Category Archives: Announcements

8.21.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • VCPS teachers have workshops Monday and Tuesday with classes beginning Wednesday this week.  Returning to school in the fall is an exciting time for rekindling relationships and resuming class work.
  • Safety; with school beginning many traffic patterns including cars, buses, bikes & pedestrians will be changing.  Please be aware some intersections will have heavier traffic and some roads will have traffic that wasn’t there during the summer.  Please be safe.
  • Next Saturday the 27th the Dakota Riders will host The Hill Climb that was postponed because of wet grounds during Rally in the Valley.  Registration is from 6 to 9 that morning with competition beginning at 10:00.  Thank you Dakota Riders & best wishes for great weather.
  • Breckenridge High School 50-year graduates have their Class Reunion on a Friday night followed by a School Reunion for all who have had their 50-Year Reunions the next night.  This year a gal from the class of 1937 attended, she is 103!!  Seemingly, conversations with former classmates & friends flow from where they left off years ago.  Please take advantage of any opportunity you have to reconnect with former classmates & friends; you’ll be glad you did.
  • Nostalgia:  **Cesar Tovar played all 9-positions in a MLB game between the Twins & the A’s.
  • Thank you to all who helped with topics & proofing again this week.
  •  “Knowing what is right doesn’t mean much unless you do what is right”.                       (Teddy Roosevelt)
  • Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Construction Notice-8th Ave SW

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Beginning August 22nd, 2022, construction will begin at the intersection of 8th Ave SW and Wintershow Road at the Petro Serve USA entrance. Concrete removal work will begin in this intersection and progress with curb widening and placement of new concrete pavement. The intersection will remain open while work is ongoing utilizing temporary gravel surfacing. A truck detour will be provided while work is occurring in the intersection.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.2.2022 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Making COnnections through Block Parties Proclamation

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from July 19th, 2022 Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Approve Application for New Contractor License for J-Tech Mechanical, LLC for the period of June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023.

Approve Application for Raffle Permit for VCSU from August 15, 2022- June 30, 2023.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1110, an Ordinance for Contractor Licenses.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve following state ordinance, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

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

Motion passed.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1111, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 17 of Section 14-10-49 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Parking in Public Parking Lots.

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,295,553.85.

Finance Director provided breakdown of July expenses.

Approve Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Agreement with Barnes County.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is generally updating the previous agreement that was approved in 2014 with a couple of minor changes including the extraterritorial jurisdiction automatically extending if city limits are extended, providing a map to the county to keep them updated of the changes and providing language regarding subdivisions that are on the outskirts of the extraterritorial zone.

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

Review Petition for Vacation of Four Bottle Drive and Approve for Further Consideration of Planning and Zoning Commissioner.

City Attorney Martineck stated there is currently a verbal agreement between the businesses on Four Bottle Drive and City Staff to vacate the length of that and turn if over to private ownership.  Details are being worked out but we wanted this approved so we can send it to PZ.

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

Approve and Award Bid for Temporary Levee Removal.

Chad Petersen stated the bid opening was held on August 2nd and 2 bids were received with the low bid coming in at $827,079.97 by Scherbenske out of Jamestown.  Strata had the other bid at $991,811.60. Recommendation is to award the contract to Scherbenske.  Once that is awarded the contractor has to start work within 14 days and the clay removal has to be completed within 3 weeks and 2 weeks after that the topsoil, seeding and restoration has to be complete.

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

Approve the City’s Selection to Purchase the DEF Tank Equipment from Dakota Plains Ag/CHS for the total of $1,872.24.

City Administrator Crawford stated this is in conjunction with another piece of the USDA grant but it took a while to get the bids in.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported after the work they did on Crestwood the supplies were $42,000 and the cost of the dig was $22,000 so we will work on getting that study done through our emergency manager.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Assessor Hanson reported that next week is the State Equalization meeting in Bismarck and the annual conference and she and Tina will be attending.  There were no protests at the city or county meeting so we are expecting no issues.  Assessor Hansen stated that August 12th will be her official last day before retirement.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided an update on 6th St. NW opened Thursday.  The seeding will take place when weather conditions are a little cooler. They did spray it with hydro mulch on there as an erosion measure.

12th St NW they are working on ADA ramps.  The concrete, mill and overlay will be done before August 20th. Once they are done with that concrete, they will move over to Petro to start on that portion of the project.

Commissioner Gulmon reported that the preliminary budget had been approved.  Thank you to all department heads and portfolio holders.  A lot of work has taken place to get to this point.  Special thanks to Avis, Brenda, Gwen and Mayor Carlsrud for sitting through all the workshop budget meetings that have taken place.

Commissioner Erickson reminded everyone to have their garbage out by 7:00 AM.  The Master Lift Station will be cleaned on the night of August 11 when water usage is already down but if possible, try to minimize usage beginning around 9:00 PM.

President Carlsrud mentioned that this has been the best budget process that he has experienced so than you to all that made that happen. Sunday the Fire Department had a day of activities for their families.  Thanks to the volunteers for all they do.  Thank you to Sandy for all of the years you’ve invested in the City of Valley City.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:29 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.2.2022 Special Commission Budget Proceedings

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 7:00 AM.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson via Zoom, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon

Members absent: None

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Attorney Martineck, Police Chief Hatcher, Fire Chief Magnuson, Municipal Court Clerk Westerhausen, City Assessor Hansen and Tina Current.

 

New Business

Discuss First Draft of 2023 Budget

Deputy Auditor Klein reported that the value of a mill increased by an estimated $1,508 from last year to an estimated value of $21,500. The County Auditor will determine the actual value of a mill later in Dec 2022. The increase in mill value generates $114,000 which is a 7% increase in tax dollars. The first draft of the budget came in with a need for a 13.3 mill increase, which is equivalent to $285,950. During our meetings we were able to reduce the levy by the same with some adjustments to expenditures, lowering cash reserves from 30% to 27%, increasing state revenues to the State’s projections, and increasing the utility transfer to the general fund by $26,000. Cash reserves of $973,900 is 27% of expenditures This is a $56,100 reduction in reserves from 2022, which is within the guidelines set in the City’s Fund Balance policy (30% to no lower than 21%, with 20% needing corrective action by the Commission).

The City completed a salary study and has updated salary schedules based on the findings. The proposed salaries in the 2023 budget includes a 5% cost of living allowance (COLA) increase and a step increase in the 25-year salary schedule. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated using the Consumer Price Index, in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics report for the Midwest Region from June 2021 to June 2022. The CPI’s COLA was listed at a 9.5% increase. Finance Director Richter explained that the increase in expenses for salaries would be covered by transfers from Fund 105- City Financed Special Assessment Projects and Fund 241- Property Tax Relief. The increase in the transfer from the utility fund is $51,000: $26,000 to Fund 100-General and $25,000 to Fund 231-Street Renew & Replacement.

NDPHIT has not released any information regarding health insurance premium increases for 2023. A 5% increase to be picked up by the City is currently budgeted. There was not an increase to premiums in 2022.  If the premium increase is more than the estimated 5%, the Commission will re-evaluate. The City’s contribution to the employee’s HSA accounts would remain the same, with the employees matching a portion of the contribution in order to receive the full amount.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the 2023 Preliminary Budget as presented which includes the proposed salary structure and 5% COLA, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion carried.

ADJOURN

Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 A.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.2.2022 Finance Minutes

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Called To Order

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

Roll Call

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

Others Present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reminded everyone to have their garbage set out before 7:00 AM.  There are a couple of employees that are working towards their CDL.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported we are dry now and people are out watering.  Water usage for July was 34,543,000 and in June it was 29,360,000 and the average has gone from June 980,000 to 1,114,000 in July.  The Department of Environmental Quality came for an inspection and we received 5 stars.  We are working on making sure every building has a meter in it so we can account for all the water.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 3 outages-1 pump failed splice and 2 trees.  There were 4 new businesses or buildings that needed hook ups.  Gaukler’s is ready to go when the meters come in.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the fire report for July. 

Police Department

Police Chief Hatcher reported there were interviews for the open position taking place and one that will have a background check take place.

Street Department

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported the hydrants have been flushed.  There was another leak in Crestwood that was fixed and looks like a fresh slide happened.  Next week school crossings will be starting to get painted. The annual master lift cleaning is scheduled for the night of August 11th.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Richter reported $1,295,553.85 of expenditures for July.

Discuss Addition of 7th St NW to Storm Water Phase II

Chad Petersen stated it was discussed adding 5th Ave to 6thAve to this project due to it being in poor condition and having no infrastructure.  There is also 7th St NW corridor between 6th Ave and 5th Ave and the watermain along that corridor.  That was last overlaid in 2002, the storm sewer is in good shape.  Due to the watermain being old and the road being in poor condition and that being an outlier we are looking to tie that on to this bigger project and we are looking for a consensus to do this.

Gwen and Clint discussed other infrastructure projects that they have been working on that need repairs but are not part of any other projects.

Discuss NW Expansion Proposal

City Administrator Crawford stated Valley Realty is in the process of purchasing 10 acres west of 9th Ave NW to develop into single home lots.  They are requesting 12th St NW be extended approximately 800 feet to a proposed intersection with a road to be named 12th Ave NW.  They are also requesting the City to extend the services to this intersection.  Next year there is the water tower study so we would have to discuss if this is something, we would want to do so we know what to move forward with a water tower.  Chad Petersen added that if this is something that will move forward, we will need to allow time to work with the railroad to get right of way for the 12th St corridor to extend.

Commission requested additional information to review such as how many homes, timeline and if the ARPA money can be used.

Discuss Adjusted Role for Gloria

City Administrator Crawford stated with the additional job duties in that role such as the upcoming CDL training we are proposing promoting Gloria to a B32 from her current B31.

Discuss Next Steps for Remnants after Fire at 925 2nd St SE.

City Attorney Martineck will meet with Scott and Gwen and develop the most time efficient plan to move forward.

Discuss Ordinance to Amend and Reenact sections of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Parking and Storage of Vehicles, Boats and Trailers.

Meetings will take place with the Police Chief, City Attorney, City Administrator, Commissioner Erickson and Commissioner Bishop to discuss the specifics.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:45 PM.

8.14.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • Good news:  The Pre-construction Meeting for removal of the clay levees was held last week and removals will begin soon.  Thank you for your patience everyone.
  • Last week Tom Heller, CEO at Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), announced his retirement effective next June 30th.  Tom is a Rock Lake, ND native and an NDSU graduate who has guided MRES for 30 years.  He has been very instrumental in providing Valley City with good electrical rates and reliable electric power.  Thank you Tom.
  • When riding bikes and the like, you will be much safer if you wear an appropriate helmet.  Statistics indicate wearing a properly fitted helmet can prevent 9 out of 10 critical brain injuries.  For your safety, remember to wear bright colored clothing when biking or walking. https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/sports-fitness-and-recreation-bicycles/which-helmet-which-activity
  • Many VCPS Fall Activities are underway this week.  Cross Country, Boys’ Tennis, Girls’ Golf and Football among them.  Get out of the house and enjoy some games & matches this year.
  • VCSU Volleyball, Baseball and Football are underway too with a home volleyball match Thursday.
  •  Thank you again to all who helped with topics & proofing again this week.
  •  “Stop bullying, spread Kindness”.         (SweetTweets)
  • Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Agenda Available

8.16.2022 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 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/81852506390 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  818 5250 6390.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Oath of Office for City Assessor Tina Current

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve August 2nd, 2022 Finance, Commission and Budget Meeting Minutes.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1.  Approve Application for Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on September 29th, 2022 at the VC Eagles Club.
  2. Approve Application for Parade for VCHS Homecoming on Central Ave on September 30.

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        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 for Application for Property Tax Incentives (PILOT) for H&G Holdings, LLC.

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Motion to Close Public Hearing.

Roll Call:  Magnuson       Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

Approve Resolution 2369, a resolution approving Property Tax Incentives (PILOT) for H&G Holdings, LLC.

Roll Call: Erickson         Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

  1. Receive Tax Increment Financing Development Plan and Review the Timeline.  (Bruce Hoyt)

Roll Call:  Erickson      Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Consider 12th St NW Expansion Proposal.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:  Gulmon       Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud          

PH2.  Public Hearing on Dangerous Building Located at 925 2nd St SE.

Declare Public Hearing Open

Motion to Close Public Hearing

 Roll Call:  Bishop         Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve Order On Dangerous Building Located at 925 2nd St SE.

Roll Call: Erickson Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1.  Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1110, an Ordinance for Contractor Licenses.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:  Bishop         Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

2. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1111, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Subsection 17 of Section 14-10-49 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Parking in Public Parking Lots.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:  Erickson      Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2370, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule (Contractor License).  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:  Magnuson    Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution 2371, a Resolution to Approve the Replat of Meadow View Estates.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:  Erickson      Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Approve Agreement with Engineering to Evaluate Road Quality.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:  Erickson      Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

2. Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption at 460 6th Ave SE.  (City Assessor Current)

Roll Call:  Magnuson    Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

3. Approve Agreement between the City of Valley City and Barnes County Development Corporation.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:  Bishop         Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

8.7.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • We are Blessed in Valley City to have a group of dedicated volunteers who comprise our VCFD.  Many of the members have families who support our fire fighters when they leave for drill or leave a family meal to save someone else’s property or life.  Last week the VCFD hosted their families for a “Family Day”.  It was heartwarming to see all the little kids playing together and having fun.  Thank you to all connected with the VCFD.
  • Valley City is a beautiful town so let’s continue working to enhance its beauty.  There are some properties, residential and commercial, that would benefit from weed removal along buildings and in sidewalk cracks.  Please help by cleaning your property and helping neighbors who may not be able to clean theirs.
  •  Some of the road construction is finishing.  The roads look nice and are smooth on which to drive.  The danger is speeding without noticing, so be aware and prudent.
  • Saturday Sue and I were working in our yard trying to salvage some grass and eradicate some weeds.  A guy running for office was walking door-to-door campaigning.  He was very pleasant and liked the job people did producing RiverFest.  Thank you to the candidate for stepping forward to serve.  I urge all of you to consider running for office or serving on a board or committee. 
  • Thank you again to all who helped with topics & proofing again this week.
  •  “You are Braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know”.                                     (Winnie the Pooh quotes)
  • Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

7.19.2022 Commission Meetings

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

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

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Remove N2.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from July 7th, 2022 Finance and Commission Meetings, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing

Open Public Hearing Regarding Plat of Drake’s Second Addition.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

City Attorney Martineck stated there are two variances that are being requested and those are both recommended for approval along with the replat along with the condition that the existing easements must be shown on the plat and extended to the edge of the replatted lots.

There were no public comments.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

Consider Resolution 2368, a Resolution Approving Plat of Drake’s Second Addition.

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

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1102, an Ordinance Approving the Extension of Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes dedicated to City Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement Projects. 

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1104, an Ordinance Approving the Extension of Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes Dedicated to Economic Development, Basic Industry, Job Development, Tax Relief Infrastructure, other Special Request, Service and Retail Business Development.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1107, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 7-05-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Use of Sidewalk for Outdoor Patio Area.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1109, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-01-04 and Subsection 4 of Section 16-01-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the City’s Extraterritorial Zoning and Subdivision Jurisdiction.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2367, a resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule (Sidewalk Permits)

City Attorney Martineck stated, with the passage of ORD 1107 there is a need to set the fees.  City Administrator Crawford recommended $50 annually and $100 for encroachment.

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

New Business

Presentation from NDDOT on Proposed I-94 Drainage.

Brandon Barnes presented.

Shawn Cole shared his concerns.

Approve City Utility Disposition Document for NDDOT Project IM-NHU-2-094(159)290.

Consider Site Authorization for the ND Winter Show at the ND Winter Show Event Center.

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

 

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported there have been some changes to our event applications.  We have added maps for the applicants to indicate where they will want barricades, electrical, garages and other things.  This will help our public works employees know what will be needed and where.

The President did declare a federal emergency.  August 2nd is when bids are due and it will be added to that night’s meeting to accept and award bid.  After that we will be able to have a timeline of events.

Any one that cuts into the streets for any reason needs to have a street cut permit.

There was a meeting with David Wick and they have a good plan and continue to work on the improvements.

We are talking with Dietrich’s about the process of getting a certified training for our sanitation department to get their CDLs.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Police Chief Hatcher stated next Thursday the VCPR is hosting a Safety Night in the Park for anyone that would like to participate.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided an update on 6th St. NW. Road should be open next week sometime with seeding and trees in early Sept.

12th St NW they are working on ADA ramps which will take 3-4 weeks and then they move on to the mill and overlay portion.

Petro Serve/8th Ave Wintershow Road is tentatively scheduled to start around August 15th.

President Carlsrud thanked everyone for their work.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:52 P.M.

7.31.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • A few days ago Sue and I took an evening drive north of town enjoying the farm country.  Accepting that the crops are later than normal, they make a pretty scene.  However, a farmer told me they are ready for a shot of rain soon to keep crops on the right track.  There is beauty out there.
  • If you look around, you may notice some stressed or dead trees, which could be related to the last summer’s drought and last winter’s extreme cold.  Regardless of the cause, for guidance about your trees, check with our City Forester or the Barnes County Extension Agent.
  • I really like trees and Maples are especially intriguing to me though many are experiencing Iron Chlorosis, “yellowing of leaves”).  Enter “Chlorosis in Maples” in a search for information.
  • If you are planting trees, please stop into City Hall for a tree planting folder or see: http://www.valleycity.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Forestry-Brochure-09.13.2018.pdf
  • Visiting people at last week’s Crazy Daze was fun; Jon and Brad, former residents of Valley City attended.  Thanks for visiting Valley City.
  • Thank you to Valley City Parks & Rec. and all who contributed to a successful  “Safety Night in the Park” last Thursday.
  • Thanks to all who helped with topics & proofing again this week.
  •  “Always be a little more kind than necessary.”                                                                                                                                           (James Barry)
  • Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave