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Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.3.2024 Finance Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

2:30 PM

Called to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Member absent: Commissioner Gulmon

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Commission Topics

President Carlsrud started the discussion on the current logos used by the City. It was a consensus of the Commissioners to move ahead using the City of Valley City logo for all departments. Department name can be listed beneath the logo. We will not be replacing all the current logos, but as we purchase new or repair, the logo will be updated. 

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report as well as shared the process for when you believe that your container was missed. Please remember to wait until 3:00 before calling in to Public Works and reporting. Reminder, please do not park in front of the large business dumpsters.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported on the great news that in the 20 samples sent into the State for Lead & Copper testing, there was no lead found! He also reported that water usage is down from the previous years.  

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported only 2 outages last month. His Crew is very busy with upgrading elevator services.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 12 calls. The trucks have all passed pumper testing with the ladder truck needing one minor repair. Discussion was had on the current alarm system, back up & repeaters.  

Police Department

Police Chief Horner went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 670 calls. Gearing up for the school year and the SRO is taking some evacuation training. There were two openings in the department, 1 applicant will be in training this fall with another applicant in the process to possibly train this fall if the paperwork gets completed.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared that the annual Master Lift Station cleaning is complete and the NDDEQ annual inspection of the sanitary systems is done and complements were given. The well on 6th Ave NE & 8th St NE was capped.

Administration

Administrator Crawford asked Public Works Accountant Jacobson to discuss the purchase of two garbage trucks from the City of Jamestown and then we would turn around and lease the trucks to Valley Recycling. We currently have two other lease agreements with Valley Recycling. The Commissioners consensus was to go ahead with this purchase.

Finance Director Klein shared the information she received from the Bank of ND on the Service Center Loans. She also stated that there will be Special Assessment Notices going in the mail for the week of the 9th on the reconstruction project happening on 3rd and 2nd.

New Items

Finance Director Klein shared with the Commissioners that they will need to designate prior to the end of 2024, with a motion, how they plan to use the ARPA Funds. It was decided that the funds should be used towards Public Works salaries in 2025. This will be added to the 9.17.2024 Commission Meeting Agenda.

City Assessor Current reported on the 2024 Assessments, her processes for valuations, and if the Commissioners would be interested in hiring the Vangaard Company to come in and do a city-wide assessment. No decision will be made until after the voting in November. Current will ask a few more questions of Vangaard and bring her answers back to the Commissioners. She also shared that the Primary Resident Tax credit for $500.00 for 2024 will be available for next year as well.

City Administrator Crawford shared information on the changes to the requirements for the Renaissance Zone, longer terms and higher amounts. Crawford let the Commissioners know that they have an option to add and change Islands in the Zone. She will put together a proposal for the next meeting.

Commissioner Erickson, City Administrator Crawford, Electrical Superintendent Senf and Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared the latest plans for the new Service Center. They explained the needs of the departments and the layout plan. They shared a list of items that could be removed to save some funds but only a couple of these items were not necessities. The consensus of the Commissioners was to not hold back to save now only to need an item next year. Build to the needs of those departments now. The plan is to keep the project under $15 Million.

VCBCDC Jennifer Feist discussed the need for natural gas on the south side of interstate and the cost associated with getting it there. She asked the Commission for $200K out of Sales Tax Funds designated for economic development to put towards the project.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:57 PM.

