VCcommissionValley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.  Commissioner Luke was not present.

Items approved on the Consent Agenda included:

Approve 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 $ 1,589,637.63

Game of Change Raffle Permit for Pheasants Forever, ND Chapter of Delta Waterfowl Inc. and El Zagal Shrine Sheyenne Valley Flag Corps.

New plumbing license for Tim’s Plumbing.

PUBLIC FORUM   No one spoke

ORDINANCES

The first reading of an Ordinance was held increasing the commission salaries by $1,000 annually, a 12 percent increase, annually, effective January 1, 2015. Commissioners now receive $8,000 per year, which includes a vehicle allowance.   From the audience, Lloyd Nelson said the increase was not in line with what he said the population in Valley City is receiving for salary increases.  Commissioner Nielson voted in opposition.

 

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution determining the Sufficiency of Protests of Paving Improvement District No. 108.

 

Approved a Resolution determining the Sufficiency of Protests of Paving Improvement District No. 109.

Approved a Resolution declaring license fees for dogs and cats, of $15 for a two year license, inclusive of dogs and cats. There is also a new leash law in effect in Valley City requiring the animal be on a leash unless under the control of the owner. Bob Drake asked why the city cares what his cats does? The Resolution was put together under advice of Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals. Mayor Werkhoven said the Ordinance also protects animals. He pointed out an instance where a cat had bitten a child.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commission approved a bid from Great Plains Fire for new fire pump truck in the amount of $417,236.00. with an up-front payment of $75,000.

Approved the transfer of Renaissance Zone exemptions from Legacy Developments to Duane and Linda Hesch, VC-76 and from Legacy Developments to Gerald and Mary Ann Gamrath, VC-78.  From the audience Lloyd Nelson felt RZ exemptions that have been granted in Valley City are not in line with the intent of the program. Commissioner Nielson said the Zone has contiguous blocks, and the program is under compliance with the law.

Approved a Cost Participation, Construction, and Maintenance Agreement to access funds under the Urban Federal Aid Project (TAU-2-094(136)928 for the Main Street Shared Use Path.  There will also be state and local matching dollars. The city will provide maintenance.

City Commissioners considered economic development request to renegotiate the contract for the Elks parking lot.  Barnes County/Valley City Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist explained that economic development is looking to swap the I-94 corridor lighting project for the municipal swimming pool. Commissioner Nielson moved to approve action to clean up contracts between the city and economic development concerning a swap of. the I-94 corridor lighting project for the municipal swimming pool. The motion was approved.

The City Commission approved a Gaming Site Authorization for the ND Chapters of Delta Waterfowl Inc at the Eagles Club on February 7, 2015.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

Dave Schelkoph updated AMI meter installations, and noted the electrical load control is in force. Anyone still wanting the meters should contact City Hall.

He added that a developer is looking at construction a 40unit apartment complex in Valley City. He said there will be state funds available.

He noted the North Dakota Homeless Coalition is asking Valley City for its support.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen said Valley City had $18,253,300 dollars in total building permits issued in 2014, a 13.6% increase over 2013.

He said residential permits were $5.6 million, and commercial permits were $6.59 million.

Commissioner Nielson said the State Legislature will hearing Senate Bill 2020 dealing with permanent flood control, on January 15, adding that she will testify at the hearing.

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