Category Archives: Announcements

3.2.2021 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 Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, and Commissioner Gulmon.

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Electrical Superintendent Senf, Police Chief Hatcher, PW Superintendent Klemisch, Fire Chief Magnuson, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, Water Plant Supervisor Hesch, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Tracy Eslinger from Moore.

1.  Department Reports:

            Water Plant Supervisor Hesch stated he received his consumer confidence packet and has been in    touch with ND Rural Water.  They should be coming next week and it’s all set up to go to the printer.            The quality of water coming in from the river is good for the winter time.  We’re buffering it with the          well water right now so it’s staying at the 46 degrees.  We received our tractor combo which has            helped clean away all the snow.  We plan to get lots of good use out if that.

            Electrical Superintendent Senf reported three outages for the month.  Wind and ice were a factor,     one was a connector and the other was the rolling black out which was out of our control.  Other than     we’re trimming trees and doing a thermal scan that we had done by MRES and fixing those issues.

            Fire Chief Magnuson reported 15 fire calls last month, ten city, four rescue and one rural call.  We     started having drill the second Thursday of February.  Extinguisher business is going well.  Since we            started we have sold 45 fire extinguishers, 76 inspections, 26-6 year services and so far to date we           have taken in $4,634.  We did get our ISO audit back and it was a good report.  The city stays at a   level 4, for a volunteer department that’s good.  Our rural did get a better rating. They let us use some         of our city infrastructure.  The biggest issue that gets us is the hydrants.  We were probably about 5 points from moving up to the next level.

            Sanitation Supervisor Swart reminded businesses to have the areas clean around their dumpsters.      Also, for everyone to have their garbage out by 7 am.

            PW Superintendent Klemisch reported they went around town and got as much snow off the streets they could.  We’ve also been going around trimming trees.

            Police Chief Hatcher reported they have been busy with some large scale events that have taken        place recently.  Due to the nice weather we are able to get our windows replaced sooner.  We received           an AED grant so those will be getting replaced with the next generation.

            Finance Director Richter reported that we are selling Chamber Bucks at the Auditor’s Department    now.  Kudos to Brenda and Brandy, they are really doing a nice job taking care of the people that are          coming in for them.

            City Assessor Hansen stated the Equalization Meeting is scheduled for April 13th.

2.  Review monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter reported for February we had bills of about $1.55 million and some of the items included paying our annual WSI bill of $27,000, we have $200,000 in the Chamber Bucks promotion and $12,000 above that for labor and promotion that we paid out to the Chamber.  The PD purchased their Durango which was about $26,500, the electrical department had their substation repairs at about $56,000 and also purchased a skid steer at about $65,000.  The water treatment plant purchased their mower for $46,000 and the slope mower that will be shared by a couple of different departments for $58,850 and also our monthly purchase power for about $371,000.  The balance is payroll, benefits and operations.

Commissioner Gulmon added that due to the increase in fees we were able to remove the Midwest Inspection $50,000 from the Cares Act funds so that will leave a balance in those funds from 2020 to $88,117.

3. Discuss Load Pass.

            City Administrator Crawford stated that we had several times this year where people would     apply for an overweight permit and all the City would collect was the $25 permit fee.  We were          not collecting the amount for the actual overage fees.  With Load Pass you pay the $1500 set up          fee and $500 membership and they do all the work and the city would still see a profit.

4.  Discuss requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.

            City Commissioner Gulmon stated the committee keeps coming back to the lime pit area even   though there is a significant cost in site prep which is some of the reason we’re proposing a 5000         sq. ft. building instead if the 10,000 sq. ft.  We agreed we should move forward in requesting funding from the State Water Commission.  If we move forward it would be a 2022 project.  The   main goal for this project is to get the flood walls protected.

5.  Discuss bids for Paving Improvement District 119/119B (7th Ave W/4th St NW/2nd Ave NW).

            Chad Peterson from KLJ stated we opened bids for this project and received three.  The            engineers estimate for the project was just under $3.3 million.  The bids ranged from $2,925,187     to just under $3.5 million.  Sellin Brothers was the low bidder.  At this time we are not ready to        recommend awarding the project at the commission level.  We do need to review the bids with   the NDDOT to make sure everything is in order.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:25 PM.

