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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

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

Approved Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,547,386.66  Approved Game of Chance Raffle Permit for BC/VC Ducks Unlimited.

 

PUBLIC FORUM

Gary Schlagel spoke about dust in his neighborhood.

City Administrator Schelkoph said the area is swept regularly and the soil will be hydro-seeded.

 

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution increasing the sewer rates. City Administrator Schelkoph said the last time the rate were adjusted was in 2009. The proposed increase annually is $5.03 per month, up to $10.88 per month. He said the increase was enough to cover the cost of operation. The rate will be reviewed annually.

 

ORDINANCES

Approved the first reading of an Ordinance designating the Legacy West Townhome PUD zoned as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Committee. The developer will install the infrastructure at his cost, and turn it over to the city.

NEW BUSINESS

A Public Hearing was held regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Sewer District No. 48.  No one spoke at the hearing. Following the Public Hearing, the City Commission approved Special Assessments as Recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Sewer District No. 48.

City Auditor, Avis Richter said the Special Assessment on some parcels on the river side of the dike was reduced due to the reduction in square footage.

The City Commission approved a rezoning request for Tim Logan on Lot 4 Block 3 Fairhill Properties from I-1 to B-2. Commissioner Pedersen abstained from voting.

The City Commission approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event permit for Tavern 94 for a Hip Hop performance at Dacotah Pavilion. Police Chief Fred Thompson said police will be on hand to make sure the crowd in under control. An organizer said the event will be family friendly.

The City Commission approved updating the Street Excavation (street cutting) Permit in regard to a city Ordinance. Before permits are issued the City Engineer needs to give permission based on such areas as traffic control.

The contractor will also need to supply their state license number, before approval is given.

Economic Development Director Jennifer Feist spoke regarding a possible Sales Tax special election to support permanent flood control and a wellness center.

The Valley City Health, Wellness and Recreation Center concept has been approved by the Valley City Parks and Recreation Board. The total estimated cost is $16 million dollars, as grants and other pledges, fundraisers and donations have been noted toward the total. $4-million dollars would come from a public fund drive, and dollars have been earmarked from the college foundation fund. Also, the State of North Dakota has offered a matching grant. Once the total package has been put together more information will come before the public. The project has been endorsed by Mercy Hospital, with the facility offering prevention and therapy services, under the direction of professionals.

A full presentation will be made before the City Commission, on August 19th along with public meetings this month.

Feist said healthcare education and housing are the main areas of concern being offered while attracting new businesses.

VCSU was represented at the City Commission meeting by Larry Robinson, who said the University supports the concept, adding that it will play a major role in recruiting and retaining faculty, staff, employees and students. He said the VCSU Foundation is working on funding support.

Mayor Werkhoven said he supports the concept, but cautions not to lump the Wellness Center, with permanent flood control with the City Sales Tax, in a public vote. Commissioner Luke believes the two issues are separate. Others speaking indicated support for the issues to come before voters in separate votes.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

David Schelkoph said 3,744 AMI automated meters have been installed.

A new woodchipper policy is in effect during tree branch pick up, on a scheduled basis, with three pick ups during the summer months.

He asks the public to be patient with several construction projects going on, including street projects.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Auditor Avis Richter said an audit of the city books is in draft form.

City Budgeting is coming, up, and last year’s paving projects are being certified for Special Assessments.

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen indicted the fast die-off of elm trees, and noted that the tree roots have to be removed when the tree is cut down.

He said houses damaged by fires are in the process of being inspected for asbestos content.

KlJ reported detours for 7-10 days on Main Street due to water main replacement work, starting Wednesday.

Commissioner Nielson said the Welcome To Valley City gathering attracted 80-families, and noted that the recent Crazy Day was successful.

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