9.16.2025 Finance Minutes

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Krista Nord

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner, City Engineer Petersen, City Engineer Eslinger.

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed the monthly bills and reports.

Discuss Valley City NW Water Tower. City Engineer Eslinger reviewed the cost options with the project and what the 30 year loan payments would look like. Consensus was the City would do a $500,000 down payment and look at a $2 base fee per meter monthly charge on utility billing.

Review CD Renewal Options. The Commission reviewed CD rate options. Consensus was to renew the rates at Dacotah Bank for 7 months and going forward the Finance Committee will determine CD renewals and report to the City Commission.

Review Settlement Agreement for the 2^nd Ave 3^rd St. NE Reconstruction Project. Commissioner Bishop moved to add Review Settlement Agreement for the 2^nd Ave 3^rd St. NE Reconstruction Project to the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

City Engineer Petersen reviewed the Notice of Intent and change orders with STRATA. The dollar amount paid by the City and NDDOT would not change due to these documents. Consensus was to move forward.

Department Reports

Department Spotlight – New Employees since 1.1.2025

Sanitation Department Forman Swart reported on getting new software for the Transfer Station.

Water Department Water Treatment Superintendent Hesch reported on the lagoon.

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on progress of current projects.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson reported monthly calls and blighted buildings.

Police Department Police Chief Horner reported monthly calls for service and discussed vehicle purchase in 2026. Commission agreed for the Police Department to purchase the Ford Explorer in 2026. Chief Horner updated the Commission on Back the Blue funds awarded and a potential agreement with ND Department of Health and Human Services to develop the Responsible Tobacco Retailer Training Project.

Street Department Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported on progress of current projects.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford discussed Ordinance changes and PFP Buyouts. Discussed the Preliminary & Design Engineering services for the Exit 292/Loves Access Flex Fund Application. Commissioners agreed to pay 5% of the project, which is a 50/50 cost share with the County for the local 10% share.

Finance Director Klein discussed current CD’s and gave an update on changes made to the budget.

Adjourn – 4:42 PM

9.16.2025 Commission Minutes

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Krista Nord

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, City Engineer Petersen, City Engineer Eslinger, Police Chief Horner.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Commissioner Bishop moved to remove NB2. Approve Valley City NW Water Tower Opinion of Probable Cost and Discussion Project Cost Saving Options, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Minutes from the 9.2.2025 Commission Meetings.
Approve Contractor License:
1. Sperle Masonry Inc. – West Fargo
1. Legacy Building Solutions, LLC – South Haven MN
1. Nelson Construction LLC – Oriska
1. David L Singleton – Valley City
Approve Contractor License Renewal:
1. Abel’s Remodeling SRVS

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING

Open public Hearing Regarding the 2026 Annual City Budget.

Commissioner Bishop moved to close, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE

ORD 1176. Second and Final reading of Ordinance 1176, an Ordinance to amend and reenact Section 8-04-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to tobacco license violations.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1177. Second and Final reading of Ordinance 1177, an Ordinance to create and enact Title 21 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to gaming.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1178. Second and Final reading of Ordinance 1178, an Ordinance to amend and reenact Sections 15-01-09 and 15-01-16 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to public works accounts receivable.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1179. First reading of Ordinance 1179, an Ordinance to create and enact Section 01-01-17 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to billing and fees for city services.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORD 1180. First Reading of Ordinance 1180, an Ordinance Adopting the 2026 Annual City Budget.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

RES 2501. A Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Northwest Area Water System Improvements.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,708,011.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford gave an update on the Service Center project.

City Engineer Petersen gave an update on construction projects.

City Engineer Eslinger gave an update on the Water Tower project bids.

Commissioner Erickson reminds local citizens the last tree pickup day is September 25^th and to please call Public Works to get your name on the list.

ADJORN

Child Passenger Safety Initiative

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Kari Bodine

Does your child (age 0-17) have any important needs that should be known in the event of an emergency? Sharing this information can help first responders provide the best possible care and give you peace of mind that your child’s needs are being considered.