3.15.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks, J

  • Many areas around the United States have had awful snow, rain and tornado events recently.  We have much for which are to be grateful.
  •  Tesa Klein, North Dakota Winter Show (NDWS) Manager, her team and the NDWS Directors, facilitated a really good show last weekend.  There were many vendors, good crowds and beautiful weather.  Thank you all for your efforts, great job.
  • One of many grand NDWS Events was Sunday morning’s Cowboy Church.  A young couple, Courtney and Austin, shared a  few heartfelt, touching messages.  If you are intrigued, watch for it next year.
  • The 10-day weather forecast looks to be favorable though I am keeping our snow blower in the garage for “insurance”. Getting out in this nice weather is good for our behavioral health.  Our dog just took me for a walk after which we bonded with some grooming sheers.  She was pretty matted so while she feels better, the next cut will have her looking better too. 
  • To paraphrase the report from Bald Hill Dam, the pool of the lake is as low as the Corps of Engineers want it to be for spring.  That there is no inflow from runoff at this time, releases will be minimal.
  • This week a good number of COVID Vaccines are expected to arrive. Make your appointment now at: City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.                                                                                
  • “Young people need models, not critics.”      (John Wooden)                                                   

Blessings, Be Kind, Safe and Pray

Dave

3.16.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, at the 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/93640711145 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 936 4071 1145

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from the March 2nd Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License for the following:

  • Tim’s Plumbing LLC.
  • Sheyenne River Repair.

B. Approve Rally in the Valley Parade on June 19th, 2021 on Central Ave from Dairy Queen to 4th St S.

C.  Approve Raffle Permit for the Valley City Fire Department at the Eagles on April 30th, 2021.

D.  Approve Block off Street request for Valley City High School Prom on May 1st from 4th St NW from Central Ave to 2nd Ave. 

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           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.

Ordinance

Resolution

1.  Approve Resolution 2277, a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resolution 2278, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans, Specifications & Estimates of Probable Cost for Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Approve Resolution 2279, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

4.  Approve the following Resolutions relating to Projects 119 and 119B.  (KLJ)

  • Resolution 2280, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2281, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119B, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2282, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Sanitary Sewer District No. 64, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2283, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Storm Sewer District No. 52, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2284, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Water Main District No. 100, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

1.  Approve request from the Water Trail Committee of up to $1000 for the install of low head dam signage with applicable posts and hardware.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Discuss quotes for 7 year lease of heavy equipment.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

            Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Approve the City Administrator to move forward with negations for PFP Cold Storage Building.  (City Administrator Crawford)

            Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Water outage

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The Street department will be working on a water leak this morning in the NW part of town on 8th Ave. The work will start around 9:30 and some residents will be out of water.  Everyone should be up and running by the end of the day.

Temporary Burn Ban

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TEMPORARY BURN BAN

March 9th,2020 A Burn Ban has been put in place

Barnes County is under abnormally dry conditions; and whereas, the impact of fires could threaten the health, well-being, and safety of citizens in Barnes County

This includes the burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage/pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue or hay land, sloughs, fire pits and campfires/bonfires. Residents are allowed to use their gas grills so long as the monitor them and ensure they are completely extinguished when done using them.

ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES THIS BURN BAN IS GUILTY OF A CLASS b MISDEMEANOR, WHICH CARRIES A PENALTY OF UP TO 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND A $1,500.00 FINE PER INCIDENT, AS WELL AS THE COST FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION.

Public Input Meeting – 6th St NW Reconstruction

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Why?

To discuss the proposed road reconstruction project along 6th St NW, from 5th Ave NW to Central Ave N, in Valley City, North Dakota. The proposed project would consist of roadway reconstruction, including hot mix asphalt surfacing; curb and gutter; sidewalk and Americans with Disability Act improvements; decorative lighting; and storm sewer, water main, and sanitary sewer improvements.

When?

March 25, 2021

Formal Presentation 5:15 p.m.

Open House: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where?

Hi-Line Activity Center (HAC)

493 Central Ave N, Valley City, North Dakota

Open House Conducted By

City of Valley City, KLJ Engineering,

and Moore Engineering

This meeting is designed to allow for public input which is required for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 and National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Representatives from the City of Valley City, KLJ Engineering, and Moore Engineering

will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.

WRITTEN STATEMENTS or comments about this project must be mailed by April 9, 2021, to:

Chad Petersen, P.E.

KLJ Project Manager

1010 4th Avenue Southwest

Valley City, North Dakota 58072

or

ValleyCity6thStreetNW@kljeng.com

Note “Public Input Meeting” in email subject heading.

The City of Valley City will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide:

  • an accessible meeting facility or other accommodation for people with disabilities,
  • language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), and
  • translations of written material necessary to access NDDOT programs and information.

Appropriate provisions will be considered when the Department is notified at least 10 days prior to the meeting date or the date the written material translation is needed. To request accommodations, contact Gwen Crawford, City Administrator, at 701-845-8120 or gcrawford@valleycity.us. TTY users may use Relay North Dakota 711 or 1-800-366-6888.

3.8.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everybody,

  • Following the 2 weeks of really cold weather; isn’t it nice having our current weather?  Remember, fresh air and sunshine are things that can help us achieve good attitudes for each of us so take advantage of them.
  • Did you know that 7:00 AM, noon and 5:30 PM are the times we have our greatest demands for electricity?  The 7:00 AM demand lasts about 2.5 hours while the noon and 5:30 demands are about an hour-and-a-half each.  When a demand spike is too high, our cost of electricity is higher.  You can help ease demand by running washers, dryers and dishwashers at other times.  Perhaps try running the dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer over night.  Every little bit helps, thank you. 
  • RIGHT OF WAY.  When vehicles arrive at uncontrolled intersection, we are to “YIELD” TO THE RIGHT, thus “Right of Way”.  Pedestrians have “Right of Way” at intersections and crosswalks.  “Being courteous is contagious, catch it.”
  • Recently there have been drivers who have been driving over the speed limit and some instances where drivers within the speed limit, were driving too fast for conditions. If it is slippery 25 MPH may be too fast.  If in the area of schools or other gatherings of people, 15 MHP could be too fast.  If there is an uncontrolled intersection, don’t feel you can drive through and be safe at 25 MPH.  Let’s all be defensive drivers and help keep each other safe. 
  • THE NORTH DAKOTA WINTER SHOW will be March 10-14.  Get your event tickets now.  FREE ENTRANCE to the building.
  •  “LOVE OF LOCAL”.  Buy Chamber Bucks in the Rosebud Center or City Hall at a discount and redeem them in Valley City businesses at full face value. Each person can purchase up to $1,000.00 worth (including prior purchases).
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.                                                       
  • “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”      (Mother Teresa)                                                    

Blessings, Be Kind, Be Safe and Pray

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.16.2021 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 present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, City Engineers Chad Petersen and Tracy Eslinger, Jennifer Feist, Tyler Marthaler, Tony Shooshani

Approval of Agenda

Remove contingency on NB-5

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the minutes from the January 19th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A.  Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:

  1. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
    1. Peterson Mechanical Inc.
    2. Kohn Electric LLC
    3. Enterprise Electric, Inc
    4. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.
    5. Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
    6. Bentsen Electric
    7. Dakota Electric Construction
    8. Hope Electric
    9. Scott’s Electric
    10. BDT Mechanical
  1. Approve Raffle Permit for the following:
    1. Dakota Plains Ag
    2. Valley City Music Boosters
    3. District 24 Republicans

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

Ordinance

Approve first reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies. 

City Attorney Martineck stated based on some of the activity in town that we’ve seen over the last 9-10 months it seems we’re at the point where we need to regulate the way people are picketing and protesting.  A lot of research went into this to protect people’s freedom of speech but when it gets to the point that it turns into harassment and threatening behavior we have to start looking at it differently.  This ordinance puts restrictions on time sand places where a person can set up to protest or picket.  If they do plan to set up a picketing or protesting event they’re supposed to notify the PD in advance.  If there’s any intent to use a noise amplifying device that would be prohibited during certain hours.  It’s basically put in place to protect the public that’s coming into City Hall and other government buildings, schools and the court house.  They are here to do legitimate business and it is here to protect the employees and other officials that work at those places so they can get their work done without being harassed at those places.  Anybody that violates this ordinance would be guilty of an infraction which has a maximum of a $1000 fine, no jail time involved so it would be up to the court to determine what the fine would be.      

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

New Business

Approve the VCBCDC request for $16,254.

Jennifer Feist stated we had received approval for small project funding.  I should have included the I-94 corridor, the property we own.  We do pay taxes out of that fund for a couple of other properties so this would reimburse us for $8,000 last year and the $8,500 this year.  What we’ll end up doing is just return the 2020 dollar amount to the taxing authorities.

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

Approve changing the April 20th Commission meeting to April 19th to allow for NDLC training.

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

Approve to move forward with 2021 Main Street Seal Coat Project.

City Administrator Crawford stated going forward as a project is done we will have a motion that straight out says what is being approved to make it easier if we have to track it back.

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

Discuss City Mask Plan.

President Carlsrud stated our mask mandate expires so we have three choices.  We can wait until Friday and allow it to expire, have action today to end it today or have action to extend. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to ending it today, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Commissioner Gulmon stated recently the CDC had a statement that they are encouraging people to wear masks to mitigate the COVID.  Speaking with Theresa at CCH she had indicated that out of 1291 people over 75 about 51% had been vaccinated, and from 65-74 almost 31% had been vaccinated.  There is certainly reason to still wear masks to protect those vulnerable people but I understand that we’re getting tired and maybe need to take a break.  If the numbers go back up we may need to address it again.

City Attorney Martineck stated we had the original emergency COVID declaration back on March 17th and then we had the mask plan emergency order that went into place on October of last year.  My understanding is that the motion made today will end the mask plan but leave the original emergency plan in place.  If that is not the intent we would want a clear motion of what the intent was.

Commissioner Magnuson clarified his motion is to end the mask mandate, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve application by Valley Bridges Properties, LLC at 753 8 ½ Ave NW for the 5 year property tax and 5 year income tax exemption up to $300,000 for construction of new home and designate it as VC-127.

Finance Director Richter stated we received the Certificate of Good Standing so we remove that contingency.

Tyler Marthaler from the RZ Board stated Tony Shooshani is the owner of Valley Bridges Property is on the call as well and can answer questions.

Commissioner Gulmon questioned that he thought the maximum was $250,000.

Finance Director Richter stated the increase was approved by Commission action.

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

City updates & Commission Reports

City Administrator Crawford updated that the Chamber Bucks promotion is going well.  There were a few people that were having issues getting in there between 9-3 and if there is anyone that cannot make it between those times they need to call the Chamber and they will make arrangements to help them.  We are also working with a company called LoadPass.  It’s a group out of western ND that has been slowly making their way east.  They do the overweight permits for you.  Previously we charged $25 for someone that called in for an overweight permit but we weren’t charging for the actual fees for the overweight portion. LoadPass would do that for us.  We’ve been working with Clint and Kevin on a list of things we think are necessary and issues they have for the water tower.  Once we get that we will bring in KLJ/Moore to go over that when it’s complete.  Brenda has been working with KLJ/Moore on getting the information out for the 7th Ave project.  In the information we will include that PW is testing for lead lines and there may be some money available for reimbursement to those that replace them and also shallow lines.  Also want to thank all the employees that have been out in the cold weather.   

City Attorney Martineck stated if you recall at the last meeting we had the first reading of the ordinance regarding wireless communication technology.  We have received a lot of good feedback regarding the provisions that went into the ordinance and the contract with DOT.  Hopefully we will have all the issues resolved and put in front of the commission in March again

Finance Director Richter stated in a previous meeting we had an application request for a PILOT for Trademark Tooling which was approved contingent on receiving the a copy of the lease on the building.  We have received it and will be setting up for a public hearing.

Sanitation Supervisor Swart added that we are still looking for a Sanitation Specialist I so if you know anybody please send them our way.  Thank you to our garbage crew for all their hard work and being able to muddle through all this cold weather.

Fire Chief Magnuson just a reminder it is still cold out.  Check your sewer and furnace vents and remember to change your filters.  Also add water to your drains to keep the sewer gas from coming up.

Chad Petersen stated 6th St NW we had a scoping meeting and discussed the vision for that project.  We are currently working on the dates and times for the public involvement meeting which will probably be in March some time.

City Administrator Crawford added that we are doing the bid opening for the 7th Ave project on February 26th at City Hall.     

Commissioner Gulmon stated the Chamber Bucks that have been issued for the Love of Local program is $242,000 so there’s lots of opportunity left.  Shout out to Marshall and his staff for handling the recent mandatory blackouts that are happening.  I’m sure their phones were ringing off the hook.

Commissioner Erickson thanks to the city crews for working out in this cold.

President Carlsrud thanks to the employees in general for getting out in the cold and going to and doing your job.  Today was a unique experience in the electrical department.  It was levels above us and nobody had any control over the black outs.  The communication was poor but I assure you it was not the city that was causing the poor communication.  They have been working hard at getting any information they can. 

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:48 P.M.

Snow Removal

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Street department will start moving snow this morning on emergency routes and hills then branch off into residential areas starting in the Northeast section of town and work clockwise.  Work will resume at midnight downtown and finishing the residential areas when downtown is completed.