Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

5.16.2023 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 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/85322562386  or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  853 2256 2386

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the May 2nd, 2023 Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for the following:
    1. Bridge City Cruisers at Central Ave NP Park- Parking Lot on June 16th and June 17th for Scholarship funds for High School Seniors.
    1. CHI Mercy Health Foundation at Valley City Eagles on October 14th, 2023 for Telemetry Equipment for the Hospital.
  2. Approve 2023-2024 Applications for Contractor, Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following:
    1. ACB Construction
    1. Big Dog Construction
    1. Construction Engineers, Inc.
    1. CR Larson Concrete
    1. Johnny B’s Trees and Service
    1. One Way Wireless Construction
    1. Sheyenne River Repair
    1. Taurus Handyman Services
  3. Approve Applications to Block off Street for the following:
    1.  Block off Central Ave N from 3rd St to 9th St for the Sheyenne Valley Soap Box Derby being held on June 3rd with June 4th as a rain date, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    1. Block off 9th Ave SW from 6th St SW to the alley South on 9th for Youth Baseball at Sam’s Field on: May 9th, May 17th, June 5th, June 12th, June 19th, June 28th, July 12th, July 17th and July 19th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    1. Block off Central Ave N from Main St to 5th St, including 2nd and 3rd St NE/NW up to alley ways, also block off Main St from Central Ave to 2nd Ave NE for Rally in the Valley on June 17th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  4. Approve Application for VC Chamber of Commerce Parade on Central Ave- from 12th St N to 4th St S, being held on June 17th at 10 a.m. for Rally in the Valley.
  5. Approve Public Hearing for Dangerous Building at 709 4th St NE

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           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.

Ordinance

  1. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1124, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of Section 8-04-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Sale of Flavored E-Liquids to Individuals Under 21 Years of Age. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1132, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Chapter 15-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Municipal Waste. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

 

Resolution

  1. Consider Resolution 2412, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 126, Watermain Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68 and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

N1. Approve Site Authorization Renewal for Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at Valley City Town and Country Club, The Captain’s Pub and the Youth Sports Complex. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

N2. Approve Site Authorization for Valley City Baseball Association at the Clubhouse Lounge, City Lights Supper Club and Brockopp Brewery. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

N3. Appoint New Member to Unexpired 2022-2025 Library Board Opening- 1 position; and Annual Report Given by Hilde VanGijssel (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

5.8.2023 Mayor’s Message

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            Hello Everyone,

  • Next Sunday is Mother’s Day!
  • Last Thursday, I attended the “Genius Hour Showcase” at Washington Elementary School.  Students chose topics for which they had passions and developed demonstrations on how to fix or invent something to satisfy each student’s passion.  It was amazing and next year I would suggest you consider attending.  “You Fifth Graders and teachers are fantastic, thank you.”
  • City Clean-up will begin May 15th.  Please separate your materials.  Separate branches from furniture etc, as different trucks will pickup different materials.  No appliances or metal, if you have questions, please call 845-0314.
  • Valley City Public Works and MRES offer  “Energy Smart” programs that save energy and lower your energy costs for the upcoming air conditioning season.  See more at: https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/municipalities-container/nd/valley-city-public-works/?rebatetype=Business
  • May 15th is “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” and “Police Week” which pay  tribute to those who died or were disabled in the line of duty.
  • With clean roads and smooth alleys, we may not realize how fast we are driving.  Speeding in the alleys could be the worst as kids and pets are sometimes playing there.  Please drive slower, at times a 15 or 25 MPH speed limit is too fast for safety. 
  • “If you are texting, who is driving”?
  • May 8-12 Valley City Public Schools will be celebrating Educators Appreciation Week.  Some people who affect our students’ education are administrative assistants, bus drivers, cooks, custodians, directors, paraprofessionals, coaches, principals, substitutes, teachers and superintendents.  The aforementioned people have invested much of their lives providing learning opportunities for students.  Even though I am an older guy, I am thankful  for so many pleasant memories of teachers from my formative years, I hope you do too.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “To teach, is to touch a life forever.”    ~ Anonymous

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

4.18.2023 Commission Minutes

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson(5:11).

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Johnson.

Pledge of Allegiance

Recognition for Mayor for a Day-Drew Kohler

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the April 5th, 2023 Finance and Commission Meetings and the April 11th Board of Equalization Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Raffle Permits for the Following:

Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce on June 17th, 2023 for the Duck Race.

Barnes County Wildlife Federation on November 2nd, 2023, November 27th, 2023 and April 6th, 2024.

Approve 2023-2024 Applications for Contractor, Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following:

Bakkegard & Schell

BDT Mechanical, LLC

Bentson Electric

Breland Enterprises-American Waterworks

Bridgetown Builders, Inc.

Damon 24/7, LLC

Differding Electric, LLC

East & West Excavating

Energize Electric, LLC

Enterprise Electric, Inc.

Groundworks MN dba Innovative Basement Authority

Hi-Line Construction, Inc.

Hi-Line Electric, Inc.

John’s Refrigeration & Electric, Inc.

J-Tech Mechanical

Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.

LaValle Flooring, Inc.

Mike’s Construction

Morton Buildings, Inc.

Northland Sheds Inc.

Olaf Anderson Construction, Inc.

Peterson Mechanical Inc.

Rollie’s Remodeling

Scott’s Electric, Inc.

Tim’s Plumbing

Valley Realty, Inc.

Wrigley Mechanical, Inc.

Your Home Improvement Co.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1128, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 3 of Section 11-03-08, Subsection 3 of Section 11-03-09, Subsection 3 of Section 11-03-10, Subsection 2 of Section 11-03-11, and Sections 9-01-16, 11-02-08, 11-03-03, and 11-06-02 of the VCMC Related to Boarding and Rooming Houses.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is basically an administrative change to remove any reference to rooming house.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1129, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-02-08 and Subsection 4 of Section 11-06-16 of the VCMC Related to Residential Off-Street Parking.

City Attorney Martineck stated after several of months of discussion the compromise from planning and zoning is that there will be no restrictions on parking for up to two vehicles in a rear yard in the residential district.  Above that amount you need to follow the restrictions of either putting in a screen or an improved surface.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1130, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-02-08 and Subsection 4 of Section 11-06-16 of the VCMC Related to Improved Surfaces.

City Attorney Martineck stated there is currently not a definition of improved surfaces so this will take care of that.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1131, and Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-05-14 of the VCMC Related to Accessory Buildings.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is for any buildings under 120 sq. ft. With the change those buildings could be within 5 ft. of the property line.

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

Resolution

Consider Resolution 2410, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for NDDOT Project No. SU-CRP-CPU-2-990(062), SU-CRP-2-990(063) & HEU-2-990(064) [Paving Imp. Dist. No. 125, Watermain Imp. Dist. No. 103, Sanitary Sewer Imp. Dist. No. 67 and Storm Sewer Imp. Dist. 54].

NDDOT received two bids, one from Strata the other from Sellin Brothers.  Strata was the low bid at $5,497,582.04. The engineers estimate was $4,401,387.70. The NDDOT requires a bid analysis process anytime the low bid is either 10% higher or lower of the engineers estimate.

Consensus to do further research and add to May 2nd Meeting.

New Business

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Permit for City Lights Supper Club Lounge at VCSU Student Center Cafeteria on May 11th, 2023 for VCSU Employee Recognition.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported the automated garbage truck was delivered. The garbage cans will be delivered to residents on May 22nd.  Clean up week will be announced at the May 2nd meeting.  May 6th the transfer station will be open from 9am-12pm. Flood outlook really depends on the amount of rain we get. The peak inflows into Bald Hill late next week. With the remaining melt if there isn’t heavy snow or rain, we should remain under flood level in Valley City which is 16 ft.

City Assessor Current reported on some additions to her Board of Equalization books and sent an exemption list.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked all the city employees for their work.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 6:05 P.M.

4.30.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Finally, it seems we have a “break” in the weather and self-servingly, I am grateful.  Isn’t it remarkable how efficiently the snow melted in the cool gloomy weather?  It was as close to a perfect melt as that for which we could ask.
  • While the ground is drying, there are still some roads unfit for travel.  When you see a “ROAD CLOSED” sign, please honor said sign as it may be a condition that would damage your vehicle, the road base or shoulders.  When our city or our park district has to make repairs, it requires tax dollars affecting us all!
  • This year’s “CROP Hunger Walk” is Wednesday, May 3 at 6:30 beginning in the Jefferson School area.  Bring a donation, sign in and learn of hunger issues.  North Dakota has 42,290 people of which 13,690 are children facing hunger.  That equates to 1 in 13 children in ND!  Please look into it, Blessings.
  • Last week was “Administrative Professionals’ Day”.  Let those special employees know you appreciate them whether you are an employer or a customer.  From all of us, “Thank you”.
  • Last weekend was the NFL Draft.  Though I didn’t watch much, I did see enough to know it was a huge production shown on numerous mediums and networks.  It sounds like Kansas City did a great job hosting.  An NFL fan’s “smorgasbord”!
  • It is “National Small Business Week” with Valley City and MRES being proud to “power-on” small businesses.  Now you can contribute by “shopping local” and supporting your favorite small businesses.
  • Last week flows from Baldhill Dam were reduced and barring significant rains, the forecast is again promising for this week.  Keep the Faith.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why.”                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                             ~ Mark Twain

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Agenda Available

5.2.2023 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 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/83426149221 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  834 2614 9221.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Arbor Day Proclamation

 

National Skilled Nursing Care Proclamation

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the April 18th, 2023 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 Application to Block off the Street between VCSU Student Center & Graichen Gym/Library for the VCSU End of Year Street Dance on May 3rd from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for the following:
    1. ND Quarter Horse Association at the Winter Show Building on September 4, 2023 for Fundraiser for Association Expenses.
    1. Valley City Education Association at the VC Jr. Sr. High School Library on May 24, 2023 Access to All Programs.
    1. Valley City Parks and Recreation at Chautauqua Park on August 5, 2023 for the Sheyenne River Trail.
  4. Approve 2023-2024 Applications for Contractor, Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following.
    1. Enterprise Sales Co.
    1. Grotberg Electric Inc.
    1. Grotberg Electric Inc. dba Triton Mechanical
    1. Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C Inc.
    1. Keith’s Heating & Cooling LLC.
    1. Maple River Electric
    1. PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC.
    1. Richard Berg Construction
    1. 2 Phase Electric LLC.
    1. Six D Construction and Development

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Public Comments

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

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

Public Hearing

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1128, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 3 of Section 11-03-08, Subsection 3 of Section 11-03-09, Subsection 3 of Section 11-03-10, Subsection 2 of Section 11-03-11, and Sections 9-01-16, 11-02-08, 11-03-03, and 11-06-02 of the VCMC Related to Boarding and Rooming Houses. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

  • Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1129, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-02-08 and Subsection 4 of Section 11-06-16 of the VCMC Related to Residential Off-Street Parking. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1130, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-02-08 and Subsection 4 of Section 11-06-16 of the VCMC Related to Improved Surfaces. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1131, and Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-05-14 of the VCMC Related to Accessory Buildings. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Consider Resolution 2410, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for NDDOT Project No. SU-CRP-CPU-2-990(062), SU-CRP-2-990(063) & HEU-2-990(064) [Paving Imp. Dist. No. 125, Watermain Imp. Dist. No. 103, Sanitary Sewer Imp. Dist. No. 67 and Storm Sewer Imp. Dist. No. 54]. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

  • Approve Resolution 2411, a Resolution to add a Question to the 2024 Ballot Repealing the Flavor Ban for Individuals 21 and Over. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,706,395.40          

Roll Call:    Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N2. Approve using $622,143 of Prairie Dog Funds that was designated for Phase II NW Storm Sewer Project for the overage on Paving Imp. Dist. No. 125, Watermain Imp. Dist. No. 103, Sanitary Sewer Imp. Dist. No. 67 and Storm Sewer Imp. Dist. No.54 Construction Project and balance of bid overage from Renew & Replacement Fund. (Deputy Auditor Klein)

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

5.2.2023 Finance Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 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/84496386791 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 844 9638 679.

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) – (Deputy Auditor Klein)
  3. Clarification for Prairie Dog Funds for Infrastructure for New Development. (City Administrator Crawford)
  4. Review Credit Limits on City Purchasing Cards.  (Deputy Auditor Klein)

Adjourn

4.23.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • Saturday was the fifty-third celebration of Earth Day.  It is a day when a billion people in 193 countries support environmental protection.  How about giving some consideration to our earth everyday?
  • Drew Kohler, a third grader, in Valley City served as Mayor for a Day at our Valley City Commission Meeting last week.  As part of City Government Week, Drew was selected for her essay submission.  A side note, she “loves meatloaf and encourages all of us to pick up 5-pieces of garbage in town daily”!  Thank you to all third graders who submitted essays as all were good.
  • With temperatures being either side of 20 degrees below average, “global warming” would be a tough sell at this point.  The good part of the cooler weather and snow, it is melting slowly, replenishing subsoil moisture and retarding floods.
  • Speaking of flooding, the USACE was releasing about 1500 cfs from Bald Hill Dam over the weekend.  That, along with runoff between the dam and here, our river level was about ten feet and the forecast is friendly.
  • We need to hang on, I believe better weather is coming.  “Hope dies last”.
  • You may have heard, residential garbage pick up will be changing, June 5th is the “target”.  Only one operator is needed to run the truck to pick up containers.  Our truck has arrived and we are awaiting the containers.  A 65-gallon container with wheels and barcode identification will be delivered to our homes the week of May 22nd.  Delivery personnel will use addresses to deliver so containers will be left in the “front”.  Please see the city website and Facebook for updates.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “If we magnified Blessings as much as we magnified disappointments, we would all be much happier.”                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                             ~ John Wooden

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

4.11.2023 Board of Equalization Minutes

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

Others Present:  City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Administrator Crawford, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Assessor Current.

Deputy Auditor Klein read North Dakota Century Code sections 57-11-01, 03 and 07 pertaining to the duties of the Board of Equalization.

President Carlsrud declared the hearing open at 4:00 P.M. City Assessor Current reported the changes in property values within the city for 2023.  An overall summary was read and submitted. No property owners were present for requests and there were no written requests received in the Auditor’s Department.

pROPERTY tYPEcERTIFIED vALUESpROJECTED tOTALS 2022$ cHANGE% cHANGE
Residential land$40,007,300$41,608,400$1,601,1004.0%
Residential structure$240,438,400$255,234,900$14,796,5006.15%
Grand Total residential$280,445,700$296,843,300$16,397,6005.85%
     
Commercial Land$41,438,250$41,613,950$175,7000.42%
Commercial Structure$133,369,860$139,542,932$9,173,0724.63%
Grand total Commercial$174,808,110$181,156,882$6,348,7723.63%
     
agricultural land$98,700$105,700$7,0007.09%
GRAND TOTAL agricultural land$98,700$105,700$7,0007.09%
     
TOTAL MARKET VALUE$455,352,510$478,105,882$22,753,3725.00%

City Assessor Current stated 62 Notices of Increase were sent out.  The following property owners contacted City Assessor Current regarding the notice of increase for 2023.

pROPERTY OWNERREQUESTED CHANGE
Wesley & Natalie Wintch63-5150129 Lowered Value
Dave Zubrod Randie Meyer Tim Miller63-3450012 & 63-3440047 Lowered Value 63-0380401 Lowered Value No Changes

Commissioner Bishop moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the assessment book as prepared by the City Assessor, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:47 p.m.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

4.5.2023 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, Deputy Auditor Klein Administrative Assistant Johnson.

Pledge of Allegiance

City Government Week Proclamation

Approval of Agenda

Remove O1; Add N6

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the March 20th, 2023 Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Approve Application for House Movers License Renewal for Carrington House Moving, Inc.

Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

VCSU Foundation on April 28th, 2023 at the Eagles.

VCHS DECA on April 19th, 2023 at VCHS.

St. Catherine’s Knights of Columbus on My 24th, 2023 at the Eagles.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1124, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 8-04-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Prohibited Sales of Tobacco Products.

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2407, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving District 127.

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

Approve Resolution 2408, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Paving 127.

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

Approve Resolution 2409, a Resolution Rejecting All Bids and Authorizing Engineer to Re-Advertise for Bids for Paving Improvement District No. 126, Watermain Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68 and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

City Engineer stated only one bid was received for the project in the amount of $5,495,765.50, the engineer’s estimate was $4,092,620. Recommendation is to reject bid and rebid in the next few weeks giving the opportunity to start later this year or in 2024.

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 $1,577,832.72.        

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

Consider Amendment to Easement Agreement with Al Dolliver.

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

Accept Quote for Mowing Services.

City Administrator Crawford stated with the quotes received, her recommendation is to go with Eek Ink Company.

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

Approve Sale of Land in the NW Industrial Park.

Jennifer Feist stated the Development Corporation is requesting to enter into a purchase agreement to sell land in the industrial park.  The amount of the sale would be used to pay off the specials of $32,091 that any funds over and above that amount from the sale be retained by the Development Corporation to be invested in a project to build a manufacturing facility in the industrial park.

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

Approve Purchase of Flatbed Truck.

City Administrator Crawford stated we were looking at converting the old pumper truck from the fire department into being a truck to haul flood supplies. Recommendation is to purchase the supplies needed to convert to the flatbed truck and sell the old one.

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

Approve Advisory Vote for a Tobacco Products Ordinance.

Commissioner Magnuson stated there has been a lot of back and forth on this and instead of having five people make this decision, he is requesting to have it put on as an advisory vote in the next city election which would be about 14 months from now.

Motion is to move forward in preparing a document for election.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

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

Motion passed.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford gave our Public Works department, they have been doing a great job through all of this and we appreciate it. For those that would like to, we will be opening the Landfill from 7:30-4 for household trash due to the weather and us not being able to get everywhere.

As of right now we won’t know more about flood stats until after Easter.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Assessor Current gave a reminder of the Equalization meeting on April 11th at 4 PM.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported the annual fundraiser was amazing and thanked everyone. Thanks to the department members. There has been an enormous amount of rescue calls.

Police Chief Hatcher reported the roads are still closed and it is a $250 fine and puts a lot of different people in peril if you decide to go around those barriers.  Please stay home.  Thank you to VCSU for allowing those extra cars to park in their parking lot.

Commissioner Gulmon reported that the Finance Committee met to review finances through February and they look good. Cash reserves are above policy.  Waiting on FEMA reimbursement for the 2022 flood.  Snow removal budget for 2023 is almost or is exhausted.

Commissioner Erickson thanked the city crews for all their work.

President Carlsrud thanked all the employees for doing a great job.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:39 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

4.5.2023 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, Commission Erickson and Commissioner Gulmon

Others Present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Commission Topics

Discussion took place around updating flood books.

VCSU President Allan LaFave and Larry Robinson presented Mayor Carlsrud with the Distinguished Service Award.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

City Administrator Crawford reported that the transfer station was closed due to weather but there was a truck out picking up garbage.  They got to almost everything but due to snow in some areas they couldn’t get to it all.  We will open the station again for those that want to bring their household garbage there for free.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch stated the LED lighting is almost finished and the rebates have been turned in. One chemical we currently use will be discontinued so we are working on the replacement.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported they have been working on flood related items. One outage last month due to a blown fuse.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the calls for service for March. We are working on purchasing a new rescue boat and will use some of the money from our fundraiser, insurance and some county money.

Reported on the fire extinguisher business.

Police Department

Police Chief Hatcher provided an update. Also thanked VCSU for allowing people to park in their lot during the storm to get them off the road.

Street Department

Commissioner Erickson reported on behalf of the street department.  They are currently running 12-hour shifts.  There was some concern with the weight of the snow and if they would be able to push it over the banks.  They are working hard and doing what they can, there will be some streets that are narrowing.

Administration

Deputy Auditor Klein walked through the quarterly engineering report and also that the auditors were here last week and kept us busy but things are going well.

City Administrator Crawford stated Lance had worked on getting a 5-year plan together for FEMA which has gotten us to a 9, where we can get a 5% discount on flood related items.

Review monthly bills/reports

Deputy Auditor Klein reported $1,577,832.72 of expenditures for March.

Discuss Quotes for Mowing.

City Administrator Crawford stated our part-time help will not be coming back this summer, Bruce has decided not to come back. We decided to put it out for quotes.  Recommendation is to go with Eek Ink Mowing.

Discuss Sale of Land in the NW Industrial Park.

Jennifer is requesting the purchase of property due to an interested buyer.  Requesting the specials being paid as part of the purchase and any amount remaining be retained with the Development Corporation and used for economic development.

Discuss Purchase of Flatbed Truck.

City Administrator Crawford presented the various uses for this truck.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:16 PM.