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City facilities reopen on June 15 for essential business

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City facilities will reopen to the public for essential business beginning on Monday June 15 as follows.  Please respect social distancing at all times.

City Hall/Public Works Offices

Doors will be open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Cash, check and credit/debit cards will be accepted on site for Public Works payments.  Cash and check will be accepted on site for all other payments. 

COVID-19 safety measures:  Utility customers are encouraged to consider payment options that do not require an onsite visit such as auto-pay, dropboxes, or payments by phone or mail.  Call Valley City Public Works at 701-845-0380 for more information.

For assistance with general government matters, Valley City residents, visitors, and vendors are encouraged to call 701-845-1700 to speak with city officials or to request an appointment prior to stopping at City Hall or Public Works offices.  Information and forms are also readily available at www.valleycity.us.

Guests will be asked to remain in designated waiting areas while being assisted or prior to scheduled appointments.  Hand sanitizer is available throughout City Hall and Public Works.  Employees and guests may wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

City meetings will remain closed to the general public due to space limitations, as authorized by Governor’s Executive Order 2020-16.  Instructions to access specific meetings by electronic means will be posted on the meeting agendas.  Public comments regarding city business will be accepted in writing any time, or during meetings by phone or Zoom.

Transfer Station

Gates will be open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Cash or check will be accepted on site. 

COVID-19 safety measures:  Customers are encouraged to call Valley City Public Works at 701-845-0380 to set up a credit or debit charge account prior to visiting the Transfer Station.  Staff will not be able to assist customers with the unloading of materials.  Employees and guests may wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Police Department/Municipal Court

Doors will be open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Fingerprinting and notary services will resume on Monday June 15.

COVID-19 safety measures: Citizens are encouraged to initiate police reports by calling 701-845-3110.  Records may be requested by calling 701-845-3110 or emailing asuhr@valleycity.us.

Municipal Court is held every other Tuesday at 9:30 AM.  All sessions of court will be held by phone until further notice.  To appear, call 701-845-8150 and enter conference ID: 981089.  For additional questions contact the Clerk of Court at 701-845-3110.

For information regarding other city facilities, please call 701-845-1700.

06/16/2020 City Commission Agenda

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Tuesday, June 16, 2020
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 16, 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/97914864324?pwd=WU9HcjJhSDVaZmwvRnQxQjVkWmlxZz09) Password 9PhqpQ or listen by calling (1 253 215 8782) Webinar ID: 979 1486 4324 Password 481130

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

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from June 2, 2020 meeting

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Renewal Application for Cabaret License:
    1. F.O.E. Aerie 2192

Roll Call:          Powell              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.


Public Hearing

  1.  Public Hearing for Mobile Vendors and Transient Merchants Licensing

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Powell              Magnuson        Carlsrud

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1060, an ordinance to amend and reenact Chapter 5 of Title 8 and Section 11-05-18 of the Valley City Municipal Code, relating to mobile vendors and transient merchants.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Erickson          Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1.  Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1059, an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory described as Auditor’s Lot Number 1 of the NE1/4 of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, Barnes County, ND (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Receive the Barnes County Official Canvassed Abstract and the Certificate of Election from the Primary Election held on June 9, 2020 (City Auditor Richter)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud
  2. Consideration of Nights on Central (President Carlsrud)
    Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Carlsrud
  3. Consider job descriptions for Assistant Fire Chief and Engineering Project Manager/Building Inspector (City Attorney Martineck)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud
  4. Approve 2020 – 2021 Gaming Site Authorizations for the following (City Auditor Richter):
    1. North Dakota Winter Show at North Dakota Winter Show Event Center
    1. Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 Fraternal Order of Eagles at the Eagles; Captain’s Pub; Labor Club; My Bar; City Lights; Tavern 94
      Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Carlsrud
  5. Approve Appointment for the following committees and terms (City Auditor Richter):
    • Zoning Board of Adjustment (Variance) – 3 openings, 3 year term
      • Allen Schuldt
      • Ken Reid
      • Jim Wright
    • Visitors Committee – 3 openings, 4 year term
      • Bobby Koepplin
      • Mary Lee Nielson
      • Vacancy

        Roll Call           Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Bishop             Carlsrud
  6. Discuss Urban Road Funding Request for Streetscape Phase II (KLJ)
  7. Approve Change Order #1, Project No. SU-2-990(059) – 5th Ave NW Reconstruction (KLJ)
    Roll Call:          Bishop             Powell              Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud
  8. Approve Change Order #2, Project No. SU-2-990(059) – 5th Ave NW Reconstruction (KLJ)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud
  9. Approve Renewal Applications for the following Alcoholic Beverage Licenses:
    • Brockopp Brewing, LLC
    • The Captains Pub
    • Chinese Palace
    • Hi-Line Hospitality, LLC dba City Lights
    • Dakota Silver, LLC
    • F.O.E. Aerie 2192
    • Jimmy’s Pizza
    • Sabir’s Dining & Lounge
    • Main Street Off-Sale, LLC dba Tavern 94
    • The Labor Club
    • County Bottle Shop, Inc dba the Liquor Locker
    • Valley City Town & Country Club
    • VC Developers LLC dba Bridges Bar & Grill
    • Woodland Lodge LLC dba Woodland Steakhouse
      Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Powell              Bishop             Carlsrud
  10. Discuss Renewal Applications for the following Alcoholic Beverage Licenses:
    • Mosby LLC dba Boomers Corner Keg
    • My Bar
    • The Clubhouse Lounge LLC
      Roll Call           Magnuson        Powell              Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud
  11. Approve Renewal Applications for the following Retail Tobacco Licenses:
    • Brothers III
    • CHS Inc dba Dakota Plains Ag (151 9th Ave NW)
    • CHS Inc. dba Dakota Plains Ag (807 Main St)
    • F.O.E. Aerie 2192
    • Family Dollar, Inc. dba Family Dollar #27662
    • Farmers Union Oil Company of Moorhead, MN dba PetroServe USA #071
    • And authorize the Auditor’s Office to issue licenses for applicants who meet all licensing requirements before June 30, 2020
      • The Liquor Locker dba County Bottle Shop, Inc.
      • Dakota Silver, LLC
      • DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store #17856
      • Leevers Foods, Inc (424 2nd Ave NE)
      • Leevers Foods, Inc (148 S Central Ave)
      • Mosby LLC dba Boomers Corner Keg

        Roll Call:          Bishop             Powell              Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

map of Paving 121 seal coat district

Construction Notice: Paving 121 Seal Coat Starts 06/10/2020

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Paving Improvement Districts 121: 12th ST NW, 3rd AVE NE, 7th ST SE, Riverview Drive, and 15th AVE SW District

Seal coat work on Paving Improvement District 121 will begin on Thursday, June 11, 2020 and finish on Friday, June 12, 2020, weather pending. No parking signs will be installed 48 hours prior to the start of work have been installed to accommodate this work. The parking restriction only applies to daylight hours on the days the seal coat work is scheduled. Residents will have access to their homes and driveways. Intermittent interruptions are to be expected while driving on these streets but should be short.
Updated maps for all road closures are 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.

06/10/2020 Planning & Zoning Commission Agenda

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The Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting will begin on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 4:00 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/98163455991?pwd=YmFheWVaTkEvRnh0blpDbG9CeGUyQT09) Password 7kbYFi or listen by calling (1-253-215-8782) Webinar ID: 981 6345 5991 Password 406953

  1. Call meeting to order.
  2. Roll call.
  3. Approve minutes from May 13th, 2020 meeting.
  4. Open public hearing for the purpose of considering an amendment to Section 11-05-18 of the Valley City Municipal Code, which affects temporary uses such as mobile vendors. Recommendation to city commission.
  5. Building/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen’s Report.
  6. Adjourn
President Dave Carlsrud

06/08/2020 Mayor’s Message

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COVID-19 & BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM)

  • This week the Corona Virus took a little “run” at us.  So as of Sunday’s report, we have had nine positive tests in Barnes County. 
  • As a whole, you people have been doing a great job with your social distancing, way-to-go. J While many of us are pretty careful just because we are older and in higher risk categories, I implore you younger folks to be a bit more careful as the 20 – 40 year olds have the greatest number of positive tests followed closely by the 40 – 50 year olds.  Please be careful out there as with the greater freedoms, we need to make better decisions to remain safe.
  • Today there was a Black Lives Matter Protest in City Park and a march around town.  Kudos to all involved as the program was well organized, heartfelt and peaceful.  I counted over 100 people, young and old in attendance. 
  • There are many individuals out there who are hurting from persecution in one form or another.  From a personal standpoint I need to become better informed. 
  • Cody, one of our Police Officers said, I’ll paraphrase, “We are here for you; communication, let’s get started”.  Wow, a few words making a powerful statement; thank you. 
  • I am grateful to our local law enforcement people for working with organizers helping to ensure all could run smoothly.
  • “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”     (Benjamin Franklin)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave Carlsrud

Gwen Crawford photo

Gwen Crawford Begins as City Adminstrator

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The City Commission welcomes Gwen Crawford as the new City Administrator. She began on June 1.

“I look forward to serving the City of Valley City, to support its progressive growth and great quality of life,” Crawford says.

Crawford brings experience working in both government and private business. Most recently, Crawford was the City Administrator for the City of Lisbon, with efforts focused on filling the City Auditor and Economic Development Director roles. During her time in Lisbon, Crawford contributed to the Permanent Flood Protection projects, working with the State Water Commission and local partners to protect the community and develop relationships with upstream communities, including the City of Valley City. She also was instrumental in developing a Strategic Plan and many other projects that impacted the citizens.

Gwen was named as North Dakota League of Cities Appointed Official of the Year for 2019.

As a grant writer, Crawford worked with public and private sector entities to bring value to the City while ensuring projects met guidelines and remained on budgets.

Crawford plans to spend the first few months getting to know how the City of Valley City operates, while drawing on her experiences to inform future plans and goals. Crawford explains “It is exciting to see how closely our employees work together and I look forward to being able to build upon that natural teamwork.”

We know members of the public would like to meet the new City Administrator, but due to COVID-19 concerns, the City is waiting for the appropriate time to plan an open house. Members of the public can contact Crawford by phone at (701) 845-1700, then press 1.

Mosquito with Mosquito Spraying text below

Mosquito Spraying – Today & Tomorrow

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Valley City Public works will spray for mosquitoes on Thursday, June 4th after 8 pm and into Friday, June 5th in the morning, weather permitting.

Parents are advised to keep children and pets out of the streets and away from the spray machines. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area of the operation.

If there are any questions, please feel free to call Public Works at 845-0380.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

05/19/2020 City Commission Minutes

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May 19, 2020
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, May 19, 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. Members of the public could view the meeting online (https://zoom.us/j/97740454720) or listen by calling (669) 900-9128 Webinar ID: 977 4045 4720.

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

Members Present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson (joined at 5:08 PM by Zoom)

Members Absent: Commissioner Erickson.

Others Present: City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, Police Chief Hatcher. Those appearing by Zoom/phone included Chad Petersen from KLJ, Wesley Wintch (VCSU), Greg Stroeing (Love’s Addition), Chris Johnson (Love’s Addition), Gwen Crawford.

Approval of Agenda – Addition of N8; O3 Moved to N9

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Powell moved to approve the minutes from May 5, 2020 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Commissioner Bishop requested correction that the President Carlsrud voted nay on the parade application. Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for Fraternal Order of Police James Valley Lodge #4, ND Red Knights

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1055, an Ordinance Rezoning West ½ of Lot 10, East 74.25’ of Lots 11 & 12, Lots 13 and 14 less the North 105’, and Lot 15 of Block 3, Andrus & Sifton’s Addition for VCSU Center for the Arts

City Attorney Martineck reported that there were no changes from the first reading and that this provides rezoning from residential to public. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1055, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1056, an Ordinance Repealing Section 2-04-03 of V.C.M.C., relating to residency requirements of appointive officers and employees of city

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1056, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2255, a Resolution Approving Plat of Love’s Addition (63-2601150)

City Attorney Martineck reported the application for the Plat of Love’s Addition was reviewed by Planning & Zoning Commission on May 13. The subdivision was approved with no conditions by Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approved Resolution No. 2255, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Erickson appeared by Zoom at 5:08 PM.

Approve Resolution No. 2256, a Resolution Approving Replat of Lot 5, South Valley Addition

City Attorney Martineck stated that Planning & Zoning Commission received a replat request for Lot 5, South Valley Addition. Martineck stated that by approving the replat, the City Commission, is also approving a variance as the frontage feet is 51’ instead of the required 100’. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2256, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve proposed Ordinance No. 1058 for publication, an Ordinance Creating Title 20-04.01 to Extend City Sales, Use & Gross Receipts Tax dedicated to Permanent Flood Protection

City Attorney Martineck reported the City Commission previously passed a resolution to place the extension on the ballot for the June election. This ordinance is for publication in the newspaper but won’t be on the agenda for first reading until after the election.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 Annual Gaming Site Authorization for the following

  1. Valley City Baseball Association at The Clubhouse Lounge
  2. Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at Valley City Town & Country Club
  3. Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at Youth Sports Complex

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

Consider Police Officer COVID-19 hazard pay

Police Chief Hatcher requested $500 additional pay per month for nine police officers who are in the field. Hatcher has funds available through officer vacancies. Hatcher is requesting authorization for three months from March 15 to June 15. Hatcher reported increased percentage of calls for domestic violence and substance abuse over the same time last year.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve as requested, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll call: Powell – aye; Bishop – aye; Erickson – nay; Magnuson – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.

Consider options for street light fixtures on 5th Avenue NW

Commissioner Erickson reported support for acorn lights from Jeff Edwards [Streetscape Committee Chair] & Bobby Koepplin [Streetscape Committee & Beautification Committee Member]. Erickson prefers lanterns as light disperses downward. Erickson recommends lanterns be installed.

Commissioner Erickson moved to purchase lanterns, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider Construction Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Paving Improvement District No. 121 – 2020 Seal Coat

Chad Petersen from KLJ requested approval of the construction engineering agreement for the 2020 seal coat project which includes five areas in town. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-June. The contract is an hourly not to exceed capped at $11,500.

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

Consider Construction Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Water Main Improvement District No. 101 – 5th Ave NW

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve agreement, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider projects for 2021 North Dakota Water Development Plan

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the State Water Commission requests a development plan every two years. This document has been updated with costs for 2021 water projects. Submission of the plan makes the projects a higher priority for cost-share requests through the State Water Commission. Funding needs to be available for a project to proceed. 

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the information will be presented to SWC.

The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Purchase Agreement re Auditor’s Lot 1 in the SW ¼, Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, between George Gaukler and Bridgetown Development LLP

City Attorney Martineck reported that the agreement is for the Waterfront Meadows plat. Auditor’s Lot 1 will be 8th Avenue. The agreement states that the City will not charge any tap fees in the future. Martineck stated the City has no expenses for this portion of 8th Avenue so there would be no expenses to recover.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Roll Call: Erickson – aye; Bishop – aye; Powell – abstained due to conflict of interest; Magnuson – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.

Discuss Ordinance Creating a Mobile Vendor License

City Attorney Martineck reported the mobile vendor license is currently addressed in both Title 8 & Title 11. Based on the changes recommended, the most appropriate process is for the Planning & Zoning Commission to review the ordinance at its June meeting.

Commissioner Erickson requested coordination with state so that sales tax can be collected. Commissioner Magnuson recommended a fee be charged. Commissioner Bishop concurred.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson reported the VCFD continues celebrations. Magnuson reminded the public that open fires require diligence due to the dry conditions.

Police Chief Hatcher thanked the VCFD & VCPW for their work to clean up the broken road area. Lights and cameras will be installed.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated that PFP Phase III concrete walls are being poured. 5th Avenue NW recycled material is begin removed from the roadway; KLJ has received some dust complaints – contractor will address. Bank Forward called regarding use of parking lot to access the streets – KLJ will install signs to help minimize.

President Carlsrud thanked VCFD & VCPW for efforts on broken road.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:43 PM.

President Dave Carlsrud

06/01/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Good News & Tragedies

  • This past week has seen our ND Smart Start Restart Rating go from “Medium” to “Low” Risk.  Good news; please keep up your good work with your social distancing.
  • We also endured tragedies this week.  A man in Minneapolis, George Floyd died and a police officer has been charged with a degree of murder.  In Grand Forks, another tragedy when an officer, Cody Holte was killed in the line of duty and Deputy Ron Nord was wounded.
  • Life is fragile and these tragedies can’t be “undone”.  We can, however, pray for families and friends of all involved with these terrible actions.  Life is uncertain and none of us is guaranteed another day of life so “call someone”, a family member, a friend or someone you know who could be uplifted by your call to say “hi”, “thank you” or “I love you”. 
  • “To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.(Charlie Brown)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

06/02/2020 Finance Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 2:30 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/94451906824?pwd=YlltYm4xUU1HUndvQVZiZ3JhZG9VQT09) Password 5RNV3K or listen by calling (1-669-900-9128) Webinar ID: 944 5190 6824 Password 418153

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Commission Topics
    1. Discuss Succession Planning for Building/Fire Inspector
  2. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
    1. Discuss Transformer bid (Electric Superintendent Senf)
  3. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
    1. Public Works Capital Budget Update (City Auditor Richter)
    2. Discuss crediting commercial garbage accounts that were closed during the COVID-19 due to ND Governor’s Executive Orders (2020-06, 2020-06.1, 2020-06.2, 2020-06.3) (City Auditor Richter)
  4. Engineering topics:
    1. Discuss local share for I-94 West Business Loop/Main Street hillslide repair scheduled in 2022 (KLJ)
    2. Discuss proposed Mill & Overlay work on 2nd Ave SE and 5th Ave SW (KLJ)
    3. Discuss Permanent Flood Protection Erosion Mitigation Phase 1 (Woodland Park and Riverview Drive) project (KLJ)
  5. Discuss granting easement for non-motorized trail access across city property (west Valley City railroad bed) (Bobby Koepplin)

Adjourn