City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson
Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Move Item N5. to Consent Agenda.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Deedra Froemke brought up discussion on Ordinance 1169, does this pertain to Hidden Pond Trail?
Trevor Kamstra discussed communication regarding fines and communication in general.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
- Approve Minutes from the 2.14.2025 Special Commission Meeting and the 2.20.2025 Finance and Commission Meetings.
- Approve the Site Authorization request for:
Updated Request – Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at North 9 Bar and Grille
- Approve the Raffle Permit requests for: VCSU Foundation/VCSU Scholarship Auction Fundraiser on 4.11 at the Eagles Disabled American Veterans Monthly Drawing at the Eagles, 7/2025 – 6/2026
Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals on 4.19 at the Eagles
Mary Jones Benefit on 5.3 at the Eagles
- Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for:
Roger Koble Contracting
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Motion passed unanimously.
ORDINANCE
Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1169, an ordinance to amend and reenact Title 7, create and enact title 7.1, and repeal chapter 15-06 and section 17-04-23 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to use of the public rights of way.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to change as discussed and add to 3.18.25 agenda for reading and approval, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Motion passed unanimously.
Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1170, an ordinance to amend and reenact chapter 11-08 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to zoning nonconformities.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Approve the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation request of $45,000 to increase childcare capacity with funds sourced from the City Sales Tax dedicated to economic development.
Jennifer Feist with the VCBCDC explained the need for funds to help assist with the lack of childcare in the area. She is currently working with two new possible parties interested in addressing the supply of childcare issues. There will be a provision in the contract that the facility must remain operational for a minimum of 5 years or there is a “claw back” requiring repayment and they must be licensed.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Motion passed unanimously.
Approve revision to allocation of funds for “Back the Blue” grant money. These are remaining funds from the grant that was awarded in 2023 and must be allocated before March 24, 2025. Previously, $11,000.00 was paid for retention bonuses and $1000.00 for recruitment bonuses. The remaining balance will be paid towards retention bonuses.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Motion passed unanimously.
Approve ND DWR Pre-Construction Cost Share Application for Preliminary and Design Engineering for Northwest Standpipe – Emergency Repairs.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Motion passed unanimously.
Approve GMP Amendment to McGough’s Contract for the Valley City Public Works Building to be completed by Olaf Anderson in the amount of 1,635,532 for the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB). Oliver Finneman with McGough discussed the process for bids, the need to get this structure ordered, there is a 3 to 4 month waiting period and that would really cut into prime construction season. He also explained that many local contractors were notified prior to the start of the build and will continue to be included in bids throughout the build process. If possible, the City would like to use local contractors as much as possible.
President Carlsrud opened the meeting to Public Comment again. Todd Ingstad shared his concerns over the cost and payment method for the new Public Works Building. Jon Aus shared his concern, from the stewardship and resources, was looking for justification of the monies being spent. All 4 Commissioners and President Carlsrud spoke in favor of the build. They explained that this didn’t just come up tonight but has been in discussion and the works since 2017. The estimate from 2018 was discussed and the increase in cost since. The reasoning for the new building and discussion on the condition of the current buildings. Why the increase in electrical rates over property taxes to help with the cost of the build. Electrical rates in general compared to neighboring communities. Employee safety and well-being. Equipment storage needs.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Motion passed unanimously.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
City Administrator Crawford talked about the requests for more transparency. If there is a way that we can share more information than we already do, please reach out with your suggestions. Agendas, minutes and materials are all posted on the valleycity.us website for easy access. Notices are sent out to the Newspaper, posted on Facebook and Instagram and now we have an additional location, the Valley City App. Please let us know if you know of a way to get more of the public involved in our meetings.
Police Chief Horner wanted to remind all to be cautious with the snow melt, thaw and freezing. This causes ice to build and can be very dangerous. Please be aware.
City Engineer Peterson shared a map and discussed the proposed Seal Coat work to be done in 2025.
Commissioner Gulmon gave a report on City Finances and that the Sales Tax revenue was up about 6.9% last year. Online sales, Food & Beverage and the Occupancy taxes were all up this past year.
Commissioner Erickson wanted to remind all that he will gladly take your phone calls and answer your emails when he is available. If he is not able to answer, he will get back to you.
Commissioner Magnuson shared some history on the Public Works Building and why the rate increase was selected as the fairest way to collect funds. Please call anytime to talk about what is going on, get answers to your questions and to hear what is truly happening. Very open to discussing these issues with you directly.
Commissioner Bishop asked residents to call, text or emailanytime and he will gladly talk or meet with you. He will not respond to Social Media comments. All of the Commissioners are open to conversations and want to do what they feel is truly best for the City of Valley City overall.
Mayor Carlsrud thank you to all who came to this meeting, we appreciate your presence and your thoughts. Thank you to the Employees for all the numerous projects that you are working on and prepping for spring. Thank you to Oliver and Rich from McGough, appreciate you explaining the project and processes. Thank you to the Commissioners for serving and for all the extra time you put in that people are not aware of.
ADJOURN
Meeting was adjourned at 6:25 P.M.
