– City Commission Hears Flood Buyout Updates

Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session on Monday (Nov 5, 2012) at City Hall. City Commissioner Pedersen was not present.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items included:

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 $2,285,505.14

Approved new electric license for Magnum Electric.

Approved a Game of Chance Raffle Permit for VCHS Art Department, VCSU EBC Fraternity, St. Catherine Faith Formation, VC Chamber of Commerce and ND Winter Show.

Public Forum : No one spoke.

Ordinances

Approved the second and final Reading of Ordinance No. 946, an ordinance creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant where structures were removed in accordance with the State Water Commission.

Resolutions

Approved a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 101 for a Seal Coat and Mill and Overlay in the Southwest.

New Business:

Approved a Flex Pace Loan for Justin and Brandi Mueller in the amount of $6,000. The amount will leverage a $14,000 buydown from the Bank of North Dakota.

Approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Grotberg Electric in the amount of $5,000.

The grant is for a renovation for Dakota Rose Floral.

Approved Jenny Mueller as a city election worker for the November 6, 2012, city election.

Approved an Amendment to Technical Support Services Agreement for new email service.

The change is from Lotus Notes, to Microsoft Outlook, which has more storage capacity.

Approved an engineering and project contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. for the Downtown Substation for an amount no greater than $39,000.

Electric Superintendent Hansen said the amount will be for equipment upgrades.

The City Commissioners discussed a $1 million loan from the Electric Department.

Home buyout update, including new properties to be purchased was reviewed.

Approved Jenny Mueller as a city election worker for the November 6, 2012, city election.

Approved an Amendment to Technical Support Services Agreement for new email service.

The change is from Lotus Notes, to Microsoft Outlook, which has more storage capacity.

Approved an engineering and project contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. for the Downtown Substation for an amount no greater than $39,000.

Electric Superintendent Hansen said the amount will be for equipment upgrades.

Home buyout update, including new properties to be purchased was reviewed.

City Administrator Schelkoph, said four additional properties will be added to the list, that have expressed an interest to sell or have already signed paperwork for a buyout.

Two buildings destroyed by fire are included, and the city will only purchase the land.

Approved was a Change Order in the amount of $1,090.84 for the Water Treatment Plant.

Administrator Schelkoph pointed out the amount was an over-run for the purchase of furniture.

Approved rejecting all bids for the Main Street Riverbank Restoration and authorize to rebid the project.

KLJ reported the bids were rejected as a portion of the publication process, on the part of the South Central Regional Council, had an error, which required a re-publication. The bids will be re-advertised.

The rejection will cost the city an additional $4,000.

City Administrator Report:

KLJ gave a progress report on projects wrapping up, and looked at 2013 projects which will be posted at City Hall, and is posted on the city’s web site.

On another topic, Administrator Schelkoph said the city has entered into an agreement with the State Historical Society to document historical homes.

The Barnes County Historical Society will assist in the documentation.

The documentation will somewhat slow the demolition.

The employee policy and procedure manual has been updated.

The sale of Audi may include the adjacent parking lot.

The city is working with the NDDOT in clarifying what areas are the responsibility of the city and what areas are the responsibility of the NDDOT.

Access to Main Street is an issue and will address future access issues.

The city is working on revising the policy of delinquent utility bills.

John Deere Seeding has requested changing electrical entrances, when the new building is constructed.

City Updates & Commission Comments:

Commissioner Nielson said she meant with the Police Chief and funeral dirctors concerning the city’s liability of funeral processions.

Commissioner Luke reported on an increase treatment of Devils Lake water.