City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday May 19, 2026

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda items

Discuss request for City to adopt streets in Legacy Townhomes Planned Unit Development.

Ann Ripplinger representing the Home Owners Association in Legacy Development addressed the concerns of homeowners regarding the road conditions within the PUD. There was discussion if the City could take ownership of the streets, repair the streets, and then assess to the property owners. The HOA had a meeting coming up and would discuss further the costs to this project if it was done through the City.

Review monthly bills/reports.

Subdivision Paving – Waterfront Meadows.

 The Commission reviewed estimated costs and potential special assessments in this area.

Discussion about future and sustainability of Beautification Committee.

City Administrator Crawford informed commissioners the beautification committee is looking for a chair and volunteers.

Discuss Northwest Area Water System Improvements – New Water Tower and Pressure Zone Modifications – Hi-Line Electric insurance.

Discussion moved to June 2 Commission meeting.

Discuss adjustments to employee work week and payroll.

City Attorney Martineck discussed the current pay schedule and plan to move to new schedule.

Review Fund Balance Policy.

Finance Director Klein gave update on changes to policy.

Viking Trailer Court Update.

David Wick updated commissioners with plan for trailer court improvements scheduled for completion this summer.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Sanitation Department: Supervisor Swart reported that Electronic Clean-Up Week has been scheduled for June 8–12. Residents are reminded that the grass site is open 24/7/365 for grass and branches only. Disposal of garbage at the grass site is prohibited, and unauthorized dumping continues to be an issue.

Electric Department: Electrical Superintendent Senf reported that there were two outages last month. Several summer projects are currently underway, with some nearing completion.

Fire Department: Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the implementation of a new radio system. More than 46 nuisance letters were sent to property owners.

Police Department: Police Chief Horner reviewed calls for service and reported that preparations are underway for upcoming active shooter training.

Street Department: Street Superintendent Klemisch reported that crews are digging a new cell at the landfill. There is currently an opening in the Street Department. Devils Lake is flowing at 450 CFS, and river levels continue to be monitored. Crews are also catching up on mowing after a busy week of projects and Clean-Up Week activities. Samples were taken from the lagoon discharge, and the Department of Environmental Quality approved the closure of the cell on 4 Bottle Drive.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 4:42 P.M.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday April 21, 2026

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda items

Presentation on Electric Rate Study

Evan Leebens presented information regarding the Electric Rate Study, including an overview of proposed rate adjustments. The presentation outlined the need for these increases to address rising wholesale power costs from our providers, MRES and WAPA.

Review Monthly Expenditures Reports.

Review of quarterly Engineer Report.

Discuss Veteran Banners. 

President Dave Carlsrud discussed the interest in obtaining veterans banners. The consensus of the commissioners was to gather additional information on costs, production timelines, and potential placement locations (such as Veterans Park or along city streets).

Discuss Tourism Banners for Central and Main.

Macy Schlaht presented mock‑ups of the proposed tourism banners. The Tourism Committee is pursuing a grant to fund multiple banner designs to replace the current banners, which are tattered and no longer usable.

Discuss water tower logo.

Discussed various options for water tower designs.

Review City Adoption of Building, Fire, and Property Maintenance Codes.

Due to Timing constrictions this topic is moved to May Finance meeting

Review cost details of assessment notices and other items.

Due to timing constrictions this topic was moved to the following commission meeting.

Discuss NDDOT Urban Grant Funding for Fiscal Year 2026.

City Engineer Petersen reviewed funding.

Discuss Request from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources the separation of 1,500 acre-feet from Valley City’s existing perfected water permit no. 1096 for the purpose of adding the same volume to a new perfected water permit from the Sheyenne River for Valley City’s municipal water uses.

Discuss purchase of property at 804 Chautauqua Blvd (Parcel 63-5691060) as a PFP Buyout.

David Schelkoph spoke to commissioners to move up with buying his property as permanent flood protection. 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Sanitation Department: Supervisor Swart reported that the Transfer Station will begin Saturday hours starting May 2. Clean‑Up Week has been scheduled for May 11–16. Residents may begin setting items out for pickup after their regular garbage day during the week prior. A reminder was given that the City now charges a $15 fee for mattress disposal.

Water Department: Water Supervisor Hesch Wade reported that residents are beginning to spend more time outdoors and have started watering their lawns. With temperatures steadily increasing, the system will transition to using 100 percent river water in the near future. He noted that Sunday monitoring will need to resume to keep track of water consumption. Additionally, Sherry has completed her annual training and is now pH certified.

Electric Department: Electrical Superintendent Senf reported that his team has begun work on their scheduled April projects and noted that the department is entering a busy period.

Fire Department: Fire Chief Magnuson reported on burn ban in the area, fire calls, and dangerous buildings.

Police Department: Police Chief Horner provided an update on recent calls for service. He reported that officers were honored to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run. The Police Department continues to collaborate with City-County Health to promote mental health awareness within the community

Street Department: Street Superintendent Klemisch provided an update on the timeline for upcoming summer projects, including hydrant flushing, crack sealing, pothole repairs, and activities related to Clean‑Up Week.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 4:55p

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Monday March 16, 2026

Called to Order

President Dave Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30pm

Roll Call  

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson (called out from 2:54 – 3:11pm), Commissioner Gulmon. Commissioner Erickson

Others present: City Administrator Crawford (via zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports totaling $1,454,710.87

Discuss Assessment Notices

City Assessor Drabus informed the commissioners of a letter being sent out with the 2025 city property value and proposed 2026 city property value.  These notices use to be sent by the county and are now being sent by the city.

Discuss Water Tower Logo

City Administrator Crawford reported to commission about water tower designs.

Discuss Request for $60,000 for two homes funded through the City Sales Tax dedicated to economic development and up to $20,000 funded through the City’s Enterprise Fund.

Department Reports

City Engineer Petersen reported on permanent flood protection phases 4, 5 & 6.

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart reported the container count and gave update on Electric Clean up prices.  This year we did lose a little because prices went up for us to dispose of the electronics.

Water Department Water Superintendent Hesch

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf advised that there were no outages for February. The guys have been working on tree removal & clearing the lines. Spending a little time with cleaning up the Winter Show line and removing the platform currently used. Removing a 3phase line near the Fish Hatchery as well.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson shared last month’s report with only 8 general calls for service however, there were 22 pages of Chief calls. Saturday night is the annual fundraiser for the Fire Department.

Police Department Police Chief Horner reported on calls for service for February. The department recently coordinated with the Highway Patrol to conduct a K-9 drug detection sweep within the school system. Lieutenant Rustebakke and Sergeant Knight have successfully completed the Leadership and Police Organizations (LPO) course. Progress is also being made on the implementation of the new SIREN radio system.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemischreported on a water line repair that was done last week.  Pothole filling will begin soon depending on weather.  Crew put some sandbags up on Loves Hill to try to help with water going over the road but the sandbags were hit and knocked around within a day or so.

City Administer Crawford gave a reminder to look at water towers and see what they like about designs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports.

Discuss Water Tower Logo.  Valley City High School is not interested in placing a logo on the water tower at this time, as they are currently focusing their funds on new school construction.

Discuss appointment of Municipal Judge to fill remainder of term: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028.  Thomas Goven, the current Municipal Judge, has submitted a letter of resignation, effective June 1, 2026. Discussion to appointment replacement to fill the remainder of his term. Letters will be sent to interested parties, and letters of interest will be requested for review at the March Finance and Commission Meeting.

Discuss appointment and terms of Planning and Zoning Commissioners.  Terms for any appointed committee will begin July 01.

Review Finance Committee Recommendations for Year-end Transfers and Reserve Policy.

Finance Director Klein reviewed 2025 year-end transfers that were discussed by the Finance Committee: Transfer in the amount of $229,876 from 601 (Electric Fund) to 611(Service Center Loan Reserves). Transfer in the amount of $100,000 from Fund 100 (General) to 608 (Street). Transfer in the amount of $537,354 from 601 (Electric) to 608 (Street). Discussed that remaining funds from Refunding Bonds in Funds 357 & 358 will be transferred to Fund 290 (R&R Infrastructure Funds) in 2026 when bonds are paid in full. Discussed Reserves Policy and recommend to strive to maintain 30% operating reserves for both the General Fund and Enterprise Funds. If reserves drop below 25% take measures to either generate additional revenue or reduce expenditures, or a combination of both.

Discuss Employee Holiday and Overtime Pay.

City Administrator Crawford provided an overview on how other cities calculate and pay overtime and holiday hours worked. Our policy is being reviewed by staff and will be brought before the Commission for approval.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart wanted to remind everyone to please have patience with the garbage pick-up.  We are training new drivers along with planned and unplanned events may cause delays or changes in routes which means your garbage will not be picked up at the same time every week.  Please wait until after 3pm to call if you believe your garbage has been missed.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported Valley City took 2^nd place for the ND water tasting contest at the ND Rural Water Expo.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on planned work for February, 2025 complete summary outage log, and 2026 outages.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on chief calls and that the fire department held a pinning ceremony and went well. 

Police Department

Police Chief Horner reported on calls for service, 2025-year end report, and updated commissioners on upcoming trainings for officers.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported on the 2025 Water Expo Convention he attended and updated Commissioners on waterpipe regulations and new requirements on updating water pipe systems.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford reported that Phase II of the walking path project has been approved to go out for bid in October.

At the Renaissance Zone meeting, discussion was held regarding placing greater emphasis on incentives for single-family homes. Members also discussed possible approaches to assist property owners with homes in disarray and/or the conversion of multifamily homes into single family homes.

A reminder was given that the City’s social media accounts are not monitored for questions or concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact Public Works directly. Calls may be made at any time, and after-hours calls are rerouted to the City’s after-hours phone service to address emergency needs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Called to Order

President Dave Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30pm

Roll Call  

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Gulmon. Commissioner Erickson (2:50p)

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed monthly bills and reports.

Discuss City Delegates and Board Positions.  President Dave Carlsrud discussed opening position on the MRES Board.

Update on Viking Trailer Court.  David Wick provided update on the Viking Trailer Court.

Discuss using Municipal Infrastructure Funds (Prairie Dog) for City’s Share of Sanitary Sewer Reline No. 72.  Finance Director Klein reviewed the balance available for projects in the Municipal Infrastructure Fund. Recommends using these funds for the City’s Share of expense for Sanitary Sewer Reline #72 which is approximately $675,000.

Discuss NDDOT Urban Grant Project.  The North Dakota Department of Transportation has scheduled the project for 2027, and the city now needs to coordinate with the DOT to determine next steps. Discussion was had as to whether the Commission wants to move forward with any portions of the corridors.

Discuss 5-year contract with Axon for draft 1 report writing.  Police Chief Nicholas Horner discussed locking in commitment with Axon to avoid price increase as of the 1st of the year.

Discuss Paving and Subdivisions Discussion was had regarding paving for new housing developments.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart discussed the upcoming electronic clean up week for January 12-16, 2026.  Reminded residents to have containers on flat surface and to keep container surrounding and dumpster surroundings clear of snow so the trucks are able to access them.

Electric Department Cory Buck updated on progress of electric install at the new service center.  The Electric Crew has started load management for the season. Continue to work on inventory and the LED light upgrade.

Fire Department/Blighted & Dangerous Buildings Fire Chief Scott Magnuson reviewed calls for service for Nov 2025. New bunker gear has arrived.

Police Department Police Chief Nicholas Horner reviewed service calls for the month of November 2025. The department is currently addressing employee vacancies and evaluating potential hires. One new employee is scheduled to graduate this Friday. The School Resource Officer (SRO) contract has been successfully renewed for an additional five years. As a reminder, during snow events, please be mindful of parking regulations on emergency routes. Vehicles that remain parked on the street for more than 72 hours may be subject to ticketing.

Street Department Street Superintendent Clint Klemisch reported that the four-bottle drive project has been completed. Additionally, water was observed overflowing from the NW water tower overflow over the weekend; the system was shut off to prevent further discharge. Discussion was made to have public works clear snow for the new walking path on Wintershow Rd.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 4:40pm

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner

Agenda Items

Overview of the 2024 Audit Report by Brady Martz
Matt Laughlin presented the audit, reporting a clean (unmodified) opinion.

Review Monthly Expenditure Reports
Expenditures were reviewed with no major concerns. Notable items included sanitary sewer relining and service center bills. Everything is tracking as expected.

Quarterly Engineer Report
Engineering costs are in line with the budget. Public Works site engineering is a major component.

Update on Viking Trailer Court
David Wick reported on completed drainage improvements and plans for 2025. A proposed plan from the engineer is expected by December and will report back full project completion is estimated to take at least five years.

Discuss Renewing School Resource Officer Contract
The SRO contract will be renewed for five years with updated school contributions due to inflation. Payment terms will shift to biannual (January and August).

Discuss Master Police Officer Position
A new Master Officer role will replace two sergeant positions, offering advancement opportunities and integrating FTO duties. The change is budget-neutral and supports retention.

Discuss Series F, Red River Valley Water Supply Project
No immediate action required; further discussion will occur later.

Discuss Extension of City Administrator’s Contract
The Commission expressed strong support for Gwen Crawford. Commissioner Erickson inquired if contract could be extended to 2030.

Discuss Bids for Northwest Area Water System Improvements
Three contracts totaling $3.47M were awarded, with a total project cost of $4.3M. The city’s share is $1.7M, with a $500K buy-down. A 2% water rate increase will cover the bond repayment. The Commission agreed to include the alternate bid for removing the National Guard water tower, contingent on cost-share approval.

Discuss Water Tower Surcharge Amount
A $1.90 monthly surcharge was recommended (instead of $2.00) to cover the bond repayment. This will be included in the January billing cycle.

Discuss Status of Phase IV PFP
Final plan review is scheduled for mid-November. Bidding is expected before or after Christmas. Funding is in place.

Discuss Permitting of Concrete Work and Regulation of Stormwater Management
The Commission discussed requiring permits for new concrete work and drainage plans for elevated construction in floodplains. Ordinance updates will be drafted for review.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department Forman Swart reported landfill software goes live Nov. 3. Credit card payments are increasing. Electronic recycling event planned for January.

Water Department Projects are on hold pending final approvals. Lead line inventory submitted.

Electric Department Electrical Superintendent Senf reported no major updates; awaiting foundation work.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson reported they have received $179,850 FEMA grant for bunker gear. Fire Prevention Week was a success.

Police Department Police Chief Horner reported 787 calls for service. Community engagement and active shooter training were highlights.

Street Department Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported hydrant flushing and snow equipment prep underway.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford discussed buyout policy exceptions and long-term planning for floodplain properties.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM.