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

The meeting started with former Valley City Forester Dave Dunham was presented a plaque for his service of 23 years. Mayor Werkhoven gave his appreciation, including searching out dutch elm diseased trees, and being on call. Dunham gave thanks to his botany instructor, and said he always did his best.

Next was the swearing in of Valley City Police Officer Amanda Lawrence. Following that Police Chief Thompson pinned her shield to her uniform.

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 $1,810,854.34.

Raffle Permit for North American Game Warden Museum and Phyllis (Miller) McDonough.

Beer & Liquor license renewal for Main Street Off Sale and Dakota Silver.

Parade Permit for Rally in the Valley on June 20, 2015, at 10-a.m.

 

PUBLIC FORUM

Lloyd Nelson spoke and asked what does AMAMAMIOPT mean on his electric bill?

He said he paid his late bill charges, without paying the $5 fee.

He added after questioning the bill he never received a response.

Information indicated that he opted out of the AMI meters, remote reading system, which the city said electrical employees substantiated, and requires a $5 meter charge, Nelson said he didn’t remember opting out of the meter plan. He said he’s paying a meter reader out the utility fund fees, so the $5 for not having AMI amounts to a double fee.

 

 

ORDINANCES

City Commissioners approved the first reading of an Ordinance rezoning Lots 5-8, Block 2 of the Original plat of the city of Valley City from B-1, Central Business District to PUD (Planned Unit Development). Attorney Myhre added that the rezoning is now under the redeveloped city zoning ordinance.

Approved the first reading of an Ordinance rezoning the East Half of Lot 2 less West half of alley, Block 37, located in Benson’s Addition to the City of Valley City from R-2, Duplex/2family to R-4, Single/Multiple Family Unlimited. Attorney Myhre said the Planning Commission recommended approval.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution amending Water Main Improvement District No. 96B, adding two blocks of water main at the intersection of Third Street and Third Avenue Northeast, and tow blocks north.

Approved a Resolution approving the Replat of Hyland Park Addition.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

Approve a Special Alcohol Beverage Event license for Boomer’s Corner Keg for the Dakota Raiders Hill Climb on June 21. (Boomer’s)

Approved a Special Alcohol Beverage Event license for the VFW for the Mud Run during Rally in the Valley, June 13, 2015.

Considered options for sewer service for two homes north of the hospital, the Wright house and Winter house. KLJ indicated sewage backup has been and issue, for many years, and recommends installing ejector pumps. The home owners have agreed to the installation, and Administrator Schelkoph indicated the city will work with the owners on the installations.  The City Commission voted to approve the recommended option.

Considered a request from the VC Development Corp to approve $50,000 to increase child care capacity with funds from the City Sales tax dedicated to economic development. Valley City Barnes County Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said the Barnes County Commission has approved the county’s $50,000 share out of the county’s economic development funds.She noted an increase in capacity is needed for childcare, which effects the workforce numbers and the ability to attract new employees to town.The City Commission approved the expenditure from the city sales tax fund.

Approved the renewal of Gaming Site Authorization for the Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club at Woodland Steakhouse and Bridges Bar and Grill.

Approved a Contract with the State of North Dakota authorizing the Office of the State Tax Commissioner to administer the City’s local Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes for the 2015 through 2017 biennium.

Considered purchasing property for flood buyout at 474 5th Avenue SW. The property had been considered to be taken by eminent domain. Commissioner Magnuson and Mayor Werkhoven met with the home owner, and came to an agreement that includes paying $115,000 for a buyour and allow the owner to live in the house up to four months and provide closing costs of a new house.

Werkhoven said the action will not impact the permanent flood control flood wall planned for that area.

The City Commission voted to approve the negotiated agreement, with Commissioner Nielson voting in opposition saying the amount was over the assessed valuation.

Approved purchasing a Dump Truck from Fargo Freightliner in the amount of $64,326, and 16’ Body from Bert’s Truck in the amount of $30,065.

Commissioners approved an Amendment to the Preliminary Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 50, along Winter Show Road, and near the KLJ offices.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT No report was given.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT No report was given.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Attorney Myhre said the recodification process considered.

City Assessor Sandy Hansen said no protest were given at the County Equalization meeting.

City Building/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen reminds residents to mow their grass.

City Fire Chief Gary Retterath said the outdoor sirens are all working properly.

Police Chief Fred Thompson said, the new camera system are nearly completely installed.  He said Valley City Police is participating in the “I Got Caught” program where when officers see a youngster wearing a safety helmet during appropriate outdoor activities, the kids get a “citation,” good for an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.

 

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