VCcommValley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. All members were present.

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

A Tree Trimming and Removal Application for Jim Van Dyke dba Van Payloader Service.

PUBLIC FORUM Lloyd Nelson questioned which phone number to call to report an infraction.

Commissioner, who holds the Police Portfolio, said to call 845-3110. Police Chief Thompson said to call dispatch 845-8181 for non-emergency calls to police, which Nelson said is not listed in the phone book.

Nelson said he was calling to inform authorities of a patrol car not having its lights on during the time lights are required to be on.

Nelson says he should have an apology from the Chief for what he alleges was a conversation that was upsetting. Chief Thompson had no further comments on the matter.

 

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a resolution to eliminate the Easement for construction and maintenance of dikes currently applied to two FEMA properties at 231 5TH Ave SW and 168 5th Ave SE.

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Commissioners received an update from Jennifer Feist from Economic Development regarding the I-94 Regional Corridor Project.

She pointed out that the first half of the project was “uneventful.” She added that the underground infrastructure has been completed. Also, fill is being put in by the hydrants, and building on site are being removed. She said the DOT project (I-94 Business Loop East work) (see separate story), and drainage work is to start.

With financial information she presented information on projections of revenues, and the mill levy and property valuation information. She noted with income, voter and the City Commission have approved extension of the City Sales Tax, that now expires December 31, 2029.

She noted the North Dakota National Guard contribution, which will start in the spring construction of its first building.

She said inquiries have been made on possible tenants for the east side of the property.

The City Commission approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Request from the VFW Club at the Park Pavilion, previously approved by the park district.

Discussion was held on the City Wide Chipper Schedule and Plan. City Administrator Schelkoph said a policy is being outlined, including costs incurred. An emergency cleanup procedure is required in case a storm downs trees or tree limbs. Once a month, the chipper would be scheduled for accepting wood, limiting the size of the wood. Mayor Werkhoven suggested a schedule for the balance of this summer, not including any storm damage scenario. Schelhoph said with the amount of tree wood at the landfill burning of the wood is also needed. From the audience Lloyd Nelson questioned the costs of implementing the program. Schelkoph said the approval will save the city money.

The City Commission approved establishment of Public Utility Assistance Fund. Commissioner Luke said this is in addition to any other utility assistance program. Sign up is required, and a voluntary extra dollar per month, indicated on the utility bill, will go into the fund, for distribution. South Central Adult Services will administrate the program. From the audience Bob Drake inquired what becomes of any unused dollars in the fund. Commissioner Luke said the dollars would be turned over to adult services for distribution in other funds, for the needy.

Commissioners approved moving the 4th Ave SW Storm Sewer Construction Project (McDonalds) to 2014. City Administrator Schelkoph the prior approval was to have the project start in 2015. McDonald’s would contribute $15,000 to the project if moved ahead, about 10-percent of the total cost storm sewer construction project cost. The action encourages McDonald’s to build the new restaurant this year. A KLJ representative said the area needs attention to storm water drainage issues. The $150,000 in total costs will be Special Assessed.

City Commissioners chose Flood Wall Design Options in the VCSU area, and discussed a public meeting date.  The options have been reviewed by the Flood Task Force, Beautification Committee, VCSU, Parks and Recreation and others at a roundtable meeting.  The Public Meeting will be held next week with the date and time and location to be announced.

Approved a Renaissance Zone Application for a 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption for S & S Auto Electric Inc.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

A full time crew is working on the installation of AMI meeters.

Administrator Schelkoph gave an update on applications, or hires for replacement of staff members.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Werkhoven said the city needs to consider costs incurred in any new hires, specifically a Human Resources person. He added he will attend a meeting in Devils Lake concerning water releases from the late, and sulfate levels in the Sheyenne River levels entering Valley City.

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