Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

4.10.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • The Valley City Hi-Liner Speech Team is the 2022 NDHSAA State Champion.  Congratulations to all team members and coaches.  Enjoy your journey of excellence.
  • First graders and third graders at Jefferson School participated in City Government Week with a coloring contest and an essay contest respectively.  Thank you to all who competed.  Charlotte Sather won the coloring contest and Sullivan Peterson won the “Mayor for a Day” essay contest.
  • Cyber security; be aware of phishing scams.  If there is something unusual, even when the sender’s name appears to be someone you know, click on the name to check the address.  Some of those scams begin with “I need a favor” or the like. 
  • From CCHD, a 4th COVID-19 Vaccination is available at numerous locations.
  • The Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technical Center Graphic Communications Class has loaned the city eleven framed photographs for the Commission Chambers.  If you stop in and the room is available, please look as they do nice work.  Thank you, we are grateful for the “loan”.
  • Please clean your garbage pickup area and “contain” your garbage.  Cans are best as plastic garbage bags are being torn open, by “critters”.  If you use plastic bags, try to put them out on your garbage day to minimize the time they are exposed.  Your sanitation crews are not required to pick up your loose garbage.
  • Last Wednesday morning the first “Coffee With the Cops” was held with a nice attendance.  Join us at the next one.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Asking for help is an example of humility, not a cause for humiliation ”                          (Anonymous)                                                                                                                          Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

3.15.2022 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 via Zoom, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the March 1st, 2022 Finance and Commission meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:

FMJ Electric LLC

PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC

Sheyenne River Repair

Approve Block Off Street Request for VCSU Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening for the Center of the Arts on April 21, 2022 from 12pm-3pm.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1099, an Ordinance Combining the Variance Board and P&Z Committee.

City Administrator Crawford added in the case of someone needing a meeting sooner than the regularly scheduled meeting would be assessed a fee which is set by what we pay the current board for meeting.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1100, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 5-03-06.2 for the VCMC Related to Animal Impoundment Fees.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1092, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Certain Sections, Create and Enact New Sections, and Repeal Certain Sections of the Valley City Municipal Code to Conform to Biennial Legal Review of State Legislation.

No changes from the first reading.

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

Approve Second Reading of Ordinance 1097, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of Section4-01-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code Creating of a New Class of Alcoholic Beverage License for Private Event or Entertainment Centers.

No changes from the first reading.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1098, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Sections 7-01-07, 7-01-08, and 7-01-09; and Create and Enact Sections 7-01-09.1 to 7-01-09.5, Relating to Dangerous Buildings.

No changes from the first reading.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2351, a Resolution accepting the USDA Grant Award in a Sum not to Exceed $217,000.

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

Approve Resolution 2352, a Resolution accepting the USDA Grant Award in a Sum not to Exceed $105,000. 

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

Approve Resolution 2353, a Resolution accepting the USDA Grant Award in a Sum not to Exceed $34,000. 

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

Approve Resolution No. 2354, a Resolution accepting Bid and Awarding Contract to Sellin Brothers Inc. for Project No. SU-2-990(060), PCN 23154-Paving Imp. District No. 123, Watermain Imp. District No. 102 and Sanitary Sewer Imp. District No. 66 (6th St NW-5th Ave NW to Central Ave N.)

Chad Petersen stated 5 bids were received by the DOT.  The engineers estimate for the project was $1,617,587.50, Sellin bid $1,870,998. Do to the low bidder being about 15.7% over the engineers estimate we are required to do a bid analysis.   

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve awarding the bid for the Project No SU-2-990 (061) contingent upon DOT approving the low bid and approving the contract to Sellin Brothers, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2355, a Resolution accepting Bids and Awarding Contract to Border States Paving Inc. for Project No. SU-CVD-2-990(061), PCN 23233-Paving Imp. District No. 124 (12th St N-9th Ave NW to 5thAve NE and 8th Ave SE/Winter Show Rd).

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

New Business

Approve the Cost Share Items that were Negotiated with Valley Plains Equipment for Consolidated Sewer & Water District No. 59 Costs that Exceeds $500,000. 

City Administrator Crawford the bids that came in were above what was estimated.  In the agreement it is stated that anything over $500,000 they want to renegotiate.  We came to the agreement that costs that exceed $500,000 be split in half.

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

Approve City Engineer to draft a preliminary Cost Estimate for New Services/Road to New Subdivision.

City Administrator Crawford stated we talked about some of the new subdivision areas coming in and it was talked about doing a cost estimate for what it would take to get new services and roads to this new subdivision.

Chad Petersen figured the estimate would run around $800-$1000.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford presented videos of water runoff on the Love’s hill.  Public Works was out digging to divert the run off but wanted to mention it as it is being worked on.

Austin Fritz’s last day is today and Katie Henderson’s last day will be the end of May.  It’s not that they are unhappy here, they are both going back home.

The engineers had a 10-year project list, we had Clint and Kevin prioritize what they thought was important. The biggest reason for doing this is so we can look ahead at the finances.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Public Works Manager Jacobson stated he had just watched a webinar that WAPA had and they had completed a rate study and in the last few years. Our rates from WAPA have gone down but they said for sure they’ll be going back up.  It will have about a $300,000 impact on us and will start January 2023.

Police Chief Hatcher stated the patches they ordered for the autism fundraiser are in.  They have FD and PD patches and are $10 each and proceeds will go to the ND Autism Center in West Fargo.  They also have a program that they have over there that we are hoping to bring to Valley City.

President Carlsrud thanked all the employees for the work they do.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:48 P.M.

4.3.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • With all the nasty “stuff” happening in the world, I pray you and yours are well today.  Please say a little prayer for those people affected by storms, wars and illnesses.  Thank you.
  • There are more of us out walking now that the weather is nicer, how about carrying a grocery bag and picking up trash as we go?  Drivers, you can help by keeping cigarette butts, food, & drink containers in your vehicle until you can dispose them properly.  Maybe a little garbage box or bag in your vehicle?  *Let’s all give our beautiful city a “spring cleaning”.
  • Last Friday Brandy & I had the privilege of a short visit with Mrs. Altringer’s 1st Grade Class.  Thank you all for your hospitality, we enjoyed our time with you.
  • Recently I had the pleasure of re-connecting with some people I hadn’t seen or visited for a long time; some were 40-plus years.  Whether relationships have evolved through school, jobs, coaching, officiating, etc., they are to be cherished.  When someone from your past comes to mind and you are both alive, contact her or him.  It could “make your day”.
  • Last week some city employees and I attended a North Dakota League of Cities Conference in Mandan.  Some topics included; North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (NDIRF), State Auditor’s Department, Bank of North Dakota, Budgets, Cyber Security and more.  Presenters were well polished so the conference was educational for all.  Avis Richter and Brenda Klein were noted by NDLC for earning leadership-training hours.  Congratulations and thank you Avis and Brenda.
  • To support The Autism Center, purchase patches at VCPD & City Hall.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence is not an event, it is a habit”                      (Aristotle)                                                                                                                        
  • Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Agenda Available

4.5.2022 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 5th, 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/81021939579 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  810 2193 9579.

Next Resolution No. 2360             Next Ordinance No. 1101

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Recognition for mayor for a day-Sullivan Peterson

City Government Week Proclamation

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the March 15th, 2022 Commission Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Raffle Permit for
    • VCHS DECA on April 28th, 2022 at the VCHS.
    • St. Catherine’s Knights of Columbus on May 25th, 2022 at the Eagles.
    • Kiwanis Valley City on April 25, 2022 at VCHS.
    • Valley City Chamber of Commerce on June 18, 2022.
    • VCPS Music Boosters on May 12, 2022.
    • Valley City Education Association on May 20, 2022.
  3. Approve 2022-2023 Contractor License Renewals for:
    • Hope Electric
    • ASAP Electric
    • Ace Plumbing
    • Tim’s Plumbing
  4. Approve Relocation of Valley City Twisters Gymnastics Site Authorization from Bridges Bar and Grill to Brockopp Brewing through June 30, 2022.

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             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 1099, an Ordinance Combining the Variance Board and P&Z Committee.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve Second and Finacle Reading of Ordinance 1100, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 5-03-06.2 for the VCMC Related to Animal Impoundment Fees.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2358, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution 2359, a Resolution Approving Definitive Improvement Warrant, Series 2022 for Consolidated Sanitary Sewer & Water Main Improvement District No. 59.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,376,081.55.          

Roll Call:    Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve Reclassification of Administrative Assistant for Public Works Accounts.

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

3. Approve the City’s Selection to Purchase an Automated Garbage Truck from Sanitation Products Inc. quotation in the amount of $355,853. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Erickson Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson          Carlsrud

4. Approve the City’s selection to purchase a crew cab pickup from Stoudt Ross Ford bid proposal in the amount of $30,426. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Magnuson Erickson Gulmon           Bishop                  Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

4.5.2022 Finance Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 5th, 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/87363415490 listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 873 6341 5490

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    • Sanitation Department
    • Water Department
    • Electric Department
    • Fire Department
    • Police Department
    • Street Department
    • Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)

3.  Fire Extinguisher Services Financial Report.  (Fire Chief Magnuson)

4.  Discuss Placing Recycling Containers East of the Water Treatment Plant.  (Commissioner Magnuson)

5.  Discuss Reclassification of Administrative Assistant for Public Works Accounts.  (City Attorney Martineck)

6.  Discuss Definitions for Alcoholic Beverage License Classifications.  (City Attorney Martineck)

7. Master Fee Schedule Update. (City Attorney Martineck)

8.  Discuss Projects to be included in the North Dakota Water Resources 2023 Water Development Plan.  (City Engineer)

10.  Progress Update on Elks Building.  (KLJ)

11.  Discuss Infrastructure Funds 2022-2029.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

3.27.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Last Thursday Sue and I were out “puttering” in our yard.  Nothing serious, just scratching some compacted grass letting some fresh air, dry it a bit.  Likely it wasn’t overly productive for the long run, but it was nice being outside.
  • I am seeing more and more youngsters riding scooters and bikes.  *Please watch for them, as they are having fun and sometimes stray onto the streets.
  • “Our diet is not only what we eat.  It is what we watch, what we hear, what we read, the people with whom we hang out and the things to which we subject our minds and souls.  We need to be mindful of the things we put into our bodies emotionally, spiritually, and physically.” (From a friend)
  • One of Valley City’s best-kept secrets may be the Barnes County Municipal Airport.  There is a crew of folks who volunteer their time and expertise making it a valuable asset for Valley City and the region.  There is a new fueling system offering Aviation Gas and Jet Fuel.  Corporate and private traffic, hanger space and friendly fuel prices keep things hopping.  For further information: http://www.barnescountyairport.com/
  • To support The Autism Center, purchase patches at VCPD.
  • Periodically I encourage people to consider sports officiating.  During this tournament season, many of you likely know a person (maybe someone just like you) who officiated and enjoyed the “electricity” of the tournament atmosphere.  Opportunities are plentiful; we have area people who officiated tournaments from high school districts to the NCAA Tournament.  Think about it; “give back”.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”                                   (Albert Einstein)                                                                                                                                        Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

3.20.2022 Mayor’s Message

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     Hello Folks,

  •  “March Madness” is a time of the year that excites even casual basketball fans.  Though NDHSAA Tournaments concluded, the Women’s and Men’s NCAA Tournaments are well under way.  There have been a few upsets in both tournaments setting up Cinderella scenarios.  To you “hard core” and  “casual” fans, enjoy!! Google “NCAA Basketball Tournament Brackets”.
  • Sunday the 20th was the first day of spring and it ends Tuesday June 21st.  Get out and enjoy the great weather.
  • Last weekend I went through Carrington and at the intersection of Highways 200 & 52 is a roundabout. There was a good deal of traffic, but it flowed efficiently and comfortably.  Previously it was a 4-Way Stop and it always seemed to be congested. 
  • Important:  Why do we utilize turning signals when driving?  We were taught to signal so other drivers are alerted early enough for us to turn safely.  Many drivers are neglecting the signal or signaling too late for other drivers to avoid a collision. The speed we are traveling will determine how soon we should signal to be safe.  There is further information at: https://www.drivesafeonline.org/traffic-school/turn-signals-the-most-important-safety-feature/#:~:text=Correct%20Turn%20Signal%20Etiquette&text=You%20want%20to%20begin%20to,lever%20usually%20is%20pushed%20down.
  • The Corps of Engineers notified us over the weekend they were releasing water at approximately 875 CFS.  With the releases and the runoff between the dam and town, there is water on the ice.  Please be careful.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”                                (Henry Ford)                                                                                                                                     Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

3.1.2022 Commission Minutes

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

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the February 15th, 2022 Commission meetings, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:

  1. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
    1. BDT Mechanical, LLC
    1. Differding Electric, LLC
    1. Enterprise Electric, Inc.
    1. Grotberg Electric, Inc
    1. Grotberg Electric Inc, dba Triton Mechanical
    1. John’s Refrigeration & Electric, Inc.
    1. Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
    1. Kohn Electric, LLC
    1. Peterson Mechanical Inc.
    1. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
    1. Scott’s Electric, Inc.
    1. Wrigley Mechanical, Inc.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1092, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Certain Sections, Create and Enact New Sections, and Repeal Certain Sections of the Valley City Municipal Code to Conform to Biennial Legal Review of State Legislation.

City Attorney Martineck stated these are changes to conform to the state level.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1097, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of Section 4-01-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code Creating of a New Class of Alcoholic Beverage License for Private Event or Entertainment Centers.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is to create a new class of alcohol license along with specific restrictions.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1098, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Sections 7-01-07, 7-01-08, and 7-01-09; and Create and Enact Sections 7-01-09.1 to 07-01-09.5, Relating to Dangerous Buildings.

City Attorney Martineck stated this ordinance is revising the current ordinance to add language defining what a dangerous building is and adding additional language that needs to be in place in order to enforce the ordinance.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2348, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No.123.

Finance Director Richter stated no protests were received.

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

Approve Resolution 2349, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 124.

Finance Director Richter stated no protests were received.

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

Approve Resolution 2350, a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract for Consolidated Sewer & Water District No. 59 (Nextera). 

Tracy Eslinger stated based off the bids received they recommend awarding to KPH.

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,287,284.10. 

Finance Director Richter reported the bills include construction projects of $42,900; debt service at $10,660; fire hall addition $132,800; MRES $435,900; the occupancy tax was transferred to the Park District in the amount of $51,210; payroll and benefits $393,373; PFP $41,267; prepaid insurance $16,500; property taxes $47,537 and VCBCDC $5,000 leaving $110,091 for operations.

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

Discuss Viking Drive Estates.

City Administrator Crawford stated she feels they are going ahead with what we are asking.  The only concern is a discharge to the adjacent property.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve that segment one is completed by fall of 2022 and reevaluate the project for the next step after that, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Gaming Site Authorization for the Thundering Saints, Inc. through June 30, 2022 at Bridges Bar and Grill.

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

Consider Amending the Claw back Requirements for Food & Beverage Funds from 5 Years to 3 Years Including Recent Funding Approval for TBD Inc. for Sky Lanes Bowling Center.

Jennifer Feist requested the claw back requirement be changed as the Development Corp. feels 3 years is a sufficient timeframe and provides accountability. 

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

Consider Request from VCBCDC for $25,000 for a Primary Sector Relocation Fund.

Jennifer Feist stated these funds will be a dollar to dollar up to $1,000 match with the company and would be required to live in Barnes county.

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

Approve De-Obligation of Funds of $260,800 for the Permanent Flood Protection Acquisitions 1-4.

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

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for Master Lift Station Improvements. 

Chad Petersen stated NPC was awarded the bid.  We do not have a start date but we need to get the contract in place so materials can be ordered.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

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

Motion carried.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported as of right now the city is not interested in contributing any money to the Little Dam but we are willing to take over the maintenance after the project is completed. There’s another subdivision looking to go to the west and if that’s the case water pressure could become an issue. There has been discussion about a new water tower and with that in mind we’d like to do a study on water pressure to help with the decision on what needs to be done.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Chad Petersen reported the preliminary traffic signal inspection for the signals at Main Street and Central and Main and 2nd Ave. was completed.  Signals are running the way they are supposed to as far as the video detection.  There were issues with one of the ped heads so they did take that offline and will fix that within the next week or two and then come back and test again.

Commissioner Gulmon stated the budget is reflecting strong reserves in both the general fund and Public Works.  Sales tax for 2021 was a record year in Valley City.

Commissioner Erickson stated tv’s will no longer be accepted at the landfill, you have to take them to Fargo. Going forward we will also not be able to take cardboard either.

President Carlsrud thanked our employees.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:48 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

3.1.2022 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 and Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon

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

Department Reports

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported that she attended a training the end of January and there are new guidelines that the State Health Department has come out with so we are working on transitioning to follow those.  One of those being we cannot accept TVs at the transfer station anymore. We are considered an inert landfill and our garbage gets hauled out to Fargo.  Fargo is allowing Valley City residents to bring one TV/month.  More information is listed on the website. Fargo will also not be accepting any cardboard.

Water Superintendent Hesch reported they received a certificate that we are in compliance with the State Health Department. We will also be offering tours to the 5th graders for City Government week.

Electrical Lineman Cory Buck reported on behalf of Electrical Supervisor Senf.  There was 1 outage for the month.  YTD there were 4 outages which were all equipment related.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported 17 calls for service, majority being rescue calls.

Police Chief Hatcher reported the patches came in yesterday so we’re hoping in the next month to have an official announcement. Discussion took place around the fees and processes that take place when veterinary services take place.  

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported they are receiving calls due to the melting water and freezing.  We’ll keep evaluating as temps rise. There was a water break by Valley Flooring about 3 weeks ago. A new person was hired for the water department and will start on March 7th.

Tracy Eslinger stated there was a bid opening for the Nextera Water and Sewer project and there were three bidders.  KPH was low bidder and we recommend to award contract to them.

Review the monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter due to us being short on time we can move forward.

Discuss Viking Drive Estates

City Administrator Crawford stated due to being short on time she will discuss during her reports in the commission meeting since no action is needed.

Discuss City Licensing of General Contractors

City Attorney Martineck stated it had been asked why we don’t require local licensing for general contractors when we do it for others?  Just bringing it to the commission’s attention if it’s something you would be interested in starting to do.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:55 PM.

3.13.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  •  Finally!!  It appears we will be Blessed with better weather for an extended period of time. There is getting to be less and less ice out there making walking and enjoying the good air more appealing.  Mayo Clinic information says, “Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost health and have fun”.  See more at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
  • The other day while driving, a Bald Eagle was flying low along I-29 close enough for me to see its eyes.  They are beautiful and majestic, what a treat.
  • Thank you to all the folks who worked to make the North Dakota Winter Show (NDWS) a great event again this year.  There was a plethora of vendors and attendance was terrific.  I hope you were able to be there and enjoy. The “Petting Zoo” was a popular place; the youngsters seemed to be happy and smiling. Sue and I always enjoy attending “Cowboy Church” as it’s a great worship option.  Kudos to the NDWS Board of Directors, Manager Brandee Moore and all the staff for facilitating this year’s show.
  • “Kids Playing”.  With nicer weather there will be more “Munchkins” out playing, please be careful when you are out driving.
  • Our street crews are hauling snow and widening driving lanes to make driving easier, please take an alternate route from where they are working for your safety and theirs.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.”                                          (Quotes Gram)                                                                                                                                      Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave