Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

Agenda Available

3.15.2022 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, March 15, 2022
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 15, 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/83605489373 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  836 0548 9373.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the March 1st, 2022 Finance and Commission Meetings and March 9th, 2022 Special Commission Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. 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
  2. Approve Block Off Street Request for VCSU Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening for the Center of the Arts on April 21, 2022 from 12pm-3pm.

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

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. 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.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

3. 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.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

4. 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.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

5. 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.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

 

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2351, a Resolution accepting the USDA Grant Award in a Sum not to Exceed $217,000.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution 2352, a Resolution accepting the USDA Grant Award in a Sum not to Exceed $105,000.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

3. Approve Resolution 2353, a Resolution accepting the USDA Grant Award in a Sum not to Exceed $34,000.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

4. 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.)  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

5. 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). (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

New Business

  1. 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)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve City Engineer to Draft a Preliminary Cost Estimate for New Services/Road to New Subdivision.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.15.2022 Commission Minutes

Posted on by

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 1st, 2022 Finance and Commission meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Application for Raffle Permit for the Following:

Sheyenne Valley Area Career & Technology Center on April 1, 2022 at the Technology Center.

Dakota Plains Ag on March 14th at Dakota Plains Ag.

ND Appaloosa Horse Club on August 21, 2022 at the North Dakota Winter Show.

Valley City Fire Department on April 9, 2022 at the Eagles Club.

Approve Application for Electrical Contractor License for Skeels Electric.

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

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1096, an Ordinance to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map, Lots 1 and 6 of Hidden Ponds Estates PUD. 

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2347, a Resolution Approving Plat of Tvedt’s Subdivision in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction of the City of Valley City.

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

Consider Variance from V.C.M.C section 16-01-06(4), Sanitary Sewer Requirement for New Subdivisions.

City Attorney Martineck stated essentially it was Joel Quanbeck’s finding that there was not a hardship that would qualify under municipal code that would grant the variance however based ion this being a single family lot and the distance from the house to the sewer line being 650 feet the PZ Commission voted to recommend granting the variance as long as the Tvedts entered into a developers agreement so if there is any further development closer to their residence they would have to hook up to the sewer at that time.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve with the following stipulations:

If the sewer moves closer, they have to hook up

If there’s further development of that area they have to hook up and

If their system fails, they have to hook up

seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Change in Members of Planning and Zoning Commission.

Jeff Erickson will replace Mike Bishop on the PZ Commission.

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

Discuss Creation of New Class of License for Sale of Alcoholic Beverages at Event Centers and/or Recreational Facilities.

City Attorney Martineck stated he was approached by Kayla Cash and discussion took place around our current alcohol licenses due to interest in purchasing Woodland Lodge as a venue.

Presentation by Kayla Cash of 845 Holdings.

Lauren Nelson and Kayla Cash gave a presentation on their plans for Woodland Lodge if purchased.

City Attorney Martineck stated it was added to the agenda more so to decide how the city would proceed.  If you wanted to move forward, we would work on an ordinance for a new class of license with the conditions that the commissioners are looking for so we are looking about a month away from final approval.

Consensus was to move forward with a first reading.

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permits for the FOE Arie 2192 at the North Dakota Winter Show on:

March 5, 2022 for the Concert from 5-10pm.

March 9-13, 2022 for the Golden Buckle Bar from 11am-10pm.

March 31, 2022 for the Tour of Bands from 4-11pm.

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

Approve Applying for USDA Grant Funds.

City Administrator Crawford stated she was at a meeting and heard about a first come first serve grant so she spoke with Gary, Avis and Brenda and had them come up with anything for capital improvement. The first one was for the automated garbage truck, cans, hardware and software.  The second is for the digger truck and the last one would be the police and street vehicles that were in the budget.  If this goes through, we would get a grant for around $348,000.

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

Concur with Awarding the West Main Slide Repair Project (No. NHU-2-094(175)928, PCN 22934) to Gladen Construction Inc. in the amount of $896,136.75.  

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford had nothing to report.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Finance Director Richter commended Gwen for spearheading the grant.

Assessor Hansen stated her and Tina will be attending the NDAAO Winter Workshop.

Police Chief Hatcher stated they will be ordering 200 autism patches for the PD and FD.  April is autism awareness month and we are working with the ND Autism Center in West Fargo to make it into a fundraiser.

President Carlsrud thanked everybody for their efforts.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:23 P.M.

Agenda Available

3.9.2022 Special Commission Meeting Agenda

Posted on by

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
12:00 PM

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2351, a Resolution Approving Final Plans & Specifications and Authorizing for Bids for Paving Improvement District No. 123, Watermain Improvement District No. 102 and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 66 (6th St NW-5th Ave NW to Central Ave N). (City Engineer)

Roll Call           Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve Resolution No. 2352, a Resolution Approving Final Plans & Specifications and Authorizing Advertising for bids for Paving Improvement District No. 124 (12th St N-9th Ave NW to 5th Ave NE and 8th Ave SW/Winter Show Rd). (City Engineer)

Roll Call           Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

 

New Business

Adjourn

3.6.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • This year the North Dakota Winter Show (NDWS) celebrates its 85th year!  Last Saturday was the “Kick-Off Concert” and Tuesday evening the NDWS 1st Annual Chili Cook-off and Ice Cream Social begin the rest of the week’s events underway.  Please get out and enjoy this great family event.  See details at https://northdakotawintershow.com/wintershow-schedule
  • Like a number of businesses, the City of Valley City has job openings periodically.  It is a great place to work with a proficient group of folks.  See further information at: https://www.valleycity.us/career/
  • Thank you to our Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Cocoa & Coffee Crawl last Saturday.  There was a good number of people downtown and I hope all had a good time.
  • The city received notification that our transfer station cannot accept televisions any longer as per state regulation.  Along the same line, soon the landfill to which we transfer our garbage will not be accepting cardboard.  Please begin recycling your cardboard now as there are a number of sites around town making it easy to do. J  We’ll keep you updated as we receive new information.
  • The “extra mile”, read a nice short story: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141019/lifestyle-travel/article/fact-or-fiction-legend-waldorf
  • Walkers please walk facing traffic and wear high visibility material to be safe.  You have no chance to protect yourself from traffic coming behind you.
  • Oh, and again, please pick up your pet’s fecal matter.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “People will go where they are invited, but they stay where they feel welcome.”        (From a friend)                                                                                                     Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

2.27.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • A thought stimulus, “Today is the first day of the rest of our lives”.
  • Our Chamber is hosting a Cocoa and Coffee Crawl Saturday March 5th.  See further information at https://valleycitynd.org/pages/cocoa?cid=2462
  •  Finally, a weather forecast that is quit a bit more tolerable than what we have endured the last eight weeks or so.  Hang in there as spring is nearing.  It is icy, though, so please be careful.
  • Last week I had cataract surgery, which was amazing as there was not a time during the process where there was any discomfort and the next day my vision was improved.  Sunday in church I noticed how much brighter the colors in the stained glass windows are.  Colors and whites, both are more beautiful; I am grateful.
  • While we’re in “tournament season,” did you ever wonder from where game officials come?  Interestingly they are people just like us who want to “give back” to the sports & fine arts that have been good to them over time.  For further information about becoming a sports official or fine arts judge, contact the NDHSAA at https://ndhsaa.com/ or call: 701-845-3953.
  • With our world’s challenges today, let’s pray that, “peace and diplomacy overcome anger and fighting”.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”                                                                               (John F. Kennedy)                                                                                                Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Agenda Available

3.1.2022 Commission Agenda

Posted on by

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 1, 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/86488307559 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  864 8830 7559.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the February 15th 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 Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:
    • Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
    • BDT Mechanical, LLC
    • Differding Electric, LLC
    • Enterprise Electric, Inc.
    • Grotberg Electric, Inc
    • Grotberg Electric Inc, dba Triton Mechanical
    • John’s Refrigeration & Electric, Inc.
    • Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
    • Kohn Electric, LLC
    • Peterson Mechanical Inc.
    • RJ’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
    • Scott’s Electric, Inc.
    • Wrigley Mechanical, Inc.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          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 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)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

2. 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)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

3. 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)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Resolution

  1.  Approve Resolution 2348, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No.123. (Finance Director Richter) 

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution 2349, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 124.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

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

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

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

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2.  Discuss Viking Drive Estates.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

3. Approve Gaming Site Authorization for the Thundering Saints, Inc. through June 30, 2022 at Bridges Bar and Grill.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

4. Consider Amending the Clawback 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)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

5. Consider Request from VCBCDC for $25,000 for a Primary Sector Relocation Fund.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

6. Approve De-Obligation of Funds of $260,800 for the Permanent Flood Protection Acquisitions 1-4.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

7. Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for Master Lift Station Improvements.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

3.1.2022 Finance Agenda

Posted on by

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 1, 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/82622217295 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 826 2221 7295

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    • Sanitation Department
      1. Fargo Landfill Heads Up Regarding Cardboard.
    • Water Department
    • Electric Department
    • Fire Department
    • Police Department
      1. Discuss Veterinary Pound Charges.
    • Street Department
    • Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss Viking Drive Estates.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  4. Discuss City Licensing of General Contractors.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Adjourn

2.20.2022 Mayor’s Message

Posted on by

Hello Folks,

  • Last weekend I was privileged to work a couple days at the NDHSAA State Wrestling Tournament in the Fargo Dome.  While working at the NDHSAA, https://ndhsaa.com, the wrestling tournament was always one of my favorites.  The Fargo Dome is an ideal venue as people in the first row of seats have an eye-level about 8-feet above the floor providing great sightlines.  There is also a very large area for wrestlers to set up their “camps” and hang out when not wrestling.  The Metro Area Tournament Committee does a great job hosting and administering the event.  With people attending from the entire state make it an annual “Wrestling Community Reunion”.  As I grow older, those get-togethers are more meaningful and this year was no exception as there were many “veterans” there to see and visit. 
  • *  Hey, when someone you haven’t seen for awhile comes to mind; how about taking a little time to call, text or write?  Maybe you’ll “make someone’s day”.
  • Friday there was a 16-vehicle accident on I-94 by the Oakes interchange and there have been some accidents in town as well.  Many occurred because of driving too fast for conditions.  Sometimes 10 or 15 MPH in town can be too fast as it takes a long time to stop when on icy streets so please be careful.
  • To the Fire & Rescue responders,  “Thank you for braving the elements while helping those in the accident”.
  • This week’s forecast is for pretty cool again, but with some fortitude, we’ll get through it.  How about trying exercise at the Gaukler Family Wellness Center?
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “God doesn’t take things to be cruel, He takes things to make room for other things.”                                                                        (Pat Summit)                                                                                                  Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.1.2022 Commission Minutes

Posted on by

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

Approval of Agenda

No changes.

Approval of Minutes

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

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Application for Raffle Permit for the following:

Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on March 24, 2022 at the Eagles Club.

Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals on April 16, 2022 at the Eagles Club.

El Zagel Sheyenne Valley Flag Corps on May 21, 2022 at the Eagles Club.

Approve Tree Trimming and Removal Application Renewal for Ground to Sky.

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

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1096, an Ordinance to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map, Lots 1 and 6 of Hidden Ponds Estates PUD.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of 1095, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Chapter 20-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to the City Restaurant Tax.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2343, a Resolution Approving Final Plans & Specifications and Authorizing Advertising for Bids for Consolidated Sewer & Water District No. 59 (Nextera).

Tracy Eslinger from Moore stated the plan is to have the bids ready for review at the March 1st meeting, bid opening at February 25th at 10 am.

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

Approve Resolution No. 2344, a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract for Master Lift Station Improvements. 

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated four bids were received.  The engineer estimate for the project was $376,910.  The low bid received from Northern Plains Contracting was $342,117.  After review and talking with Public Works our recommendation is to award the bid to Northern Plains Contracting.

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

Approve Resolution 2345, a Resolution Updating the Public Works Fee Schedule.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is an increase on NSF fees. 

City Administrator Crawford added that our fee is currently $25 on any NSF and we feel with the extra work and stamp cost that it is time to increase this fee to $30

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

Approve Resolution 2346, a Resolution Approving Replat of Hidden Ponds Estate PUD.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were some ordinance changes in the fall of last year and this plat was resubmitted to change some of the lines.  The nature of the project stays the same. It just changes the size of the lots.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

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

Motion carried.

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,254,171.00. 

Finance Director Richter reported $1,126,461 in R&R expenditures and the balance of $127,710 was operational expenses.

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

Approve Policy for Paying for the First Seal Coat Following a Street Reconstruction from Infrastructure Funds instead of Special Assessments.

Deputy Auditor Klein stated last fall we special assessed 5th Ave NW reconstruction project and it was approved to pay for the next seal coat after that through R&R funds instead of special assessing it.  This year we will be assessing another reconstruction project and starting to build another reconstruction project so we are looking for a policy about paying for that seal coat out of R&R funds going forward.

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

Approve Extension of the 2021 Contractor Licenses through May 31st, 2022.

Finance Director Richter stated ordinance says contractor license is to be renewed every 12 months.  We changed the date to due to the state renewals on their contractor licenses. We are asking to extend the current license by 2 months to set up for the new renewal period.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford provided an update on Viking Drive Estates.  More information will be provided for the second meeting in February.

VCSU football team will be cleaning snow from hydrants so if anyone knows of an elderly or disabled person that needs help let us know, we will focus on those first.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Chad Petersen reported next Tuesday, February 8th at 5:30 there will be an in informational meeting for the residents on the 12th St N. project and at 6:30 one for the 6th St project will begin.

Commissioner Erickson stated the street crews have been cleaning the snow from the corners so if you see them please stay out of their way.

President Carlsrud stated the electrical department manages the electrical loads so we don’t get hit with extra charges when we’re over peak and that extra charge could be $10,000.  The energy demand is higher during breakfast, lunch and dinner so try to cut down on other things during those times.

Clean around garbage cans and your dumpsters so our employees are able to get to them easily.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:23 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.1.2022 Finance Minutes

Posted on by

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

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

Department Reports

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported there was a PT employee that started last week in sanitation.  With these colder days we are storing our containers overnight at Ken’s sanitation to help them dump easier.

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 3 outages for the month due to aging infrastructure. We’re changing out lights and will get into tree trimming soon. Other than that, just doing load control.  We get billed monthly just like everyone else and we try to keep the load as low as possible.  The peaks usually happen around breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

West Main the lights are out of warranty but they may still stand behind the product.  Anything East Main has another year so they will be replaced and all the way up 5th Ave NE and 12 St N.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported 17 calls for service last month. One call as a fire that resulted in a fatality. We had the electric guys come out and not sure what they did but they kept everyone in the neighborhood with electricity. Clint came out on Sunday and moved snow, sanded streets and ran the track hoe which was impressive to watch. New building is making progress, the doors ended up needing all new openers so that was added.  There have been some calls about smells in houses, flush your toilets.  If you have a bathroom that’s not used a lot that could be the reason.

Police Chief Hatcher reported on the process of interviewing 4 people last week.  We had 3 we passed on to the background and just within that time we lost 2 of them to somewhere else.

The patch being passed around has the autism pieces for autism awareness.  We will be ordering these and selling them to promote autism awareness and donating the money to the non-profit in Fargo or if someone else has an idea we would consider it.

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported they’ve been working on some of the corners and widening streets now that the storms have calmed down. Sewer department had a couple lift station issues where we had to swap out pumps but nothing major.

Last night we were called out to Love’s to sand it, another semi was stuck, it continues to be an issue.  We did speak with Mike Gille but right now we haven’t run into an issue to where we couldn’t get to it.

The Street Department pickup has been ordered too, they’re hoping for a late May build.

Review the monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter stated there were $1.2 million in expenditures for January.  The fire hall addition came in at $88,000.  Construction projects other than the fire hall addition were minor at $26,897, we paid our annual liability insurance for auto for $105,625, MRES we paid $386,646, payroll and benefits were $453,392, PFP $18,800 and fund 240 at $47,000 leaving $127,000 for operational expenses.

Consider Moving up Public Works Budget Deadline or at least any Fee Increases.

City Administrator Crawford stated last year we had a fee increase in December due to that being when the budget was finalized. I feel like we need to let the residents know in advance when the rates will be raised and gave a few different options on how to do that.

PW Manager Jacobson stated he would rather not do the budget process earlier because it’s nice to look at the information as late in the year as possible and recommended moving the rate increase if needed into the year effective February or March.

Decision was made to keep the budget process as is and if there will be an increase that will come later in the next year giving residents the proper notice.

Consider Policy for Paying for the First Seal Coat Following a Street Reconstruction from Infrastructure Funds instead for Special Assessments.

Deputy Auditor Klein stated for the 5th Ave project it was agreed that the sealcoat would be paid out of the R&R Funds. We have another reconstruct ion project this summer and have a meeting with the property owners on February 8th and would like a policy that the seal coat will be paid for out of the R&R Funds moving forward.

Discuss having P&Z doing all Variances.

City Administrator stated we have the PZ committee and a separate variance committee. The variance committee has been called together 2 times since in the last year or so and is called together as needed. When there is a plat or replat at the same time as a variance the PZ committee is able to make the decision.  With the number of variances outside of that, why can’t we have the PZ make the decisions on the variances instead of having 2 separate committees.

City Attorney Martineck added that he thought Mike Schell had originally said they had the variance committee in place so they didn’t have to convene the PZ committee for those small of decisions but with the number we have there’s no reason why we couldn’t add it to a PZ meeting.  Right now, the variance board is established by ordinance so if we are to make those changes, we will have to draft new ordinances.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:18 PM.