Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

11.2.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 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/81579095866 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 815 7909 5866.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Small Business Saturday Proclamation

Recognition of Sherry Keys-2021 Outstanding Plant Operator Award

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve minutes from the October 19th 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 the Valley City USBC Assn.
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for the Art Club Valley City High School.
  4. Approve Raffle Permit for SHINE. 
  5. Approve Raffle Permit for VCSU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

            Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

Public Comments

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

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

PUBLIC HEARING

Ordinance

  1. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1090, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact section 15-02-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to new electric service installation. (City Attorney Martineck)

            Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Resolution

  • Approve Resolution 2324, a Resolution to Enroll and Offer the NDPERS Defined Benefit to Hybrid Retirement Plan to all Eligible Employees.  (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

  • Approve Resolution 2325, a Resolution to Enroll in and Offer NDPERS Public Safety Retirement Plan to all eligible City Employees Classified as Peace Officers or Firefighters.  (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Approve, Resolution 2326, a Resolution to Enroll in and Offer the NDPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to all Eligible City Employees.  (City Attorney Martineck)

            Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $ 1,780,769.92.        

     Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve for Signatures the new Hazard Mitigation Plan one the Plan is Approved by the ND Department of Emergency Services.  (Fire Chief Magnuson)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

11.2.2021 Finance Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 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/89721308721 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 897 2130 8721

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss City Sales Tax Renewal.  (Finance Director Richter)
  4. Discuss New Service Installation fees re: Out of City Limits.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss NDPERS.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  6. Discuss Public Works 1.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  7. Discuss NDDOT Urban Grant Program Application.  (City Engineers)
  8. Discus NDDOT Urban Grant Program Application for Wintershow Road Shared-Use Path.  (City Engineer)

9.   Discussion regarding Vacate Four Bottle Road Frontage Road.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

10.24.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Halloween!  Gosh Sunday is the end of October already!!  With that, the 10-day forecast is promising so there are likely to be many “trick-or-treaters” out and about.  If you are driving, please be extra careful to protect the kids and grandkids.
  • A citizen stopped me the other day and commented, “We have a beautiful city, but I see businesses with weeds growing along buildings and in sidewalks”.  Whether you’re a building owner or a tenant, please be proud of where you are and keep the area looking nice. 
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is a Joint Action Agency that provides and manages power on behalf of Valley City and 60 other municipal power communities in ND, SD, MN, & IA.  In 2005, the MRES Members were 50% carbon free and by 2020 the members were 84% carbon free.  Valley City’s 2020 power supply mix is even better at 93% carbon free and 75% of our power is renewable.
  • The most effective weapon against COVID is vaccine.  Please, get your vaccination.
  • Last week Sue and I attended a funeral for two people who were married 65 years.  In an eloquent eulogy, the point was made that they were married that long due to commitments with each other.  A part of the “commitment” definition includes devotion, faithfulness, attentiveness and loyalty.  I thought that was pretty neat.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”    (Harry S. Truman)                                                                                  Blessings, Respect Others, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.5.2021 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, and Commissioner Gulmon

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Lieutenant Rustebakke.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the September 21st, 2021 meeting, 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 Block off Street Request for Connect Church on Central Ave S from 3rd St s to 4th St S and then 3rd St SW to 2nd Ave SW on October 31st, 2021 for the Trunk or Treat event.

Approve Raffle Permit for St. Catherine’s Elementary School for Drawing on November 5th, 2021.

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

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing for Issuance of New Class E Alcoholic Beverage Licenses to TBD Inc.  

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

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

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve issuance of new class E Alcoholic Beverage License to TBD Inc., seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing for the Replat Request of Lots 10-12 of Andrus and Sifton’s Addition. 

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

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

            Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve resolution 2314, a resolution approving the replat     request of lots 10-12 of           Andrus & Sifton’s Addition, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.           Motion passed unanimously. 

            Open Public Hearing regarding Special Assessments for 5th Avenue NW Reconstruction       which includes Paving Improvement District No. 118, Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 53, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 65, and Water Main Improvement            District No. 101.

            Deputy Auditor Klein stated the Special Assessment Commission met last Wednesday for the 5th Ave projects.  The commission approved the assessments as is but had two recommendations.  The first recommendation being the city keep working on the landscaping and grass areas where        needed on boulevards and also that the city pick up the cost of the sealcoat.

President Carlsrud declare the public hearing open.

City Administrator Crawford requested the term the seal coat will be completed in be added and recommended 2 years.  6th Street will be completed next year which is why we don’t want to do it then, they will intersect each other.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

             Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the special assessments as recommended by the        Special Assessment Commission with boulevard improvements and the city to pay for the           seal coat in 2023, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1089, an Ordinance Adopting 2022 City Budget.

Finance Director Richter stated there has not been any changes since the first reading and we have not received any input, comments or letters so I recommend it pass as stated.

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

      Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1088, an Ordinance Approving Text         Amendments to Titles 11 and 16 of the Valley City Municipal Code. 

City Attorney Martineck stated after the first reading we tabled the second reading of this ordinance for the opportunity to receive comments and evaluate some of the language.  There are some changes that took place indicated in blue.  This has been reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission as well.  City staff recommends approval.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2316, a Resolution Approving Final Plans & Specifications for Master Lift Station Upgrades and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated this was bid earlier this year and the bids came in high.  We’re rebidding the same project with a better timeline and more lead time for materials to start construction early spring next year.  We will bid late October for construction next year.

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

Approve Resolution No. 2317, a Resolution Approving Final Plans & Specifications for Main Street Storm Sewer Outlet (Elks) and Authorizing Engineering to Advertise for Bids.

Chad from KLJ stated this is to bid the gravity discharge by the Elks building.  Bidding will take place at the end of the month for construction in 2022.

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 $2,383,908.22

Finance Director Richterreported we are at $2,383,808.22 with MRES at $459,000, purchase of Valley Implements at $470,000, BND debt $348,400, Bluescope for the Fire Hall addition invoice of $78,000, Infrastructure and construction was $372,000 the other two sirens were $21,500.  Payroll was high at $428,000 due to paying the annual fire department payment.

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

Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to 231 2nd Ave NE.           

City Assessor Hansen stated this is for a 5 year exemption for a commercial property and she recommends a do pass.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported that Sandy can only do her job when she knows about projects so if there is anything you know going on out there let her know.  Aprons are being considered for Loves to help with turning and the cross traffic. 

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that this week is National Fire Prevention week so events will be taking place for that.  October 12-13 is the Battle of the Badges blood drive, please donate.  The new rural truck arrived. 

Chad from KLJ provided a construction update.  The milling was completed on Streetscape Phase II by Thursday it should be open.  Signage should happen Monday or Tuesday.  The streetlights and signals should be going up next week as well.  7th Ave and 4th St. paving starts tomorrow, most of the concrete work should be complete.  Paving should be wrapped up the end of this week and the seeding and landscaping should take place next week. 

Commissioner Gulmon reported that the finance committee met last week and discussed finances through August of this year.  We also reviewed the sales tax report which was positive, it’s up 41% through July of 2021 which is about $467,000.  That impacts property tax relief, development and R&R funds.  Food and beverage tax is up about 37% and occupancy tax about 21%.  We reviewed the 2021 budget, general funds and public works and things are running pretty much as planned for this year.  Garbage is running at a deficit so there may need to be some adjustments in the future.  Reserves in both the general funds and reserves are strong.  Valley City will receive $992,000 for the American Rescue Plan and that will be used for underground.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the fire department and the unseen work they do for our community and also to the police department and the work they do that we don’t know about.  If you see them shake their hand.

President Carlsrud requested people to respect the piles at the leaf drop site.  Do not drop in the middle of the driveway, try to get it as close to the piles as you can.  We have openings for employee, please check the website. Thank you to everybody.  

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:36 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.5.2021 Finance Minutes

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Called To Order

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

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop and Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson (2:45)

Commission Topics

Discussion took place around the following topics:

Commissioner Long Range Planning Ideas,

RRVWSP information

Department of Water Resources Funding

Department Reports

Sanitation Supervisor Swart requested people try to get closer to the piles when dumping in the grass site.  We are looking for another two new employees.

City Administrator Crawford presented some additional options to try to bring in new employees on the sanitation department.  They will post for part-time positions at a higher wage but no benefits.

Water Superintendent Hesch reported he and Clint will be going to a convention next week and Sherry will be recognized for her Operator’s Award.

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported they have given a manufacturer west of town a bid for 3 phase.  Finished up Smith Lumber today.  We’re having trouble getting quotes back for the WAPA sub.  Everyone wants concrete and its sounds like they are hard to push into the ground.  Either we do the work or hire someone in to do the work.  People don’t want to bid since it’s a foundation.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported this week is Fire Prevention week.  We’ll be waiting until spring to have our open house after we get the addition done.  10 true calls of service last month.  Building is on schedule.  Battle of the Badges is next week.  We picked up all the Summit and Bergan’s properties.  It is working and the numbers will increase.

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported the next couple of weeks will be busy getting everything wrapped up for the season.  Will start flushing hydrants either this week or next week.  We are a little slower since several of the street crew have been getting sent over to sanitation.  

City Administrator Crawford reported that we are still under our contract funds in the engineering and contracting services.  Planning and Zoning is more than what the original plan but we never could have guessed that we would have all this going on.  There is a walking trail that Bobby is trying to establish near the property that Dave Zubrod recently purchased.  We agreed to have the trail on the back side of that property but after some discussion with Bobby is sounds like he would like it in another area but Zubrod is not in agreement with the new area.  Discussion took place and it will still in the original location.

Review Monthly Bills/Reports Finance Director Richterreported we are at $2,383,808.22 with MRES at $459,000, purchase of Valley Implements at $470,000, BND debt $348,400, Bluescope for the Fire Hall addition invoice of $78,000, Infrastructure and construction was $372,000 the other two sirens were $21,500.  Payroll was high at $428,000 due to paying the annual fire department payment.

Discuss Image & Enhancement and Food and Beverage Grant Requirements

City Administrator Crawford requested we change the name of the Food and Beverage Grant to the Valley City Tourism Grant due to people not being clear on what the grant is for.  Reading it now it seems it’s for restaurants but it’s not.  The other is that for $1000-$5000 they are required to provide their financial information.  Many have decided not to apply due to this, they are concerned in providing this information for their competition to see.  It’s also cumbersome for $1000, there is no encouragement to apply. 

Commissioner Gulmon added that the two most critical things required should be that the taxes are paid and credit check.

Decision was made to change the name of the grant and removing the requirement to provide financial statements.

Discuss Request for a Path/Trail along Wintershow Road

Chad from KLJ stated this was discussed as a need at the Longest Table event.  We have a few letters of support for a trail along the road.  The discussion happened before the grant information opened up through the DOT.  The application has a deadline of December 31st, 2021 and the funding is for the 2025 construction season.

Discuss Benches on Main

City Administrator Crawford stated we found out that we cannot put anything on the sidewalk areas that are the white concrete because of ADA.  So originally the thought was to put the benches with backs against the buildings but now that can’t be done and if we set them on the red they don’t work well.  We’d like to get backless benches on Main and move the ones with the backs on Central.

Discuss recommendations from the Special Assessment Commission regarding the 5th Ave NW Reconstruction Project.

Deputy Auditor Klein stated the Special Assessment Commission met last Wednesday night and had the hearing for 5th Ave N. They were fine with the amounts listed but if you saw in the minutes they had recommendations.  They would like the city to work on the landscaping, grass on the boulevards and the other was about the seal coat.  They would like it completed sooner than later and the city pick up the cost of that sealcoat.

Commissioner Bishop asked if we are able to withhold payment from the contractors until they fix the issues.

Chad from KLJ stated we are withholding 2% of the contract, we do still have punch list items that need addressing.

Discuss Stan Ryan Easement

City Administrator Crawford stated basically there was an easement previously developed with Stan and he no longer wants it developed that way.  City Administrator Crawford presented another drawing that has been discussed that will allow further development in that area.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:53 PM.

10.17.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Following the super dry summer, things have certainly turned around this fall.  With warmer weather, many of the grasses, trees and bushes are still showing off some green color.  I think it looks nice.
  • Responsibility comes with owning pets.  Certainly loving them and providing good health care are two, but licensing and “picking up” after them are also.  Licensing is a City Ordinance and provides a degree of welfare for all pets.  Please license your pets at the VCPD.
  • VCPS has uploaded a video/PowerPoint Presentation from the public meetings on “Exploring the Future of School Facilities”.  See the district website www.hiliners.org (Click Explore).  When you have arrive at the webpage “Exploring the Future of School Facilities”, click the presentation on the left part of the screen and it will lead to the recorded video and PowerPoint (scroll down to see the PP).  Additional information is available on this site and more will be available soon.
  • COVID is “kicking” unvaccinated people mostly.  Some are on ventilators, some are dying and who knows the degree of permanent lung damage being suffered.  Please think further about getting your vaccination.
  • Saturday evening when the wind quit and the sun had set behind the west crest of the Sheyenne River Valley; the sky was colored a soft gold with a hint of blue accenting a beautiful silhouette of the tress and their leaves.  Some days I forget to enjoy the simple beauties with which we are so often Blessed.  Perhaps I need to “stop and smell the roses” more often, maybe we all should.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your troubles, you wouldn’t sit for a month.”    (Theodore Roosevelt)                                                                                  Blessings, Respect Others, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave

10.19.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 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/83214846139 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  832 1484 6139.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the October 5th Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Parade Request for the Parade of Lights on December 2nd on Central Ave. to 4th St. starting at 6:00 PM.
  2. Approve Raffle permit for NDak Hereford Association for the date of December 4th at the ND Winter Show.

            Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        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.

Resolution

  • Approve Resolution 2318, a Resolution Providing for the Issuance of Certification of Indebtedness, Series 2021, for the Purpose of Financing the Addition to the Existing Fire Hall. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve Resolution 2319, a Resolution Approving the Replat Request of Lot 4 Block 2 and a part of block 4 of Beyer Industrial Acres.  (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Approve Resolution 2320, a Resolution Approving the Plat Request of Land Located Between 8th & 9th Ave NW and North of 10th St NW – includes Lots 4-8 and Part of Lot 3 Block 1, Hyland Park Addition, plus Lots 3-7 and Part of Lot 2, Block 2 Replat of Hyland Park Addition.  (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

  • Approve Resolution 2321, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule.

      Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  • Approve Annual Maintenance Certification for Urban Federal Aid Projects.  (City Engineers)

            Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

10.10.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Last week there was a good deal of blacktop applied to some of our construction sites with streetlights and traffic signals being scheduled for this week.  YES!
  • The other day I saw a delivery person trying to locate a house, but there was no house number.  Displaying visible house numbers is an ordinance; they can be attractive and inexpensive so please install if your building doesn’t have them.
  • Walkers, joggers and bikers are out enjoying our community.  There are numerous drivers who are texting (against the law) so please wear “hi-vis clothing” to help protect your self.  “Hi-vis yellow” may be the most readily seen.  Walkers and joggers, please face traffic, (usually left side) when on the street.
  • Thought to ponder:  COVD is still out there, respect it, wash your hands and be vaccinated to protect your self.
  • Do you know our VCFD inspects, recharges and sells fire extinguishers?  Please check with Chief Scott or Assistant Chief Lance at 701-845-3351 for information.
  • Valley City offers 24-7 dumping site for branches, leaves and grass clippings at the transfer station.  Some people have been dumping in the driving area.  Please be respectful and dump on the designated piles so the service can be continued.
  • Officiating, have you thought about it?  It could be for you?  The Referee on the Ohio State game last Saturday has local ties. For information, call the NDHSAA @ 701-845-3953.
  • Valley City is beautiful.  I walked up 9th Avenue NW the other day and picked up one handful of garbage.  Great job every one.  * Please try to do a little better with cigarette butts and doggie poop.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will always remember how you made them feel.”                                                                          (Maya Angelou)                                                                                  Blessings, Respect Others, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.21.2021 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,

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck via Zoom, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher.

Pledge of Allegiance

Oath of Office for Police Officer Joshua Reign

President Carlsrud recognized Deputy Auditor Klein for successfully completing her certified city auditor course.

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the September 7th and September 13th meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Raffle Permit for District 24 Republicans for Drawing on December 18th, 2021.

Approve Parade Application for VCHS Homecoming Parade on September 24th, 2021 on Central Ave.

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

Josh Johnson from VCPS requested to make a public comment.  He stated back in August there was a conversation regarding school facilities.  Through the covid funds the last couple of years the school has received dollars that up to this point have been unobligated.  Conversation took place around updating the current school structures, building new and consolidating of several schools and offices.  On September 24th meetings will be announced in the month of October that will invite the community for discussion regarding these topics.

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2313, a Resolution Approving the Replat Request of Lots 2-4, 11-16, and 19-21, Block 1 of Prairie View Addition.

City Attorney Martineck stated at the last PZ meeting the commission heard an application to subdivide existing lots in the Prairie View Subdivision for residential purposes.  There were several community members that attend and once they heard what the plan was to move forward they didn’t seem to have any objections.  That was approved by the zoning commission and city staff is also recommending approval to include the conditions listed in the resolution.

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

Approve Resolution 2315, a Resolution Approving the Replat and Variance Request of Lot 1 Block 2 NP West 5th Addition and Lots 1-2 and Outlot A, Block 1 NP West 6th Addition. 

City Attorney Martineck stated this was also presented in the last PZ meeting.  The PZ commission and city staff recommend approval.  There are still some conditions that need to be worked out with the sale that Gwen has been working on.  With that we recommend approval with the conditions that are being listed.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

City Administrator Crawford added that Mr. Zubrod is aware of the easement behind his property that Bobby Koepplin is working on.  What we were not aware of is that Bobby had talked about a parking lot down by the area where the shared entrance would be.  Dave is not okay with that.

City Attorney Martineck stated that with the last conversation he had with them his understanding is that he wants the parking to be on the frontage road south of Main Street just south of where the approach would be.  Not sure if that would be an actual parking lot or street parking with signage to the trail.

City Administrator Crawford stated we would have to work with the DOT on the right of way but that part’s different but this resolution is good as is.

Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated on the 7th Ave project they will be getting all the concrete prepped this week and poured next week.  The paving will be the following week.  The paving was pushed back just because Border States wasn’t able to get here.  The temps. still look good and the completion date isn’t until Oct 16th so they’ll be ahead of that game.

Mike Strom updated that the Streetscape has most of the concrete done on Main Street.  They should be finishing up on the concrete mid next week.  The signals should be all upright mid next week and that way they can order for the company to come up to set the timing.  The mill and overlay is floating in between the 7th Ave project and the other project.  They’re trying to move that up if they can to the end of September otherwise it could go until the second week of October.  This also has a substantial completion date of October 16th and they should be on track for that.

City Administrator Crawford stated on the 5th Ave project there are some seeding issues.  We got them out there today to spray to kill the weeds.  It is our understanding that you have to have that done for 10 days before any seeding is done to make sure the weed killer won’t kill the seed.  We will get a letter out to let that area know what is going on.   

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck stated there were some interviews with internal candidates for the Assessor in Training position and then formally offered the position to Tina Current.  There is an 18 month plan in place for her with Sandy retiring sometime next fall.  We now have an opening for the Admin I position in Public Works.

Finance Director Richter stated last spring the loan for the fire hall addition was discussed.  An update on the loan through the Bank of ND, we are well on our way of being approved for that loan. 

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that they are making progress on the addition.  Fire Prevention week takes place Oct. 3rd-9th.  The battle of badges blood drive is scheduled for October 12th-13th at Stoudt Ross Ford.

Police Chief Hatcher added that anyone can sign up online or call one of the Chiefs to get you signed up.  We are looking for new donors to help expand our pool.

President Carlsrud stated covid numbers are a little higher than they were last year but we have better ways to mitigate and battle covid at this time, get vaccinated.  If you have questions about the vaccination talk to your healthcare provide.  They will be more reliable than Facebook.  To all our employees a thank you. 

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:25 P.M.

10.3.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

  • What beautiful fall weather we have been experiencing and more is forecast this week.  Try to get out and enjoy it before ……… well, you know what comes next.
  • Did you ever think about being a “fire fighter” when you were younger?  There are opportunities available in our VCFD now.  Check with Chief Scott or Assistant Chief Lance at 701-845-3351, the VCFD may be a good fit for you.
  • COVID is hospitalizing many unvaccinated people.  Be safe, be vaccinated.
  • VCSU celebrated its Homecoming last weekend with a myriad of activities including banquet recognitions, a parade, and a football game to name a few.  Many VCSU Alumni and families returned to join in the festivities.
  • OFFICIATING:  Have you wondered what it is like being a game official (referee)?  There is a dire shortage of officials in our nation for numerous sports.  North Dakota is no exception.  The “total” number of officials isn’t too bad though there is great need in the rural areas.  Becoming a game official is a great way of “giving back”.  I will share that officiating is a very rewarding experience.  Competing to make the right calls is exhilarating and the life long relationships with players, coaches, officials and fans are “priceless”.  Ask an official about her/his experiences.  Women & men alike, even if you think officiating is something you’d never do, please give it further thought.  “Without officials, it is just a scrimmage”.  For further information, call the NDHSAA @ 701-845-3953.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Let me win.  But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”     (Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath)                                                                                  Blessings, Respect Others, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave