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12.26.2024 Commission Agenda

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SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING VALLEY CITY, NORTH DAKOTA

Thursday, December 26, 2024, 12:00 PM
The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 12:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.
Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86573665018 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799)

Webinar ID: 865 7366 5018

CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL

CONSENT AGENDA
Approve Minutes from the 12.19.2024 Special Commission Meeting.
Roll Call: Magnuson Erickson Bishop Gulmon Carlsrud

ADJOURN

Dave Carlsrud

12.23.2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

12/23/2024

Greetings,

  • Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah everyone.  Sue and I hope you all have cherished times with families and friends throughout your holiday season.
  • Please read “Out & About With Carter” in the 12/19/24 Times Record.  Blessings Carter.
  • From Josh Johnson:  “While there are many things that I love about our community, one that stands out are the many events and tournaments hosted in Valley City that bring out of towners to our community.  Have you been around a recent weekend and seen the mass of children and families visiting our gas stations, restaurants, and other places of business? It is awesome to showcase our community, utilize our great activity facilities, and also support our businesses in Valley City.  Thank you to all the organizers of these events that continue to bring so many people to Valley City.  A few of these organizations include VCPR, VCSU, VCPS, Just for Kix Dance, Viper/Prowl Hockey, Twisters Gymnastics, Legion Baseball, Special Olympics, and others.  A Shout-Out to All of You!!”  Thanks Josh.
  • Hi-Liners Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams will be hosting  Holiday Basketball Tournaments December 27-29 at the HAC.  Maybe it would be fun for you, attend a little high school basketball at the HAC.
  • During the Holidays, I tend to eat more than I should, imagine that!  A “holiday tip” for feeling better was given to me; if I walk as little as 7,000 steps in the day, I will feel better mentally and physically.  I am going to try it and hope you will too.
  • Over night last Wednesday afforded us a beautiful 5-6 inch snow fall.  If it can get a little crust and stay, it can provide good insulation for our lawns and infrastructure.  Yay!
  • As I am thinking about our family gatherings at Christmas, many fond memories of being at our “grammas’” houses with cousins, aunts, uncles, parents and of course grandparents surface.  I hope our grandkids are Blessed with such memories.  
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”      ~ Edna Ferber

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

12.19.2024 Special Commission Agenda

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Special City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Thursday, December 19, 2024
12:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on November 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83881026475 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 838 8102 6475.

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

NB1.    Ratify Commission President’s approval of Memorandum of Commitment and Series D Small    Systems Amendment for Red River Valley Water Supply Project.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop        Carlsrud

Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

12.16.2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

12/16/2024

         Hello Folks,

  • I hope last week you all had a few things in your lives for which to be grateful.
  • Christmas and Hanukkah are two religious celebrations culminating next week.  Blessings to all who are celebrating their respective events.
  • Last week the Joint North Dakota Water Convention and the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (MECA) Conference were held.       
  • Some of the Joint North Dakota Water Convention topics relating to our water included rural and municipal water management, battling aquatic nuisances, legislative updates, flood control and the State Water Commission Meeting.
  • The winter sports and fine arts seasons are underway.  Sports and fine arts events need officials and judges; “Without officials, it is only practice”!  Give back, become an official or judge; call the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) 701-845-3953 for information.
  • The MECA Conference offered numerous topics relating to our electrical power supply of which some were battery storage, hydropower generation on the Missouri River System and financial stewardship on our behalf.  That I attended the MECA Conference, I want to offer gratitude to Jim Horan and the MECA Team for their gracious hospitality and wonderful conference.  Thank you all.
  • People have been continually adding winter lighting in and around their homes.  Thank you for adding to the beauty of your properties and to the beauty of our community.
  • Remember if your garbage container is overfull, the truck can’t dump your container without damaging it, thus it will not be emptied.  If you have too much garbage periodically, consider partnering with neighbors.  Maybe you can help each other.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel Christmas all the time.”      ~ Faith Hill

         Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud     

Dave Carlsrud

12/09/2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

12/9/2024

         Hi Everybody,

  • Weather in our area, “Ain’t it Great”?  Gosh we have been from bone-chattering cold & snow with extreme wind to sunny and   45-ish over the weekend.  Go figure, sometimes God thinks He is so-o-o funny.
  • Did you know the Christmas Carol, Silent Night, was first played on a guitar because mice had eaten holes in the bellows of the organ?
  • The first day of winter, December 21, is just around the corner.  With the fewest hours of daylight during this time, we can rest comfortably knowing our Valley City Electrical Department will “light up” your winter nights.  Go for a walk, a jog or a drive and see the many Christmas lights uptown and throughout residential areas.
  • “The Grinch” of 2018 is the highest grossing Christmas Movie of all time, in the $540M range!
  • The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign is underway, to “ring the bell”, please call 701-840-1357 or 701-541-1418 and give what you can.
  • Deck the halls, not the fire alarms!  As holiday decorations go up, remember to keep electrical safety in mind. Check your holiday lighting for broken bulbs, frayed wires or damaged plugs.  Keep your family and home safe.
  • The NAIA & NCAA college football play-offs are underway with many area folks following regional teams such as the Bison, Jackrabbits, Coyotes & the Bobcats.  Some game officials with Valley City ties, Brian Yanish, Brooks Martin & Ryan Jungling officiated NAIA Play-off games in Montana; congratulations guys.  Become an official, 701-845-3953.  Brent Vigen who graduated from Central Valley High School and NDSU is the head coach of the Montana State Bobcats.  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree however as his dad, Randy Vigen, was a long time teacher and coach at Central Valley High School where they had a beautiful football field setting with GREAT natural turf!
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”      ~ Vince Lombardi

         Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud     

Agenda Available

12.3.2024 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, December 3, 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/87473196556 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  874 7319 6556.

Next Resolution No. 2468             Next Ordinance No. 1165

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

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

 Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.                                                                                                                       
  2. Approve Minutes from the 11.19.2024 Special Commission Meeting and 11.19.2024 Commission Meeting.

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.

Resolution

2466, Resolution Approving Engineers Report and Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans Specification and Estimate of     Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 130, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 70, Storm        Sewer Improvement District No. 56., and Water Main Improvement District No. 106. (City Engineer) 

2467, Resolution Declaring Necessity of Improvements for Paving Improvement District 130. (City Engineer)

New Business

N1.       Approve Property Buyout of 1010 2nd St SE in the amount of $39,710. (City Administrator Crawford)

N2.       Approve Property Buyout of 227 10th Ave SE in the amount of $6,930. (City Administrator Crawford)

N3.       Approve 2024 Zoning Districts Map for Valley City. (City Administrator Crawford)                                   

N4.       Consider Merchant Processing Agreement with Evolv and Service Fee Processing Agreement with GovCard. (Finance Director Klein)

N5.       Consider & Approve moving the February 18th Finance & Commission Meetings to Thursday, February 20th, 2025. (City Administrator Crawford)                                                                                                     

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

12.3.2024 Finance Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

2:30 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, December 3, 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/82443500486 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 824 4350 0486.

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.

            Department Spotlight – Sanitation Department

  1. Sanitation Department                                                                                     
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department/Dangerous Buildings
    1. Police Department                                                                                           
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  • Discuss GovCard for City Hall, Police Department & Municipal Court. (Finance Director Klein)                                                                                                                  
  • Review Change Orders for NW Reconstruction Project (2nd Ave NW, 3rd St NW, 4th St N) (City Engineer)                                                                                                          
  • Discuss Special Event Permits for Sale of Alcoholic Beverages. (Attorney Martineck)        
  • Discuss Possible Update to PFP Buyout Policy. (City Administrator Crawford)         
  • Discuss PFP Property Buyout of 506 3rd St SE. (City Administrator Crawford)
  • Discuss PFP Property Buyout of 512 E Main. (City Administrator Crawford)
  • Assessor’s Report on Exempt Properties. (City Assessor Current)                             

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

11.19.2024 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 19, 2024



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

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

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Add N8. Approve Member Participation and Subscription Endorsement for NDPHIT Renewal and N9. Amend to use 2024 Public Works Salary Expenses for the ARPA Funds Designation.

Remove Consent Agenda Item B.

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

PROCLAMATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

November 30, 2024 is being Proclaimed as Small Business Saturday. Support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and to Shop Small throughout the year.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Minutes from the 11.5.2024 Finance and Commission Meetings.                             
  2. Approve Public Hearing to consider suspension of Alcoholic Beverage License D3 218: failure to complete and submit Beverage Server Training Paperwork.
  3. Approve 2024-25 Contractor Licenses for:                                                                             
    1. All Finish Concrete of West Fargo, ND
    1. I’ll Tile & Stone, Inc of Detroit Lakes, MN
    1. 701 Caulking of Bismarck, ND
    1. Commercial Cleaning Services of Echo, MN

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

RESOLUTION

RES 2458, a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 130.                               

RES 2459, a Resolution Creating Water Main Improvement District No. 106.                                   

RES 2460, a Resolution Creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 70.                                

RES 2461, a Resolution Creating Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 56.

Commissioner Bishop moved to combine and approve together Resolutions 2458, 2459, 2460 and 2461, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

RES 2462, a Resolution for Establishing Electric Utility Rates. Exhibit in Materials.                        

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve with an effective date of February 1, 2025, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

RES 2463, a Resolution for Establishing Water Utility Rates. Exhibit in Materials.                           

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve with an effective date of February 1, 2025, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

RES 2464, a Resolution for Establishing Sewer Utility Rates.  Exhibit in Materials.                           

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve with an effective date of February 1, 2025, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

RES 2465, a Resolution for Establishing Rates & Fees for Solid Waste Service. Exhibit in Materials.         

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve with an effective date of February 1, 2025 and to update the Master Fee Schedule, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the amount of $2,727,896.

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

Approve 2025 Board Meeting Schedule.                                                                     

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

Approve Property Buyout of 823 2nd St NE in the amount of $55,110.            

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

Approve Property Buyout of 915 2nd St SE in the amount of $51,480.

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

Approve Contract for Prisoner Boarding with Barnes County Correctional Center.

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

Approve Public Works Capital and Operating Budgets for year 2025.

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

2024 Annual Forester Report given by Bob Anderson, City Forester.

Approve Member Participation and Subscription Endorsement for NDPHIT Renewal.

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

Amend to use 2024 Public Works Salary Expenses for the ARPA Funds Designation in the amount of $999,721.93.

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

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford shared an update from David Wick for the work being done on the roadway section as the inner circle storm drains and have now stopped concrete work for this year.  They will continue next summer. There are a few trailers that Fire Chief Magnuson and herself will need follow up on. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at 7:00PM at the Veteran’s Park. Enjoy the parade of lights & then attend the tree lighting in the park.

Finance Director Klein thanked Gary Jacobson on his hard work on the Public Works Department Budget. He did a great job.   

Engineer Eslinger discussed the letter that was just mailed out regarding the Lead Service Line Inventory and explained the goal of the first step in the project for the inventory of Lead Service Lines. The goal of the project is to ultimately remove all lead and galvanized lines from our system and to know what type of lines are out there. This is a multi-step program. A diagram explaining the lines and who is responsible for what portion of the lines was added to the materials.

Commissioner Gulmon recognized and thanked the city employees for all their work in putting up the Christmas lights. It is a big effort and very much appreciated.

Commissioner Magnuson thanked Gary Jacobson for all his work on the 2025 Public Works Budget. He explained that we keep our property taxes low by increasing the rates on utilities. We try to keep the profit margin low but still make some money to cover costs. He asked for the numbers to be compared to a few neighboring areas and what is being charged, Valley City is doing well. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and with the snow coming, drive safe.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked our Employees working on all the outside activities seen around town and those working on the inside activities that may not be seen as much. The City was visited by a couple State Representatives to view our permanent flood protections. They were able to see where the appropriated funds were used and they liked what they saw.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:57 PM.



Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

11.19.2024 Special Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 19, 2024



President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 4:00PM.

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner and Administrative Assistant Hintz

PUBLIC HEARING

Open Public Hearing to Consider Suspension of Alcoholic Beverage License 2024-B223 and 2024-C224 for Failure to Complete Transfer Paperwork and Violation of Code V.C.M.C. 4-01-05(7) Regarding Failure to Submit Quarterly Responsible Beverage Server Training Roster.

Greg Burchill, with Tavern 94, shared their reasoning for not turning in the transfer paperwork for the B223 and C224 Alcoholic Beverage Licenses. He believes that the new owner, when the sale is final. Will go with the D Restaurant License so no transfer will be necessary.  He intends to keep the B and C license to use for another possible reason.

