Category Archives: Announcements

President Dave Carlsrud

06/08/2020 Mayor’s Message

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COVID-19 & BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM)

  • This week the Corona Virus took a little “run” at us.  So as of Sunday’s report, we have had nine positive tests in Barnes County. 
  • As a whole, you people have been doing a great job with your social distancing, way-to-go. J While many of us are pretty careful just because we are older and in higher risk categories, I implore you younger folks to be a bit more careful as the 20 – 40 year olds have the greatest number of positive tests followed closely by the 40 – 50 year olds.  Please be careful out there as with the greater freedoms, we need to make better decisions to remain safe.
  • Today there was a Black Lives Matter Protest in City Park and a march around town.  Kudos to all involved as the program was well organized, heartfelt and peaceful.  I counted over 100 people, young and old in attendance. 
  • There are many individuals out there who are hurting from persecution in one form or another.  From a personal standpoint I need to become better informed. 
  • Cody, one of our Police Officers said, I’ll paraphrase, “We are here for you; communication, let’s get started”.  Wow, a few words making a powerful statement; thank you. 
  • I am grateful to our local law enforcement people for working with organizers helping to ensure all could run smoothly.
  • “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”     (Benjamin Franklin)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave Carlsrud

Gwen Crawford photo

Gwen Crawford Begins as City Adminstrator

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The City Commission welcomes Gwen Crawford as the new City Administrator. She began on June 1.

“I look forward to serving the City of Valley City, to support its progressive growth and great quality of life,” Crawford says.

Crawford brings experience working in both government and private business. Most recently, Crawford was the City Administrator for the City of Lisbon, with efforts focused on filling the City Auditor and Economic Development Director roles. During her time in Lisbon, Crawford contributed to the Permanent Flood Protection projects, working with the State Water Commission and local partners to protect the community and develop relationships with upstream communities, including the City of Valley City. She also was instrumental in developing a Strategic Plan and many other projects that impacted the citizens.

Gwen was named as North Dakota League of Cities Appointed Official of the Year for 2019.

As a grant writer, Crawford worked with public and private sector entities to bring value to the City while ensuring projects met guidelines and remained on budgets.

Crawford plans to spend the first few months getting to know how the City of Valley City operates, while drawing on her experiences to inform future plans and goals. Crawford explains “It is exciting to see how closely our employees work together and I look forward to being able to build upon that natural teamwork.”

We know members of the public would like to meet the new City Administrator, but due to COVID-19 concerns, the City is waiting for the appropriate time to plan an open house. Members of the public can contact Crawford by phone at (701) 845-1700, then press 1.

Mosquito with Mosquito Spraying text below

Mosquito Spraying – Today & Tomorrow

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Valley City Public works will spray for mosquitoes on Thursday, June 4th after 8 pm and into Friday, June 5th in the morning, weather permitting.

Parents are advised to keep children and pets out of the streets and away from the spray machines. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area of the operation.

If there are any questions, please feel free to call Public Works at 845-0380.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

05/19/2020 City Commission Minutes

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May 19, 2020
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public were not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public could view the meeting online (https://zoom.us/j/97740454720) or listen by calling (669) 900-9128 Webinar ID: 977 4045 4720.

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

Members Present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson (joined at 5:08 PM by Zoom)

Members Absent: Commissioner Erickson.

Others Present: City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, Police Chief Hatcher. Those appearing by Zoom/phone included Chad Petersen from KLJ, Wesley Wintch (VCSU), Greg Stroeing (Love’s Addition), Chris Johnson (Love’s Addition), Gwen Crawford.

Approval of Agenda – Addition of N8; O3 Moved to N9

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Powell moved to approve the minutes from May 5, 2020 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Commissioner Bishop requested correction that the President Carlsrud voted nay on the parade application. Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for Fraternal Order of Police James Valley Lodge #4, ND Red Knights

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1055, an Ordinance Rezoning West ½ of Lot 10, East 74.25’ of Lots 11 & 12, Lots 13 and 14 less the North 105’, and Lot 15 of Block 3, Andrus & Sifton’s Addition for VCSU Center for the Arts

City Attorney Martineck reported that there were no changes from the first reading and that this provides rezoning from residential to public. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1055, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1056, an Ordinance Repealing Section 2-04-03 of V.C.M.C., relating to residency requirements of appointive officers and employees of city

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1056, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2255, a Resolution Approving Plat of Love’s Addition (63-2601150)

City Attorney Martineck reported the application for the Plat of Love’s Addition was reviewed by Planning & Zoning Commission on May 13. The subdivision was approved with no conditions by Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approved Resolution No. 2255, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Erickson appeared by Zoom at 5:08 PM.

Approve Resolution No. 2256, a Resolution Approving Replat of Lot 5, South Valley Addition

City Attorney Martineck stated that Planning & Zoning Commission received a replat request for Lot 5, South Valley Addition. Martineck stated that by approving the replat, the City Commission, is also approving a variance as the frontage feet is 51’ instead of the required 100’. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2256, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve proposed Ordinance No. 1058 for publication, an Ordinance Creating Title 20-04.01 to Extend City Sales, Use & Gross Receipts Tax dedicated to Permanent Flood Protection

City Attorney Martineck reported the City Commission previously passed a resolution to place the extension on the ballot for the June election. This ordinance is for publication in the newspaper but won’t be on the agenda for first reading until after the election.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 Annual Gaming Site Authorization for the following

  1. Valley City Baseball Association at The Clubhouse Lounge
  2. Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at Valley City Town & Country Club
  3. Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at Youth Sports Complex

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

Consider Police Officer COVID-19 hazard pay

Police Chief Hatcher requested $500 additional pay per month for nine police officers who are in the field. Hatcher has funds available through officer vacancies. Hatcher is requesting authorization for three months from March 15 to June 15. Hatcher reported increased percentage of calls for domestic violence and substance abuse over the same time last year.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve as requested, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll call: Powell – aye; Bishop – aye; Erickson – nay; Magnuson – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.

Consider options for street light fixtures on 5th Avenue NW

Commissioner Erickson reported support for acorn lights from Jeff Edwards [Streetscape Committee Chair] & Bobby Koepplin [Streetscape Committee & Beautification Committee Member]. Erickson prefers lanterns as light disperses downward. Erickson recommends lanterns be installed.

Commissioner Erickson moved to purchase lanterns, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider Construction Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Paving Improvement District No. 121 – 2020 Seal Coat

Chad Petersen from KLJ requested approval of the construction engineering agreement for the 2020 seal coat project which includes five areas in town. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-June. The contract is an hourly not to exceed capped at $11,500.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the agreement, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Roll call: Magnuson – aye; Erickson – nay; Powell – aye; Bishop – aye; Carlsrud – aye.

Consider Construction Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Water Main Improvement District No. 101 – 5th Ave NW

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve agreement, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider projects for 2021 North Dakota Water Development Plan

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the State Water Commission requests a development plan every two years. This document has been updated with costs for 2021 water projects. Submission of the plan makes the projects a higher priority for cost-share requests through the State Water Commission. Funding needs to be available for a project to proceed. 

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the information will be presented to SWC.

The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Purchase Agreement re Auditor’s Lot 1 in the SW ¼, Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, between George Gaukler and Bridgetown Development LLP

City Attorney Martineck reported that the agreement is for the Waterfront Meadows plat. Auditor’s Lot 1 will be 8th Avenue. The agreement states that the City will not charge any tap fees in the future. Martineck stated the City has no expenses for this portion of 8th Avenue so there would be no expenses to recover.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Roll Call: Erickson – aye; Bishop – aye; Powell – abstained due to conflict of interest; Magnuson – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.

Discuss Ordinance Creating a Mobile Vendor License

City Attorney Martineck reported the mobile vendor license is currently addressed in both Title 8 & Title 11. Based on the changes recommended, the most appropriate process is for the Planning & Zoning Commission to review the ordinance at its June meeting.

Commissioner Erickson requested coordination with state so that sales tax can be collected. Commissioner Magnuson recommended a fee be charged. Commissioner Bishop concurred.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson reported the VCFD continues celebrations. Magnuson reminded the public that open fires require diligence due to the dry conditions.

Police Chief Hatcher thanked the VCFD & VCPW for their work to clean up the broken road area. Lights and cameras will be installed.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated that PFP Phase III concrete walls are being poured. 5th Avenue NW recycled material is begin removed from the roadway; KLJ has received some dust complaints – contractor will address. Bank Forward called regarding use of parking lot to access the streets – KLJ will install signs to help minimize.

President Carlsrud thanked VCFD & VCPW for efforts on broken road.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:43 PM.

President Dave Carlsrud

06/01/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Good News & Tragedies

  • This past week has seen our ND Smart Start Restart Rating go from “Medium” to “Low” Risk.  Good news; please keep up your good work with your social distancing.
  • We also endured tragedies this week.  A man in Minneapolis, George Floyd died and a police officer has been charged with a degree of murder.  In Grand Forks, another tragedy when an officer, Cody Holte was killed in the line of duty and Deputy Ron Nord was wounded.
  • Life is fragile and these tragedies can’t be “undone”.  We can, however, pray for families and friends of all involved with these terrible actions.  Life is uncertain and none of us is guaranteed another day of life so “call someone”, a family member, a friend or someone you know who could be uplifted by your call to say “hi”, “thank you” or “I love you”. 
  • “To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.(Charlie Brown)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

06/02/2020 Finance Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 2:30 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting online (https://zoom.us/j/94451906824?pwd=YlltYm4xUU1HUndvQVZiZ3JhZG9VQT09) Password 5RNV3K or listen by calling (1-669-900-9128) Webinar ID: 944 5190 6824 Password 418153

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Commission Topics
    1. Discuss Succession Planning for Building/Fire Inspector
  2. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
    1. Discuss Transformer bid (Electric Superintendent Senf)
  3. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
    1. Public Works Capital Budget Update (City Auditor Richter)
    2. Discuss crediting commercial garbage accounts that were closed during the COVID-19 due to ND Governor’s Executive Orders (2020-06, 2020-06.1, 2020-06.2, 2020-06.3) (City Auditor Richter)
  4. Engineering topics:
    1. Discuss local share for I-94 West Business Loop/Main Street hillslide repair scheduled in 2022 (KLJ)
    2. Discuss proposed Mill & Overlay work on 2nd Ave SE and 5th Ave SW (KLJ)
    3. Discuss Permanent Flood Protection Erosion Mitigation Phase 1 (Woodland Park and Riverview Drive) project (KLJ)
  5. Discuss granting easement for non-motorized trail access across city property (west Valley City railroad bed) (Bobby Koepplin)

Adjourn

06/02/2020 City Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting online (https://zoom.us/j/98978843732?pwd=QVpONXRTOEU3Z2tIckd4Zy9RZTI0UT09) Password 5aJ44L or listen by calling (1-669-900-9128) Webinar ID: 989 7884 3732 Password 674864

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)
Oath of Office for City Administrator Gwen Crawford

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from May 19, 2020 meeting

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $                                  
  3. Approve Electrician,  Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor license for
    1. Maple River Electric
    1. On Demand Plumbing
  4. Approve Tree Trimming & Removal License for GS Services

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Bishop             Carlsrud

Public Comments

During the COVID-19 emergency, members of the public may request to make a public comment regarding city business by contacting City Hall (701) 845-1700 by 12 NOON on the day of the meeting to make arrangements.

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

  1. Public Hearing for Annexation of Auditor’s Lot Number 1 of the NE1/4 of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, Barnes County, ND (City Attorney Martineck)

    Declare public hearing open.
    Close hearing.

    Roll Call:          Erickson          Powell              Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1059, an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory described as Auditor’s Lot Number 1 of the NE1/4 of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, Barnes County, ND (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Powell              Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1. Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1056, an Ordinance Repealing Section 2-04-03 of V.C.M.C., relating to residency requirements of appointive officers and employees of city (City Attorney Martineck)

    Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Powell              Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2257, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Permanent Flood Protection Erosion Mitigation Phase 1 (Woodland Park and Riverview Drive) and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids (KLJ)

    Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Approve request for $15,000 (from city sales tax dedicated to economic development) to assist with VC Smart Restart Campaign (Jennifer Feist, Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation)

    Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Carlsrud
  2. Approve purchase of (2) 300KVA 480/277 Padmount Transformers from Resco in the amount of $11,899.47 (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

    Roll Call           Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

COVID-19 Briefing Wednesday at 5:30 PM with City of Valley City and City County Health District logos

05/26/2020 COVID-19 Briefing

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City of Valley City Hosting COVID-19 Response Briefing on May 27

WHO: Officials from City-County Health District, City and County Government, and Barnes County Senior Services are expected to speak.

Speakers will include:

  • Theresa Will – Administrator for City-County Health District
  • Scott Magnuson – Valley City Fire Chief
  • Pat Hansen – Director of Barnes County Food Pantry
  • Bill Carlblom – Barnes County Commissioner  
  • Dave Carlsrud – Valley City Mayor

WHAT: Each organization will provide updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response. All officials will be available following the briefing for questions from media partners.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30pm

WHERE: City of Valley City – City Hall, 254 2nd Ave NE, Valley City, ND 58072

The briefing is closed the public to honor social distancing. Members of the public can view live on City-County Health’s Facebook page, KOVC 1490 AM, BEK Channel 26 and CSI Cable 68.

President Dave Carlsrud

05/25/2020 Mayor’s Message

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BLESSING or CURSE

  • Monday was Memorial Day.  It is a solemn day remembering all military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Please take some time to remember a family member or friend who served our county allowing us to be free.
  • Freedoms, as mentioned above, a blessing or a curse?  With “North Dakota Smart Restart” (NDSR), we can enjoy more freedoms though a wrong choice could put you and others in harms way.  Just because we are FREE to do something doesn’t mean it is the best for us.  Near us numbers of positive tests continue rising creating greater risks.  Please be smart with your decisions, as of Sunday, ND has 1265 positive tests this month.
  • Our Chamber of Commerce and local businesses are diligently researching the safest ways to provide activities for this summer; watch for them. 
  • Do you find yourself in a “funk” over this virus “stuff” occasionally?  I do.  One of the best things for me is to get out for a walk, mow the lawn, ride a bike, trim a tree or sometimes just stepping outside and taking some “deep cleansing breaths”.  “Get up, get dressed and get going”!
  •  “To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.(Charlie Brown)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave Carlsrud

Water Supply & Pressure ISSUE

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UPDATED 2:55 PM: The water supply and water pressure issue has been FIXED. If you are continuing to experience problems, please contact Public Works at (701) 845-0380. Thank you!

As of 5/26/2020 at 10:50 AM, all areas of city are being impacted by water pressure & supply issue. Crews are working on the issue.