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

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA INCLUDED:

A Tree Trimming License for Ground to Sky.

Blocking Off Street for the VCSU Welcome Weekend on August 21, and Street Dance on September 2, 2015.

PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke..

NEW BUSINESS

City Commissioners approved awarding contract to Water Smith Inc. for replacement of Well #5 in the amount of $97,746.00. City Administrator Schelkoph indicated that the bid was not the low bid but included items needed, such as tree removal.

Commissioners reviewed the parking plan for VCSU to accommodate Flood Protection Project. KLJ & City Administrator Schelkoph said temporary parking would allowed be on 4th Avenue and Viking Drive, on a temporary basis….VCSU President Tisa Mason said the temporary parking would be through September 30th, to help students with getting settled for the academic year.  An area west of Foss Music Hall would be available for parking with 50 spaces.  The City Commission voted to approve.

Discussion was held on a solar plant, and to approve funds for legal review. Commissioner Luke said electric rates will be variable in the future, adding new changes in EPA regulations will mean increases in electric rates. She added that a proposed 700KW Solar Plant at $1.75 million would be investor owned, with tax breaks, and after five years selling back to the city.  There would be a refundable $35,000 in up-front costs, from the city’s electric fund. She said the proposal would allow the city to buy the plant, at a fraction of the average cost.  The power is presently purchased from Missouri River Energy and WAPA. The company being looked at is Olson Energy. A completed plant would be at the end of 2016.  She said the legal review is necessary to not expose the city to any risks and review Olson Energy’s background.

City Attorney Myhre said his office was not consulted in regard to legal work on opinions on the issue.  The City Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting on August 27, 2015, to vote on authorizing funds.

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen said the issuance, Tuesday, of the building permit for the new Wellness Center, brings the total dollar amount so far this year, at $9 million ahead of last year at this time. He said property owners removing trees should be responsible for removing the stumps. Otherwise the city will remove the stumps and charge the cost to the property owner.

City Fire Chief Retterath said the city has undergone a review for fire protection rating, with the results expected in about four months.

KLJ reviewed the progress of street projects.  Flood wall construction on College Street continues.

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