Commissioner Magnuson and Attorney Martineck explained the limitations on the D License and explained the requirements on the B and C Licenses. Attorney Martineck clarified the 60-day limitations once the business is sold or the License comes back to the City.

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

Approve Suspension of Alcoholic Beverage License 2024-B223 and 2024-C224.

Attorney Martineck shared that the Server Training Report was turned in about 20 minutes prior to this meeting. This was due on 9/30/2024 but that point can be removed. That no sale of the establishment has happened makes the lack of transfer paperwork a moot point. The lack of Communication is the remaining issue. Martineck stated that any change to the License Application must be reported in 30 days to the City. No communication was made in the past 3 months until just prior to this meeting.

No action was taken by the Commission.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 4:37PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

11.5.2024 Finance Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 5, 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 Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon

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

Agenda Items

GovCard for City Hall, Police Department & Court.

Finance Director Klein shared the need to be able to take credit card payments in the Auditor’s Department. GovCard is a solution that several cities are using. It is a no cost, secure solution to this need. Commissioner Gulmon asked that local financial establishments be given a chance to offer their solution. Klein will reach out & bring quotes to the next meeting.  

Annexation of Woodland.

City Administrator Crawford discussed who this would affect and what the benefits to those involved would be. The consensus of the Commission was to start moving forward with this process.

PFP Buyout of 512 E Main.

Discussion was had on the proposed buyout of 512 East Main and the plans on how to proceed with this purchase. City Administrator Crawford recommends moving forward. The Commission agrees.

2025 Board Meeting Schedule.

Finance Director Klein went over the proposed meeting schedule for the 2025 Finance and Commission meetings. This will be added to the 11/19/24 Commission Agenda for final approval.

2023 Audit Report by Brady Martz

Matt Laughlin with Brady Martz and Associates, PC, shared the findings of the 2023 Auditor’s Report. The audit was completed in accordance with the auditing standards in the United States of America. The Commission felt that the audit went well and thanked Finance Director Klein and her Department for their work.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported that all is going well in her Department at the moment. Container placement has been going well.  

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that water usage is trending down which is normal as we head into winter & cooler weather.   

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 4 outages last month, 3 were due to squirrels. His Department is keeping busy with completing projects around Valley City.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for October. His Department has been on a few tough calls recently and he thanks them for everything that they do.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner went over his Calls for Service Report. He shared that the Police Department was awarded a grant to cover the upgrades needed on security at both the Police Department & the Water Treatment Plant. Chief Horner also shared the activities around town that his Squad has been participating in.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that all hydrants should be flushed as well as 245 of the 300 nodes that need replacing are completed. Sand trucks are ready to go when needed. Street cleaning is continuing.  

Administration

Administrator Crawford told the Commission that The City did receive a signed copy for the buyout property at 231 9th Ave NE. They agreed to the terms as determined by the Commission. This process has been started. Administrator Crawford reported that there are 57 remaining properties for the PFP Buyouts. Letters were mailed to those property owners this week. Lead line letters are also being mailed, they will go out when billing does to save on costs. This is another required step in the lead line process.  Discussion was also had on the tearing down of the building at 1416 Main St E to make room for the New Service Center. The plan will be to move ahead with the process to bid on the removal with guidelines set regarding time frames and expectations.

City Attorney Martineck explained the reasoning for the item on the Consent Agenda for Liquor License violations. The establishment in under new ownership and management since possibly August 1st. They have also not turned in their required Responsible Beverage Server Training Report which was due on September 30. 

Agenda Items Continued

Proposed Public Works Budgets for FY25

Public Works Accountant Jacobson reported on the proposed Public Works Budget for 2025. With the Commissioners consent, he will move forward with the approval process at the next Commission Meeting.

Rate Increase requests for Public Works

Public Works Accountant Jacobsonshared with the Commissioner that the rates that the City pays for Utilities will be increasing in 2025. To cover the cost of these increases, Jacobson proposed a few different scenarios for increasing the Customer’s Utility rates.The Commissioner agreed on the rate increase that they feel is appropriate and let Jacobson know to start the process to seek approval on  the new rates.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:33 PM.