9.23.2024 Mayor’s Minutes

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NEWS & NOTES

9/23/2024

Howdy Folks,

  • What a beautiful Friday for a homecoming parade celebrating Valley City Public Schools and Valley City State University!  There was a nice turnout of people and parade units.  I hope you all had a nice time.  Congratulations and thank you to all who facilitated the event.
  • September 23-29 is “See Tracks? Think Train Week” in the United States.  Every three hours someone in the United States is hit by a train and last week there was one in our area.  When bikes, cars or trucks crash with a train, the train wins EVERY TIME!  More than 2300 people are injured or killed at railroad crossings and trespass incidents.  When we were kids, we learned “Stop ….. Look ….. and Listen”.  Please be safe.
  • Last week quite a bit of blacktop was laid on streets that have been under construction for too long.  The streets, new lighting, sidewalks and boulevards look very nice and will soon be ready for every day use.
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) has a “Smart Energy Squad Program” designed for fifth grade students.  The curriculum contains valuable information for their futures such as energy efficiency, sources of electricity and renewable energy in a fun, interactive environment.  MRES and our Electric Department share costs making the program available to Valley City Public Schools.  See a Smart Energy Squad Flyer at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/com-mrenergy-cdn/featured-images/SmartEnergySquad.pdf Thank you MRES.
  • September is “National Recovery Month”.  It was established in 1989 to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, celebrate the nation’s strong, proud recovery community and recognize those who make recovery in all ways possible.  Likely you know someone in recovery with whom you can visit or see your health care professional to begin.  Help is out there for all of us so don’t suffer, use it.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • “It isn’t about the glass being half empty or half full, it is being glad to have a glass.”  ~ Hunter Pinke
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

9.16.2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

9/16/2024

          Hello Everybody,

  • Last Thursday’s Summer “Vikes” on Central appeared to be a huge success.  There was a great crowd, good music by “Tripwire”, long lines at food stands and other vendors.   I really enjoyed seeing people smiling and having a good time! Great job by the organizers, thank you.
  • Something new was added this year, a wonderful mural was painted on the north wall of a building at the corner of Central & 4th St. NW between Officeworks and Valley Service.  It is a beautiful work of art painted by a very talented team of artists. Be sure to stop by and see it.  It would be nice seeing more murals around Valley City.  Thank you to all who facilitated the painting.
  • Sunday the Red Knights Motorcycle Club hosted its annual “911 Tribute Ride”.   Parked motorcycles occupied both sides of the street for about three blocks so it was a great turnout by local and regional riders; thank you.  Steve Urness shared a heartfelt message saluting firefighters and first responders kicking-off the ride.  Thank you to our local Color Guard for its patriotic presentation and for serving.  Great job everyone. 
  • The evening of “911” a long time friend and I had a great visit on the phone.  It had been too long since we visited and it made my day.  Some years ago Bell Telephone launched an ad campaign urging people to “Reach out and touch someone”.  Think about it, “reach out” and make someone’s day.
  • Every three years, CHI Mercy Health and City-County Health District conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to better understand health and well-being at an individual and community level. The survey should only take about 10 minutes to complete. Please complete by September 30, https://ndstate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0fukRxogatQeLsO
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”  ~ Douglas Adams
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud     

Agenda Available

9.17.2024 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 17, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88916205171or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  889 1620 5171.

Next Resolution No. 2456             Next Ordinance No. 1162

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

 

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Report from the Building Inspector.
  2. Approve Minutes from the September 3rd, 2024 Finance and Commission Meetings.
  3. Approve Local Event Permits for Raffles:
  4. Trinity Lutheran Church Raffle on 11.2.2024
  5. CHI Mercy Health Foundation Raffle on 10.5.2024
  6. Trinity Lutheran Church Raffle on 11.2.2024                 
  7. Approve 2024-2025 Contractor Licenses for:
  8. Superior Electric of Fargo, LLC of Fargo, ND
  9. High Performance Coatings Inc of Buffalo, ND
  10. STC Flooring of West Fargo, ND
  11. Haugom Window Coverings Inc of Ashley, ND
  12. Advanced Steel Welding & Mechanical LLC of West Fargo, ND
  13. Kenpat Central Florida LLC of Apopks, FL
  14. Anderson Acoustics LLC of East Grand Forks, MN
  15. Herzog Roofing Inc of Detroit Lakes, MN
  16. Manning Mechanical Inc of Fargo, ND
  17. Woodside Industries Inc of Cavalier, ND
  18. MJ Dalsin Company of ND Inc of West Fargo, ND
  19. Border States Paving Inc of Fargo, ND

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

Public Comments

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5-minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

 

 

Public Hearing

  • Public Hearing for 2025 City Budget.

Declare Public Hearing Open.
Close Public Hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1. Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1161 an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Annual City Budget. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Consider RES 2455, a Resolution to Sell City Property, the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, at Public Sale.  (Police Chief Horner)

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud

New Business

NB1.    Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $ 2,379.453. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

NB2.    Approve Designation of ARPA Funds. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

NB3.    Consider offer to sell N15’ of Lot 8, and all of Lot 9, Block 10, Weiser’s Addition to the City of Valley City (231       9th Ave NE), as part of flood acquisition program. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

9/9/2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

9/9/2024

          Hi Folks,

  • “Summer ‘Vikes’ on Central” will be held this Thursday with music by “Tripwire”, food and fellowship.  All in Valley City and the surrounding area, along with students and staff are invited.  Folks from Valley City State University (VCSU) will gather by “The Footbridge” and hike up town at 5:30.  Come out and join the fun as ALL are welcome.
  • Friday night and Saturday the “110 Brady Larson Memorial Derby” was held on the Winter Show Grounds.  It was a masterful setup and appeared to be a huge success with parking lots packed like a big day at “The Winter Show”.  Congratulations to all who made Brady’s Memorial Derby a gracious event.
  • As per National Safety Month, September is “Emergency Preparedness Month”.  A little preparation for emergency could save your family, property and community from injury or damage.  Begin by talking, it is a start.
  • Our Valley City Volunteer Fire Department (VCFD), Electrical Department & Street Department have removed brush along with cleaning and grooming the picnic area at the “Broken Road”.  Enjoy a walk or jog through the Broken Road and in the evening, it has added beauty with its illumination.  Thank you so much to all who helped augment the rustic road.
  • When you are near City Hall, stop in the Commission Chambers to see the pictures on loan from the Graphic Communication Class at the Sheyenne Valley Career and Tech. Center.  Thank you all for sharing your marvelous talents.
  • Last weekend was busy in Valley City’s residential areas with people cleaning flower beds, mowing lawns and the like.  One family was moving black dirt with dad and son pushing wheel barrows.  Another family, mom, dad & two kids, were mixing and pouring a concrete slab to mitigate water damage (Emergency Preparedness).
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                  
  • “Compassion isn’t about solutions. It is about giving all the love you have.”  ~ Cheryl Strayed
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud     

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.20.2024 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 20, 2024


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

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

Member Absent: Commissioner Gulmon

Others: City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Add to Consent Agenda, Application for Fireworks Display Permit for Hairball Productions LLC on 9.6.24, between 9:30 – 11:30PM at 700 7th St SE, Valley City.

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

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Minutes from the 8.6.2024 Finance and Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Parade Request from Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation for 9.12.24 at 5:45PM, on Central Avenue from the VCSU Walking Bridge to 2nd St N. 
  3. Approve Local Event Permits for Raffles:
    1. Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter for 9.19.24 @ the Valley City Eagles
    1. Valley City Education Association for 9.9.24 @ the VCHS Hi-Liner Library
  4. Approve 2024-2025 Contractor Licenses for:
    1. Solutions of West Fargo, ND
    1. APi HVAC Services, Inc dba Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors of Eden Prairie, MN
    1. Connect Interiors, Inc of Fargo, ND
    1. Valley Lawn Care Inc dba Valley Landscaping of Fargo, ND
    1. A-P Concrete LLC of Moorhead, MN
    1. APi Garage Door Inc dba Twin City Garage Door of West Fargo, ND
    1. Spain Excavating of Alice, ND
    1. Diamond Roofing & Sheet Metal of Dilworth, MN
    1. Renewal – TNT Plumbing of Oriska, ND
    1. Nova Fire Protection of Fargo, ND
  5. Approve Application for Fireworks Display Permit for Hairball Productions LLC on 9.6.24, between 9:30 – 11:30PM at 700 7th St SE, Valley City.

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

ORDINANCE

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1158, An ordinance to amend and reenact subsection 6 of section 7-03-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to removal of snow, slush, or ice from private property.

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

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1159, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 8-06-01 and 8-06-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to appointment of city forester.

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

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1160, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 16-01-03 and 16-01-06 related to land subdivision regulations.

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

RESOLUTION

Consider RES 2454, A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Improvement Warrants and Exchange them for $565,000 Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2024. John Lundby with Colliers Securities shared the information on the Bonds.

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

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,444,517.

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

Approve Agreement between the City of Valley City and Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation. This agreement gets reviewed every 2 years. The agreement is through 2059. The only changes made were the dates of the review.

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

Approve Dumpster Rental Agreement with Valley Recycling.

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

Approve Final Recommendations for Project No. UGP-2-990(068) & SU-CPU-990(069) – 2nd St N, 3rd Ave NE & 4th Ave NE.

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

Memorandum of Understanding for Office Space between the City of Valley City and the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

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

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford stated that the City is currently focusing on Construction projects happening around town. Please notice the parking changes in front of the HAC as directed by the ND Department of Transportation. She also shared information on the weekly construction meetings. If you, as a resident, need an item discussed you will want to get that into the City prior to the meeting.

Police Chief Horner reminded all that School is starting up and College will be following. Please be mindful of the extra traffic around the schools. Reminder, if the stop arm is out on a school bus, there is “NO” passing the bus from either lane. All must stop until the arm is disengaged for the safety of the children.  

City Engineer Peterson gave an update on the Construction projects. Weather pending, all projects should be completed by the end of September.

Commissioner Erickson shared information on the upcoming Hill Climb Event.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked the city employees for the great job that they do for our Community.

 

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:26 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.6.2024 Finance Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

2:30 PM

Called to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Member absent: Commissioner Gulmon

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Commission Topics

Discuss the RRWSP (Red River Water Supply Project) President Carlsrud gave an update on the project and discussed two possible changes. One, sending water down the James River instead of a pipe and the ability to now go around wet lands instead of under them. They also need to figure out how they will share the charges with those buying water.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report, it is up for the month. She reported on a squirrel problem as they are chewing through lids. Please bag your garbage or store in your garage or shed if possible. Scents deter the squirrels as well. Woodchips are currently available at the Transfer Station.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that the water usage between June and July has not changed. Lead & Copper sampling of water has been completed and mailed to Bismarck for testing. This sampling is done every three years.

Electric Department

Administrator Crawford shared Corey Bucks report as he was called away. There were two outages, both from squirrels. Lighting on Secarse has been installed, bases will be installed after the hydro-seeding is completed.  Valley View URD project, all conduit and wiring are installed starting from the cut over from overhead to underground on the house services. Construction is beginning this week on upgrading SCADA to fiber at each sanitary, storm, water booster, and electrical substation.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner reported that the new patrol vehicle is ready for service. Gearing up for the school year and prepping for the SRO duties. There are two opening in the department with interviews scheduled for this week. Parking by the HAC was discussed with the changes from the latest construction project.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 10 calls along with one mutual aid call. The Crew was very professional and did an awesome job. The trucks have been serviced and passed testing. On the Dangerous Building topic, they are currently working on two buildings that will be torn down.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch said that the crew has been doing a lot of hot mixing.  Working on concrete asphalt transitions and curb lines as well. The July tree campaign went well this year. Next week they will be gearing up to paint school crossings and crosswalks. The NDDEQ will be coming to do their yearly sanitary inspections.  Update on the water nodes, there are about 140 already changed out with another 80 on the list to be completed. Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared the new Alley Paving/Reconstruct process with the Commissioners. There was some discussion and once completed, this will be posted to the website for Residents to utilize.

Administration

Administrator Crawford asked Commissioner Erickson to weigh in on the new service center project. The preliminary estimates show an increase in costs from where the previous estimate was. To move forward, they are asking for a larger authorized amount.

New Items

Discuss Settlement Proposal in the amount of $50,000 for Paving Improvement District 125, Watermain 103, Sanitary 67 and Storm Sewer Improvement District 54. Administer Crawford discussed the project and explained the NOI (Notice of Intent) from Strata Corporation on behalf of subcontractor Sellin Brothers, Inc.

Discuss Preliminary Plan Layouts for Project No. UGP-2-990(068) & SU-CPU-2-990(069) – 2nd St N, 3rd Ave NE & 4th Ave NE. Discussion was held on alternatives for the businesses affected by this project.

Discussion was held on the Recycling Contract – Parties agree to continue with current recycling contract but going month to month. On the Dumpster Rent to Own Agreement that was to be finished this year with a balloon payment due. Could we set up a new rent to own agreement with payments going towards the balance of the balloon payment? If the Recycling Contract is ended, then the remaining balance would be due. The consensus of the Commissioners is to go ahead with the new agreement.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:27 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.2.2024 Finance Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

2:30 PM

Called to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Lieutenant Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Guest present: Greg Bischoff, James Jensen

Commission Topics

Discuss the RRWSP (Red River Water Supply Project) President Carlsrud and the Commissioners had discussion on the RRWSP and the consensus of the Commissioners is to communicate with the RRWSP that the City of Valley City would like to move forward with 1 and 1.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report as well as how smoothly pick up has been going.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch shared that the meter change will be happening soon and that the measurement of usage concerning backflow should be more precise.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf discussed the 8 outages in the past month, 5 due to squirrels.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson shared the news that 8 Trainees will graduate from the First Responder Course.

Police Department

Police Lieutenant Rustebakke reported that the Animal Control & Chief Vehicles had Emergency Lights installed.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch said that the hot mix is again available so they have been busy with that and the Lagoon Discharge is complete.  

New Items

The Quarterly Engineering Report was given by Finance Director Klein. We are currently sitting at 30% utilized so far this year.

City Attorney Martineck brought up discussion on City Mobile Home Regulations and Limits on a Newly Sited Home. The Commission asked Martineck to prepare an Ordinance using the year 1980 as a guideline.

Discussion on the current Master Fee Schedule and the changes that need to be added from Public Works, Street, Building Inspector and more. This will be updated and presented as a Resolution at the July 16, 2024, Commission Meeting.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) was discussed by City Attorney Martineck and will be added to the Employee Policy.

Lieutenant Rustebakke brought forth two estimates for Body Cams and In-Car Cameras from Axon Enterprises, Inc and Motorola. The Commissioners questioned the differences in the Company’s Products as well as the Estimates. The consensus of the Commissioners is to see movement forward but first check on the Grant Amounts with Chief Horner. Administrator Crawford agreed but would like this to be a 2025 purchase.

A Clean Up Week Debriefing was held and a few items were brought up for discussion. Building materials and Blocks/Pavers being the largest issues. The Commissioners asked for those involved to come back with yardage recommendations for next year’s Clean-Up Week. Possibly add these items to the information sheet available.

The current Recycling Contract is up for renewal. City Administrator Crawford will discuss with Valley Recycling and renew for 1 year if agreed. The Dumpster Lease is also due.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.6.2024 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 6, 2024



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

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

Member absent: Commissioner Gulmon

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No Changes.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Monthly Department Reports from Sanitation Supervisor, Water Superintendent, Electrical Superintendent, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Street Operations Supervisor, Building Inspector, Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Minutes from the July 16, 2024, Commission Meeting and the July 22, 2024, Special Committee Meeting and the July 29, 2024, Special Budget Meeting.                                   
  3. Approve the 2024-25 Alcohol License Renewal TBD Inc dba Sky Lanes Bowling Alley @ 1155 6th ST SE.          
  4. Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Applications for Brockopp Brewing LLC for 8.8.24 and 9.12.24, Summer Nights on Central, Central Ave and for 10.5.2024 for Parktoberfest, Chautauqua Park.    
  5. Approve 2024-25 Contractor License and Renewals:                                     
    1. Hi-Line Excavation LLC, Valley City, ND – Renewal
    1. Horsley Specialties Inc, Moorhead, MN – New
    1. Diesel Dogs Trucking, LLC, Fargo, ND – New
    1. Comstock Construction, Fargo ND – New
    1. Premium Painting & Drywall, LLC, Fargo ND – New

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Layne Glines, representing Healthy Food Ingredients, spoke about the water drainage concerns.

ORDINANCE

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1157, An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section

12-05-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Removal of Weeds and Grass.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

First Reading of Ordinance 1158, An ordinance to amend and reenact subsection 6 of section

7-03-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to removal of snow, slush, or ice from

private property

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

First Reading of Ordinance 1159, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 8-06-01 and

8-06-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to appointment of city forester.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

First Reading of Ordinance 1160, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 16-01-03 and

16-01-06 related to land subdivision regulations.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

Consider RES 2453, A Resolution to Sell City Property, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, at Public Sale. 

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

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Settlement Proposal in the amount of $50,000 for Paving Improvement District 125, Watermain 103, Sanitary 67 and Storm Sewer Improvement District 54.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford reported on the Construction Projects happening and the roads that are now open.  Projects are progressing well considering all the rainfall that we had this summer. Appreciate everyone’s patience with the construction. Now that the preliminary Budget is done, we are going through and looking at future projects. Updates will follow.

Chief Horner wanted to remind businesses to use your fraud protection markers on bills. Counterfeit money has shown up in Valley City. Do your due diligence, be safe and hope that this was just an isolated incident.

City Engineer Peterson gave an expanded update on the construction projects happening around town.

Commissioner Erickson shared that Residents are able to pick up free wood chips out at the Transfer Station. There will be assistance with loading between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00PM, Monday thru Thursday.  There has also been an issue with squirrels and the garbage cans. Please try to bag your trash & keep in your garage or shed if possible.

Commissioner Bishop wanted to thank the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Crews for your work & time. He also thanked the Police Department for all the efforts especially since they have been working shorthanded recently. Thank you to the City Employees as well.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked the Residents of Valley City for your patience as we go through this construction season and to all the city employees for your hard work.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:22 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.29.2024 Special Commission Budget Meeting

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Valley City Special Commission Budget Proceedings

Monday, July 29, 2024

7:00 AM City Hall

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

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

Members absent: None

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, City Attorney Martineck, Police Chief Horner, Assessor Current, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

 

New Business

Discuss and Approve the 2025 Preliminary Budget

Finance Director Klein reported that at this time we do not have an estimated value of a mill from Barnes County. Based on assessed property values, we are estimating the increase in value of a mill to be 4%. The 2025 Preliminary Budget has a 3% increase in dollars levied compared to the 2024 Budget. Last year’s increase from the 2023 Budget to the 2024 Budget was 4.8%. The increase in expenditures in the General Fund is 4.8%. The 2025 Transfers In are the same as 2024 with $260,000 being transferred in from Fund 241 Property Tax Relief. Transfers Out total $445,833 to Fund 225 Building Reserves $101,950, Fund 230 Renew & Replacement $243,883, Fund 290 Infrastructure R&R $100,000. Cash reserves are at $1,536,574 which is 34% of expenditures, this is within the guidelines set in the City’s Fund Balance policy.

The transfer from the Utility Fund to General Fund is $250,000 less than in 2024, this $250,000 will be designated for the new Public Works Service Center. The Public Works Transfer In is $85,000 less than 2024 to Fund 231 Street Renew and Replacement.

The proposed salaries in the 2025 Budget includes a 4% cost of living allowance (COLA) increase and a step increase in the 0-24-year salary schedule.

The increase in health insurance premiums for 2025 is approximately 4.5%. In 2024 the City paid for 80% of the premiums, in 2025 the City’s share of health insurance premiums will increase to 85%. In 2025 the City will also pay a $2,000 insurance incentive to those employees who are not on the City’s Health Insurance Policy through NDPHIT. The City’s contribution to the employee’s HSA accounts would remain the same, with the employees matching a portion of the contribution in order to receive the full amount.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the 2025 Preliminary Budget as presented which includes the proposed salary structure and 4% COLA, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion carried.

ADJOURN

Meeting Adjourned at 7:46 A.M.