City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Thursday, January 4, 2024

2:30 PM

Called to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Department Reports

Police Department

Police Chief Horner discussed the 2024 Budget for the year and changes that he will be making. The Department is down two positions so working on applicants to fill those positions. Researching Discipline Matrixes to see if one would be a fit for this size of Department. This would also mean putting together a Committee of Officers to make the Matrix with what they feel is needed and enforceable for the entire Department. 

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart was not present. Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared that anyone taking trees or branches to the drop site try to pile them together instead of scatter throughout. 30 people used the “Free Christmas Week” garbage drop off that was offered by the City. Good thing we limited to 100 pounds as some did try to bring more. The automated truck is down to 1 arm at this time but able to keep up. It is being used while waiting for the repairs. All garbage pickup is up to date. Shutting down alley pickup on Valley Avenue for the winter due to conditions.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch stated that his Team was out every day during the Ice Storm Event, both Sanders & the Motor Grader out daily, at times even more equipment. Focus in the first 24 hours was on the Emergency Routes and Hills. Downtown was taken care of Thursday morning. They have now entered the Residential Areas.

New Items

1. Salt/Sand Discussion –Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported on the amounts of Sand/Salt that was used for this one event & then added in the amount that was sold to local Businesses as well. He is keeping an eye on the amount that was used and then what he feels will be needed for the remainder of the Winter. Rates, delivery fees and a possible cap on the amount of Sand/Salt sold were discussed.
2. Finance Director Klein reported expenditures in the amount of $2,488,773 for the month.
3. Monthly Engineer Report. Finance Director Klein shared that we did come in under budget for the year of 2023. The Current contract did expire. The City will need to draw up a new contract and both KLJ & Moore Engineering will need to agree and sign off if we wish to continue.  Recommendations from Staff are to continue as is.
4. Viking Drive Estates Mobile Home Park License Renewal 2024 Discussion – City Administrator Crawford spoke with David Wick and discussed the budget & plan for the Viking Drive Estates. Crawford recommends that we approve until 4/15/2024 and must have a budget and plan into the City to continue after that date.  
5. Discuss updates to the Employee Policy Manual. City Attorney Martineck emailed the red line copy to the Commissioners. Discussion was held on a few of the changes such as On-Call or a Second Job. The changes were approved and recommended by the Employee Committee.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch shared how the power outages effected the Water Plant. Concentrating on maintenance items as approaching the equipment being over 10 years old. These repairs and maintenance do take quite a bit of time with a shutdown to machines and dry time before work can begin. The lead time on parts are weeks out. As the equipment ages, there will be more repairs and maintenance in the future. Discontinued the Data Contract with GE and went with a different route for the data. This saved substantial funds.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported that his Team has been busy cleaning up after the Ice Storm and getting the Electricity going for the City. His Team will need to go back to locations and verify & correct the quick fixes and make sure that everyone has reliable power resources. Missouri River Energy Services will be out doing infrared scans to verify any weak spots so they may be taken care of. Tree branches near lines will also need to be removed. Electrical Superintendent Senf also explained the Western Area Power Association’s power outage lines were sagging and drawing the lines down, this caused a static line to touch a transmission line causing it to short out. They were having relay issue at the substation, so they needed to send a crew from Fargo to come out and rectify the relay issue and power was restored. This happened again a couple days later. Our Team was able to fix the line and restore service. There are 2 Drone Operators that will be getting licensed on the Team. The drones were instrumental in finding the breaks. We will be looking into a new afterhours answering service as Cass County will no longer be taking calls after June 30, 2024.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson shared the Year in Review for 2023. Calls were way up from previous years. There were several calls during the Ice Storm and all Departments worked so well together. Dangerous Building Report was discussed and the process to clean up dangerous buildings and piles of rubbish that are in yards in the City. Fines were discussed to help with the process.

Fire Extinguisher Report was much higher than last year. Expenses should be less in the future with the changes made to the Master Fee Schedule on charges.

New Items Continued

• Tree Branch Pick-up & Removal – Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that currently they are using 2 payloaders & 3 tandems in the cleanup process for the Ice Storm Tree Branch removal. We started the Residential pick up today just on the South side of Interstate. As of 2:00PM 13 loads were hauled out and the Crew just made it to Winter Show Road. This would be about ½ of the SE Section. This is at least a month-long process. People will need to be patient and know that the City is trying. Be aware that they will not be going back to areas that branches were already picked up. They are also not raking up small sticks and branches. You would need to take your branches out to the site if you missed the pickup in your area.
• Apprenticeship Opportunity with North Dakota Rural Water – City Administrator Crawford explained that Valley City was approached to become one of the City’s that would take on apprenticeships. This means that the City would hire a person while they are registered as Student at Bismarck State College in the Water Plant or Distribution Field of studies. The student would work for the City while attending classes and completing their college courses. The benefit to the student would be Employment and on the job training to assist with their Water Plant curriculum. The benefit to the City would be to fill open positions that we currently have and, in the fields, where we are needing bodies.

Administration

Public Works Accountant Jacobson discussed the possible reimbursements for the Ice Storm Declaration and what we are keeping track of this time. All labor, pay rate & benefits and truck usage, repairs & work that have to do with the Ice Storm. He is keeping track daily on a spreadsheet. Currently he is at about $80,000 worth of expenses we have paid out. His best guess is that FEMA will reimburse for about $52,000.

Finance Director Klein updated the Commissioners that payment was received on the items that were sold at auction for $31,640. Currently she is working on a loan with the Bank of ND on the Northwest Reconstruction Project that will be happening this year. This is the Special Assessment part of the project. We are getting a rate of 2% on $425,000. We will not start drawing on the loan until this fall and we will have a resolution brought before the Commission prior to drawing. Finance Director Klein shared that in an email regarding tax distribution to the Commissioners she explained that the City received an extra highway distribution payment in the amount of $113,000. She has also been working with the new outside Auditors.

City Attorney Martineck discussed The Captain’s Pub as it was voted on at the last Commission meeting to have a Public Hearing. The Hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2024. The Captain’s Pub has hired a Lawyer, but he has not responded to any correspondence that was sent his direction. The License Holder did try to call today but had to leave a voicemail. There are witnesses subpoenaed for this hearing. There is a more formal process to follow to suspend a license. Martineck will be working with Mayor Carlsrud on this process. Hoping that a resolution will be reached prior to the Public Hearing but if needed, it is on the calendar.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:32 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

2:30 PM

Called to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart discussed picking up garbage racks that remain around town. She reminded us that the Truck needs at least 3’ clearance around the containers. Swart shared information about Saturday openings for the Landfill and what hours seem to be the best to be open. 9AM to Noon seems to be the busiest times. Swart then brought up the extra garbage that citizens have around Christmas, and it was decided to have free drop off of up to 100lbs per Residence from December 26 to December 29. Citizens can take their garbage, minus the recycled cardboard, to the Transfer Station.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf shared there were 4 outages in the past month due to squirrels. The Department is busy with trimming trees, hanging switches and will be working on the underground connection to John Deere. The quotes for the sale of the used transformer came in and the best proposal was for $20,000. and they will load and haul the piece taking on all the liability.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reviewed the Calls for Service Report. Numbers were down from the previous month with 10 regular and 10 after hour calls. Magnuson filled the Commissioners in on the new rescue boat that was purchased with some insurance claim funds and the remaining amount was covered with funds raised by the Firemen.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch talked about the culvert that was replaced by the Rainbow Bridge as well as a water main break in the SW part of town. Thank you to Barnes Rural Water for some of the materials. His team also replaced the guardrail near 6^th & Viking.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford gave an update on 2^nd Ave lighting. Everything is ready as soon as the actual poles come in but do to timing and weather, this will be completed in the spring of 2024.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Klein reported expenditures in the amount of $1,485,229 for the month.

Commission Duties Review

Attorney Martineck gave a Power Point Presentation on the Duties of Commissioners.

Review cost of Special Meetings

Finance Director Klein shared the cost and time involved with having a Special Commission Meeting. Attorney Martineck will draw up a Resolution for approval on a future agenda, charging $25.00 for a requested Special Meeting. This Resolution will include a change to the Master Fee Schedule.

Appointment of Department Heads and Police Officers

Discussion was had on the current Appointment of Department Heads and Police Officers. Attorney Martineck referred to code which states that the City Administrator should be appointing these positions. The Commissioners requested, for the time being, Police Officers be appointed by the City Administrator and not need Commissioner Approval. The current Code will be reviewed, and an ordinance will be drafted as to the actual titles needing Commission approval and the actual titles that can be appointed by the City Administrator.

Review 10 Year Valley City Infrastructure Plan

Administrator Crawford reviewed the 10 Year Valley City Infrastructure Plan. This plan gives the transparency to determine if we have the monies for future projects and make sure that we know exactly which projects the monies budgeted go to. This plan covers the estimated projected funds needed for future projects and maintenance in all City Departments and how the monies will need to be budgeted. 

Year to Date Building Permit Report and Power Point Presentation of Recent Home Sale Comparisons

Assessor Current shared a Year-to-Date Building Permit Report from Michael Blevins. Current also shared a Power Point Demonstration on the sales of houses and how the values have increased in the past couple of years.

Discuss Public Works 2024 Proposed Budget

Public Works Accountant Jacobson discussed the Public Works 2024 Proposed Budget.

Discuss PW Water Rate increase

Public Works Accountant Jacobson explained the need for the Public Works Water rate increase.

Discuss PW South Side Sewer rate increase

Public Works Accountant Jacobson explained the reasoning for the South Side Sewer rate increase.

Discuss PW Credit Card Fees

Public Works Accountant Jacobson shared a spreadsheet on Credit Card Fees and what it costs the City to offer this payment option to the Citizens. Those fees continue to rise for the City. Discussion was had on these fees and if the fee should be passed along to those using this service.  The City does offer 3 ways to pay with no fees being charged.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:37 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

3:30 PM

Called to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Absent: Commissioner Bishop

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart stated that we are still having a few issues with the containers. Remember that the handles should face your house. All garbage must be in closed bags in the container and all garbage must fit into your container. The City will not pick up excess garbage. Please also remember that you need 3 feet around each container for the truck to be able to collect the garbage. Residents and Businesses please tie your bags shut to keep the garbage contained. Finally, dump your leaves and clippings out of the bags at the Grass site. Discussion on how garbage pickup will work this winter with snow fall and weather. Containers should be placed in the same locations as they currently are, but not in a snowbank. If snow needs to be plowed in your area, your pickup may be suspended that day and will be picked up on Friday. This is a work in progress this first year.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch let us know that water usage is down. A water sample was taken to The Grand Forks Pollution Control Conference and Valley City placed in the top 3 in the state for Best Tasting Water in North Dakota.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf shared that there were 6 outages since the last month. 5 were squirrels and 1 an underground trouble near Woodland that was replaced. The 3 Phase is ready to go at Valley Plains Implement, we are ahead of that project. Inventory, Christmas Decorations, and continued work on the purple lights are on the project list.  Superintendent Senf also shared that they are currently applying for 3 grants to cover the cost of a few projects. One grant is for the replacement of the 69-transmission line from Valley City to the WAPA Sub which is roughly 1.8 miles. This opportunity will replace the old poles and insulators at possibly 100% of the costs covered. The next project would be to replace all the Sodium lights to LED, he estimates that there are about 250 lights left to switch over, this grant will possibly cover at 100%. The final project would be to convert all of Valley City to underground which would be a lengthy time frame so they would propose doing only 2 circuits this year, the grant would possibly pay for 100% of the costs.  

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported there were 17 calls last month. The “Calls for Service” numbers are up from last year. The Fireman’s Dance will be held on November 24^th at the Eagles. The band Karma will be playing and all are invited. This will be a freewill donation, no tickets this year. Assistant Fire Chief Lance Coit attended the FEMA training this past week in Baltimore. Very Educational, passed with a 100% and all it cost the City was his meals and parking. Chief Magnuson also gave an update on the ‘Dangerous Buildings” in town. There are 4 projects in play right now. Attorney Martineck is working on the legal aspects. Discussion was had on the process and again it was stated that this is a very long process.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner discussed the 3 openings at the Police Department. They have had 5 applicants with one of the applicants completing the back-ground check. The interviews for the remaining should happen later this week. There were a few scheduling conflicts. The Department is looking into updating some electronics and equipment needed that was not in the 2024 budget, they are looking for different revenues or grants as Chief Horner feels this could be an Officer safety issue. The Guys have been working hard. Discussion regarding the number and type of Applicants, as well as the training needed to become an Officer took place. Administrator Crawford thanked Chief Horner for all the extra time he has been putting into the job since taking over.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that Ben Lokken recently went to Bismarck and passed the Water Treatment to Level 3 Certificate. This is a 5-hour test. Currently Wade Hesch & Sherry Keys are Level 4 and Ben will continue to train & test and the goal would be to gradually integrate him into working at the Water Plant. This is a big deal for Valley City. Currently discharging the lagoon for the winter. The street sweeper was winterized but is now back in service trying to get some of the leaves cleaned up. The Ash Trees that were marked have been taken care of and 2 houses were torn down. Inventory will start next week as well as some winter work. There will be a couple people working in the department over Veteran’s Day to keep things going.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford talked about the Resolution for Public Sales. An opportunity came up and items will be sold at a sale that was already set up. The items will be listed, with the larger items having reserves set. There will be a 7% charge from the Auctioneer for sold items. The Auction will take place over a two-week period. This will be an online auction but people will have the ability to go and see the items in person as well. For the larger items, if a reserve was set, we will need to pay the 7% to the Auction Service if an item is not sold. By going with Integrity Auction Service, they will handle all the pictures, descriptions and marketing for the sale. All departments have contributed items to be sold.

Administrator Crawford also brought up discussion on a Charging Station that was installed at Stoudt/Miller. The location was put in the “Line of Sight” for the Department of Transportation Right of Way. This is a new situation and an Ordinance or Resolution will need to be started. This will need to come from the direction of the Commission and we will need to start a permitting or license process. The current station may need to be moved as it is a Zoning Violation. Attorney Martineck will look into this.

Finance Director Klein updated the Commission on the loans for the Tree Removal that was discussed at an earlier meeting.  Both the Bank of ND and ND Finance Authority stated that they would not finance a tree removal loan. This is looked at differently than a regular construction project. The USDA does not see anything coming up on this subject either. Administrator Crawford shared her discussions with other Cities on this topic. Finance Director also mentioned that within the bills are final payments for DOT Projects including the 5^th Ave NW Project, the East Main Sealcoat Project, and then 6^th St NW Reconstruction Project.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Klein reported expenditures in the amount of $2,405,468.  for the month.

New Items

RFP for a New Service Center – CityAdministrator Crawford shared that we are required by Century Code when we build a building this size that we need to have an Architect involved. One step is that we have to have an RFP for architects. The second step is to go with Construction Management At-Risk and hire a firm who works with the architect and with the project and will figure out what it will cost and you are guaranteed that it will not go over that cost. If it comes in under, you do benefit. Commissioner Erickson also explained that the firm would manage the whole project and our team would not need to be there saving the City valuable time and resources. They would take care of the whole project acting as a General Manager which we would need regardless. City Administrator Crawford explained that the City would be required to have a Committee that is already determined by Century Code. This committee would oversee the RFP. If this is the way we want to go, with a CMAR, we can pay someone to do the RFP or set up the Committee but no one on the Committee can be applying to be one of the CMAR. Administrator Crawford & Commissioner Erickson both suggested that we go with the CMAR.

Attorney Martineck let the Commissioners know that the next step would be to do an RFP for an Architect or Engineer. That is required. The CMAR is an alternative to doing your standard bidding process. It is another approach to doing the standard bidding process. Tonight, we would need the Commissioners to approve the RFP for the Architect. The next decision would be whether you approve going with the CMAR process and then appointing a committee. Discussion.

Update on Viking Trailer Court – City Administrator Crawford shared an update from David Wick, work has begun and they are making excellent progress.

Red River Water Supply Project – President Carlsrud updated on the former McClusky Canal/Garrison Diversion which is now the Red River Water Supply Project. It was built to supply water to the eastern part of the state in a drought situation. Years ago, Valley City nominated for a certain amount of water. We have been part of the study for many years. The time is coming very close to making a decision as to whether we keep our nomination and continue with the annual cost. President Carlsrud will keep us posted as the time gets closer.

PFP Update – City Administrator Crawford gave an update on the PFP, now that the CLOMR is complete. An updated map was shared and discussed. The first step is to redesign Phase 4 adding mitigation. With that, they were able to add some mitigation with the Mill Dam and get some of that project paid for.  Also, just some updating of the design work and interior flooding concerns. Some of the streets that were set for rehab have now been updated to reconstruction. The re-design of Phase 4 will start now through fall of 2024. The Phase 4 construction will start in the spring of 2025 and continue through 2026.This will be bid in the fall of 2024.

Phase 5 design will start in the Spring of 2024. This will need to go through the State Water Commission for the updated final dollar amount as some of the funds were used for the CLOMR.

Phase 5 construction, which is also phase 6 Design and Construction, was approved through the legislature. this will now need to go through the State Water Commission as well. Currently, discussion is just on projects through 2026 right now. In Phase 5 there are 4 houses left to be bought out. Letters will go out explaining the process and if the owner wants to sell right now, we can look at it.

Special Assessment Cap for Paving Reconstruction Projects – Finance Director Klein shared with the Commission that Protest Notices have been mailed for the Reconstruction Project in the NW that will be happening next year. With previous discussions, it was known there was a need to increase that Cap. It was determined to raise that Cap to $150.00 per frontage from the $123.67 previously used. By increasing this, it gets us to just over 25% of the projects being special assessed. The remaining local funds come out of the R&R funds. We wanted to make sure that this increase at least covers the cost of the seal coat to be paid out of R&R Funds. Looking for an OK from the Commissioners to increase the cap to the $150.00 which has not been increased since 2014. This brought up discussion on the Local share as well as the R&R Fee. City Administrator recommends that the Commission approve the increase the cap at $150.00 now and then look into increasing the Cap and R&R in the future. It was decided that a recommendation on the amount to increase the R&R should be brought to the next meeting and a Resolution written. The commissioners agreed to the new $150.00 Cap.

Digital Signage Update – Commissioner Magnuson gave an update on the Digital Signage with the requests made at the 10/3/2023 Commission Meeting. The digital sign was removed from the quote and the titles: City Hall and Public Works were added to the bottom of the signs. This brought the costs down considerably and all seemed in favor of the new design. Permitting for the sign will be taken care of by the City. It was also asked if the City could take care of the electrical, City Administrator Crawford will be reaching out to Superintendent Senf on that question. Commissioner Magnuson will move forward on ordering the signs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:47 PM.