The City Commission Meeting meet on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may view the meeting online (https://zoom.us/j/98790731637) listen by calling (312) 626-6799 Webinar ID: 987 9073 1637.
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Bishop.
Others present: City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck.
Approval of Agenda – Addition of Consent D; N11
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Powell moved to approve the minutes from the April 21, 23, 28, 2020 meetings; seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
- Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,291,417.29
- Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor licenses
for
- Kemen Plumbing & Heating, Inc
- Tyler’s Electric, LLC
- Approve Raffle Permit for ND Appaloosa Horse Club
Commissioner Erickson inquired about Kemen Plumbing & Heating application. City Attorney Martineck stated the Building Inspector is recommending approval.
City Auditor Richter discussed the monthly bills which included $1.1 million for debt service, TIF payments and purchase of 6 roll-off containers for the Transfer Station.
Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing
Public Hearing to Rezone for public use the VCSU Center for the ArtsPresident Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. There were no comments. Commissioner Magnuson moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1055, an Ordinance Rezoning West ½ of Lot 10, East 74.25’ of Lots 11 & 12, Lots 13 and 14 less the North 105’, and Lot 15 of Block 3, Andrus & Sifton’s Addition for VCSU Center for the Arts
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Ordinance No. 1055, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously. City Attorney Martineck thanked VCSU for attending the meeting and stated the ordinance will be considered for second reading in two weeks.
Ordinance
Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1053, an Ordinance Rezoning Block 3, Plecity Mobile Home Park Addition
City Attorney Martineck stated that Block 3 will be rezoned from mobile home use to commercial use for a storage building and workshop with no changes from the first reading. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1053, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1054, the 2020 Infrastructure Funding Ordinance
City Attorney Martineck stated the purpose is to provide up to $150,000 for infrastructure funding for areas newly annexed to the City.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1054.
Commissioner Powell stated he voted no on the previous reading, as he’d like to see access to funding for developers within city limits to pay off special assessments to promote vacant lots. City Attorney Martineck stated if funding is available through Prairie Dog funding, this could be considered. Commissioner Magnuson said he would encourage in-fill development in the future.
The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution
Approve Resolution No. 2251, a Resolution Approving Plat of Waterfront Meadows
City Attorney Martineck stated the plat is for a new subdivision south of I-94 and was previously presented to the Commission. Since that time, the developer agreement has been signed and an agreement with Barnes Rural Water District has been signed. Martineck stated that annexation of 8th Avenue still needs to occur, this will provide access to the subdivision. Martineck stated that proof of insurance and cash bond will be required to move forward. Martineck recommends approval contingent upon annexation of 8th Avenue, proof of insurance and cash bond.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2251 with contingencies as stated, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.
Roll Call: Powell – abstain; Erickson – nay; Bishop – aye; Magnuson – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.
Approve Resolution No. 2253, a Resolution accepting Bid and Awarding Contract to Strata Corporation for UGP-2-999(051) – Streetscape Phase II
Commissioner Erickson moved to reject all bids and re-bid the project in October 2020, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.
City Auditor Richter stated that the project has been reviewed by City Staff as the results are $750,000 over the planned local cost share estimated in 2018. Richter stated more work is needed than anticipated. The R&R fund does not have funding available. Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the extra work is due to ADA requirements; encroachment issues; moving curb lines; and replacing more concrete than originally expected. Petersen will review if additional funds area available to offset the additional expense and plan to re-bid this fall for construction in 2021.
The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Resolution No. 2254, a Resolution Approving Renaissance Zone Development
Plan for 2020 – 2025
Emma Tufte reported the Renaissance Zone Authority Board met and provided a do
pass recommendation for the Development Plan. Tufte reviewed the process to
date which has included a public hearing that was held on December 9, 2019. Property
owners within the Zone were notified of the renewal process and no requests
were received to change the Zone mapping. The Board considered the possibility
of expanding near the University District but chose to take no action. The Zone
map remains unchanged from the 2015 version of the map.
The Renaissance Zone Authority Board had received request prior to the renewal process to increase the single-family residence exemption cap to $300,000 and in this renewal process is recommending that change be made. Tufte noted that with the approval of this Resolution, the City Commission policy will be changed to reflect increased cap.
The renewal request has been presented by Chair Knutson to the Barnes County Commission and
Valley City Public School board for consideration and received support.
