7.10.2023 Mayor’s Message

Hello Everyone,

  • A week ago Sue and I were Blessed to be part of our family’s vacation and it was extra special as I don’t believe this particular group has been together before.  There were siblings, cousins, in-laws from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nevada and Arkansas.  The event was “touching”.  That many of us are “older”, get together with family whenever the opportunities present themselves as we never know what the future brings.
  • SCAM!  “All American Publishing” has been engaged in a deceptive t-shirt scam, falsely claiming to represent VCPS Boys Basketball.  If you are contacted, please let Athletic Director, Rob Hunt, know: rob.Hunt@K12.ND.US
  • Our automated garbage pick up is working well mechanically, I hope you are enjoying the change.  Will you please take a few minutes to re-read the directions that were attached to your container or online at: https://www.valleycity.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/can-instructions-7.pdf .  Some critical points are, facing the container correctly (wheels to the curb), having three feet of clearance all around the container and putting your container out by 7:00 AM.  Please please review the information as it will improve efficiency for you.
  • Wednesday July 12th is the “Music in the Park” series. This week the “Oakland Grove – Family Band” is featured.  Go to our beautiful “City Park” and hear music performed in the bandshell.  The quality of sound from the bandshell is “top shelf” according to one of the bands I visited.
  • Thursday, July 13, is the season’s first “Summer Nights on Central” featuring “Tripwire”.  Shopping Happy Hour 4 – 6, vendors open at 5:30 and the concert is from 6 – 9.  Go uptown for a bite to eat, lots of visiting and good music.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • You don’t choose your family, they are God’s gift to you as you are to them”    ~ Desmond Tutu                        

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

6.20.2023 Commission Minutes

CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Vice President Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Add N7 & N8

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the minutes from the June 6th, 2023 Finance and Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Cabaret License for Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192.

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Tobacco License Renewal for the following:

Brothers III

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Beverage License Renewal for the following:

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192

TBD Inc. dba Sky Lanes Bowling Alley

Bridges Bar and Grill

Valley City Town and Country Club

Captain’s Pub

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractor Licenses for the following:

Ace Plumbing

MDU

TNT Plumbing

Larry Klebe Construction

Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

CHI Health at Home on from September 1st, 2023-September 30th, 2023

Red Knights ND Chapter 1 in September 17th, 2023.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing on Dangerous Building Located at 709 4th St. NE.

Vice President Bishop declared the public hearing open.

There were no comments.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to Close Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Order on Dangerous Building Located at 709 4th St. NE.

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

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1133, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Sections 14-10.1-09, and 14-10.1-10, and to Amend and Reenact Sections 14-01-01, 14-08-18, of the Valley City Municipal Code related to Bicycles.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1134, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 12-02-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Abandoned Vehicle Property Maintenance Definitions.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1136, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 1-01-11.2, and to Amend and Reenact Subsection 7 of Section 14-35-02, and Sections 05-03-06, 17-03-04, and 17-04-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Disposition of Noncriminal Offenses.

Tabled to the July 6th meeting.

rESOLUTION

Approve Resolution 2416, a Resolution allowing the Sale of City Surplus Property at Public Sale.

Commissioner Gulmon approved selling items on a public sale, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Consider Request for Approval of $20,000 to be taken from the VC Tourism reserves and sent to the Water Trail for further developments.

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

Approve Site Authorization Renewals for the Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 Fraternal Order of Eagles at the Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 and My Bar.

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

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for the Eagles on July 13th, July 20th and September 7th from 4pm-10pm for Summer Nights on Central.

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

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for 2nd Ave NE/3rd St NE Reconstruction Project, including 8th Ave SW Safety Improvement Project [NDDOT Project Number SU-CRP-CPU-2-990(062), PCN 23571; SU-CRP-2-990(063), PCN 23572; and HEU-2-990(064), PCN 23573].

City Engineer Petersen stated Strata has stated they will start the Phase I portion mid-July and extend about mid-October.  That is 2nd Ave and the portion on 4th St by Leevers. The second phase will be in 2024 with a proposed start date in April depending on the weather, completion date the end of July. We’re still waiting on the proposed timeframe of the flashing beacon.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call:          Magnuson-aye  Erickson-nay    Gulmon-aye     Bishop-aye

Motion passed.

Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to approve a 6-month extension for Sky Lanes’ Tourism Grant.

