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.