Commissioner Powell moved to approve Resolution No. 2254, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Approve Recommendations from Renaissance Zone Authority Board for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 for the following projects
- VC-123 at 461 12 ½ Street NE
- VC-124 at 441 12 ½ Street NE
- VC-125 at 554 Legacy Lane
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the Renaissance Zone projects, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider Parade
Application for VCHS Class of 2020 on May 13, 2020 at 6:30 PM on Central Avenue
from Hanna Field to Main Street
City Attorney Martineck brought the application to the City Commission under
New Business due to COVID-19. Gina Thorton was available on Zoom and provided
background regarding their plans. Students will be in their own cars.
Commissioner Magnuson asked Thorton to advertise the event with request for
public to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Commissioner Powell moved to
approve the parade, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Roll call: Erickson –
aye; Powell – aye; Magnuson – aye; Bishop – aye; Carlsrud – nay. Motion
carried.
Consider Recommendation from Visitors Committee for a Food & Beverage grant in an amount not to exceed $42,079 for Kayak & Bike Kiosk Project from Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway
Bobby Koepplin appeared by Zoom, to reviewed the request. The project also includes money from the Bush Grant prize. A kayak kiosk will be installed at Bjornson Golf Course and a bike kiosk at Gaukler Wellness Center. Valley City Park & Rec has agreed to operate and maintain the kiosks for 5 years.
Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the grant request, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Agreement between City and Bridgetown Builders Inc. for development of Waterfront Meadows Subdivision
City Attorney Martineck reported plat has been approved, infrastructure funding ordinance approved, this agreement now sets forth the requirements for infrastructure development to and within the development. Martineck stated requirements for … Martineck recommends approval. Donny Eberle clarified the agreement is with Bridgetown Develop, LLP.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Roll call: Bishop – aye; Magnuson – aye; Erickson – aye; Powell – abstain; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.
Consider Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Water, Sewer and Roadway Extension to Waterfront Meadows in an amount not to exceed $20,500.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated that this for engineering work to extend water, sewer and roadway to Waterfront Meadows. This is an hourly not to exceed contract for design and construction engineering work. Commissioner Erickson asked for clarification regarding this expense. Chad Petersen from KLJ clarified that this is included in the $150,000 set aside for the project.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve agreement, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider Amendment to Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV – Preliminary Engineering for CLOMR
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the State Water Commission has approved reallocation of funding to provide for CLOMR with a cost share of 85% SWC; 15% local cost share. The contract is hourly not to exceed.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the agreement, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider bid for cable in conduit from Resco in the amount of $11,070 for 5th Avenue NW lighting project
President Carlsrud presented the request to purchase on behalf of Marshall Senf. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider ending 2020 Spring Flood declaration
City Auditor Richter reported that on March 3, the City made the 2020 spring flood declaration. City Auditor Richter stated there was $35,000 in expenses from VCPW for pump usage and some overtime; with minimal engineering. Differding does not anticipate additional expenses as pumps have been pulled. Commissioner Powell moved to end the 2020 Spring flood declaration, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Annual Gaming Site Authorization for Thundering Saints, Inc. at Boomer’s Corner Keg for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider waiving alcoholic beverage licenses fees for six months for businesses closed by the Governor’s order
Commissioner Magnuson stated the Commission has been approached by licensees to consider waiving licensing fees. Magnuson recommended waiving the first six months of the license fees [July 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020] and then re-evaluate.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve waiving alcoholic beverage licensing fees forsix months for businesses closed by governor’s order, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve employment contract with City Administrator appointee Gwendolyn Crawford
President Carlsrud stated a contract has been offered for the City Administrator position to Gwendolyn Crawford. Commissioner Bishop expressed concern regarding the starting salary as $80,000 discussed but the contract reads $82,000. Candidate requested one more year step increase which raised it by $2,000.
Commissioner Powell moved to approve as stated; seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll call: Magnuson – aye; Erickson – nay; Powell – aye; Bishop – nay; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Commissioner Powell thanked Gina Thorton for organizing the parade for high school seniors and encouraged the public to use common sense.
City Attorney Martineck expects conversation about the [COVID-19] employee policy that employees are under that are tighter than state requirements.
City Auditor Richter stated city hall is working towards a smart restart including installation of Plexiglas.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported work continues for Phase IIA & III Permanent Flood Protection. 5th Avenue NW project will begin May 11. KLJ is working with VCPW to adjust garbage pickup and communicate with property owners this week.
Commissioner Bishop thanked city employees.
Commissioner Magnuson acknowledged VCPD & VCFD for efforts. Enjoyed the banners on city streets for the 2020 seniors.
President Carlsrud stated that things are more open, but requires continued discipline for wise decisions. Thanked Kristi Brandt and VCPW Electrical Department for efforts in putting banners up around town. Thanked employees.
President Carlsrud welcomed Gwen as new City Administrator.
Adjourn at 6:00 PM.