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 Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall. At the start of the meeting, Commissioner Nielson was present, via conference call.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

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

Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,511,809.15

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for ND Hereford Assn., Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals, Mercy Healthcare Foundation and Kody Amann Benefit.

Approved new electric license for New Horizons Electric Inc., and new plumbing license for Laney’s Inc. and new heating license for Cass County Heating, Inc.

PUBLIC FORUM: Lloyd Nelson spoke, and thanked Commissioner Nielson concerning addressed the overloaded garbage issue. He said the city police department was operating patrol cars, without headlights on, especially during foggy conditions. Chief Thompson said the lights may be off for specific reasons, such as surveillance, or when visibility allows the lights to be off.

ORDINANCES

Approved the second and final reading of an Ordinance approving the 2015 Budget. City Auditor Richter said following the first reading, and the public hearing there were no changes to the budget.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Market Place Liquors and Dakota Silver to serve wine at the Barnes County Museum on October 21, 2014.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission considered Replacement of 2012 Case TR270 Track Skid Loader. City Administrator Schelkoph, the present two year old equipment is not cost effective, due to repairs.

He said that he and City Engineer, Jeff Differding recommend purchasing a Caterpillar from Butler Machinery at a cost of $19,950, with trade in.

The City Commission approved the replacement.

An update was given by Commissioner Luke, on Public Utility Assistance.

She said a legal snag had occurred, and the application process and administration of the program is being handled by South Central Adult Services. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund may do so through a check to Barnes County Senior Citizens. Assistance dollars given to those eligible will be reimbursed to the city. Commissioner Luke asked the City Attorney to look into a roundup fund, North Dakota.

The City Commission took no action at Tuesday’s meeting as the program is not being run through the city.

The City Commission considered a Public Hearing on My Bar, Valley City for alleged violations. City Attorney Russell Myhre said the allegations stem from a complaint, consisting of three counts. One count of serving a minor has been resolved, and the establishment is working on server training, and the staff had partaken in drinking (dispensing, consuming) beer after the bar closed at 2-a.m.

Myhre said the City Commission was asked to determine if there is probable cause to go forward with the complaint, that would be followed by a hearing, and then a determination of any violation of the city alcohol Ordinance.

At Tuesday’s meeting, when Commissioner Nielson joined the meeting in person,  City Commission City Attorney Myhre recommended a do-pass to hold a hearing.

Commissioner Pedersen said the My Bar owner has agreed to comply with the city Ordinance.

The City Commissioners voted to hold a hearing.

Considered an agreement between the ND State Water Commission and the City for the Sheyenne River Valley Flood Control Project Phase I – Engineering and Legal Services. Mayor Wekkhoven said a formal agreement had not been previously signed.

He said the City Attorney approved the agreement, which the Commissioners voted to approve.

Robert Drake discussed a Human Resource/Training Position.  He said the application process for the position was not passed through the City Commission.

Adminstrator Schelkoph said he began the application process. Drake said the position is part of the City Administrators duties, which Schelkoph agreed with. Schelkoph said the city budget allows for hiring the position.

Schelkoph said the position being advertised for has been withdrawn, due to determining the job descriptions of a Personnel Director and Human Resources person.

The City Commission took no official action on the information.

The City Commissioners approved that KLJ advertise for bids for the Phase I Permanent Flood Construction.

The City Commissioners discussed a possible VCSU Lime pit replacement project. Casey Williams- VCSU Dept. of Biology supports the project. The city would make land available to the VCSU conservation class, which would be responsible for maintenance, with the green space area, in the center of town, available to the community.

The City Commission considered and then approved an interest rate of 4.5% on the following special assessment projects: Storm Sewer #48, Paving #102, Paving #103, Road Dust Control #1, Paving #100, Storm Sewer #47, Sanitary Sewer #60 and Water Main #95.

Commissioners approved an agreement with KLJ for Preliminary, Design and Construction Engineering Services for Hillside Addition in an amount not to exceed $38,500.

The City Commission approved the Preliminary, Design, and Construction Engineering Agreement for Central Avenue North Sewer Replacement and Paving Overlay (district numbers to be assigned) in the amount of $144,500.

Also approved is the Preliminary, Design, and Construction Engineering Agreement for Victory Park Phase 2 Water Replacement and 4th Street NW Water Service Transfer (district numbers to be assigned) in the amount of $89,500.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

Administrator Schelkoph said 68 percent of the AMI utility meters have been installed and 81 percent of the LCR units.

Cyber security information will be given to city employees during an upcoming meeting.

 

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Retterath said recruiting has ended for new volunteer fire fighters, and the full complement of 40 fire fighters will be met.

Police Chief Thompson said the police department computers have been outfitted with cyber security software.

City Police officers have their new rifles in service, replacing previous weapons.

Commissioner Nielson said Walk To School Day, is Wednesday in Valley City.

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