Valley City, ND (KCSi- T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening (Nov 19, 2012) at City Hall. All members were present. The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

Mayor Werkhoven read a proclamation concerning small businesses, proclaming Saturday November 24, 2012, as Small Business Day.

 Approval of Consent Agenda Items include:

 A New Master Heating license for Grotberg Electric Inc. dba Triton Mechanical.

 Public Forum: No one spoke.

 Resolutions:   Approved an engineers report and directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of probable cost for Paving Improvement District No. 101, in the Southwest quadrant of Valley City, at a cost of $760,000. A public hearing will be held in mid-December.

 Approved a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 102 for a Street Reconstruction on 9th Street NE and 12th Street NE.

 A public information meeting will be held in January.

 Approved a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 103 for New Street Construction in Prairie View Addition, 10th St NW – Hyland Park Addition

 Drainage issue will be examined in the area.

 An informational meeting will be held in early December.

 New Business: A Presentation was given from URS.

 Commissioner Luke explained that URS is an international engineering firm, with the representatives at the meeting explaining the issues of flooding and erosion on the Sheyenne River.

 A comprehensive river study in Valley City was performed.

 From the study a prioritization of river bank erosion solutions will be made.

 A comprehensive stabilization/restoration plan will be developed, using “bio-engineering,” including, using live plants, to prevent future river bank erosion.

 Cost effective processes are being looked at to work together in bank stabilization.

 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also working on a Flood Risk Feasibility study.

 URS will make additional studies of the river bank, through Valley City, and prioritizing areas and identifying the plan to be used.

 The study will include four phases.

 The cost will be determined based on variables.

 Sharon Buhr gave a presentation of Sidewalk, Walking and Health, with the On the Move Program, in Valley City.

 The ACHIEVE program was outlined concerning health lifestyles, and programs.

 Ms.Buhr pointed out that sidewalks are not as common, taking away a source of walking and riding bikes.

 The number of students riding bikes to school is half of that from the late 1960’s when the figure was 48%.

 She pointed out that a survey indicated where Valley City Residents would like to see sidewalks installed, such as the ball diamond, and Winter Show Drive.

 It was suggested a city Ordinance be developed concerning the location of sidewalks.

Mayor Werkhoven pointed out the costs of new sidewalks, and the citizens paying for it.

Ms. Buhr responded by pointing out the costs of health care to individuals out of shape from the lack of excercise that sidewalks can provide.

The City Commission approved selling three City owned residential lots located at 5th Ave NE & 12th Street; 423 7th Ave NE; Countryside 2nd Addition.

City Administrator Schelkoph said the cost will be the assessed value.

The City Commissioners evaluated bids for Sweeper for the Street Department. City Administrator Schelkoph pointed out the bids from companies in Minnesota and California.

The City Commissioners voted to award the bid for an Elgin unit, in the amount of $175,533.

 The City Commission then considered Police escort for Funeral Processions.

Commissioner Nielson asked for a review with Police Chief Fred Thompson.

The Chief said he favors a plan that reduces liability, in lieu of eliminating the escorts.

City Attorney Russell Myhre said the liability for negligence can not be waived under the law.

 Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson said funeral processions are becoming less, in recent times.

She made a motion to require police escorts for funeral processions.

The motion passed on a 4-1 vote, with Mayor Werkhoven in opposition.

 Commissioner Nielson asked City Commissioners to considered redirecting $95,000 from the 2013 Budgeted Law Enforcement Center’s Evidence Vault to Small Projects. Chief Thompson said an evidence vault needs to be built.

Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve, which failed, 3-2, with Commissioners Nielson, and Pedersen voting to approve..

Received and approved Valley City Canvassing Board Report on the General Election Held on November 6, 2012.

The City Commission approved an Economic Development request for funding in the amount of $665,000 for I-94 Regional Development Corridor land purchase.

The auditorium proposals were reviewed, and the City Commission set a minimum bid and timetable for a possible auction.

City Administrator Schelkoph outlined and recommended a repurposing plan proposed by a developer, Berkle Properties, for the facility.

The City Commission voted 3-2 to approve the Berkle proposal, concerning 50% of the appraised value, or $35,000, and with the approval of the State Historical Society. Commissioners Luke and Nielson voted in opposition.

 Commissioner Luke discussed the upcoming Devils Lake Advisory Commission meeting.

 Ordinances:

 Approved the First Reading of an Ordinance amending, abating and reenacting Article I, Chapter 26, Taxation, a City Sales, Use and Gross Receipts tax under the Home Rule Charter of the City of Valley City for an Additional 10 Years.

City Auditor Richter noted voters approved the extension on November 6, 2012.

 City Administrator Schelkoph’s Report:

The city will work with those deliquent in paying utility bills.

He gave an update on home buyouts.

80 % of the flood buyout properties have been taken down.

The city will work with those deliquent in paying utility bills.

He gave an update on home buyouts.

City Attorney Myhre said the city is prosecuting those in violation of the animal Ordinance.  He added amendments will be coming in the future.

City Auditor Avis Richeter said the city has received a “clean audit report.”

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