wbPM4CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS  40 PERCENT IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA.  LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING,  A 40 PERCENT CHANCE IN THE VALLEY CITY AREA. HIGHS IN THE MID 80S. SOUTH WINDS
5 TO 10 MPH INCREASING TO AROUND 15 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS IN THE MID 60S. SOUTH WINDS
10 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 80S. SOUTH WINDS 10 TO
15 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. LOWS IN THE MID 60S.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE MID 80S.
LOWS IN THE MID 60S.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. HIGHS IN THE MID
80S. LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S.
.SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE MID 80S. LOWS IN THE MID
60S.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS IN THE MID 80S.

 

SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE INTO THE REGION LATE

TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT.

 
 THERE IS A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS NORTHWEST LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT
 AND THURSDAY MORNING. SOME STORMS COULD BE SEVERE THURSDAY
 MORNING.
 
 THERE IS A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT OVER
 ALL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA. SOME OF THESE STORMS
 COULD BE SEVERE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
 
 THUNDERSTORMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE ACROSS THE REGION
 FRIDAY…SUNDAY…AND MONDAY.

 

 Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.

Council Member Gumke was not present.

The City Council approved and authorized the submission of an application to the North Dakota Health Department and Public Finance Authority for a CWSRF　Loan to finance the Sanitary Landfill – Cell 3BW Development, in the amount of 450,000.00. City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said the bond is 2% plus a one half of one percent administrative fee.

Following the Special Meeting the City Council committee meetings were held.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE:

The committee recommends authorizing the JSDC to enter into a short term lease agreement, with an option to renew, to provide office space at the Center for Economic Development, for the CHS contractor Becktel. The Stutsman County Commission approved the agreement on Tuesday morning.

The committee recommends authorizing the JSDC to enter into a short term lease agreement, with an option to renew, to provide an 80 acre parcel in Spiritwood Township for use in providing a crew camp.

The committee recommends authorizing the JSDC to request a change in zoning on the JSDC Spiritwood Township property for the E½ of Section 28-140-62 from Agricultural to Industrial.  The zone change request was approved by the Stutsman County Commission, Tuesday morning.

The committee recommends approving the 2016 JSDC Budget Request.

The (JSDC) Board of Directors had approved a revised 2016 budget that includes a 3.8 percent overall increase in expenditures. The budget includes a 3 percent raise for JSDC employees. The increase boosts the 2016 budget to $452,000 from the 2015 budget of $436,000. The JSDC Board had approved a 5 percent increase in wages and an overall 5 percent increase in spending. The original budget did not meet guidelines set by the Stutsman County Commission limiting increases to 3 percent.

The committee considered the request from the Jamestown Bus Stop, Inc., for $5,000 to provide water, sewer and restroom fixtures in the proposed bus depot in the 100 Block on 2nd Avenue Southeast adjacent to the First Congregational Church. Supporter and organizer, City Council Member Charlie Kourajian said, if approved the corporation would start fundraising and applying for grants, ask churches for support, and to apply for United Way funds. He said a verbal agreement is in hand with the church, adding that a formal agreement is expected to be for three years. Mayor Andersen said that she would vote in favor when a formal agreement is in hand. The committee recommends sending to the City Council without recommendation pending a formal contract being in place.

The committee recommends approval of the request from John and Susan Greenwood for Renaissance Zone incentives by providing 5 years of property tax exemption and to request the ND State Tax Department to grant 5 years of State income Tax exemption for the purchase of a residence on Lot 8, Block 1, Lindberg Addition.

The committee discussed the offer of Brian H. & Erin S. Paulson to purchase Lot 10, Block 2, Homestead Addition for $500.00. The Paulson’s currently own Lot 11. City Assessor Darrell Wollan said the amount would not cover administrative costs. The committee recommends selling for $500, and the Paulson’s pay the Special Assessments and property taxes due.

The committee recommends approval of a five (5) year extension to the Jamestown Renaissance Zone District incentives from the ND Department of Commerce.  City Administrator Fuchs said the 15 year agreement expires on August 7th this year, and a five year extension is possible.

Informational:

A Public Hearing is scheduled for the August 3, 2015, City Council meeting relative to a five (5) year extension of the Renaissance Zone District incentives.

Informational:

A Public Hearing is scheduled for the August 3, 2015, City Council meeting relative to a request from the James River Valley Library System for a “Certification of Significant Community Support” concerning a USDA-Rural Development Grant to replace the Book Mobile.

Informational:

An application for appointment to the Planning Commission has been received from Paulette Ritter.

Informational:

The Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1461, introduced by Council Member Gumke, to create and enact Article V of Chapter 25.5 of the City Code pertaining to City Sales and Use Tax for Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC) Bond Issue, is scheduled for the August 3, 2015, City Council meeting.

Informational:

Departmental and financial reports.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Informational:

A Public Hearing and approval-disapproval of an update of plan requirements according to Section 5.4.3 of Appendix C for Lot 1, Block 1, Eventide Addition, is scheduled for the August 3, 2015, City Council Meeting.

Informational:

The Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1462, introduced by Council Member Brubakken, to amend and re-enact Section 6 of Appendix B of the City Code pertaining to Fees for Platting Procedures, is scheduled for the August 3, 2015, City Council meeting.

Informational:

A Public Hearing and Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1463, introduced by Council Member Gumke, an ordinance to amend and re-enact Ordinance No. 329 of the City Code by amending the District Map to change the zoning of the Lots 1-5, Block 1, and Lots 1-4, Block 2, Dakota Acres First Subdivision, from A-1 and R-1 to R-1 and for the proposed Lots 1-3, Block 3, Dakota Acres First Subdivision, from P-O-C and R-1 to R-1, is scheduled for the August 3, 2015, City Council meeting.

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No agenda items at this time.

The Special Council Meeting and committee meetings were shown live on CSi 67 followed by replays.

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

No items were on the Consent Agenda.

PUBLIC FORUM:  No One Spoke.

PUBLIC HEARING

An Open Public Hearing was held for property at Lot 2, Block 1 of NP West 3rd Addition to rezone from I-1 Light Industrial to B-1 Central Business District. The Planning $ Zoning Committee recommends approval.

Following the Public Hearing…

ORDINANCES

City Commissioners approved first reading of Ordinance No. 993, an ordinance to rezone Lot 2, Block 1 of NP West 3rd Addition from I-1 Light Industrial to B-1 Central Business District.

Commissioners then approved the first reading of an Ordinance amending Title 17, Offenses for the City of Valley City – Paraphernalia. Attorney Myhre said the Ordinance come in line with the North Dakota Century Code, becoming affective August 1, 2015.

Approved was the first reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9, Zoning, of the revised ordinance of Valley City. City Attorney Myhre said one provision change deals with home based businesses, relative to items under Provisional Use Permits, and consistent with state laws.

NEW BUSINESS

The City commission considered the bid for E 60’ of the Rosebud Parking Lot from PACE Development Inc. in the amount of $65,000.00. City Administrator Schelkoph said a bid opening was held in the form of an auction. A ten percent down payment has been made. Marketplace Foods, is planning on building a liquor store, and a convenience store, gas station at the intersection of Main and Central Avenue. The Valley City Commission had approved selling the parcel.  Commissioner Magnuson voting in opposition.

The City Commission approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Appliance City, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $7,500 to enhance the entrance to the store.

The Commissioners approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Redking Foods LLC dba Burger King in an amount not to exceed $7,500. Exterior enhancement include lighting.

Commissioners approved a Retail Image Enhancement Grant for Park Street Development, Inc. dba Valley Flooring in an amount not to exceed $7,500 and will also enhance the entrance.

The City Commission approved the Food and Beverage Grant for the ND Winter Show in an amount not to exceed $36,000. NDWS Manager Dawn Riley indicted the need for additional horse stalls, along with additional bleachers and other items.

Considered was Barnes Rural Water agreements for construction work and transfer of a customer to BRW. City Administrator Schelkoph two actions need to be taken…approving BRW to extend a water line into city limits, and to transfer pre 1999 annexed land.  The Construction and the transfer were approved by the City Commission on separate votes.

The Police Department Second Quarter Report, presented by Police Chief Fred Thompson.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

David Schelkoph said that he and other city officials attended a meeting in Jamestown concerning insurance issues.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Auditor Richter said the 2016 budgeting is on schedule.

Police Chief Thompson said the City and Barnes County will be conducting an emergency planning exercise on Wednesday.

KLJ provided an update on projects, including footing being installed at various permanent flood walls. Storm sewer work will be coming up along Viking Drive.

Commissioner Nielson said the Summer in the Park program continues, with events at the City Park, Band Shell.

Commissioner Luke noted improvements to the library.

Mayor Werkhoven pointed out a fireworks incident, where a residential air conditioning unit was disabled by a fireworks, projectile that was fired in a parking lot, over the 4th of July holiday, and that a resident lost an eye in a fireworks accident. He suggested that the Valley City fireworks Ordinance be revisited in the future to address concerns.

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

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Menards store will start hiring workers, on July 22, 2015, and running through August 1st.
Menards, Jeff Abbot says interested applicants will be able to stop on site, at 1209 23rd Street Southwest, for applications and interviews, and receive an interview at the store.

Interested applicants should stop at the store site between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Wed., July 22nd through Sat., July 25th or Mon., July 27th through Sat., Aug. 1st.

He says, Menards in Jamestown is looking to hire both Part-time and Full-time Team Members for a variety of positions.

No official store opening has been announced, however Recruiting & Team Development Coordinator Erin Parker notes on social media that the store will be opened in September this year.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A group that wants to block a new law that relaxes North Dakota’s Depression-era ban against corporate farming has successfully pushed the matter to a public vote.
 
     Secretary of State Al Jaeger says his office has verified that submitted petitions have enough valid signatures to put the measure on the June ballot.
 
     The North Dakota Farmers Union is leading the campaign to overturn the Legislature’s decision to exempt pork and dairy operations from the state’s anti-corporate farming law.
 
     The successful petition drive means the law’s Aug. 1 effective date will be delayed until after the election next year.
 
