Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

Agenda Available

12.6.2022 City Finance Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at 3:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82547330143 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 825 4733 0143

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    • Sanitation Department
    • Water Department
    • Electric Department
    • Fire Department
    • Police Department
    • Street Department
    • Administration
      1. 2023 Board Calendar
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)
  3. Discuss Update to Resolution 1690, Approving Exemption from Taxation of Improvements to Commercial and Residential Buildings.  (City Assessor Current)
  4. Discuss 5-Year Infrastructure Plan.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss NLC Service Line Program.  (City Administrator Crawford) 
  6. Discuss Proposed Public Works Operating and Capital Budgets.  (PW Manager Jacobson)
  7. Viking Court Update. (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

11.29.2022 Special Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 at 12:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88142257920  or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 881 4225 7920

Call To Order
Roll Call

Public Hearing

  1.  Open Public Hearing Regarding Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for The Reserve at Woodland.

Motion to Close Hearing.

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for The Reserve at Woodland contingent on the Fire Chiefs Approval.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Adjourn

11.27.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • We are into the 2022 Salvation Army, Barnes County Unit, Kettle Campaign.  The campaign runs through Christmas Eve morning and ringers are needed at Leevers and Petro.  Please call Naomi at 701-541-1418 or Lenora at 701-840-1357.  Thank you to all who donate and ring for your Barnes County Unit.
  • Our Valley City Fire Department (VCFD) has been receiving smoke alarm calls.  While our firemen are happy to serve you, please check your alarms to avoid unnecessary calls.
  • We had a nice stretch of warmer weather over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend enabling people to get rid of some ice left by earlier rain/snow events.  Thank you to all who were able to get out and scrape ice as it is safer and it looks nice.
  • * A note: turn you signal lights on early to alert traffic around you.
  • Last Friday evening there was a fun Christmas Lighting Ceremony complete with hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting and a “unique” light switch, hahaha!  Our Electrical Department used imaginative light placings creating a very attractive looking Veterans’ Park; drive by, see and enjoy.  From there, drive or walk up Central to 5th Street and see the “North Pole”!  Thank you all who contributed to the successful evening and I look forward to seeing you next year.
  • ** This year’s “Parade of Lights” will be Thursday evening 12/1/2022 at 6:00.  Many stores will be open, Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance and the weather forecast is for a nice December evening.  Come out and enjoy!
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.”                                        (Rumi)                                                  

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

11.20.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

  • Small Business Saturday is being celebrated this Saturday.  The forecast is for a 30 degree day so get out and enjoy some shopping, food and visiting. 
  • * It is slippery, wear seatbelts!
  • Our City Electrical Department has been hanging Christmas Lighting in Veterans’ Park and will be “flipping the switch” Friday evening at 5:30.  Stop by and see the handiwork.  Thank you guys for making it happen.
  • November 17, The Great American SMOKEOUT was noted for all who my want to stop chewing or smoking tobacco.  There is a plethora of help available for all who want.  For more, search “The Great American Smokeout”.
  • HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all and please be safe.
  • American Education Week was celebrated November 13-19.  Thank you to all teachers and administrators at all levels who provide learning opportunities for students.  “Thank an educator”.
  • Winter is a time where we tend to be more sedentary than other times of the year which can lead to weight gain and poor health.  Our local stores have terrific warm clothing and footwear options so being outside in the cold can be comfortable.  We North Dakotans can do better so we can feel better.  For information, open: https://www.newsdakota.com/2022/11/15/obesity-rates-in-north-dakota-are-steadily-increasing/#:~:text=North%20Dakota%20has%20the%2011th,either%20poor%20or%20fair%20health
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) has a program called Bright Energy Solutions to provide savings for your homes and businesses. For information, call Marshall Senf (845-8143) or search Bright Energy Solutions.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect towards others.”              (Dalai Lama)                                                  

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

11.1.2022 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Remove N2, add N5

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the October 18th Commission Meeting and October 26th, 2022 Special 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 and Municipal Judge.

Approve Raffle Application for VCSU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society on February 28, 2022 at the VCSU Rhoades Science Center.

Approve Application for Contractor License for the following

 Jade Nielsen Properties.

Richard Berg Construction.

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

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of 1118, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Sections 8-07-02, 11-06-16, 14-10-49 and 14-35-04, and Repeal Section 11-06-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Parking. 

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call:  Gulmon-aye Erickson-nay    Magnuson-nay Bishop-aye       Carlsrud-aye

Motion passed.

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1115, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 7-05-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Obstruction in a Public Right of Way.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1120, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 7-01-06.1 and Amend and Reenact Section 7-01-07 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the International Property Maintenance Code and Unsafe Buildings.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes from the first reading.

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,421,095.56.

Finance Director Richter reported on the Financials for October.

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

Approve the Purchase of Lot 13, Block 1 Morrison’s Addition (Parcel No. 63-3110117) for $7,106.54, and request cost share from the State Water Commission.

Approve Final Review and Acceptance for the Emergency Clay Levee Removal Project.

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

Approve Raising Installation Allowance for Overhead to Underground from $3 to $4 per Foot.   

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the installation of overhead to underground electrical to $4 foot & $5 foot if it includes conduit, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Submitting Cost Share Request to Department of Water Resources for Watermain Relocation at Viking Drive Bridge (Phase 5 PFP).

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated we had an update with David Wick regarding the Viking Trailer Court.  He will provide another update on the November 15th meeting.

We were awarded the Urban Grant Program.  We will review that to see if it works for what we need and if so, we will accept it.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson informed everyone that they were going to hold the traditional fire truck being pushed into the fire station ceremony to put the new truck into service.

Commissioner Gulmon stated over $2 million in flood expenses has been sent into the state to review. Cash reserves remain strong and a decision was made to bid out about $3.3 million of our cash reserves to CDs to earn higher interest. Sales tax is down through August about 3.5% from a year ago, Food and Beverage is up about 7.7% and Occupancy Tax is up about 12%.

Mayor Carlsrud reminded everyone to have your garbage out by 7 AM.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:20 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

11.1.2022 Finance Meeting

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Called To Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Others Present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart stated everyone now has their CDL permits. We are out of wood chips until spring.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported water use has gone up a little bit likely due to people cleaning things up getting ready to store them. October the plant was ran 241 hours which was 33 hours less than in September. September daily average usage was almost 880,000.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 7 outages for October, 1 bird, 4 squirrels, 1 track hoe and some bad underground. The electrical has been blinking the last couple days but that is Otter Tail that lost a line between here and Jamestown. Christmas decorations are starting to go up. Previously we would pay customers to put their service in underground at $3/foot, we would like to raise that to $4/foot.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson stated they completed 23 tours around the station for Fire Prevention month. The open house and dedication took place.  Tonight, the new truck will go into service and there will be a traditional truck pushing ceremony.

Police Department

Police Chief Hatcher stated they hired a new officer that will start on Thursday.

Street Department

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reminded everyone to have their garbage out by 7 AM.  The end of the year hydrant and flushing program is completed.  Working on tearing down some houses.  Brockopp’s had a sewer disconnect from the main and has caused a sinkhole in the alley. The lagoon discharge will happen this month to create some storage for winter.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford stated every 5 years we switch to a different insurance company, usually they were just drawn out of a hat.  There is one company left in line to do that so we will fulfill that but going forward we will put it out for bids. We received notification that we were awarded the Urban Grant Program that we applied for the 2nd St. N project.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Richter reported $2,421,095.56 of expenditures for October.

Discuss Contractors License

City Administrator Crawford requested the $4,000 requirement to get a license be lowered. Consensus was to lower it to $1,000.

Update of Viking Court

City Administrator Crawford stated they are hoping the concrete products will be available in time so they don’t need to use the steel at temporary fixes.

Consensus was to allow one more month and an update will be provided on November 15th.


Update on the Elks Building

Chad Petersen updated that at this point the gates and some other materials are ordered and the shop drawings were received back from the supplier and set up to be delivered to PW. We are set up to start receiving bids the 1st week of December.

Discuss Viking Drive Bridge Reconstruction

The county was awarded money for the reconstruction of Viking Drive Bridge. There would be no rise.  There is a water main underneath along with sewer that may be affected by the pilings. The watermain is scheduled to be moved in Phase 5. The county asked if we would look at moving the water line when the project is done so there aren’t issues with the pilings. The State Water Commission will allow us to pull that out of Phase 5 and do it early.

Discuss Possibility to Purchase Property or have Garden on City Property in Crestwood

We were offered $2,000 for a section of property. The property is not buildable but Tina has it assessed at $10,500. Consensus was made to do more research and look into putting it up for bids. 

Discuss Purchase of Properties that are Subject to Tax Deed Proceedings.

There were three properties that were coming up for taxes due. When this comes up and there are assessments on the property, we are given the first option to purchase.  We would like to make so we do not have to get a motion each time a property comes up for sale.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at  4:40 PM.

11.13.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Winter has arrived with a pretty white snow here and though it is easy to complain, winter brings a beauty of its own.  It also makes for some sore muscles from clean-up, but when finished, generally our homes are still standing.  That said, think of the people in Florida and other places where homes have been swept away by tornados and hurricanes.  So let’s count our Blessings and embrace our winter.
  • Our electrical department guys have been preparing lighting for the holiday season so soon we all will be able to enjoy.  Thank you.
  • Thanksgiving, only two weeks away, became a national holiday in 1789 when declared by then President George Washington.  “He had seen America survive due to a series of “miracles” and saw to it that the nation give thanks”. (James R. Harrigan)
  • From our Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) October Board Meeting, plans for another solar/storage project are moving forward.  They are working to generate “green” energy while maintaining a reliable base load so when you flip the switch, “the lights come on”.
  • Thanks to our City Employees who were out clearing snow from streets while many of us were sleeping.  Due to the rain before it snowed, there are many icy areas.  Whether you are driving or walking, be safe everyone.
  • A couple religious holidays about which I am aware, Hanukkah and Christmas, are forthcoming in December.  Both holidays celebrate peace, love, kindness and prayer.  Let’s ask ourselves, “What act of kindness might I provide for someone today?”

 “To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” 

(Mother Teresa)                                                   

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

Agenda Available

11.15.2022 Commission Agenda

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Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Proclamation

Small Business Saturday Proclamation

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the November 1st, 2022 Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Application for VCHS Art Club on December 15th, 2022 at the VCHS Art Room.
  2. Approve Application for Parade of Lights on December 1,2022 at 6 PM.
  3. Approve Application to Block off Central Ave from 2nd St N to 4th St N from 6-8 PM on December 1, 2022 for the Parade of Lights Events.

Roll Call:  Magnuson          Bishop             Erickson          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.

Ordinance

  1.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1121, An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subdivision f of Subsection 4 of Section 11-03-08, Subdivision g of Subsection 4 of 11-03-09, and Subdivision g of Subsection 4 of 11-03-10 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the Rear-Yard Setback in R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Zoning Districts. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

2. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1122, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact section 8-01-02 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to Contractor Licenses. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1119, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of Section 12-02-05 and Sections 12-02-08 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Property Maintenance Violations.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Resolution

  1.  Resolution 2379, a Resolution to allow the Purchase of Properties that are Subject to Tax Deed Proceedings.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud            

New Business

  1.  Approve to Accept 2024 Urban Grant Program Award for Project 2nd St N, 2nd Ave NW, and 4th St N.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve Annual NDDOT Maintenance Certification for Urban Federal Aid Projects.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud          

3. Approve Appointing Insure Forward for the City’s NDIRF’s Local Agent of Record from 2023-2027. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

4. Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to Approve Amending the Image Enhancement Grant Guidelines to Expand Areas of Eligibility to include Arterial Roadways into Valley City Immediately Adjacent to Either Side, that are Annexed within Valley City and Zoned as a B1, B2 or I.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

5. Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to De-obligate Funds previously approved to Dakota Dogs. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

6. Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to Approve the Image Enhancement Grant for Stoudt Miller in the amount up to $7,500.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

7. Consider Application for Property Tax Exemption for Addition at Stoudt Miller.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

8. Approve Final Design & Plan Development Task Order for 2nd Ave NE 33rd St NE Reconstruction Project (NDDOT Project No. SU-CPU-2-990(062), PCN 23571 and SU-2-990(063), PCN 23572). (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

9. Approve Special Alcohol Event Permit for Bridges Bar and Grill at the North Dakota Winter Show for the North Star Classic on December 2nd, 2022.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

10. Viking Court Update Due Nov 15th.  (City Administrator Crawford)

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

11.6.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • Last weekend was opening of deer hunting gun season and incase you haven’t noticed is a BIG deal in our area!  Our local businesses held an event for those who were not hunting, “Save a Buck & Spend Some Doe”.  It was great seeing all the people uptown enjoying the stores, fellowship and nice weather.
  • Speaking of weather, fall sure seems to present a myriad of patterns from 70’s & sunny to snowy and not so sunny.  Fall has been pretty darn nice though cooler days are more frequent, enjoy the ones you can.
  • November 11th is Veterans’ Day.  It is a time to honor all Veterans of uniformed services who served or are still serving in times of peace or war.  Please, “Thank a Veteran”.
  • For you who aren’t aware, VCPS and VCSU collaborate to afford VCPS students to earn “Dual Credits”.  The program allows students to earn college credits at a reduced cost while attending high school.  Thank you to all who make these types of programs possible.
  • Our city is offering some cost share opportunities should you like to replace your overhead power lines with underground.   Check with our Electrical Superintendent, Marshall Senf, at 845-8143 to see if it works for you.
  • Help.  Overall we have done better picking up after our pets this year.  One more thing, please pick up after your pets on the “The Broken Road”.  Thank you for helping.
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is working to maintain an affordable, reliable power supply for our 61 members. 
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “All you really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”                                                    (Charlie Brown) Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.26.2022 Special Commission Meeting

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM.

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

New Business

Approve Request for Concurrence of Award of Project No. NHU-2-094(158)928 & SU-2-990(058), Main St. W. & Frontage Road Mill & Overlay.

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

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 3:02 PM.