Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening (Dec. 3, 2012) at City Hall.   All members were present.

The newest Valley City Police officer was sworn in by Mayor Werkhoven.

Police Chief Fred Thompson then pinned the badge on the city’s newest officer.

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 $2,100,526.37.

LP License renewal for Vining Oil & Gas LLC

Pawn License renewal for Northwestern Industries.

License renewal for Liquor and Beer for Dakota Silver, Sabir’s, Main Street Off-Sale.

Approved the License renewal for Slaughterhouse for Valley Meat Supply.

　

Public Forum – No one spoke.

The City Commission approved the First Reading of Ordinance amending and re-enacting the Commissioners Salaries.

Mayor Werkhoven said an increase has not been made since the late 1990’s. He also noted an increase in meetings attended, along with commissioners attending other city related meetings.

The raise proposed is $100 additional per month, for commissioners, and $250 for the mayor, plus an increase in vehicle allowance.

Commissioner Luke pointed out that being a City Commissioner is full time job.

 

Commissioner Nielson voted against approving the increase in City Commissioner’s salaries.

 

Approved the Second and Final Reading 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 voters approved the Advisory Vote in November of this year.

 

Resolutions:

Approved a Resolution accepting the Bid and Awarding Contract to Swingin Construction for a Main Street Retaining Wall in the amount of $253,422. Erik Gilbertson of KLJ explained the bid awarding to the Commission.

New Business:

Approved the low bid for One (1) New Tandem Garbage Truck. Operations Superintendent Differding, explained the specifications.

　

Approved the bid for One (1) New Dump Truck. As approved by Operations Superintendent Differding.

 

Considered a three year contract with Eide Bailly. Auditor Richter recommending a the three year contract, which was approved by the City Commission.

 

Considered a Credit Card option for Public Works. City Administrator Schelkoph presented the plan, for the payment of utility bills.

He pointed out that the public is asking if the city accepts credit card payments, and to re-establish cut off service.

He outlined the percentage per transaction, plus the cost of NSF checks.

The City Commissioners voted have the city postpone action until the next City Commission meeting with a additional information.

 

City Commissioners approved releasing $300,000 obligated funds previously approved for a manufacturing company that was to locate in the NW Industrial Park.

Jennifer Feist, from Economic Development said it was appropriate at this time to release the funds.

Commissioners voted to release the funds.

 

The City Commission then reviewed the police funeral escort policy. City Administrator Schelkoph, had Police Chief, Fred Thompson outline the policy.

The draft includes emergency escorts in police department vehicles, to include officer/citizen rescues during times of civil unrest.

 

The draft outlines emergency escorts of civilian vehicles, for medical or other emergencies under any circumstances.

Non-emergency escorts such as for parades, dignitaries, funerals, special events, over-sized loads, hazardous materials may be provided with the approval of the Chief of Police.

Those requesting such escorts must have appropriate permits and authorization as required by the City of Valley City.

Police units in the escort may be excused if the unit is required for emergency purposes.

No action was taken by the City Commission.

 

Ryan Mathias from the NuBar discussed a proposal for an outdoor smoking shelter outside his establishment.

He said due to the no-smoking measure, passed by voters in the November 6, 2012 elections, he’s proposing to build a windbreak behind the NuBar.

The structure would be 20X18 at the south end of the property, where the patio fence was.

The front would be 25 feet from the back entrance, in compliance with the new law.

Mathias said he has not received official notification from the state on the start of the pending legislation.

City Attorney Russell Myhre explained the new state law which takes effect December 6th.

He is not sure if Mathias plans are within the new law, as “smoke shacks,” are not allowed under the new law.

He said Mathias might not want to make an investment in the windbreak, until specifics of the new law are known, and how to interpret it.

Myhre pointed out, Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the proprietor of the establishment, followed by backup by law enforcement if the subject does not extinguish the smoking product.

Mayor Werkhoven said he understands that violators can be turned over to the State Health Department.

He added that the city wants to work with Mathias and others to make sure they are in compliance with any proposed plans.

Myhre said it may be appropriate to request an opinion from the State Attorney General’s Office.

　

City Administrator Report:

David Schelkoph said, the city had taken down two buildings on the demolition list.

The employee and policy planning is continuing and the Animal Ordinance will be addressed at a meeting on Tuesday this week.

He said the city has met with the Salvation Army to address issues concerning how to handle charitable acts, in conjunction with churches.

 

Commissioner Pedersen said with the City Auditorium, the city needs to put a value on the structure, as outside appraisals are differing based on the way they handle appraisals.

Schelkoph indicated that in January, the issue will be further addressed, with a meeting with other officials to come up with an accurate appraisal.

　

City Updates & Commission Comments:

City Commissioner Luke indicated that the cost of water treatment will be going higher, during the winter months, due to treatment of the sulfur content.

Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson said, she and Commissioner Luke attended the meeting of the Devils Lake outlet.

She said in the spring the two outlets are planned to be in operation.

The Devils Lake moisture content was fairly high this fall, and so the spring melt and runoff may increase the lake level in the spring.

She said another item discussed at the Devils Lake meeting was asking officials for a study of acquadic life.

Commissioner Nielson will be attending various water meetings, including the State Water Commission meeting, and upper the Sheyenne River meeting.

City Attorney Myhre gave an update on additional home buyouts.

 

The discussion of the Animal Ordinance will take place on Tuesday.

The city has negotiated with Phase One issues, with Barnes County Rural Water Users.

Building Inspector/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen related fire statistics, especially during the holiday season.

He noted the leading causes of house fires, including smoking, lamps using larger than called for bulb wattage, along with improper usage of extension cords, space heaters, and even electric blankets.

Candles are the number one cause of house fires.

 

City Fire Chief Retterath cautions residents to check that their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectores are operable.

Briefly addressing potential uses for the Auditorium building, Mayor Werkhoven noted that in Minot a similar type building is being turned into housing units.

 

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