     Supporters of the legislation say delaying it would be another blow to the already ailing swine and dairy industries in the state.
 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A Fargo man accused of killing his roommate says he was in fear for his life when he pulled the trigger.
 
     Twenty-five-year-old Christopher Hampton is on trial in the June 2014 death of 28-year-old Randall Doehner, his cousin. He could face life in prison if convicted of murder. WDAY-TV reports he testified in his own defense Monday.
 
     Hampton said tensions began to surface when he asked Doehner to move out because of poor behavior and lack of help paying bills. Hampton said he suspected his cousin of trying to poison him.
 
     Medical tests found no poison but did find drugs in Hampton’s system.
 
     A pathologist who testified earlier in the trial said evidence indicated Doehner was shot in the back and the head from more than two feet away.

 

 FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Storms over the past week with strong winds, heavy rain and hail have damaged some crops in central and eastern North Dakota.
 
     The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop report that persistent wet conditions also are causing disease concerns in some crops.
 
     The state’s staple spring wheat crop is still doing well overall, however. The crop is rated 82 percent in good to excellent condition.
 
     Pasture and range conditions statewide are rated 80 percent good to excellent. Stock water supplies are 96 percent adequate to surplus.

 

Bismarck (CSi)   In accordance with Tuesday’s presidential proclamation, Gov. Jack Dalrymple is directing all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset, July 25, 2015 in honor of the service members killed in Chattanooga, Tenn., last week.

Four Marines and a sailor were killed Thursday in attacks on two military sites in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that authorities have blamed on a 24-year-old Kuwait-born man.
 

“The tragedy that occurred in Chattanooga affects all Americans and is an attack on the very principles we hold dear in this country,” Dalrymple said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific tragedy and with their families.”

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A Navy attack submarine named for the state of North Dakota is getting a new skipper.

Capt. Douglas Gordon is being replaced as commanding officer of the USS North Dakota by Cmdr. Michael Hollenbach.
 
     A change-of-command ceremony is scheduled Thursday afternoon at the naval base in Groton, Connecticut. A delegation from North Dakota is attending.
 
     Gordon is being promoted to a new position at headquarters of the Allied Maritime Command in the United Kingdom.
 
     Construction of the $2.6 billion submarine began in March 2009. It was commissioned in October 2014. The 377-foot-long sub with a crew of nearly 150 can launch cruise missiles, deliver special forces and carry out surveillance.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – State and federal officials in the Dakotas are working with an American Indian reservation that straddles the two states’ border on a unique project to reduce the number of released felons who return to a life of crime.
 
     Officials cite a lack of services and jobs as big reasons for recidivism on the Standing Rock Reservation. The Multijurisdictional Re-entry Services Team hopes to come up with a blueprint for addressing those problems.
 
     The team includes federal prosecutors from both states, state corrections and tribal relations officials, and Sioux tribe officials.
 
     Possible measures include identifying employers on and off the reservation who would be willing to hire convicted felons, identifying housing resources and establishing American Indian mentors.
 
     Officials say the effort eventually could be used as a model by other tribes.

 

In world and national news…

 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The latest Republican to enter the presidential race is Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY’-sihk) — who, as governor, has helped erase a budget deficit that was projected at nearly $8 billion when he entered office. And the state has seen private sector employment rebound. But labor unions say his successes have come at a cost to local governments and schools. And they say new Ohio jobs lack the pay and benefits of jobs they replaced. Kasich told supporters Tuesday that he has the “experience and the testing” to serve as president.
 
     TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran’s parliament will be taking about the same amount of time as the U.S. Congress will take, in examining the proposed nuclear deal involving Iran and world powers. A prominent Iranian lawmaker says it will take “at least” 60 days for the parliament to review the proposal. Hard-liners there could vote against the deal — but their numbers wouldn’t be strong enough to derail the agreement, which has already been backed by the country’s supreme leader.
 
     PITTSBURGH (AP) – President Barack Obama is hoping to get veterans to support the proposed nuclear deal with Iran. He told the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Pittsburgh Tuesday that the opponents of the nuclear deal are the same people who rushed the United States into an ill-fated war in Iraq.
 
     CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – A person close to the family says the man who killed five troops in an attack on two military sites in Tennessee last week wrote in late 2013 of being a failure and having a worthless life after he lost his job at a power plant. The person says the writings of Muhammad Abdulazeez were those of someone who was clearly depressed. The writings were found by the FBI in the family home. Abdulazeez was fired from a job at an Ohio power plant in 2013 after what an official described as a failed drug test.
 
     LOS ANGELES (AP) – Authorities say a man who is charged with sex crimes against a 14-year-old California girl is a registered sex offender who was in deportation proceedings, and was out on immigration bond. They say Keane Dean was placed in immigration detention in October, and was released in April after posting bond granted by an immigration judge. The Philippines native was arrested in Los Angeles County last week after a missing teenager was found in his garage. Meanwhile, relatives of a woman fatally shot on a San Francisco pier told Congress Tuesday they support changing laws that enabled the suspect to remain in the U.S. despite several deportations.