4.19.2021 Mayor’s Message

Posted on April 19, 2021April 19, 2021 by Brandy Johnson

Hi Folks,

THANK YOU to all people who have been “front line workers” during the battles with COVID-19. A few occupations where people are exposed to the COVID are: clergy, healthcare, law enforcement and education. If you meet people who serve in those or like professions, please say “thank you”.
“If you see someone without a smile, give him or her yours”
We have had people contact city employees and commissioners about issues with their neighbors. One of the questions I try to ask is, “have you visited with your neighbor about the issue”? Very often they have not! Seminars on “Conflict Resolution” tell us “communication resolves conflict”. We don’t have to be friends we just have to talk with each other. Whenever resolution can be reached without a third party, it will be better. If civil issues go to court, generally both parties lose. A friend of mine says, “The answer is usually somewhere in the middle”. Be neighborly, who knows, visiting could begin a good relationship.
Watch for the “Longest Table Pilot Project” to be followed by the “Longest Table Project”, “Summer Nights on Central” and “Rally in the Valley” coming soon. For further information contact Andrea Nelson @ foundation@hellovalley.com or Trinity Nelson @ vdgoffice@hellovalley.com
Last week we talked about Missouri River Energy Services (MRES). Have you thought about what our energy mix is? Valley City’s energy is 93% Carbon Free! Our carbon footprint has been reduced by nearly 50% since 2005.
Though nearing the end of the session, there are still some legislative bills that could affect you. Communicate with your legislators if you have questions.
See: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/regular to track bills.
“What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Respectful and Pray

Dave

4.19.2021 Commission Agenda

Posted on April 16, 2021April 19, 2021 by Brandy Johnson

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, April 19th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2^nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/97114904856 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 971 1490 4856

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from the April 6th Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Approve Raffle Permit for

a. Valley City Education Association

b. Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce

c. Express Wrestling

B. Approve Block Off Street Request for the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce for the Rally in the Valley Event held on June 19^th 2021 beginning from 6AM to 5 PM.

Roll Call: Bishop Gulmon Erickson Magnuson 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.

Ordinance

1. Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1077, an Ordinance amending and reenacting VCMC section 8-01-02 re contractor license renewal date. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Bishop Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Carlsrud

2. Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1078, an Ordinance to Create and enact Section 15-01-12.1 re Tax Assessment of Unpaid Utility Charges. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Gulmon Erickson Carlsrud

3. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1076, an Ordinance to amend and reenact section 7-04-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to numbers on buildings. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Bishop Carlsrud

5. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1075, an Ordinance Amending and Reenacting Sections of Titles 7 and 11 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Building Permits and Zoning Code Violations. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Gulmon Erickson Carlsrud

Resolution

1. Approve Resolution 2289, A Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat). (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Bishop Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution 2290, A Resolution Approving Plat of Ingstad North Valley Subdivision. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Bishop Carlsrud

3. Approve Resolution 2291, A Resolution Approving Petition for Vacation of Undeveloped Portion of 11^th Ave SE. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Erickson Magnuson Bishop Erickson Carlsrud

4. Approve Resolution 2292, A Resolution Approving Plat of Hyland Park Estates. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Erickson Gulmon Carlsrud

5. Approve Resolution 2293, A Resolution Approving replat of Lot 1 Block 3 Waterfront Meadows Addition. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Bishop Erickson Gulmon Magnuson Carlsrud

New Business

1. Approve Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation request for $25,000. (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Gulmon Erickson Carlsrud

2. Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Mark Ertelt Benefit at The Labor Club South Parking Lot, May 1^st, 2021 from 2 PM to 2 AM. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Erickson Magnuson Bishop Gulmon Carlsrud

3. Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Celebration of Small Business at City Lights Parking Lot, July 23, 2021 from 6 PM to 11 PM. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Bishop Carlsrud

4. Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit from The Clubhouse Lounge LLC for the Garrett McFadgen Benefit at the ND Winter Show, May 3, 2021 from 6 PM to 9 PM. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Gulmon Erickson Carlsrud

5. Approve Housing Incentives. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call: Bishop Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Carlsrud

6. Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to Residential Building at 218 7^th Ave NW. (City Assessor Hansen)

Roll Call: Erickson Magnuson Bishop Gulmon Carlsrud

7. Approve Submission of a Loan Application to RDFC (Rural Development Finance Corporation) for the Partial Financing of the Addition to the Fire hall. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Bishop Carlsrud

8. Approve Administration of City of Valley City’s local sales, use and gross receipts taxes by State Tax Commissioner for 2021-2023 biennium. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Bishop Gulmon Erickson Magnuson Carlsrud

9. Approve Contract with NDDOT for Facilitating Installation of Small Cell Wireless Facilities in DOT Right of Way. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Gulmon Erickson Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

4.12.2021 Mayor’s Message

Posted on April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 by Brandy Johnson

Hello Everyone,

“Spring Clean-up” will be the week of May 24^th. Please keep your alleys and boulevards free of junk until that time. Be proud of your property and keep it “Looking good” in the mean time. Thank you for your cooperation. https://www.valleycity.us/public-works/
Valley City is a Municipal Power Community and through Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), our electrical rates have been very reasonable and are expected to remain stable for many years to come. MRES’ leadership has utilized long range planning so that base load power generation along with renewable energy (hydro, wind, and solar) combined with hedge purchases of market power have enabled members like Valley City to avert increased energy costs during the polar vortex. In fact, MRES’ power generation exceeded needs during the polar vortex allowing MRES to realize financial gains.
Nicer weather is bringing more people out to enjoy Valley City parks, the Sheyenne River, shared use paths etc. People who are out on bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, walking and jogging need to enjoy their activities safely. Drivers need to be prudent about safety too. There are a number of drivers going too fast for conditions, speeding and going through stop signs. “Stop” means to “cease motion” versus slowing or rolling through. Please everyone, respect each other and be safe.
We are still in a drought! Over the weekend where there had been an inch of rain, a person though it would be okay to burn. The decision resulted in a runaway fire and a call to the fire department. Wait a bit longer, DO NOT burn yet!
Our Parks and Recreation and Valley City Public Works are cleaning and trimming our parks, streets and alleys for your use. Please dispose of your garbage in appropriate containers versus LITTERING. Please do your part in keeping our city the “Most Beautiful City in North Dakota”.
Chautauqua Park gets really dusty, please adhere to the 5 MPH Speed Limit so the kids playing and people picnicking can enjoy without dust. Oh, and drive slower in alleys. Thank you for your efforts.
There are legislative bills that could affect you. See: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/regular to track bills and to contact your legislators if you wish. It is an interesting process to watch.
“I hope we never lose sight of one thing; – it was all started by a mouse.” (Walt Disney)

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Respectful and Pray

Dave

4.13.2021 Board of Equalization

Posted on April 8, 2021April 8, 2021 by Brandy Johnson

Call to Order

Roll Call

Auditor to read Sections 57-11-01, 03 and 07 of the North Dakota Century Code pertaining to the duties of the Board of Equalization.
President declares the hearing open
- Report from Assessor
- Requests from Property Owners
- Auditor’s report on any written communication
Motion to close hearing

Roll Call: Gulman Bishop Magnuson Erickson Carlsrud

4. Commission to review the assessment books. Motion to approve the assessment books as prepared by the City Assessor. (Note any changes to assessment books in separate motion).

Roll Call: Bishop Magnuson Erickson Gulman Carlsrud

Adjourn

3.30.2021 Special Commission Minutes

Posted on April 7, 2021April 7, 2021 by Brandy Johnson

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher, Mike Manstrom-Colliers

Pledge of Allegiance

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2286, a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Improvement Warrants and Exchanging them for $1,315,000. Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2021.

Mike Manstrom of Colliers stated the interest rates are low right now and it’s a good time to for some significant savings. We came in with a 1.19% interest rate for the next ten years, you’re currently at 3%, that’s a $95,000 future value savings. That was probably directly relating to the A1 rating which was reaffirmed by Moody’s. That’s a very good rating for a community of this size. Ohnstad-Twichell prepared the resolution today authorizing the sale as $1,315,000, we are paying off $1,275,000. The balance of $40,000 is cost of issuance, bond counsel feels and printing the registration of bonds.

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

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 12:06 PM.

3.16.2021 Commission Minutes

Posted on April 7, 2021April 7, 2021 by Brandy Johnson

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

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Assessor Hansen, PW Supervisor Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Operations Supervisor Klemisch, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, City Engineer Chad Petersen.

Approval of Agenda

No changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the March 2nd meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License for the following:
- Tim’s Plumbing LLC.
- Sheyenne River Repair.
Approve Rally in the Valley Parade on June 19^th, 2021 on Central Ave from Dairy Queen to 4^th St S.

3. Approve Raffle Permit for the Valley City Fire Department at the Eagles on April 30^th, 2021.

4. Approve Block off Street request for Valley City High School Prom on May 1^st on 4^th St NW from Central Ave to 2^nd Ave NW.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2277, a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated this is to create the special assessment district. Approximately 5% of the total project cost will be special assessed.

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

Approve Resolution 2278, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans, Specifications & Estimates of Probable Cost for Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the DOT is currently working on the environment portion of this project and then will work on the plan development. The project will be bid in May. Since part of the main street corridor is in the floodway they are getting challenges with the State Water Commission on getting approval for that. A little stricter and different than what we’re used to for a seal coat but it’s still scheduled for May. If the challenges continue it may go into June. Estimated cost is about $130,000 with the local share being about $13,000, half of which will be special assessed.

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

Approve Resolution 2279, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated this was the same project. The properties have been identified for the special assessments and this will start the 30 day protest period.

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

Approve the following Resolutions relating to Projects 119 and 119B.

Resolution 2280, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
Approve Resolution 2281, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119B, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
Approve Resolution 2282, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Sanitary Sewer District No. 64, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.

Approve Resolution 2283, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Storm Sewer District No. 52, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.

Approve Resolution 2284, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Water Main District No. 100, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated on February 26^th bids were open for the districts on 7^th Ave NW, 4^th St NW and 2nd Ave NE. We received three bids and reviewed those at the last meeting. At this time we can’t officially award the project but this will allow us to take action contingent on the approval of ND DEQ and then we can move forward with the contracting and move forward in the spring. We are anticipating the approval from ND DEQ in the next couple weeks. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion carried.

New Business

Approve request from the Water Trail Committee of up to $1000 for the install of low head dam signage with applicable posts and hardware.

City Administrator Crawford stated Bobby Koepplin had spoken about this earlier this summer. They are asking several entities to put in money so they can show that there are a lot of people involved.

Commissioner Bishop asked where the money would come from.

Finance Director Richter stated she could see several areas where it could come from. The small projects fund, Cares, or street department.

Commissioner Bishop questioned if the signage we would pay for would be just for signs located in city limits. I would be in favor of paying for the signs within city limits.

City Administrator Crawford stated there is more to it as the point of this is to make it a part of the designated water trail which is why they are asking several entities, it will cost a lot more than that overall.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Finance Director Richter stated we typically pay nothing up front, we usually reimburse based on invoices. If you approve this we can ask approximately what the cost would be for signage in city and if it’s reasonable around that $1000.

Commission Bishop requested the motion be redone that up to $1000 with appropriate invoices.

President Carlsrud added that maybe the $1000 is a good investment for tourism. Commissioner Gulmon agreed.

Commissioner Gulmon stated his motion stands as made. He agrees to appropriate $1000 for this program. If the expenses come in at $900 he gets $900, if he needs $1000 from each of the groups….

President Carlsrud added it could be less. It’s probably like we have done in the past with the Beautification Committee, they send in vouchers.

Roll Call: Magnuson-aye Bishop-aye Gulmon-aye Erickson-aye Carlsrud-aye Motion carried.

Discuss quotes for 7 year lease of heavy equipment.

Operations Superintendent Klemisch stated we are currently leasing with RDO which is up in June. Butler came in quite a bit higher than RDO. I would like to go with option two. We notice when pushing snow up-hill there is a little more horsepower and it makes a difference.

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

Authorize the City Administrator to negotiate and enter into a contract for lease and purchase of PFP Cold Storage Building, along with incidental work and expenses.

Move to enter into an Executive Session as authorized in subsection 9 of section 44-04-19.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. The purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss negotiation strategy of contract. At this time motion would be in order to discuss the next topic in Executive Session rather than in an open meeting session.

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

Executive Session began at 5:31 pm and was attended by President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck and Finance Director Richter.

The Executive Session adjourned at 5:41 and the meeting reconvened.

City Commissioner Gulmon moved to allow City Administrator Crawford to enter into a lease purchase for a storage building for PFP, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion carried.

City updates & Commission Reports

City Administrator Crawford reported she had been working with the Vo-Tech Center and they had agreed to work with us on decorating the large electrical boxes on Central. As part of their graphic design class they would design and we would approve designs to put on the boxes to make them look nicer. We would pay for materials and would also receive a discount if we allowed them to add their logo.

We have more information going on with the Little Dam. Today is a good opportunity to drive by City Park and South. They had to shut off the dam so they could add the bridge to the golf course. It’s still not at the lowest but if we were to take the Little Dam out it would be another 4 ft. down. I just wanted to bring it up so you could get a visual when they are discussing certain pieces. There would be no fishing, no recreation around that horseshoe and that’s something that was nice to see in person on how it would affect it. We’re going to have the individuals that have shown interest and concerns about this we will have them also work with the Barnes County Resource District so everyone realizes how much of a deal this is, it’s not just the City saying not to do it.

City Attorney Martineck reported that at the last meeting we talked about hiring a new sanitation worker we yet have another opening. The water/sewer department is looking for summer help. The next meeting we will be talking about the forester situation. I think Bob has agreed to come back on with us but we’re going to discuss if that should be a contract or a part-time situation. Also, with the county being in green right now we have decided to go ahead with our employee appreciation event. That is tentatively scheduled for May 7^th.

Sanitary Supervisor Swart thank you to everyone for all the help during the Winter Show.

Chad Petersen reminded everyone that we have the meeting for 6^th St. NW construction project on Thursday, March 25^th.

Commissioner Gulmon thanked the Commission for leveraging $200,000 of Cares funds for the Love of Local program. They are all sold out and generating a million dollars in retail sales. It has made a huge impact in the community. Thanks to Dewey Gwen, and Avis for putting the program together and Brenda and Brandy for helping with sales in the last couple weeks. Also thanks to the Chamber for taking this project on. They have a lot to do in their office and it did impact them, they did a great job. Thanks to Clint, I wanted to tour some of the City buildings and Gwen went with. We walked through several of our buildings and my eyes were opened, there is a real need for a Service Center and saw what the guys go through on daily basis. A couple weeks ago I went through the Green Dot training, a bystander intervention, I suggest if you have an opportunity to attend it.

President Carlsrud stated also went through the Green Dot training and encourages anyone who is able to go through it. At the well site a citizen had mentioned to do a sitting area. Something to keep on the back burner. Shout out to the Winter Show, it was a heck of a great show and wonderful attendance.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 6:00 P.M.

4.5.2021 Mayor’s Message

Posted on April 5, 2021April 5, 2021 by Brandy Johnson

Hi Folks,

We are in the midst of some unseasonable warm & comfortable April weather. Some years this time is considerably colder … isn’t that how we get averages?
On a serious note, we are in a “Red Flag Warning” so be extremely careful with anything that could spark a flame. There have been some awful fires in our region and we are extremely dry.
Last week we talked a bit about prejudice and people who are different from us. When I was a kid in a little town, a “mixed marriage” involved a Norwegian and a Swede! How petty! Those prejudices came from the “old countries” and were taught to the kids. Let’s help our youth learn the positives; respect, hope and love for all.
We are Blessed to live in the United States. The United States isn’t perfect, but it is still the best country in which to live.
It is spring; the grass is turning green, the ice melted, there is new life and there are good driving conditions. When it is nice, it seems like we tend to drive faster and that is a danger. There are motorcyclists, bicyclists, joggers and walkers out there with whom we are to share roads and alleys. As drivers, we need to drive as per conditions and speed limits, please drive safely.
You may have noticed our alleys were groomed and are now smoother. That is the good news. The challenge is to restrict driving speeds as there are children playing in back yards and sometimes get into the alley. A number of folks have been driving TOO FAST in alleys. Please drive safely.
Good News: The river is open, there are boats on the water and people are fishing. Let’s get out of our houses and look around town. It feels good and refreshes the mind.
There are legislative bills that could affect you. See: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/regular to track bills and to contact your legislators if you wish. It is an interesting process.
“Beauty is not in the face; but is a light in the heart.” (Khalil Gibran)

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Respectful and Pray

Dave