Author Archive: Judi Hintz

10.30.2023 Mayor’s Message

Posted on by

 NEWS & NOTES

10/30/2023

  • Hi Everybody,
  • I hope you all had fruitful & safe weekends.  Usually I have been better prepared for snow, but this year I was still thinking leaf pick up and lawn mowing when the snow ambushed me!
  • Tuesday is Halloween.  Though the weather forecast isn’t the best, there will be people out “Trick or Treating” and driving around so please everyone, be extra careful.
  • Thank you to Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) for bringing an Area Meeting for North Dakota Municipal Power Cities to Valley City last week.  A team of MRES Employees shared information concerning reliable, clean energy, cybersecurity, legislative issues, finance, member services and more.
  • At the federal legislative level, power transmission and permitting are important issues for us.  With wind, solar and other new power generation, more transmission line are needed as they are the “highways” to our homes and businesses.  Transmission is expensive though a good investment to offset some power costs.  One plan for transmission construction in our region is estimated to be about $10.3 Billion!
  • Financially MRES is healthy and maintains an Aa2 Moody Investors Service bond rating which also helps keep our power rates competitive.  The MRES Customer Service Team is continually researching grants along with providing scholarships and rebates.  Research “Bright Energy Solutions” at                                            https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/  
  • Happy 120th birthday to the Valley City – Barnes County Library and the Carnegie Library Building.  Thank you to all the people who have contributed to the wellbeing of both library and building.  Please see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f0MEmxAhM4
  • When shopping, be sure to visit Chamber Member Stores to find the “buck figurines” and the opportunity to win one of five $100.00 Chamber Buck prizes.  For more information, email [email protected].
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “The best sermons are lived, not preached.”    ~ Western Quotes                     

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.3.2023 Commission Minutes

Posted on by

CALL TO ORDER

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Move N1 and Oath of Office. Add N6. And N7.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the minutes from the September 18, 2023, Commission Meeting and the September 26, 2023, Special Meeting Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director.

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractor License for Allstar Construction Residential Operating Company, LLC. Contingent on Insurance Certificate listing Valley City as certificate holder. 

Approve 2023-2024 Renewal Application for Contractor License for Scherbenske Inc.

Approve Raffle Application for St. Catherines School Fall Auction on November 11, 2023 at the Valley City Eagles.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Appoint Chief of Police Nicholas Horner.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Roll Call Vote:

Erickson – Nay   Bishop – Aye    Magnuson – Aye    Gulmon – Aye    Carlsrud – Aye

OATH OF OFFICE

President Carlsrud swore in Nicholas Horner as Police Chief.

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing Regarding Special Assessment Projects:

Paving Improvement District No 123, Water Main Improvement District No 102, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No 66 – 6 St NW Reconstruction

Paving Improvement District No 124 – 12 St N Mill & Overlay

Paving Improvement District No 122 – East Main St Seal Coat

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

There were no protests.

Commissioner Magnuson motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No 123, Water Main Improvement District No 102, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No 66, Paving Improvement District No 124, and Paving Improvement District No 122.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to approve assessments as presented, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1141, an Ordinance Adopting the 2024 City Budget.

Finance Director Klein reviewed the updated value of a mill computed by the county which is $22,546.00. Increased the amount levied for the Library by $1000.00, new amount for the Library is $181,600.00. Total amount levied is $1,735,000.00.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1142, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 1-01-16 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Purchasing. City Attorney Martineckstated that this policy needs to be put into code to have the force of law backing it. By putting our policy into code, it allows Valley City to continue to do what we are already doing.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No 1143, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 4-01-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Owners of Premises Licensed for Retail Sale of Alcoholic Beverages. City Attorney Martineck explained that the definition of “Owner” should be removed from code. There is no reason to have it defined.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No 1144, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 14-35-12 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Enforcement of Parking Tickets. City Attorney Martineck discussed the changes to the current Parking Ticket Enforcement and the proposed changes in this Ordinance.  

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

Approve Resolution 2420, A Resolution Approving Engineers Report and Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans Specification and Estimate of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 128, Watermain Improvement District No. 105 and Sanitary Improvement District No. 69. Engineer Petersen reported that this is the resolution part of the project for Special Assessments.  Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2421, A Resolution Declaring Necessity of Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 128. Engineer Petersen reported that this will start the 30-day protest period of the project. There will be a public informational meeting held during this period.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,862,579.66.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion approved unanimously.

Approve Site Authorization for ND Wildlife Federation at the VC Eagles on April 6,2024.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion approved unanimously.

Approve First Addendum to Landfill Use Agreement with VC.

Public Works/Account Manager Jacobson reported on the Landfill Use Agreement with Fargo. This will extend our current agreement while we work through this search.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion approved unanimously.

Approve Cost-Share Agreement with the Department of Water Resources Consolidating Permanent Flood Protection Projects. Finance Director Klein explained that this is just a consolidation of the current projects.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion approved unanimously.

Approve Change Orders for 2nd Ave NE/3rd St NE Reconstruction Project # SU-CRP-CPU-2-990(062). City Administrator Crawford discussed the change orders for this project. The electric utility manholes that needed to be replaced, these funds, $24,630.00, will come out of the Electric Fund. $13,770.00 for the drainage modifications near the Police Department. The current drainage needed to be corrected and joined into the storm sewer system. The final change orders for $18,602.00 are the vaults found in the sidewalk area by the ARC.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion approved unanimously.

Approve Change Order No. 2 for Consolidated Sewer & Water District No. 59.

City Administrator Crawford shared that after receiving more information on the project we are looking at decreasing 12 days of LDs and approving the change orders for $11,016.97.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion approved unanimously.

CITY ADMINSTRATOR REPORT

Congratulations to the Electric Department who received the 2023 WattStar Award at the MRES Conference for their Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration in Valley City.  Mr. Wick reported that there is progress in the area at Viking Court, the contractor should complete the installation in 2 – 3 weeks once all the supplies are available. An update was given on the street project happening on 2 Ave NE.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

With the appointment of Chief Horner and another Officer leaving, the Valley City Police Department is now down 2 Officers and will be hiring. ChiefHorner will be covering shifts until the positions are filled.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Magnuson wanted to remind all that Fire Prevention Week starts on October 8. Please check your smoke detectors and remember to Thank a Fire Fighter or First Responder for all that they do as well as their Families and Employers. Battle of the Badges will be taking place October 10 and 11 at Stoudt/Miller. Donate and vote Team Fire!

Police Chief Horner wants to remind all to be safe and alert as people are out and about trying to enjoy this last bit of nice weather. Battle of the Badges, donate and vote Team Law!

Engineer Petersen updated on the project currently taking place on 2nd Ave NE.

Engineer Eslinger reported that they did receive a signed contract from the Department of Environmental Quality for the water service line inventory. Moore will be working on that inventory.

Commissioner Gulmon gave a short review of the financials through August 31.  Sales tax is down compared to 2022.

Commissioner Bishop welcomed Nick and sent thanks to all the Fire fighters.

Commissioner Magnuson congratulated Nick and gave a thank you to the committee that gave their time to interview and find our new Police Chief.

President Carlsrud again welcomed and Congratulated Nick. Gave a thank you to those that served on the search committee for all your time. To all of the Employees thank you and proud of the work you do. Thank you to the Commissioners for their time.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 4:44 PM.

10.23.2023 Mayor’s Message

Posted on by

 NEWS & NOTES

10/23/2023

  • Hello Folks,
  • Congratulations to Dale Sather from our Valley City Public Works (VCPW).  At the North Dakota Water & Pollution Control Conference, Dale received the American Public Works Association’s “Outstanding Individual in Public Works Award”.  It was fun that Gabe Schell, from Valley City & now Bismarck, presented Dale’s award.
  • Halloween is near & there will be “Trick or Treaters” on the streets, please be careful.  There will be “Trunk or Treat” type events also.  Check media outlets for specifics.
  • Good news on construction.  You undoubtably noticed 2nd Avenue NE has some blacktop and it is certainly nice being rid of the dust around there.  Progress, thank you.
  • Summers in the city are busy with construction projects, budgeting, O&M, securing project funding and the like.  Thank you to all our city employees for going the “extra mile” during these extra busy times.  Please say “Thank you” to a city employee.
  • Thank you to our Valley City Police Department (VCPD) and all who work keeping us safe.  With these changing times, being a police officer is even more challenging than in the past.  Please say “Thank you” to a police officer.
  • Thank you to our Valley City Fire Department (VCFD), all the volunteers and their families who bring it all together providing fire protection and other emergency services.  Please say “Thank you” to a firefighter.
  • Thank you to the team of clergy in our area who provide comfort and spiritual guidance to so many in times of need.  Please say “Thank you” to a clergy person.
  • Thank you to our City & County Commissioners who arrange time in their lives to serve our community, county and you citizens.  Please say “thank you” to City & County Commissioners.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “Don’t give up on your dreams or your dreams will give up on you.”    ~ John Wooden                     

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

10.16.2023 Mayor’s Message

Posted on by

 NEWS & NOTES

10/16/2023

  • Hi Everybody,
  • With our nice fall weather more people are walking, running and biking.  However, with more hours of darkness and distracted drivers, it is IMPERATIVE you wear “Hi-Vis” clothing.  Be safe, “Go Hi-Vis”.
  • The Valley City Barnes County Library is hosting Joelle Bearstail October 17th, 5:00 at the library.  Joelle is a mom, celebrated author of children’s books, educator and founder of “ImagiNative Inc”.  Stop in and visit with Joelle.
  • The Red River Water Supply Project (RRWSP) is a pipeline to bring water to eastern North Dakota during times of drought.  This is a huge project to be funded with federal, state and local dollars.  I will be sharing further as time goes, but for information now, see: http://www.rrvwsp.com/.
  • FUN, October 20 & 21 Valley City Parks and Recreation (VCPR) will offer numerous activities beginning with free movies Friday at Twin Cinema.  Saturday there is a Halloween Costume Fun Run/Walk, Spooky Spike Showdown and Park-tober Festival all to be taking place in Chautauqua Park.  
  • Many of us are cleaning our yards, flowerbeds and the like.  Please dispose properly; grass clippings, flower stems and small branches (4-inch diameter maximum) go to the west side of the Transfer Station 24/7 at no charge. PLEASE do not put those items in the garbage.  We have some great services available for our use, please respect them & use properly; thank you.
  • Valley City Public Works and MRES are partnering to offer incentives for energy-saving projects and products.  Residential and business customers are eligible and will also receive access to our Trade Ally contractors.  For further information, see Bright Energy Solutions at:  https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/members/valley-city-public-works.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “What you do with your family is more important than what you do for your family.”    ~ Pinterest – SAVETHECOWBOY.COM                      

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

8.29.2023 Special Planning and Zoning Minutes

Posted on by

August 29th, 2023 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order 4:00pm on Tuesday August 29th, 2023. Commissioners present: Dave Carlsrud, Jeff Erickson, Bill Carlblom, Tim Durheim

Absent: Jim Wright

Others: City Administrator, Gwen Crawford, City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit

Audience members: Quentin Murry

Public Hearing for Variance at 862 2nd ST SW – Quentin Murry

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded by commissioner Tim Durheim.

Quentin Murry spoke how he would like the variance to build a 30×60 garage.

City Planner Joel Quanbeck spoke about his findings. Quentin Murry is requesting a variance on the set back requirement and the requirements to rebuild.

Internal discussion was had.

 Commissioner Jeff Erickson made a motion to approve the variance seconded by Commissioner Tim Durhiem followed by roll call and unanimous board approval.

Adjourn

Chair Schell called for the meeting to close at 4:12pm.

7.11.2023 Planning and Zoning Minutes

Posted on by

July 11th, 2023 – MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF

VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday July 11th, 2023. Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bill Carlblom, Jeff Erickson, Dave Carlsrud and Tim Durheim                     

Others City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current     Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit, City Engineer Chad Petersen (KLJ) Tracy Eslinger (Moore) City Planner Joel Quanbeck, Donny Eberle, Aaron McConuaughey, Bruce and Kathryn Jacobson

Commissioner Bill Carlblom moved to approve the minutes of the May 9th, 2023 regular meeting seconded by Commissioner Tim Durheim. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report                    

Building inspector Mike Blevins had emailed a report of current permits. Building inspector Lance Coit reported he has had some permits for decks, egress windows, and foundation repairs.

Public Comments

Bruce Jacobson spoke about his concerns with the new home he bought. He explained how his flooring needs to be replaced after a year and a half. The contractor will not warranty the floor, or fix it. Bruce was looking for advice on how to move forward with this problem. The planning and zoning commission told Bruce Jacobson this is a civil matter and he will need to hire a lawyer, or small claims court may be able to help.

Public hearing on variance to allow a 12×16 shed 5ft off property line.  

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. City Planner Joel Quanbeck explained the reason the variance has been requested. Our normal setbacks are 25ft rear yard setback. Donny Eberle’s house is addressed different than normal addressing. If his property was addressed how the address should be he could use the side yard 7ft set back. This is a new development, and all the roads are not constructed yet. When this property was addressed, the City employee who assign addresses he had not seen the layout. When more roads are put in and the development grows, Eberle will need to change their address.

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson.  

Commissioner Erickson made a motion to approve the variance with a 7ft setback not 5ft, with the intent of the variance not needed when Eberle address is changed after more roads are constructed.

Seconded by Commissioner Tim Durheim

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Public hearing for a conditional use permit to operate Mac’s Bait & Tackle – Aaron McConaughey.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. Aaron McConaughey spoke and explained he is the owner of the new business Mac’s Bait and Tackle. He is asking permission to operate in his home until the building on West Main Street becomes available.  He is waiting on the current tenant to move out. Aaron currently has a full-time job and operates few hours in the evenings and on the weekends. City Planner Joel Quanbeck explained a couple things he would recommend if approve, such as hours of operation, parking and signage. The conditional use permit should have an end date also.

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Dave Carlsrud  

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to approve the conditional use permit with a deadline of Oct 31, 2023 as long as the following conditions are met: and Lance Coit – building inspector will follow up with the applicant

  1. Hours of operation be limited to 7a.m. to 9p.m. and cannot be full time
  2. Any sign for the home occupation meets the signage requirements of Title 7 of the Valley City Municipal Code.
  3. Have adequate parking

Seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Other Business

Discussion was held regarding the property at 226 2nd Ave SE. it was recommended Lance Coit tell the property owner to provide documentation the property is not in the flood plan. We can move forward after the documentation has been turned in.

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:53pm.

10.9.2023 Mayor’s Message

Posted on by
You need to add a widget, row, or prebuilt layout before you’ll see anything here. 🙂

 NEWS & NOTES

10/9/2023

  • Hi Folks,
  • Last week I mentioned the reliability of Municipal Power; our power was “on” .99998 of the time during September.  You might be surprised to know squirrels are the greatest cause of outages!
  • This is National Fire Prevention Week, and its theme is “Cooking Safety Starts With YOU.  Pay Attention to Fire Prevention”.  Look through your homes to identify possible fire hazards and have your fire extinguishers inspected at our Fire Hall.
  • Our Fire Department Personnel will be promoting fire safety with department tours and informative sessions around town throughout the week.  This year, our Volunteer Firefighters logged 3348 man hours of firefighter training!  Thank Volunteer Fire Fighters, their families and their employers.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday is the “Battle of the Badges” blood drive at Stout-Miller Inc., Dodge & Ford dealerships on Winter Show Road.  Call Vitalant for an appointment at: 877-258-4825.
  • Mental Health Awareness Week in Barnes County kicked off with an “Out of the Darkness Walk” for Suicide Prevention at Lokken Field Sunday afternoon.  There was a touching program and 124 walkers participated in this 1 of 500 walks across the country.  “Facing a struggle is a strength not a weakness”.
  • PURPLE streetlights?  We are not alone; it is a factory defect and is all over the country.  The company is standing behind the product to date so we can be grateful.
  • School bus drivers are needed to transport students to classes and activities.  Licensure & training is available through Dietrich Bus Service in Valley City.  This is a critical need for our schools and community so please call 701-845-1590.  Thank you for your consideration.
  • Recently there have been numerous cigarette wrappers and drink containers thrown on our streets.  Will you please hold your trash until you can dispose of it properly?  Thank you.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • “If Jack Nicklaus had to play my tee shots, he couldn’t break 80.  He’d be a pharmacist with a string of drug stores in Ohio.”    ~ Lee Trevino                     

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.26.2023 Special Commission Minutes

Posted on by

CALL TO ORDER
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.

ROLL CALL

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Bishop via phone.

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Application from Hi-Line Hospitality, LLC for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit to be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Lokken Field/Stadium beginning at 2PM – 3rd Quarter.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 12.02 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.18.2023 Commission Minutes

Posted on by

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

ROLL CALL

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson.

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

VALLEY CITY/BARNES COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK PROCLAMATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the minutes from the September 7, 2023 Finance and Commission Meetings, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Application for Use of National Guard Building. Schindler Events. October 19-22.

Approve Parade Application for VCSU Homecoming Parade September 23. Start time 10:30AM. Central.

Approve Contractor Licenses for Central Trenching.

Approve Raffle Application for Valley City Town & Country Club October 26.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing for 2024 City Budget.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

There were no public comments.

Finance Director Klein reported on the increase in premiums for the 2024 Health Insurance Premiums. The amounts levied for the Final 2024 Budget did not change from what was discussed during the Preliminary Budget Meetings.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously. 

ORDINANCE

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1141 an Ordinance Adopting the 2024 City Budget.  Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

Approve Resolution 2417, a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 128. (Engineer Petersen)

Approve Resolution 2418, a Resolution Creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69. (Engineer Petersen)

Approve Resolution 2419, a Resolution Creating Water Main Improvement District No. 105. (Engineer Petersen)

These resolutions relate to the Urban Grant Reconstruction Project. This Project was partially funded by the ND DOT for street improvements, a cost share request will be submitted for the water main replacement and special assessment districts are being created for the local share. This Project is scheduled to be bid through the ND DOT on November 17, 2023 with construction beginning 2024.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve all 3 Resolutions as listed, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Application to Operate a Mobile Home Park by Dane Feldhaus, Sunrise Trailer Court.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

With the sidewalks near the west entrance being closed due to Construction, Tana will be covering the north entrance of City Hall and the doors will remain open in all departments. The plan is to only block the Police entrance for a maximum of 2 days. Will update sidewalk and street closures after Wednesday Morning’s Construction Meeting.  League of Cities training begins Wednesday, September 20 and MRES Tech training September 27 & 28. Jamestown Truck agreement has been completed. Working with Peterbilt to get the part to fix our truck, this may be happening sooner than previously reported. Employees are doing their part to try and get this taken care of.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Engineer Petersen reported that the sidewalk construction did start on the 2nd Ave Project. Most of the underground work was completed last week. The completion date is looking to be October 13.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:29 p.m.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.7.2023 Finance Minutes

Posted on by

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon, and Commissioner Erickson

Others present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

  1. Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the Grass Site Area and reminded all that no whole trees are to be taken to the grass site. This site is only for Valley City Citizens. Also, when dumping clippings, please empty your bags and take your bags or throw them in the trash. Automated Garbage Truck update, if you place your trash can in front of your driveway put it on the street. The Arm needs at least a 3’ clearance all the way around the can to be able to dump it. Garbage must be out by 7 AM or even the night before. Handles and wheels should face your house. Lids should be closed. No excess garbage around your trash can will be picked up, that is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Please check the City’s website, Facebook page, Instagram, Times Record, KOVC, and CSI Cable for Holiday schedules and inclement weather changes. Discussion on the notification of Citizens for customer service concerns when Garbage is not picked up by the truck.

Water Department

Water Supervisor Hesch reported some numbers on usage comparing July and August. Demand has dissipated. Shared the average usage daily as well as the max usage in a day. July’s usage was higher than Augusts this year.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on a good August. Only 1 outage due to weather. Columbia Grain project is now complete. Several projects planned for this fall. Senf discussed the lighting around town. Parts are coming to correct the color and lumen issue. If you notice a pole down or out, please report it to Public Works so that a service order can be started and taken care of.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that fire calls were down for service but up for rescue calls. Last month the Trucks were all tested and serviced, and all are working and passed inspection. Fire Fighter 1 Class is finishing up. Testing will be on the morning of September 16. Magnuson reported that they tested and added 3 new members to the squad. Side by Side will be ready to go in service soon. Grass, weeds and junk calls are handled weekly.

Police Department

Assistant Police Chief Rustebakke reported the police department put a reminder out to the Citizens that starting next month you need to keep your camper and boats off of the streets.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that they are working on cleaning the storm lift stations. Salt is scheduled for delivery on Tuesday hauling sand in as well. September 18 Rural Water will be training on hydrants. September 19 Rural Water will be putting on a Wastewater Seminar. Working on concrete projects but waiting on the actual concrete.

  • Review monthly bills/reports (Finance Director Klein)

Finance Director Klein reported on the August expenditures. $2,627,118.00 Total

Renewal of 2 CDs, renewed for 5.1% and set up a new CD @ 11 months at a 5.1% rate in the amount of $800,000.00.

  • Discuss continued use of Fargo Landfill. (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

Jacobson compared charges between Fargo Landfill with Jamestown Landfill. The decision was to negotiate with both Landfills and determine the correct place to contract with.

  • Discuss Garbage Hook Truck out of commission. (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

The current Hook Truck was having Def Issues and now needs parts for the ECM that has quit. Parts are about 2 years out. Jacobson gave a price comparison to hauling ourselves using our trucks, having Valley Recycling haul or renting a truck from Jamestown. Recommendation is to rent a truck then to use our own but first we check again with Peterbilt to see what they will do for us. Talk to Ken about pulling a pup. Martineck will review the rental agreement. Added to the Commission Meeting Agenda for approval of signatures.

  • Discuss ordinances to address parking ticket enforcement and alcoholic beverage license requirements. (City Attorney Martineck)

Currently the ordinance reads that the license holder must also be the title holder of the building. Requesting a change to the ordinance that a tenant or purchaser for contract for deed can hold the liquor license. The second half of this item is that the collection of parking tickets currently does not give the Police Department the authority to collect on past due tickets. It was suggested that a tiered process would give the Police Department a better enforcement tool.

  • Removed prior to Meeting
  • Review cost proposals for audit services. (Finance Director Klein)

Requests went to 6 Companies, 3 replied. One was determined insufficient. Cost proposals were shown between Eide Bailly and Brady Martz. It was decided to go with the lower bid awarding the Audit to Brady Martz.

  • KPH request to forgive liquidated damages. (City Administrator Crawford)

The Commission requested that Crawford negotiate for the City and not accept their current proposal. This will be added as a new agenda item for the Commission Meeting.

  • Personal Leave – compared to State annual leave. (City Administrator Crawford)

Discussion on current annual leave earnings and when hiring in this competitive time, it was determined that the City earns less than the State Employees. Holidays were previously changed to match the State. The Commission agreed and this change will take effect on January 1, 2024. Martineck will update the Policy.

  1. Issued Conditional Letter of Map Revision for the City of Valley City, ND case No. 23-08-0015R – (City Administrator Crawford)

The CLOMR has been approved. CLOMR letter and the map were discussed as well as the interior flooding and drainage. The letter was a requirement to be mailed as part the process.

  1. Discuss removing abandoned fuel tank located in street right of way in conjunction with street project. (City Engineer Peterson)

4th St W and Central Avenue, it was determined that there are abandoned fuel tanks. This will be taken care of at the same time as the street project but will not be included in the project.

  1. 2022 Audit Report by Eide Bailly. (Finance Director Klein)

Courtney Richman with Eide Bailly joined via Zoom and shared the executive summary for the 2022 Audit findings. The City received a “clean” audit finding.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:59 PM.