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09/17/2019 City Commission Minutes

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Valley City Commission Proceedings

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.

Members absent: Commissioner Bishop.

Others present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Martineck by phone, City Auditor Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Lieutenant Rustebakke, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Approval of Agenda – Addition of Consent D

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the minutes from September 3, 2019 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Care Center
  2. Approve Parade Application for Valley City State University Homecoming on September 28, 2019 on Central Avenue at 10:30 AM
  3. Approve Block off Street Request on 4th Street NE for City-County Health District on October 1, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM for the Welcome to the Block Party
  4. Approve Raffle Permit for Valley City Fastpitch

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

Madeline Luke provided comments to the City Commission regarding 2020 budget including salaries, bond rating, and public works expenditures and reserves.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing for 2020 Annual Budget
President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. Bob Werkhoven inquired if the increase in salaries are based on performance evaluations. Commissioner Magnuson stated based on step increases and COLA increase. Werkhoven commented on potential issues if a city attorney also has private practice. Commissioner Magnuson moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Commissioner Powell recommended the City consider merit based pay. Motion carried to close hearing.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1050, the 2020 Annual Budget Ordinance

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1050, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Commissioner Powell stated projects are done within budget. Commissioner Magnuson without increasing electrical rates and without increased mill levies, the utility funds are able to support general government including the street department which is funded by the general government funds. City Auditor Richter clarified the cash reserves are at 48%. Richter explained the Moody’s negative cash outlook due to the accounts receivable from the State Water Commission. Richter now seeks payment prior to year-end. Richter stated the City’s goal is for the cash reserves at least 30%.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1049, an Ordinance Amending Title 14, Motor Vehicles & Traffic

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading and based on the new ordinance, vehicles on the street will need to move more than 50’ in 72 hours.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1049, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Consider recommendation to begin Renewal Application for Valley City Renaissance Zone

Jim Knutson, Chair of the Renaissance Zone Authority Board, reviewed the program. Started in 2000, 119 projects have been approved with $36 million value; $17 million has been completed and is on the tax rolls which generates $240,000 in tax revenue/year.  Knutson asked if the Commission would like the Renaissance Zone Authority Board to put in the time and effort to begin renewal efforts. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve beginning the renewal application for the Valley City Renaissance Zone, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider construction extension for Brockopp Brewing, LLC pursuant to V.C.M.C. 4-01-11(1.b.iii)

City Attorney Martineck recommended 6 month construction extension for Brockopp Brewing, LLC.  Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the construction extension, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider the purchase of Christmas decorations for the new street lights on Central and Main St. for $14,000

City Administrator Schelkoph stated the existing decorations will not fit on the new light poles. The wreath has been vetted by the Downtown Streetscape Committee and Electrical Superintendent Senf. Schelkoph asked for Commission to continue the purchase of 42 wreaths.

Commissioner Erickson inquired why the old lights can’t be used. City Administrator Schelkoph stated the purchase of the new decorations was not included in the budget for 2019. This cost will be covered from the building site project line item. The building project was delayed as it was over budget. Schelkoph stated the old lights will be put in reserve for reuse later.

Commissioner Powell asked if it is possible to hold off for one year and keep the cash on hand for the building project. Commissioner Magnuson stated the money will be spent either this year or next.

Schelkoph stated typically the large décor is $500-750 each. Schelkoph stated weight of the product was a factor.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Commissioner Powell.  Roll call: Erickson – nay; Bishop – absent; Magnuson – aye; Powell – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.

Consider approving Construction Engineering Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase III with KLJ in an amount not to exceed $182,500

Chad Petersen from KLJ reviewed the request for construction engineering agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase III – Master Lift Station. City Administrator Schelkoph clarified that this is for the next phase of the project. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the construction engineering agreement, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Roll call: Bishop – absent; Magnuson – aye; Erickson – nay; Powell – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph reminded the citizens that the 3rd and final pickup for tree branches will be on September 26-27. Streetlights are being installed on Central Avenue.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck clarified that he is a contracted employee without private practice.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated storm sewer project has closed a portion of Wintershow Road – it should re-open this week; work continues on Central/Main intersection; work will begin on intersection of 9th Street N & Central. Traffic signals for Central Avenue are expected late September/early October.

Commissioner Powell thanked public for putting up with construction.

President Carlsrud thanked employees for work and for Jefferson Elementary parents for working with construction.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:46 P.M.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

Proclamation for No Shave November

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Whereas, the City of Valley City has partnered with Valley City Public Schools to support the Access for All Program, and

Whereas, the Access for All Program was established in February 2016, to address behavioral health needs of K-12 students, and

Whereas, the Education Foundation has partnered with the Village Family Service Center in Fargo to provide school-based behavioral health counseling in each of our schools, and is expanding, and

Whereas, the Valley City Public Schools and the City Commission invite the public to join in No Shave November as a fundraiser for Access for All program

Now, therefore, I, Dave Carlsrud, President of the City of Valley City Commission, Valley City, North Dakota, do hereby proclaim November 2019 as

No Shave November

In the City of Valley City and I urge all citizens to support efforts to raise awareness and funding for the Access for All program.

Dave Carlsrud, Mayor
November 5, 2019

Closings & Garbage Schedule: Veteran’s Day

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Office & Transfer Station Closings:

  • Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, November 9 and Monday, November 11.
  • City Hall & Public Works will be closed Monday, November 11.

Garbage Schedule: Week of November 11

  • Monday’s route will be picked up on Tuesday, November 12.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday’s route will be picked up on Wednesday, November 13.
  • Regular schedule resumes on Thursday, November 14.

11/05/2019 City Commission Agenda

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Tuesday, November 5, 2019

5:00 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from October 15, 2019 meetings

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $                       
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for Art Club Valley City High School, CHI Health at Home, ND Hereford Association, SHINE

Roll Call:          Bishop              Erickson           Powell              Magnuson            Carlsrud

Public Comments

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

Resolution

  •  Approve Resolution No. 2223, a Resolution Placing City Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Tax Advisory Vote on Ballot of Municipal Election to be held June 9, 2020 (City Administrator Schelkoph)
    Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop              Powell              Erickson            Carlsrud

New Business

  • Approve 2020 Board Calendar (City Auditor Richter)
    Roll Call:          Erickson           Magnuson        Bishop              Powell              Carlsrud
  • Approve Annual Maintenance Certification for NDDOT urban federal aid projects (KLJ)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud
  • Consider Amendment to Prepare the SRF Facility Plan for Paving Improvement District No. 119 & 119B (7th Avenue NW & 2nd Avenue NE), in an amount not to exceed $8,500 (KLJ)
    Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Powell              Carlsrud
  • Approve Special Alcohol Event Permit for Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show for Cattleman’s Auction on December 6, 2019 (City Auditor Richter)
    Roll Call           Magnuson        Erickson           Powell              Bishop              Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report

City Updates & Commission Reports

Adjourn

11/05/2019 Finance Agenda

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Tuesday, November 5, 2019
3:30 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. 2020 Board Calendar (City Auditor Richter)
  4. Discuss SRF Facility Plan for Paving Improvement District No. 119 & 119B (7th Avenue NW & 2nd Avenue NE) (KLJ)
  5. Discuss Permanent Flood Protection/Sales Tax Extension (City Administrator Schelkoph)

Adjourn

Update on Flood Conditions

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Just a quick update on the flood conditions here in Valley City.

The city has prepared for 16 feet above flood stage with a 2 foot or up to an 18 foot flood stage buffer.  This will give the city 2 feet of freeboard throughout the town if the river reaches 16 feet above flood stage.  The Army Corps of Engineers has projected that Valley City will crest around 15 feet above flood stage.  City Crews will be monitoring the river and the storm sewer pumping sites throughout the city all weekend.  Currently the river is at 14.74 feet above flood stage and looks to be leveling out.

All is not perfect yet for Valley City.  The National Weather service (I am sure you know this) has given a forecast for rain starting on Sunday night and continuing through Monday.  Many different rainfall amounts have been issued but there is a chance that significant rainfall by Monday could change everything.  Until circumstances change however the city will follow our current flood protection plan. 

We will meet again on Monday morning at 9:00 AM for a flood meeting here at City Hall.  You are welcome to attend if you want to.

/Dave Schelkoph

October is Energy Efficiency Awareness Month

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Valley City Public Works. Serving Valley City Since 1883 (Logo)

During the month of October, Valley City Public Works will be hanging 2 LED bulbs on each customer’s door along with energy-efficient information.

Thanks to improved technology and falling prices, energy-efficient lighting just makes sense.

Over its lifetime, one ENERGY STAR certified light bulb can save you up to $80 in electricity costs, compared to the standard incandescent bulbs that produce the same brightness. Consider that the average U.S. household has about 40 bulbs, the savings is significant. The new bulbs will last 10 to 25 times longer.

A wide variety of shapes and sizes mean that they are available for almost any application – including recessed cans, track lighting, table lamps and candelabras. Dimmable LED lights are available too.

To learn more about rebates for ENERGY STAR lighting and other energy-efficient equipment, call Valley City Public Works today at (701) 845-0380 or visit https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/valleycity

October 11 & 12: Storm Closings

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Transfer Station will be closing Friday, October 11 at 2:00 PM and remain closed on Saturday, October 12.

City Hall & Public Works offices will be closing Friday, October 11 at 2:00 PM.

To report a downed tree, power outage or other safety concern, please contact the Public Works After Hours number (701) 845-0380.

For emergencies, please call 911.