02/04/2020 City Commission Minutes

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

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

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

Others Present: City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen and Chris Bakkegard from KLJ.

Introduction of ND Winter Show Manager Tesa Klein

Tesa Klein introduced herself. Klein invited military and emergency responders to an appreciation night (Friday night rodeo).

Introduction of NDDOT Director Bill Panos

Senator Robinson introduced NDDOT Director Bill Panos to the City Commission. Panos discussed the NDDOT funding, ND Driver’s License and Vision Zero initiatives. Panos discussed the NDDOT funding that is scheduled for the Valley City/Barnes County area.

Approval of Agenda – Addition of Consent D, N6

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the January 21, 27 and 29, 2020 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Motion carried.

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 $1,977,985.85
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter, Valley City High School Music Boosters
  4. Approve Raffle Permit for Valley City Chamber of Commerce

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2240, a Resolution to Designate Authorized Representative for the City of Valley City as a Member of Missouri Basin Municipal Power Agency dba Missouri River Energy Services

Public Works Accountant Jacobson stated President Carlsrud will serve as the primary representative to MRES on behalf of the City of Valley City. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2240, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2241, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements  in Paving Improvement District No. 120 (NDDOT Project# UGP-2-999(051), PCN 22280), a mill and overlay project on Central Avenue S

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated that 10% of the mill and overlay portion of Streetscape II will be special assessed to property owners. This resolution will begin the 30 day protest period and a public meeting will be scheduled.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2241, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2242, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 121 (2020 Seal Coat)

Chad Petersen from KLJ reviewed locations for the 2020 seal coat. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2242, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2243, a Resolution Authorizing the Public Works cash transfer to remove the Negative balances of $428,283 in the street department, and $629,777 in the water department

Public Works Accountant Jacobson stated the transfer from the Electric Department to the Street Department will cover deficits primarily from increased snow removal expenses and decrease in highway tax receipts. Jacobson stated 10% has been previously transferred so this is within the maximum 20% transfer.

Jacobson stated the Water Department deficits are primarily due to issues at the Water Treatment Plant. These have leveled off and a rate increase has been done to help cover the deficit. The transfer will be from the Sewer Department.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve Resolution No. 2243, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve capital lease of Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper for five years with annual payment of $43,068.00 from Sanitation Products

Public Works Accountant Jacobson stated this lease will replace a 2013 sweeper. Replacements are planned every 5-7 years for the sweeper. The capital lease with option to buy is included in the capital budget. Commissioner Powell moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve underground primary wire bid from Resco in the amount of $23,606

Public Works Accountant Jacobson presented the request for 2020 underground electric projects. Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the bid, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Renaissance Zone Authority Board recommendation for 5 year income tax exemption for tenant, Bridge City Dentistry at 239 2nd Avenue NW and designate it as VC-122

Emma Tufte reported this application was previously approved by the Renaissance Zone Authority Board. Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Agreement for Long-Term Temporary Highway Closure with NDDOT

City Auditor Richter reported this is an ongoing agreement with the NDDOT so that the City can close roadways with 48 hour notice. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the agreement, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider Approving the Urban Roads Project Submittal List for Fiscal Year 2021-2024

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the submittal list has been amended to allow for a reconstruction project on 6th Street NW and 5th Street NW because these projects require watermain improvements. Prior submissions had been for a mill & overlay only. This is an annual submission.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve change to 2020 Board Calendar

President Carlsrud requested a date change for the March 17, 2020 City Commission meeting to March 18, 2020. Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck reported the City Administrator position has been posted with a deadline of March 6, 2020. President Carlsrud will ask for consideration regarding the screening and/or selection committee at the next Commission meeting.

City Auditor Richter reported a request to add quarterly Commission topics to the finance agenda and a request to start the meetings at 2:30 PM for March, June, September and December 2020.

Fire Chief Magnuson reminded the public that the river is not safe. College athletes will be cleaning out fire hydrants, to request assistance call 845-7161.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the Street Department for widening streets and corners.

President Carlsrud thanked City employees for work.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:52 P.M.

Posted in City Commission Minutes.