Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

5.29.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • I hope yours was a safe Memorial Day weekend, remembering family and friends who served our country though no longer with us.
  • Following a relentless, cold, windy winter and a late spring, seeing green grass and leaves on the trees are welcome sights.
  • Donate blood, platelets or plasma.  Blood banks are in dire need of donors as every 2-seconds someone in the USA needs blood and one donation can help up to three people.  You may help a little girl, someone who was in an accident or a Mom with Leukemia.  Blood drives are held often in Valley City and giving is gratifying, give it a shot.
  • With the rains we have had, there are water puddles, containers in back yards and everywhere holding water.  Please drain them to slow mosquito breeding.  They are already a bit tough up at the lake.
  • Do you remember the “euphoric rushes” of playing ball and other sports?  Give back to the games; the “rushes” are still available to you through sports officiating.  Try it; suit up, make the “big calls” and protect the integrity of the games.  Call 701-845-3953 for information.
  • There are many dandelions and some long grass around town.  Please do what you can to retard the spreading of weeds and contribute to beautifying our community by mowing your lawn.
  • Contributors; thanks again for your help this week.
  • “Gratitude is a great pain killer.”           (Anonymous)
  • Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

5.22.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

5.10.2022 Special Commission Meeting

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson and Commission Gulmon

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

N1.  Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve the application from Steve and Robin Winter for a 5-year state income tax exemption and a 5-year property tax exemption capped at $300,000 valuation on a new single-family residential home, contingent on receiving their Certificate of Good Standing and designate it as VC-133.

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

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 12:02 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

5.3.2022 Commission Minutes

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

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Arbor Day PRoclamation

Approval of Agenda

No changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from April 19th Commission and the April 24, 2022-May 1, 2022 Daily Flood Meetings.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, 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 Application for Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor Renewal for:

Dakota Electric Construction Co., Inc.

Bentson Electric

On Demand Plumbing

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

Ordinance

Approve Ordinance 1103, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Chapter 15-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to Excavating and Cutting Streets and Rights of Way.

City Attorney Martineck stated we have had inquiries from utility companies wanting to come in and do work in the right of way.  There are some gaps in our ordinances where we could od better to protect the City when these companies are doing the work. City permit and application fee will continue to be required.  One of the new changes is that a bond will be required of at least $25,000.  Site plan will need to be required and need to be approved by either the operations superintendent or the city engineer. Contractors will need to be licensed and insured and after the project is complete there will be a period of time where the contractor is required to maintain the area where the work was performed.

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 $2,138,122.57.

Finance Director added that April is the month when we have our semi-annual debt service payments which is over $1 million

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

Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to 230 Central Ave South.

Tina Current, Assessor in Training, reported the assessed value is currently at $661,300 and looking at putting at least $300,000 into it which meets the requirements.

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

Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to Approve $750,000 from the Valley City Tourism development Grant fund as part of the University Capital Building Construction Campaign Releasing a minimum of $75,000 per year.

Commissioner Gulmon acknowledged his conflict of interest due to being on the Capital Campaign Committee and will abstain from any comments or voting.

Mary Lee Nielson added that the Visitor’s Committee recommended a due pass and this would not start until after the Wellness Center is paid.

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

Approve Visitor’s Committee Recommendation for Tina Olson to serve as the Chamber of Commerce Representative replacing Ken Reid upon his term expiration effective July 1st.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford provided an update on an average during a 24-hour period there are approximately 700,000 gallons of water that run through the master lift station.  The other day they recorded about 2.5 million gallons in a 19-hour period which is why we were asking to conserve water. The USACOE will hold the current outflow from the dam. The current pool elevation is 1,267.06 and on the rise.  The current discharge is 3,090. They will continue to monitor and reevaluate as needed with precipitation in the forecast.  Floodwalls will come down at Viking Drive Bridge tomorrow but will remain at that location until they can get them to storage in an orderly fashion.  The first walls up are the last to come down. Clay dikes take some time due to getting bids for removal, getting disposal sites approved, etc.  We will move them to the side to open the streets up but the clay may sit on the side for a while. Flood buyouts are assessed value plus 10%. The flood emergency book is being updated as we go to make sure we are as prepared as possible in the future.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck reported the flood hotline is now closed so any calls can come to Public Works now.  The Public Works doors are also open to the public again.

Commissioner Gulmon stated the finance committee did not meet due to the flood issues taking place.  March revenues are outpacing our expenses, cash reserves are strong.  June 14th voting takes place and absentee ballots are being mailed out and went on to explain the tax extensions on the ballot and what they are for and how they benefit the community.

Commissioner Erickson stated the Landfill will start being open on Saturdays from 8am-noon.  Thanks to the city crews for the awesome job.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the VCFD for the work they did getting the flood walls up and walking the dikes and to the citizens who volunteered to come out. There are a lot of people that went out and did a lot of work that you didn’t see happening.  Thank you to all of you that did that.  You can be rest assured that we have a top-notch volunteer fire department.

Commissioner Magnuson added not only do we have a top-notch fire department but we have a top-notch everything! Everyone here is pretty new to floods except for a few but you can rest assured that all the departments went above and beyond. It went so smooth, public works crews were amazing.  The PFP that was voted for and put up made a huge difference in the amount of people needed, sandbags needed, the materials, the volunteers needed.  If you would have been here one day and saw these people working for you, it was amazing.

Chad Petersen reported that 6th St. construction has started.  They anticipate doing the watermain tie in next week. Later this month we anticipate the work on 12th St. N and 8th Ave. to get started.  There isn’t a firm date yet but will start with the turn lane improvements for Petro at 8th Ave. and Wintershow Rd. Main Street traffic signals are being followed up that everything is still working properly.  They did notice that it seemed like north/south traffic it seemed like a long wait so they found in the programming the supplier set the delay so it would stay up longer so they reset that.

Larry Robinson gave kudos on the flood efforts, it was a tremendous effort.  On behalf of VCSU, thank you to the Visitor’s Committee and to all of you.

President Carlsrud thanked everyone that was involved in the flood efforts.  An entity that wasn’t mentioned was the Core, I have a whole new appreciation for those people.  They are concerned about the water that comes here and all the downstream people.  It’s a big effort to manage and balance all of that stuff and they did a great job for us so thank you to the Core and again to all of you that did anything to help with this flood fight, it went remarkably well.

City Administrator Crawford added that this was the 5th highest flood in the history of Valley City so it was significant.  

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:33 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

5.3.2022 Finance Minutes

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Called To Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop and Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson (4:03)

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

Department Reports

Commissioner Erickson reported for sanitation that the transfer station will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon.

Water Superintendent Hesch reported not much different from last time. Water table is fairly high, aquifer is looking good. Pumpage has been down, people are listening when they have been asked to conserve water usage. Right now, we have no issues getting chemicals.   

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 1 outage-secondary fault by Riverview Drive.  Making arrangements to get that replaced.  It’s the second fault so we’ll replace as needed.  Getting prepared for summer.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported days away from building being completed.  Rescue truck should be here by the end of the week.

Police Chief Hatcher reported that they made their final hire and are fully staffed again.  The new hire will start June 1st and is coming from Grafton with about 12 years of service. New engine in one vehicle and other vehicle will be built the end of May.

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported Nick Yokom passed his test and is now a fully certified operator for our systems.

City Administrator Crawford reported on the plan moving forward.  We had a meeting regarding the flood walls and how they will be put back. Cory and Marshall were put in charge of this and they would like to have sections of the flood wall be color coated and stenciled so next time anyone can do it and the time to do it will be significantly reduced.

Clint added that we can make a slow return to normal and would like the river at 12’ before we have people go back to complete normal meaning until then to still conserve water when possible.  The car washes are now open but we’d like people to limit washing their cars. All pumps running at 17’, if one goes down at that time we have to pump back into the river and then we have to get the health department involved.  On a normal day we pump around 700,000 gallons in a 24-hour period.  Last 19-hour time stamp we were over 2.5 million gallons. We need to decide what to do with the clay.

Gwen added that we’ve been trying to keep notes throughout all this so we can make sure our permanent flood protection plans that are in place align with the process and will make changes as needed.

The flood hotline will be cancelled after today.

Rich said the current outflow will be held today.  The will continue to monitor and adjust as needed as there is another system of precipitation coming through. 

Review the monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter broke down the $2,138,000 million in expenditures for April.

Discuss VCSU Application for Tourism Development Grant/Loan.

Mary Lee Nielson with the Visitor’s Committee reported this was a unanimous recommendation from the Visitor’s Committee.  It was also put on that you pay $75,000 minimum/year but we would like if you are able to pay more to do that to help pay things down earlier and save money.

Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at ­4:50 PM.

5.15.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • YOUR HELP IS NEEDED as sewer backup has occurred in some Valley City homes.  Our Master Lift Station normally pumps about 700,000 gallons of waste daily, but during these times of significant rain events, gallons have been as high as 2.5 MILLION!!  WE can all help:  1. Conserve water by flushing toilets only when necessary, wash clothes in between water usage peak times, avoid breakfast, lunch and dinner times.  2.  THIS IS IMPORTANT, discharge your sump pump outside to the storm sewer instead of the sanitary sewer in your basement.
  • With some sunshine and pleasant temperatures, seeing families out walking, playing Wiffle Ball, biking etc. was enjoyable.  Oh yah, there was some yard work in progress too … not as fun as the aforementioned!
  • Because the river is so high, the gates on storm sewers are closed to stop backup.  Pumps are pumping the water over the dikes though pumps aren’t as fast as our storm sewer system so I ask for your patience as our City Crews are monitoring pumps 24-7.  Thank you.
  • I am to respect and be kind to people who are different than me.
  • Last week a few of our City Staff attended the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) Annual Meeting.  There were numerous presentations regarding where we are in the world of energy and where we are going.  It was a great opportunity for networking as well and I found the event to be very educational. 
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Success is personal, so stop comparing your apples to their oranges.”           (Yohance Salimu)                                                                                                                                                                  Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Agenda Available

5.17.2022 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 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/84415887664 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  844 1588 7664.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve minutes from the May 3rd Finance and Commission Meeting minutes and the May 10th Special Commission Meeting minutes.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1.  Approve Application for Electrician Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor Renewal for the following:
    1. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.
    1. Energize Electric LLC
  2. Approve Application for Tobacco License Renewal for the following:
    1. Petro Serve USA #071
    1. Love’s Travel Stop #849
    1. CHS Inc.-151 9th Ave NW
    1. CHS Inc.-807 Main St.
    1. Family Dollar, Inc.
    1. Leevers Foods
    1. The Liquor Locker
  3. Approve Application for Alcohol Beverage License Renewal for the following:
    1. The Liquor Locker
    1. Sabir’s Dining & Lounge
  4. Approve Application to Block off 6th Ave SW from 4th St. SW to Viking Drive for the Let’s Walk Valley City Event being held on Monday, July 18th, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  5. Approve Special Alcohol Event Application for The Labor Club on June 17th and 18th from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. for the Rally in the Valley.
  6. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for the following:
    1.  Hi Liner Booster Club from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 at Hanna Field and the Hi Liner Activity Center.
    1. Litchville High School 7-Class Reunion in July 16th, 2022 at the Valley City Eagles Club.

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        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 Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1103, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Chapter 15-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to Excavating and Cutting Streets and Right of Way.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud    

New Business

  1. Motion to hold Executive Session for Attorney Consultation to Consider Appeal of Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment in Favor of Associated General Contractors of North Dakota (re City’s GSA contracting ordinance) as Authorized by NDCC Section 44-04-19.1(2), Attorney Consultation.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Consider Appeal of Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary of Judgment in Favor of Associated General Contractors of North Dakota (re City’s GSA contracting Ordinance)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

2. Approve Transfer Request for Liquor and or Beer License and Application for Alcoholic Beverage License from Kerry Anderson (current owner of The Labor Club) to Donald and Bonnie Larson (new owners of The Labor Club) effective July 1st, 2022. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

3. Consider request from Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation for $30,000 to assist with the hill slide issue impacting Malach USA.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

4. Approve Draft of Ordinance 1102 to be Published prior to June 14, 2022 Advisory Vote: Extension of Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes Dedicated to City Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement Projects. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

5. Approve Draft of Ordinance 1104 to be Published prior to June 14, 2022 Advisory Vote: Extension of Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes Dedicated to Economic Development, Basic Industry, Job Development, Tax Relief Infrastructure, Other Special Request, Service and Retail Business Development. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

6. Approve Site Authorization Renewals for the Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at Valley City Town and Country Club and the Youth Sports Complex. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

7. Request Cost Share from ND DWR to buy out 636 E Main Street for Assessed Value + 10% for a total of $86,130.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

8. Request Cost Share from ND DWR to buy out 469 8th Ave NE for Assessed Value + 10% for a total of $41,140. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

9. Approve Construction Engineering Task Order for 12th St N-9th Ave NW and 8th Ave SW/Winter Show Rd (Paving Imp. Dist. No. 124 – NDDOT Project No. SU-CVD-2-990(061), PCN 23233). (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

10. Consider Flood Wall Panel Rack Bid.  (City Administrator Crawford)

 Roll Call:         Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

11. Approve the City’s Selection to Purchase the Low Bid for Digger Truck in the Amount of $304,625.  (City Administrator     Crawford)

Roll Call:         Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

5.10.2022 Special Commission Meeting Agenda

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The Special City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 12:00 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/89355488320 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 893 5548 8320.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

N1.Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve the application from Steve and Robin Winter for a 5-year state income tax exemption and a 5-year property tax exemption capped at $300,000 valuation on a new single-family residential home, contingent on receiving their Certificate of Good Standing and designate it as VC-133.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:             Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

ADJOURN

5.8.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Thank you to all for helping with the flood and kudos to Valley City Citizens for dedicating a portion of sales tax dollars for permanent flood protection.  Without it, along with the legislature and SWC, Valley City could have looked like the war zone we had in 2009, 2010 and 2011!
  • A positive from the flood battle was people working together for the good of all.  With so many divisive issues in our lives, seeing people coming together is gratifying; “come together, the answer is usually somewhere in the middle”.
  • May 2-6 was Teacher Appreciation Week and Wednesday VCPS had a nice gathering at the HAC recognizing teachers along with a number of individual awards.  Thank a teacher, as her/his passion to educate our youth is critical for our nation’s future.
  • With rains over the weekend, please make sure your sump pumps are discharging outside to lessen the load on the sanitary sewer
  • This spring’s “clean-up week” will be June 6-11. Please check the City Website and Facebook Page for details.
  • May 15th annually is Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.  Please pray for families of the deceased and disabled.
  • The City Transfer Station is open Saturdays from 8-noon.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Some things you can give away and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart.”                                                                                         (Zig Ziglar)                                                                                                                                                                                  Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

5.1.2022 Daily Flood Minutes

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Klein

Rich-Pool elevation at Lake Ashtabula is 1265.85. Releases are at 3,700 cfs, inflows of 6,500 cfs. Warwick is at 993, kind of flat and Cooperstown is doing the same thing at 2,760.  Bald Hill Creek is on the rise at 1,720 and looks like it is ready to flatten out. Valley City is at 17.94 flow right about 5,500 cfs. Local inflow is right around 1,200 cfs. This morning a decision was made to cut about 800 cfs to give some relief to the south. The operating plan for Bald Hill Dam is to maintain the 3,700 cfs discharge and we’ll reevaluate tomorrow. The National Weather Service had come out with an updated forecast looking at Valley City to crest at 18.1, the unofficial crest at 8 am was 18.09. Looking back at the historic crest, that brings 2022 in 5th place.  Ahead of the 1993 event that was 18.05.

Gwen-We are working with the levee watchers.  We will be going through the night until tomorrow at 8 p.m. We are still looking for volunteers.  After tomorrow night our water levels will be low enough so we won’t need any then. Public Works will go back to the 8-hour shifts.

Clint-We’ve pretty much caught up everywhere, there are a few places of standing water but we’ll get those shortly.  Going back to 8 hour shifts around the clock.

Sue-The county is doing okay.  Dazey has some problems with their lift station being jeopardized.  Their engineer was out yesterday to do some water levels, they thought Hgwy. 1 was causing issues.  Litchville had problems with their lift station dying so Jamestown borrowed them a pump while they work on the other.  BC Highway Superintendent Kerry Johnson closed Highway 21, all the other bridges are still open. Townships still reporting some washed out culverts otherwise things have slowed down.

Scott-The city has worked flawlessly together.  The water is going to go down but the current will still be fast and cold so stay off the levees.

Dave-We will not be meeting at 4 pm so our finance meeting will begin at 4 pm on Tuesday.  Cleanup takes longer so please be patient.  Kudos to everybody that has helped.  One of the most interesting comments over the week was from the Governor.  He said he had been on a lot of emergency tours and this one had been the most relaxing yet because everyone had done such a good job.

Gwen-The flood hotline will still be up and running so you can use that to report any flood related issues.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 4:14 PM.