THE VIRUS IS SPREADING

April 20, 2020

Greetings Everyone

As you likely know by now we crowding 600 positive tests in North Dakota.  Just a week ago Sunday, we had about 300 so it is SPREADING rapidly!  While there are a few “hot spots” around the state, there are also more and more people around the state who are spreaders.  That means every time we leave our homes, there is a greater chance we can be exposed to the virus. 

I am sure you all are tired of hearing “Social Distancing”, but it is the best tool we have.  We need to continue our efforts by washing hands, staying home unless going out is essential, cover coughs & sneezes.  Remember, the virus doesn’t care if we are family, friends or fellow workers; we have to protect each other with proper Social Distancing.

Blessings and be safe.

The filing deadline for the June 9, 2020 election is April 6, 2020 at 4:00 PM. The ND Attorney General, Al Jaeger stated that NDCC “sets the number of signatures required for a candidate’s name to appear on the ballot for a position in a political subdivision and that cannot be changed.” If you are filing a petition, you will need to submit the following number of signatures:

• Commissioner (2 open positions for 4 year term): 133 signatures
• Park Board (2 open positions for 4 year term): 128 signatures
• Park Board (1 unexpired 4 year term ending June 30, 2022): 128 signatures
• Municipal Judge (1 open position for 4 year term): 133 signatures

In light of COVID-19, circulators may scan the petition and return it electronically to the candidate. Petitions can be transmitted electronically, along with other required documents to City Auditor, Avis Richter at arichter@valleycity.us . Petitions may also be dropped off at the north door of City Hall (254 2^nd Avenue NE) during regular business hours, please call 845-8121 to let the City Auditor know you’ve dropped off a petition.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Hi Again Everyone,

I am a proud citizen of Valley City and North Dakota.

Do you remember the battles with the horrific floods, with portable outhouses everywhere, and we all pulled together and defeated the floodwaters?  Gosh, help came from the VCPS, VCSU, and even a great number of our more “veteran population”.  You filled well over 350,000 sandbags, served food, and helped in any way you could.  As Governor Burgum might say, it was a great example of “North Dakota Tough”.

Today we are battling an opponent completely different from water.  While water can be deadly, we can go to the water, touch it, walk to higher ground, and again be safe.  COVID-19 plays very differently.  Once we have been close to it, we are likely infected and- unlike the floodwater escaping to higher ground- will not save us.  It is deadly, extremely contagious and “business as usual” has to change.  Please be aware we are no longer an isolated area as we have surpassed South Dakota in numbers of cases.  Hello!  Social Distancing must become the new normal because the young, the strong, and the elderly are all susceptible.  Nearly 40% of cases are in the 20, 30 and 40-year old range.

Many of our businesses are open, but are not open for social gatherings at this time.  Purchase your merchandise and go directly to the safety of your home.  *Unessential travel- NO- “hanging with friends”- NO, as you will place yourself and your friends at risk.  When you have a choice, respect the warnings of Social Distancing. 

To battle this, choose “North Dakota Smart” over “North Dakota Tough”.

Blessings and be safe,

Dave Carlsrud

For the latest City Operations & Information, please see https://www.valleycity.us/covid-19/

On Wednesday March 17, Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud declared a state of emergency as a proactive measure to assist in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Not only will the emergency declaration allow the City to tap into state and federal resources and funding if necessary, but the City will be better positioned to take actions that protect the health and safety of Valley City employees and residents.

Pursuant to the Mayor’s emergency powers, and in consultation with city staff, the doors to City Hall, Public Works Service Center, Transfer Station, Water Treatment Plant, and Fire Department will be closed to the public with an anticipated re-open date of April 1.  Protective measures have been taken by the Police Department and the PD lobby will remain open at this time.  City offices are fully staffed and all services will continue to be provided without interruption, including but not limited to fire and police protection, flood protection, garbage collection, and street, water, sewer, and electric service.  The purpose of the closure is to discourage discretionary travel and unnecessary person-to-person contact in the community.

Residents should call or email with any questions, concerns or business matters.  City staff will determine if access to City facilities will be granted depending on the nature of the issue and the City’s ability to handle the issue remotely.

City Commission meetings and City Planning Meetings will continue to be held as previously scheduled in the Commission Chambers at City Hall; however, in furtherance of the emergency declaration access will be limited as follows:

• The doors to City Hall will be locked as indicated above.
• Any interested person must call 701-845-1700 to request access.
• Interested persons will be encouraged to call a conference line or participate remotely (information will be released as soon as possible).
• Residents are highly encouraged to watch the broadcast (live or replay) of commission meetings on BEK channel 26 or CSI channel 68.
• NewsDakota.com and/or KOVC radio will be given an opportunity to livestream all meetings.

Utility Bill Payments

Public Works will provide the following payment options during the emergency closure:

• Auto-pay
  • Complete the Automatic Payment Authorization Form available at www.valleycity.us, and submit to Public Works, PO Box 240, Valley City, ND 58072.
• Payment by check or money:
  • Mail to Valley City Public Works, PO Box 240, Valley City, ND 58072.
  • Drop box located in the parking lot north of the Post Office.
  • Drop box located inside the entryway to Public Works at 254 2^nd Avenue NE
  • Payments deposited in the drop boxes by 8:00 AM will be credited to the previous day’s business activities.
• Cash
  • Cash payments will be accepted in the drop boxes only for the duration of the emergency closure and must be enclosed in an envelope with information that clearly identifies the account holder and account.
• Payment by credit card:
  • Credit card payments will be accepted by phone only for the duration of the emergency closure and only using the account holder’s credit card.  Please call 701-845-0380 during regular business hours.

Contact Information

• City Hall—(701) 845-1700
• Public Works—(701) 845-0380
• Transfer Station—(701) 845-0314
• Police Department—(701) 845-3110
• Fire Department—(701) 845-3351

At this time the City has not acted to prohibit local travel or restrict the operations of businesses in town.  Please call local businesses directly to determine how they are responding to COVID-19.

The City of Valley City will continue to monitor this quickly evolving situation and will follow the recommendations of local, state, and federal health experts.  Residents are also encouraged to rely on accurate and current advice from trusted sources.  Covid-19 related questions will be directed to

• City County Health District—(701) 845-8518, Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm;
• North Dakota Department of Health hotline—(800) 207-2880, daily, 7:00am to 10:00pm;
• Centers for Disease Control online (www.cdc.gov); and
• North Dakota Department of Health online (health.nd.gov).

Most importantly, take steps to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or use the inside of your elbow
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and practice social distancing in general
• If you believe you or a family member is sick please stay home and call a medical professional

While North Dakota, and Valley City in particular, remain at a low risk status for community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, many organizations have begun to take preventative actions in an effort to mitigate future transmission.

The City of Valley City government offices and facilities are committed to remaining accessible to members of the public until it is no longer advisable to do so.

For the safety of our employees and to assist in community mitigation efforts, Valley City residents are highly encouraged to conduct business with the City by phone or email.  Utility payments should be mailed, deposited in the drop box in the front entry of Public Works, or deposited in the drop box in the parking lot behind the Valley City Post Office. 

Residents that require personal service (ie. credit card payments) at City Hall or Public Works may be asked to remain in a designated area while they are being assisted.

Commission meetings are open to the public; however, residents are encouraged to remain at home and watch the broadcast (live or replay) on CSI channel 68 or BEK channel 26.   Members of the public who wish to address a matter of public business at the meeting should call or email City Hall in advance to request time to speak.

• Mail payments to: Valley City Public Works, PO Box 240
• Payment drop box: Public Works entry or USPS rear parking lot
• City Hall phone: 701-845-1700
• Public Works phone: 701-845-0380
• Transfer Station phone: 701-845-0314

Additional information and updates available at: www.valleycity.us