7.29.2024 Special Commission Meeting

Special City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, July 29th, 2024
7:00 AM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, July 29th, 2024, at 7:00 AM, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88242551087 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 882 4255 1087

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

N1.  Discuss and Approve 2025 Preliminary Budget. 

Roll Call:          Bishop              Gulmon            Magnuson        Erickson           Carlsrud

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

6.4.2024 Finance Minutes

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, June 4th, 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 Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

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

New Items

A power point presentation on the Red River Water Supply Project was given with discussion following.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on a few items. 2024 Cleanup week brought in 158.65 tons of garbage and 66 tons of inert materials. The electronic recycling brought in 4736lbs of materials. Residential container count is up for the month of May. Thank you to Mike & Gwen for the treats and to Gwen, Joy & Jackie for their assistance during cleanup week. Cameras have been a wonderful addition. 

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch shared that the numbers are up due to additional flushing this year. They have also turned down the outlets due to all the rain. Administrator Crawford asked about people pumping from the river. Research will need to be done if permits are required.

Electric Department

Corey Buck filled the Commissioners in on the happenings in the Electrical Department. There were 3 outages for the month of May, 1 due to high winds & 2 due to squirrels. Continuing to work on the lights around town. Keeping up with the construction needs and working with the contractors. The camp by the Fish Hatchery is now completely underground. Working on getting all the easements caught up and filed.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went through his run sheet and calls report. The sirens have all been updated to dual power. A test will be run on Tuesday, June 11th. Working on the garbage & grass issues around town. A look into the process for these violations need to be looked into and a possibly ordinance change needed.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner discussed a bit on the body cam quotes and grants.  A new restraint was shown to the Commissioners called “The Wrap”. This was donated by City/County Health and is used by the Jail & the Sheriff’s office so it is interchangeable. The department was also given iPads to use for mental health emergencies. Parking and Code Enforcement is out in full force on past violations and getting current junk violations taken care of. Chief Horner introduced Kim Jorissen as the new Records Manager for the Police Department.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that they are working on the hydro flushing around town. A new batch of water nodes have come in and are being replaced a quickly as possible. Lift stations were checked and are all in good condition. Hot mix for repairs will not be in until mid-June and then repairs will start.  

Administration

City Administrator Crawford shared the Terracon report for the Service Center. It was decided to go with all the sites for boring. The first meeting was held today on the new Service Center. Discussion on Mark Olson’s retaining wall at 6th Ave NW that is located in the right of way. The home owner would like to have the wall replaced but with the new construction there is no need for the wall and the storm sewer main will go. Much discussion was held on this concern. City Engineer Peterson, City Administrator Crawford and Commissioner Erickson will reach out to the home owner for discussion.

New Items

Discussion on the Alley’s maintenance and up keep. Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared the information that he found on this topic. He shared what the City of Fargo was doing and then made some changes to make it work for Valley City and our challenges. He also located an Alley Paving and Reconstruction project application and again made a few changes to make this work here in Valley City.

Changes will be made to the document presented and it will be brought back for discussion and then proceed with the process.

City Attorney Martineck shared with the Commission the fact that Court has not been functioning for a while now. He has been receiving complaints from Various people, Police Officers and Clerks of Court that this is not working for them. The current Judge is not able to be in the court room and he is the only candidate up for re-election in a couple weeks. He shared the two options that could be a possibility but feels that neither is a great answer. One would be to write an ordinance that makes the position an appointed position or pass a resolution to adjust the salary of the Judge. The main goal would be to have something that will work for the City and not just the Judge. Code states the Municipal Judge position is an elected position but an opinion made by the Attorney General about 20 years ago states that because Valley City is home ruled, we could make it an appointed position. Changes made must take affect prior to the new term starting. Add topic to the 6.18.2024 Commission Meeting.

Agenda Topics 4 – 8 will be moved to the 7.2.2024 Finance Meeting.

            Discuss City Mobile Home Regulations

            Employee Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence usage

            Recycling Contract

            Clean-up Week Debriefing & Follow-Up

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:03 PM.

7.22.24 Mayor’s Message

 NEWS & NOTES

7/22/2024

Hello Folks,

  • Wednesday July 31 from 9:00 – 6:00 is “Crazy Daze” in Valley City.  There will be “Crazy good deals” at businesses along with a plethora of fun activities for all.  Come out, visit your friends and just “hang out” 🙂
  • We have a beautiful Carnegie Library in Valley City.  It is one of only three in North Dakota relatively unaltered from its original form. Currently there is an interior refurbishing underway restoring the beauty of the dome, stop in and have a look as it is really impressive.  “If you feel lucky”, purchase raffle tickets to help support the efforts as well.
  • Numerous storm drains are plugging during rains …. Just use a rake to drag trash off the drain.  AND it is easier to do before it rains!  Thank you.
  • While we have had some significant rains, we have not had flooding others have endured.  A friend in Vermillion, SD shared they had broken force mains with sewage escaping into the river and in the McCook Lake area, homes and belongings were floating away.  Pray for those folks and we can count our Blessings.
  • The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is the first K-12 State Education Agency to earn National Accreditation.  That is a BIG WOW!  Congratulations & thank you to all who dedicate their lives to K-12 Education in North Dakota.
  • Last Sunday, VCPB, VCFD and VCPW played a Whiffle Ball round robin. In spite of the heat, a great turnout of family and friends enjoyed the games.  UNOFFICIAL results indicate each team won one, but VCPW had the most total runs and won the tiebreaker!  Thank you, Tana, and all who helped facilitate the event, the players and hopefully all the kids had fun.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • True friendship resists time and distance and silence.”   ~ Isabel Allende
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud    

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

5.14.2024 Planning & Zoning Minutes

May 14th,  2024 – MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday May 14th, 2024. Commissioners present: Jeff Erickson, Bill Carlblom, Dave Carlsrud, Jim Wright, Tim Durheim, and Joe Tykwinski

Others: City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, City Engineer Chad Petersen (KLJ)

Commissioner Bill Carlblom moved to approve the minutes from the April 10th, 2024 meeting seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit reported no new permits since last week. Lance is working on all the contracts are getting their licenses. Coit also reports a couple of residents are putting in new garage slab and he is inspecting those projects.

Public Hearing regarding a variance and conditional use permit for Sheyenne Valley Career and Tech Center

Chair Mike Schell opened the public hearing.

Derek Bopp spoke on behalf of Sheyenne Valley Career and Tech Center. The reason for the variance request is they would like to add on to the building and they would be five percent over the requirement for impervious surface area and parking requirements. Bopp said three of the schools they service are bused in and parking has not been an issue. Bopp also asked for a conditional use permit because the school is in a R-2 zoning.

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Dave Carlsrud.

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to approve the variance and to allow the conditional use permit. seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion – Subdivisions and platting procedures. City planner Joel Quanbeck and City Attorney Carl Martineck have worked on cleaning up some of Valley City current procedures. A discussion was had on any ways to make the platting process easier.

Commissioner Jim Wright term ended May 14, 2024 and he resigned from the planning and zoning commission.

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:26pm.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.2.2024 Commission Minutes

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, July 2, 2024



President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM.

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Lieutenant Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

OATH OF OFFICE

President Carlsrud read the Oath of Office, which was repeated by the Elected Official. Signatures of the Oaths were taken care of prior to the meeting per Election Regulations.

Valley City Park Board – Jordyn Heck and Ross Powell

Valley City Commission – Dick Gulmon and Mike Bishop

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No Changes.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve minutes from the June 18, 2024, Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for Abel’s Remodeling SRUS of Valley City, ND.
  3. Approve Block the Street Request, Valley City Chamber Office for 7.31.24 from 7:00AM to 7:00P, Blocking Central from 2nd St to 4th St.
  4. Approve the 2024-25 Tobacco License Renewal for Family Dollar LLC @ 1346 W Main St.
  5. Approve the 2024-25 Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals:
  6. Brockopp Brewing LLC
  7. Valley City Town & Country Club
  8. Sabirs
  9. Boomers
  10. Main Street Off-Sale LLC dba Tavern Ninety-Four
  11. My Bar
  12. Dakota Silver
  13. Jimmy’s Pizza
  14. Captain’s Pub

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

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing on Dangerous Building Located at 340 3rd Street SE, Valley City.

Declare Public Hearing Open. Discussion.

Commissioner Bishop moved to Close Hearing seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Findings and Order on Dangerous Building located at 340 3rd Street SE, Valley City.

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

ORDINANCE

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1155, an Ordinance to Repeal Subsection 4 of Section 8-04-05

of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the sale of flavored E-Liquids and E-Cigarettes.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve as is, seconded by Commissioner Carlsrud. Roll Call Vote:  Bishop – Nay, Magnuson – Nay, Gulmon – Nay, Erickson – Yes, Carlsrud – Nay. Motion Failed.

Second and final Reading of Ordinance 1156, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of

Section 4-01-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to Sales of Alcoholic Beverages.

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

NEW BUSINESS

Appoint Vice President of the Valley City Commission.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve Commissioner Bishop as Vice President, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Appoint and Approve Reorganization of the Commissioners’ Portfolios.

Finance (Gulmon)

PW Streets, Sanitation, Sewer, Water Distribution (Erickson)

PW Electric and Water Treatment Plant (Carlsrud)

Police/Fire (Bishop)

Building/Grounds (Magnuson)

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

Appoint and Approve Commissioner Assignments to Additional Committees and Boards.

Valley City Planning and Zoning Commissioner (Carlsrud and Erickson).

Valley City Library Board (Magnuson)

City County Health Board (Gulmon)

Barnes County Planning and Zoning (2 Commissioners)

Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation (Carlsrud and Bishop)

Board for Community Service (Magnuson)

Commissioner Gulmon moved to leave as is, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve City of Valley City/Barnes County Dispatch Center Agreement for Services

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

Approve Cost and Maintenance Agreement with Barnes County for NDDOT Project No. TAC-2-990(065), PCN 23909 (Kathryn Road/Woodland Park Shared-Use Path).

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

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Permit Application for Brockopp Brewing, LLC for Summer Nights on Central 7.11.24 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.

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

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford shared that she is looking forward to working with Barnes County Dispatch with the After-Hours Calls. Working local & keeping the money local. Releases from Bald Hill Dam  is now at 15cfs and they are watching the forecast for rain.

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Fire Chief Magnuson presented the Commission with a request to purchase a vehicle for the Fire Department. The current Tahoe vehicle in use is in need of additional repairs and a large estimate was received for those repairs, this, after spending 11,000. on repairs earlier. There is a vehicle that was traded in that has less miles, is in great condition and is less than half of a new vehicle at 37,000. The Commission discussed at length the need to have a reliable vehicle, the options of possibly using a police vehicle, the cost of continued repairs on the current vehicle, the cost of the new used vehicle and whether to wait and budget in 2025 or to go ahead and get the vehicle now. Commissioner Magnuson sustained from voting. Commissioner Erickson was not in favor of the purchase at this time. Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon & President Carlsrud agreed to the purchase of the replacement vehicle. The consensus was to go ahead and purchase the vehicle.

Finance Director Klein reminded the Commission that Budget Meetings would be starting in early July.

City Assessor Current gave the Commission a map detailing her coverage over the last few years and that she has been reaching out to Home Owners for appointments. Thank you to the Home Owners for setting up meetings with her.

Police Lieutenant Rustebakke talked about the new Tablets and Software that the Officers received to assist when dealing with a Mental Health Crisis on a call. He also thanked City County Health for the ID Scanners that were utilized at the last street dance. These scanners are available to the Liquor Establishment Owners by reaching out to the Valley City Police Department. Rustebakke concluded by being thankful to his team and other agencies for a quick and safe resolution to last week’s incident.  

City Engineer Petersen gave updates to the Construction Projects happening around town. The rain has slowed some processes but the Crews are working through them. Petersen also explained that a small tank was located by 3rd ST NW and the City Parking Lot, it was decided that the best course of action was to fill the tank with CDF & leave it where it lies.

Commission Gulmon reminded all that the 2025 Budget talks and meetings are starting and that he hopes it goes as well as last years process. He also reported that the Sales Tax numbers are about 14% higher than last year.

Commissioner Erickson reminded those in the NE and NW that the garbage make-up day for Thursday, July 4th will be on Wednesday, July 3rd.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked all the City Employees for their work, Commissioners for their time, and the Residents for their patience. Thank you to Paul MacDonald for agreeing to serve on the Renaissance Zone Committee. A special thank you to all who ran for Office and for your willingness to serve.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:57 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

6.28.2024 Special Commission Minutes

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Friday, June 28, 2024



President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:49 PM.

Members present: President Carlsrud (via Zoom), Commissioner Gulmon, and Commissioner Bishop

Others: City Administrator Crawford (via Zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Administrative Assistant Hintz

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Application for Fireworks Display Permit for Memory Fireworks on 7.1.2024 at 9:30PM

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

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 3:51 PM.

7.15.2024 Mayor’s Message

NEWS & NOTES

7/15/2024

Hi Everbody,

  • Thank you all who have been patient while walking, biking or driving through our construction areas.  Thankfully progress is picking up some pace as weather is a bit more agreeable 
  • Remember “Music in City Park” Wednesdays at 7:15.  Grab a chair, invite some friends, go to City Park and enjoy a beautiful evening.
  • The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation’s (SVCF) “Community Grant Round” remains open through July 19.  Local nonprofits are invited and encouraged to apply for grants which support a plethora of project needs.  Please see: https://www.yoursvcf.org/grantopportunities . Thank you to the folks at SVCF.
  • Thursday was another “Summer Nights on Central” event with music by “Two Weeks’ Notice”.  Another great crowd attended, be watching for the next one August 8th.  If you haven’t been downtown during Summer Nights on Central”, make plans to go. The event organizers do a great job providing entertainment for you.  Thank you everyone.
  • The other day I called two friends, in their 90’s.  Though we hadn’t talked for a long time, the visits were wonderful!  When people in your life come to mind, perhaps a call could be gratifying for you both.  Blessings.
  • Approximately 20% of oil extraction tax is directed to the Resources Trust Fund (RTF) for infrastructure development which is an envy of states across the country.  Millions of dollars from the RTF are providing permanent flood protection cost shares for towns like Valley City, Lisbon and many more.  North Dakotans can be grateful.
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) held its annual strategic planning meeting.  Many hours of preparation by MRES staff including core priorities, capital improvements and load growth while balancing renewable and fossil fuel generation to maintain affordable, reliable and adequate power for the grid.  Thank you staff.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • Fight for the things you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”   ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

7.16.2024 Commission Agenda

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, July 16, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 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/82185837922 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  821 8583 7922

Next Resolution No. 2453             Next Ordinance No. 1158

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the 6.28.24, Special Commission Meeting and the 7.2.2024, Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for Meridian Commercial Construction, LLC of Fargo, ND.
  2. Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for Fargo Glass & Paint Co of Fargo, ND.       
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for the North Dakota Quarter Horse Association on 9.2.2024 at the NDWS Facility.
  4. Approve Raffle Permit for The Hi-Liners Booster Club on 9/6, 9/20, 10/4 & 10/11, 2024 at Hanna Field.
  5. Approve the 2024-25 Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals:
  6. Hi-Line Hospitality dba City Lights
  7. Bridges Bar & Grill
  8. The Reserve at Woodland

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             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.

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1157, An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 12-05-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Removal of Weeds and Grass. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

 

Resolution

RES 2452, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Carlsrud

New Business

N1.       Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $            (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson         Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud

N2.       Approve Commissioner Appointment to Barnes County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

N3.       Approve Appointments for the Following Committees and Terms: (Finance Director Klein)

Planning & Zoning Committee – 1 Opening, 4 Year Term

Renaissance Zone Committee – 1 Opening, 3 Year Term

Visitor Committee – 1 Opening, 4 Year Term

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

7.22.2024 Special Meeting Agenda

Special City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, July 22, 2024
7:30 AM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 7:30 AM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89280181017 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 892 8018 1017

Call To Order
Roll Call

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Cottonwood Cider House’s Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Riverfest on 8.3.2024 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.
  • Approve Brockopp Brewing, LLC’s Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Riverfest on 8.3.2024 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson      Carlsrud

PUBLIC HEARING

  1. Open Public Hearing Regarding Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for El Valle Taco Shop.

Motion to Close Hearing.

Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson      Carlsrud

Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for El Valle Taco Shop.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop        Carlsrud

Adjourn

7.8.2024 Mayor’s Message

NEWS & NOTES

7/8/2024

Hi Folks,

  • Last year about this time it was dry with dust blowing everywhere and now there is a degree of subsoil moisture.  Oh, the upper Midwest and our weather changes!
  • If you have tree leaves turning a lighter green or golden earlier than normal, chlorosis could be the culprit.  If ignored, branches will die and eventually the tree can die.  Treatments are available so check with the Barnes County Agent at 701-845-8528 or the Valley City Forester at 701-845-1700 for advice.
  • There were great numbers of fireworks detonated over the extended 4th of July weekend.  Many folks have done a great job picking-up debris though there is still a good amount remaining.  Will you please clean up streets and yards around you?  Thank you and I hope you all had fun.
  • I am still encouraging football officiating!  The “Gridiron Tune-up” is a football officials’ workshop in Williston August 16 (3PM start) & 17 with classroom and on-field experiences.  There is an August 1st deadline for registration and special room rates are available.  Please contact Mike Gunderson at 701-339-2726 or md.gunner@hotmail.com.
  • Clean-up Week is a great service for us and this year about 289.47 tons of material were gathered.  Thank you to all our Public Works folks.  A couple things got out-of-hand so a little adjustment will be made next year.
  • “People will go where they are invited, but will stay where they feel welcome”.  ~ A Friend.    Please make people feel welcome here.
  • Due to rain and very hard work, personal and community gardens are looking so nice & plush.  The sad news is, people are stealing produce and vandalizing gardens.  Some years gardens produce so well, owners may share some produce if asked, but stealing produce is just WRONG!  How about a “neighborhood watch”?  “If  you see something, say something”, call VCPD at 845-3110.  Thank you.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”   ~ Jean Baptiste Massieu
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud