Author Archive: Tana Plecity

04.21.2026 Finance Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting 

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

2:30 PM

The City Finance Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 21, 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/82580606335 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 825 8060 6335

CALL TO ORDER

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Presentation on Electric Rate Study (MRES, Evan Leebens)
  2. Review Monthly Expenditures Reports. (Finance Director Klein)
  3. Quarterly Engineer Report. (Finance Director Klein)
  4. Discuss Veteran Banners (President Commissioner, Carlsrud)
  5. Discuss Tourism Banners for Central and Main (Tourism, Macy Schlaht)
  6. Discuss water tower logo
  7. Review City Adoption of Building, Fire, and Property Maintenance Codes (City Attorney Martineck)
  8. Review cost details of assessment notices and other items. (City Assessor Drabus)
  9. Discuss NDDOT Urban Grant Funding for Fiscal Year 2026. (City Engineer)
  10. Discuss Request from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources the separation of 1,500 acre-feet from Valley City’s existing perfected water permit no. 1096 for the purpose of adding the same volume to a new perfected water permit from the Sheyenne River for Valley City’s municipal water uses

DEPARTMENT REPORTS. (3:30PM)

  1. Sanitation Department
  2. Water Department
  3. Electric DepartmentFire Department
  4. Fire Extinguisher Repor
  5. Blighted & Dangerous Buildings
  6. Police Department
  7. Street Department
  8. Administration
  9. Building Permit Report
  10. Court Report

Adjourn

04.21.2026 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 21,2026 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/89171636009 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  891 7163 6009

Next Resolution No. 2525             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:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 04.07.2026 Commission Meeting
  2. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector, Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  3. Approve local permit
    1. BC Wildlife Federation – 3 raffle permits for the 2026-2027 year
    1. Avalynn’s Fly High Foundation – Raffle
  4. Approve Gaming site permit
    1. Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club @ North 9 Bar and Grill
    1. Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club @ The Captains Pub
    1. Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club @ Youth Sports Complex for a Raffle
  5. Approve Contractor’s License
    1. Vita Roofing

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.

Ordinance

ORD 1187. First 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. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

ORD 1188. First 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. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Resolution

RES 2524. Approve Final Plans & Specifications for Permanent Flood Protection Phase 4 and Authorization Advertising for Bids. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,598,616.00. (Finance Director Klein)           

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB2. Request from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources the separation of 1,500 acre-feet from Valley City’s existing perfected water permit no. 1096 for the purpose of adding the same volume to a new perfected water permit from the Sheyenne River for Valley City’s municipal water uses. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB3. Approve Amendment to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual – Holiday Pay. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

NB4. Consider recommendation for NDDOT Urban Grant Funding for Fiscal Year 2026. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

NB5. Approve Request for Concurrence of Award of Project No. NHU-2-SU-2-094(206)928 with an estimated City share of $21,788.83. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB6. Approve Valley City Image Enhancement Grant for $300.00 for TLChildcare for a new sign. (Mary Lee Nielson)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

NB7. Approve Cost-Sharing Agreement Between City of Valley City and Barnes County (8th Avenue SW/ Kathryn Road – NDDOT Project No. H-CP-2-999(81). (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Dave Carlsrud

04.13.2026 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

The North Dakota League of Cities and communities across the state recently celebrated “City Government Week.” Here in Valley City, we hosted “Mayor for a Day” with Elsie Jorissen, a third grader at Jefferson Elementary. Elsie won the essay contest by sharing why she wanted to lead our city for a day. She highlighted her love for the “City of Bridges” and our local parks, and even recommended a monthly “Clean-up Day” to keep our community beautiful. Nice job and thank you Elsie!

Fun fact: Did you know 9,924 people are employed by North Dakota cities?  We want to say a huge thank you to all our city employees who work diligently every day to keep Valley City “on the move”.

The 31st annual Valley City State University Scholarship Auction will be held this Friday, April 17, at the Valley City Eagles Club. Events begin at 5:00 p.m. with social hour and games. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes & Scholarships,” and attendees are encouraged to wear their best patriotic attire! Come out, enjoy the food and fellowship, and support our university students.

