03/20/2018 City Commission Minutes

Valley City Commission Proceedings
March 20, 2018
5:00 PM Meeting, City Hall

President Carlsrud presided and continued with roll call at 5:00 PM.

Members present: Commissioner Pedersen, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bish­op, Commissioner Powell.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Mertins, Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Pledge of Allegiance

President Carlsrud presented Commissioner Magnuson with his Leader achievement from the ND League of Cities.

Approval of Agenda – Additions to Consent Agenda, as indicated

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Powell moved to approve the minutes from March 8 and March 10, 2018 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permits for Catherine’s Parish KC’s, Valley City Trap Club
  2. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor licenses for
    1. Ace Plumbing
    2. All American Plumbing & Heating
    3. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
    4. Engles Electric
    5. Enterprise Electric, Inc.
    6. Grotberg Electric, Inc.
    7. Grotberg Electric, Inc. dba Triton Mechancial
    8. Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
    9. Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C, Inc.
    10. John’s Refrigeration & Electric, Inc.
    11. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.
    12. Kohn Electric, LLC
    13. Manning Mechanical, Inc.
    14. Moorhead Electric, Inc.
    15. Overn Electric, LLC
    16. Peterson Mechanical, Inc.
    17. Red River Electric, Inc.
    18. Ryan Mechanical, Inc.
    19. Scott’s Electric, Inc.
    20. Sheyenne Mechanical
    21. Sheyenne River Repair
    22. Wrigley Mechanical, Inc.
    23. And all license applications received before April 1, 2018, and approved by the Auditor’s Office.
  3. Approve House Mover licenses for
    1. Carrington House Moving, Inc.
    2. Liechty Homes Inc.
    3. Schmit Incorporated
    4. And all license applications received before April 1, 2018, approved by the Auditor’s Office.

Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2138, a Resolution to Designate Authorized Representative for the City of Valley City as a Member of Missouri Basin Municipal Power Agency d/b/a Missouri River Energy Services

City Administrator Schelkoph recommended that Marshall Senf serve as a delegate to attend and vote at the MRES annual meeting, with Schelkoph serving as an alternate delegate.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2138, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2139, a Resolution Accepting Final Plans, Specifications and Estimate of Probable Cost for Project No. UGP-SU-2-990(057) [Central Ave – Concrete Pavement Repair, Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter, Storm Sewer Modifications, Decorative Lighting and Traffic Signals], and authorizing Engineer to Advertise for bid
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated that the proposed project is scheduled to be bid through NDDOT on May 11, 2018. The estimated construction cost is $1.9 million that includes $1.5 million for Streetscape portion of the project.

Commissioner Bishop inquired if the pending litigation impacts the Commission’s actions. City Attorney Mertins indicated that the oral arguments are scheduled for April 11.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve Resolution No. 2139, seconded by Commissioner Pedersen.

Chad Petersen stated that construction would start Monday, June 18 after Rally in the Valley with major completion by mid-October.

Commissioner Magnuson inquired there are ways to help inform business owners of the construction impacts. City Administrator Schelkoph stated that he is exploring a construction camera.

The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Consider approving 2019-2021 Project Information and Planning Forms (Permanent Flood Protection, Water Main and Mill Dam Rehabilitation) for submittal to the State Water Commission

Chad Petersen reviewed the 2019-2021 Project Information & Planning Forms to include Permanent Flood Protection, Water Main and Mill Dam Rehabilitation. The City is submitting cost share requests for 2019-2021 for a $14 million of Permanent Flood Protection project, $1.5 million for water main project in NE & NW. $1.27 million for Mill Dam Rehabilitation project. Petersen stated this is a pre-planning process the State Water Commission uses prior to prioritizing and asking the legislature for funding.

Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve the 2019-2021 Project Information & Planning Forms, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider using the Infrastructure Renew and Replacement Fund 290 for a portion of the Final Payment to NDDOT for 9th Ave NW Reconstruction Project

City Administrator Schelkoph stated that the City needs to fund $28,000 to finalize the settlement costs. Schelkoph recommended that the balance of the expenses for 9th Ave NW be paid from the Infrastructure Renew & Replacement Fund.

Petersen stated that approximately $50,000 of liquidated damages was returned to the local share – reflected in Special Assessments and impact to Renew & Replacement Fund.

Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve the final payment for 9th Ave NW to NDDOT, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider VCBC Development Corporation Request to Retain 0% Loan Funds

Jennifer Feist from the VCBC Development Corporation requested that returned FLEX Pace funds be kept by the VCBC Development Corporation to assist businesses. Feist clarified that the $69,841 is already been paid out of the city sales tax fund. City Auditor Richter requested that the payment information be made available to the City.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve VCBC Development Corporation request to retain 0% loan funds, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve 2018 City Forester Contract

City Administrator Schelkoph requested the approval of the 2018 City Forester Contract with a 2.3% increase in salary from the 2017 contact. Mr. Willis Wagar will work May 15, 2018 – September 15, 2018.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the 2018 City Forester Contract, seconded by Commissioner Pedersen. The motion passed unanimously.

President Carlsrud thanked Willis Wagar for agreeing to serve.

Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to Commercial Building at 1109 Main Street W

City Assessor Hansen provided a do pass recommendation as Grotberg Electric meets the criteria for the Property Tax Exemption.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the application for property tax exemption at 1109 Main Street W, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Valley City Eagles 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show Event Center March 26 – 28, 2018

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

President Carlsrud stated Senator Heitkamp is working on legislation regarding the FEMA lot.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph stated that the ultra-filtration (UF) replacement costs are 90% State Water Commission, 10% local cost share. Filters have been ordered. Schelkoph & President Carlsrud attended the APPA meeting in Washington, D.C. and met with Senator and Representatives to discuss ownership of WAPA and pole attachment authorizations. Schelkoph stated that Main Street will be closed for 10 months; the elevators at Mill Dam should be demolished by end of the week with a local cost share of $41,000. Please keep emergency routes and sidewalks clear during snowfall.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Auditor Richter stated that the transition is well underway for the employee retirement plan to move to a local agent, Tom Glandt with Vanguard.

Fire Chief Retterath encouraged citizens to test sump pumps and ensure they are properly wired. The ND State Fire Convention will be held in Valley City, community members are invited to attend the motivational speaker’s presentation on Friday, June 1 and a parade.

Commissioner Magnuson encouraged KLJ to hold a pre-construction meeting with better details for business owners.

President Carlsrud stated that the Valley City Public Schools and Barnes County Commission will meet at a joint session on March 27 to discuss topics including the SRO, mental health concerns, etc. Carlsrud stated the first committee meeting to discuss the status of the Barnes County jail was held. Carlsrud reminded the public that the river is not safe.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City

Posted in City Commission Minutes.