Agenda Available

11.18.2025 Commission Meeting Agenda

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 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/85013757198 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  850 1375 7198

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 Minutes from the November 04, 2025.
  2. Approve Local Contractors License
    1. Freeman Trades
  3. Approve Application for Local Permit (Raffle)
    1. VCSU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society
    1. S.H.I.N.E Dance Team

Roll Call:         Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           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

Public Hearing

  1. Open Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance 1181 to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map Lots 1-16, Block 22, Root’s Addition, City of Valley City.

Motion to Close Hearing

Roll Call:   Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud 

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1181 to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map Lots 1-16, Block 22, Root’s Addition, City of Valley City.

Roll Call:   Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud 

  • Open Public Hearing Regarding First Reading of Ordinance 1182 to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map Auditor’s Lot 1 and the S360’ of the E820’ of Auditor’s Lot 2 Both of the NW ¼ of Section 32-140N-58W, Barnes County.

Motion to Close Hearing

Roll Call:   Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud 

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1182 to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map Auditor’s Lot 1 and the S360’ of the E820’ of Auditor’s Lot 2 Both of the NW ¼ of Section 32-140N-58W, Barnes County.

Roll Call:   Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud 

  • Open Public Hearing Regarding Liquor License Application for Sho3 LLC dba Econo Lodge

Motion to Close Hearing

Roll Call:   Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud 

Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License Application for Sho3 LLC dba Econo Lodge.

 

Roll Call:   Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud 

Ordinance

Resolution

Resolution No 2505 a Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Auditors Lot 1 and the S 360’ of the E 820’ of Auditor’s Lot 2 NW¼ Section 32-140-58

Roll Call:         Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud 

New Business

NB1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $3,275,415

            Roll Call:         Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud 

NB2. Approve Employee Assistance Program Contract Renewal – The Village

Roll Call:         Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud 

NB3.  Rescind Approval of Resolution 2503, A Resolution Authorizing Bids for Cropland Lease – Auditor’s Lot 2 NE1/4 31-140-58 and Auditor’s Lot 1 NW1/4 32-140-58

Roll Call:         Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud 

NB4.  Approve Addendum to Farm Lease for One Year Pursuant to Contract Dated April 18, 2024 — Auditor’s Lot 2 NE1/4 31-140-58 and Auditor’s Lot 1 NW1/4 32-140-58

Roll Call:         Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud 

NB5. 2026 MRES REC Elections

Roll Call:         Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud 

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

11.18.2025 Finance Agenda

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 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/84036571683 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 840 3657 1683


CALL TO ORDER

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Review monthly bills/reports (Finance Director Klein)
  2. Discuss SIRN Tower Conditional Use Permit
  3. Transportation Plan Update – Will Hutchings
  4. Discuss Previous Authorization of Bids for Cropland Lease – Auditor’s Lot 2 NE1/4 31-140-58 and Auditor’s Lot 1 NW1/4 32-140-58
  5. Discuss NDDOT Special Road Fund
  6. 2026 MRES REC Election Form (City Administrator Crawford)

DEPARTMENT REPORTS. (3:30PM)

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

Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

11.10.2025 Mayors Message

Greetings All, 

  • Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed November 11th annually in the United States.  *This date recognizes the anniversary of World War I ending on the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month, 1918.  The national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, like many local ceremonies across the nation, take place November 11th at 11:00 a.m.  Share your gratitude, say “Thank you” to all veterans, all year.  Always remember the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice as well.
  • With the change to Central Standard Time, Yogi Berra might say, “It gets late early now”!
  • Last week managing electrical power usage at peak times to avoid demand charges (thousands of $$$) was mentioned.  If we minimize using dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers during peak times, it will help.
  • The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored its annual “Save a Buck, Spend Some Doe” celebration for those who weren’t out deer hunting!  There were lots of people uptown, enjoying each other along with complimentary treats while seeking bargain purchases.  Thanks to all our Valley City businesses.
  • The Valley City Parks & Recreation (VCPR) had a girls’ basketball tournament in addition to other activities in town over the weekend.  There were players and parents all around town savoring the opportunities to enjoy Valley City and the VCPR event.
  • The American Public Power Association (APPA) is celebrating eighty-five years of serving public power and as many of you know, Valley City is a public power community.  In September of 1940, public power leaders from across the United States gathered in Washington D.C. to officially form the APPA.  That event was followed in October by its first board of directors meeting in Kansas City launching APPA service. 
  • We have some American Linden trees that have been “holding” their leaves …. until the hard freezes last weekend!  Now we have leaves all over the place so leaf cleanup is imminent.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • Time and good friends are two things that become more valuable the older you get.”             ~ Unknown

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Notice of Board Openings for City of Valley City

Opening for Planning and Zoning Commissioner

The Valley City Planning and Zoning Commission has an immediate opening for a commissioner to fulfill the remainder of a five-year term ending in 2029.

