VCcommission2Valley 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 permit renewal for Pine Country Nursery.

A liquor license renewal for Boomer’s Corner Keg, American Legion Club,

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for HHC 231 BSB ND Army National Guard.

A Mobile Home Park license renewal for Rockwater LLC (previously Sunrise Trailer Park)

Approved an LP Gas License for CHS, Inc. DBA Dakota Plains Co-op.

And other license renewals received by December 31, 2014.

 

PUBLIC FORUM

Gary Schlagel had a question concerning garbage pickup rates, concerning credit for cans used, enforcement of the two can policy. City Administrator Schelkoph said the City Ordinance encourages recycling.

ORDINANCES

Approved a second and final reading of Ordinance 982, an ordinance recodifying the Fire Code, Chapter 9.  City Attorney Myhre said the Ordinance was approved by the City Fire Chief. It includes regulation of fire pits, but is essentially in line with the previous Ordinance.

Approved a second and final reading of Ordinance No. 978, an ordinance extending the one-half percent city sales tax to fund the Wellness, Health and Physical Education Center and Permanent Flood Protection. The approval includes language that indicates that any taxes raised exceeding funding purposes would go toward funding Special Assessments relief, which can be applied when there’s a surplus.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission approved Year End Transfers from the Electric Fund to the Sewer, Water and Street Funds to eliminate negative cash balances. Details on the transfers were outlined by City Auditor, Richter.

Approved a Maintenance Certification for the Urban Federal Aid Project for the ND Department of transportation.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization for Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club to conduct games at Woodland Steakhouse Bar and Grill. This is a transfer from Tavern 94 to Woodland for the rest of the license term.

Approved a Gaming Site Authorization for Eagles Aerie 2192 to conduct games at Main Street Off Sale, LLC dba Tavern 94.

Approved 2015 Blue Cross Blue Shield Contract. Auditor Richter said the stop-loss portion increases by 12%, with the overall costs raised by 5.3%. She said a family plan premium will be $1,526, a single $586. The city’s total is $1,063,168.

Commissioners discussed storm water drainage issues west of 9th Avenue, Northwest. Mayor Werkoven outlined the area to commissioners on a map, and includes the installation of small dams. More information will be forthcoming at the next city finance meeting.

On another topic:

Robert Drake asked “Why the citizens of Valley City where told that they couldn’t buy flood homes from the city of Valley City, then move them to lots within the city limits.”

Drake says there is no law enforcing that action, saying other city’s allowed and encouraged such moves.

He pointed out that 20 flood homes were demolished that could have been saved, and thus saving the city demolitions costs.

He also said if citizens were aware of his assertions there would have been more interest in purchasing the homes.

He said the saved homes would go toward reducing the Valley City housing shortage, and kept the houses on the property tax rolls.

Drake went on to say that the City Commission is responsible for investigating the “failure” of the City Administrator, and City Building Inspector, for there interpretation of the laws.

No comments were made by city officials and noaction was taken by the commission at Tuesday’s meeting.

Approved the Final Documented CATEX for Project pertaining to the Main Street Shared-Use Path.

City Commissioners considered economic development request to renegotiate the contract for the Elks parking lot. Valley City/Barnes County Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist explained the proposed investment exchange concerning the swimming pool, and street lighting the city was responsible for as part of the I-94 Regional Corridor project.

The City Commissioners said  Special Assessments should be left out in the agreement. The Resolution was postponed  until the next meeting, with Commissioners Nielson and Pedersen voting in opposition.

 

Discussion was held about the lime pit by the Water Treatment Plant. Commissioner Luke said multiple partners would be involved in transforming the area into a space to be used for multiple purposes, when the land is covered by black dirt. Issues concerning the proposal will be detailed in further discussions with the partners.

Approved declaring North Central Ave, north of 12th Street a cul-de-sac by definition. David Schelkoph said if approved Special Assessments will be reassessed.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

No report was given

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Retterath said three bids were received for a new fire truck, which he will give to the city for approval.

Mayor Werkhoven told the commission that he attended an meeting outlining Roberts Rules of Order, that indicated that under certain circumstances the Commission President may second a motion.

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