Author Archive: Tana Plecity

Dave Carlsrud

06/15/2026 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings All,

  • We could sure use a little rain in our part of town, as some of the grasses are already stressing. I was visiting with some folks from the rural parts of our county; while their farms have good moisture, the conditions are pretty spotty overall.
  • Valley City Community Days kicks off this Thursday with “Summer Nights on Central” starting at 5:30 PM! Come out and enjoy food, music, booths, dancing and fellowship.
  • Friday and Saturday will feature a plethora of events, including Peggy Lee Day, the Bridge City Cruisers Cruise, the Saturday Parade at 10:00 AM, a car show expecting over 200 entries, a cornhole tournament, a road race and more!  You are cordially invited to come downtown Valley City and join us — hope to see you there!  “Thank you” to all the Chamber SPONSORS.
  • The Barnes County Courthouse is celebrating its 100th birthday this Saturday, June 20, 2026, in conjunction with Community Days! There will be free cake and ice cream from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM on the south courthouse lawn. YAY!
  • Thank you to everyone who stepped up as a candidate for office in this year’s elections. There are many important committee and board positions available across our city, county, schools, churches, and healthcare facilities. Please explore these opportunities or look into your favorite charities; get involved. You may find the experience incredibly rewarding.
  • There is a number of unkept yards around town with long grass and junk items that make the properties look awful. PLEASE maintain your yard so the beauty of your neighborhood can be readily seen. If you have friends or neighbors who are physically challenged and need help, please, step up and assist them. Thank you.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • ” There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”  ~ John Holmes

        Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

06.16.2026 Finance Meeting Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

2:30 PM

The City Finance Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81588676993 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 815 8867 6993

CALL TO ORDER

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Recognition: Zeke Barnick-Intern (City Administered Crawford)
  2. Review monthly bills/reports. (Finance Director Klein)
  3. Review Bids for Permanent Flood Protection Phase 4 (City Engineer).
  4. Discuss MRES amended power sale agreement (City Administrator Crawford)

DEPARTMENT REPORTS. (3:30PM)

  1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department/Blighted & Dangerous Buildings
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration

                Building Permit Report

                Court Report

Adjourn

06.16.2026 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday June 16, 2026 at 5:00PM in the City Hall Commissioners Chambers located at 220 3rd St NE in Valley City ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83425220687 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  834 2522 0687.

Next Resolution: 2529    Next Ordinance: 1190

Call to Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll call vote needed only when changes are made to agenda)

Roll Call:               Magnuson           Erickson               Gulmon                Bishop                  Carlsrud

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve minutes from 06.02.2026 Commission Meeting
  2. Approve Renewal of Alcohol License
  1. 845 Events Center DBA The Reserve at Woodland
    1. Boomers Corner Keg
    1. Captain’s Pub
    1. The Clubhouse
    1. Dakota Silver
    1. FOE Aerie 2192
    1. Jimmy’s Pizza
    1. Labor Club
    1. My Bar – Contingent upon payment of 2025 Taxes
    1. Sabir’s
  • Approve Contractors License
  1. Bentson Electric
    1. East & West Excavating
    1. Floor to Ceiling Carpentry and Repair
    1. FMJ Electric LLC
    1. Huesman Schreiber Masonry LLC
    1. John’s Refrigeration & Electric INC
    1. Johnson’s Construction-contingent upon updated insurance with City of Valley City as cert. holder
    1. Kjelland Excavating
    1. Mission Mechanical INC
    1. Moritz Excavating LLC
    1. Northern Plains Mechanical LLC
    1. Platinum Service LLC
    1. Roers Construction Joint Venture LLC
    1. Scherbenske INC
    1. Sheyenne Concrete LLC
    1. Sheyenne River Concrete
    1. Spain Excavating
    1. Wir3d Electric INC
  • Approve Tobacco License
    • The Labor Club
    • FOE Aerie 2192
    • Loves Travel Stops & Country Store
  • Approve ND Gaming Site Authorizations
    • ND Horse Park
  • Approve Local Gaming Application
    • TLChildcare
    • VCBC Public Library
  • Approve Cabaret License
    • FOE Aerie 2192
  • Approve Application For Firework Display
    • Memory Fireworks

Roll Call:               Erickson               Gulmon                Bishop                  Magnuson          Carlsrud

PUBLIC COMMENTS

This portion of the meeting provides a limited public forum for Valley City residents, property owners and business owners to address the Board of City Commissioners on topics related to City business.  Interested persons must submit a comment card with the individual’s name, address, and the topic to be commented upon. Non-residents must provide the address of the City of Valley City business the individual operates or works at or the address of real property which the individual owns within the City of Valley City. Comments cards must be provided to the meeting secretary and approved prior to speaking. Public comments are limited solely to business matters and concerns pertinent to the City.

