Author Archive: Judi Hintz

8.7.23 Mayors Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

8/7/2023

                Hi Everyone,

  • Last Friday the Barnes County Museum was featured in “Only in Your State”.  The writer says, “This unique museum lets you see a whole new side of North Dakota” so search “Only in North Dakota” to see said feature.  Wes Anderson, his board and community volunteers do a great job of curating the museum.  “Though many people don’t bat an eye at county museums, this one is special!”  If you haven’t been there, it is worth the trip and if you have been there, it may be time to go again.  Enjoy!
  • DO NOT feed deer or other animals in town as they become dependent on your “free food” and may die during winter as they don’t know how to forage efficiently.
  • A “fun fact”, August 1st, for the first time, everyone on the garbage route had put containers correctly!  Thank you.
  • We have been experiencing numerous electrical “blinks” and some outages this summer.  Squirrels are the biggest culprits as they are attracted by vibrations of the transformers, in turn causing shorts, blown fuses and “blinks”….. then are, well, you know.  Both our transformers are again operating and delivering the smooth power flows to which we are accustom and we are grateful.  ** By the way, our power was “on” .99999% of the time in July!!
  • Our Police Department just received a new E-Bike specially designed for Police, 1st Responders & Military.  We are grateful to Missouri River Energy Service (MRES) for partnering in the bike purchase.  MRES, along with secured grants, activated the purchase with no cost to the city.  Thank you everyone.
  • Perhaps you saw pictures posted by VCPS of our Public Works Department Employees painting safety lanes and pedestrian crossings around the schools in preparation for the beginning of school.  Thank you to all.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “Love makes the wildest spirit tame and the tamest spirit wild.”    ~ Alex Delp                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.26.2023 Special Commission Budget Proceedings

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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

7:00 AM City Hall

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 7:00 AM.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon

Members absent: None

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Attorney Martineck, Police Chief Hatcher, Assessor Current.

 

New Business

Remove Avis Richter as an Authorized Signer on Dacotah Bank Accounts Effective August 1, 2023.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve removing Avis Richter as an authorized signer on the Dacotah Bank Accounts effective August 1, 2023. Seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion carried.

Discuss and Approve the 2024 Preliminary Budget

Deputy Auditor Klein reported that at this time we do not have an estimated value of a mill. The 2024 Preliminary Budget has a 5% increase in dollars levied compared to the 2023 Budget. Last year’s increase from the 2022 Budget to the 2023 Budget was 7%. Department heads were diligent with keeping their operational expenses at a minimal increase. The increase in expenditures in the General Fund is 2.7%. The 2024 Transfers In are $218,000 less than last year. This included $108,000 from Fund 105 City Financed Special Assessment Projects and $110,000 from Fund 241 Property Tax Relief. Cash reserves of $1,127,303 is 27% of expenditures, which is within the guidelines set in the City’s Fund Balance policy (30% to no lower than 21%, with 20% needing corrective action by the Commission).

The proposed salaries in the 2024 budget includes a 4% cost of living allowance (COLA) increase and a step increase in the 0-24-year salary schedule. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated using the Consumer Price Index, in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics report for the Midwest Region from July 2022 to June 2023. The increase in the transfer from the utility fund is $362,000, this includes an increase of $262,000 to the General Fund and $100,000 to Fund 231 Street Renew and Replacement.

NDPHIT has not released information regarding health insurance premium increases for 2024. A 5% increase to be picked up by the City is currently budgeted. If the premium increase is more than the estimated 5%, the Commission will re-evaluate. The City’s contribution to the employee’s HSA accounts would remain the same, with the employees matching a portion of the contribution in order to receive the full amount. Percentages for NDPERS contributions will increase in 2024, the budget reflects the 1% increase required by the employer.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the 2024 Preliminary Budget as presented which includes the proposed salary structure and 4% COLA, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion carried.

ADJOURN

Meeting Adjourned at 7:45 A.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.18.2023 Commission Minutes

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

ROLL CALL

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford via Zoom, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No changes.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the July 6th, 2023 Finance and Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractors License for Hi-Line Excavating LLC.

Approve Raffle Permit for SHINE for September 1st, 2023 at Hanna Field.

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

ORDINANCE

Approve the Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1135, an Ordinance to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

City Administrator Crawford stated that there were no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve the Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1136, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 1-01-11, 11.2, and to Amend and Reenact Subsection 7 of Section 14-35-02, and Sections 05-03-06, 17-03-04, and 17-04-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related of Disposition of Noncriminal Offenses.

Administrator Crawford stated the edits are the same as the last reading.  

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

Approve the First Reading of Ordinance 1137, an Ordinance updating the Valley City Municipal Code to reflect the 2023 State Legislative Session.

City Administrator Crawford stated that Martineck made the changes to the Ordinances was to conform with the new Legislative changes and will go into effect August 1st.

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

NEW BUSINESS

Accept the 2026 Urban Grant Program for the Project on 2nd Street N (3rd Avenue NW to 4th Avenue NE) and 3rd Avenue NE (Main to 2nd Street NE).

City Administrator Crawford pointed to the updated map supplied by Chad Petersen. This is the 5th time that we requested an Urban Grant & were selected again to receive one. Need a Commission action to move forward.

Chad Peterson, KLJ, commented this is for a full street reconstruction. In addition, the nonparticipating water and sewer work will go along with the project. This is approved for the 2026 project funding.

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

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

The next couple weeks will be dedicated to Budget. The 2nd Ave NE construction project has started earlier than anticipated. There will be a public meeting July 19th, 5:30 for this project.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Auditor Klein – Introduction of the new Administrative Assistant Judi Hintz.

Chad Petersen, KLJ –Construction update on the 2nd Ave NE project and notice of the Public Meeting for Tuesday, July 19th in the Commissioners Room at 5:30PM.  This Project is scheduled to be completed the first week of October.

Master Lift Station Construction Project – Updating piping inside the station.

Main Street Discharge Vault Project – Street closure will start Monday the 24th. Scheduled to be completed Sept 16th.

Commissioner Gulmon – Several budget meetings previously and this will continue into next week. Mayor Carlsrud – Please have Patience with all the Construction Projects going on. Thank you to the construction crews for making methods to get around. Thank you to the citizens for being accommodating & we ask your indulgence.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.6.2023 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, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Commission Topics

Discussion took place around ways to support or incentivize restaurants in town.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart walked through some of the required guidelines for the new cans.  Reminded that the grass site is for branches no bigger than 3 inches diameter, no processed wood and dump the grass bags out and the dumpster by the grass site is only for bags or boxes used to haul the grass.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch stated the water use was slightly elevated since June and will likely increase a little more if the temps do.

Electric Department

Cory Buck reported on current electrical projects. Also stated that the current surges people are experiencing is due to being on one substation relays doing their job.  Once the other substation is back it will help.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the calls for service and fire extinguishers for June.

Police Department

Police Chief Hatcher provided and update.

Street Department

Nick Yokom reported on the street department projects. Discussion took place around who is responsible for the lift station located by The Reserve.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford requested the commissioners review the state vacation schedule to help stay competitive with everyone else hiring and be able to bring in quality employees.  We will also look at the state patrol to see if that is any different.

Review monthly bills/reports

Deputy Auditor Klein reported $1,662,479 for June expenditures.

Fee for Special Meeting Request

Due to the few we have, the decision was to hold off on applying a fee for a special commission meeting.

Viking Drive Update

David Wick provided an update and stated he will be in town in the next few weeks.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:36 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.6.2023 Commission Minutes

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CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the June 29th, 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 for Glaesman Moving.

Approve Application to Block off the Street for Valley City Parks & Recreation Pulled Pork Cook off on July 13th, 2023 from 3pm-6:30pm.

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractor License for the following:

Kohn Electric LLC

Randall’s Excavating Inc.

Valley Plains Equipment

MX Underground

Dedicated Builders

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

Public Hearing

Public Hearing on Rezoning and Amending Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

There were no comments.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1135, an Ordinance to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1136, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 1-01-11.2, and to Amend and Reenact Subsection 7 of Section 14-35-02, and Sections 05-03-06, 17-03-04, and 17-04-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Disposition of Noncriminal Offenses. 

City Attorney Martineck stated this is an administrative change to streamline the disposition process for non-criminal offenses.

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,662,478.80         

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

Authorize Brenda Klein as an authorized signer on Dacotah Bank Accounts Effective August 1st, 2023.

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

Approve Transfer Request for Liquor and/or Beer License Application for Alcoholic Beverage License from Jeremy Tjon (current owner of The Clubhouse) to Autumn Perry subject to conditions being met.

City Attorney Martineck stated some conditions needing to be met are removing the Legion signage and documentation of the ownership of the building change being recorded.

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

Consider VC-BC Development Corporation Request for $500,000 to support VCSU and their Forward Together Campaign.

Trinity Nelson requested the funds distributed over 5-7 years to support the VCSU Capital Campaign.

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

Approve MOU with VCBC Library for Services.

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

Approve Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Designated Entity contract between WAPA, the City of Valley City and MRES.

City Administrator Crawford stated there is not a fee for MRES to do this and we need this to be done for our energy credits.

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

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Brockopp Brewing LLC on July 20th for Summer Nights on Central.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported a change we are looking at changing the base fees on bills by prorating them.

Deputy Auditor Klein stated the money received $229,416 from the state for the snow assistance grant, good job Gary.

City Attorney Martineck reported that Judi Hintz has been hired for the Administrative Assistant position in City Hall and is expected to start on July 17th.

Chad Petersen reported on the upcoming construction projects. The lift station will be starting soon and take about a month to complete. Preconstruction meeting for 2nd Ave/3rd St NE project will be happening within the next couple of weeks.  They are thinking of starting a couple weeks early due to the good conditions they’ve been having.  There is also the preconstruction meeting for the Main Street Outlet Vault related to PFP.  We will get an update at that time when they are thinking of starting.  They originally planned the end of July and work must be completed by September 16th.  Chad gave an update on CLOMR.  Feeling pretty comfortable to have a final submittal and approval by fall this year and start moving forward.

Commissioner Gulmon reported on finances with the big news being getting the reimbursement for the spring flood expenses at almost $1.5 million.

Commissioner Erickson went through some of the guidelines for the new cans and grass site as Gloria has reported some issues.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the rescue workers for the jobs they do and volunteer to do.

Commissioner Magnuson asked that people take pride in their yards and areas around their property.

Mayor Carlsrud stated the guidelines for the new cans are on the website. Thanked staff for the work they do.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:28 P.M.

7.31.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • This Saturday, August 5, Valley City hosts its annual RiverFest which is the Sheyenne River Valley’s largest water festival.  The event will headquarter in Chautauqua Park where there will be, classes & games along with craft and food vendors.   Over 120 vessels are expected to float leisurely down the river which, thanks to the USACE, the river will be at optimum depth & flow.  There appears to be a little something for the whole family to enjoy.  For further information, see: www.vcparks.com.  Thanks to all who are facilitating the RiverFest Event.
  • Please consider this; “Do one thing a day for local business.”
  • Doctors recommend we exercise for good physical and mental health.  With our recent nice weather and fresh air, get out and do whatever exercise you can.  If you are physically challenged, I know some people who hopped on our Trolley and toured Valley City.  The said it was fun!
  • Please be careful.  There is much construction around town so what use to be simple routes have become challenging mazes.  Please respect signs and barriers as they are for your protection.  The other day some of us observed a blue four-wheeler with what appeared to be an adult driver and a youth passenger go through the construction site by Leevers creating a cloud of dust & go partially airborne coming out of the site.  To the adult, “Shame on you”.
  • Last week you probably received an e-mail from Joy at Public Works offering some convenient payment options for you.  The      e-mail is legitimate, so check with the office to see if they may be for you.
  • With the extreme heat this summer, “peak demands” must be met to keep your air conditioners running.  MRES manages flexible power sources like hydro, coal & nuclear to meet peak demands when intermittent sources like wind & solar fall behind.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “Old Cowboy Logic, Wrinkles mean you laughed, Grey hair means you cared and Scars mean you lived.”    ~ Pinterest                        

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

7.18.2023 Commission Agenda

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Tuesday, July 18th, 2023
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, July 18th,2023 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the July 6th, 2023 Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractor License for the following:
    1. Hi-Line Excavating LLC
  2. Approve Raffle Permit for SHINE on September 1st, 2023 at Hanna Field.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             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.

Public Hearing

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1135, an Ordinance to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1137, an Ordinance updating the Valley City Municipal Code to reflect the 2023 State Legislative Session. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

 

Resolution

New Business

  1. Accept 2026 Urban Grant Program for project on 2nd Street N (3rd Avenue NW to 4th Avenue NE) and 3rd Avenue NE (Main to 2nd Street NE). (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

8.1.2023 Finance Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 1st, 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/84492142241 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 844 9214 2241

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. Discuss Viking Drive Estates.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  4. Discuss VCMC section 5-01-20. – Feeding of deer and wild birds prohibited. (City Attorney Martineck)

Adjourn

Agenda Available

8.1.2023 Commission Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 1st , 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/84742897423 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  847 4289 7423

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the July 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 2023-2024 Application for Contractor Licenses for the following:
    1. Valley Flooring
    1. Braden Wenaas Construction, LLC
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter on September 21st, 2023 at the Valley City Eagles Club.
  4. Approve Application to Block Off Street for Captain’s Pub Street Dance for August 19th, 2023 at 3:00pm to 1am.

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.

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1137, an Ordinance updating the Valley City Municipal Code to reflect the 2023 State Legislative Session. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

N1.      Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $          

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N2.      Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Captain’s Pub Street Dance for August 19th, 2023. (Deputy Auditor Klein)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N3.      Approve Conditional Use Permit to operate Mac’s Bait & Tackle LLC at 741 2nd Ave NE. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

N4. Consider Accepting Project No. SU-2-990(059), PCN 22245 – 5th Ave NW Reconstruction. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

N5. Approve Preliminary Engineering Task Order for Site Survey for Public Works Site Development. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Notice of Board Opening for the City of Valley City

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The City of Valley City has an opening on the Planning & Zoning Commission for an extraterritorial seat. This position is a 5-year term.

If you would like to be considered for this position:

Please submit your name, address, and phone number, in writing, to the Valley City Auditor’s Office, 254 2nd Ave NE, Valley City. You may also email your information to jhintz@valleycity.us. All submissions must be submitted by Friday, August 4th, 2023.