The Valley City Fire Department would like to assist families with children and their needs for child passenger safety by providing seat belt sleeves customized with your child’s name, considerations, allergies, or medications free of charge.

Please complete this form and return to Fire Chief Scott Magnuson at 241 3rd Ave NE, by Oct. 17, 2025 to order.

Contact Scott Magnuson at smagnuson@valleycity.us or 701-845-3351 if you are interested in this for your child.

10.6.2025 Mayor’s Message

Posted on October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 by Kari Bodine

Hello Folks,

The warmer than average stretch of weather has provided great opportunities to get some fall “chores” completed. While chores are important, insert a little recreation time for you and your family, you deserve it.
This week, October 6-10 is designated “School Safety Week” in the VCPS System. The VCPS Staff, Barnes County Emergency Manager, Ambulance Service, Valley City Police and Fire Departments will be partnering to share safety and security skills with all. Thank you.
A number of deaths and injuries to bikers and pedestrians have occurred in our area recently. Please, drivers, be free of distractions, walkers FACE traffic and bikers obey “rules of the road.” Important, bikers and walkers, wear “Hi-Viz” CLOTHING when riding or walking on streets! Everyone, please be a little extra cautious.
In Valley City, we are very fortune to be a Public Power Community so we’re inviting you to join us in celebrating Public Power Week, October 6-12. It’s a time to be grateful for our community-owned, clean, adequate and affordable power which lead to positive impacts on our daily lives. Thanks to our Electrical Department as our power has been “on” 99.9921% of the time this year! Great job everybody.
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) has maintained Moody’s Aa2 Bond Rating along with Fitch’s AA- Bond Rating. Both agencies also assigned a Stable Outlook to the anticipated 2025 Series A Power Supply Revenue Refunding Bonds. The good ratings help ensure we users can enjoy favorable bond interest rates.
From the Sports Illustrated list of North Dakota’s 50 most noted athletes is Sheri Kleinsasser of Carrington. Sheri ended her career (1992-1995) at the University of North Dakota as its all time leading scorer with 1,941 points. Her brother Jim is also on the list…a pretty talented family.
Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C. S. Lewis

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

10.7.2025 Commission Meeting Agenda

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 by Kari Bodine

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 7, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 220 3^rd St. NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84914051554 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 849 1405 1554.

Next Resolution No. 2502 Next Ordinance No. 1181

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

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

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes from the 9.16.2025 Finance and Commission Meetings.
Approve Contractor Licenses:
1. Advanced Striping, Inc. – Fargo
1. Sieg Construction – Valley City
1. Vita Roofing LLP – Fargo
Approve Local Raffle Permit:
1. Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce
1. Trinity Lutheran WELCA
1. St. Catherine School
1. SHINE

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 jhintz@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

Public Hearing

PH1. Public Hearing Regarding Special Assessment

Projects:

Paving Improvement District No. 126

Water Main Improvement District No. 104

Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68

Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Close Public Hearing.

Roll Call: Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Erickson Carlsrud

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 126, Water Main Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68 and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call: Bishop Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Carlsrud

PH2. Public Hearing Regarding Special Assessment

Projects:

Paving Improvement District No. 128

Water Main Improvement District No. 105

Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Close Public Hearing.

Roll Call: Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Bishop Carlsrud

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 128, Water Main Improvement District No. 105, and Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call: Erickson Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Carlsrud

Ordinance

ORD 1179. Second and final reading of Ordinance 1179, an Ordinance to create and enact Section 01-01-17 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to billing and fees for city services. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call: Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Erickson Carlsrud

ORD 1180. Second and final reading of Ordinance 1180, an Ordinance Adopting the 2026 Annual City Budget. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call: Bishop Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Carlsrud

Resolution

RES 2502. A Resolution authorizing filing of application with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for a loan under the Clean Water Act and/or the Safe Drinking Water Act. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call: Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Bishop Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve Accepting Award for Back the Blue Funds. (Police Chief Horner)

Roll Call: Erickson Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Carlsrud

NB2. Approve Agreement with the ND Department of Health and Human Services for the Police Department to develop the Responsible Tobacco Retailer Training Project. (Police Chief Horner)

