Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

3.30.2021 Special Commission Meeting

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The City Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 12:00 PM CT via Zoom. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/97696815992 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799)

Call To Order
Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2286, a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Improvement Warrants and Exchanging them for $1,535,000.  Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2021.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:                 Gulmon                Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson             Carlsrud

Adjourn

3.29.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • Please be careful with fire as our area is very dry, windy and the grass fires burn like crazy!  The Barnes County “burn ban” is in place and has been extended for another week.  Some prayers for rain would be good.
  • Please CHECK THE BATTERIES in your smoke and radon alarms.  Our fire department is receiving calls as alarms are sounding because of low batteries.
  • On a sad note, violence in our country has been rearing its ugly head.  Whether it is racial, gender, political, LBGT, color or religion, we need to end the violence.  Just because someone is a different color, has a different spiritual belief or lifestyle, isn’t reason for us to dislike him or her.  Conflict is generally best resolved through communication.  Perhaps through communications, commonalities may be identified and could bring us closer together.  “Love our neighbors as ourselves”.
  • Thanks to our Street Department for cutting many of the ruts from our alleys.  Walking through them is even easier.
  • COVID Vaccination, get yours, let’s move towards Herd Immunity and some protection from variants on the horizon.  See the City County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.   
  • There are legislative bills that could affect you.         See: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/regular to track bills and to contact your legislators if you wish.  It is an interesting process.                                                                             
  • “I object to violence as when it appears to do good, it is only temporary and the evil it does, is permanent.”      (Mahatma Gandhi)                                                   

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Respectful and Pray

Dave

3.22.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • Wow!  Isn’t this weather refreshing?  Our dog took me for a walk this afternoon and the air smells so good.  We have been Blessed with and should be grateful for another good week of weather.  Other people in the US have been less fortunate, please remember those people.
  • Be careful around the river, the ice is not safe.  Very few cubic feet per second (cfs) are being released from Baldhill Dam as the pool is low and inflow is minimal to none.  That said, having the sunshine is nice, but our whole state needs some rain.  Maybe sunshine during the day and some rain overnight? 
  • Some “normalcy”:  North Dakota High School Activities Assoc. (NDHSAA) spring sports begin this week.  VCSU is already playing softball and baseball.  They provide good entertainment, come out, watch awhile and enjoy the fresh air.
  • While walking the other day I noticed houses without house numbers and some that are not readily seen.  Please consider updating your house numbers to ensure efficient deliveries etc.
  • It is spring though unlike normal years, UND traveled to NDSU to play football last Saturday!  If I understood the announcers correctly, it was the largest indoor crowd in the nation that day.  It is good trivia and good for North Dakota that the football rivalry is reinstated.
  • This is a legislative year.  There are some bills that could affect you.   This address: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/regular is a place where you can track bills and contact your legislators if you wish.  It is an interesting process.
  • If you are wondering about the virus vaccines, the CDC people say all three vaccines are effective.  Get yours so we can continue our trek towards Herd Immunity and some protection from variants on the horizon. See the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.                                                                                
  • “A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone.”      (Billy Graham)                                                   

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Safe and Pray

Dave

3.2.2021 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 present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Assessor Hansen, PW Supervisor Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, City Engineers Chad Petersen and Tracy Eslinger, Jerry Hieb (Eagles)

Approval of Agenda

No changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the February 16th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,555,294.84               
  3. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) contingent on receiving updated contractor licenses for the following businesses:

            a. John’s Refrigeration& Electric, Inc.

            b. Grotberg Electric Inc.

            c. Grotberg Electric Inc. dba Triton Mechanical

            d. Sheyenne Mechanical

            e. Differding Electric LLC

            f. PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC

            g. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating

D.  Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

            a. Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center

            b. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes since the first reading.   It’s not restricting right to demonstrate or hold an assembly in town.  It strictly requires a person to provide notice to the PD and abide by certain noise and distance requirements.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

New Business

Approve requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.

Commissioner Gulmon stated we have looked at a several areas in the community and we keep coming back to a lime pit area.  There is quite a bit of site prep that would be required to accommodate this so we reduced the size of the potential building from 10,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. which would accommodate all of the flood equipment and some pumps.  We are recommending to move forward with the request to the ND State Water Commission for funding. 

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for Streetscape Phase II.

Chad Peterson from KLJ stated the task order is an hourly contract with a contract max of $219,500.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Magnuson-aye          Bishop-aye       Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Approve agreement with Western Dakota Energy Association for oversize and overweight vehicle permits.

City Administrator Crawford stated this is regarding approving a membership with Load Pass and they would take care of all of our oversize and overweight vehicle permits.  Requesting President Carlsrud signing that upon approval of review of the fee schedule.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for VC Eagles Aerie 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show March 10-14, 2021.

Finance Director stated this is for the Winter Show events.

Commissioner Bishop requested we put a time for it to close, a half hour before the end of the event or 11 pm at the latest.

Jerry Hieb representing the Eagles stated they can adhere to that as he didn’t think many of the events would carry over 9:30 pm.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

City updates & Commission Reports

City Administrator Crawford we have been working on the WSI ergonomic grant and we have been approved for the first phase.  So they come in and work with the different departments on their areas to see if there is anything that can be improved.   

City Attorney Martineck reported that we have made an offer for the Sanitation position and are waiting to hear back.

Finance Director Richter stated we are selling Chamber Bucks at City Hall now.  Sales are going well at both locations.

PW Manager Jacobsen reported we had our meeting today with the ND Dept. of Emergency Services related to the spring 2020 flood.  We received the payment for the 90% reimbursement in December.

Sanitary Supervisor Swart reminded everyone to have their garbage out by 7 am.  Also, please do not stack stuff around the dumpsters and enclosures.

Fire Chief Magnuson there is a lot of melting going on and the river is going to start opening up.  Please keep an eye on your pets and kids.

Chad Petersen stated we opened bids for project 119 and 119B. That will be added to the March 16th agenda for consideration for award.  We submitted a cost share request to the State Water Commission last month for a request for 60/40 cost share on the water main improvements for that.  We won’t know for sure on that request until April 8th. 

Commissioner Gulmon thanked Brandy and Brenda for their help with the sales of the Chamber Bucks and thanks to the Chamber for all the work they have done.  The Sales Tax Revenue report has both good news and bad news.  The good news is that we took in $2.2 million in sales tax which is a 7% increase than the year prior.  Not as good is the Food and Beverage tax due to COVID.  It was down about 5% this past year.  The receipts were the lowest since about 2014.  Adding to that is the Hotel Occupancy Tax was down about 14%, the lowest since 2012.

Commissioner Erickson reported that we have had some requests for roll offs.  Just to let everyone know, we do not have any roll offs and we do not have the access to dump the roll offs at the dump grounds.

Commissioner Bishop stated the siren has been going off quite a lot.  Remember when you hear that to pull over and give these guys some room.  Shout out to the PD, they were pretty busy this last week.  If you see them out and about thank them for what they do.

President Carlsrud stated he would like to share with the community that you have a terrific staff working for the City of Valley City.  When you see them, thank them.  They’re out there in hot and cold weather doing a good job, sometimes catching heck for it but I want to assure you they are doing a good job for our community.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:28 P.M.

 

3.2.2021 Finance Minutes

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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, Commissioner Erickson, and Commissioner Gulmon.

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Electrical Superintendent Senf, Police Chief Hatcher, PW Superintendent Klemisch, Fire Chief Magnuson, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, Water Plant Supervisor Hesch, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Tracy Eslinger from Moore.

1.  Department Reports:

            Water Plant Supervisor Hesch stated he received his consumer confidence packet and has been in    touch with ND Rural Water.  They should be coming next week and it’s all set up to go to the printer.            The quality of water coming in from the river is good for the winter time.  We’re buffering it with the          well water right now so it’s staying at the 46 degrees.  We received our tractor combo which has            helped clean away all the snow.  We plan to get lots of good use out if that.

            Electrical Superintendent Senf reported three outages for the month.  Wind and ice were a factor,     one was a connector and the other was the rolling black out which was out of our control.  Other than     we’re trimming trees and doing a thermal scan that we had done by MRES and fixing those issues.

            Fire Chief Magnuson reported 15 fire calls last month, ten city, four rescue and one rural call.  We     started having drill the second Thursday of February.  Extinguisher business is going well.  Since we            started we have sold 45 fire extinguishers, 76 inspections, 26-6 year services and so far to date we           have taken in $4,634.  We did get our ISO audit back and it was a good report.  The city stays at a   level 4, for a volunteer department that’s good.  Our rural did get a better rating. They let us use some         of our city infrastructure.  The biggest issue that gets us is the hydrants.  We were probably about 5 points from moving up to the next level.

            Sanitation Supervisor Swart reminded businesses to have the areas clean around their dumpsters.      Also, for everyone to have their garbage out by 7 am.

            PW Superintendent Klemisch reported they went around town and got as much snow off the streets they could.  We’ve also been going around trimming trees.

            Police Chief Hatcher reported they have been busy with some large scale events that have taken        place recently.  Due to the nice weather we are able to get our windows replaced sooner.  We received           an AED grant so those will be getting replaced with the next generation.

            Finance Director Richter reported that we are selling Chamber Bucks at the Auditor’s Department    now.  Kudos to Brenda and Brandy, they are really doing a nice job taking care of the people that are          coming in for them.

            City Assessor Hansen stated the Equalization Meeting is scheduled for April 13th.

2.  Review monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter reported for February we had bills of about $1.55 million and some of the items included paying our annual WSI bill of $27,000, we have $200,000 in the Chamber Bucks promotion and $12,000 above that for labor and promotion that we paid out to the Chamber.  The PD purchased their Durango which was about $26,500, the electrical department had their substation repairs at about $56,000 and also purchased a skid steer at about $65,000.  The water treatment plant purchased their mower for $46,000 and the slope mower that will be shared by a couple of different departments for $58,850 and also our monthly purchase power for about $371,000.  The balance is payroll, benefits and operations.

Commissioner Gulmon added that due to the increase in fees we were able to remove the Midwest Inspection $50,000 from the Cares Act funds so that will leave a balance in those funds from 2020 to $88,117.

3. Discuss Load Pass.

            City Administrator Crawford stated that we had several times this year where people would     apply for an overweight permit and all the City would collect was the $25 permit fee.  We were          not collecting the amount for the actual overage fees.  With Load Pass you pay the $1500 set up          fee and $500 membership and they do all the work and the city would still see a profit.

4.  Discuss requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.

            City Commissioner Gulmon stated the committee keeps coming back to the lime pit area even   though there is a significant cost in site prep which is some of the reason we’re proposing a 5000         sq. ft. building instead if the 10,000 sq. ft.  We agreed we should move forward in requesting funding from the State Water Commission.  If we move forward it would be a 2022 project.  The   main goal for this project is to get the flood walls protected.

5.  Discuss bids for Paving Improvement District 119/119B (7th Ave W/4th St NW/2nd Ave NW).

            Chad Peterson from KLJ stated we opened bids for this project and received three.  The            engineers estimate for the project was just under $3.3 million.  The bids ranged from $2,925,187     to just under $3.5 million.  Sellin Brothers was the low bidder.  At this time we are not ready to        recommend awarding the project at the commission level.  We do need to review the bids with   the NDDOT to make sure everything is in order.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:25 PM.

3.15.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks, J

  • Many areas around the United States have had awful snow, rain and tornado events recently.  We have much for which are to be grateful.
  •  Tesa Klein, North Dakota Winter Show (NDWS) Manager, her team and the NDWS Directors, facilitated a really good show last weekend.  There were many vendors, good crowds and beautiful weather.  Thank you all for your efforts, great job.
  • One of many grand NDWS Events was Sunday morning’s Cowboy Church.  A young couple, Courtney and Austin, shared a  few heartfelt, touching messages.  If you are intrigued, watch for it next year.
  • The 10-day weather forecast looks to be favorable though I am keeping our snow blower in the garage for “insurance”. Getting out in this nice weather is good for our behavioral health.  Our dog just took me for a walk after which we bonded with some grooming sheers.  She was pretty matted so while she feels better, the next cut will have her looking better too. 
  • To paraphrase the report from Bald Hill Dam, the pool of the lake is as low as the Corps of Engineers want it to be for spring.  That there is no inflow from runoff at this time, releases will be minimal.
  • This week a good number of COVID Vaccines are expected to arrive. Make your appointment now at: City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.                                                                                
  • “Young people need models, not critics.”      (John Wooden)                                                   

Blessings, Be Kind, Safe and Pray

Dave

3.16.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.  Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/93640711145 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 936 4071 1145

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from the March 2nd Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License for the following:

  • Tim’s Plumbing LLC.
  • Sheyenne River Repair.

B. Approve Rally in the Valley Parade on June 19th, 2021 on Central Ave from Dairy Queen to 4th St S.

C.  Approve Raffle Permit for the Valley City Fire Department at the Eagles on April 30th, 2021.

D.  Approve Block off Street request for Valley City High School Prom on May 1st from 4th St NW from Central Ave to 2nd Ave. 

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          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

Resolution

1.  Approve Resolution 2277, a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resolution 2278, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans, Specifications & Estimates of Probable Cost for Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Approve Resolution 2279, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

4.  Approve the following Resolutions relating to Projects 119 and 119B.  (KLJ)

  • Resolution 2280, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2281, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119B, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2282, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Sanitary Sewer District No. 64, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2283, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Storm Sewer District No. 52, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2284, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Water Main District No. 100, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

1.  Approve request from the Water Trail Committee of up to $1000 for the install of low head dam signage with applicable posts and hardware.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Discuss quotes for 7 year lease of heavy equipment.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

            Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Approve the City Administrator to move forward with negations for PFP Cold Storage Building.  (City Administrator Crawford)

            Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Public Input Meeting – 6th St NW Reconstruction

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Why?

To discuss the proposed road reconstruction project along 6th St NW, from 5th Ave NW to Central Ave N, in Valley City, North Dakota. The proposed project would consist of roadway reconstruction, including hot mix asphalt surfacing; curb and gutter; sidewalk and Americans with Disability Act improvements; decorative lighting; and storm sewer, water main, and sanitary sewer improvements.

When?

March 25, 2021

Formal Presentation 5:15 p.m.

Open House: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where?

Hi-Line Activity Center (HAC)

493 Central Ave N, Valley City, North Dakota

Open House Conducted By

City of Valley City, KLJ Engineering,

and Moore Engineering

This meeting is designed to allow for public input which is required for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 and National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Representatives from the City of Valley City, KLJ Engineering, and Moore Engineering

will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.

WRITTEN STATEMENTS or comments about this project must be mailed by April 9, 2021, to:

Chad Petersen, P.E.

KLJ Project Manager

1010 4th Avenue Southwest

Valley City, North Dakota 58072

or

ValleyCity6thStreetNW@kljeng.com

Note “Public Input Meeting” in email subject heading.

The City of Valley City will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide:

  • an accessible meeting facility or other accommodation for people with disabilities,
  • language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), and
  • translations of written material necessary to access NDDOT programs and information.

Appropriate provisions will be considered when the Department is notified at least 10 days prior to the meeting date or the date the written material translation is needed. To request accommodations, contact Gwen Crawford, City Administrator, at 701-845-8120 or gcrawford@valleycity.us. TTY users may use Relay North Dakota 711 or 1-800-366-6888.

3.8.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Following the 2 weeks of really cold weather; isn’t it nice having our current weather?  Remember, fresh air and sunshine are things that can help us achieve good attitudes for each of us so take advantage of them.
  • Did you know that 7:00 AM, noon and 5:30 PM are the times we have our greatest demands for electricity?  The 7:00 AM demand lasts about 2.5 hours while the noon and 5:30 demands are about an hour-and-a-half each.  When a demand spike is too high, our cost of electricity is higher.  You can help ease demand by running washers, dryers and dishwashers at other times.  Perhaps try running the dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer over night.  Every little bit helps, thank you. 
  • RIGHT OF WAY.  When vehicles arrive at uncontrolled intersection, we are to “YIELD” TO THE RIGHT, thus “Right of Way”.  Pedestrians have “Right of Way” at intersections and crosswalks.  “Being courteous is contagious, catch it.”
  • Recently there have been drivers who have been driving over the speed limit and some instances where drivers within the speed limit, were driving too fast for conditions. If it is slippery 25 MPH may be too fast.  If in the area of schools or other gatherings of people, 15 MHP could be too fast.  If there is an uncontrolled intersection, don’t feel you can drive through and be safe at 25 MPH.  Let’s all be defensive drivers and help keep each other safe. 
  • THE NORTH DAKOTA WINTER SHOW will be March 10-14.  Get your event tickets now.  FREE ENTRANCE to the building.
  •  “LOVE OF LOCAL”.  Buy Chamber Bucks in the Rosebud Center or City Hall at a discount and redeem them in Valley City businesses at full face value. Each person can purchase up to $1,000.00 worth (including prior purchases).
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.                                                       
  • “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”      (Mother Teresa)                                                    

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Safe and Pray

Dave