Over the weekend, our Valley City Fire and Rescue team performed a difficult recovery of a vehicle and a deceased person from the river. The mission required our divers and water rescue personnel to endure bone-chilling cold water and air temperatures for an extended time. Thank you to the entire team and all who assisted; we truly appreciate your dedication and service.

CHI Mercy Hospital announced last week it has received additional recognition to its Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation placing it in the top 100 CAH.  CHI is a regional leader in emergency care and is also a Cardiac Ready Hospital. Congratulations and thank you for investing in Valley City.

Winter winds have strewn trash all over town. If we each pick up what’s right in front of us—whether it’s ours or not—we can clear the way for spring’s beauty to shine through.  Please do, thank you.

Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.

“Gratitude is a muscle.”   ~ Unknown

Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

04.14.2026 Board of Equalization Agenda

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CITY COMMISSION MEETING VALLEY CITY, NORTHDAKOTA

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 4:00 PM

The City Board of Equalization Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3rd ST NE Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view on-line https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88494745260 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 884 9474 5260

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (PLEASE STAND)

  1. Auditor to read Sections 57-11-01, 03 and 07 of the North Dakota Century Code pertaining to the duties of the Board of Equalization.
  • President declares the hearing open
    • Report from Assessor
    • Requests from Property Owners
    • Auditor’s report on any written communication
  • Motion to close hearing

Roll Call:         Bishop              Magnuson      Gulmon            Erickson         Carlsrud

  • Motion to approve the assessment roll as presented by the City Assessor

Roll Call:         Magnuson        Bishop            Erickson           Gulmon          Carlsrud

ADJOURN

03.16.2026 Commission Meeting Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, March 16, 2026

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 (via Zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes from the 03.03.2026 Commission Meeting.

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.

Approve House Movers License

     Carrington House Movers LLC

Approve Contractors License

     Cash Concrete

Approve Local Permit for Raffle

     Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce

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

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2522 A Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving 133

City Engineer Petersen reported on the bid opening and found Bituminous Paving Inc was the lowest bid at $1,484,694.00.

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

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,454,710.87.

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

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

Approve Quotes for Custodial Maintenance Services and Authorize City Administrator to Negotiate and Enter into Contract According to Terms of RFQ.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded Commissioner Magnuson.

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

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Assessor Drabus reported on assessment notices being sent to all properties in Valley City, this will include the 2025 assessed value and the proposed 2026 assessed value.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:17pm

03.03.2026 Commission Meeting Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, March 03, 2026

Vice-President Bishop called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Members present: Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 02.17.2026 Finance and Commission Meeting
  2. Approve Contractors License
    1. JLXterior LLC
  3. Approve Tree Removal Service License
    1. Carrs Tree Service Inc
  4. Approve Special Event Raffle Permit
    1. Disabled American Veterans Raffle Permit
    1. Education Foundation for Valley City Public Schools
    1. VCHS DECA

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

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

New Business

Approve NDDOT Project No. SU-CRP-2-990(062)/SU-CRP-2-990(063)/HEU-2-990(064) – 2nd Ave NE/3rd St NE/3rd Ave NE Reconstruction and 8th Ave SW Flashing Beacon.

City Engineer Petersen recommended approval of the project with the understanding that Strata will provide assurance that repairs will be made to cracked sidewalk panels.

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

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

Approve PW 2026 Budget Amendments as presented.

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

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

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:13pm

02.17.2026 Commission Meeting Minutes

Posted on by

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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

Approval of Agenda

No changes

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes from the 02.03.2026 Commission Meeting.

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.

Approve Tree Trimming License

Renewal – Morehouse Enterprises LLC

Approve Contractors License

Northern Plains Window LLC

Approve Special Event Permits – Raffle

Sheyenne Red River Rodeo Club

Dakota State Eagles

St. Catherine School

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

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2520, A Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 133.

4 protests were received, which remains under the total 50% needed to protest the project.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded Commissioner Gulmon.

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

Approve Resolution 2521. A Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimation of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 133.

City Engineer Petersen stated bidding will open at 10am on Wednesday March 11, 2026.

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 $2,100,912.

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

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

Approve Applications for Abatement of 2025 Taxes for the City of Valley City for parcel #63-5420600, 63-6040198, 63-400818, 63-3110126, and 63-4000296.

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

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

Approve Applications for Abatement of 2025 Taxes for Thundering Saints Inc, Parcel # 63-3472265 and 63-3472274.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded Commissioner Magnuson.

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

Approve Application for Abatement of 2025 Taxes for Valley City Public School District No. 2 for Parcel # 63-3021259

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

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

Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve four applications from Bridgetown Development LLP for a 5-year State Income Tax Exemption and 5-year Property Tax Exemption Capped at $500,000, and designate them as VC-141, VC-142, VC-143 and VC-144.

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

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

Approve Purchase of 1139 10th Street SW, parcel no. 63-3060183 for $19,580 Pursuant to Permanent Flood Protection Acquisition Plan.

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

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported that the Public Works Service Center project is progressing as planned and remains within budget. 

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:12pm

03.16.2026 Finance Meeting Minutes

Posted on by

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Monday March 16, 2026

Called to Order

President Dave Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30pm

Roll Call  

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson (called out from 2:54 – 3:11pm), Commissioner Gulmon. Commissioner Erickson

Others present: City Administrator Crawford (via zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports totaling $1,454,710.87

Discuss Assessment Notices

City Assessor Drabus informed the commissioners of a letter being sent out with the 2025 city property value and proposed 2026 city property value.  These notices use to be sent by the county and are now being sent by the city.

Discuss Water Tower Logo

City Administrator Crawford reported to commission about water tower designs.

Discuss Request for $60,000 for two homes funded through the City Sales Tax dedicated to economic development and up to $20,000 funded through the City’s Enterprise Fund.

Department Reports

City Engineer Petersen reported on permanent flood protection phases 4, 5 & 6.

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart reported the container count and gave update on Electric Clean up prices.  This year we did lose a little because prices went up for us to dispose of the electronics.

Water Department Water Superintendent Hesch

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf advised that there were no outages for February. The guys have been working on tree removal & clearing the lines. Spending a little time with cleaning up the Winter Show line and removing the platform currently used. Removing a 3phase line near the Fish Hatchery as well.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson shared last month’s report with only 8 general calls for service however, there were 22 pages of Chief calls. Saturday night is the annual fundraiser for the Fire Department.

Police Department Police Chief Horner reported on calls for service for February. The department recently coordinated with the Highway Patrol to conduct a K-9 drug detection sweep within the school system. Lieutenant Rustebakke and Sergeant Knight have successfully completed the Leadership and Police Organizations (LPO) course. Progress is also being made on the implementation of the new SIREN radio system.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemischreported on a water line repair that was done last week.  Pothole filling will begin soon depending on weather.  Crew put some sandbags up on Loves Hill to try to help with water going over the road but the sandbags were hit and knocked around within a day or so.

City Administer Crawford gave a reminder to look at water towers and see what they like about designs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45PM.

02.17.2026 Finance Meeting Minutes

Posted on by

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports.

Discuss Water Tower Logo.  Valley City High School is not interested in placing a logo on the water tower at this time, as they are currently focusing their funds on new school construction.

Discuss appointment of Municipal Judge to fill remainder of term: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028.  Thomas Goven, the current Municipal Judge, has submitted a letter of resignation, effective June 1, 2026. Discussion to appointment replacement to fill the remainder of his term. Letters will be sent to interested parties, and letters of interest will be requested for review at the March Finance and Commission Meeting.

Discuss appointment and terms of Planning and Zoning Commissioners.  Terms for any appointed committee will begin July 01.

Review Finance Committee Recommendations for Year-end Transfers and Reserve Policy.

Finance Director Klein reviewed 2025 year-end transfers that were discussed by the Finance Committee: Transfer in the amount of $229,876 from 601 (Electric Fund) to 611(Service Center Loan Reserves). Transfer in the amount of $100,000 from Fund 100 (General) to 608 (Street). Transfer in the amount of $537,354 from 601 (Electric) to 608 (Street). Discussed that remaining funds from Refunding Bonds in Funds 357 & 358 will be transferred to Fund 290 (R&R Infrastructure Funds) in 2026 when bonds are paid in full. Discussed Reserves Policy and recommend to strive to maintain 30% operating reserves for both the General Fund and Enterprise Funds. If reserves drop below 25% take measures to either generate additional revenue or reduce expenditures, or a combination of both.

Discuss Employee Holiday and Overtime Pay.

City Administrator Crawford provided an overview on how other cities calculate and pay overtime and holiday hours worked. Our policy is being reviewed by staff and will be brought before the Commission for approval.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart wanted to remind everyone to please have patience with the garbage pick-up.  We are training new drivers along with planned and unplanned events may cause delays or changes in routes which means your garbage will not be picked up at the same time every week.  Please wait until after 3pm to call if you believe your garbage has been missed.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported Valley City took 2nd place for the ND water tasting contest at the ND Rural Water Expo.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on planned work for February, 2025 complete summary outage log, and 2026 outages.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on chief calls and that the fire department held a pinning ceremony and went well. 

Police Department

Police Chief Horner reported on calls for service, 2025-year end report, and updated commissioners on upcoming trainings for officers.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported on the 2025 Water Expo Convention he attended and updated Commissioners on waterpipe regulations and new requirements on updating water pipe systems.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford reported that Phase II of the walking path project has been approved to go out for bid in October.

At the Renaissance Zone meeting, discussion was held regarding placing greater emphasis on incentives for single-family homes. Members also discussed possible approaches to assist property owners with homes in disarray and/or the conversion of multifamily homes into single family homes.

A reminder was given that the City’s social media accounts are not monitored for questions or concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact Public Works directly. Calls may be made at any time, and after-hours calls are rerouted to the City’s after-hours phone service to address emergency needs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 PM.

Dave Carlsrud

04.07.2026 Mayor’s Message

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“Howdy Folks”,

  • “Howdy” is an informal, friendly greeting primarily associated with the Southern and Western United States, especially Texas 🙂
  • Thank you to Columbia Grain International for its continued investment in Valley City.  Last week, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held to celebrate the new Edible Bean Processing Facility.  President & CEO Kurt Haarmann emceed a short program headlined by Senator John Hoeven and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak. Thank you to our legislators and staff members for arranging their visit to Valley City.
  • “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”  ~ TS Eliot
  • Sadly, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was confirmed in Fargo this winter.  EAB was also detected just north of Edgeley, ND in the summer of 2024.  Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before it reaches Valley City and impacts our ash trees. 
  • To help mitigate the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), we’ve been proactively removing ash trees over the past five summers. With the aid of grants, we are replacing them with a diverse mix of new species. This approach should make the eventual loss less noticeable and reduce long-term impacts. If we’re fortunate, we may have around five years before the EAB arrives here, giving us additional time to continue removals and replanting.
  • Last week, I drove out to Bjornson Park Municipal Golf Course to see how the bridge construction is progressing. It’s a great-looking structure that will greatly enhance the beauty of the area. Industrial Builders appears to be doing a nice job; there were numerous work zones operating as efficiently as possible for a bridge project of this scale.
  • What could have been our largest snowfall of the year may also have been the prettiest. Snow in our area often falls “sideways,” but this snow fell gently and piled up beautifully on fence posts. With street and sidewalk surfaces being warmer, the snow on them melted rather quickly, exposing the bare concrete and asphalt surfaces while leaving a stunning covering of snow on the grass. It was a nice treat.
  • Thank you to all who provided material and to Sue for proofing this column.
  • “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”   ~ Henry Ford

        Blessings, Prayers, Respect and Gratitude,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud