Category Archives: Announcements

1.22.2024 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

1/22/2024

  • Hello Folks,
  • Last week I had the privilege of visiting with Cub Scout Pack #562 and it was a delightful evening.  Thank you to the “Pack” for your gracious hospitality and nice card.
  • In case you haven’t heard, the NorthStar Conference in which VCSU plays, will dissolve after next year.  Currently there are a number of exciting conference options being researched.  Some include affiliations from the past and some are brand new concepts.  For further information, feel free to contact VCSU Athletic Director Dennis McCulloch.
  • Valley City High School is hosting a robotics tournament this Saturday at the HAC beginning at 9:00 AM.  The things the students do with their robots are amazing.  If you have never seen a meet, “pop-in” for a while, there is no admission.  Oh, did I mention, the concession food is “killer”!
  • A special shout out to Paul McDonald, North Dakota Associated Press Sportswriter of the Year.  Congratulations Paul, that is an extraordinary, well-deserved honor!
  • Storms around our area and the nation have downed power lines in a number of areas.  They are deadly, should you be near a downed line, stay away and if you are in a vehicle with downed lines on or near, stay in your vehicle!
  • Dawn Ihry has invested years serving youth in the Valley City area, take a few minutes to vote for Dawn in the “Catholic Life Give Back Contest”:  https://www.catholicfinanciallife.org/givebackcontest#:~:text=How%20it%20Works,will%20receive%20a%20%244%2C000%20donation  Thank you Dawn.
  • A number of the classrooms in our public-school buildings have heating issues.  Due to infrastructure deterioration, temperatures of 50 degrees are occurring in classrooms …… we need to treat our youth better.
  • The North Dakota joint interim Energy Development and Transportation Committee (EDTC) is researching resource adequacy in our state.  Advanced nuclear energy may be a consideration.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • “Be tough on the issues, easy on the people.”   ~ Tom Heller                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

1.4.2024 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Thursday, January 5, 2024



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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Add N5. Approve Motion to Ratify and Extend the Winter Storm Disaster Declaration.

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the minutes from the December 19, 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 and Finance Director.

Approve Gaming Site Authorization for ND Chapters of Delta Waterfowl Inc on February 24, 2024, at the Eagles.

Approve Renewal Application for 2024 Tree Trimming and Removal Service Renewals for Kieffer Tree, LLC.                      

Commissioner Bishop moved to remove Item B. Approve 2024 Application to Operate Mobile Home Park Renewal for Viking Drive Estates and add to New Business as Item N6, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing on Dangerous Building located at 1318 9 St SW.

President Carlsrud Declared the Public Hearing Open.

Sarah Hanson spoke on the Property and requested an Extension until May 31, 2024.

Commissioner Magnuson motioned to Close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Erickson moved to Table the Hearing on this Topic Indefinitely, Seconded by Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,488,773.

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

Consider Appointing Joe Tykwinski to Replace Joe Faure on the Valley City Planning & Zoning Commission.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Appointing Joe Tykwinski to a New Term on the Valley City Planning & Zoning Commission as the Extra Territorial Position from 2024 to 2028, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve updates to Employee Policy Manual.

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

Approve Gaming Site Authorization: Fraternal Order of Eagles Arie 2192 for Jimmy’s Pizza Location beginning January 4, 2024.

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

Approve Motion to Ratify the Winter Storm Disaster Declaration and Extend until Rescinded.

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

Approve 2024 Application to Operate Mobile Home Park Renewal for Viking Drive Estates.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve as stated, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Commissioner Bishop moved to amend the motion to: Approve license on condition that on or before April 15, David Wick provides plan and budget for repair of mobile home park drainage and road project, and must commence plan no later than May 7, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Amendment Carried.

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

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford started with a thank you to the City, every Department & every Employee who helped in any way with the Ice Storm Emergency. Amazing to watch these Teams come together for their town. Thank you to the Local Radio & News Paper for sharing the information and helping to get the information out to the Public. Please know that this cleanup is a work in progress and that it will take time.  Please be patient. Note, if you missed getting your branches to the boulevard before the City cleaned your area, they are not going back through. You will need to haul your branches to the site. Please continue to call in if you see a tree down in the street or on an electric line, an electric line down, a streetlight is out or any other hazard, even after hours.

Finance Director Klein shared that City Hall has Election Packets ready for any person interested in running for City Office. Elections will be held in June 2024. Any Candidate may start circulating petitions for signatures as of January 1, 2024.

City Assessor Current wanted to remind all about the 2024 Property Tax Credit for your Primary Residence. It is a simple online process, but you can also stop in the Office, and she will assist you with completing the application. With in the first 48 hours, over 10,000 people applied.

Commissioner Gulmon updated all on the Financial Budgets that seem to be on track for staying in budget for 2023. Overall, it looks to have been a good year.

Commissioner Bishop thanked all for their help during the Ice Storm.

President Carlsrud wanted to remind all who are hauling their branches out to try and keep them in piles and not so spread out, try keeping an area clear for safe driving in and out. Thank you to all the Departments and Staff for keeping the City going during the Ice Storm. As Residents, we are blessed to have such dedicated Crews working for us.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:28 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

1.4.2024 Finance Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Thursday, January 4, 2024

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Department Reports

Police Department

Police Chief Horner discussed the 2024 Budget for the year and changes that he will be making. The Department is down two positions so working on applicants to fill those positions. Researching Discipline Matrixes to see if one would be a fit for this size of Department. This would also mean putting together a Committee of Officers to make the Matrix with what they feel is needed and enforceable for the entire Department. 

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart was not present. Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared that anyone taking trees or branches to the drop site try to pile them together instead of scatter throughout. 30 people used the “Free Christmas Week” garbage drop off that was offered by the City. Good thing we limited to 100 pounds as some did try to bring more. The automated truck is down to 1 arm at this time but able to keep up. It is being used while waiting for the repairs. All garbage pickup is up to date. Shutting down alley pickup on Valley Avenue for the winter due to conditions.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch stated that his Team was out every day during the Ice Storm Event, both Sanders & the Motor Grader out daily, at times even more equipment. Focus in the first 24 hours was on the Emergency Routes and Hills. Downtown was taken care of Thursday morning. They have now entered the Residential Areas.

New Items

  1. Salt/Sand Discussion –Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported on the amounts of Sand/Salt that was used for this one event & then added in the amount that was sold to local Businesses as well. He is keeping an eye on the amount that was used and then what he feels will be needed for the remainder of the Winter. Rates, delivery fees and a possible cap on the amount of Sand/Salt sold were discussed.
  2. Finance Director Klein reported expenditures in the amount of $2,488,773 for the month.
  3. Monthly Engineer Report. Finance Director Klein shared that we did come in under budget for the year of 2023. The Current contract did expire. The City will need to draw up a new contract and both KLJ & Moore Engineering will need to agree and sign off if we wish to continue.  Recommendations from Staff are to continue as is.
  4. Viking Drive Estates Mobile Home Park License Renewal 2024 Discussion – City Administrator Crawford spoke with David Wick and discussed the budget & plan for the Viking Drive Estates. Crawford recommends that we approve until 4/15/2024 and must have a budget and plan into the City to continue after that date.  
  5. Discuss updates to the Employee Policy Manual. City Attorney Martineck emailed the red line copy to the Commissioners. Discussion was held on a few of the changes such as On-Call or a Second Job. The changes were approved and recommended by the Employee Committee.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch shared how the power outages effected the Water Plant. Concentrating on maintenance items as approaching the equipment being over 10 years old. These repairs and maintenance do take quite a bit of time with a shutdown to machines and dry time before work can begin. The lead time on parts are weeks out. As the equipment ages, there will be more repairs and maintenance in the future. Discontinued the Data Contract with GE and went with a different route for the data. This saved substantial funds.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported that his Team has been busy cleaning up after the Ice Storm and getting the Electricity going for the City. His Team will need to go back to locations and verify & correct the quick fixes and make sure that everyone has reliable power resources. Missouri River Energy Services will be out doing infrared scans to verify any weak spots so they may be taken care of. Tree branches near lines will also need to be removed. Electrical Superintendent Senf also explained the Western Area Power Association’s power outage lines were sagging and drawing the lines down, this caused a static line to touch a transmission line causing it to short out. They were having relay issue at the substation, so they needed to send a crew from Fargo to come out and rectify the relay issue and power was restored. This happened again a couple days later. Our Team was able to fix the line and restore service. There are 2 Drone Operators that will be getting licensed on the Team. The drones were instrumental in finding the breaks. We will be looking into a new afterhours answering service as Cass County will no longer be taking calls after June 30, 2024.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson shared the Year in Review for 2023. Calls were way up from previous years. There were several calls during the Ice Storm and all Departments worked so well together. Dangerous Building Report was discussed and the process to clean up dangerous buildings and piles of rubbish that are in yards in the City. Fines were discussed to help with the process.

Fire Extinguisher Report was much higher than last year. Expenses should be less in the future with the changes made to the Master Fee Schedule on charges.

New Items Continued

  • Tree Branch Pick-up & Removal – Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that currently they are using 2 payloaders & 3 tandems in the cleanup process for the Ice Storm Tree Branch removal. We started the Residential pick up today just on the South side of Interstate. As of 2:00PM 13 loads were hauled out and the Crew just made it to Winter Show Road. This would be about ½ of the SE Section. This is at least a month-long process. People will need to be patient and know that the City is trying. Be aware that they will not be going back to areas that branches were already picked up. They are also not raking up small sticks and branches. You would need to take your branches out to the site if you missed the pickup in your area.
  • Apprenticeship Opportunity with North Dakota Rural Water – City Administrator Crawford explained that Valley City was approached to become one of the City’s that would take on apprenticeships. This means that the City would hire a person while they are registered as Student at Bismarck State College in the Water Plant or Distribution Field of studies. The student would work for the City while attending classes and completing their college courses. The benefit to the student would be Employment and on the job training to assist with their Water Plant curriculum. The benefit to the City would be to fill open positions that we currently have and, in the fields, where we are needing bodies.

Administration

Public Works Accountant Jacobson discussed the possible reimbursements for the Ice Storm Declaration and what we are keeping track of this time. All labor, pay rate & benefits and truck usage, repairs & work that have to do with the Ice Storm. He is keeping track daily on a spreadsheet. Currently he is at about $80,000 worth of expenses we have paid out. His best guess is that FEMA will reimburse for about $52,000.

Finance Director Klein updated the Commissioners that payment was received on the items that were sold at auction for $31,640. Currently she is working on a loan with the Bank of ND on the Northwest Reconstruction Project that will be happening this year. This is the Special Assessment part of the project. We are getting a rate of 2% on $425,000. We will not start drawing on the loan until this fall and we will have a resolution brought before the Commission prior to drawing. Finance Director Klein shared that in an email regarding tax distribution to the Commissioners she explained that the City received an extra highway distribution payment in the amount of $113,000. She has also been working with the new outside Auditors.

City Attorney Martineck discussed The Captain’s Pub as it was voted on at the last Commission meeting to have a Public Hearing. The Hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2024. The Captain’s Pub has hired a Lawyer, but he has not responded to any correspondence that was sent his direction. The License Holder did try to call today but had to leave a voicemail. There are witnesses subpoenaed for this hearing. There is a more formal process to follow to suspend a license. Martineck will be working with Mayor Carlsrud on this process. Hoping that a resolution will be reached prior to the Public Hearing but if needed, it is on the calendar.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:32 PM.

1.15.2024 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

1/15/2024

  • Hi Everyone,
  • In 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed the bill recognizing Martin Luther King’s birthday as a national holiday and is recognized on January 15th this year.  King was a champion of the peaceful Civil Rights Movement.
  • A friend writes weekly column “Friday Sports Wrap”.  Last week one of the topics referred to “older officials” who are still working.  Last week he (68) worked a game with two others who are 54 & 78 years of age.  Thank you to you guys for continuing your investment in our youth, they are fortunate having you.  The other side of this noble work is, there is room for new people in officiating all sports, pick your favorite(s).  There are programs and veteran officials who will help you become proficient.  Officiating is like playing and coaching, the challenge is “to be as good as you can be”.  Talk with someone who officiates to find out what it is like ….. ALL officials love to talk officiating as the relationships derived are fantastic.  Contact the North Dakota High School Activities Association, the South Dakota High School Activities Association or the Minnesota State High School League for information.  Please think about it, thank you.
  • *Remember, for your branches from the ice storm to be picked up, they are to be on your boulevard. 
  • Last week Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) held its board meeting in Sioux Falls where there was over a foot of snow in many places around town!  It was a bit of a mess.  MRES is continually working with legislators to ensure generation of more green energy while maintaining base loads to protect from polar vortex and extreme heat events.  By the way, our power mix in Valley City is 89% carbon free.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • “To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.”          ~ Rabbi Terry Bookman                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

1.16.2024 Commission Agenda

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 City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 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/85391735021 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  853 9173 5021.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Catholic Schools Week Proclamation

The week of January 28 through February 3, 2024 to be proclaimed Catholic Schools Week

 

Approval of Agenda (roll call vote needed when changes made to the agenda)

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the January 4, 2024, Finance and Commission Meetings.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Local Permit Application for a Raffle for Sanford Clinic of Valley City on February 2, 2024, at Valley City Town & Country Club.
  2. Approve 2024 Tree Trimming & Removal License for Strom Tree Service Inc of Grand Forks.
  3. Approve Application for Use of National Guard Building. Schindler Events. Mar 7 – 10, 2024.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Public Comments

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

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

Public Hearing

PH1.    Public Hearing regarding Ordinance Violations by the Captain’s Pub.

Declare Public Hearing Open

            Motion to Close Hearing

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

Approve order of Action on the Captain’s Pub.

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon            Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

Res 2438 A Resolution Regarding Participation in Funding for a Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Grant Project. (AE2S)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon          Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Res 2439 A Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 129. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Ordinance

Ord 1147 An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Sections 12-02-02, 12-02-3, 12-02-06, 12-02-08 Related to Junk, Junk Vehicles, and Abandoned Vehicles on Public Property. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Task Order Master Services Agreement (three-year term) (AE2S)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon            Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Task Order No. 1 – Valley City General Engineering Services ($15,000 NTE) (AE2S)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon          Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Task Order No. 2 – Valley City WaterSMART Grant Application ($12,500 NTE) (AE2S)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to Approve the Image Enhancement Grant for Arc of Barnes County Thrift E Shop in the amount up to $7,500.  (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

  • Approve depositories for City funds which meet the pledge of securities requirement. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon            Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve Amendment to City Engineering Agreement and Task Order. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon          Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Accept Main Street Outlet Vault Project. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Discuss NDDEQ – Water Service Line Inventory (WSLI) (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

12.12.2023 Planning & Zoning Minutes

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December 12th, 2023 – MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF

VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday December 12th, 2023.

Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bill Carlblom, Jeff Erickson, Dave Carlsrud, Tim Durheim

Others: City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, City Engineer Chad Petersen, Jim Nelson, Casey Stoudt,

Commissioner Bill Carlblom moved to approve the minutes from the November 16th, 2023, meeting, seconded by Commissioner Jim Wright. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit report there has only been one new permit in the last month and Building Inspector Mike Blevins has not had any new permits in the last month.

Public Hearing regarding a variance. To allow placement of electrical control boxes for EV car charger within 30-foot area where restrictions apply to protect corner visibility.  

Chair Mike Schell opened the public hearing. Jim Nelson from Stoudt – Miller spoke about the installation of the EV car charger. He worked with Marshall Senf from the City of Valley City and Grotberg Electric. The City does not have a permitting process for these charges and the charger was placed wrong.  Jim Nelson explained how this was a very expensive charger. He said there is a need for these chargers with the motels next to the charger.

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Jim Wright.

Internal discussion was had. Bill Carlblom commented how the road where the charger is located is not a high traffic road. Commissioner Tim Durheim agreed the road is not busy. City Administrator Crawford commented The City of Valley City will put a permitting process in place for commercial EV car chargers.

City Planner Joel Quanbeck reported his findings. Joel’s recommendation was to deny the variance. He commented his findings show it does not me the criteria for a variance.

City Attorney required the board to have findings on why the board was deviating from City Planner Joel Quanbeck’s recommendation. The boards findings are the following.

  1. The Road is a low traffic area
  2. There was no permitting process in place by the City of Valley City
  3. The charger will benefit the City of Valley City

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to approve the variance, as long as the following conditions are met:

  1. An encroachment agreement is signed between The City of Valley City and Stoudt – Miller INC
  2. A stop sign is added

Seconded by Commissioner Tim Durheim. Followed by a roll call vote. Roll Call: Durheim – aye: Wright – aye: Carlsrud – aye: Carlblom – aye: Erickson – nay        Schell – aye Motion carried.

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:21pm.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

12.19.2023 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

Members Absent: Commissioner Magnuson

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No Changes.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the December 5, 2023, Finance and Commission Meetings and the December 12, 2023, Special Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Application Renewal for Permit to Sell L.P. Gas from the following:                                             
    1. Petro Serve USA #071
    1. Petro Serve USA #072
    1. CBF Oil Inc. dba Kotaco
    1. Loves Travel Stop #849
  2. Approve Application for Vehicle for Hire License Renewal for South Central Adult Services.                  
  3. Approve Application to Operate Mobile Home Park Renewals for the following:                                       
    1. Sunrise Trailer Court
    1. Plecity Park – RNR Development
    1. Frog Town Trailer Court
  4. Approve Application for Tree Trimming and Removal Service Renewals for the following:                      
    1. Ross’ Tree Service
    1. Pine Country Nursery
    1. Ground to Sky
    1. Johnny B’s Trees
  5. Approve Raffle Application for Student Nurse Organization for 3/26/2024 at VCSU.                                
  6. Approve Public Hearing on Alcoholic Beverage License Violations – Corey Breswick dba Captain’s Pub.

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

RESOLUTION

Resolution 2410, a Resolution to Amend the Master Fee Schedule – Special Meeting Fee of $25.00.

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

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Public Works 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets. 

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

Move to Table the Application to Operate Mobile Home Park Renewal for Viking Drive Estates to January 4, 2024, Commission Meeting.

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

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford reported now that the 2024 Budget has been approved, we will be working on getting notices out on the rate increases. Some of these increases will take effect in January and the others in February giving people time to prepare. We are also working on the end of the year items and prepping for the new projects coming up in 2024.

City Assessor Current shared information on the flyer that was included in your property tax statements. You may apply for up to a $500.00 tax credit on 2024 property taxes. The website is tax.nd.gov/prc.

Fire Chief Magnuson gave an update on the Water Rescue this past weekend. He shared that the water/ice is not safe. Do not let your loved ones play on the ice.

Police Chief Horner talked about Santa Cops and Kids Night that would be taking place on December 20, 2023. They have volunteers set up to wrap & the Officers are ready to help the kids with their Christmas Shopping. This is a great event for all involved.

Commissioner Gulmon used the water rescue incident to remind all how fortunate we are to have the First Responders who are willing to put their Lives at risk for us. Special Thanks to those Responders.

Mayor Carlsrud ended the meeting with Blessed Holiday Wishes to all.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:15 P.M.

1.8.2024 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

1/8/2024

  • Hello Folks,
  • January 9th is “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day”.  Please say “Thank you” to all those who are in law enforcement keeping us safe.  “Thank you” everyone.
  • Our recent ice storm jogged my memory.  I believe it was February of 1965 or 66 when our NDSSS, now NDSCS, wrestling team came to VCSC, now VCSU, for a dual.  It rained and rained and rained, so similar to the one we had, there was ice everywhere!  Yes, it was an unusual event, but it was also special for this rural kid as we got to stay at the Rudolf Hotel!  The hotel was built in 1907, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and was a pretty “spiffy place” at that time.  “Ah, those were the days”.
  • Our city employees are doing a great job cleaning the town following the ice storm.  All departments have “teamed up” to make things as safe as possible for us and being most time efficient.
    • During and following the storm, the street department focused on cleaning emergency routes and steeper hills for our safety.
    • There were power outages.  Some were due to the ice melting from Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) transmission lines and arcing.  Outages on our city lines were minimal as our electrical crews continually trim branches threatening power lines.  They were also able to navigate conditions to minimize the length of said outages.  Even with outages, our power was “on” .9927 percent of the time in December.  
    • Last Thursday crews began picking up branches on boulevards.  It is a slow process as in many instances, truck drivers need to assist loading branches into the wheel loader buckets.  *You will have to clean the little branches that fall through the forks, however.  Office staffers aren’t as visible as those working the streets, but they are busy tracking expenses to apply for cost-share dollars.  We are very Blessed to have a great employee staff serving Valley City.  Thank you.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “Think of something for which you are grateful today.  Say thanks.”          ~ Rabbi Terry Bookman                                                                            

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

1.2.2024 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

1/2/2024

  • Hello Everyone,
  • Happy New Year to you, your family and friends.  I hope your New Year celebration was pleasing for each of you and wish you the best with any resolutions you may have made. 
  • Valley City is a great place to live and visit.  A few years ago, it was named “The Most Beautiful City in North Dakota” so it is pleasing to the eye and you people are great!   Thank you.  There are times when I am guilty of seeing the things that need fixing (negative me!) instead of all the beauty and positive things with which we are Blessed.  Some things to see in Valley City are:
    • Visit the 30-acre Medicine Wheel Park, it is amazing and has a great view of the city.  See:  https://www.vcsu.edu/about-vcsu/campus-facilities/medicine-wheel-park/ Remember to visit Pioneers, Veterans, City and Chautauqua Parks too.
    • Valley City is built around the meandering Sheyenne River, we have eight historic bridges with interpretive plaques for quick reads.  Near many of the bridges are lush green spaces and parks for your enjoyment. See:  https://www.valleycitytourism.com/post/what-is-the-historic-bridges-tour-and-what-can-you-see-on-it
    • Cruise the Sheyenne Scenic Byway.  It is a national award-winning 63-mile drive in the Sheyenne Valley with parks and bridges to visit along the way.  See: https://www.valleycitytourism.com/scenic-byway
    • The North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail is another option here. The trail meanders through the Sheyenne Valley across rolling hills, forests, prairies and through Valley City.  See: https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/north-dakota/srv/
  • Sometimes I am guilty of looking afar before seeing what I have in my own back yard!  Don’t let it happen to you, get out and appreciate the amenities with which we are Blessed in and around Valley City.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “Leadership is not about forcing your will on others. It is about mastering the art of letting go.”          ~ Phil Jackson                                                                             

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

1.4.2024 Finance Agenda

Posted on by

City Commission Finance Meeting 

Valley City, North Dakota

Thursday, January 4, 2024, 2:30 PM

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:30 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/83161409219 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 831 6140 9219

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics

2. Department reports.

  • Sanitation DepartmentWater DepartmentElectric DepartmentFire Department
    • Fire Extinguisher ReportDangerous Buildings
    Police DepartmentStreet Department

Administration

Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Klein)

Monthly Engineer Report. (Finance Director Klein)

Viking Drive Estates Mobile Home Park License Renewal 2024 Discussion – (City Administrator Crawford)

Discuss updates to the Employee Policy Manual. (City Attorney Martineck)

Adjourn