VCcommission2Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Tuesday evening at City Hall.   Mayor Werkhoven was not present, the meeting was conducted by Vice President, Matt Pedersen.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDED:

Approving 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 $1,245,080.45

PUBLIC FORUM:  No one spoke.

PUBLIC HEARING:

A Public Hearing for Application for Commercial Property Tax Incentives (PILOT) for New or Expanding Businesses for Smith Lumber Do It Best Hardware & Rental at 1525 East Main Street.

From the audience, Lloyd Nelson said tax incentives cost the city tax payers, and noted that the business is not new to Valley City. He asked the matter be tabled.

Commissioner Pedersen said the new facility is a benefit for the community.

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission unanimously approved a Resolution Approving Commercial Property Tax Incentive (PILOT) to Smith Lumber Do It Best Hardware & Rental.

NEW BUSINESS

The City Commissioners approved a Building Height exception to 63 feet, for a  4 floor apartment building by VCSU, on College Street, north of the new Music Center. The first floor will be used for parking.

 

Missouri River Energy Services, (MRES) presented new S1 contract changes.

Joanie Livingston presented a background on the member owned no-profit utility.

She said the S-1 agreement, includes providing the supplemental power supply.

MRES has an agreement with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA).

The utility is asking for an 11 year contract extension, to the current agreement to 2057, and the new agreement updates language and clarifies points. The contract now includes language concerning ancillary services to supply energy, along with outling the footprint of the service area.

She said the changes will result in improved reliability, from a pool of resources, if necessary.

It also includes a rate increase by MRES from $3.25 per kilowatt hour, to $4.60 per KWH effective January 1, 2016 stemming from a higher transmission rate.

It amounts to a seven and half percent increase, in transmission, or $195,000, or three and a half percent in the overall rate increase in conjunction with the WAPA power supply.

The agreement would need the city to adopt a Resolution of agreement. The time line is March 1, 2016, to execute the agreement.

The Valley City Commission will start the process of adoption in February this year.

The commission approved creating a committee to research no more than 6 months, the feasibility of eliminating the Valley City Police Department and contracting law enforcement services from the County sheriff. Commissioner Nielson said she favors a 3 month period.

Barnes County will wait until a decision is made, possibly a vote of the people, and defer to the choice that’s made.

A motion was made to form a committee of no more than seven members with research of no more than 3 months. Research will include how the action would impact the city budget.

Committee members will possibly be comprised of VCPD Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, VCSU and accountants.

 

The City Commission approved a request from the Valley Development Group for $12,000 for Small Projects funding. VC/BC Economic Development Director, Jennifer Feist said, the funds come from the city sales tax, earmarked for economic development, with the funds available.

 

The City Commission….

Accepted the Paving Improvement District (No. 104 & 106) for final acceptance.

Accepted the 9th Ave NW Reconstruction for final acceptance.

CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT: No Report was given

CITY UPDATE & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Building Inspector Dave Andersen noted changes in the zoning map that’s being created. He noted a large increase in the dollar valuation of building permits in 2015.

He recommends residents install a carbon monoxide detector in their home and businesses.

Fire Chief Retterath cautioned those using space heaters to use care and follow manufacturers instructions.

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