The following rules apply to Public Comments:

•              Limited to five minutes per speaker.

•              Must not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.

•              Must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful.

•              May be prohibited if an alternative procedure exists to bring that particular type of public comment before the City, the public comment includes confidential or exempt information, or the public comment is otherwise prohibited by law.

Submission of written comments: In lieu of speaking, a written comment may be delivered to the meeting secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Written comments are limited to two pages. Any member of the public seeking to comment without attending in person may submit written comments to tplecity@valleycity.us. Written comments hand delivered at the time of the meeting or emailed prior to 4:00 pm on the date of the meeting will be distributed to the Board for their information and maintained in City files.  Written comments are not read aloud at the meeting.

Resolution

RES 2528 A Resolution Setting Bond of City Auditor (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:               Gulmon                 Bishop                  Magnuson          Erickson               Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve monthly expenditures in the amount of $3,055,603. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:               Bishop                  Magnuson          Erickson               Gulmon                Carlsrud

NB2. Approve amendment to custodial contract. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:               Magnuson           Erickson               Gulmon                Bishop                  Carlsrud

NB3. Approve Change Order for Sanitary Sewer Improvement District 72 – Reline Project. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:               Erickson               Gulmon                Bishop                  Magnuson          Carlsrud

NB4. Accept Commissioner Bishops letter of resignation.

Roll Call:               Gulmon                Bishop                 Magnuson          Erickson               Carlsrud

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

ADJOURN

05.19.2026 Finance Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday May 19, 2026

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, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda items

Discuss request for City to adopt streets in Legacy Townhomes Planned Unit Development.

Ann Ripplinger representing the Home Owners Association in Legacy Development addressed the concerns of homeowners regarding the road conditions within the PUD. There was discussion if the City could take ownership of the streets, repair the streets, and then assess to the property owners. The HOA had a meeting coming up and would discuss further the costs to this project if it was done through the City.

Review monthly bills/reports.

Subdivision Paving – Waterfront Meadows.

 The Commission reviewed estimated costs and potential special assessments in this area.

Discussion about future and sustainability of Beautification Committee.

City Administrator Crawford informed commissioners the beautification committee is looking for a chair and volunteers.

Discuss Northwest Area Water System Improvements – New Water Tower and Pressure Zone Modifications – Hi-Line Electric insurance.

Discussion moved to June 2 Commission meeting.

Discuss adjustments to employee work week and payroll.

City Attorney Martineck discussed the current pay schedule and plan to move to new schedule.

Review Fund Balance Policy.

Finance Director Klein gave update on changes to policy.

Viking Trailer Court Update.

David Wick updated commissioners with plan for trailer court improvements scheduled for completion this summer.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Sanitation Department: Supervisor Swart reported that Electronic Clean-Up Week has been scheduled for June 8–12. Residents are reminded that the grass site is open 24/7/365 for grass and branches only. Disposal of garbage at the grass site is prohibited, and unauthorized dumping continues to be an issue.

Electric Department: Electrical Superintendent Senf reported that there were two outages last month. Several summer projects are currently underway, with some nearing completion.

Fire Department: Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the implementation of a new radio system. More than 46 nuisance letters were sent to property owners.

Police Department: Police Chief Horner reviewed calls for service and reported that preparations are underway for upcoming active shooter training.

Street Department: Street Superintendent Klemisch reported that crews are digging a new cell at the landfill. There is currently an opening in the Street Department. Devils Lake is flowing at 450 CFS, and river levels continue to be monitored. Crews are also catching up on mowing after a busy week of projects and Clean-Up Week activities. Samples were taken from the lagoon discharge, and the Department of Environmental Quality approved the closure of the cell on 4 Bottle Drive.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 4:42 P.M.

05.19.2026 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
5:00 PM

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand) Lead by Bio Girls of Valley City

Approval of Agenda

Add to consent agenda, approve local permit for raffle for Valley City Junior Golf Association.

Add New business No. 4 Approve tourism grant application for Valley City Tourism for $1,000 towards new banners.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the May 04, 2026 Commission Meeting.
  2. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  3. Approve Contractors license Renewals
  1. A & J Builders LLC
    1. A-P Concrete LLC
    1. Advanced Garage Door INC
    1. All States Flooring INC
    1. Api HVAC Service dba Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors
    1. Badger Loader Services LLC
    1. Balancing Professionals INC
    1. BDT Mechanical LLC
    1. Border Construction
    1. Brandon Heinle
    1. Breland Enterprises DBA American Waterworks
    1. Construction Engineers INC
    1. CR Larson Concrete
    1. Dakota Electric Construction CO. INC
    1. Dakota Plains Mechanical
    1. David Singleton
    1. Differding Electric LLC
    1. Earthworks Services INC
    1. Eckert & Sons LLC
    1. Enterprise Electric INC
    1. Enterprise Sales Co.
    1. FreeMan Enterprises
    1. Grafstorm Construction
    1. Grotberg Electric INC
    1. Grotberg Electric INC DBA Triton Mechanical
    1. Herzog Roofing INC
    1. Hope Electric
    1. Horsley Specialties INC
    1. J & K Seamless INC
    1. Johnny B’s Trees & Service
    1. Karma Enterprises LLC DBA Asset Roofing
    1. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating INC
    1. Keith’s Heating & Cooling LLC
    1. Kenpat Central Florida LLC
    1. Legacy Building Solutions LLC
    1. Manning Mechanical INC
    1. Meridian Commercial Construction LLC
    1. Mid-Continental Restoration Co. INC
    1. Miller & Sons Drywall INC
    1. Northland Glass & Glazing LLC
    1. Northland Sheds INC
    1. Northland Window & Door
    1. NOVA Fire Protection INC
    1. PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC
    1. Peterson Mechanical INC
    1. Pierce Lee Roofing
    1. Precision Concrete Cutters INC
    1. Quality Coatings & Tile LLC
    1. Rich Berg Construction
    1. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating INC
    1. Solutions
    1. Sprinturf LLC
    1. Tim’s Plumbing
    1. Valley Flooring
    1. Valley Lawn & Landscaping LLC
    1. Wrigley Mechanical INC
  • Approve Gaming Site Authorization
    • Valley City Eagles Club – My Bar
    • Valley City Eagles Club – Jimmy’s Pizza
    • Valley City Eagles Club – Eagles Club
  • Approve Renewal of Alcohol License
    • Bridges Bar and Grill
    • Dakota Silver
    • The Liquor Locker
  • Approve renewal of Tobacco License
    • Dakota Silver

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

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes           Motion passed

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $3,165,812.

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

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion passed

Discuss Northwest Area Water System Improvements – New Water Tower and Pressure Zone Modifications – Hi-Line Electric insurance.

Item moved to June 2, 2026 Commission Meeting

Approve Fund Balance Policy.

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

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Tourism Grant application for VC Tourism for $1000 towards new banners.

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

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford provided an update on the progress of the Service Center project.
City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck gave update on municipal judge position.

City Assessor Drabus provided information on city tax distribution and comparison to surrounding areas.

City Engineer Petersen provided update for current projects.  Provided information on bid opening for May 27.

City Engineer Eslinger gave information on quote received for designer logo of $150,000.00 for NW water tower.