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

Approve Transfer Request for Liquor and or Beer License and Application for Alcoholic Beverage License from Jeremy Tjon (current owner of The Clubhouse) to Autumn Perry subject to conditions being met.

Tabled to July 6th meeting.

Approve Midco Request for Easements.

City Attorney Martineck stated Midco is offering a little over $800 for access to the easement.  Recommendations were made in order for it to be approved and nothing has been returned so at this point if there is an approval it should be with the conditions that were listed.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve with conditions, Commissioner Magnuson seconded.

Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated she spoke with the DOT about the overage. The Feds decided to raise that to $20,000.

Online bill pay has been set up for PW.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Vice President Bishop thanked the employees and reminded cyclists to abide by the traffic laws.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:26 p.m.

Agenda Available

7.6.2023 Commission Agenda

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 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/88163214980 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  881 6321 4980

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the June 20th Commission Meeting and the June 29th Special Commission Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Application for House Movers License for Glaesman Moving.
  3. Approve Application to Block off the Street for Valley City Parks & Recreation Pulled Pork Cook off on July 13th, 2023 from 3pm-6:30pm.
  4. Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractor License for the following:
    1. Kohn Electric LLC
    1. Randall’s Excavating Inc.
    1. Valley Plains Equipment
    1. MX Underground
    1. Dedicated Builders

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             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.

Public Hearing

PH1. Public Hearing on Rezoning and Amending Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Motion to Close Public Hearing.

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1135, an Ordinance to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1136, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 1-01-11.2, and to Amend and Reenact Subsection 7 of Section 14-35-02, and Sections 05-03-06, 17-03-04, and 17-04-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Disposition of Noncriminal Offenses.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud   

New Business

N1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $    

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N2.  Authorize Brenda Klein as an authorized signer on Dacotah Bank Accounts Effective August 1st, 2023.

Roll Call;          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N3. Approve Transfer Request for Liquor and/or Beer License Application for Alcoholic Beverage License from Jeremy Tjon (current owner of The Clubhouse) to Autumn Perry subject to conditions being met. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

N4. Consider VC-BC Development Corporation Request for $500,000 to support VCSU and their Forward Together Campaign. (Trinity Nelson)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

N5.  Approve MOU with VCBC Library for Services.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

N6.  Approve Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Designated Entity contract between WAPA, the City of Valley City and MRES.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

N7.  Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Brockopp Brewing LLC on July 20th for Summer Nights on Central.  (Deputy Auditor Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

7.6.2023 Finance Agenda

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 3:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85177642833 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 851 7764 2833

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics

    

2. Department reports.

  • Sanitation Department

  • Water Department

  • Electric Department

  • Fire Department

  • Police Department

  • Street Department
  • Administration

3. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Deputy Auditor Klein)

4.  Fire Extinguisher Services Financial Report.  (Fire Chief Magnuson)

5. Fee for Special Meeting Request. (City Administrator Crawford)

6.  Viking Drive Update (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

Agenda Available

6.29.2023 Special Commission Meeting

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 at 8:45 AM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

  1. Approve Site Authorization for the Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club, Inc. at the Tavern 94.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

Adjourn

Fireworks Safety

Millions of Americans will enjoy 4th of July celebrations.  There are many public displays while many will be using consumer fireworks.  Use this holiday celebration for your enjoyment and be safe!

The sale of fireworks in North Dakota is from June 27 to July 5th.   Retail hours in Valley City are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  The City of Valley City also has a fireworks ordinance which states the days of detonation or using your fireworks and is not the same as the state.  The times of use for Valley city are as follows:

July 1-3:  8 am until 11 pm

July 4th:  8 am until midnight and then past midnight on July 5 until 1:00 am

July 5th:  8 am until 11 pm

You must be 12 years of age to purchase fireworks in Valley City and all of North Dakota.

Bottle rockets are illegal to buy and sell in North Dakota.  The use, detonation, or explosion of bottle rockets and roman candles is prohibited in Valley City.  Thousands of injuries occur

from fireworks each year, mostly from carelessness.  Do not become complacent during

your time of entertainment.    Things can go bad in a hurry.  This can be the best of

times and this can be the worst of times. 

Supervision is critical.  Adults must take this responsibility seriously.  Be strict on the proper use of fireworks.  Alcohol and fireworks are a very dangerous combination.  Choose an open space to set off the fireworks.    Use a flat, heavy board on level ground with bricks to hold your aerial devices steady. 

