Category Archives: Announcements

Dave Carlsrud

9.2.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings Everyone, 

  • I hope you all had opportunities for investing time with family and friends over the Labor Day weekend.  Many of us are “longer in the tooth” than others which often creates a more nostalgic view as we grow older.  Call some family and friends, tell them you love them.
  • Recently there was a horrible shooting in a Minneapolis church during worship, our hearts go out to all connected.  Please pray for the injured, their families and friends that they may heal completely, physically and emotionally.  
  • Fall sports, from elementary to university levels, are under way.  While our weather is favorable, why not attend afternoon or evening events that best fit your schedule.  The kids are excited to see you people attend their events.  “Make their day.”
  • We had many Valley City Employees working during our wind and rain storms this summer as it is “All hands on deck” during those times.  Some crews were keeping streets passable during the storms while linemen were working overhead maintaining and restoring power.  I believe our largest storm of the year was around June 20th.  We had some power outages, but being we are a Public Power Community, our crews were able to be on the job as soon as conditions allowed.  Even with the storm, our power was “on” 99.91213% of the time in June!  Additionally, our membership in Missouri River Energy Services, a Joint Action Agency, allows our electric rates to be consistency lower than Investor Owned Utilities or Electrical Coops. 
  • We are seeing more and more E-Scooters around town and I imagine they are really fun.  Some safety concerns have surfaced with scooters being ridden on streets, cutting across intersections and on sidewalks.  Please talk with your kids and friends about the importance of obeying rules of the road and the dangers of distracted drivers.  We want all to be safe.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”        ~ Leo Buscaglia

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

9.2.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 2, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 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/86913678203 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  869 1367 8203.

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:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

 Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 8.19.2025 Finance & Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Local Raffle Permits:
    1. Dakota Rider MC
    1. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals
    1. Valley City USBC Association
  3. Approve Contractor License’s:
    1. Dakota Electric Construction CO. Inc. – Fargo
    1. Border Construction – Fargo
    1. Asphalt Surface Technologies Corporation dba ASTECH Corp. – St. Cloud, MN
    1. Pierce Lee Roofing – Fargo
    1. Western Products Inc. – Fargo
    1. All New Gutter Service Inc. – Fargo
    1. Singh Contracting Inc. – Bismarck
    1. Sprinturf LLC – Daniel Island, SC
    1. Peterson Sheet Metal, Inc. – Bemidji, MN
  4. Approve Contractor License Renewal:
    1. Construction Engineers, Inc.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          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 jhintz@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

Ordinance

ORD 1176. First reading of Ordinance 1176, an Ordinance to amend and reenact Section 8-04-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to tobacco license violations. (City Attorney Martineck)             

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

ORD 1177. First reading of Ordinance 1177, an Ordinance to create and enact Title 21 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to gaming. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

ORD 1178. First reading of Ordinance 1178, an Ordinance to amend and reenact Sections 15-01-09 and 15-01-16 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to public works accounts receivable. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

RES 2500. A Resolution amending the Master Fee Schedule. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve Agreement for Cost-Share Reimbursement for Valley City Permanent Flood Protection not to exceed $9,595,675. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB2. Consider Visitor Committee recommendation to approve the Image Enhancement Grant Application for Bakkegard and Schell in the amount up to $75,000 for the renovations and signage of their current building at 159 12th Ave SE. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB3. Consider Visitor Committee recommendation to change the current Image Enhancement Application and Guidelines to include “other buildings that meet the criteria of the Image Enhancement purpose as determined by the committee.” (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB4. Approve Application for Residential Improvement exemption – 605 Central Ave N. (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB5. Approve Application for Residential Improvement exemption – 638 3rd St. SE. (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB6. Review Valley City NW Water Tower Opinion of Probable Cost and Discussion Project Cost Saving Options.              (City Engineer Petersen)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB7. Approve terms of soil remediation at 98.9 acres in the NE Quarter of Section 10, TWP 141N, Range 59W, and Auditor’s Lot 2 of the NE Quarter of Section 31, TWP 140N, Range 58W. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB8. Approve Change Order for Sanitary Sewer improvement district 72 – Reline Project. (City Engineer Petersen)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

8.25.2025 Construction Notice – Seal Coat

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**UPDATE – SEAL COAT**

The start of the seal coat work has been delayed. Work is still anticipated to start in parts of the northeast and northwest the evening of Tuesday, August 26th, 2025. Work in the other areas will continue throughout the remainder of the week. Please pay attention to no parking and/or parking lot closures. Please contact KLJ at (701)845-4980 with any questions.

Construction Notice – Paving Improvement Districts 129 & 132 (Seal Coat)

Seal coat work on Paving Improvement District 129 & 132 is scheduled to begin the week of August 25th-29th. Work is tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 and finish on Friday, August 29th, 2025, weather pending. No parking signs will be installed a minimum of 48 hours prior to the start to accommodate this work. The parking restriction only applies to daylight hours on the days the seal coat work is scheduled (6 am – 10 pm). Residents will have access to their homes and driveways. Intermittent interruptions are to be expected while driving on these streets but should be short.

The following City parking lots will be closed during the seal coat work (see map). These lots will be closed the morning of the seal coat work and reopened by the end of the day. Parking lot restrictions will only be in effect for one day. It is currently anticipated that this work will be completed on Tuesday, August 26th but is subject to change.

• Our Saviors Lutheran Church (Behind Central Ave Pharmacy/Valley Officeworks)

• Parking Lot in Southeast Corner of 2nd Ave NW/3rd St NW (Old Bloom N Craft lot)

• North of Post Office

• City Hall Parking Lot

• Veterans Memorial Park Lot

• Lot west of Senior Center

If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact KLJ at (701)845-4980.

Dave Carlsrud

8.25.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody, 

  • Please be alert for school buses and youngsters around them.  When the “STOP Arm” is extended, you must stop! It is for safety and it is the law!  
  • Child Passenger Safety Week is Sunday, September 21, to Saturday, September 27.  Does your child or grandchild have an important need to be addressed in the event of an emergency? First responders need said information to provide correct and timely treatment. Barnes County residents, please contact Fire Chief, Scott Magnuson at: smagnuson@valleycity.us or 701-845-3351.
  • “Hydro is Here”! Sunday was National Hydropower Day and for over 140 years, hydropower has fueled the nation with clean, renewable energy. Valley City benefits as about 70% of its power is hydropower.
  • August 23rd is the Dakota Riders Hill Climb in scenic Valley City with riding beginning at 10:00 AM. It is entertainment for young and old so bring your lawn chair and enjoy a great event. See: https://www.newsdakota.com/2025/08/19/dakota-riders-hill-climb-august-23/
  • Cleaning house, moving or the like; you can rent dumpsters locally. Just call 701-845-0380.
  • Thirty-four-year-old Tommy Fleetwood won the PGA Tour Championship Tournament which is huge, but it was also his FIRST PGA Golf Tournament Sunday win! There were great expressions of love and sportsmanship by his competitors and fans, the way it should be.
  • The Central Avenue and 2nd Street traffic signal is somewhat skewed due to the wind. It will be straightened though it will be inconvenient for a bit. Please be patient, thank you.  
  • Transferring our garbage to landfills that will accept it is becoming more and more expensive. You can help reduce that cost by recycling as recycling costs less than if we send to landfills. Please try recycling for a month.
  • “Veteran” Major League Baseball (MLB) Fans may remember when numerous players played a whole career with one team. In 1970 Curt Flood successfully sued MLB (Flood V Kuhn) resulting in “Free Agency”. Beginning in 1976 said judgment allowed players to negotiate contracts with other teams when their current contracts expired. It was a huge change in MLB.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”                   ~ Stephan Covey

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.5.2025 Commission Minutes

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

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

Members absent: Commissioner Gulmon

Others: City Administrator Crawford (via zoom), City Attorney Martineck (via zoom), Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, City Engineer Petersen, Police Chief Horner. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No changes.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Minutes from the 7.15.2025 Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approve Minutes from the 7.28.2025 Special Commission Meeting

Approve Contractor License:

South Peak Holdings LLC dba Skinner Roofing, Grand Forks

Approve Site Authorization Renewal:

North Dakota Winter Show at North Dakota Winter Show Event Center

Approve House Movers License:

Carrington House Movers, LLC, Carrington

Approve Local Raffle Permit

Valley City Junior Golf Association

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the Consent Agenda contingent on receiving updated certificate of insurance for Carrington House Movers, LLC, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE

ORD 1173. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1173, an Ordinance to amend and reenact chapter 11-09 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to standards for floodplain development.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1174.  Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1174, an omnibus ordinance to amend and reenact sections of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to the 2025 state legislative session.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call Vote: Bishop – Aye, Magnuson – Aye, Erickson – Nay, Carlsrud – Aye.

Motion Passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve purchase of property at 628 Main Street E. (Parcel 63-3110126) as a PFP Buyout in the amount of $38,170.     

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve contingent on approval by Department of Water Recourses, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford gave an update on the Public Works Service Center job site.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

City Finance Director informed the Commission that the public hearing for the 2026 Budget is on September 16th at 5 P.M.

City Engineer Petersen gave an update on the Seal Coat Project and the Winter Show Road Shared Use Path Project.

President Carlsrud thanked all City employees and the Commissioners for serving.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:14 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.15.2025 Finance Minutes

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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 Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson.

Other present: City Administrator Crawford (via zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Lt. Rustebakke, Executive Assistant Bodine, Administrative Assistant Hintz, Intern Nord.

New Business

Motion to hold Executive Session for Attorney Consultation to Discuss Main Street Off Sale Alcoholic Beverage License.

Commissioner Bishop moved to open the Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

The executive session began at 2:32 PM and was attended by President Carlsrud,

Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, City

Administrator Crawford via Zoom, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Lt. Rustebakke, Executive Assistant Bodine, Administrative Assistant Hintz, and Intern Nord.

The meeting resumed at 2:46 PM. The media and the members of the public have been

invited to return to the open session.

Agenda Items

Review Commissioner Roles & Responsibilities. City Attorney Martineck presented a PowerPoint.

Review Monthly Expenditures Reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed the monthly reports. 

Review Quarterly Engineer Report. Finance Director Klein reviewed the quarterly reports.      

Review Quarterly Fire Extinguisher Report. Finance Director Klein reviewed the quarterly reports.

Discuss Rosebud Parking Lot. City Administrator Crawford discussed police presence in this area. Commissioners Magnuson and Bishop discussed purchasing security cameras that are tied to the PD. Assistance would be expected covering the costs. Commissioner Magnuson is working on getting quotes. The consensus is to continue with the current procedures.

Discuss Paving Improvement District 131 Protests. City Engineer Peterson discussed additional options with the protest of Project 131. Accept the protest and not do the project at all, losing the Urban Grant Fund ($2.99 million). Accept the protest, find alternative funding to offset the paving special (ie. additional R&R or Prairie Dog) and move forward with the project as presented. Accept the protest, consider alternative special assessment options, move forward with project as presented. Accept the protest, move forward with only the water, sewer and storm sewer improvements, losing the Urban Grant Fund ($2.99 million).

Discuss Policy for Approval of Gaming Site Authorizations. City Attorney Martineck discussed the previous views of the Commission and the need for the policy to move forward regarding out of town organizations.

Discuss Legislative Session Review. City Attorney Martineck reviewed the latest Legislative Session.

Department Reports

Department Spotlight – City Hall

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart reported that they have taken in close to 2 Million Lbs. of trees and branches since the storm. When bringing trees & branches to the Transfer Station, please haul larger trees, trunks, and branches inside, the Grass Site is for the smaller items.

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf explained that his Team is playing catch up and staying busy.  He asks that the public look up at your lines to make sure they are clear of trees and branches. After a 3 year wait, the new digger truck has arrived.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson shared that the $190,000 Grant applied for to purchase new bunker gear looks to be approved. There were 36 calls for service for the past month. He also updated the blighted building locations around town being worked on. 

Police Department Lt. Rustebakke updated the Commissioners of the PD’s new hire Cody Perdue. The FTO process has been started. They are now currently fully staffed.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemisch and his Team continue to pick up trees and branches. 1 hydrant was broken during the storm and the repair parts are in. They will start patching soon and continue to catch up on everything else since the storm. The 2nd round of tree pickup will start on July 24th, please have your trees and branches on the boulevards. Concrete is starting at the new Service Center site.

Administration

City Administer Crawford gave an update on the soil from the Service Center site. There is more dirt needing decontamination, this was in the preliminary findings and has been accounted for. Water and sewer service line warranty information will go out again this fall. We have had positive reports from those that have needed it.

Finance Director Klein reminded about the budget meetings coming up and they have been put on the calendar.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:36PM.

Dave Carlsrud

8.18.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings All, 

  • Many schools are opening this week so students, educators, buses and parents will create different traffic patterns throughout the area.  Busy times will likely be different than the summer, so please be “aware”.
  • There will also be kids going to school who don’t ride in cars or the like. They will be crossings streets, walking, running, riding scooters and bikes!  Please be careful and ready to protect them from poor decisions they may make.
  • The other day a friend asked, “Why do we need to have fire sirens sounding during the day, but we don’t at night”?  As I understand it, the silent alert to fire fighters, no sirens, at night is a courtesy to us citizens. It works because there is minimal traffic at night and usually fire fighters are the only ones on the streets.  During the day, traffic patterns are heavier and drivers wouldn’t know there is a call if there isn’t a siren.  The siren alerts people to be looking out for firefighters on the way to the Fire Hall and can prepare for fire trucks and other equipment entering streets.  You likely know the fire siren “sounding loud too soft over & over” while the disaster alert is “one continuous loud wail”.  This policy is for safety and efficiency.  Thank you for asking.
  • The plentiful rains have been perfect for vegetation growth and are perfect for mosquito hatches!  To avoid the West Nile virus, avoid mosquitoes, if you have to be out, limit your skin exposure and use the “proper” insect repellant. 
  • Our city team has been spraying for mosquitoes though keeping up is challenging at best.  Spraying can be done early morning and later evening to kill mosquitoes while the butterflies and other favorable insects are “sleeping”.  Thank you to our dedicated city employees for their efforts.
  • PLEASE, remove the weeds from the sidewalks at your businesses and homes. Your property will look so much nicer and I think you’ll like it.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “It’s a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.”      ~ Agatha Christie

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

8.19.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 19, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 19, 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/88417337914 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  884 1733 7914

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Oath of Office for POLICE OFFICER Cody Perdue

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 8.5.2025 Commission Meeting.
  2. Approve Local Raffle Permit
    1. VCSU Foundation – Booster Board
    1. Hi-Liners Booster Club Inc.
    1. CHI Mercy Health Foundation
    1. Barnes County Senior Citizens Council, 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 jhintz@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 2498. A Resolution Authorizing Filing of Application with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for a $600,000 Loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

RES 2499. A Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Real Property. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,287,683 (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB2. Approve Transfer of 832 4th Ave NE to Valley City Public Schools. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB3. Approve the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation request to fund the Recruiting & Retention Coordinator Position for 3 Years at $80,000/Year with funds sourced from City Sales Tax dedicated to Economic Development. (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB4. Approve the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation request for an additional $10,000/year for 3 Years for the Resource Development Specialist Position with funds sourced from City Sales Tax dedicated to Economic Development. (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB5. Approve Option Agreement and Form of Easement for State Interoperability Radio Network Tower to be constructed by Allo Towers. (City Attorney Martineck)

NB6. Approve terms of license authorizing City to use a portion of the South Half of the Southwest Quarter 27-140-58 for additional soil remediation. (City Administrator Crawford)

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

8.11.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Howdy Folks, 

  • Pickleball is a low impact activity that is relatively easy to learn, making it attractive to people of all ages and athletic abilities, TRY IT!  Valley City has great pickleball facilities with indoor at the Gaukler Family Wellness Center and outdoor at Hi-Line Park for your pleasure. 
  • A week ago on a beautiful Saturday in Chautauqua Park, Valley City Parks & Recreation (VCPR) held its annual Riverfest Celebration.  There were 260 kayakers registered, about 54 registered vendors and a nice turnout of spectators.  It is a great event, thank you to the VCPR Staff.  If you haven’t been there, watch for next year’s date!
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) has submitted a facility permit application to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for construction of a 145 megawatt Power Plant near Toronto, SD.  Four natural gas fired-combustion turbine-generators will provide reliable on-demand electricity to help meet the growing regional energy needs.
  • People riding scooters and bikes, especially E-assisted, please slow down when on sidewalks for your safety.  There have been some “close calls” so be careful.
  • There have been numerous shootings and other dangerous situations in our region putting citizens and law enforcement personnel in harms way.  If you are stopped by law enforcement, remember they are on the “frontlines” for us and are being very cautious, so please be patient, understanding and grateful.  Thank you to all law enforcement personnel, be safe.
  • North Dakota faces a critical need for blood donations, especially during the summer months. Vitalant and Red Cross are both prominent in our area and are in need.  Vitalant has two drives upcoming in Valley City, September 11 at St. Catherine’s along with October 7 & 8 at Stoudt-Miller Inc.  Call Vitalant at: 877-258-4825.
  • PLEASE, remove the weeds from the sidewalks at your businesses and homes. Your property will look so much nicer.  Thank you.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “God puts the right people in your life at the right time.”      ~ Jared Allen

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.28.2025 Special Commission Minutes

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM.

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

Members absent: None

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Horner, Assessor Current, Executive Assistant Bodine, Intern Krista Nord.

New Business

Discuss and Approve the 2026 Preliminary Budget

Finance Director Klein reported that we are expecting to have the value of a mill the first part of August. HB 1176 puts a cap on the dollars the City can levy. The cap of 3% plus new growth sets the maximum amount the City can levy for the General Fund at $1,630,697 (3.62% increase from 2025). The City’s Share of Specials Fund 203 is not subject to the 3% cap. The dollars levied for Fund 203 increased due to properties the City has acquired through delinquent taxes. The amount to levy in Fund 203 is $32,300. The Library Fund is subject to the 3% cap plus new growth which brings the amount to $199,149. The increase in expenditures in the General Fund is 4.7%. The 2026 Transfers In are the same as 2025 with $260,000 being transferred in from Fund 241 Property Tax Relief. Transfers Out total $361,608: Fund 225 Building Reserves $146,500, Fund 230 Renew & Replacement $215,108, Cash reserves are at $1,300,597 which is 28% of expenditures, this is within the guidelines set in the City’s Fund Balance policy.

The transfer from the Utility Fund to General Fund is $1,358,600. This brings the % of transfer compared to Public Works Revenues to 12.3%.

The proposed salaries in the 2026 Budget includes a 4.5% cost of living allowance (COLA) increase and a step increase in the 0-24-year salary schedule.

The increase in health insurance premiums for 2026 is 7.26%. We have budgeted for the City to pay 85% of the health insurance premium. In 2026 the City will also pay a $3,000 insurance incentive to those employees who are not on the City’s Health Insurance Policy through NDPHIT. The City’s contribution to the employee’s HSA accounts would remain the same, with the employees matching a portion of the contribution in order to receive the full amount.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the 2026 Preliminary Budget as presented which includes the proposed salary structure and 4.5% COLA, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Commissioners Gulmon, Bishop, Magnuson and President Carlsrud voted Aye, Commissioner Erickson voted Nay. Motion carried.

ADJOURN

Meeting Adjourned at 8:40 A.M.