Category Archives: City Commission

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.7.2021 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 City Administrator Crawford and City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the August 17th and August 30th, 2021 meetings, 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 Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Care Center.

Approve Parade Application for VCSU Homecoming Parade on Oct. 2 at 10:30 AM on Central Ave from 12 St. NE to the VCSU Foot Bridge.

Approve Block off the Street Request from RL Stearns for the alley running East/West at Ace Hardware from beginning September 8th for about 2 weeks.

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

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing for 2022 City Budget.

President Carlsrud declared the Public Hearing Open.

Finance Director Richter gave overview of the 2022 budget.

Steve Jorissen commented about the city taxes going up about 10%.  Wondering what is going on?

Finance Director Richter stated there were a couple factors in the 10%.  When you take the increase on the value of your home, I believe it’s 5.8%.  Last year for the budget we reduced our mill levy by 4.51 mills.  We had Covid CARES funds for about $100,000 to offset that, to buy down our mill levy.  We no longer have that so we brought the mill levy back up to what it was before we have the Covid CARES money.

Steve Jorissen asked if what we are saying is that this year budget is pretty much like it was about 2 years ago.  Overall what is the dollar amount that the budget went up?

Finance Director Richter stated for the general fund the expenditures increased $138,609.

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

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1089, an Ordinance Adopting the 2022 City Budget, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,347,996.56

Finance Director Richter reported about $283,000 in PFP because of purchasing the maintenance building and also the two vacant properties.  The new equipment lease for $68,000, BND some PFP debt service due for another $64,000, invoice for the FD addition for $53,000, construction projects are around $750,000 and MRES is another $460,000.  The remaining balance is our employee salaries and insurance.

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

Approve Valley City Barnes County Development Request for Funds.

Jennifer Feist stated this is requesting $10,000 to assist with the drain analysis in the Northwest Industrial Park. 

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

Consider the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation’s request to Retain $188,000 of Economic Development Funds.

Jennifer Feist stated this request is because we recently accepted an offer to purchase a building in the Northwest Industrial Park.  We are planning to construct a new manufacturing type building in that area.

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

Consider Granting Easement to Barnes County Park Board for Monson Trail.

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

Approve City Administrator to Negotiate Sale of City Lot Located North of West Main Street in NP Additions 5 and 6.

City Administrator Crawford stated she presented the offer of $48,200 for the property that we own which also included the right of way and the easement for the Monson Trail.

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

Consider Site Authorization for Barnes County Wildlife Federation at the Valley City Eagles Club on April 2, 2022. 

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated we closed on a cold storage building for the PFP.  We also closed on the PFP lots that were able to be built on so we could protect that.  The property to the west is being used as community gardens but we spoke to the owner and they can keep doing what they’re doing until we’re ready to build the flood wall.  The closing on the Valley Implements building should be this Thursday at 9 am.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Chad Petersen from KLJ updated on the construction.  Main Street Streetscape the rain last week slowed progress a little bit along with some of the basement windows we encountered under the sidewalk that has been there for years.  The concrete work on that block should be done early next week and then we’ll be shifting to the concrete work between 2nd and 3rd.  We’re making progress and still on schedule.  We’re still waiting for a term date for the mill and overlay on south Central. We have some parades coming up and need to make sure we’re communicating with them.

The recommendation to fix the drain by the Elks is to take bids this fall so there is a contractor in place and get the materials ordered to do the work this spring.

Commissioner Gulmon stated a couple meetings ago a discussion took place about a collaboration with the Park District and CVB about a Marketing Coordinator.  That is nearing completion, interviews are taking place this week.

President Carlsrud thanked to all that worked on the budget.  Our water department has reported that our water supply is in a good position so we aren’t likely to go on any restrictions.  Thank you to our Police Department and the Fire Department.   

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:35 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.7.2021 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.

Department Reports

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that usage for August peaked on the 18th at 1,381,000 gallons.  The total pumpage from January 1st to current is 33,254,000 and the average daily pumpage so far for the year is 1,108,000.  It’s usually around 700,000-800,000 but due to the weather it’s up.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported the pumper will be gone for about a month.  The paint is starting to crack and it’s under warranty but it will take about a month to get it fixed.  The rural board is allowing us to move their pumper up to that spot and hopefully in about 2 weeks the new pumper will be here.  They will be marking the catalytic converters on some of our trucks this week.  Preconstruction meeting for the addition is on Thursday, site work is slated to start on the 13th.  Sunday is the 9/11 motorcycle ride with Gwen as our speaker.  Extinguishers billed out was $2474.82 and we didn’t get $1000 billed out yet for this month. 

Police Chief Hatcher reported that dispatch has moved.  There was also another resignation in the department.  The officer is moving to highway patrol.

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 2 outages for the month.  One was lightening and the other was failed cutout.  Installing sirens for the fire department.    

President Carlsrud moved to item 5 and 7.

Discuss EV Charging Station

Superintendent Senf stated there has been questions if we will have one.  Superintendent Senf recommended waiting as he is pretty sure the three main dealerships in town will have to put them in on their own and maybe a couple of gas stations.  If we were to do one it would have to be a fast charge and that would be around $80,000 without including the installation or wiring.  Also Tesla installs their own charging stations approximately 200 miles apart due to them having a different type of plug.  You could put one in for about $6,000 but it’s a minimum of 5 hours to charge so if you put that down town, who’s going to stick around for 5 hours to charge their car?  Senf recommends holding off on installing the stations at this time.

Discuss Increase in Cost WAPA Substation Repairs

Superintendent Senf said WAPA asked for additional $80,000 for the sub.  The electrical department can do some of the work if everyone’s okay with it.  It would save about $100,000.  Commission decided to let the electrical department try it and go from there.

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported there is still an open position in the sanitation department.  We received the cameras to go on the garbage trucks.  Also a reminder of the 32 gallon can limit.

Street department received their new graders and are ready to put them to work.  Also working on some curb stops and old maintenance issues. 

Finance Director Richter stated we changed our agenda format. 

City Administrator Crawford added that Bobby Koepplin had a request to get tree prices on trees for a grant the Beautification Committee had gotten.  The request has been reviewed and there were a couple of changes so at this time it has been sent back to him with the requested changes.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Richter reported $2.3 million in expenditures for August.  $283,000 in PFP because of purchasing the maintenance building and also the two vacant properties.  The new equipment lease for $68,000, BND some PFP debt service due for another $64,000, invoice for the FD addition for $53,000, construction projects are around $750,000 and MRES is another $460,000.   

Discuss Gravity Drain by the Elks

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated they plan to increase the capacity of the storm sewer system along Main Street.  We have reached out to contractors for pricing and suppliers for availability of materials.  We have found one contractor to do the work this fall.  The issues are we are already in September and we don’t know what kind of fall we’ll have.  We’re recommending waiting until this spring to complete the project.  This project will be KLJ’s project and no dollars will come from the city.

Discuss Removing Cats from Lease Law Requirement

City Administrator Crawford stated there have been requests to remove cats. 

Police Chief Hatcher stated he always thought it was silly to have a leash on a cat but he feels the “animal at large” would still apply if the cat was caught outside their house. 

Review offer to sell City Lot Located North of West Main Street in NP Additions 5 and 6

City Administrator Crawford stated his offer is the same amount but there is an additional section to make the access work.  The other thing requested is that he knows the closing will take a bit so he is requesting to do dirt work prior to closing.  City Administrator Crawford recommended accepting the offer.

City Attorney Martineck stated we would have him sign some sort of agreement so if everything falls through and he already started the dirt work we would be protected.

Ordinance Review

President Carlsrud stated there are several ordinances that are no longer valid.  We will want to start going through and cleaning them up.

Discuss Retirement

City Administrator Crawford stated there has been discussions about different options such as NDPERS.  I would like to have Carl look into it to see what a better option is.  Anyone who is currently employed can choose what plan they want.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:35 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.30.2021 Special Commission Meeting Minutes

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

New Business

Approve Block off Street Request for VCSU for 2nd Ave SW between Student Center and Library for Student Street Dance on September 1st from 9:00 Pm to 12:00 AM.

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

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 12:02 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.17.2021 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 City Administrator Crawford and City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher.

Pledge of Allegiance

MRES Update

Tom Heller Presented.

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the August 3rd, 2021 Finance and Commissioner Meetings, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for Barnes County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. from August 17th, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1088, an Ordinance Approving Text Amendments to Titles 11 and 16 of the Valley City Municipal Code.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is for changes to the zoning and subdivision codes.  All of these were approved by the P&Z Commission and City Attorney Martineck recommends approval with changes as presented.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. 

Jennifer Feist questioned the parking schedule, also the 250 sq. ft. increase in lot size for family structured if changing the number of units.  Jennifer requested a copy of everything so she could review in case there are additional questions and requested clarification prior to the second reading taking place.

Motion passed unanimously.

Resolutions

Approve Resolution 2310, a Resolution Authorizing the City Administrator to Sell City Property if it’s below $2500.

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

Approve Resolution 2311, a Resolution Approving the Replat of Original Townsite Block 17 Lot 15 (Fire Department Expansion)

City Attorney Martineck stated this will create one lot for Sheyenne Valley and one lot for the Fire Department so there aren’t several little lots.

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

Approve Resolution 2312, a Resolution Approving the Replat of Grangers Subdivision Lots 9 & 10.

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

New Business

Approve Request to provide a Letter Supporting Changes that Support Development and Object Recent Changes Implemented by MDU. 

Jennifer Feist stated MDU is making changes that a class 1 contractor is required to dig in the MDU gas lines.  Previously we had local contractors that could do this but now MDU requires the class 1 contractor needs to do everything.  This will add to the cost and timeframe of things being completed.

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

Discuss Delinquent Electric Bills staying with Properties. 

Commissioner Bishop stated he had received calls that there was never any notification sent out prior to this taking place.  Commissioner Bishop requested a special meeting be set up and invite these landlords to visit to see if we could come to an agreement as to how this could be worked out.

Commissioner Gulmon stated this has become a common practice in several other cities.  In the last 6 years we have averaged about $13,000 in write offs which affects everyone.  This change takes place in January and we did have 2 public meetings on it so at the end of this day I think this type of ordinance protects our customers from the higher charges because of the write offs.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to set up a special meeting to discuss delinquent bills, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Appointment of Tyler Marthaler as the Community at Large Representative for the Visitor’s Committee. 

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

Consider Visitors Committee Recommendation for Image Enhancement Grant for Dakota Dogs in the amount up to $1,000 towards additional signage and $3,587 towards exterior and lobby improvements for a total grant of up to $4,587. 

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

Approve Construction Engineering for West End Lift Station.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated Sellin Brothers was awarded this contract on July 23rd.  Since that time they have submitted the drawings.  They are not slated to get started until late September early October but right now we need to get materials ordered and that is what this contact if for.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

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

Motion carried.

Approve Design Engineering for 6th Street NW Reconstruction Project (NDDOT Project No. SU-2-990(060), PCN 23154). 

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the Commission approved the environmental phase of the project on July 23rd.  This takes care of the plan development, acquisition of construction easements as well as on the south side of the project corridor there are some encroachments of the street right of way so we are looking at a vacation plat along that corridor.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. 

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

Motion carried.  

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated there were some issues with the outdoor speakers we’ve been trying.  Those issues were addressed and they sounded good.  We’re putting the order in tomorrow.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Police Chief Hatcher reported the PD is working with local car dealerships to address the recent catalytic converter thefts.  The community can call the dealership and they will do the service free of charge for the first 90 days.  In 8 days school starts.  There are a lot of new faces and the police department is trying to do more on the campus.  Be aware of school zones, the speed, crosswalks and the new parking areas that help with better visibility.  There have been lots of changes, make yourself aware.

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported the activity continues to increase on Main Street.  Communication with the business owners is great, things have been going along well. 

President Carlsrud thanked all the employees and the Commissioners for serving.  With school starting the kids are excited, be careful out there.  

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 6:15 P.M.

Agenda Available

9.21.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81177466985 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  811 7746 6985.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Oath of Office for Police Officer Joshua Reign

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve minutes from the September 7th and September 13th meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A.  Approve Raffle Permit for District 24 Republicans for Drawing on December 18th, 2021.

B.  Approve Parade Application for VCHS Homecoming Parade on September 29th, 2021 on Central Ave.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson         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.

PUBLIC HEARING

Ordinance

 

Resolution

1.  Approve Resolution 2313, a Resolution Approving the Replat Request of Lots 2-4, 11-16, and 19-21, Block 1 of Prairie View Addition.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resolution 2314, a Resolution Approving the Replat Request of Lots 10-12 of Andrus & Sifton’s Addition.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

3.  Approve Resolution 2315, a Resolution Approving the Replat and Variance Request of Lot 1 Block 2 NP West 5th Addition and Lots 1-2 and Outlot A, Block 1 NP West 6th Addition. (City Attorney Martineck)  

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

N1.  Approve Zoning Map Revision. (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

9.13.2021 Special Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, September 13th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85858836010 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  858 5883 6010.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

New Business

  1. Discuss Valley City Municipal Code Section 15-01-12.1 regarding Assessment of Unpaid Utility Charges.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  2. Consider Raffle Permit for the Valley City Lions Club on Sept. 14th, 2021. (Finance Director Richter)

            Roll Call:           Bishop            Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson          Carlsrud


Adjourn

Agenda Available

9.7.2021 Commission Agenda

Posted on by

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87309413589 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 873 0941 3589

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve minutes from August 17th and August 30th meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Care Center.
  3. Approve Parade Application for VCSU Homecoming Parade on Oct. 2 at 10:30 AM on Central Ave from 12 St. NE to the VCSU Foot Bridge.
  4. Approve Block off the Street Request from RL Stearns for the alley running East/West at Ace Hardware from beginning September 8th for about 2 weeks.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             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.

PUBLIC HEARING

PH 1.  Public Hearing for 2022 City Budget.

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Close Hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1089, an Ordinance Adopting the 2022 City Budget (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

Ordinance

 

Resolution

New Business

  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve Valley City Barnes County Development Request for Funds.  (Jennifer Feist)

            Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Consider the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation’s request to Retain $188,000 of Economic Development Funds.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Consider Granting Easement to Barnes County Park Board for Monson Trail.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve City Administrator to Negotiate Sale of City Lot Located North of West Main Street in NP Additions 5          and 6.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

N6.      Consider Site Authorization for Barnes County Wildlife Federation at the Valley City Eagles Club on April 2, 2022.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

9.7.2021 Finance Agenda

Posted on by

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 at 3:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82716612407 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 827 1661 2407

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss Gravity Drain by the Elks. (KLJ)
  4. Discuss Removing Cats from Leash Law Requirement.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss EV Charging Station.  (President Carlsrud)
  6. Review offer to sell City Lot Located North of West Main Street in NP Additions 5 and 6.  (City Administrator Crawford)

7.  Discuss Increase in Cost WAPA Substation Repairs (Electrical Superintendent Senf)

8.  Ordinance Review.  (President Carlsrud)

9.  Discuss Retirement.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

Agenda Available

8.30.2021 Special Commission Meeting Agenda

Posted on by

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

New Business

  1. Approve Block off Street Request for VCSU for 2nd Ave SW between Student Center and Library for Student Street Dance on September 1st from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call           Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.3.2021 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 City Administrator Crawford and City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher.

Pledge of Allegiance

Oath of Office for Police Officer Christopher Burk

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the July 20th, 21st and 27th meetings, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  • Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,986,631.23   
  • Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on September 23, 2021 at the Eagles.
  • Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for Hi-Liner Booster Club from July 27, 2021-June 30, 2022 at Hanna Field and the Hi Liner Activity Center.
  • Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for VCSU Foundation from August 4th, 2021-June 30th, 2022 at Lokken Stadium/Shelley Ellig Field, W.E. Osmon Field Houser and Brockopp Brewing.

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

Resolutions

Approve Resolution 2305, a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding Master Lift Station Upgrades Project.

Chad Petersen reported one bid was received from Swanberg Construction at $464,000.  The engineer’s estimate was $216,000.  After reviewing the bids with city staff and public works the recommendation was to reject all bids and to rebid in October for 2022 construction.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to accept the bid, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

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

Motion rejected.

New Business

Approve Policy Manual Change.

City Attorney Martineck stated the request is to update the definition of eligible family member to follow the state administrative law.  That would be to add parent, including mother and father-in-law, a child regardless of whether a dependent and a domestic partner or significant other.  Currently an employee can use a maximum of 40 hours for care for a family member.

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

Approve Applications for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements at the following addresses: 

  1. 220 9th Ave NW
    1. 1049 5th Ave NW
    1. 1035 5th Ave NW
    1. 1019 5th Ave NW
    1. 645 12th St NW
    1. 715 12th St NW

City Assessor Hansen stated Valley Bridges properties has invested quite heavily in Valley City.  These represent a small token of what has been purchased and they are doing quite a bit of improvements on them.  City Assessor Hansen recommended approval.

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

Approve Preliminary Budget.

Finance Director Richter stated we had 2 early morning meetings in July for budget preparation.  We worked through our mill levy and expenditures and we ended up with a 4.51 mill increase which brings us back to what our 2019 mill levy was.  In 2019 it was at 76.85 mills, in 2020 we were able to reduce that by 4.51 mills using covid cares funds so with this increase we are bringing it back to where it was prior to the CARES funds. 

Commissioner Gulmon added that this process was started needing to increase 16.79 mills so a lot of work has been done and some sacrifices in areas to get where it is now.  We’re transferring $66,100 from electric fund and keeping the percentage of gross revenue at 12.2%.  We’re utilizing additional city sales tax for the relief fund for this budget.  We are also proposing a 4% COLA for our employees along with their step increases.  51% of this budget goes to public safety and we appreciate all the work from Gwen, Avis, Brenda and all the Commissioners though the process all while were projecting a 30% cash reserve.

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

Approve Revised Road Maintenance Agreement with Valley Township Regarding 35th St SE.  

City Administrator Crawford stated the only thing that changed was that we were previously just going to the entrance of the Transfer Station but now we are going to the entrance of the to the grass clipping and tree branch entrance.

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

Approve Offering for Sale Lots 63-3450012 and 63-3440047.

This item was tabled to a future meeting.

 

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported there was a meeting with Waterfront Meadows to get some things worked out.  I was asked to talk to our realtors about our incentives are so they are aware and can help get the word out.  Work started on Hanna Field parking lot.  Lee retired from Public Works.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Assessor Hansen stated she will be out next week at the State Equalization meeting and Assessor Association Training.

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported 7th Ave and 2nd Ave work is progressing.  We are still waiting for an update on seeding.  7th Ave and 4th St the underground is being worked on.  We’re hoping for end of August for paving.  2nd Ave Se they are coming in to do the mill and overly by Pizza Corner and the heat plant.  Love’s contractor is supposed to be coming in to get working on the ditch clean up and erosion mitigation along the roadside.

Commissioner Gulmon we had a very positive meeting regarding our budgets for the general funds and Public Works.  Revenues are running ahead of budget and expenses are below budget amounts.

Commissioner Bishop welcomed Chris to the Police Department and thanks to all the Police Officers and Fireman.

President Carlsrud gave his best to Lee.  Think before you throw, please find appropriate places to get rid of your garbage.  Thank you to all you folks that have contributed to the budget work and also all the employees that are working in the heat.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:37 P.M.