Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

9/14/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Valley City and Barnes County!

  • Good news, our schools are under way.  Though there are challenges with reconvening, so far they have been manageable.  With students and school employees, VCPS and VCSU have about 2750 people so overseeing is a huge task.  Thank you all who are working to keep our schools safe for all.
  • * We have only a couple weeks remaining to be counted in Census 2020.  Please be counted!  Each person counted will generate over $19,000 and will determine our districts’ of representation.  AND it is safe.
  • Last week our Risk Level was raised to Yellow (I mistakenly said Orange last week, I apologize) and while we have had a couple low reports, positives are escalating.  Some folks have been asymptomatic, but some have become very ill and it is no fun!  Let’s be aware and protect each other as it takes a team.
  • * Please read this paragraph.  Along with hygiene and social distancing, masks help immensely.  For “masking up” to be effective, one does NOT have to wear the mask every-minute! Social distance, but if you cannot social distance, “mask up”, #MaskUpND.  For instance if business owners would request employees and customers to “mask up” when the social distance cannot be achieved, it will be a positive contribution to our battle.
  • One of our local legislators always says our area has a “Can Do” attitude and we need to “Join Hands” to make things happen.  That said, let’s work together with efforts to move our Risk Level from Yellow to Green.
  • “When you are good to others, you are best to yourself.”                (Poor Richard’s Almanac, 1748)

     Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

    Dave

   

9/15/2020 Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at 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/93963234761 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 939 6323 4761

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

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from September 1st, 2020 Finance and Commission Meetings and minutes from September 3, 2020 Special Commission Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve raffle permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals held on 12/11/2020 at Duttons Valley Gallery.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud


Public Comments

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

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


Public Hearing

PH 1.  Public Hearing for 2021 City Budget.

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1065, an Ordinance Adopting the 2021 City Budget (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2260, a resolution to advertise for bids for farm lease. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution No. 2261, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $300,000 water treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

3. Approve Resolution No.  2262, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $675,000 wastewater treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud



New Business

  1. Consider options for Building Inspector and City Engineer.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

2.  Consider RFP on 6th St NW Reconstruction.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

9/6/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings Everyone,

  • Thanks to all you people who have served as “paper carriers” over the years.  You did more than delivering papers as you established relationships with many people you may not have met had you not been “paper carriers”.  Thank you again and Blessings.
  • The Census 2020 deadline is the end of this month.  Please be counted.  Each person counted will generate over $19,000 and will determine our districts of representation.  AND it is safe.
  • COVID-19 Fatigue!  Gosh I am tiring of all the “virus stuff” though likely I am not alone.  Thank you all for your grand efforts battling the pandemic. 
  • Our risk rating has been raised from “Green” to “Yellow” and we have more stringent restrictions.  To succeed, we must recommit to ND Smart Restart by utilizing the available tools, Social Distancing, MaskUpND and good Hygiene.  Those three tools have shown great results over time so let’s get back to them.
  • https://ndresponse.gov/sites/www/files/documents/covid19/ND%20Smart%20Restart/Additional%20Resources/NDSmartRestartPlan.pdf
  • Earlier I mentioned COVID-19 Fatigue and sadly, it seems to have crept into how we are treating each other.  People have chastised health workers who were simply calling individuals and sharing that the person was a “close contact”.  That is wrong.
  • Another example, people have used social media, phone calls and texts to shame fellow citizens who are affected by the COVID-19.  That is NOT okay!
  • My Mom was a sweetheart and lived by the motto “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.  That would be asking a lot, so let’s move forward by respecting others, being kind to others and treating others the way we’d like to be treated.  
  • We are in this together and we can beat this, but like a team, we need to support each other.  Let’s join hands and “GO”!
  • “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”            (Peanuts Quote)

  Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

    Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8/18/2020 Commission Meeting Minutes

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The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public were not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

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

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, PW Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ

Oath of Office for Officer Zachary Gruba

President Carlsrud administered the Oath of Office for Officer Gruba.

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the July 28, 29 and 30th Budget Meetings and the August 4th, 2020 Commission Meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1.  Approve Plumber and Mechanical Contractor License for BDT Mechanical, LLC.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion Carried.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance 1063, an Ordinance to amend Title 9 (Fire Protection) fire extinguisher inspections.

City Attorney Martineck reported the only change since the last reading is the addition of the administrative fee that can be assessed by the Fire Chief for violations of that particular section. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Ordinance 1063, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No.  1064, an ordinance to adopt and enact Seciton1-01-16 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to cooperative purchasing.

City Attorney Martineck reported the fire department is looking at expanding the current fire hall and this ordinance is allowing to look at other competitive contract without the statutory bidding process.

Mayor Carlsrud asked why this process is necessary.

City Attorney Martineck responded that under state law we are required to competitively bid out any project that is over $200,000.  We can adopt an ordinance to allow us to bid differently and we have been told by another contractor that they would be able to do the project for a lot cheaper saving the taxpayers money if we used GSA contracting.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve Ordinance 1064, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed.

Resolutions

Approve Resolution No. 2259, a resolution amending Master Fee Schedule – temporary use permit and fire extinguisher inspections.

City Attorney Martineck stated these fees were discussed at the last meeting.  The only thing that was added was the administrative penalty of $25 for the first violation and $50 for the second.

Mayor Carlsrud requested an example of a violation.

Fire Chief Magnuson responded if someone didn’t have their fire extinguishers up to code or inspected.

Commissioner Gulmon requested an example of where the temporary use permit would be utilized.

City Attorney Martineck stated an example would be food truck that wants to set up in a parking lot or on the side of the road will have to get a permit.  A vendor that had a rug sales business out of the back of their truck would have to come in and get a permit.     They can do it for 10 days for $50 or for the whole year for $500.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve Resolution 2259, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion Carried.

New Business

Approve construction engineering agreement with KLJ for Permanent Flood Protection Erosion Mitigation Phase 1.

This is an amendment to the original agreement.  The original agreement was for the $45,500, the amended amount is for $55,925 totaling $101,425.00.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.
Roll call: Bishop – aye; Magnuson – aye; Erickson – nay; Gulmon – aye; Carlsrud – aye.

Motion carried.

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Permit for the Labor Club Back to School Outdoor Parking Lot Dance held in the Labor Club Parking Lot on August 29th from 9om-1am.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried contingent that the Labor Club provides a plan on social distancing.

City Administrator’s Report

Marshall had brought up that the flags that were going on the new poles were getting caught up in some of the banners.  He received some quotes for fixing that problem.  City Administrator Crawford stated she applied for gaming funds through the Eagles and was awarded the full amount of $3,030.  Thank you to the Eagles!

City Updates & Commission Reports

Finance Auditor Richter reported that our 2019 audit reports are finalized and will be sent out to the commissioners and department heads soon.

Luke Everson with Eide Bailly will be presenting by Zoom at the September 1st Finance meeting.

The certification for the Cares Act funding has been sent in for the 5 months of the Police Departments’ salary and benefits which totals $435,000.  Not sure how much of that we will be reimbursed.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported the census is still happening and workers are going door to door.

Chad Peterson from KLJ reported updates on 5th Ave NW are starting to pave from main to just south of 7th St.  Next week they should be moving onto Phase II.

Commissioner Gulmon stated he and Avis met last week reviewed some items in the budget and talked about the monthly financial income expense report to date and a little about the allocation of the Cares funds.

Commissioner Bishop welcomed Officer Gruba and thanked Police Chief Hatcher for all his hard work.

Mayor Carlsrud stated he and Suzy walked up 5th Ave and we noticed what a good job KPH did cleaning up when they left for the weekend.  Also, thanks to Reiner for doing such a nice job on our flood wall.  Down at the Master Lift and the other pump station by where the old Bettins and it looks so nice.  Valley City can be proud of the work those people have did for us.

Welcome to Zach Gruba.

Thank you to the Eagles for the contribution.

Thank you to all of our city employees.  With all that is going on it makes more work to all of you and we appreciate you.  Thank you to the Commission for serving.

Meeting was Adjourned at 5:30 PM.

9/4/2020 Special Commission Meeting

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The City Commission City Administrator Search Committee will meet on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 7:00 AM CT at 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/93625242138 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 936 2524 2138


CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (PLEASE STAND)

NEW BUSINESS


 N1. Consider changes to the Preliminary Budget.
Roll Call: Magnuson Erickson Powell Bishop Carlsrud


N2. Review City Engineer Position.
Roll Call: Bishop Magnuson Erickson Powell Carlsrud


ADJOURN

8/31/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • Last week I was privileged to spend some time at The HAC for the VCPS Conference.  It was really refreshing seeing the whole VCPS Staff enthusiastic about the beginning of school. 
  • I believe all VCPS and VCSU employees and students have been provided the best opportunities to be successful combating COVID-19 and accomplished their missions.
  • Drivers, watch for students.  A number of them will be walking to school beginning this week.
  • Students, walking is good for us. It is a great way to social distance on your way to school with your friends as well.  Pay attention and be safe.
  • Everyone, our local COViD-19 numbers are way up and there may have been some less than “stellar” decisions leading to some of the increases.  Why have our local numbers been low for much of the time COVID-19 has been threatening?  Because you all have been making wise choices with social distancing!  It is imperative we return to more strict social distancing and wearing masks when you can’t social distance.   Governor Burgum professes, “A soft touch of government and a heavy dose of individual responsibility”, please try.
  • Behavioral Health is critical.  There are many things we can do outside our homes to safely relax and cultivate “good feelings” for ourselves.  Get out and enjoy.
  • Social Injustice is everywhere; respect and kindness are keys.  “To be respected and receive kindness, I must first give respect and kindness”.
  •  “If they respect you, respect them.  If they disrespect you, respect them anyway.  Do not allow the actions of others to decrease your good manners, because you represent yourself, not others.”                                          

                                                                (Peanuts Quote)

    Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

    Dave Carlsrud

9/1/2020 City Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at 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/92269970205 or listen by calling (1
346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 922 6997 0205

NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2260 NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 1065
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (PLEASE STAND)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes from August 18th, 2020 meeting.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
B. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of
C. Approve Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on 9/24/2020.

Roll Call: Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Erickson Carlsrud

PUBLIC COMMENTS

During the COVID-19 emergency, members of the public may request to make a public comment regarding city business by contacting City Hall (701) 845-1700 by 12 NOON on the day of the meeting to make arrangements.
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.


NEW BUSINESS

  1. Consider advertising for bids the sale of vacant lot at 14th St SW, Parcel 63-0880017. (City Administrator Crawford)
    Roll Call: Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Bishop Carlsrud
  2. Consider member participation agreement – North Dakota Public Health Insurance Trust. (City Attorney Martineck).
    Roll Call: Bishop Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Carlsrud
  3. Consider Site Authorizations for VCSU Foundation at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, VC Town & Country Club, Shelly Ellig Field @ Lokken Stadium and the Valley City Eagles Club. (Finance Director Richter)
    Roll Call: Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Erickson Carlsrud
  4. Approve recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board for tax exemption for Smith Lumber. (Jim Knutson, Chair):
    Roll Call: Erickson Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Carlsrud

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS
ADJOURN

9/1/2020 Finance Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 3:00 PM CT, at 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/97277011738 Listen by calling (1-253-215-8782) Webinar ID: 972 7701 1738


CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
AGENDA ITEMS


1.Department reports.

a.Out of State Travel Requests

2.Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)

3.Eide Bailly presentation of the 2019 Audit Report. (Luke Evanson)

4.Discuss agenda for the NDLC virtual conference. (City Administrator Crawford)

5.Discuss advertising for bids the sale of vacant lot at 14th St SW, Parcel 63-088007. (City Administrator Crawford)

6.Discuss lease agreement. (City Administrator Crawford)

7.Discuss City Engineer. (City Administrator Crawford)

8.Discuss 2021 employee health insurance and ancillary benefits. (City Attorney Martineck)

9.Discuss URD Wire Bid for all URD projects for 2020. (Electrical Superintendent Senf)

10.Update on CLOMR. (KLJ)


ADJOURN

8/24/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings All,

  • “North Dakota Smart”.  With our area schools and VCSU beginning face-to-face classes soon, a number of things have come to mind.  COVID-19 is still around and has increasing numbers, so what to do?  We live in a sparsely populated area of our United States. That said if we follow protocol, we should have a good opportunity to make this work safely for students, teachers and all.  The people involved with our education systems have been researching the best protocols to minimize exposures and increase safety.  Following the established guidelines of your school won’t “guarantee” success as there is risk, but failure to follow said guidelines will “guarantee” failure.  Be patient and “do the right things”.
  • Thursday the 27th is “Summer Nights on Central” from 6:00 – 9:00.  The organizers do great work providing safety options for attendees.  Get out and enjoy music, food and fellowship while social distancing.
  • Fifth Avenue NW is paved and looks nice.  Backfilling boulevards and light bases are coming soon. 
  • Hydration:  Look to water first, you should drink water every day.  Most people have been told they should drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day.  That’s a reasonable goal.  However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. For some, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough.  Others may need more than 8 glasses each day.  Hydration is important for young and old.  I was told if a person sweats and losses as little as 2% of one’s body weight, it can affect his/her decision making process! 
  •  “America will never be destroyed from the outside”.                                          

                                                                (Abraham Lincoln)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

    Dave

Construction Notice – 5th Avenue NW

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Starting August 18th, 2020, the intersections of 2nd and 6th Street NW along the 5th Ave NW corridor will be closed for paving operations. The intersections will remain closed until paving operations are completed later this week.


The current detour route will remain in effect. The detour runs from Main Street to 9th Avenue NW and then back to 5th Avenue NW via 12th Street NW.


Updated maps for all road closures will be posted on the City of Valley City’s webpage https://www.valleycity.us/engineers/ when they are taking affect. If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact KLJ at (701)-845-4980.