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

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED:

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 $1,603,495.91

A Game of Chance Raffle permit to BC/VC Ducks Unlimited.

A Tree Trimming License renewal for Belling Tree Service.

PUBLIC FORUM

Gary Schlagel spoke concerning using fill material during a street project.

Nellie Degen from Jamestown introduced herself as the North Dakota Fraternal Order of Police liaison for the Jamestown and Valley City Police Department.  She said she had also met with the Valley City Police, Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, and Barnes County Commissioners.

NEW BUSINESS

Approved electrical department increases. Commissioner Luke said the rate is from $32 to $34 per hour.

 

The City Commission approved Year End Transfers from the Electric Fund to the Sewer, Water and Street Funds to eliminate negative cash balances. Materials presented by City Auditor Avis Richter included the balances and transfer, from between the departments.

Approved a bid for a 2015 Police Chevy Tahoe from Perkins, Inc., in the amount of $33,987.

Approved local funding for the lighting project (Project No. S-NHU-2-094(126)932) on I-94 Exit 294. City Administrator Schelkoph said the amount is between $31,000 and $32,000.

Approved a 5 year extension for the Renaissance Zone program. Bobby Koepplin from the Renaissance Zone Board, said the present agreement expires in 2015. The zone will not be amended at this time. He said with approval by the city, the completed paperwork will be presented to the state for approval.

Approved a construction engineering agreement with KLJ in the amount of $1,150,000,000 for the Permanent Flood protection project.

Considered an Amendment to Engineer-Owner Agreement for Sheyenne River Valley Flood Protection (Phase 1 – University District). Mayor Werkhoven moved to delay action pending further review by commissioners, for clarification. Commissioners voted to delay action.

Approved revisions to the Urban Limits Map for Valley City, as presented by KLJ. Added were areas of Northwest, Southeast, and Northeast Valley City. The revision is made every ten years.

Approved the Request for funding from the State Water Commission for Permanent Flood Protection Master Planning.

Approved a Storm Water Management Feasibility Study from Barnes County Soil Conservation District in the amount of $500 for the area northwest of 9th Avenue Northwest.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

David Schelkoph reported that about 98 percent of the AMI electric meters have been installed, and 80-percent of the water meters have been installed.

A sewer main break is being repaired on the south side of Valley Avenue. The break is being by-passed with no intruption in service.

He noted that while no snow plowing has been performed due to lack of snow, however, with freezing rain over the past few weeks, sanding trucks have spread a large amount of sand on city streets. He added as conditions allow street sweepers will be out to clean up the large amount of sand on the streets.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Assessor Sandy Hansen said she testified before the state legislature in favor of changes in the Homestead Credit Act.

City Building/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen and City Fire Chief Gary Retterath explained the need for property owners to install Carbon Monoxide detectors, and suggested the digital readout type indicated the amount of CO in the air.

Police Chief Thompson said at the Barnes County Commission meeting, the county commissioners approved rolling over the 845-3110 number at the dispatch center, from 8-a.m., to 5-p.m. In an emergency dial 9-1-1.   Chief Thompson indicated that with construction of the CHS plant in Spiritwood, he was told a 5,000 person man camp, over a five year period, will mean the need for additional law enforcement efforts in Valley City. He noted that in the near future another police officer may need to be hired.

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