  • Keep spectators at a safe distance:  40 ft for aerial fireworks. 
  • Have a bucket of water and a garden hose close by.
  • Have eye protection for those setting off the displays.
  • Wear clothing that will protect your skin. 
  • Use a barbecue lighter or a punk to light your fireworks.
  • Do not try to light dud fireworks that did not go off.
  • Do not alter fireworks, and do not detonate using cans or glass bottles.
  • Put all used fireworks in a garbage can and wet down with the water hose.
  • Do not put the garbage can in the garage for the night.

Your enjoyment for the 4th can be a good one if you use good safety practices.  There are many who wished they did because they are living with some very ugly scars.     PLEASE USE YOUR FIREWORKS SAFELY.

Scott Magnuson is the Fire Chief of the Valley City Fire Department.

Your Health is coordinated by City County Health District.

6.26.2023 Mayor’s Message

Hi Folks,

  • Gosh, what a beautiful rain with which we were Blessed over the weekend.  Our grass went from “not growing” to “too long” and in need of mowing.  Mowing this time was kinda fun!
  • Tom Heller, recently retired MRES CEO, was recognized with the American Public Power Association’s “Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award” at the National Conference in Seattle. Congratulations Tom and thank you for your many years of quality service to Valley City and all MRES Members.
  • Are you or a loved one experiencing memory loss? The Sheyenne Valley Memory Café will meet Thursday, June 29 from 1-3 PM at the Legacy Place Community Room.  Come and learn with others who are dealing with the challenges of memory loss.
  • There are a number of properties around town with unkept buildings and yards.  Please, take pride in your properties, mow grass and “touch up” buildings.  Thank you.
  • The fall sports seasons are just around the corner; how about being a game official? There are training opportunities through local officials and clinics.  Last week the Sioux Empire Football Officials Clinic was held in Sioux Falls where 92 officials attended, four of whom were from Valley City.  It is a great fellowship, talk with one of our local folks about officiating and a possible “ride-along” to a game some evening seeing if you might enjoy officiating.
  • Thank you to our Street Department and all who cleaned Central Avenue and related areas following Rally in the Valley.  It looked nice Sunday morning.
  • Next week, July 4th, we will celebrate the 1776 Declaration of Independence being adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.  It is exciting and usually a good time so please be careful with boats, cars and fireworks.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • May we never forget our fallen comrades.  Freedom isn’t free.”    ~ Sgt. Major Bill Paxon                        

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

6.6.2023 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Johnson.

Pledge of Allegiance

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Proclamation

Approval of Agenda

Addition of RES 2, 3 and N11

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the May 16th, 2023 Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

Avalynn’s Fly High Foundation on August 25th, 2023 at Chautauqua Park.

Fraternal Order of Police James/Valley Lodge #4 at Valley City Police Department on September 13th, 2023.

Jamestown Board of Realtors at the Eagles on June 21st, 2023.

VCSU Foundation on September 30th, 2023 at Lokken Stadium.

VCSU Foundation from August 24th, 2023-May 25th, 2024 at Lokken Stadium.

Approve 2023-2024 Applications for Contractor, Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following:

ASAP Electric

FMJ Electric

Magnum Electric

RAG Properties, LLC

Safe Basements of Minnesota, Inc.

Travis Kunze Construction

Approve Applications for Tobacco License Renewal for the following:

Casey’s Retail Company

County Bottle Shop, Inc.

Dakota Silver LLC

Dollar General Store

Family Dollar #27662

Leevers Foods, Inc.

Petro Serve USA #071

Petro Serve USA # 072

Petro Serve USA #073

The Clubhouse Lounge, LLC

Approve Applications for Alcohol Beverage License Renewal for the following:

Brockopp Brewing, LLC

Dakota Silver

Hi-Line Hospitality dba City Lights

Jimmy’s Pizza

Main Street Off Sale dba Tavern 94

Mosby LLC dba Boomers Corner Keg

My Bar

Sabir’s

The Clubhouse Lounge, LLC

The Labor Club

The Liquor Locker

The Reserve at Woodland-845 Events

Approve Applications to Block off Street for the following:

Block off Central Ave N from 2nd St to 4th St (to include 3rd St from Central to Alley going East), for Crazy Daze being held on July 26th from 8am-7pm.

Block off West half of Alley, 100 block, between Main St and 2nd Ave SE on June 24th, 2023 from 8am-10pm for Brockopp Brewing Christmas in June.

Block off 100 block of Main St E on June 17th from 6pm-1am for Rally in the Valley and Street Dance.

Block off Central Ave N from Wells Fargo to Valley Service; alleyways by the Vault and Nucara on July 13th and July 20th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm for Summer Nights on Central.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1133, An Ordinance to Create and Enact Sections 14-10.1-08, 14-10.1-09, and 14-10.1-10, and to Amend and Reenact Sections 14-01-01, 14-08-01, 14-08-18, of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Bicycles.

City Attorney Martineck stated during this year’s legislative session, new laws were passed regarding multi-person bicycles.  This will change our ordinance to match.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1134, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 12-02-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Abandoned Vehicle and Property Maintenance Definitions.

City Attorney Martineck stated during this year’s legislative session, there were changes to certain definitions.  This ordinance is to match those set at the state level.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1124, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 1 of Section 8-04-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Sale of Flavored E-Liquids to Individuals Under 21 Years of Age.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1132, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Chapter 15-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Municipal Waste.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were some changes from the first reading, definitions and clarifications regarding not being able to opt out of the service and the city does not provide roll off services.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2413, a Resolution Establishing Rates and Fees for Solid Waste Service.

City Attorney Martineck stated this resolution is to establish the extra container fee for residential at $25/month and an extra container fee for commercial locations of $36/month.  We are also asking the City Administrator be giving the discretion to set the fee for the new container as needed to reflect costs.  Also asking the 5% discount ton 2- and 4-yard dumpsters be removed from the rate sheet and to take effect at a later date.

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

Approve Resolution 2414, a Resolution approving Diamond B Subdivision within the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is south of Woodland Park. The PZ Commission is recommending approval as long as there is an agreement that if there are city services provided, they would have to hook up rather than being on septic.  It also requesting a rezone of lot 2 to ag, it’s currently R2.  This will be an ORD on the next meeting.

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

Approve Resolution 2415, a Resolution approving a Vacation of a Platted Alley in Block 3 of Granger’s Addition to the City of Valley City.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is currently the location of SBA Towers which is rented by Verizon. On the plat there is an alley that is not currently there that runs through where the tower sits so this is asking for that to be vacated.

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,486,593.72.        

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

Approve Site Authorization Renewal for Thundering Saints Inc. at Boomer’s Corner Keg, Bridges Bar & Grill and the Labor Club

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

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Brockopp Brewing, LLC on June 15th, 2023 from 3pm-7pm for Smith Lumber Customer Appreciation Day.

Commissioner Bishop motioned approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Brockopp Brewing, LLC on June 17th, 2023 from 10am-6pm for Rally in The Valley.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Brockopp Brewing, LLC on June 17th, 2023 from 6pm-1am for Rally in The Valley Street Dance.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for The Reserve at Woodland on June 15th, 2023 from 3pm-7pm for Smith Lumber Celebration.

Commissioner Magnuson motioned approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Consider the Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to approve $180,000 from the Valley City Tourism Development Grant/Loan Fund as part of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway Association, to be disbursed over 2 years.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve $180,000 distributed at $60,000 evenly over the course of three years, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Consider the Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to approve $200,000 from the Valley City Tourism Development Grant/Loan Fund as part of the Valley City Parks and Recreation District, to be disbursed over 5 years/or as many years as needed.

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

Accept Resignation of Police Chief Hatcher effective August 4th, 2023.

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

Approve New Application for 2023-2024 Retail Tobacco License for Larson Enterprises LLC dba The Labor Club.

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

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for The Captains Pub on June 17th, 2023 from 12pm-11:59pm for Rally in The Valley Street Dance.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the times of 6pm-1am to align with Brockopp Brewery, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford provided an update on the automated garbage pickup.

City Attorney Martineck stated the plan is for the hiring committee to meet next week to discuss filling Phil’s position.

Deputy Auditor Klein stated we are looking for the Administrative Assistant II position.

City Assessor Current stated that she attended the County Equalization meeting and no one from the city protested their values.

Commissioner Gulmon reported on the financials through April.  Cash reserves are strong.  We received flood reimbursement totaling $1.4 million and applied for a snow removal grant and are waiting for a response.

Commissioner Bishop thanked Phil for his work. Also, received a call that said how nice West Main turned out.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked Phil and also received an email on how well West Main turned out. There is fire danger, it’s dusty out there.  A couple of “snowbirds” have commented on how nice the automated garbage is. They have it all winter so it’s nice when they get back and have it here too.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:51 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

6.6.2023 Finance Minutes

Called to Order

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

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the automated garbage process and the pick-up schedule for areas of town. They’re also working on driving hours for a couple employees that needs to be completed for testing.

Forestry Department

Bob Anderson reported he has not sent out any letters on Dutch Elm disease.  Letters have been going out for pruning, mainly for where the new garbage truck is going. Provided an update on Emerald Ash Borer and provided different options to mitigate it.  It was recently documented in Moorhead this spring so it’s pretty close.

City Administrator Crawford recommended a task force be created to develop a plan of action.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that water usage has been up a bit, due to people washing their houses, vehicles, etc.

Electric Department

Cory Buck reported on outages and upcoming projects.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the calls for service for May. A few employees attended the State Fire Convention.

Police Department

Police Chief Hatcher reported the police department is busy as usual.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported they have been working on street repairs.  West Main project should be wrapping up and has gone well. Lots of digs, hydrants and curb stop repairs planned. 

Administration

City Attorney Martineck reported on garbage collection rate additions due to the new extra containers.  There are not increases, but we need to have them added to the policy.

Review monthly bills/reports

Deputy Auditor Klein reported on the money we received from FEMA for the 2022 spring flood, approximately $1.4 million and also reported on the May expenditures.

Review Special Assessments for the 6th St. NW Reconstruction Project Constructed in 2022. 

Deputy Auditor Klein stated we are getting ready to assess this project and looking at the final numbers, when we sent out the protest notices which is before we get the bids, it was sent out at $100.50/linear ft. which was 50% of the cost.  We always do the lessor of 50% of the cost or the cap which is $123.66.  The bids came in higher which made the 50% to calculate well over the cap.  Do we want to send notices with the increase?  The difference is $43,554 and would be extra out of the R&R.

Consensus was to leave it as is and discuss increasing the cap or adding a contingency in the letters which would state what the max charge is.

Review Adjustments to Valley City Urban Limits Boundary Map.

Chad Petersen, KLJ, stated about every 10 years when there is a census, the DOT is requesting the City review their Urban Limits Boundary.  In review Nextera/Valley Plains site is included in city limits but not included on the boundary map so it is recommended to change to include that area and extend the east boundary of that site to the section line in case of additional growth.

Discuss Road Quantity Overrun for West Main. 

City Administrator Crawford reported there was a large overage. It will be an extra $20,000 overage and we have already met our max of any additional help so it would be at a local share and taken from the R&R funds. Chad has found a spot where we may be eligible to get some of the money back. 

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:49 PM.

6.19.2023 Mayor’s Message

Hello Everybody,

  • Last week was busy and invigorating beginning Monday with a visit from Tim Blodgett who is one of the newer employees at MRES.  Tim just wanted to meet some of our employees and see Valley City. Thank you for sharing time with us Tim.
  • Wednesday we attended Music in the Park which was moved from the Bandshell to the VCSU Center for the Arts due to forest fire smoke.  The Bluestems, a group of young siblings from Elgin, ND entertained us with a “Bluegrass Music” show.  Thanks to the family for visiting Valley City.
  • Thursday was The Sheyenne River Valley Tour.  We visited and had short presentations at our Water Treatment Plant, the Baldhill Dam, our Eagles Club for lunch and the Minuteman Missile Site near Cooperstown.  While en route, points of interest were noted along with historical tidbits.  The tour was VERY educational and enjoyable.  If you have yet to visit the Missile Alert Site, I would recommend you give the short trip consideration.
  • Last weekend “Rally in the Valley” was held with open houses, a wonderful parade, class reunions, Bridge City Cruiser’s cruise, car show (192 classic vehicles), dedication of a beautiful Peggy Lee mural on the “Rudolph” and a Peggy Lee Day Concert  performed by the Myron Sommerfeld Orchestra.   The parade was enjoyed by  people on both sides of Central Avenue from the Dairy Queen to the Connect Church which is about 11 blocks.  It was fun seeing all the people.  Thanks to ALL the folks who contributed to the successful event.
  • Over the weekend there were a plethora of rummage sales around town and numerous youngsters with lemonade stands.  Congratulations & thank you to the entrepreneurial youngsters who wanted to work and their supportive parents.  I hope you all had fun.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • We learned about gratitude and humility – that so many people had contributed to our success.”    ~ Michelle Obama                         

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave