Category Archives: Announcements

9.5.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

Recent rains have cleaned the air and stimulated plant growth with fervor.  Isn’t it beautiful?

Cancer Screening:  Last week I had a colonoscopy in our CHI Hospital.  A shout out to those folks for their caring, professionalism, and efficiency.  They made me feel comfortable and welcome throughout the whole process.  Speaking of process, the preparation and anesthesia have been changed for the better since my last one, “A piece of cake”.  Thank you to all of you at CHI.

High school and university activities are under way and kudos to all of you who are out there competing.  There are many life’s lessons in citizenship and sportsmanship to be learned in practices, games and while “hanging with friends”.  Down the road there will be a few competitions remembered, but mostly, there will be relationships remembered for your lifetime.  So, players, coaches and parents, “enjoy the journey”. 

Sanford Health COVID Hospitalizations: Of 136 hospitalized, 129 were unvaccinated.  Of 37 in ICU, 35 were unvaccinated.  Of 19 on ventilators, 18 were unvaccinated.  Be vaccinated, IT WORKS!

Good news, a number of our construction projects are nearing completion.  Everyone, please patronize the businesses in construction zones as there are safe walking paths to all. Thank you all for your patience.

The Barnes County Library has been recognized as an “Excelling Library” for the second consecutive year.  Watch for a press release this week.  Thanks to all at the library for your commitment to excellence.

Thank you to contributors again this week.

“There is more to life than being a passenger.”                                                (Amelia Earhart)

Blessings, Be Respectful, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave

Agenda Available

9.7.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 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/87309413589 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 873 0941 3589

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve minutes from August 17th and August 30th meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Care Center.
  3. Approve Parade Application for VCSU Homecoming Parade on Oct. 2 at 10:30 AM on Central Ave from 12 St. NE to the VCSU Foot Bridge.
  4. Approve Block off the Street Request from RL Stearns for the alley running East/West at Ace Hardware from beginning September 8th for about 2 weeks.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          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

PH 1.  Public Hearing for 2022 City Budget.

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Close Hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1089, an Ordinance Adopting the 2022 City Budget (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

Ordinance

 

Resolution

New Business

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

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve Valley City Barnes County Development Request for Funds.  (Jennifer Feist)

            Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Consider the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation’s request to Retain $188,000 of Economic Development Funds.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Consider Granting Easement to Barnes County Park Board for Monson Trail.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve City Administrator to Negotiate Sale of City Lot Located North of West Main Street in NP Additions 5          and 6.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

N6.      Consider Site Authorization for Barnes County Wildlife Federation at the Valley City Eagles Club on April 2, 2022.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

9.7.2021 Finance Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 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/82716612407 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 827 1661 2407

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss Gravity Drain by the Elks. (KLJ)
  4. Discuss Removing Cats from Leash Law Requirement.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss EV Charging Station.  (President Carlsrud)
  6. Review offer to sell City Lot Located North of West Main Street in NP Additions 5 and 6.  (City Administrator Crawford)

7.  Discuss Increase in Cost WAPA Substation Repairs (Electrical Superintendent Senf)

8.  Ordinance Review.  (President Carlsrud)

9.  Discuss Retirement.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

8.29.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • Gosh, MORE rain!!  It is amazing to me how fast a bit of “Mother Nature’s” water can make the tree leaves plush, grasses greener and makes smiling much easier.
  • * September is Library Card Sign-up Month.  The Barnes County Library joins the American Library Association and libraries nationwide reminding people a library card is a “key” to life long learning.  Please visit: https://vcbclibrary.org/ or call 845-3821 to learn more about securing your library card.
  • Our moderating temperatures offer great times to get out and enjoy the scenery.  Other choices for you might be exercising or volunteering.  Churches, youth groups, fire departments and beautification committees are just a few of the many groups needing help.  Whether your talents lie outside, inside or clerical type work, there is a place for you.  Please consider volunteering, it is gratifying.
  • Thank you to our Public Works Dept.  A couple of the guys were out “making rounds” and noticed a sump pump running suspiciously often.  Through the Automatic Metering Infrastructure they identified there was a broken pipe and no one was home.  Great job everyone.
  • It is wasp season!  Their stings can be very painful and in some cases dangerous.  Keeping areas “clean” can help rid areas of wasps so please be considerate of the people who remove your garbage by keeping your garbage containers clean and sealed.  For further information, see: https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=AOaemvJ8uBNv2FQYAGXM_1JICtJUDZKsYA:1630194304385&q=How+to+get+rid+of+wasps&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwiFu7WD89TyAhUn_rsIHWTTCS4Q1QIwJHoECCUQAQ&biw=1192&bih=644
  • I hope all of you have a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend.
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”    (Mother Theresa)                                                                                  Blessings, Be Respectful, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave

Agenda Available

8.30.2021 Special Commission Meeting Agenda

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Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

New Business

  1. Approve Block off Street Request for VCSU for 2nd Ave SW between Student Center and Library for Student Street Dance on September 1st from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call           Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Adjourn

Labor Day Closures & Garbage Plans overlay on garbage trucks background

Labor Day Schedule

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PUBLIC WORKS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

The Public Works, City Hall offices and Transfer Station (landfill) will be closed on Monday, September 6th, for Labor Day. 

The Transfer Station will also be closed on Saturday, September 4th.

Monday’s garbage will be picked up on Tuesday, Sept. 7th. Tuesday route will be picked up on Wednesday Sept. 8th. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will follow regular pick up schedule.

Garbage should be put out by 7:00 AM.

8.22.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Wasn’t it nice having rain?  It even smells good!  One fellow said,  “I just sat in my car and watched it rain”.  I saw two young boys who were drenched and riding bikes in shorts & tennis shoes …… they were smiling!!
  • Thursday evening people enjoyed Summer Nights on Central with food, fellowship and music, a great combination.
  • The COVID Delta Variant is rearing its ugly head.  Our state and county numbers are rising at uncomfortable rates and people are being hospitalized. Booster shots will be available soon for people who have had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations.  Statistics show vaccination is effective against the virus.  About 90% of those hospitalized are not fully vaccinated.  It seems the best mitigation is a vaccination; please consider getting yours.
  • There was a nice crowd at the VCSU Football Scrimmage with Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls (MSCTC) Thursday night.  Many players from each team had multiple snaps and a great opportunity for the MSCTC kids and coaches to see the beautiful VCSU Campus and Facilities.
  • In case you haven’t had a chance, go by and see the VCSU Center for the Arts Building.  It is state-of–the-art and beautiful.
  • Tom Heller, CEO of MRES, presented at our last commission meeting.  He noted that Valley City has a residential cost per 1,000 KWH, an average monthly usage, of $87.25 which is the lowest cost compared to many in our area.  
  • Fun fact – protecting our environment, Valley City’s power supply is 93% CARBON FREE!! J
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”     (Steve Jobs)                                                                                  Blessings, Be Respectful, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.3.2021 Commission Minutes

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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 Administrator Crawford and City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher.

Pledge of Allegiance

Oath of Office for Police Officer Christopher Burk

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the July 20th, 21st and 27th meetings, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  • Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,986,631.23   
  • Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on September 23, 2021 at the Eagles.
  • Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for Hi-Liner Booster Club from July 27, 2021-June 30, 2022 at Hanna Field and the Hi Liner Activity Center.
  • Approve Application for a Raffle Permit for VCSU Foundation from August 4th, 2021-June 30th, 2022 at Lokken Stadium/Shelley Ellig Field, W.E. Osmon Field Houser and Brockopp Brewing.

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

Resolutions

Approve Resolution 2305, a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding Master Lift Station Upgrades Project.

Chad Petersen reported one bid was received from Swanberg Construction at $464,000.  The engineer’s estimate was $216,000.  After reviewing the bids with city staff and public works the recommendation was to reject all bids and to rebid in October for 2022 construction.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to accept the bid, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

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

Motion rejected.

New Business

Approve Policy Manual Change.

City Attorney Martineck stated the request is to update the definition of eligible family member to follow the state administrative law.  That would be to add parent, including mother and father-in-law, a child regardless of whether a dependent and a domestic partner or significant other.  Currently an employee can use a maximum of 40 hours for care for a family member.

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

Approve Applications for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements at the following addresses: 

  1. 220 9th Ave NW
    1. 1049 5th Ave NW
    1. 1035 5th Ave NW
    1. 1019 5th Ave NW
    1. 645 12th St NW
    1. 715 12th St NW

City Assessor Hansen stated Valley Bridges properties has invested quite heavily in Valley City.  These represent a small token of what has been purchased and they are doing quite a bit of improvements on them.  City Assessor Hansen recommended approval.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approve Preliminary Budget.

Finance Director Richter stated we had 2 early morning meetings in July for budget preparation.  We worked through our mill levy and expenditures and we ended up with a 4.51 mill increase which brings us back to what our 2019 mill levy was.  In 2019 it was at 76.85 mills, in 2020 we were able to reduce that by 4.51 mills using covid cares funds so with this increase we are bringing it back to where it was prior to the CARES funds. 

Commissioner Gulmon added that this process was started needing to increase 16.79 mills so a lot of work has been done and some sacrifices in areas to get where it is now.  We’re transferring $66,100 from electric fund and keeping the percentage of gross revenue at 12.2%.  We’re utilizing additional city sales tax for the relief fund for this budget.  We are also proposing a 4% COLA for our employees along with their step increases.  51% of this budget goes to public safety and we appreciate all the work from Gwen, Avis, Brenda and all the Commissioners though the process all while were projecting a 30% cash reserve.

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

Approve Revised Road Maintenance Agreement with Valley Township Regarding 35th St SE.  

City Administrator Crawford stated the only thing that changed was that we were previously just going to the entrance of the Transfer Station but now we are going to the entrance of the to the grass clipping and tree branch entrance.

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

Approve Offering for Sale Lots 63-3450012 and 63-3440047.

This item was tabled to a future meeting.

 

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported there was a meeting with Waterfront Meadows to get some things worked out.  I was asked to talk to our realtors about our incentives are so they are aware and can help get the word out.  Work started on Hanna Field parking lot.  Lee retired from Public Works.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Assessor Hansen stated she will be out next week at the State Equalization meeting and Assessor Association Training.

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported 7th Ave and 2nd Ave work is progressing.  We are still waiting for an update on seeding.  7th Ave and 4th St the underground is being worked on.  We’re hoping for end of August for paving.  2nd Ave Se they are coming in to do the mill and overly by Pizza Corner and the heat plant.  Love’s contractor is supposed to be coming in to get working on the ditch clean up and erosion mitigation along the roadside.

Commissioner Gulmon we had a very positive meeting regarding our budgets for the general funds and Public Works.  Revenues are running ahead of budget and expenses are below budget amounts.

Commissioner Bishop welcomed Chris to the Police Department and thanks to all the Police Officers and Fireman.

President Carlsrud gave his best to Lee.  Think before you throw, please find appropriate places to get rid of your garbage.  Thank you to all you folks that have contributed to the budget work and also all the employees that are working in the heat.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:37 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.3.2021 Finance Meeting 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 Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, and Commissioner Gulmon.

Department Reports

Electrical Superintendent Senf working on straitening poles and replacing a couple of lines as well.  There were 4 outages, 1 bird, 1 tree and 2 squirrels.  Goal is to complete downtown sub next fall.  There is a request to put security cameras on the new poles in the Rosebud parking lot.  Dickey Rural Network will quote it but before they do they want to know that it’s not going to be something that won’t be allowed.

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that it is still very dry and I do see a lot of usage in the night so that’s good that people are watering at night.  Right now it doesn’t seem that we will have to go on a water restriction.  No concerns with algae bloom since we have the satellite.   

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported that they are finished screening the compost so they have some really nice black dirt.  We are also looking to hire another employee. 

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported water and sewer department has been working with the electrical crew upgrading some motors in the lift stations.  We’ll probably be looking at painting the lines next week. 

Discuss Offering for Sale Lots 63-3450012 and 63-3440047.

City Administrator Crawford stated we have an individual interested in purchasing 63-3440047 and a small section of 63-3450012 at $48,200.  The assessed value is $49,200 plus a little more for the extra feet into the other plat.  They need to figure out some information with the DOT regarding the right of way which may take several months, so at this time there is not a time line as to when he would build on it. 

Commissioners requested additional information to better determine the value of the property.

Review Preliminary Budget.

Finance Director Richter stated we do have a change on CVB but it doesn’t affect the mil.

Mary Lee Nielson stated they are in process of looking for a new Marketing Rep for town but in order to do that we are asking to change the payment for the parking lot to $5,000/year so the other portion can be put towards that position.  It’s the same amount in full just spread out for a longer period of time.

Review Monthly Bills and Reports.

We are at $1.9 million for monthly expenditures for July.  We had 3 payrolls, busy in the construction season and those are the majority.  That brings us down to our regular operating charges.

Fire Extinguisher Services Financial Report.

Net income is right around $8500.

Discuss Policy Manual Change.

City Attorney Martineck stated he would like to update our policy to align better with the state’s guidelines and define eligible members that the sick leave can be used on.

Review NDDOT Draft 2022-2025 Valley City Urban Roads Program.

Chad Petersen reported last week the DOT sent out the draft for their Urban Roads Program.  Discussion took place to change 5th St NW to a later timeframe and add 2nd Ave NE to 3rd St NE project so I am looking for confirmation that is still the plan so we can let the DOT know.

Discuss Bids for the Master Lift Station Upgrades Project.

Chad Petersen stated bids were open back in July 16th.  One bid was received at $464,000, engineers estimate was about $230,000.  We’re over the budget for the year and due to the timeline of everything it may be best for the city to reject and rebid this fall.

Discuss General Resolution that Authorizes the City Administrator to Sell City Property if it’s below a Given Amount and Determine Given Amount.

City Administrator Crawford said this is for personal property under a certain value, not real estate.  Commission agreed that $2500 was a good amount.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:48 PM.

8.15.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • “Summer Nights on Central” was held last Thursday and there was a nice crown entertained by “Slamabama”.  I hope you all had a good time. 
  • There will be another Summer Nights on Central this Thursday with music by “Tripwire”.  If you couldn’t be there last week, try to be there this week.
  • On a not-so-happy-note, the “Delta Variant” of COVID is now in North Dakota and Barnes County.  Please be aware of how this progresses as it is said to be very contagious.  Good news, the Delta Variant has not been as serious for those who are vaccinated.  Research indicates the vaccinations are very effective so if you are not vaccinated, please consider getting yours.
  • This came to mind, “Be nice to people for no reason”.
  • A positive of the very dry summer is some of the smaller construction projects are wrapping up and the larger ones seem to be on schedule.  Please be safe when driving or walking in construction zones.
  • Do you know we have a very active airport here?  With corporate jets, show planes and spray planes, the Barnes County Municipal Airport has activity every day.  For more information, see: http://www.barnescountyairport.com/
  • Thank you to contributors again this week.
  • “Good Teams become great ones when the members trust each other and enough to surrender the Me for We.”     (Phil Jackson)                                                                                  Blessings, Be Respectful, Be Kind and Pray,

Dave