Tuesday, August 20, 2019
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 Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from July 22, 23, 30 and August 5 and 6, 2019 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approve Application to Block off Street for VCSU Vikings Campus Activity Board on August 28, 2019 from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM on 2nd Avenue SE
- Approve Application to Block off Street for Twin City Roofing for 3rd Street NW & Central Avenue beginning September 3, 2019 for two weeks – to include the parking locations only
- Approve Retail Tobacco License for Mosby LLC dba Boomers Corner Keg
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Ordinance
Approve fist reading of Ordinance No. 1048, an Ordinance Amending Title 5, Animals
City Attorney Martineck stated there are three revisions 1) impounding animals procedures are now located in one section versus several in previous version, 2) clarifying that any offense including vicious dog will be classified as a B misdemeanor, 3) changing the 1st and 2nd offenses for animals at large to be an administrative fine with the 3rd or later offense will go to the municipal judge.
Commissioner Powell moved to approve Ordinance No. 1048, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution
Approve Resolution No. 2216, A Resolution Approving Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan
Peggy Harter from Stantec presented a summary of the Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plans. Carron Day from Stantec was available by phone.
Harter provided background on the Comprehensive Land Use & Transportation Plan which includes plans to 2045; based on demographic projections of 9,450 and anticipated capital improvements for maintenance and growth. The future land use map provides plans for infrastructure needs but is not a zoning or regulatory document. The Valley City 2045 Transportation Plan looked at growth for non-local roads. Harter reported two bridges in Valley City are eligible for federal funds; two future growth areas have been identified in the NW and SE with possible collector road locations identified. Harter stated the report contains recommended changes for the urban road functional classifications.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2216, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Resolution No. 2217, a Resolution Establishing a Valley City Barnes County Complete Census Taskforce for the 2020 Census
President Carlsrud presented the request. The State receives $19,100 per person per census period. Carlsrud requested authorization for the task force to encourage good results for Valley City & Barnes County. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2217, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Review long range schedule for Permanent Flood Protection and city infrastructure improvements
City Administrator Schelkoph provided an overview of the topics to be presented.
Regarding Permanent Flood Protection, Chad Petersen from KLJ provided background information on funding received to date. Petersen stated the original plan for Phase V was to continue from Dakota Silver east towards Mercy Hospital at the intersection of Chautauqua Boulevard and 6th Avenue NE. The City has two areas along 6th Avenue SW with erosion concerns as the main sewer runs along 6th Avenue SW. Petersen stated the Commission could re-prioritize the location included in Phase V to now include 6th Avenue SW. Petersen stated a request to the State Water Commission will be made in October 2019 for construction dollars for Phase IV and design dollars for Phase V. Phase V construction will likely begin in 2022. Petersen stated Phase V will also include work near the mill dam and after this work is done, the City could remap to get areas out of the floodplain. Petersen stated the work along 6th Avenue SW will need floodwalls with one lift station as well. Consensus was to move forward with 6th Avenue SW for the Phase V request.
Regarding special assessment cost shares, City Administrator Schelkoph reviewed a document outlying the current cost shares the City has for property owners. Schelkoph stated for example, along 7th Avenue NW, the City is pickup up over 69% of the cost.
Regarding long range goals and infrastructure plans, City Administrator Schelkoph reported with the “Prairie Dog” funding, an addition $1.7 million is available to the City for infrastructure projects and is looking for guidance and vision from the Commission for its use.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated with the R&R fund, the City has $3 million per year that can be invested in infrastructure projects. Watermain replacements is a large priority. Petersen reported there are 8 miles of 4” and 6” watermain that need replacement. Petersen provided three options for replacement of watermains:
- Watermain only
- Street reconstruction with watermain and sanitary sewer upgrades
- Street reconstruction with watermain and sanitary sewer replacement
Petersen detailed projected costs as described in a memorandum dated August 15,
2019 re: “Long-Range Planning for City Infrastructure Projects.”
The 8 miles of watermain could be replaced over the next 10 years. Petersen recommended that the City continue 50-70 blocks of seal coat per year at an estimated cost of $500,000 to the R&R fund per year. Petersen provided a summary of the current projects programmed for 2020 – 2022 as outlined in the memo. Petersen and Schelkoph confirmed the 2020 projects are locked in, adjustments could be made to the 2021 and 2022 lists. Schelkoph stated the northwest part of town is the critical area to consider for watermain replacements, especially 4” mains.
In response to Commissioner Bishop question, City Auditor Richter stated the City could look at what special assesments are still being paid for the area. Petersen stated there have been no major improvements since late 1970s and 1980s with a seal coat in the late 2000s for this area. City Administrator Schelkoph stated the “Prairie Dog” funds can not be used for debt service and that there is no sunset clause; he expects the funds to be available for at least 10 years for non-oil producing counties.
City Administrator’s Report
There was no report.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Building Inspector
Andersen reminded the public that trees overhanging sidewalks or traffic
need to be trimmed.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported work
on Storm Sewer 50 continues and will turn towards east. Permanent Flood
Protection Phase IIA walls are progressing for pump station. Central Avenue
construction continues and is impacting VCHS (will be open to normal traffic
but adjusted pedestrian flows). Central Avenue from 9th Street to
Hanna Field parking lot will be a one way. Four to six week impact to Jefferson
Elementary flows.
Commissioner Powell asked the public to watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists as school starts.
Commissioner Bishop stated “do not enter” means do not enter in the construction zone.
President Carlsrud thanked staff for work. Calrsurd promoted participation in the upcoming census and asked the public to watch out for kids at Jefferson Elementary and the construction zone.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City