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

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

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the December 20th, 2022 Commission Meeting and the December 21^st, 2022 Special Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.

Approve Contractor License for Construction Engineers, Inc.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2385, a Resolution Declaring Necessity of Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 125.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2386, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report and Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans Specification and Estimate of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 125.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2387, Resolution Declaring Necessity of Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 126.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2388, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report and Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans Specification and Estimate of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 126.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,738,020.73.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Site Authorization for ND Chapters of Delta Waterfowl Inc. on February 18, 2023 at the Eagles.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported they are trying to get as much done in the beginning of the year for items that were approved in the budget due to the delays, they encountered last year.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Commissioner Gulmon reported that the Finance Committee met to review finances through November and they look good. Still waiting on state reimbursement for the flood that we are expecting positive results. We are not expecting financial assistance from our recent snow emergency so we may need to transfer some funds to cover those that are over budget for December. Sales tax through October was good but not reaching the level of 2021. Food and Beverage had another positive month and is running ahead of 2021 as is the Occupancy Tax.

Commissioner Erickson requested garbage cans be cleaned out around for easier access.  Also, putting garbage on snowbanks does not help, please place on the ground.  The landfill is open for Christmas trees if you would like to bring them out or they will be picked up on Friday the 13^th, weather pending.  There cannot be anything left on the trees.

President Carlsrud thanked all the employees for doing a great job.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:16 P.M.

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Oath of Office for Police Officer Tyler Gibson

Approval of Agenda

Add N6

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the November 15thCommission Meeting and the November 29^th Special Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.

Approve Application for Raffle Permits for the following:

Barnes County Historical Society on February 9, 2023 at the Barnes County Museum.

VCSU Fisheries Club on February 1^st, 2023 at the Rhoades Science Building.

Sharpshooter Showdown on February 4^th, 2023 at the Eagles.

VCHS Basketball from December 13, 2022 through February 14, 2023 at the Hi-Liner Activity Center.

Approve Application Renewal for Permit to Sell L.P. Gas from the following:

Petro Serve USA.

Dakota Plains Ag.

Loves Travel Stop #849

Approve Application for Vehicle for Hire License Renewal for South Central Adult Services.

Approve Application to Operate Mobile Home Park Renewals for Rockwater LLC.

Approve Application for Tree Trimming and Removal Service Renewals for the following:

Ross’ Tree Service

Mike’s Construction

Pine Country Nursery

Ground to Sky

Johnny B’s Trees

Kieffer Tree, LLC

Approve Application for Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Dakota Silver on December 17, 2022 for FEI Christmas Party at FEI.

Approve Electrical Contractor License Application for 2 Phase Electric LLC.

Approve Application for House Movers License for Carrington House Moving.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1121, An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subdivision f of Subsection 4 of Section 11-03-08, Subdivision g of Subsection 4 of 11-03-09, and Subdivision g of Subsection 4 of 11-03-10 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the Rear-Yard Setback in R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Zoning Districts.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes from the first reading.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1122, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact section 8-01-02 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to Contractor Licenses.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes from the first reading.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. 

Roll Call:          Bishop-aye       Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Carlsrud-aye

Motion passed.

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1119, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of Section 12-02-05 and Sections 12-02-08 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Property Maintenance Violations.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes from the first reading.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1123, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subdivision a of Subsection 2 of Section 14-35-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to City Parking Lots.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is an administrative change.  There was a provision related to 72-hour parking in parking lots that was inadvertently left out so this ordinance is to reinstate it.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call:          Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Bishop-aye       Carlsrud-aye

Motion passed.

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2381, a Resolution Approving Exemption from Taxation of Improvements to Commercial and Residential Buildings.

City Attorney Martineck stated this will provide a 6-month lookback for property tax exemptions for commercial and residential improvements and increase the cap from $250,000 to $300,000.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,684,241.09.        

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Marketing Agreement with Utility Service Partners Private Label, Inc. for NLC Service Line Warranty.

City Administrator Crawford stated this is a program we can offer to our residents as a type of warranty program.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve with changes to the agreement City Attorney Martineck suggested seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call:          Gulmon-aye     Bishop-aye       Erickson-aye    Carlsrud-nay

Motion passed. 

Approve Adding John Hill to the Renaissance Zone Authority Board.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve 2023 Board Meeting Schedule.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Renewal of Employee Assistance Program Full-Service Contract with The Village Business Institute.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

Authorize City Administrator to Negotiate Contract for Custodial Services. 

City Administrator Crawford stated custodial services were put up for bids and KS came in with the low bid so we are looking at continuing with them as long as they can fulfill our needs.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford provided an update on Viking Court. Commissioner Erickson requested a signed agreement that the work will be done this spring.

2023 is heavy with projects so we are preparing for that.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Assessor Current provided an update on her progress for the year.

Commissioner Gulmon provided a financial update stating the city recently received $2.5 million of Prairie Dog fund designated for infrastructure.

Commissioner Erickson asked everyone to recycle.  Costs are increasing and recycling will help avoid those increases.  The Transfer Station will be open from 9-noon on December 17^th and have your garbage out by 7 AM. Please clean around enclosures and have your garbage accessible.  Employees have been told if it is not they do not have to pick it up to avoid any injuries.

Commissioner Bishop welcomed Officer Gibson. Thanks to the FD and PD for the job they do and the volunteers.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked the street department for the snow removal.  The small snowfalls require big decisions on when to go out. It is a costly process and we need to be prudent with the tax dollars.  The Parade of Lights was wonderful and had lots in attendance.   

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:36 PM

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

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Public Hearing

Open Public Hearing Regarding Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for The Reserve at Woodland.

Commissioner Gulmon asked about indicating “yes with special event permits” on question 1 under the License application Questionnaire as he thought this license was just for this specific event center.

Kayla Cash with The Reserve at Woodlands stated they do this at their other venues.  If there is an event and someone needs a licensed server at a different location, they would get a special event permit in those cases.

City Attorney Martineck stated allowing this was in the original plan as long as they applied for the special event permit each time.

Motion to Close Hearing.

Commissioner Bishop moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for The Reserve at Woodland contingent on the Fire Chiefs Approval.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 12:06 PM.

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson via Zoom and Commissioner Bishop

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Proclamation

President Carlsrud read the Small Business Saturday Proclamation

Approval of Agenda

Add RES 2

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the November 1^st Commission Meeting and seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Raffle Application for VCHS Art Club on December 15^th, 2022 at the VCHS Art Room.

Approve Application for Parade of Lights on December 1,2022 at 6 PM.

Approve Application to Block off Central Ave from 2^nd St N to 4^th St N from 6-8 PM on December 1, 2022 for the Parade of Lights Events.

Approve Application for Contractor License for Scherbenske Inc.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1121, An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subdivision f of Subsection 4 of Section 11-03-08, Subdivision g of Subsection 4 of 11-03-09, and Subdivision g of Subsection 4 of 11-03-10 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the Rear-Yard Setback in R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Zoning Districts.

City Attorney Martineck stated the PZ Commission reviewed this issue and determined the 25% lot depth was no longer applicable and changed it to a straight 25 feet.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1122, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact section 8-01-02 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to Contractor Licenses.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is to reduce the job cost from $4000 to $1000.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by President Carlsrud.

Roll Call:          Bishop-aye       Magnuson-aye              Erickson-nay    Carlsrud-aye

Motion carried.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1119, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of Section 12-02-05 and Sections 12-02-08 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Property Maintenance Violations.

City Attorney Martineck stated these changes are to bring our code more in-line with the international maintenance code and clarification on enforcement and an appeal process.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Resolution 2379, a Resolution to allow the Purchase of Properties that are Subject to Tax Deed Proceedings.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2380, a Resolution Authorizing Public Sale of Parcel No. 63-0880080 and setting minimum sales price.

City Attorney Martineck stated there was interest from the public in purchasing lot 7 in Crestwood. To do this fairly, it will be put out for bids with a recommended minimum bid starting at $2,000.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve to Accept 2024 Urban Grant Program Award for Project 2^nd St N, 2^nd Ave NW, and 4^th St N.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Annual NDDOT Maintenance Certification for Urban Federal Aid Projects.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.   

Approve Appointing Insure Forward for the City’s NDIRF’s Local Agent of Record from 2023-2027.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to Approve Amending the Image Enhancement Grant Guidelines to Expand Areas of Eligibility to include Arterial Roadways into Valley City Immediately Adjacent to Either Side, that are Annexed within Valley City and Zoned as a B1, B2 or I.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to De-obligate Funds previously approved to Dakota Dogs.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to Approve the Image Enhancement Grant for Stoudt Miller in the amount up to $7,500.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Consider Application for Property Tax Exemption for Addition at Stoudt Miller.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Final Design & Plan Development Task Order for 2^nd Ave NE/3rd St NE Reconstruction Project (NDDOT Project No. SU-CPU-2-990(062), PCN 23571 and SU-2-990(063), PCN 23572).

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call:  Magnuson-aye         Erickson-nay    Bishop-aye       Carlsrud-aye

Motion passed.

Approve Special Alcohol Event Permit for Bridges Bar and Grill at the North Dakota Winter Show for the North Star Classic on December 2^nd, 2022. 

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Viking Court Update Due Nov 15^th.

City Administrator Crawford stated there is work being done but it is taking a while. We need some sort of guarantee, so we will continue to work with David the next couple of weeks and before we approve his renewal, we will need documentation signed as to when work will be completed by December 6^th.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported the 6-10-year plan is being reviewed and adjusted. We will be bidding our cleaning for all our buildings. We are also looking at fuel prices and what options we have. Complaint calls for snow removal are extremely high at already, people are calling on their neighbors too so the PD is extremely busy taking those calls. Talk to your neighbor, be neighborly, work together, this is only the first snow occurrence of the year.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Finance Director Richter reported the county conducted their tax deed property sale this morning.  There was one property in the city that did not have any bids so we have taken that over as there were specials applied to it.

Fire Chief Magnuson stated the annual fireman’s dance is on Friday after Thanksgiving. Keep your pets away from the river. We will hit over 100 rescue calls this year which is unheard of so thank you to our volunteers.

Police Chief Hatcher reported the PD is fully staffed again.  Consider where you are moving your snow. Do not put snow on other people’s property and it may be there for awhile so try to avoid visual obstructions if possible.  

Commissioner Bishop thanks the FD and PD for the job they do.  It seems the whistle has been going non-stop. Also, to the city crew for all the work they do at all different hours.

Commissioner Magnuson asked that people try to be aware when the whistle does blow, where the emergency vehicles and volunteers are and to move over to clear the path. Also, if you are planning a remodel or new build and come to get a building permit or something related, ask if there are any programs available to help you with your projects.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked everyone for all the work they do. Some people ask why we don’t send the crews out to clean the streets right away or when there’s 1-2 inches of snow on them. We some numbers together a couple years when we had a storm and there was about 5-8 inches and it cost right around $20,000 to clear that.  We try to make good decisions and the best use of your tax dollars.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:55 P.M.