquors, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2192,

A Cabaret License for Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2192.

Blocking off 2nd Ave SW and 3rd St SW for Rally in the Valley on June 16, 2014.

PUBLIC FORUM:

Lloyd Nelson spoke about curb damage caused by snow plows. Adminstrator Schelkoph said the damage will be addressed, along with other curbs.

Nelson asked about damage to political advertising signs. Pedersen said the damages can be reported to police, for enforcement.

Nelson said three Commissioners are backing Jeff Edwards for mayor, and asked about the circumstances of their meeting with Edwards.

Commissioner Nielson said the question is not intended for discussion under City Commission meeting policy, and was not what Nelson indicated that he wanted to discuss at the meeting.

Schelkoph suggested taking those questions to the Candidates forum on May 28, 2014 to be held at the Valley City Eagles Club at 7-p.m.

ORDINANCES

Approved second and final reading of Ordinance No. 970, an ordinance rezoning of property within the one mile exterritorial jurisdiction from A -Agriculture to R-1 Residential Single Family homes (Svenningsen property).

Approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 971, an ordinance recodifying the Criminal Ordinance.

Approved the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 972, an ordinance amending Section 1-9 of Chapter 1. General provisions of the Valley City Ordinances.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution approving Replat of Lot 9 in block 1 of NP West First Addition.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved putting the “Property Tax Exemptions for retail Sector Projects Revised” on the November, 2014 ballot.   The ballot question is required under state law.

Considered the “After Hours” phone contract for Public Works, being transferred to a weekend 24/7 answering point, and after hours weekdays, with any utility service calls made to the appropriate department.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization renewal for Valley Twisters & Gymnastics Club at Bridges Bar & Grill.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization renewal for Valley Twisters & Gymnastics Club at Tavern 94.

Approved the General Fund Assigned Fund Balance, to pay toward sidewalk curb and gutter projects.

The City Commission approved proceeding with establishment of public utility assistance fund. Commissioner Luke explained that the fund would be supported by donation through round up donations on utility bills. She said the fund would help avoid disconnects and reconnects stemming from inability to pay for utility bill increases.

Commissioners approved an addition to the Shared Use Path. KLJ will continue with the project plans, with a map of the project available at City Hall.   Commissioners then approved expending $22,000 with KLJ for engineering services.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator David Schelkoph said city hall can be contacted for utility meter change outs, if that process has not been done.

He is asking residents to refrain from disposing their cooking oil and baby wipes down the city sewer system.

Schelkoph says more residents are disposing of these materials and it hinders the operating efficiency of the master lift station in Valley City. He said a City Ordinance will be drafted to address the issue.

He pointed out that the Public Works budget has been approved, including pending projects.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen  gave an update on building permits issued, and stated that the McDonald’s project is moving ahead.

He said letters will be sent to those property owners not cleaning up their yards, with possible enforcement.

Fire Chief Retterath reminds residents to continue to make sure their smoke detectors are in working order.

Commissioner Luke encouraged residents to go on line to the Missouri River Energy website for energy saving tips.

Commissioner Nielson gave an update on the number of 9-1-1 calls.She said state officials are watching the levels at the Sheyenne River, as the east and west end outlets from Devils Lake have been opened.

Commissioner Pedersen said he and Commissioner Nielson will attend the State Water Commission meeting next week.

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