Wayne Byers – Evening – Dec 17

 

CSi Weather…

 TONIGHT…CLOUDY. PATCHY FOG IN THE EVENING. PATCHY LIGHT
FREEZING DRIZZLE IN THE EVENING…THEN SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW
AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS 15 TO 20. SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 20 PERCENT.
.TUESDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW IN THE
MORNING. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 20S. SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH
INCREASING TO AROUND 15 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…DECREASING CLOUDS. LOWS 10 TO 15. WEST WINDS
10 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 15 TO 20. WEST WINDS 10 TO
15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. COLDER. LOWS AROUND 5 BELOW.
NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 5 TO
10 ABOVE. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS AROUND 20. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
.SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 10 TO 15. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.

 PATCHY FOG AND FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE EVENING ACROSS CENTRAL AND NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA. ROADS MAY BECOME SLICK  IN SPOTS…ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES.

THERE IS A CHANCE FOR SNOW  MONDAY NIGHT. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM DUSTING UP TO A HALF INCH.

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY…

THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NORTH OF INTERSTATE 94. HOWEVER LITTLE OR NO SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION IS ANTICIPATED.

 

Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session on Tuesday evening (Dec 17, 2012) at City Hall.

 Commissioner Luke attened by telephone conference call.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda items included:

 

A Beer and Liquor License renewals for Chinese Palace, Eagles Club, Boomers Corner Keg, Marketplace Liquors, VC Hospitality LLC, VFW Post, American Legion Club.

A Tree Trimming License renewal for Mike’s Construction & Repair and Ross’ Tree Service.

 

A Taxi License renewal for South Central Adult Services.

 

An LP Gas License renewal for Dakota Plains Co-op.

 

A Mobile Home Park License renewal for Plecity Mobile Home Park & Sunrise Trailer Court.

 

A Game of Chance Raffle Permit for VC Fire Department.

 

A Cabaret License renewal for VFW Post.

 

and all other license renewals received by December 31, 2012.

 

Mayor Wekrhoven noted the Newtown Elementary school shooting tragedy, and asked for a moment of silence.

 

Public Forum: no one spoke.

Ordinances

The second and final reading of Ordinance No. 948, an ordinance amending and re-enacting the Commissioners Salaries was approved.  Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson voted in opposition.

 

New Business

City Administrator Schelkoph updated the City Commission on changes to the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual.

Following the updates the Commissioners approved the changes, unanimously.

 

Approved was the adoption of a Fund Balance Policy in compliance with Government Accounting Stands Board’s Statement.

City Auditor Avis Richter explained the policy and the reasons for putting it in place.

She said under the Policy the City will keep at least a 30% reserve in the General Fund.

If the reserve falls below 20%, measures would be initiated to restrict expenditures.

Other items were included. The City Auditor, and City Administrator will present an annual report to the City Commission. 

The City Commission voted 4-0 to approve, with Commissioner Luke abstaining from voting.

 

Commissioners approved the Declaration of Intent for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for I-94 Regional Development Corridor.

 

The City Commission then continued the discussion on the No Smoking Law.

City Administrator Schelkoph said parts of the law are easily enforced, including posting the new law regulations on site, regarding the distance of 20 feet from where smoking is allowed outside a public building’s entrance.

The individual business owner is responsible for enforcement.

He added a City Ordinance can be adopted in line with the state law, to level a city fine against violators .

　

City Attorney Russell Myhre said his office will draft a city Ordinance regarding the new law.

Mayor Werkhoven suggested while the law is new, to try to give smokers a break at the outset.

 

Also discussed was consideration of a Credit Card option for Public Works.

City Administrator Schelkoph put together a cost savings report, by implementing credit card payments.

He pointed out the cost of NSF checks, and the crew time for disconnects.

He said confrontations with customers would be reduced, and the city will be able to provide credit card services, which many customers have been asking for.

Commissioner Luke suggested implement the plan for a year.

Commission Nileson moved to allow Public Works to implement the credit card option, which passed unanimously.

 

The City Commission then considered bids for the city properties:

Parcel 1:

16–4A 3.66 Acres SE 1/4 5

th Ave NE & 12th Street $100.00

SE 1/4 3.66 Acres Metes & Bounds

to the City of Valley City,

Barnes County, North Dakota. Parcel #63-3020054

The high bid was from 6-D Construction at $125.

Parcel 2:

Lot 12 Block 6 Weiser’s Addn 423 7

th Ave NE $7,000.00

to the City of Valley City,

Barnes County, North Dakota Parcel #63-5860495

No Bids were received.

Parcel 3:

Lot 1 Block 1 Countryside 2nd Parcel #63-0830002 $100.00

Addition

The bid received was $516

Following the discussion the City Commission approved.

 

With the 9-1-1 contract with the city and county, City Commissioner Nielson suggested not moving the 9-1-1 dispatch center, equipment from it’s current location, until new 9-1-1 equipment is purchased, which was put in the form of a motion.

Mayor Werkhoven said the motion was appropriate, regarding moving the aging equipment.

Police Chief Fred Thompson also agreed to postponing the move.

The City Commissioners voted  unanimously to postponed any action, indefinitely.

 

Resolutions

Approved was a Resolution to set a date for the public hearing on the I-94 Regional Development Corridor for January 7, 2012.

 

Approved was a Resolution approving Final Plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement Dist. 97.

 

The City Commission approved a Resolution approving Final Plans and Specifications for Safe Routes to School, Project. 

KLJ reported improved signage, along with curb cuts.

The cost is estimated at $242,000.

 

Approved paving district 101, at a cost of  $737, 000.

Letters will be sent to property owners with a public hearing set for Tuesday January 8, 2013.

 

City Administrator Schelkoph’s Report :

With the flood buyout program, he said worked has stopped with freezeup, and will continue next spring. Open ground will be fenced for safety.

With recycling, no conclusion has been reached at this time.

With the Animal Ordinance, the draft has been reviewed, with any new language pending any updates in the upcoming legislative session.

The Master Lift Station is awaiting replacement of pumps and motors.

 

The city is awaiting a final draft of an agreement with Barnes Rural Water District concerning service to a property.

With the Audi sale, in Janurary a firm will be in town to do an assessment in January.

　

City Updates & Commission Comments

Commisioners wished resident a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and was echoed by City Attorney Myhre, and City Auditor Richter.

The City Assessor Sandy Hansen gave a presentation on her assuming the position from Nick Lee.

 

Fire Chief Retterath wished a Merry Christmas, and pointed out that candle usage is increasing, and so may fires stemming from them, and urged caution.

He said the city sirens are not working, not be compatible with the new digital system.

He added until the system is fixed, under grant money, Valley City is relying on the CodeRed System. Motorists should be warying of vehicles with sires and emergency lights in operation.

 

Police Chief Thompson, said the Police Department has signs available for posting regarding the new smoking laws, and information on the law, and  locations that need to be posted at public buildings.

He said that his department is working with school officials, parents, and the public regarding local issues of protection.

　

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

 

Dean Koppelman, Superintendent of Valley City Public Schools, statement regarding tragic elementary school shooting on Friday Dec. 14, 2012, in Conn.

Dec 17, 2012

Valley City, ND – As Superintendent of Schools, I felt a need to write all of you in regards to the tragic event that took place Friday in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. I am certain all of us are feeling a deep sense of sadness with the tragic loss of 20 elementary age children and a number of staff members in the school. I know my heart just sank when I became aware of this news.

I would like to remind you and reassure you that the safety of all of our children is a top priority for our school officials. I do believe that our schools and schools across our country are still one of the safest places for children to be. We have a safety plan in place at each of our buildings that would help us to deal with such a situation if it were to occur. These safety plans are reviewed and revised if needed on a regular basis.

Our Building Principals and I had recently met with our new Chief of Police and one of the items we discussed was our safety plans and working together with our law enforcement to review the plans we have for each building and look at training for our law enforcement in each of our buildings.

We have great teachers, administrators, school counselors, and support staff, that are more than willing to help your student if they may be having questions or difficulties in regards to this matter. I believe if students are expressing concern, one of the most important things we can do as parents and staff is to reassure our students that their school is a safe place to be and the school has plans in place to do everything it can to keep everyone safe.

To our parents, please feel free to contact your child’s classroom teacher, the building principal, or the school counselor if your child is having struggles over this incident and you would like your child to receive some assistance at school. If there are health-related issues or other issues in a child’s life that can be affecting them personally and affecting their learning, I believe it is important to make school staff aware so we can do everything we can to help a child. I offer this as advice as I know all of us that work in the schools want to help each and every child be as successful as possible and we want to work with our parents to make this possible.

I would ask that we please keep the community of Newtown, Connecticut along with all of the families there who have suffered a loss of a child or loved one in our thoughts and prayers as there will be many tough days ahead. I am certain the thoughts and prayers that are being sent from around the world will be a tremendous help.

Dean Koppelman, Superintendent of Valley City Public Schools.

　

BISMARCK, ND (Dec 17, 2012) – Gov. Jack Dalrymple Monday directed all state government agencies and encouraged all North Dakotans to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Tues., Dec. 18 from sunrise to sunset as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., Dec. 14.

“Betsy and I join all North Dakotans in extending our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of this senseless act of violence,” Dalrymple said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave and innocent souls who were taken and the families who mourn the unspeakable loss of their loved ones. We will continue to pray for and support the families, Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Newtown community in their resolve to heal and find peace in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy.”

 

From Wes Anderson

Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Maya Calendar (the Long Count version which began in mid-August in 3114 BC) ends on the Winter Solstice, Friday, December 21, 2012. There have been some predictions that the world will end on this day. In order to say goodbye to the world and your friends there will be an observance of sunset (4:46 pm) at Medicine Wheel Park.

Come at least 15 minutes early to get the full-scale effect of this solar calendar. You will be given an opportunity to express your concerns about the future. In case the world doesn’t end on Friday, another meeting will be at sunrise (8:15 am) on Saturday, December 22, 2012, after the night of longest darkness to celebrate the Earth’s continuing existence.

Because of this Maya calendar business, this will be the most observed winter solstice awareness for the entire globe. Come be part of this global celebration of the triumph of light to say nothing about the fact that the winter solstice does mark the day that the sun starts its journey back to the northern hemisphere. You can come dressed as your favorite Ancient Mayan too! For more information contact Wes Anderson 701-845-0966.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The 2013 annual vehicle permit for North Dakota state parks recognizes the 30th anniversary of the Fort Ransom State Park “Sodbuster Days” event.
 
     The event is held twice a year to pay tribute to the state’s pioneer ancestors and their lifestyle. It’s put on by the Fort Ransom Sodbusters Association in cooperation with Fort Ransom State Park and the state Parks and Recreation Department.
 
     The annual permit can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Department in Bismarck or at any state park for $25. Senior citizens and disabled military veterans qualify for a discount. The pass allows daily entrance to any state park until May 1, 2014.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota will soon be taking part in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Census.
 
     Patrick Boyle is the Deputy Director of the North Dakota Field Office of the NASS. He tells Prairie Public Broadcasting (http://bit.ly/T4ovJT) the agriculture census is similar to the population census in that it focuses on every aspect of agricultural production across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
 
     The ag census is conducted every five years.
 
     He says it will track all use of land and ownership, production practices, owner characteristics and other topics surrounding agriculture.
 
     The information is used to help federal, state and local governments shape ag policy. 
 
     The census will be mailed out later this month and must be returned by Feb. 4. People can also fill it out online at www.agcensus.usda.gov.

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Governor’s Inaugural Celebration has been scheduled for Jan. 11 at the Bismarck Civic Center.
 
     Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple won his first election to the job in November, beating Democrat Ryan Taylor. Dalrymple had succeeded former Gov. John Hoeven when Hoeven was elected to the U.S. Senate two years ago.
 
     The inauguration event is free and open to the public, and formal attire is optional. It runs from 6 p.m. to midnight that Friday. The theme for the event is “Creating our Future, Together.”
 
     The inaugural celebration is hosted by a volunteer organization and paid for with individual and corporate donations.

 

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) – Lake Region State College will have a fully functional wind turbine in about a month.
 
     The turbine will serve as a learning lab for students in the college’s wind energy program and also will provide power for the Devils Lake campus and excess energy that the school will sell to help offset the cost of the project.
 
     College President Doug Darling says the college has been working on the project since 2006. Ground-breaking was held in October, and the tower had been erected by the end of November. Electrical wiring work is still being done.
 
     There are 19 students in the college’s wind energy program this fall.

 

In sports…

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – The University of North Dakota men’s basketball team is set for its inaugural game in the Big Sky Conference.
 
     UND will open conference play on the road Monday at Southern Utah, which is also playing its first game in the Division I conference.
 
     Coach Brian Jones’ team will play its first Big Sky home game on Dec. 21 against Northern Colorado.
 
     UND has a 2-6 record on the season.
 
     The Big Sky will be the third conference that UND will be affiliated with since the program begin in 1904. The team was a member of the Division II North Central Conference from 1922 to 2008.
 
     UND played the last three seasons in the Division I Great West Conference, although the Grand Forks school was not eligible for playoffs.
 

   In world and national news…

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) – The bodies of two 6-year-old boys killed in last week’s school shootings are being taken to their resting places. One funeral held Monday was for Noah Pozner, described by his uncle as a “lively, smart kid” who “would have become a great man.” The other funeral was for Jack Pinto, who loved the New York Giants and idolized wide receiver Victor Cruz.
 
     LOS ANGELES (AP) – A California man has been arrested after threats against Los Angeles elementary schools were posted on Facebook. Los Angeles police say a 24-year-old Pomona man is jailed on $500,000 bail for investigation of making criminal threats. Police say no weapons were found at the suspect’s home but nine weapons were confiscated from the home of his father, including rifles, a shotgun and handguns.
 
     WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says curbing gun violence is a complex problem that will require a “comprehensive solution.” Spokesman Jay Carney says gun control needs to be addressed but no single action or piece of legislation will prevent shootings like Friday’s attack at a Connecticut elementary school.
 
     MIAMI, Okla. (AP) – Prosecutors say an Illinois man accused of planning to attack dozens of Oklahoma churches with Molotov cocktails will undergo a mental evaluation. Gregory Weiler was arrested in October after police say they discovered his plan to bomb dozens of churches in northeastern Oklahoma. An affidavit says investigators found instructions for making Molotov cocktails, a list of 48 churches and a written outline of Weiler’s plan to plant bombs.
 
     COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY’-sihk) has spared a condemned inmate who says he’s too fat to be humanely executed. Kasich says Ronald Post’s death sentence is being commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Post was sentenced to die for the 1983 shooting death of a motel clerk in a robbery.