Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

2.26.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • *The NORTH DAKOTA WINTER SHOW activities begin March 4th with the Michael Ray Kick-off Concert.  Enjoy the show.
  • Thanks to all you folks in the service industry who have been working diligently delivering mail, food, packages and the like.  Recent weather has been awful, thank you again.
  • As per above, our street & electrical crews are often called out at all hours of the day and night to open roads, fix water lines and make sure we all have electricity.  It is tough duty, thank you.
  • Maybe the toughest job, especially during nasty weather, is working on the sanitation trucks.  Riding the back of a truck & gathering our garbage with 40-below wind chill is tough and these folks go above and beyond serving Valley City Citizens.  Thank you all a bunch.
  • Be sure to take part in the Chamber’s “Cocoa & Coffee Crawl” Saturday March 4 from 10:00 – 2:00.   Have fun!
  • Monday, February 27 from 2:00 – 6:00 a “Love Your Library” Open House will be celebrated at the Valley City Barnes County Public Library.  See how libraries operate and at 4:30, Phil Mueller will share information about the legislative processes.   Drinks and cookies will be served so stop in and enjoy.
  • Last week it was shared that Tom Heller, President & CEO at MRES is retiring and Matt Schull will assume the position.  Thoughts from Matt:  “I’m very excited about joining a great team at MRES and getting to know the 61 communities it serves, including Valley City.  I’m looking forward to getting started soon; Kim and I can’t wait to move back to the Midwest.”
  • Minnesota Twins players and staff sported T-shirts bearing the phrase “Powered by Mental Health”.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “If the only prayer you said was thank you, it would be enough.”                                             ~ Meister Eckhart

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and be Respectful,

Dave

Agenda Available

2.21.2023 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 21st, 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/89764458804 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  897 6445 8804.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the February 7th Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  •  Approve Raffle Permits for the Following:
    • VCSU Trap Shooting Club on April 27th, 2023 at VCSU.
    • Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals on April 8th, 2023 at the Eagles.
  • Approve Application for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit from the Following:
    • Eagles Club on March 7th-12th from 11am-10pm at the Winter Show.
    • The Labor Club on March 4th, 2023 from 5:30pm-10:00pm at the Winter Show Concert.

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 Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1125, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 14-09-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Fee for Careless Driving Violation.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1126, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 4-01-27 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Open Sale or Possession of Alcohol in Public.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud          

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2401, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for paving Improvement District No. 125.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution 2402, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 126.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

3. Approve Resolution 2403, a Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Costs and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Paving Improvement District No. 125, Watermain Improvement District No. 103, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 67, and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 54.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

4. Approve Resolution 2404, a Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Costs and Authorizing Engineer to 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)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

5. Approve Resolution 2405, a Resolution Declaring Necessity of Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 127. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

6. Approve Resolution 2406, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report and Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans Specification and Estimate of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 127

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

N1. Appoint New Member to Planning and Zoning Commission to Fill Unexpired City Resident Term Ending on June 30, 2026.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N2.  Consider and Approve a Request for Funds to Support Business Expansion.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

N3.  Approve Main Street Champion Action Plan.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

N4.  Approve Application for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Cottonwood Cider House on March 8th, 2023-March 12th, 2023 from 11am-10pm.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:    Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud          

N5.  Discuss Finance and Commission Meeting Material Distribution Process.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N6.  Approve Amendment to Purchasing Policy. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

2.12.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Hopefully you all made opportunities to enjoy the beautiful weather over the weekend.  We walked comfortably with minimal winter clothing and even washed our car outside, though a long handled brush was used.
  • Speaking of cars, if you are looking for a different vehicle, stop in at one of our local dealerships.  Regardless of what you see on the lots, they are networked and can find most anything you want.  “Give’m a shot”.
  • We had a Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) Board Meeting last week; watch for a press release coming soon.  MRES is researching long and short term adequate & reliable power supplies for us.
  • At an AA meeting last week, a man got on his knees and prayed, “God, let your Will be my life”.  It was powerful.
  • HB1003 is the Higher Education Funding Bill for North Dakota colleges and universities.  VCSU has been the number one ranked Elementary Education University in the nation and currently has over 1500 alumni in elementary and secondary North Dakota Schools.  VCSU’s total funding package includes remodeling McCarthy Hall’s Education Department enhancing this already prestigious program.  Please let your legislators know you support and ask them to support HB1003 also.
  • If one is “texting”, who is driving the car?
  • Valentine’s Day is Tuesday February 14.  St. Valentine was a Christian Martyr and the recognizing of his martyrdom has evolved into a celebration of love in many regions of the world.  St. Valentine’s Day first took place February 14, 1400 in Paris. Today, approximately 145 million greeting cards are exchanged, about 250 million roses are grown just for Valentine’s Day and nearly 8 billion conversational hearts are manufactured.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”                       ~ Lionel Hampton

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and be Respectful,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

1.25.2023 Special Commission Minutes

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.

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

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

New Business

Approve Raffle Permit for Pat Malec Benefit on January 28, 2023 at the Eagles.

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

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 12:02 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

1.17.2023 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 and Commissioner Gulmon.

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the January 5th, 2023 Finance and Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Contractor License for the following:

 Enterprise Sales Co.

Next Signs, LLC

Breland Enterprises

Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

 VCPS Music Boosters on March 6, 2023 at the HAC.

Disabled American Veterans on the 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 at the Eagles.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2389, a Resolution to Create Paving Improvement District No. 127 (W. Main St. Mill & Overlay). 

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

New Business

Discuss Costs and Special Assessments for NE Paving Reconstruction-2nd Ave/3rd St. NE.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported due to the amount of snow and weather we will no longer be selling sand salt to anyone because we will need it for our own stock.

Greg Horner is going to work with their football team to clear out the fire hydrants starting with people that are not able and go from there.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Assessor Current reported Bobby Koepplin resigned from the PZ Commission so we will be posting to fill that soon.

City Engineer Chad Petersen reported they will be accepting bids Friday morning for the Main Street outlet by the Elks building.

Commissioner Gulmon thanked Clint and his staff for doing a great job with the amounts of snow fall we’ve gotten.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the emergency personnel for all they do.

President Carlsrud reported we have had about 30 inches of snow. It will likely take about 6 weeks without interruption to get it to where folks like it.  Sioux Falls had 15 inches of snow and were still windrowing the following week, during the day.

City Administrator Crawford added that our street lights are fine and they are timed out at 2 minutes so you are not sitting at them longer than that.  What we are finding is that the moisture and cold are causing the push buttons to get stuck They are under warranty so we will be replacing them. 

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:20 P.M.

2.5.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • Last week St. Catherine’s School celebrated National Catholic Schools Week.  Monday began with a program honoring veterans and soldiers who are currently serving.  Thank you to the St. Kates students, teachers and administrators for your patriotic efforts.
  • February is Black History Month in our nation.  It is a great time to recognize the many black people who have been significant in shaping our nation and the world.  A few folks you may enjoy googling are; Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Mohamed Ali, Malcom X and Martin Luther King.  They are good stories.
  • Do you have fire extinguishers in your homes & businesses?  Extinguishers, properly serviced annually and strategically placed, can allow you to extinguish fire and save your home or business.  The Valley City Fire Department (VCFD) services and sells fire extinguishers.  For further information, contact Lance at 701-845-3351 or e-mail at lcoit@valleycity.us
  • To do a good job clearing snow, plows must travel fast enough to “throw snow” off the streets.  When vehicles are parked on the streets, plows need to slow down and go around the vehicles leaving piles of snow by the vehicles.  If you have more vehicles than off-street parking places, talk with your neighbors about partnering.  Share driveways and other parking areas when snow events are forecast.  Partnerships can be very gratifying; “Two horses can pull more than twice as much as one can”.
  • Wearing a seatbelt properly can prevent your chest from being slammed into the steering column protecting your heart, lungs and other vital organs.
  • We are a municipal power community & our power was “on” 99.9999% of the time in January!
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “Gravitation isn’t responsible for people falling in love.”                   ~ Albert Einstein

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

2.7.2023 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 7th, 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/85365864167 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  853 6586 4167.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the January 17th Commission Meeting and the January 25th, Special 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 Raffle Permits for the following:
    • Student Nurse Organization on April 3rd, 2023 at the VCSU-Rhoades Science Center.
    • ND Appaloosa Horse Club on August 20th, 2023 at the ND Winter Show.
    • El Zagal Sheyenne Valley Flag Corps on June 17, 2023 at the Eagles.
    • SHINE on April 30, 2023 at the Eagles.
    • Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter on March 24th, 2023.
    • Valley City Fire Department on March 23rd, 2023.
    • Dakota Plains Ag on March 20th, 2023.

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

  1. Public Hearing for Four Bottle Drive Vacation. (City Administrator Crawford)

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Motion to Close Public Hearing

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve Resolution 2391, a Resolution Approving Vacation of Four Bottle Drive.

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1125, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 14-09-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Fee for Careless Driving Violation.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

2.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1126, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 4-01-27 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Open Sale of Possession of Alcohol in Public.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud          

Resolution

  1.  Approve Resolution 2392, a Resolution amending the Master Fee Schedule to include Plat Recording Fee. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud   

2. Approve Resolution 2393, a Resolution creating Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 54.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

3. Approve Resolution 2394, a Resolution creating Watermain Improvement District No. 103.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

4. Approve Resolution 2395, a Resolution creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 67.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud          

5. Approve Resolution 2396, a Resolution creating Storm Sewer Improvement District No.  55. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

6. Approve Resolution 2397, a Resolution creating Watermain Improvement District No. 104.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

7. Approve Resolution 2398, a Resolution creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

8. Approve Resolution 2399, a Resolution authorizing Filing of an Application with the ND Dept. of Environmental Quality for Assistance performing a lead Service Line Inventory in Compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.(City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

9. Approve Resolution 2400, a Resolution Accepting and Awarding Contract for Main Street Outlet Vault.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

N1.  Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $ 1,459,003.66.        

Roll Call:    Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N2. Consider Forwarding Petition for Vacation of Alley between Lots 1-6 and Lots 7-12, Block 3, Grangers Addition to the Planning and Zoning Commission. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N3.  Approve Amendment to Employee Salary Schedule.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

N4.  Approve Amendment to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual Related to Unpaid Leave.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

N5.  Approve Request to move the April 4th Finance and Commission Meetings to April 5th.  (Mayor Carlsrud)

Roll Call:    Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N6.  Approve Material for Upcoming Construction Season.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud          

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

2.7.2023 Finance Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 7th, 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/82143412545 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 821 4341 2545

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    • Sanitation Department
    • Water Department
    • Electric Department
    • Fire Department
    • Police Department
    • Street Department
    • Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)
  3. Discuss Sales of Electronic Cigarettes. (Commissioners)
    • Input from City County Health Department
    • Input from John Stearns
  4. Viking Drive Estates Update.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss Plat Recording Procedure. (City Administrator Crawford)
  6. Update Fees for Select Code Violation.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  7. Policy Manual Update – Unpaid Leave.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  8. Discuss Prices for Upcoming Construction Season.  (Electrical Superintendent Senf)

Adjourn

1.29.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • While we were walking over the weekend, we needed a little warmer clothing than we have needed for a while and the ice is much harder and more slippery! Be aware, be safe.
  • Last Saturday Sue (How’s that Jim?) and I attended a robotics meet at The HAC.  There were eleven teams competing from Grand Forks to Groton, SD and points in between.  The engineering skills these young people possess and utilize are remarkable.  They designed machines for this competition that can pick up discs and throw them like Frisbees into baskets ….. really!  Watch for next year’s meet in Valley City and take a little time to attend, I think you’ll be amazed.  For further information contact Annette Beattie: annette.beattie@k12.nd.us
  • Our electric power provider, Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) originated in 1965 and Valley City became a member in 1979.  The Municipal Joint Action Agency has been providing us with reliable electric power, good rates and management services ever since.  Thank you to the folks in 1979 who voted to become a member of the MRES family.
  • Behavioral Health is a growing issue in our society.  There are any number of things in life nowadays that can stress one’s emotional wellbeing, from cyberbullying to addictions.  That I am in recovery, I know situations can feel overwhelming, but there is help.  Talk with a friend, a clergy person, a doctor or call City County Health (701-845-8518) to begin.
  • Will you perform some acts of kindness this week?
  • Remember our State Legislature is in session now.  To track bills, hearings and the like, see https://www.ndlegis.gov/assembly/68-2023/regular – there’s lots of “stuff” there.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits.”                   ~ ShutterStock

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Agenda Available

1.25.2023 Special Commission Agenda

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The Special City Commission Meeting will begin on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at 12:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

  1.  Approve Raffle Permit for Pat Malec Benefit on January 28th, 2023 at the Eagles.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Bishop          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Adjourn