Those interested are asked to submit name, address, phone number to the City Assessor (tdrabus@valleycity.us) by December 19, 2025. You may be contacted for additional information depending on the number of individuals that express interest in serving.

  • Seven member board
  • Must reside in City limits
  • Meetings held on second Tuesday of every month, plus special meetings as required
  • Regular attendance is expected
  • $40 stipend per meeting
  • Planning and Zoning Commission has authority to hear applications for conditional use permits, zoning ordinance amendments, rezoning of property, and land subdivision/platting, and to make recommendations to the Board of City Commissioners regarding the approval or denial of applications. P&Z has final decision making authority on variances from zoning requirements, and imposition of fines for violations of the zoning code.
Dave Carlsrud

11.03.2025 Mayor’s Message

Howdy Folks, 

  • VCSU hosted the Interim Higher Education Institutions Committee on its campus in Valley City.  The committee included ND Legislators, citizen representatives and University System Commissioner Brent Sanford.  President Al LaFave, faculty, and other administrators all made presentations sharing how VCSU administers its mission as per the North Dakota University System.
  • Safety, remember there are distracted drivers so please wear Hi-Viz colors and walk AGAINST TRAFFIC versus with traffic.
  • Valley City winter parking regulations are in force, see. Visit our website for more info
  • Our winter season will bring colder weather, oh boy!  Anyway, if we minimize our power usage between 6:00 & 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 5:00 to 7:00, we can save thousands of dollars in demand charges.  Please think about it.
  • It is amazing to me how trees determine when to drop leaves as this year similar varieties of trees have dropped leaves at so many different times.  Some triggers are, but not limited to, fewer hours of daylight, drought, heat, frost and water logging. Some Maples have been dropping leaves in the wind and drizzle while some have just dropped them straight down.  With the fall colored leaves dropping softly under the trees overnight, a delightful beauty is created.
  • The Pick Sloan Plan of 1944 afforded North Dakota with federal hydro-power dams along the Missouri River.  Said dams are critical to our clean, adequate affordable power along with indispensable flood control.  Missouri River Energy Services along with our U.S. Senators and Congresswoman continually impress upon both legislative bodies the importance of maintaining ownership of the dams.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.”             ~ George Sand

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

11.4.2025 Commission Agenda

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 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/81829777720 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  818 2977 7720.

Next Resolution No. 2507            Next Ordinance No. 1181

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 Minutes from the 10.21.2025 Finance & Commission Meetings.    
  2. Approve Local Contractor Application:
    1. Escape Fire Protection, Inc. – Vadnais Heights, MN                        
    1. Tecta America Dakotas – Fargo, ND                                                          
  3. Approve Gaming Site Authorization License:
    1. ND Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, Inc                                               
    1. Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club, Inc.                                            

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

Public Hearing

  1. Open Public Hearing Regarding Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for Bon Bon Café.

(City Attorney Martineck)                                                                                                                                                                                            

Motion to Close Hearing.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for Bon Bon Café.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Ordinance

Resolution

RES 2505. A Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Auditors Lot 1 and the 360’ of the E 820’ of Auditor’s Lot 2 NW1/4 Section 32-140-58. (City Attorney Martineck)                                     

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

RES 2506. A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of $600,000 Wastewater Treatment Improvement Warrant, Series 2025.    (Finance Director Klein)                                                            

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve changes to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual. (City Attorney Martineck)    

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.10.2025 Special Commission Minutes

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Friday, October 10, 2025

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

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

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner and City Engineer Petersen.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Special Assessments for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 9:04 AM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.7.2025 Commission Minutes

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, City Assessor Drabus, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Horner, City Engineer Petersen, City Engineer Eslinger.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Commissioner Gulmon moved to remove NB3. Approve Interim Financing Agreement, Series F, for Red River Valley Water Supply Project and NB4. Approve opening a CD in the amount of $2,000,000 at Dacotah Bank, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 9.16.2025 Finance and Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Contractor Licenses:
    1. Advanced Striping, Inc. – Fargo
    1. Sieg Construction – Valley City
    1. Vita Roofing LLP – Fargo
  3. Approve Local Raffle Permit:
    1. Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce
    1. Trinity Lutheran WELCA
    1. St. Catherine School
    1. SHINE

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve contingent on Sieg Construction providing updated Liability Insurance form, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing

Declared Public Hearing Open Regarding Special Assessment Projects: Paving Improvement District No. 126, Water Main Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68, and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

Commissioner Bishop moved to close, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 126, Water Main Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68 and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Committee with the exception of Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55 which was tabled for further review, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Declared Public Hearing Open Regarding Special Assessment Projects: Paving Improvement District No. 128, Water Main Improvement District No. 105, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69.

Commissioner Bishop moved to close, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 128, Water Main Improvement District No. 105, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

ORD 1179. Second and final reading of Ordinance 1179, an Ordinance to create and enact Section 01-01-17 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to billing and fees for city services.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1180. Second and final reading of Ordinance 1180, an Ordinance Adopting the 2026 Annual City Budget.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

RES 2502. A Resolution authorizing filing of application with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for a loan under the Clean Water Act and/or the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

NB1. Approve Accepting Award for Back the Blue Funds.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

NB2. Approve Agreement with the ND Department of Health and Human Services for the Police Department to develop the Responsible Tobacco Retailer Training Project.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford covered updates on construction progress, including soil removal and groundwork for the Service Center building, with soil being consolidated to one location for efficiency. Also, announced there will be an open house event on Wednesday October 8th for PFP homes, allowing residents to view items for potential auction.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Finance Director Klein announced that Brady Martz will be giving a quick overview of our 2024 audit at the next meeting.

Police Chief Horner reminded residents about parking regulations for the winter months.

City Engineer Eslinger reported the bids for the Water Tower project have been posted and are due Wednesday October 15, 2025.

Commissioner Gulmon provided a financial update, noting that revenues were outpacing expenses, but sales tax was down compared to the previous year.

Adjourn – 5:44 PM

Dave Carlsrud

10.27.2025 Mayor’s Message

Greetings All, 

  • Last week Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak visited Valley City for an “Energy Roundtable” discussion. That she serves on the Energy and Commerce committee she is interested in our municipal power challenges and all of today’s energy needs. With her expertise from serving as North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, hearing her overview of issues was invaluable. One noted need is to generate enough energy to supply large load industries as there is no excess energy on the market at this point. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) representatives from Sioux Falls, Hillsboro, and a good contingent of Valley City Department Heads attended. All were invited to share concerns and ask questions. Thank you to all who facilitated the event.
  • Recently someone appears to have gutted a deer on a large piece of cardboard, left the guts along with a chunk of meat on the cardboard and placed it in one of the bins at the Recycling Center. Really folks, that is wrong! The good news is, a name is on the cardboard.  
  • Congratulations to all the folks in our Valley City Finance Department as the department received a positive independent  audit from the Grand Forks office of Brady Martz & Associates. Thank you to all for your work, “doing the next right thing.”
  • The 2025 Salvation Army Kettle Campaign is right around the corner. Bell ringing will begin Monday, November 24th and continue through Christmas Eve.
  • For your convenience, the Valley City Transfer Station is now accepting payments with credit cards. The garbage pickup times may vary some days, but pickup begins at 7:00 a.m.  If your containers aren’t out by 7:00 a.m. you are at risk of being missed.
  • For your safety, the turn signals on your vehicle are to warn people you will turn. Give them a chance to miss you, turn your signal “on” before you touch your brake. Be safe.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They’re underused.” ~ Tommy Lee Jones

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,
Dave Carlsrud

Dave Carlsrud

10.20.2025 Mayor’s Message

Hello Everybody, 

  • Our North Dakota weather always amazes as wind is forecast and it is calm, it is forecast for cloudy and it is sunny and…… aw, you know. Mother Nature has a mind of her own….. a La Niña Winter is forecast so we must wait and see. “Oh boy!”
  • North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) fall tournaments are well under way with Fargo South winning the Boys’ Soccer Tournament Saturday. To research where, when and how to watch other high school tournaments, please see: https://ndhsaanow.com/  HAVE FUN. 
  • The week of 10/20/2025 is “Careers in Energy Week.” Career jobs in energy for WOMEN and MEN are numerous. With all the generation and transmission needs, linemen, engineers, electricians, technicians, welders and more are needed. With Valley City being a Municipal Power Community, we have people in the field who are great resources so research jobs in energy, they could be for you. See “Hire PowHER”, https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/.  
  • When I was a youngster, Sunday afternoon entertainment was attending “Town Team Baseball” games. With sunny, bright blue skies and a soft breeze Sunday,  the sounds of baseball reverberated from beautiful Charlie Brown Field where VCSU was hosting a game. It was serene.
  • Major League Baseball Playoffs are winding down. The National League Dodgers have “rolled” through their competition in the NLCS and have qualified for the World Series.  In the American League, the Blue Jays are battling with the Mariners (M’s are up 3 games to 2) for the remaining slot in the world series. At the time of this writing, game 6 is in progress, so following said game, the Mariners will be the ALCS Champions or a game 7 will be played.  
  • The Halloween “Season” is around the corner with a plethora of activities for the Trick-or-Treaters beginning this weekend. There will be much traffic on and around streets during the Halloween, be careful folks.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” ~ John Wooden

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,
Dave Carlsrud