City Commissioner Erickson informed residents electronic clean up week is June 8-12.  Cost is $1 per pound, this is an increase from last year due to the increase in prices for us to haul. Branch pick up is this Thursday May 21.
Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:19pm

Dave Carlsrud

06.08.2026 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • The United States will celebrate its 250th birthday (the semiquincentennial) on July 4, 2026, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Nationwide, events are spearheaded by two main organizations: the congressionally established America250 and the White House-backed Freedom250 task force.  ~Wikipedia
  • Two-hundred and fifty years ago, June 6, 1776, the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia met to review official letters concerning the failing military campaign in Canada, while setting the stage for the formal introduction of the Lee Resolution, which officially called for American independence from Great Britain. Simultaneously, George Washington arrived in New York City after spending two weeks consulting with Congress, immediately resuming command of the Continental Army to hastily fortify the city against the impending British invasion. ~ The American Founding
  • “Thank you to Scott Miller, Melissa Remick, and the whole team who managed the Sheyenne Valley Soap Box Derby. It looked like folks were having fun, even though it was pretty toasty out there on Saturday!  A flashback: many … many years ago, Tim Kadrmas managed the Optimist Soap Box Derby.
  • The warm weather and recent rains have brought out beautiful leaves on the trees, along with rich, green grass. Because the vibrant lawns are growing so quickly, please remember that the maximum allowable grass height is 8 inches. Please mow your lawn, pick up any debris, and keep your property looking its best. Thank you, and enjoy the season!
  • Harmon Killebrew hit his most famous “tape-measure” home run a staggering 522 feet (originally estimated at 520 feet). He launched this historic bomb at Metropolitan Stadium on June 3, 1967, off California Angels pitcher Lew Burdette.
  • What a great deal, National Donut Day or National Doughnut Day in the United States is celebrated twice, on consecutive Fridays. The celebration is in honor of Salvation Army members who served doughnuts to Soldiers in WWI.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • ”The Yankees don’t pay me to win every day, just two out of three.”  ~ Casey Stengel

        Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Dave Carlsrud

06.01.2026 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

  • Thanks to the Salvation Army, this Friday is National Donut Day or National Doughnut Day in the United States and some other countries. In 1938 the Chicago Salvation Army created the donut event in honor of those Salvation Army members who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. 
  • There have been a number of fire and rescue calls recently, please drive safely and be careful with fire. 
  • Thank you to the Valley City, ND League of Women Voters for facilitating the candidate forum. There was a very nice crowd in attendance, and a big thanks to Steve and Ryan from KOVC for broadcasting it over the airwaves. A huge shout out goes to all of the candidates, especially those who appeared at the forum!  BE INFORMED AND VOTE! It is our responsibility.
  • Why is Valley City a Municipal Power Community?  Being a municipal power community is advantageous because it prioritizes local public service over corporate profit. This model results in lower electricity rates, faster response times during outages, and direct community reinvestment. Unlike investor-owned utilities that answer to distant shareholders, municipally owned utilities are owned and governed by the citizens they serve. In fact, public power customers pay roughly 13% to 15% less on their monthly bills compared to those served by private utilities. To help maintain these advantages, Valley City partners with Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), a not-for-profit joint action agency.
  • On Saturday, Fargo and Moorhead hosted the 22nd Annual Fargo Marathon, which drew about 1,600 marathoners and 3,800 half-marathon runners. A young woman from Valley City, who only recently began jogging, successfully completed her very first half marathon! Congratulations! She shared that running along the river, cruising down Broadway past the historic Fargo Theatre, and seeing the massive crowds along the route was an amazing experience. Anyone who has attended the event knows the atmosphere feels absolutely electric, complete with live bands, DJs, and residents creating neighborhood block parties. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make Friday and Saturday such a massive success!
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • ”Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”  ~ William Shakespeare

        Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

06.02.2026 Commission Meeting Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, June 02, 2026
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 02, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd St. NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83525407365 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 835 2540 7365.

Next Resolution No. 2527            Next Ordinance No. 1189

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

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

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 05.21.2026 Finance and Commission Meeting
  2. Approve Contractors License
  1. Indigo Signworks INC
    1. Escape Fire Protection
    1. Home Heating, Plumbing, & AC INC
    1. Legacy Plumbing
    1. Six D Construction & development LLC
    1. ACB Construction
    1. Comstock Construction INC
    1. Travis Kunze Construction
    1. Kepler Services
    1. TCS Electric LLC
    1. LaValle Flooring INC
    1. Western Products INC
    1. Northern Plains Window LLC
    1. All New Gutter Service INC
    1. ASAP Electric
    1. H. Anderson Concrete
    1. MJ Dalsin Co of ND INC
    1. Montana Dakota Utility
    1. Nelson Construction
    1. TNT Plumbing
    1. Hi-Line Electric INC
    1. Singh Contracting INC
    1. South Peak Holding LLC DBA Skinner Roofing
    1. Vanterra Foundation Solutions LLC DBA SafeBasements
  • Approve Gaming Site Authorizations
    • Valley City Baseball Association
    • North Dakota Horse Park Foundation
  • Approve Local Permit
    • Dakota State Fraternal Order of Eagles Aux.
    • Sheyenne Valley Scenic Byway Foundation
    • VC Parks and Rec
    • VC Town and Country Club Ladies Association
  • Approve Retail Tobacco License Renewals
    • County Bottle Shop INC
    • Leevers Foods INC
    • Farmers Union Oil Company of Moorhead
      • Petro Serve #71
      • Petro Serve #72
      • Petro Serve #73
    • Casey’s Retail Company
    • Dolgencorp LLC
  • Approve Application for sale of Alcohol License Renewal
    • Brockopp Brewing LLC

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Public Comments

This portion of the meeting provides a limited public forum for Valley City residents, property owners and business owners to address the Board of City Commissioners on topics related to City business.  Interested persons must submit a comment card with the individual’s name, address, and the topic to be commented upon. Non-residents must provide the address of the City of Valley City business the individual operates or works at or the address of real property which the individual owns within the City of Valley City. Comments cards must be provided to the meeting secretary and approved prior to speaking. Public comments are limited solely to business matters and concerns pertinent to the City.

The following rules apply to Public Comments:

  • Limited to five minutes per speaker.
  • Must not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
  • Must not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful.
  • May be prohibited if an alternative procedure exists to bring that particular type of public comment before the City, the public comment includes confidential or exempt information, or the public comment is otherwise prohibited by law.

Submission of written comments: In lieu of speaking, a written comment may be delivered to the meeting secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Written comments are limited to two pages. Any member of the public seeking to comment without attending in person may submit written comments to tplecity@valleycity.us. Written comments hand delivered at the time of the meeting or emailed prior to 4:00 pm on the date of the meeting will be distributed to the Board for their information and maintained in City files.  Written comments are not read aloud at the meeting.

 

Resolution

RES 2526. Resolution Approving Employee Work Week Adjustment and Payroll Transition. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud   

New Business

NB1. Approve Renaissance Zone Authority Board recommendation to approve application for Mark & Judy Svenningsen for a 5-year income tax exemption and 5-year property tax exemption capped at $500,000 located at 1211 4th Ave NW and designated as VC- 145 (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB2. Consider request for funds of $50,000 per year for 2 years to contract with Mr James Lieman for economic development efforts. (VCBC Development, Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB3. Discuss Northwest Area Water System Improvements – New Water Tower and Pressure Zone Modifications – Hi-Line Electric insurance. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB4.  Approve the remodel exemption application for the North 9 Bar and Grill – parcel number 63-3020851. (City Assessor Drabus)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB5. Consider Tourism Grant application for $10,000 for Bridges Art Council.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB6. Consider Image Enhancement Grant application for $363.40 for Brighter Days Therapy

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB7. Approve adding Jennifer South and removing Joy Kiefert as an Authorized Signer on the City of Valley City’s Accounts at Dacotah Bank Effective June 8, 2026. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

05.25.2026 Mayor’s Message

Posted on by

Greetings All,

  • Thank you to all the people who have stepped up to run for office. Remember “The Man in the Arena”.  The Valley City League of Women Voters is hosting a candidates’ forum on May 30th at 9:30 AM at the HAC. Be an informed voter—attend.
  • “The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) is being built using energy-saving architecture, engineering, and construction methods. Key features include a 2-acre green roof with 140,000 native grass plugs that acts as a thermal blanket, hydronic radiant heating and cooling for precise temperature control, and chilled beams that utilize geothermal energy to lower the electrical load on central fans. This amazing facility will open to the public in tandem with the United States’ 250th Anniversary. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you will want to see! For more details, search “trlibrary” online.
  • This is a memory for some and history for others: on Sunday, May 18, 1980, at 8:32 a.m. PDT, Mount St. Helens erupted. The mountain had been resting comfortably for a couple of months when it was jolted by a massive earthquake. While some steam had been released previously, by May 17th, the volcano seemed to have settled down and fell silent. The next morning at 8:32 a.m., David Johnston, a 30-year-old U.S. Geological Survey volcanologist, radioed in: “Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!” Seconds after he delivered his final words to colleagues, the snow-capped volcano blew itself spectacularly apart. Leading up to the cataclysm, the region had suffered more than 10,000 earthquakes. Upon eruption, a wave of earth and ice rushed down the mountain at over 150 mph, coursing 13 miles down the North Fork of the Toutle River—scouring the valley bare, smothering it with as much as 600 feet of debris, and entombing 24 square miles of forest. One logger, who was working about 10 miles away, recalled the terrifying moment: “It sounded like a couple of big passenger jetliners coming through the woods. Everything was hot and trees were smoldering.” The searing ash left serious burns over nearly half of his body, and the landscape he once knew was instantly obliterated. “It was barren. You didn’t know where the hell you were,” the logger later told The Oregonian. “One minute you’ve got landmarks all over. You know where the stream is, where the roads are. [The next second] No roads. No streams. No nothing. I mean, just gone. It was like it picked you up and put you on a different planet.”   *Resources were “volcanoes.usgs.gov, Popular Mechanics and The Oregonian.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • ”Hope is the last thing ever lost.”    ~ Italian Proverb

        Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

05.04.2026 Commission Minutes

Posted on by

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, May 04, 2026
5:00 PM

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Pledge of Allegiance

ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION

Proclaim April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in Valley City

Approval of Agenda

No changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 04.14.2026 Board of Equalization Meeting and 04.21.2026 Finance and Commission Meetings
  2. Approve Contractors license
  1. Valley Realty INC. – renewal
  2. FreeMan Enterprise
  3. Platinum Plumbing Service LLC
  4. Peterson Sheet Metal – Renewal
  5. Bridgetown Builders – Renewal
  6. Gast Construction Company Inc. – Renewal
  7. Advanced Striping Inc. – Renewal
  8. CC Steel – Renewal
  • Approve Gaming Site Authorization
    • Thundering Saints – The Labor Club
    • Thundering Saints – Bridges Bar and Grill
    • Thundering Saints – Boomers Corner Keg
  • Approve Local Permits
    • Bridge City Cruisers
    • Red Knights Motorcycle Club
    • VCSU Foundation/Viking Booster
    • Barnes County Soil Conservation

Motion to approve with updated information for insurance information on B. b. by Commissioner Bishop, seconded Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Ordinance

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1187, An ordinance to amend and reenact section 4-01-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to license fees for retail sale of alcoholic beverages.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Bishop, seconded Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes           Motion passed

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1188, An Ordinance to amend and reenact sections 08-04-05 and 7-04-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to the sale and use of tobacco.

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

Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion passed

Resolution

Resolution Establishing Electrical Utility Rates.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

New Business

Consider purchase of 804 Chautauqua Blvd, Parcel 63-5691060) as PFP buyout.

Motion to deny request to purchase of 804 Chautauqua Blvd, Parcel 63-5691060 as PFP buyout at this time by Commissioner Bishop, seconded Commissioner Erickson.

Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes          Motion Passed

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for 2026 Pavement Improvements – Paving Improvement District No. 133.

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

Roll Call: Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-No; Gulmon-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes            Motion passed

Discuss Northwest Area Water System Improvements – New Water Tower and Pressure Zone Modifications – Hi-Line Electric insurance.

Moved to May 19, 2026 Finance and Commission Meeting.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford provided an update on the progress of the Service Center project. Residents were reminded to follow the city’s social media pages for updates regarding hydrant flushing, road closures, and upcoming city projects.
City Updates & Commission Reports

City Engineer Petersen provided an update on the CC Steel Project.

Commissioner Gulmon reported on meeting the reserve policy requirements and reviewed sales tax information.

City Commissioner Erickson reminded residents that Clean Up Week will take place May 11–16, 2026.
Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:32pm

Attested to by:

Brenda Klein, Finance Director                                              Dave Carlsrud, President of the City of Valley City                                                                   City of Valley City Commission