VCcommissionValley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening at City Hall. A change in date this month. Commissioner Magnuson, and Mayor Werkhoven were not present. Commissioner Pedersen conducted the meeting as Commission Vice President.

Pedersen administered the Oath of Office to Valley City Police Officer David Swenson, who was promoted to Lt.

The Moorhead, Minnesota native also worked as a reserve deputy for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office before starting his police career in Valley City on February, 2 1998.

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 $$2,815,775.46

Game of Chance Raffle for ND Winter Show, VCHS Art Club.

Renewal of electric license for Charlie & Sons Electric Inc.

PUBLIC FORUM

Foundation Director of CHI Mercy Health Foundation, Stephanie Mayfield told the Commission, the community health survey is being conducted.

Issues of the past three years have been addressed.

She encourages the public to take the survey in conjunction with City/County Health.

About 200 surveys have been completed with the goal of 600 to be completed.

ORDINANCES

The City Commission approved the first reading of an Ordinance rezoning from R-1 Single Family District to B-1 Central Business District at Lots 1-2 of Block 34 located in B. W. Benson’s Addition, for an auto sales business, expansion. The planning commission recommends approval.

Approved the first reading of an Ordinance amending the Zoning Use Matrix regarding “Sales or leasing of consumer vehicles including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, light and medium trucks and recreational vehicles” to include B-1 Central Business District.

City Attorney Myhre said the housekeeping measure is added to the City Code, which was inadvertently omitted. The zoning and planning commission recommends approval.

RESOLUTIONS

Approved a Resolution accepting bid and awarding contract to Strata Corporation of Grand Forks, ND in the amount of $288,086.95 for Shared Use Path along W Main Street.

Approved a Resolution approving the Petition for Vacation of Alley between West Main Street and 2nd Street SW, and between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue SW. City Attorney Myhre said this is a first step in vacating the alley for the auto sales expansion project.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commissioners considered an Image Retail Enhancement Grant for Maria Maria Mexican Restaurant in an amount not to exceed $7500.00. The Visitors Committee recommends approval, for the improvements to the restaurant. The City Commission voted to approve.

Considered revisions for the Image Retail Enhancement Grant guidelines.  Visitors Committee Chairman Bobby Koepplin outlined changes. Those included paperwork, and physical changes in properties to be defined, specifically, under guidelines for approval.  The City Commission voted to approve as proposed.

Considered a Renaissance Zone application for Puklich Chevrolet Buick GMC for a 5 year exemption on property tax and 5 year exemption on income tax for a new building. TheRenaissance Zone Authority has reviewed the application and approved. Pulklich is proposing a new 26,000 square foot building, and demolition of the present building. The Commission approved the application, pending state approval.

The City Commission approved an application for an SRF grant to reconstruct the Rosebud Parking Lot.

Considered approving a property tax exemption for improvements to a residential building. Assessor Hansen explained the guidelines. She noted a project under consideration for a kitchen remodel meets approval. The Commissioners approved.

Considered a request from the Development Corporation to direct rezoning changes to the Zoning Ordinance and carry out any necessary hearing to go forward to rezone. Valley City/Barnes Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said, the Ordinance change would directly affect the potential expansion of Pizza Corner, and could potentially impact other businesses. The changes would allow usage in a B-2 zone, concerning assembly of products. A Conditional Use Permit is still possible for expansions. It would not be necessary if the new rezoning is allowed. The City Commission voted to begin the process, and establish a public hearing, followed by Ordinance readings.

City Commissioners approved a Design and Construction Engineering Agreement for Sewer Improvement District No. 61 (N Central Ave) with KLJ, in an amount not to exceed 17% of construction costs. Darin Peturka, from Interstate Engineering indicated the establishment of a Valley City officer, and said the firm is available to be considered for engineering consultations.

Commissioner Luke voted against approval of the agreement.

Approved  a Design and Construction Engineering Agreement for Water Main Improvement (S Downtown Phase I) with KLJ, in an amount not to exceed 17% of constructions costs, and designate it as Water Main Improvement District No. 98. KLJ.

Commissioners voted for approval, with Commissioner Luke voting in opposition.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT AND CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS WERE GIVEN.

City Assessor Hansen’s report including processing assessments of properties in Northwest Valley City. She said through October this year, 85 residential property sales were recorded in Valley City.

Building Inspector Dave Andersen said so far this year, building permits of all types have amounted to a value of $33,186,085.

KLJ reported, based in large part from last week’s public meeting, 5th Avenue, Southwest will revert to two way traffic in the future from the present one-way traffic flow.

Commissioner Nielson said the city is backing the continuance of the city police department, in light of recent proposals to bring the department under the guidance of the Sheriff’s Office, or a citizens petition to eliminating the police department.

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