The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public were not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.
Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon, and Commissioner Erickson.
Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, PW Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ
Approval of Agenda
No Changes
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the August 18, 2020 Commission Meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and
Public Works Accountant.
B. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of
C. Approve Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on 9/24/2020.
D. Approve Raffle Permit for Barnes County Senior Citizens Council.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion carried.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Ordinance
Resolutions
New Business
N1. Consider advertising for bids the sale of vacant lot at 14th St SW, Parcel 63-0880017.
Discussion took place in Finance meeting prior.
Commissioner Gulmon made a motion to retain property, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion carried.
N2. Consider member participation agreement – North Dakota Public Health Insurance Trust.
City Attorney Martineck stated we have been working with the Hayes Company for our health insurance. They have proposed if we join the trust and sign a two year agreement with them we would be able to maintain our current health plan at no additional increase to our premiums for 2021. Starting in 2022 we have an average annual increase of 3-6% which less than what we have had the last couple of years. This year was over 25% and proposed to be 12-15% next year. Based on that we are recommending that we enter into this agreement. We are required to put up 8.5% of our annual premiums up front.
Commissioner Bishop made a motion that we participate with North Dakota Public Health Insurance Trust, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion Carried.
N3. Consider Site Authorizations for VCSU Foundation at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, VC Town & Country Club, Shelly Ellig Field @ Lokken Stadium and the Valley City Eagles Club.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion carried.
N4. Approve Recommendations from Renaissance Zone Authority Board for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 for Smith Lumber project VC-126 at 1525 East Main St.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the Renaissance Zone project for Smith Lumber, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion carried.
City Administrator’s Report
City Administrator Crawford stated to make people aware that we will be enforcing the Ordinances as written.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Finance Auditor Richter reiterated that we will be having a Special Commission meeting Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00 AM to discuss the City Engineer position and our budget.
Fire Chief Magnuson stated there is one month of the census remaining. If you know someone that hasn’t completed it please encourage them to do so.
Police Chief Hatcher stated school is in session so please slow down and watch the cross walks.
Chad Petersen from KLJ provided project updates. 5th Ave is open through 6th St. They are working on the landscaping and trees for Phase I. Phase II they started spreading the gravel this week and will work on the underground next Tuesday.
City Commissioner Gulmon thanked City Attorney Martineck and City Administrator Crawford on their work with the health insurance. We had an excellent audit so thanks to Avis and staff.
President Carlsrud stated we have been making some less than stellar decisions regarding staying safe with COVID. From here on forward we can do better. Wash your hands, social distance and wear masks where you can’t social distance. We are looking for support from our downtown businesses to encourage people to mask up.
Thanks to all of our employees. There is a lot of stuff going in the last couple weeks. We’ve had to adjusting on the fly and thank you all for that and picking up the extra slack.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM.