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Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

02.03.2026 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 03, 2026

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 01.20.2026 Finance and Commission meetings.
  2. Approve Contractors License
    1. Lemke Home Improvement INC
    1. 5:9 Woodworks & Carpentry LLC
    1. Legacy Plumbing
  3. Approve Local Permits
    1. Sanford Valley City Clinic Raffle Permit
    1. ND Quarter Horse Association Raffle Permit
    1. ND Cowboy Hall of Fame Raffle Permit
    1. Ducks Unlimited Raffle Permit
    1. VCSU Foundation/Booster Board Raffle Permit
    1. Harvest for Hunger Raffle Permit
    1. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals Raffle Permit

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Ordinance

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1186 to Amend and Reenact Sections 22-01-03 and 22-01-04(2)(e) of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Gaming Application Fees.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2517, A Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule Re Local Gaming and Restricted Gaming Permit Applications.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Resolution 2518, A Resolution Approving Subarea Transportation Plan Amendment to Valley City 2045 Comprehensive and Transportation Plan.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes           Motion passed

Approve Resolution 2519, a Resolution Establishing Rates and Fees for Solid Waste Services.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Resolution 2509, A Resolution Appointing City of Valley City Representative to Missouri Energy Services.

City Commissioners discussed appointing City Administrator Crawford as representative to MRES.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

New Business

Approve Amendment to Standard Insurance Long Term Disability Policy.  

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve request of Valley City Tourism Board to use cash reserves in the amount of $10,000 for a grant to VCPR for the Recreation Bridge at Bjornson Golf Course.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Abstain; Carlsrud-Yes      Motion passed

Approve Lease Agreement with Valley City Rural Fire Protection District for Premises of Valley City Fire Department (2026-2030).

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve amendment to Resolution 2516 authorizing the issuance and sale of $1,500,000 Water Treatment Revenue Bond, Series 2026.

Resolution was amended with a 30-year debt schedule instead of 20 years. Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported that the Public Works Service Center project is progressing as planned and remains within budget.  The public meeting for Paving Project 133 was productive, and community members asked good questions.
City Updates & Commission Reports

City Engineer Eslinger reported that the water tower contracts have been signed and the next step is setting up preconstruction meetings with the contractors to obtain project schedules from each contractor.
Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:16pm

Dave Carlsrud

02.17.2026 Mayor’s Message

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“Hei”    (Pronounced “Hey”, is the most common Norwegian “Hello”)

  • Sunday the 22nd, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina will conclude. This year’s Winter Olympics have made for great television viewing, as the performances have been fabulous. If you aren’t familiar with a particular sport, it is okay—the announcers will share insights about the event and its intricacies. A couple of examples might be how players use sweeping to influence the stone’s path in curling, or how ski jumpers can fly 120+ meters (131+ yards). Think of a football field: it’s 100 yards plus 20 yards for the end zones, and they flew another 10 yards past that! I hope you can arrange a little time to watch a few of these amazing performances.  Google, 2026 Winter Olympics” and enjoy! 
  • Thank you to the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) for selecting our community, and to Valley City Public Schools (VCPS) for hosting the Boys and Girls East Region Wrestling Tournaments over the weekend. It was wonderful to see the Hi-Liner Activity Center full of energy and to welcome so many wrestling fans to town!”
  • With the beautifully warm weather we have been experiencing, much of the pet waste accumulated over the winter has been exposed. It is important to remember that pet waste left in the environment poses serious health risks, as these harmful organisms do not die in the cold. Instead, they linger in the soil. The bacteria and parasites found in waste cause zoonotic diseases in humans—such as hookworms, roundworms, Salmonella, E. coli, and Giardia. These pathogens can persist in the ground for weeks or even years, posing a significant threat to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals who frequent our parks and sidewalks. Please help keep our community safe and our water clean: scoop the poop and dispose of it in a trash bin. Your neighbors (their shoes and your house) will thank you!
  • * Please continue watching for the Disaster Mitigation Survey and complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BarnesCountyMHMP.  For further information, please contact  Daniel Schwartz at dschwartz@nexusplanco.com  or Jessica Jenrich at jjenrich@barnescounty.us.  Thank you.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”  ~ Theodore Roosevelt

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

02.17.2026 Commission Meeting Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87018244355 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  870 1824 4355

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 02.03.2026 Commission Meeting.
  2. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  3. Approve Tree Trimming License
    • Renewal – Morehouse Enterprises LLC
  4. Approve Contractors License
    • Northern Plains Window LLC
  5. Approve Special Event Permits – Raffle
    • Sheyenne Red River Rodeo Club
    • Dakota State Eagles
    • St. Catherine School

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Public Comments

This portion of the meeting provides a limited public forum for Valley City residents, property owners and business owners to address the Board of City Commissioners on topics related to City business.  Interested persons must submit a comment card with the individual’s name, address, and the topic to be commented upon. Non-residents must provide the address of the City of Valley City business the individual operates or works at or the address of real property which the individual owns within the City of Valley City. Comments cards must be provided to the meeting secretary and approved prior to speaking. Public comments are limited solely to business matters and concerns pertinent to the City.

The following rules apply to Public Comments:

  • Limited to five minutes per speaker.
  • Must not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
  • Must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful.
  • May be prohibited if an alternative procedure exists to bring that particular type of public comment before the City, the public comment includes confidential or exempt information, or the public comment is otherwise prohibited by law.

Submission of written comments: In lieu of speaking, a written comment may be delivered to the meeting secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Written comments are limited to two pages. Any member of the public seeking to comment without attending in person may submit written comments to tplecity@valleycity.us. Written comments hand delivered at the time of the meeting or emailed prior to 4:00 pm on the date of the meeting will be distributed to the Board for their information and maintained in City files.  Written comments are not read aloud at the meeting.

Resolution

RES 2520 Approve Resolution 2520, A Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 133. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

RES 2521 Approve Resolution 2521. A Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimation of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 133. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud  

New Business

  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,100,912. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud          

  • Approve Applications for Abatement of Taxes for the City of Valley City (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve Applications for Abatement of Taxes for Thundering Saints Inc (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Approve Application for Abatement of Taxes for Valley City Public School District No. 2 (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud  

  • Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve four applications from Bridgetown Development LLP for a 5-year State Income Tax Exemption and 5-year Property Tax Exemption Capped at $500,000, and designate them as VC-141, VC-142, VC-143 and VC-144 (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve Purchase of 1139 10th Street SW for $19,580 Pursuant to Permanent Flood Protection Acquisition Plan (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

02.17.2026 Finance Meeting Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

2:30 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83240763018 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 832 4076 3018

CALL TO ORDER

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Review monthly bills/reports. (Finance Director)
  2. Discuss Water Tower Logo (City Engineer)
  3. Discuss appointment of municipal judge to fill remainder of term: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 (City Attorney)
  4. Discuss appointment and terms of Planning and Zoning Commissioners (City Attorney)
  5. Review Finance Committee Recommendations for Year-end Transfers and Reserve Policy. (Finance Director)
  6. Discuss Employee Holiday and Overtime Pay (City Administrator)

DEPARTMENT REPORTS. (3:30PM)

  1. Sanitation Department
  2. Water Department
  3. Electric Department
  4. Fire Department/Blighted & Dangerous Buildings
  5. Police Department
  6. Street Department
  7. Administration
  8. Building Permit Report
  9. Court Report

Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

02.09.2026 Mayor’s Message

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“Ciao”    (Pronounced “Chow”, is an informal Italian “Hi” or “goodbye”)

  • Valentine’s Day, also known as St. Valentine’s Day, is celebrated annually on February 14. Originally a Christian feast day honoring the martyr Valentine, it has evolved through folk tradition into a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of love. Today, the holiday is often marked by church services and the exchange of gifts like candy, flowers, and jewelry. Remember your special someone!
  • The Winter Olympics are underway continuing through February 22, 2026 in Milano Cortina in northern Italy, with approximately 2,900 athletes competing. The Games feature 1,533 men and 1,338 women, making this the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics to date. Some of the sports you can watch include numerous skiing events, bobsledding, curling, figure skating, hockey, speed skating, and snowboarding. Each athlete in every sport displays unique and amazing intricacies, making for electrifying watching.
  • Playing on the 2026 USA Olympic Women’s Hockey Team is North Dakota’s own Britta Curl-Salemme of Bismarck. What a great feat for Britta, a standout alumna of St. Mary’s Central High School and the Bismarck Blizzard. Congratulations, Britta! 
  • Residents of Barnes County, N.D. are invited to participate in a survey to assist in the planning process for the Barnes County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan update. These plans are updated every five years, as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to establish eligibility for Hazard Mitigation Assistance and other state and federal funding.  Please complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BarnesCountyMHMP. 

For further information, please contact:

Daniel Schwartz at dschwartz@nexusplanco.com  or 

Jessica Jenrich at jjenrich@barnescounty.us.

  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “May these Olympic games inspire us towards world peace and harmony, reminding us of our shared humanity and the beauty of coming together.”                 ~ Fr. Rafael Capo

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

01.20.2026 Finance Meeting Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Called to Order

President Dave Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30pm

Roll Call  

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda Items

EXECUTIVE SESSION – ATTORNEY CONSULTATION

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes

Discuss August 2025 Elks Apartment Building Flooding

Review Monthly Expenditures Reports.

Quarterly Engineer Report.

Discuss 2026 Public Works Capital and Operations Budget

City Administrator Crawford reviewed the 2026 Public works budget.

Discuss Garbage Rate Changes. Fargo Landfill started to charge $15 per mattress brought into their landfill. Discussion to begin charging for mattresses at Transfer Station to begin as soon as possible. 

Discuss Reserves Policy

City Administrator Crawford, Street Superintendent Klemisch, and Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the increase prices from Fargo landfill and the new charging of mattresses that are brought in. Discussion was had on coming up with a Reserves Policy for the utility funds. The Finance Committee will come back with a recommendation.

Discuss Preliminary Subdivision Paving Improvement Costs

City Engineer Petersen provided cost estimates for paving 8th Ave SE going to Waterfront Meadows and also paving the Waterfront Meadow Subdivision. The Auditor’s Department will put together a list of what the special assessments would come to in the area.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS.

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the Electronic Disposal Week and how well it went. She hopes to have another week later this year. We had several residents ask about having another week or think about doing something more long term.  The number on your garbage can is unique to your address so reminder to homeowners to keep your number in case the container blows away or over to the neighbors and you can tell whose is whose.  Discuss commercial tree disposal. 

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson prepared a report on dangerous buildings, they gave notice to Scott Cole.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford discussed bringing back the holiday train together with Tourism and the Development corp.  They are researching what regulations are needed and if there is a chance to get this back to Valley City.

Mary Lee, Chair of Visitors Committee updated commission on Image Enhancement applications

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourn at 4:41pm

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

01.20.2026 Commission Meeting Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Approval of Agenda

Add: Special Event Raffle Permit for ND Skills USA

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Catholic Schools Week Proclamation

The week of January 25 through January 31, 2026 to be proclaimed Catholic Schools Week

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the January 06, 2026 Commission Meeting
  2. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  3. Approve Contractors License
    1. WIR3D Electric
    1. Mission Mechanical
  4. Approve House Movers License
    1. Glaesman Moving
  5. Approve Special Event Permits
    1. Sheyenne Valley FFA Chapter Raffle
    1. Valley City Fire Department Raffle
    1. ND Skills USA Raffle

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Ordinance

First reading of ordinance to amend and reenact sections 22-01-03 and 22-01-04(2)(e) of the Valley City Municipal Code related to gaming application fees.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes           Motion passed

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2513 A Resolution to Amend the Utility Rate Schedule.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Resolution 2514 A Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit – Lot 5 Block 32 Benson’s Addition – Daycare Home Occupation.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Resolution 2515 A Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit – Lot 5 Block 32 Benson’s Addition – Gunsmithing Business.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Resolution 2516, A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of $1,500,000.00 Water Treatment Revenue Bond, Series 2026.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes      Motion passed

New Business

Approve Request for Funds for Small Projects by the VCBC Development Corporation in the amount of $27,500 with funds sourced from city sales tax dedicated to economic development.

Motion to approve by commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Bishop

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Request for Funds for the Regional Technology Center by the VCBC Development Corporation in the amount of $36,000 with funds sourced from city sales tax dedicated to economic development.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Request for Funds for Single Family Home Buyer Assistance Program by the VCBC Development Corporation in the amount of $160,000.

Funds would be sourced from the City of Valley City Sales Tax Fund dedicated to Economic Development in the amount of $120,000 and $40,000 through the City’s Enterprise Fund.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $3,031,979.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes      Motion passed

Approve Vanguard Computer System Consolidated Extended Service Contract and Vanguard Service contract for the Assessor Web Site.

This is a 5 Year contract and price stays the same over the 5 years.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Public Works 2026 Capital and Operating Budgets.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, second by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve depositories for City funds which meet the pledge of securities requirement.

Finance Director Klein reviewed the City’s depositories which are in fully insured ICS Network Accounts and Time & Savings Accounts part of a pledge pool.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Agreement with NDDOT for Long-Term Temporary Highway Closure through December 31, 2027.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes      Motion passed

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering Services for Northwest Area Water System Improvements – New Water Tower and Pressure Zone Modifications.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Amendment to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual Related to Comp Time.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Visitor Committee recommendation to approve the Image Enhancement Grant Application for Youth for Christ in the amount of $1,284.07 located at 302 E. Main St.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Visitor Committee recommendation to approve the Image Enhancement Grant Application for Mobility Plus in the amount of $7,500.00 located at 322 2nd St NW.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes      Motion passed

Approve Application for Commercial Improvement exemption for parcel #63-3471986, 322 2nd ST NW.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford updated on progress of new Public Works building.
City Updates & Commission Reports

City Engineer announced public meeting for Paving Project #133 to be held January 27, 2026.

City Commissioner Magnuson reported on the Valley City Public Library remodel being completed.
Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:37pm

Dave Carlsrud

02.02.2026 Mayor’s Message

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     “Guten Tag”   (A German greeting, in English is “Good Day”)

  • February 1st was National Change Your Password Day, but today isn’t too late! Cybercriminals are experts at cracking passwords, so ensure yours are secure. Security experts recommend using at least 12 to 16 characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easy-to-guess information like birthdays, anniversaries, pets’ names, or your favorite sports teams. 
  • In our weekly devotional recently, we talked about change – change in the weather, the seasons, our bodies, our families, business, and our lives in general. Change occurs to some degree every day; watch for it.
  • We are seeing significant change in the newspaper industry throughout our nation and right here in Valley City. Beginning this week, the Times-Record will provide its printed editions on Tuesdays and Fridays. For greater detail concerning this change, please see the lead story in the January 29 edition of the Times-Record.
  • According to the internet (we know it must be true!), Valley City had about 8 hours and 40 minutes of daylight December 21st and January 31st about 9 hours and 39 minutes.  Even with that minimal increase of daylight, the sun is getting high enough to feel a little warmth on one’s face.  There will likely be more “winter”, but we are moving closer to spring.
  • Congratulations again to all those who made the new Valley City Public School building possible and to everyone who supported it. Last week, I saw an architect’s rendition of the upcoming school, and it is beautiful. It will certainly be a welcome change for the students and educators who currently battle uncontrollably cold rooms in the winter. Thank you, everyone.
  • The Washington Redskins (now the Commanders) defeated the Denver Broncos 42–10 in Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, at Jack Murphy Stadium. Washington made history by scoring a record-breaking 35 points in the second quarter to overcome a 10-point deficit. Quarterback Doug Williams was the MVP, Bob McElwee served as the referee, and 73,302 people attended. 
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “Change does not change tradition.  It strengthens it.  Change is a challenge and an opportunity; not a threat.”               ~ Prince Phillip of England

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Dave Carlsrud

01.26.2026 Mayor’s Message

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 Ahoj,   (Is a common word for hello in Slovak, pronounced “Ah-hoy”)

  • Dangerous weather patterns have persisted recently. Given that January is known for extreme conditions, please take precautions; frostbite is a serious risk that can result in amputation.” 
  • On a lighter note, Groundhog Day is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada on February 2. The tradition is derived from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will continue for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. Punxsutawney Phil is the United States groundhog, and Wiarton Willie is the Canadian groundhog.  Cross your fingers everyone.
  • There are exciting happenings in Valley City.  Bids for the new Valley City Public Schools building are expected to be let March 11, 2026. Steel is already up at the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center and the Public Works Service Center Complex. All three are impressive projects that will add beauty and functionality to Valley City. It is worth a drive-by to view the steelwork in person. 
  • Think, “SHOP small, SHOP local.” Thank you.
  • With recent high winds persisting, empty garbage bins have been blowing around streets and alleys. Record the RPC barcode number on your bin, which is registered to your address, so you can identify it in the event of a “mix-up.” 
  • Dang, I wish I didn’t feel the need to write this again.  PLEASE respect people’s yards and boulevards, “pick up your pet’s POOP”! 
  • The landfill we use raised mattress disposal fee to $15.00.  With that, there will be a $15.00 fee per mattress when brought out to the transfer station. For information, please call 701-845-0314
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”     ~ Princess Diana

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Dave Carlsrud

01.20.2026 Mayor’s Message

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Salute, (A greeting from a Latin word meaning “to wish health”)

  • The Barnes County Service Unit of The Salvation Army is grateful to the Valley City and Barnes County communities for giving so generously to this year’s Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign raised a total of $70,022.22, which will be used to help those in need build bridges to stability in their lives, disaster relief, food, shelter, job training, and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. The Salvation Army has been noted as having one of the lowest overheads among charitable organizations so a greater percentage of donations go directly to vital services.
  • “While walking through a wind shelter this Sunday afternoon, I was struck by the sound of the wind moving through the spruce, cottonwood, and elm trees. At times, it roared like a train crossing the Hi-Line Bridge; at others, it was the subtle creaking and cracking of branches. It was a truly amazing experience.”
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), in partnership with four other upper Midwest energy companies, has applied to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Need for adding a second transmission line to the existing power line running primarily along Interstate 94 between Fargo and Alexandria.  The Fargo-to-Alexandria second-circuit project will help enhance electric reliability and improve system resiliency in the Upper Midwest including all MRES Members.
  • The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) ran a social media campaign, “#ThankARef” during Officials’ Appreciation Week. The universities and fans thanked game officials for their dedication to student-athletes in various sports like basketball and football. Officials provide opportunities for kids to play as “Without officials, it is just a scrimmage”.  How about saying “thank you” to a “ref”?
  • Tragically, federal prosecutors have secured indictments against 26 individuals accused of rigging college basketball games in the United States. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf stated that the scheme threatened “the integrity of sport itself and everything that sports represent to us—hard work, determination and fairness.” Hopefully, integrity will prevail as the legal process unfolds and those involved choose to do the right thing moving forward.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • Don’t let making a living prevent you from making a life.”               ~ John Wooden

        Blessings, Prayer, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud