Valley City Commission Proceedings
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.
Others present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Building Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.
Approval of Agenda – Addition of Consent #2
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Powell moved to approve minutes from October 1, 2019 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approve Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals
- Approve Raffle Permit for Puklich Chevrolet Buick GMC
Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing
Final Public Hearing for Community Development Block Grant for After School Latch Key Program dba TL Childcare
President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. There were no comments. Commissioner Bishop moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Ordinance
Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1051, an Ordinance to Adopt the Valley City Municipal Code and Repeal all Ordinances Previously Adopted with Certain Exceptions
City Attorney Martineck stated the intent is to repeal Ordinances adopted prior to May 1, 2014 with certain exceptions prescribed in the Ordinance. The second reading includes language to keep Floodplain Ordinance. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Ordinance No. 1051, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Receive 2019 Tree Report from City ForesterWillis Wagar presented the 2019 Tree Report. There were 96 trees with Dutch Elm – 75% have been removed. Twenty-three (23) trees were marked for other issues. City Administrator Schelkoph & President Carlsrud thanked Mr. Wagar for his four years of service as the city forester.
Approve Appointment of 2020 City Forester and 2020 Contract in the amount of $7,400
City Administrator Schelkoph introduced Bob Anderson to the City Commission as the next city forester and recommended approval of the contract. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the appointment and contract for Bob Anderson as City Forester, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to 1337 6th Ave NE
City Assessor Hansen recommends approval of the application. Commissioner Powell moved to approve the property tax exemption, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider paying for elevator repairs at Elks Building
City Administrator Schelkoph reported May 15th, the pump station for Permanent Flood Protection Phase II Pump Station on Main Street, the sluice gate was closed. During a large rain event, the pumps stopped working, and the streets flooded and then the Elks Building. The pumps are not made for summer time rains, so the gate needs to be left open. On August 5, maintenance work was going on. Again, the Elks Building flooded. Other rain events occurred during the summer, with no issues at the Elks Building. The gate valve needs to remain open. NDIRF is reviewing the case. The elevator system has needed significant repairs. City Administrator Schelkoph requested approval of $90,991 for elevator repairs at the Elks Building with the final cost share to be determined and may include the City, KLJ and Reiner Contracting.
Schelkoph reported cut outs have been added near the City Park footbridge that should help the street drain by the Elks Building.
Commissioner Bishop asked to recuse himself. Commissioner Magnuson moved to have Commissioner Bishop recuse himself, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Motion carried.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve paying for elevator repairs at the Elks Building in the amount of $90,991; seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
City Administrator’s Report
City Administrator Schelkoph reported at 11:00 AM, the City Commission declared a flood emergency. The City is preparing for 16’ flood. The City is setting up pumps and flood protection for low areas. The City will prepare to have freeboard at 17.5 to 18’. The City is asking for the State to help with clay levies, with 3’ expected in areas. By Thursday, 3500 cfs output is expected at the dam. If citizens observe any issues, they can call 845-0380.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Building Inspector Dave Andersen asked public to stay away from the river. Thanked Mr. Wagar for his work.
Fire Chief Magnuson reported a good turnout for VCFD Open House. Magnuson also asked people to please keep kids and pets away from river.
Police Chief Hatcher asked for support at blood drive.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated streetlights have been installed for Streetscape. Traffic signals are blinking red for the next week. If temperatures warm up to 45 degrees, will paint roadway markings.
KLJ is addressing flood event issues at Bettins Lift Station and Master Lift Station as construction is ongoing.
Commissioner Erickson thanked street crew for work in snow event.
Commissioner Powell echoed comment support.
President Carlsrud asked citizens to watch out for city crews preparing for flood. A ribbon cutting will be held on October 23 for the Streetscape project. Employee and commission training has been occurring.
Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 5:33 PM.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City