Roll Call: Gulmon Bishop Magnuson Erickson Carlsrud

NB3. Approve Interim Financing Agreement, Series F, for Red River Valley Water Supply Project. (President Carlsrud)

Roll Call: Bishop Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Carlsrud

NB4. Approve opening a CD in the amount of $2,000,000 at Dacotah Bank. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call: Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Bishop Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

9.29.2025 Mayor’s Message

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by Kari Bodine

Greetings,

Our Street and Electrical Departments have done great jobs cleaning up fallen trees, cutting trees and limbs that endanger power lines from the June storm and our Transfer Station has burned over 4 million pounds of trees. To all our city employees who helped clean up from said storm, we are grateful for your tremendous efforts.
For those of you who are considering flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations this year, please check with your doctor or our City County Health for further information.
Saturday, VCSU celebrated a special homecoming with a parade, a large tailgating turnout and football game. It was great seeing all the people around town, Lokken Stadium full and many people standing around beautiful Dacotah Bank Field enjoying the game.
The McCarthy Hall Renovation at VCSU enhanced the already beautiful “face” of the university. Please see the following links for the ribbon cutting and tour: https://www.vcsu.edu/vcsu-celebrates-reopening-of-mccarthy-hall/
https://www.vcsu.edu/mccarthy-hall-the-past-and-future-of-teacher-education/
Our Public Works Department was honored by Missouri River Energy Services with the WattSTAR Award for “The Utility That Never Stops,” recognizing our folks for their immeasurable work during and following the 2025 June storm. Congratulations and thank you everyone.
The 2025 Ryder Cup was won by the Europeans and was a competition that will be remembered for years. Friday and Saturday, the Europeans’ play was outstanding and on Sunday the Americans were fantastic as well. Going into the nine singles pairings Sunday there appeared to be NO chance, but the Americans rallied making it a dynamite finish! The Ryder Cup is such an emotional event and with approximately 250,000 fans, sportsmanship was a bit sketchy at times and sadly, a number of players were interrupted while “at address”. *Congratulations to Tommy Fleetwood as the 2025 Nicholas-Jacklin Award recognizing sportsmanship, integrity and teamwork.
Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
“In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.” ~ Blaise Pascal

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,
Dave Carlsrud

9.22.2025 Mayor’s Message

Posted on September 22, 2025September 22, 2025 by Kari Bodine

Hello Folks,

Well, rain had missed us for quite awhile and it seemed the mosquitoes even diminished. However, our rain gauge showed 3.12 inches Saturday afternoon and the grass is growing to “beat the band”.
Sunday the Valley City Fire Department (VCFD) held its “Family Funday” with trap shooting, golf (rained out), bouncy toys and capped with a family picnic at the Eagles. There was a nice turnout and it is always fun seeing the young families relaxing and having fun. Thank you to our VCFD and all who facilitated a great day for all.
Last Friday the VCPS Homecoming Parade was held in the rain. Playing in the rain use to be “fun” and so, all who were in or came out to watch the parade, YAY!
VCSU Homecoming has a plethora of activities upcoming this week; some of which are The Bill Osmond Fun Run, volleyball, McCarthy Hall ribbon cutting, Hall of Fame celebrations, parade and football. Have a great time everyone!
We had a number of Valley City representatives who attended the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) Annual Meeting. There was an abundance of educational opportunities pertaining to the needs of cities, large and small. Some presentations involved cybersecurity, small government review processes, grants and funding opportunities, data center updates, AI applications, oil development and more. Thanks to our city team for attending and to the NDLC for facilitating a great conference.
Do you have a friend you haven’t visited for a while? Call, e-mail or text, it could “make the day” for both of you.
Being a public power community and a Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) member, we are served by a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO). Our RTO is the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) which provides reliability in the electric power grid by calling for varying types of generation to meet demand and buying the least expensive first. That said, Valley City has been blessed with reliable, adequate and affordable electric power.
Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
“One man practicing good sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.” ~ Knute Rockne

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud

9.2.2025 Commission Minutes

Posted on September 18, 2025September 18, 2025 by adminuser

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, City Engineer Petersen, City Engineer Eslinger, Police Chief Horner.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE