Valley City Special Commission Proceedings
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
7:00 AM Meeting, City Hall

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 7:00 AM.

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

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Attorney Schoenack, Assessor Hansen, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

New Business

Consider committee recommendation to hire KLJ for construction engineering on 3^rd Avenue SE reconstruction project (UGP-SU-2-990(059)059 PCN 21846).

Commissioner Powell moved to approve hiring KLJ for construction engineering on 3^rd Avenue SE reconstruction, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Magnuson – aye, Powell – aye, Bishop – nay, Erickson – nay, Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.

Continue discussing first draft of 2019 Budget

Building Official/Fire Inspector Andersen presented his 2019 budget requests with no major changes from 2018. Clerk of Court, Chris Westerhausen then presented the Municipal Courts 2019 budget. Both were received with no changes from the commissioners.

The commissioners listened to the following requests made by VC organizations:

Sheryl Solberg for the Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals requested the same support as in 2018 which is $1,000 plus and revenue for dog license net of the cost of the veterinary bills incurred by the city to impound stray cats and dogs.

Hilde van Gijssel, treasurer for Bridges Art Council requested financial support of $1,000 which is the same as in 2018.

Wes Anderson, Curator of the Barnes County Historical Society requested $4,000 to help support the Museum. The request remained the same as was in 2018.

Hilde van Gijssel, board member of the Public Library requested 8.2 mills for the 2019 budget. The reason for the request is to keep the amount levied for the library above 8 mill. If the amount levied drops below 8 mills, the Library would be negatively impacted by the amount the Library would receive from the State Library Grant. Political subdivisions that levy 8 or more mills for the Library receives 150% of State’s grant allocation. The Commissioners directed Richter to keep the mill levy the same as presented in the draft budget at 8.10 mills.

Police Chief Hatcher presented his department and capital budget to the Commissioners

General operations remains relatively the same as in 2018. Requesting a new position for a Community Support Officer or a code enforcer. The duties would include parking enforcement duties, animal control duties, patrolling parking lots and enforcement of unlicensed vehicles parked on private property, and also be the records manager backup to fill during the absence of the records manager. Currently, the Police Chief or a Police officer/sergeant fills in during the absence. Also looking for a $20,000 right hand drive jeep that would be used by that person.

Also under the capital purchases looking to replace the 2013 Tahoe, three laptop computers for the vehicles and two portable radios.

Requesting $10,000 for two of industrial dehumidifier to place in the basement and to also get a professional evaluation of the basement in the law enforcement center. Places in the basement wall are leaking during heavy rains and at times during the spring. The area is smelly from the humidity and there is concerns of mold and safe air quality. After the evaluation, determine what is needed to improve the air quality in the building.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 AM.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

Valley City Special Commission Budget Proceedings
Monday, July 23, 2018
7:00 AM City Hall

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 7:00 AM.

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

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Attorney Schoenack, Police Chief Hatcher

New Business

Discuss first draft of 2019 Budget

The value of a mill has increased by an estimated $573 from last year to an estimated value of $17,050. The County Auditor will determine the actual value of a mill later in Dec 2018. New growth and properties that moved off the exempt status attributed to $238 of the increase and the balance of $335 is the result of changes in valuations on existing properties.  To maintain the 0 mill increase, the city would need to decrease its mills by 1.6 mills from 2018 budget which is an increase of $18,594 in property tax revenue. The first draft of the budget increased the amount to be levied by $94,300.

Cash reserves remains the same at $890,000 which is at 29% of budgeted expenditures and is within the guidelines set in the City’s Fund Balance policy. The General fund revenues decreased by approximately $4,000 and expenditures increased by $118,093.

The proposed salaries in the 2019 budget includes a 2.3% increase for the cost of living allowance (COLA) and a step increase in the 25 year salary schedule. It’s an increase of $58,000 which is approximately a 4% increase in salaries and wages. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated using the Consumer Price Index, in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics report for the Midwest Region from May 2017 to May 2018.

Also discussed were the update to the City’s management information system (MIS) for $27,500, computer replacement inventory schedule and requesting to leave the City’s contribution to the employees’ health savings account (HSA) the same as in 2018.

At 8:35 AM Meeting Adjourned.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

Valley City Special Commission Proceedings
July 17, 2018
5:00 PM Meeting, City Hall

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 Schoenack, Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Retterath, Police Chief Hatcher, Mike Strom & Kris Bakkegard from KLJ.

Approval of Agenda – Remove N3

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Powell moved to approve minutes from July 2, 2018 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Approve bingo permit for Chamber of Commerce
B. Approve Electrician License for Dakota Electric Construction Co., Inc.

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

Ordinance

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1035, an Ordinance Amending & Re-enacting Title 18, Parks
City Attorney Schoenack reviewed Title 18, Parks for the commission. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Ordinance No. 1035, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1036, an Ordinance Creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant for Structures to be Removed in Accordance with State Water Commission
City Attorney Schoenack reviewed Ordinance No. 1036 which creates a perpetual restrictive covenant on properties recently purchased by the City. City Auditor Richter stated the process is required for reimbursement from the State Water Commission (SWC) for the Permanent Flood Protection project.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1036, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Commissioner Powell inquired if infrastructure can be built, for example to water gardens in this space City Administrator Schelkoph if walking path requested, it would need SWC approval. Schelkoph stated utilities are not advisable as it interrupts the floodwall protection.

The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Appoint Shannon Little Dog to the Renaissance Zone Authority Board for remainder of 3 year term that began July 1, 2018
Commissioner Powell moved to appoint Shannon Little Dog to the Renaissance Zone Authority Board, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve application by Edward & Jilletta Anderson at 448 13th Street NW with a 5 year income tax exemption and a 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 for purchase of new home, designate it as VC-109

City Administrator Schelkoph reported the home is eligible for Renaissance Zone and recommends approval. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the application by Edward & Jilletta Anderson at 448 13th Street NW with a 5 year income tax exemption and a 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 for purchase of a new home and designate it as VC-109, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

N3) Approve amendment to contract with City Attorney Martinek – Removed

Consider decorating Central Avenue for Crazy Daze

City Administrator Schelkoph discussed decorating Central Avenue during Crazy Daze to show how the Streetscape project would look.

Commissioner Magnuson stated this would give people an opportunity to see what the bump outs and sidewalks impacts would be to Central Avenue. Magnuson was supportive of the concept.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve decorating Central Avenue for Crazy Daze, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve new gaming site authorization for Valley City Eagles at Captain’s Pub

City Auditor Richter reported this is a new gaming site location for the Valley City Eagles at the Captain’s Pub. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the gaming site authorization for the Valley City Eagles, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph reported the garbage transfer process was reviewed. The City only received one bid and is considering cost estimates to transfer the garbage to Fargo internally and Schelkoph will provide a full report at the next finance meeting. In the interim, Schelkoph is looking at a one year month by month extension with the current contractor.

Schelkoph reported on the gravel operation conducted by Tom Morehouse. The land is zoned B2 and gravel operations require a conditional use permit. Planning and Zoning will hold a Conditional Use Permit hearing on Monday, July 30.

Schelkoph attended the MRES Strategic Planning meeting last week. Schelkoph reported there will be no rate increases for Valley City, as S1 member, in 2019. MRES began strategic planning process to replace coal generation facilities. It takes 7 to 10 years to build replacement facilities.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Schoenack stated she will stay on until January 1, 2019. Schoenack has an upcoming meeting with Municode to review the contract. Planning & Zoning will hold a second public hearing for the ordinance in August due to the number of changes made since the first hearing.
City Auditor Richter reported budget meetings will begin Monday, July 23. Draft of the preliminary budget will be distributed tomorrow.
Building/Fire Inspector Andersen reminded the public that trees should be trimmed 8 feet over the sidewalks and 15 feet over the streets. Please keep grass trimmed and clean up after your dogs. Andersen reported that junk vehicles are problem too.
Commissioner Powell asked the public to watch for pedestrians and bikers while driving.
Commissioner Magnuson thanked the public for patience during construction. Magnuson encouraged the public to take pride in City and help identify solutions when you have input on city policy, plans or business.
President Carlsrud thanked Ashley from Times Record for covering city government. Carlsurd also encouraged the public to use turn signals and clean up after your animals.
Commissioner Magnuson reminded the public that 5th Avenue SW is a one way, please follow the signs.

Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 PM.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

Valley City Commission Proceedings
July 2, 2018
5:00 PM Meeting, City Hall

President Carlsrud presided and continued with roll call at 5:00 PM.

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

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Mertins, Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Retterath, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Presentation by Fire Department to Retiring Officer

Fire Chief Retterath presented Lieutenant Brad Tipke with a plaque for his 30 years of service to the Valley City Fire Department.

Approval of Agenda  – Remove Consent D, Addition of Consent E, Remove N6, N7

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from June 19 and 26, 2018 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

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 $1,633,475.65
3. Approve Raffle Permit for Barnes County Historical Society, CHI Health at Home – Hospice, Red Knights
4. Approve Carnival License for
5. Approve alcoholic beverage license for Captains Pub

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

Ordinance

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1033, an ordinance repealing and replacing amending Title 11, Zoning
City Attorney Mertins stated the Ordinance No. 1033 is part of the recodification project with the majority of the changes being clerical in nature, however there are some substantive changes. Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on June 20, 2018 and recommends approval of Ordinance No. 1033.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1033, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Application to Block off Street on July 28, 2018 by the Thundering Saints on the 200 block of Main Street East, or the 100 block of 3^rd Avenue SE if reconstruction has not begun
City Administrator Schelkoph reviewed this application to block off street and recommends no delay of construction project to hold the event. Schelkoph supports the preferred option of 3^rd avenue as long as reconstruction has not begun.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the Application to Block off the Street with preference for Third Avenue with Main as the backup option, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve the Visitors Committee recommendation for an extension for completing the installation of replacement interpretive and map panels along the Scenic Byway to December 31, 2018
City Auditor Richter stated Bobby Koepplin has requested an additional extension for the installation of the signs Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the extension until December 31, 2018, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Public Works Policy on Meter Exception Charges
City Administrator Schelkoph stated there are three proposed changes to current policy that would now require fees to be collected for the following services:

SNOWBIRDS/SEASONAL SHUTOFF:

In the case of a Water meter if they shut off valve themselves no charge for disconnect or reconnect but must notify the office when they leave and when they return to have base charges suspended. To have shut off done by Public Works, Disconnect/Reconnect fees will apply.

IRRIGATION METERS:

The fees to turn on and shut off Electric meters for irrigation will be $40.00 to disconnect and a $40.00 to reconnect. This is now by location not account holder.

SHORT TERM ELECTRIC METERS:

In the case of an Electric meter that is installed for commercial purposes and is there for under 6 months they will be charged an install fee to include Labor and Equipment.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the meter exception charges, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider “Notice to Award” to Swanberg Construction for the Ultra Filtration Project at the Water Treatment Plant
City Administrator Schelkoph stated the requested numbers have not been received from AE2S. Schelkoph will postpone N4 & N5 until the information is received.

Consider “Notice to Proceed” to Swanberg Construction for the Water Treatment Plant Ultra Filtration Project

N6) Consider Increasing Contract Maximum for Construction Engineering for Paving Improvement District No. 113 by $16,950.00 (KLJ)

N7) Consider Increasing Contract Maximum for Construction Engineering for 2017 Parking Lot Improvement District by $15,500 (KLJ)

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph thanked citizens for their patience during road construction.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Retterath stated fireworks sales and usage has begun and reminded the public to be safe and use with permissible hours.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided a construction update highlighting the mill & overlay on 7^th Street will begin next week; 8^th Avenue will continue to be a one-way for the next two to three weeks; seal coat for Paving Improvement District No. 117 will begin this week. The revisions to the Permanent Flood Protection staining will be ready for review at the end of the week.

City Administrator Schelkoph clarified that if you see No Parking signs, you can park on there on the 4^th but not on the 5^th or 6^th during daylight hours.

Commissioner Magnuson welcomed Commissioner Erickson to commission.

President Carlsrud thanked members for service.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 PM.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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