Category Archives: Announcements

Temporary Burn Ban

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TEMPORARY BURN BAN

March 9th,2020 A Burn Ban has been put in place

Barnes County is under abnormally dry conditions; and whereas, the impact of fires could threaten the health, well-being, and safety of citizens in Barnes County

This includes the burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage/pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue or hay land, sloughs, fire pits and campfires/bonfires. Residents are allowed to use their gas grills so long as the monitor them and ensure they are completely extinguished when done using them.

ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES THIS BURN BAN IS GUILTY OF A CLASS b MISDEMEANOR, WHICH CARRIES A PENALTY OF UP TO 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND A $1,500.00 FINE PER INCIDENT, AS WELL AS THE COST FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION.

Public Input Meeting – 6th St NW Reconstruction

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Why?

To discuss the proposed road reconstruction project along 6th St NW, from 5th Ave NW to Central Ave N, in Valley City, North Dakota. The proposed project would consist of roadway reconstruction, including hot mix asphalt surfacing; curb and gutter; sidewalk and Americans with Disability Act improvements; decorative lighting; and storm sewer, water main, and sanitary sewer improvements.

When?

March 25, 2021

Formal Presentation 5:15 p.m.

Open House: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where?

Hi-Line Activity Center (HAC)

493 Central Ave N, Valley City, North Dakota

Open House Conducted By

City of Valley City, KLJ Engineering,

and Moore Engineering

This meeting is designed to allow for public input which is required for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 and National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Representatives from the City of Valley City, KLJ Engineering, and Moore Engineering

will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.

WRITTEN STATEMENTS or comments about this project must be mailed by April 9, 2021, to:

Chad Petersen, P.E.

KLJ Project Manager

1010 4th Avenue Southwest

Valley City, North Dakota 58072

or

ValleyCity6thStreetNW@kljeng.com

Note “Public Input Meeting” in email subject heading.

The City of Valley City will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide:

  • an accessible meeting facility or other accommodation for people with disabilities,
  • language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), and
  • translations of written material necessary to access NDDOT programs and information.

Appropriate provisions will be considered when the Department is notified at least 10 days prior to the meeting date or the date the written material translation is needed. To request accommodations, contact Gwen Crawford, City Administrator, at 701-845-8120 or gcrawford@valleycity.us. TTY users may use Relay North Dakota 711 or 1-800-366-6888.

3.8.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Following the 2 weeks of really cold weather; isn’t it nice having our current weather?  Remember, fresh air and sunshine are things that can help us achieve good attitudes for each of us so take advantage of them.
  • Did you know that 7:00 AM, noon and 5:30 PM are the times we have our greatest demands for electricity?  The 7:00 AM demand lasts about 2.5 hours while the noon and 5:30 demands are about an hour-and-a-half each.  When a demand spike is too high, our cost of electricity is higher.  You can help ease demand by running washers, dryers and dishwashers at other times.  Perhaps try running the dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer over night.  Every little bit helps, thank you. 
  • RIGHT OF WAY.  When vehicles arrive at uncontrolled intersection, we are to “YIELD” TO THE RIGHT, thus “Right of Way”.  Pedestrians have “Right of Way” at intersections and crosswalks.  “Being courteous is contagious, catch it.”
  • Recently there have been drivers who have been driving over the speed limit and some instances where drivers within the speed limit, were driving too fast for conditions. If it is slippery 25 MPH may be too fast.  If in the area of schools or other gatherings of people, 15 MHP could be too fast.  If there is an uncontrolled intersection, don’t feel you can drive through and be safe at 25 MPH.  Let’s all be defensive drivers and help keep each other safe. 
  • THE NORTH DAKOTA WINTER SHOW will be March 10-14.  Get your event tickets now.  FREE ENTRANCE to the building.
  •  “LOVE OF LOCAL”.  Buy Chamber Bucks in the Rosebud Center or City Hall at a discount and redeem them in Valley City businesses at full face value. Each person can purchase up to $1,000.00 worth (including prior purchases).
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.                                                       
  • “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”      (Mother Teresa)                                                    

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Safe and Pray

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.16.2021 Commission Minutes

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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, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, City Engineers Chad Petersen and Tracy Eslinger, Jennifer Feist, Tyler Marthaler, Tony Shooshani

Approval of Agenda

Remove contingency on NB-5

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the minutes from the January 19th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A.  Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:

  1. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
    1. Peterson Mechanical Inc.
    2. Kohn Electric LLC
    3. Enterprise Electric, Inc
    4. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.
    5. Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
    6. Bentsen Electric
    7. Dakota Electric Construction
    8. Hope Electric
    9. Scott’s Electric
    10. BDT Mechanical
  1. Approve Raffle Permit for the following:
    1. Dakota Plains Ag
    2. Valley City Music Boosters
    3. District 24 Republicans

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

Ordinance

Approve first reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies. 

City Attorney Martineck stated based on some of the activity in town that we’ve seen over the last 9-10 months it seems we’re at the point where we need to regulate the way people are picketing and protesting.  A lot of research went into this to protect people’s freedom of speech but when it gets to the point that it turns into harassment and threatening behavior we have to start looking at it differently.  This ordinance puts restrictions on time sand places where a person can set up to protest or picket.  If they do plan to set up a picketing or protesting event they’re supposed to notify the PD in advance.  If there’s any intent to use a noise amplifying device that would be prohibited during certain hours.  It’s basically put in place to protect the public that’s coming into City Hall and other government buildings, schools and the court house.  They are here to do legitimate business and it is here to protect the employees and other officials that work at those places so they can get their work done without being harassed at those places.  Anybody that violates this ordinance would be guilty of an infraction which has a maximum of a $1000 fine, no jail time involved so it would be up to the court to determine what the fine would be.      

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

New Business

Approve the VCBCDC request for $16,254.

Jennifer Feist stated we had received approval for small project funding.  I should have included the I-94 corridor, the property we own.  We do pay taxes out of that fund for a couple of other properties so this would reimburse us for $8,000 last year and the $8,500 this year.  What we’ll end up doing is just return the 2020 dollar amount to the taxing authorities.

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

Approve changing the April 20th Commission meeting to April 19th to allow for NDLC training.

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

Approve to move forward with 2021 Main Street Seal Coat Project.

City Administrator Crawford stated going forward as a project is done we will have a motion that straight out says what is being approved to make it easier if we have to track it back.

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

Discuss City Mask Plan.

President Carlsrud stated our mask mandate expires so we have three choices.  We can wait until Friday and allow it to expire, have action today to end it today or have action to extend. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to ending it today, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Commissioner Gulmon stated recently the CDC had a statement that they are encouraging people to wear masks to mitigate the COVID.  Speaking with Theresa at CCH she had indicated that out of 1291 people over 75 about 51% had been vaccinated, and from 65-74 almost 31% had been vaccinated.  There is certainly reason to still wear masks to protect those vulnerable people but I understand that we’re getting tired and maybe need to take a break.  If the numbers go back up we may need to address it again.

City Attorney Martineck stated we had the original emergency COVID declaration back on March 17th and then we had the mask plan emergency order that went into place on October of last year.  My understanding is that the motion made today will end the mask plan but leave the original emergency plan in place.  If that is not the intent we would want a clear motion of what the intent was.

Commissioner Magnuson clarified his motion is to end the mask mandate, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve application by Valley Bridges Properties, LLC at 753 8 ½ Ave NW for the 5 year property tax and 5 year income tax exemption up to $300,000 for construction of new home and designate it as VC-127.

Finance Director Richter stated we received the Certificate of Good Standing so we remove that contingency.

Tyler Marthaler from the RZ Board stated Tony Shooshani is the owner of Valley Bridges Property is on the call as well and can answer questions.

Commissioner Gulmon questioned that he thought the maximum was $250,000.

Finance Director Richter stated the increase was approved by Commission action.

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

City updates & Commission Reports

City Administrator Crawford updated that the Chamber Bucks promotion is going well.  There were a few people that were having issues getting in there between 9-3 and if there is anyone that cannot make it between those times they need to call the Chamber and they will make arrangements to help them.  We are also working with a company called LoadPass.  It’s a group out of western ND that has been slowly making their way east.  They do the overweight permits for you.  Previously we charged $25 for someone that called in for an overweight permit but we weren’t charging for the actual fees for the overweight portion. LoadPass would do that for us.  We’ve been working with Clint and Kevin on a list of things we think are necessary and issues they have for the water tower.  Once we get that we will bring in KLJ/Moore to go over that when it’s complete.  Brenda has been working with KLJ/Moore on getting the information out for the 7th Ave project.  In the information we will include that PW is testing for lead lines and there may be some money available for reimbursement to those that replace them and also shallow lines.  Also want to thank all the employees that have been out in the cold weather.   

City Attorney Martineck stated if you recall at the last meeting we had the first reading of the ordinance regarding wireless communication technology.  We have received a lot of good feedback regarding the provisions that went into the ordinance and the contract with DOT.  Hopefully we will have all the issues resolved and put in front of the commission in March again

Finance Director Richter stated in a previous meeting we had an application request for a PILOT for Trademark Tooling which was approved contingent on receiving the a copy of the lease on the building.  We have received it and will be setting up for a public hearing.

Sanitation Supervisor Swart added that we are still looking for a Sanitation Specialist I so if you know anybody please send them our way.  Thank you to our garbage crew for all their hard work and being able to muddle through all this cold weather.

Fire Chief Magnuson just a reminder it is still cold out.  Check your sewer and furnace vents and remember to change your filters.  Also add water to your drains to keep the sewer gas from coming up.

Chad Petersen stated 6th St NW we had a scoping meeting and discussed the vision for that project.  We are currently working on the dates and times for the public involvement meeting which will probably be in March some time.

City Administrator Crawford added that we are doing the bid opening for the 7th Ave project on February 26th at City Hall.     

Commissioner Gulmon stated the Chamber Bucks that have been issued for the Love of Local program is $242,000 so there’s lots of opportunity left.  Shout out to Marshall and his staff for handling the recent mandatory blackouts that are happening.  I’m sure their phones were ringing off the hook.

Commissioner Erickson thanks to the city crews for working out in this cold.

President Carlsrud thanks to the employees in general for getting out in the cold and going to and doing your job.  Today was a unique experience in the electrical department.  It was levels above us and nobody had any control over the black outs.  The communication was poor but I assure you it was not the city that was causing the poor communication.  They have been working hard at getting any information they can. 

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:48 P.M.

Snow Removal

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Street department will start moving snow this morning on emergency routes and hills then branch off into residential areas starting in the Northeast section of town and work clockwise.  Work will resume at midnight downtown and finishing the residential areas when downtown is completed.

3.1.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • THE NORTH DAKOTA WINTER SHOW will be March 10-14.  Get your event tickets now.  FREE ENTRANCE to the building.
  • A note from “the power outage” we incurred here awhile back.  There were a number of events creating the outage from supplementary power sources to timely notifications and they are being researched through the federal level.  Though it was a “perfect storm”, knowledge gained from this experience will help going forward.  “Never let a good crisis go to waste”.
  • Missouri River Energy Services, our supplier, successfully hedged the market purchasing energy and fuel prior to the weather event.  Those purchases will help stabilize our current rates.
  • We had good ice on the river a few days ago, though now runoff has caused substantial amounts of water on top and changes in currents may have caused thinning ice in places.  Please be careful.  ICE always has a “degree of danger”!
  • For no particular reason, be nice to someone today.
  •  “LOVE OF LOCAL”.  Buy Chamber Bucks in the Rosebud Center or City Hall at a discount and redeem them in Valley City businesses at full face value. Each person can purchase up to $1,000.00 worth (including prior purchases).
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.                            
  • “We must be interested in finding the best way, not in having our own.”      (John Wooden)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

3.2.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/92231194719 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 922 3119 4719

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from the February 16th Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,555,294.84               
  3. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) contingent on receiving updated contractor licenses for the following businesses:

            a. John’s Refrigeration& Electric, Inc.

            b. Grotberg Electric Inc.

            c. Grotberg Electric Inc. dba Triton Mechanical

            d. Sheyenne Mechanical

            e. Differding Electric LLC

            f. PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC

            g. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating

D.  Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

            a. Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center

            b. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals

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 second and final reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Resolution

New Business

1. Approve requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.  (Commissioner Gulmon)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for Streetscape Phase II.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3.  Approve agreement with Western Dakota Energy Association for oversize and overweight vehicle permits.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

4.  Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for VC Eagles Aerie 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show March 10-14, 2021.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

3.2.2021 Finance Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 3:30 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/99791374317 or Listen by calling (1-253-215-8782) Webinar ID: 997 9137 4317

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

AGENDA ITEMS

  1. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss LoadPass.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  4. Discuss requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.  (Commissioner Gulmon)
  5. Discuss bids for Paving Improvement District 119/119B (7th Ave W/4th St NW/2nd Ave NE).  (KLJ)
ADJOURN


2.21.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Mentioning weather this week is really refreshing.  With warmer temperatures and the forecast being positive, it is really a treat in my mind anyway.  The other day I drove to Glen Ullin and it was so-o-o relaxing.  For a mental health boost, get out and walk, drive, bike or just take some deep cleansing breaths. 
  •  The Valley City Mask Mandate ended last Tuesday.  That you folks have done such a good job with the three mitigations, our numbers are low and it was determined we should have a break from the “mandate”.  The mandate is gone for now, but that doesn’t change the need for masking, social distancing and good hygiene.  If we have a spike in numbers or are over run by one of the “variants” we may need to reinstate a mandate.  Please mask-up, especially if you are speaking, when you cannot social distance.
  • Hey, wave to someone you don’t know.
  • My wife and I walk regularly and enjoy the beauty of our community.  A couple things with which your help would be appreciated are stop “littering” and “pick up” after pets.  We are seeing more trash on our streets and dog poop on sidewalks and yards.  Please maintain our community’s beauty.
  • The Southwest Power Pool was placed on an Energy Emergency Alert.  That, to make a long story short, led to our power outage February 16th.  Normally there is time to alert areas to be affected, but with the extreme weather conditions, we were not given preparation time.  Certainly we were disappointed though information now indicates the whole grid could have failed if action were delayed, so what we had was a better case scenario.
  •  “LOVE OF LOCAL”.  Remember to buy Chamber Bucks in the Rosebud Center . IT’S A GOOD DEAL!!
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.
  • “When I was born I was so surprised, I didn’t talk for a year-and-a half.”      (Gracie Allen)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.2.2021 Finance Minutes

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Called To Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

Roll Call

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, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Electrical Superintendent Senf, Police Chief Hatcher, PW Superintendent Klemisch, Fire Chief Magnuson, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Tracy Eslinger from Moore.

1.  Department Reports:

PW Superintendent Klemisch recognized Tyler Martin for passing his pesticide applicator   certification and Nick Yokom for passing his waste water collection exam.

Sanitary Supervisor Swart reported the cardboard is going well with having the dumpster.  We are    hiring so if you know someone that would be a good fit send them our way.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported 17 calls for January, a lot of CO detectors this time of year.  Fire extinguishing business is going great.  We are 99.9% up and going.  We are receiving a lot of great feedback that they are happy the City took it back on.  We had the rural board meeting and we have a lease agreement that has been sent to Gwen and Bob Bruns for approval and back to Carl and hopefully for the next 5 years we have a good program in place.

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported zero outages last month.  Darwin finished the pole counts.    Recognition was given to Alec Storhoff for receiving his journeyman linemen certificate.   

2.  Review monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter reported $1,261,000 in bills for the month.  $254,000 in annual payments which includes software, payment with Development Corporation annual insurance, annual HSA payment to employees, PD investigation fees and the last payment for the Winter Show.  We have two payrolls and a quarterly payment to the park which brings it up to about $900,000 with the balance being operations.

3. Discuss changing the April 20th, 2021 Commission Meeting Date for NDLC training.

 Deputy Auditor Klein reported the NDLC workshop falls on the same date as a commission   meeting.  Is there enough interest in people wanting to go that we change the meeting date?    Consensus was made to change the commission meeting to Monday, April 19th.  Will add it to the     next meeting agenda.

4.  Discuss making whole the negative cash balances in the Water (-95,748) and Street (-136,175) funds. 

 PW Manager Jacobson reported we ended the 2020 year with two negative balances.  The     water fund is mainly due to the large amount of repairs due to the water main breaks.  We        budgeted a loss for the street department of about $258,000.  We came in at about $100,000 loss mainly due to the COVID money that was used.  The sewer fund has $1.3 million cash balance and since the water goes hand and hand with that we would like to use that.  For the street fund I’m asking for the funds to come from the electrical department which currently has $3.6 million. Will add to commission meeting.          

5.  Discuss offering a bill credit for $5 for utility customers agreeing to go paperless by proving an email address.

 PW Manager Jacobson stated about two months ago our billing process was moved into our  new finance package causing us to go to a regular paper bill which is also put into an envelope. Due to the number of bills we purchased a stuffer but it’s not working as smooth as it should. With that and the increase in postage we would like to remedy some of this by utilizing the email billing.  To encourage customers to change over we discussed a $5 change to paperless campaign.  Will add to commission meeting.

6.  Discuss Residential Building Permit and Inspection Fees.

 City Administrator Crawford reported that we would like to clear up the Master Fee Schedule based on the different job duties of Lance and Mike.

7.  Discuss SRO Agreement.

 Police Chief Hatcher stated traditionally we’ve been on a contract with the schools for the SRO.  In the last budget process our agreement was becoming a little unbalanced on percentages being covered.  I asked the Superintendent for an increase in the fee with a commitment from us that we will enter into a longer contract.  Looking for approval to present to the school board.  Consensus was given.

8.  Discuss 2021 vehicle bids.

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported all three bids come in under budget.  Looking     for approval to go with the Miller Motors bid.

9.  Discuss Main Street Seal Coat Project.

 Operations Superintendent Klemisch stated he feels we should move forward with this project. Typically you should seal coat a new surface in 2-3 years and we’re pushing 4 years. 

City Administrator Crawford added the federal funds weren’t available for us before.  50% will go to local share then the other will come out of R&R funds which is plenty because of the cost share the federal program was doing.

Chad from KLJ added Main Street was overlaid from Budget Burger east with the exception of a small segment west of the Rainbow Bridge.  Communication took place with the District Engineer late in 2020 who felt if we got it in soon we could get the funding for 2021.

 Finance Director Richter stated the DOT estimated the local share to be just under $13,000 so   half would be assessed to the property owners and the other half to the R&R fund.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:07 PM.