President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, and Commissioner Gulmon
Others City Administrator Crawford and City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher.
Pledge of Allegiance
MRES Update
Tom Heller Presented.
Approval of Agenda
No Changes.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the August 3rd, 2021 Finance and Commissioner Meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for Barnes County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. from August 17th, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion carried.
Ordinance
Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1088, an Ordinance Approving Text Amendments to Titles 11 and 16 of the Valley City Municipal Code.
City Attorney Martineck stated this is for changes to the zoning and subdivision codes. All of these were approved by the P&Z Commission and City Attorney Martineck recommends approval with changes as presented.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.
Jennifer Feist questioned the parking schedule, also the 250 sq. ft. increase in lot size for family structured if changing the number of units. Jennifer requested a copy of everything so she could review in case there are additional questions and requested clarification prior to the second reading taking place.
Motion passed unanimously.
Resolutions
Approve Resolution 2310, a Resolution Authorizing the City Administrator to Sell City Property if it’s below $2500.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approved, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Resolution 2311, a Resolution Approving the Replat of Original Townsite Block 17 Lot 15 (Fire Department Expansion)
City Attorney Martineck stated this will create one lot for Sheyenne Valley and one lot for the Fire Department so there aren’t several little lots.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Resolution 2312, a Resolution Approving the Replat of Grangers Subdivision Lots 9 & 10.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Approve Request to provide a Letter Supporting Changes that Support Development and Object Recent Changes Implemented by MDU.
Jennifer Feist stated MDU is making changes that a class 1 contractor is required to dig in the MDU gas lines. Previously we had local contractors that could do this but now MDU requires the class 1 contractor needs to do everything. This will add to the cost and timeframe of things being completed.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.
Discuss Delinquent Electric Bills staying with Properties.
Commissioner Bishop stated he had received calls that there was never any notification sent out prior to this taking place. Commissioner Bishop requested a special meeting be set up and invite these landlords to visit to see if we could come to an agreement as to how this could be worked out.
Commissioner Gulmon stated this has become a common practice in several other cities. In the last 6 years we have averaged about $13,000 in write offs which affects everyone. This change takes place in January and we did have 2 public meetings on it so at the end of this day I think this type of ordinance protects our customers from the higher charges because of the write offs.
Commissioner Bishop motioned to set up a special meeting to discuss delinquent bills, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Appointment of Tyler Marthaler as the Community at Large Representative for the Visitor’s Committee.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Consider Visitors Committee Recommendation for Image Enhancement Grant for Dakota Dogs in the amount up to $1,000 towards additional signage and $3,587 towards exterior and lobby improvements for a total grant of up to $4,587.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Construction Engineering for West End Lift Station.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated Sellin Brothers was awarded this contract on July 23rd. Since that time they have submitted the drawings. They are not slated to get started until late September early October but right now we need to get materials ordered and that is what this contact if for.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Roll Call: Magnuson-aye Erickson-nay Gulmon-aye Bishop-aye Carlsrud-aye
Motion carried.
Approve Design Engineering for 6th Street NW Reconstruction Project (NDDOT Project No. SU-2-990(060), PCN 23154).
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the Commission approved the environmental phase of the project on July 23rd. This takes care of the plan development, acquisition of construction easements as well as on the south side of the project corridor there are some encroachments of the street right of way so we are looking at a vacation plat along that corridor.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Roll Call: Bishop-aye Magnuson-aye Erickson-nay Gulmon-aye Carlsrud-aye
Motion carried.
City Administrator’s Report
City Administrator Crawford stated there were some issues with the outdoor speakers we’ve been trying. Those issues were addressed and they sounded good. We’re putting the order in tomorrow.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Police Chief Hatcher reported the PD is working with local car dealerships to address the recent catalytic converter thefts. The community can call the dealership and they will do the service free of charge for the first 90 days. In 8 days school starts. There are a lot of new faces and the police department is trying to do more on the campus. Be aware of school zones, the speed, crosswalks and the new parking areas that help with better visibility. There have been lots of changes, make yourself aware.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported the activity continues to increase on Main Street. Communication with the business owners is great, things have been going along well.
President Carlsrud thanked all the employees and the Commissioners for serving. With school starting the kids are excited, be careful out there.
Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 6:15 P.M.