Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening, (Oct. 1, 2012) at City Hall.  All Commissioners were present.

Swearing in new police officers, by Mayor Werkhoven was held.

They are, Valley City native Nicholas Horner and Breanna Tessin of Becker, Minnesota.

Officer Tessin is the second woman police officer in the Valley City Police Department.

Chief Thompson then pinned badges on the officers.

 

National Walk To School Day will be observed,October 3, 2012.

The proclamation by Mayor Werkhoven was read by City Commissioner, Mary Lee Nielson.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED…

Approving Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.

Approving Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,816,921.55.

Approving a Game of chance Raffle Permit for Mercy Hospital Foundation, ND Hereford Association, St Catherine School PTO and Valley City Men’s Bowling Association .

Approving an Electrician License for ASAP Electric.

　

PUBLIC FORUM: No One Spoke.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

The City Commission approved renewing the Local Control & Smoke-Free Resolution, originally approved on July 15, 2002.

It reads that all indoor North Dakota workplaces be smoke free.

 

ORDINANCES:

The City Commission approved the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance approving the 2013 budget.

 

Commissioners approved a Recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved the First Reading of an Ordinance rezoning a tract of Land located at 221 13th Street SW from A Agricultural to I-1 Light Industrial, legal description of (Mark Swanberg property).

 

Also approved was the First Reading of an Ordinance extending the city extraterritorial boundary to 1 mile.

 

A Public Hearing was held, regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District Nos. 95 and 96 and Water Main No. 94.

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission approved the Special Assessments.

　

NEW BUSINESS:

City Commissioners considered the 911 Contract between Barnes County and Valley City.

Mayor Werkhoven said he favors negotiating with the county, on the language of the agreement, with an official city stance on the issue.

He said the issue has been in discussion for about two years.

Commissioners Nielson and Luke said the City Commission needs to come up with a consensus to present to Barnes County.

The City Commission postponed any action until the next City Commission meeting.

 

Commissioners then considered approval of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Industrial/Commercial Development Park in the amount of $1.25 million for a period of 15 years.

Valley City/Barnes County Development CEO,Jennifer Feist said, the project is the I-94 Regional Development Corridor.

It consists of 77 acres and will contain, John Deere Seeding, the North Dakota National Guard, and the Development Corporation will retain a portion of the land to make use for industrial purposes, and for sale.

She also explained working with Regional Council’s, with a possible loan, and grants and state aid in the costs of the development, infrastructure.

She added the National Guard will further explain at a future meeting, other project details, also pertaining to funding issues.

She also explained the TIF process and it’s implications on tax collections.

 

On a related topic, she pointed out that on the November election ballot, will be the question of extending the City Sales Tax, another 10 years, also in conjunction with the National Guard project, regarding the time table on project financing.

 

The City Commission voted unanimously to approve.

 

City Commissioners approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event License for Market Place Liquors , Nubar, and Dakota Silver to serve wine at the Barnes County Museum, on October 23, 2012, for the Rotary Club.

 

The City Commission then approved a Special Alcohol Beverage License for Eagles Club to serve alcohol at Chautauqua Park on October 6 for the John Deere Seeding Group Picnic.

 

Commissioners then reviewed the KLJ capital project 5 year plan for 2013.

 

City Administrator Schelkoph explained engineering aspects need to be in motion this year.

 

KLJ noted projects include…the Southwest Seal Coat, street projects on 9th Street Northeast and Northwest, 12th Street Northeast widening, pump station repairs, and improvements to Viking Drive, near the entrance to VCSU.

 

Bids will be opened in March of 2013.

 

　

 

A territory swap was reviewed with Cass County Electric.

 

City Administrator Schelkoph explained that negotiations are on-going for future power service outside the city limits of Valley City.

 

He said Valley City can not serve customers outside the city limits without an agreement.

 

City Attorney Russell Myhre is drafting documentation to present to the Commission at a future date.

 

　

 

The City Commission approved a contract for Construction Engineering with Kadrmas Lee & Jackson for the Main Street Sheyenne Riverbank Stabilization in the amount of $19,000.

 

 

 

City Administrator Report:
Administrator Schelkoph introduced Chad Peterson, from KLJ, who updated projects, and completion schedules for street projects.

In some cases phase-2 of some projects will continue in the spring.

Schelkoph said 4 of the 7- homes on the flood buyout list have been sold.

He pointed out that 5th Avenue, Northwest, in NOT a truck route, and encouraged truckers to use an alternate trucks-allowed routes.

City Updates & Commission Comments:

The city will begin notifying the public on future discussions on the City Auditorium plans.

Commissioner Nielson pointed out the city has a maximum limit of 32 gallons for trash receptacles, anything bigger can be left behind by the trash collectors.

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