Category Archives: Announcements

2.15.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • February has seemed like the month where we begin crawling out of winter.  I have always felt once we hit February, we would have cold snaps, but they are shorter, so much for that theory. Oh well, patience, there is some warmer weather in the forecasts.
  • Be friendly spread some happiness.  Say “Hi” to people you don’t know, wave to people walking and driving.  “Reach out and touch someone” you haven’t visited in a while with a phone call.
  • “LOVE OF LOCAL” has a good start.  Remember to buy Chamber Bucks in the Rosebud Center at a discount and redeem them in Valley City businesses at full face value. Chamber Bucks cannot be deposited in your bank.  IT’S A GOOD DEAL!!
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518.
  • The mitigations, washing hands, social distancing and masking when we can’t social distance, have put our area in a good position in the battle with COVID.  Please continue mitigating and with more vaccinations, we’ll have a chance!  Thank you for your efforts. 
  • Gosh this has been a long pull, about a year now and I have some “COVID Fatigue”.  This afternoon I was “short” in a statement to my wife, I don’t normally do that and she didn’t deserve it.  That said, I searched “behavior health” and found 1. Getting enough sleep. 2. Healthy eating.  3. Exercise can all help us feel better about life and ourselves.   4.  Practice gratitude, when I am thinking about all for which I have to be grateful, stress is greatly diminished.  
  •  “Don’t wait for people to be friendly, show them how.”      (Henry James)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

2.16.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/97034717705 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 970 3471 7705.

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from the February 2nd Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

  • 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. Bentson Electric
    7. Dakota Electric Construction
    8. Hope Electric
    9. Scott’s Electric
    10. BDT Mechanical
  1. Approve Raffle Permit for the following:
    • Dakota Plains Ag
    • Valley City Music Boosters
    • District 24 Republicans

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

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

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Resolution

New Business

1. Approve the VCBCDC request for $16,254.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2.  Approve changing the April 20th Commission meeting to April 19th to allow for NDLC training.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

3.  Approve to move forward with 2021 Main Street Seal Coat Project.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

4.  Discuss City Mask Plan.  (President Carlsrud)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

5.  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, contingent on their Certificate of Good Standing, and designate it as VC-127.  (Tyler Marthaler)

Roll Call:          Erickson Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon              Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

12.8.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • Well, “How about our WEATHER”?  One thing, if one wants some fresh air, it doesn’t take long to get it. The wind will eventually get “tired” at which time going outside will be tolerable.
  • Barnes County is doing well with COVID numbers again this week; good job folks.  We still must be aware of the “COVID Variance” strain that is out there and it is more contagious than the first one.  We have had about 1200 – 1300 cases of the virus, which represents about 11% of our population.  “Herd Immunity” needs about 75% plus so we are quite a ways from that.  To protect yourself and others, be vaccinated and continue the mitigation practices a bit longer.
  • Valley City employees Tyler Martin, Nick Yokum and Alec Storhoff all completed continuing education in their respective fields.  Thanks for your investment in Valley City guys.
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518 for help. Currently, people 65 with underlying conditions and older are eligible. 
  • * Hey folks, next Sunday is Valentine’s Day, remember the “special ones” in your life.  “Happy Valentine’s Day”.
  • In January Valley City’s municipal power was on 100% of the time!  That is special.  Thanks to Public Works and the Electrical Department.
  • Remember “LOVE OF LOCAL”.  You can purchase your Chamber Bucks at the Rosebud Center and receive a 23-25% discount.  * It is a great way to leverage some of your stimulus check.
  • “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”      (Thomas Aquinas)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

1.19.2021 Commission Meeting Minutes

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Tuesday, January 19th, 2021
Via Zoom


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, PW Manager Jacobsen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Gloria Swart, City Engineer Chad Petersen, Jennifer Feist Aaron Raap, Mike Manstrom, Paul Diegel

Proclamation

President Carlsrud read the proclamation declaring January 31-Feruary 6, 2021 as Catholic Schools Week.

Approval of Agenda

Addition of Proclamation

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the minutes from the January 5th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve 2021 Application to Sell LP Gas for Loves Travel Stop Contingent on the Approval of the Fire Chief.

Fire Chief Magnuson stated due to a change in suppliers, Loves will not have the tanks until closer to the end of February.

No action taken.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing for Approving the Rezone of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. 

City Attorney Martineck stated the area is outside city limits right now.  It is probably zoned as agricultural and is on the agenda to be annexed into the city.  The proposal is for that to be zoned light industrial, I1.

Aaron Raap added they operate under Valley Plains Equipment, owned by Brandt Holdings Company and Nextera is a division of that which is basically the leasing arm.  We plan to build about half the size of the new store in Jamestown.  We have about 12-15 employees and are looking to grow considerably. 

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

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1071, Approving Rezone of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.

City Attorney Martineck stated the recommendation from Planning and Zoning is to approve the rezone and also before any construction starts we need a development agreement in place both with the city and the water district.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1071, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1069, an Ordinance Creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant for Structures to be removed in Accordance with the State Water Commission.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes from the first reading.  This is putting restrictions on properties that were bought out with state water funds.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1070, an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory.

City Attorney Martineck stated we received a petition from Nextera Properties to annex the property where the Valley Plains dealer would be located.  All notifications went out per law.  The only comments we received were from the DOT which will be addressed when the building permits are issued.  Today’s recommendation is to proceed with the approval of the annexation.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2267, Approving PLAT of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.

City Attorney Martineck stated before building permits are issued by the city, the land needs to be platted.  We received an application to PLAT the land where the Valley Plains Dealer will be going.  The recommendation from P&Z is to approve that application.

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

Approve Resolution 2268, Approving Replat of Lot 2 of Hi-Line Estates and Legacy Townhomes PUD.

City Attorney Martineck stated P&Z received an application to PLAT additional townhome buildings in the Legacy Townhomes PUD.  The recommendation from P&Z is to approve that application.  We did receive a couple comments from residents in the neighborhood but I believe those have all been addressed to the satisfaction of P&Z.

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

Approve Resolution 2266, a Resolution Authorizing Refinancing Special Assessment Improvement Bonds of 2011 and 2013.

Finance Director Richter stated she has been working with Mike and supports their refinancing and recommend we proceed.

Mike Manstrom added there is a resolution to hire Ohnstad Twitchell to refinance the 2011 and 2013 projects.  Interest rates are historically low.  We won’t be able to get this done until 4-6 weeks.  If the interest rates increase during that time and there is no savings to the City we would cancel at no cost.  It looks like we could save the city around $85,000-$90,000.  At this time we are just asking for approval to start working on it and will prepare the savings at an upcoming meeting.

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

Approve Resolution 2269, a Resolution Amending Master Fee Scheduled re Fees for Residential Building Permits and Inspections.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is the same thing we did to the commercial fees.  Since we are now contracting out our inspections and bidding processes this allows the city to assess the fees pursuant to our contract with Midwest Inspections.

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

New Business

Approve the VCBCDC request for $15,000 to Support the Shop Local Campaign.

Jennifer Feist stated to stay with the formal process of receiving approval of funds we would request $15,000 of Economic Development funds to support the recently approved $200,000 CARES Act campaign that is being launched.

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

Approve Designating $20,000 from Renew and Replacement Fund 290 for 2021 Sidewalk, Curb, Gutter and Driveway Apron Replacement.

Finance Director Richter the request is for a reimbursement to property owners that would be updating their sidewalks in 2021.  There would be a 25% reimbursement to that property owner contingent on providing the City with a quote or estimate from a contractor prior, having a city staff look to determine that it is something that needs replacing.  Upon completion we need the invoice and would replace the property owner 25% of that invoice.  This has been done in the past and has gone well.

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

Approve Gaming Site Authorization for ND Chapters of delta Waterfowl Inc. on February 27, 2021 at the Valley City Eagles Club 2192.

Finance Director Richter stated this is an ongoing annual event.  The fees have been paid and the application is in good order.

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

Approve Task Order for Design Engineering for Master Lift Station Upgrades.

Chad from KLJ both N4 and N5 were two project that were included in the 2021 PW capital budget.  In a previous meeting it was recommending to move on these projects.  The first step is to get the design engineering under contract.  N4 is relating to the Master Lift Station, an hourly contract not to exceed $23,350 to prepare the specs and get out the bid or quotes depending on what the final estimate is.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Bishop-aye       Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Approve Task Order for Design Engineering for West End Lift Station.

Chad from KLJ stated this is the same as stated above but for the replacement of the West End Lift Station.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon

Magnuson-aye              Bishop-aye       Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Approve Task Order for Preliminary Engineering for 6th Street NW Reconstruction Project.

Chad from KLJ stated this was the project that the city recently went thru the procurement process.  The project is primarily funded thru the NDDOT so this project requires the DOT’s project development. This first ask is the first stage.  Once we are through this they would come back for the final design engineering component.  This project is an hourly not to exceed contract.  Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2022.

As Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Bishop-nay      Gulmon-aye     Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Approve Amendment to Engineer-Owner Agreement for Paving Improvement District 119 & 119B (7th Ave W and 2nd Ave NE).

Chad from KLH stated this goes back to 2018.  The project was originally bid with the full project as described in 2019.  Bids came over what was budgeted so bids were rejected.  In December the City received funds through the state for infrastructure projects.  Since the bids were over 2 years old, updates have been made.  Conversations have taken place with the state engineer’s office about reapplying for the funds for the water main portion so we will resubmit that as part of this package.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Bishop-nay      Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Discuss City Mask Plan.

President Carlsrud stated we were following the Governors order and he made a significant change so right now our mask mandate has expired.  Do we want to go without or extend?

Commissioner Gulmon feels it is important to extend the mandate.  Were so close to getting vaccines to our community and we have a responsibility of trying to support our public health and provide safeguards to our community.  I think we should extend for another 30 days.

Commissioner Erickson does not want to extend.  I think we should leave it up to the businesses if they want to enforce it or not.  We shouldn’t be pushing it on any more than we have already.

Commissioner Bishop stated he has spoken with a fair amount of people since the mandate has been lifted.  If the schools and businesses want to require masks that’s up to them but I think it’s time we let adult make their own decisions.

Commissioner Magnuson stated at first he wasn’t huge on expanding it but beings as close as we are.  I think the businesses could do it but it’s easier if they have something to go back on.  I’m in favor of one month.

Commissioner moved to extend the mask mandate until February 19th, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Bishop-nay      Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

City updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck stated the small cell tower movement.  When it comes to town they’re going to be putting up a lot of new infrastructure that we can’t stop but we can to some extent control how it happens.  We are working with DOT to have some control over the DOT right of way so when Verizon or AT&T comes in with their equipment we will be responsible for the permitting process.  We also need to look at an ordinance so we have a little more control in the areas of town where 5G equipment might be going in.  If you can imagine a backpack size piece of equipment about every 300 feet on a tower, that’s what we’ll be looking at.  So if we can control any aspect of that whether it’s the fees, the aesthetics, those are the types of provisions that we can put in place.  I would expect a proposed ordinance at the Finance meeting next month and possibly a first reading at the following Commission meeting.

Finance Director Richter stated at the last meeting we approved the PILOT for Trademark Tooling contingent on the lease.  They are still working on getting the lease.  We will need to back up the Public Hearing date until we receive the lease.

President Carlsrud thanks all the employees, we had some snow and a lot of work in the offices and evidently you’re making it look easy.  Shout out to Jennifer for the work she does on behalf of the Development Corporation of Valley City and her hand that she’s had on the amendment that we are working to get through to the House and the promotion upcoming with the Chamber.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:46 P.M.

Blinks in power

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If you are experiencing short blinks in your power, please bear with us. The power lines have a build up of ice and frost on them, causing the blinks in power. Unfortunately we will continue to experience this until we get some sunshine.

Holiday Closure & Garbage Plan

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Public Works, City Hall offices and Transfer Station will be closed Monday, February 15th for President’s Day. Monday’s garbage route will be picked up on Tuesday. Tuesday’s route will be picked up on Wednesday. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will follow the regular pick-up schedule. Garbage should be out by 7:00AM

2.1.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • Congratulations.  With your efforts our COVID Numbers reached a point where the Governor declared North Dakota is now at the Green Risk Level.  Great job everyone!
  • That we are “Green”, more opportunities are available to us such as greater seating capacities in restaurants, bars and large venues.  That said, how about checking activities schedules at VCPS, St. Catherine’s and VCSU.  There are still some ballgames to be played and perhaps it would work out for you to give the kids a “boost” by your attendance where allowed.
  • The other day I drove for one of our local car dealerships.  Did you know our local dealers would search for nearly any kind of vehicle for which you may be looking?  Stop in and check them out …… “Give it a shot”.
  • Barnes County is in a good position with COVID as of this writing.  Until vaccinations are almost complete, it is important we continue doing the things that allowed us to reach the Green Risk Level.  Wash hands, Social Distance and Mask-up when we cannot Social Distance.  Thank you.
  • If you want COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518 for help. Currently, people 75 and older are eligible. 
  • Watch for information on “Love of Local”.  About $240,000.00 of CARES Funding will be used to provide approximately 23-25% savings for people who purchase Chamber Bucks to be redeemed in Valley City businesses.  * It is a great way to leverage some of your stimulus check.
  •  “People should take time to be happy.”    (Grandma Moses, rural American Life Painter)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

2.2.2021 Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/98304864205 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 983 0486 4205

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from January 19th Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for the Express Wrestling of Valley City for the activity dates of 1/1/2021-6/30/2021.
  2. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for the Disabled American Veterans for the activity dates of 7/31/2021-6/30/2022.
  3. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited for the activity date of 4/8/2021.
  4. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for El Zagal Sheyenne Valley Flag Corps for the activity date of 8/21/2021.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          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

1.  Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1070, an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2.  Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1071, Approving Rezone of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

3.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1072, an Ordinance enacting a new section of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to Wireless Telecommunication Facility Guidelines.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

 1.  Approve Resolution No. 2270, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Paving             Improvement District No. 119 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resolution No. 2271, a Resolution Approving Paving Improvement District No. 119B and             Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3.  Approve Resolution No. 2272, a Resolution Approving Sanitary Sewer District No. 64 and Authorizing             Engineer to Advertise for Bids.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

4.  Approve Resolution No. 2273, a Resolution Approving Storm Sewer District 52 and Authorizing Engineer to         Advertise for Bids.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

 5.  Approve Resolution No.  2274, a Resolution Approving Water Main District No. 100 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids.  (KLJ)

 Roll Call:         Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

6.  Approve Resolution No. 2275, a Resolution Amending Master Fee Schedule – Residential Building Permit and Inspection Fees.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

1.  Approve the VCBCDC request for $10,000 for marketing.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Approve Gaming Site Authorization for Valley City State University Foundation on February 1st, 2021 through June 30th 2021 at Brockopp Brewing.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Review and award bids for 2021 vehicle purchase.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

2.2.2021 Finance Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 3:30 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/93998991299 or Listen by calling (1-253-215-8782) Webinar ID: 939 9899 1299

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda Items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)

3. Discuss changing the April 20th, 2021 Commission Meeting Date for NDLC training. (Deputy Auditor Klein)

4.  Discuss making whole the negative cash balances in the Water (-95,748) and Street (-136,175) funds.  (PW Manager Jacobson)

5.  Discuss offering a bill credit of $5 for utility customers agreeing to go paperless by providing an email address.  (PW Manager Jacobson)

6.  Discuss Residential Building Permit and Inspection Fees.  (City Administrator Crawford)

7.  Discuss SRO Agreement.  (Police Chief Hatcher)

8. Discuss 2021 vehicle bids.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

9. Discuss Main Street Seal Coat Project.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

Adjourn