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11.06.2020 Special Commission Meeting Minutes

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Valley City Special Commission Meeting

Friday, November 6th, 2020

12:00 PM Meeting, via Zoom


President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher, VCSU President, Dr. Buhr, CCH Director Theresa Will

Approval of Consent Agenda

1.  Approval of Raffle Permit for the Art Club Valley City High School.

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

New Business

1.  Discuss COVID

President Carlsrud stated we are now in orange.  The bullets were sent as to where we should be with our rulings and procedures at the orange level. 

Information on the orange level:

 -Only essential workers and essential travel are recommended.

-For businesses choosing to remain open the following is recommended:  Wear facemasks and all non-essential businesses are limited to 25% rated room capacity while social distancing.

-Limit individual family groups, party sizes to one household or 10 people per party.

-Outdoor spaces follow industry specific Smart Restart protocols.

-Operators should post their temporary occupancy limit on all entrances.

-High risk individuals and their care givers should avoid crowds and large gatherings.

-Cancel gatherings of all size where social distancing cannot be maintained.

The next thing is to discuss group events, any thoughts?

Commissioner Bishop stated he’s not sure where churches are at right now but that may need to be addressed for them to cut back to the 25% and encouraging masks for everybody including restaurants and bars.

Dr. Buhr stated when you read some information it says where a mask when you can’t stay 6 feet apart.  That doesn’t hold because if you cough that can go further than 6 feet.  I say you are very close to shutting down bars and restaurants again.  I feel nothing will work if you don’t see a sign requiring you to wear a mask.  Some enforcement of that is a good idea of course but this facility requiring you to wear a mask is the biggest thing.

Theresa Will added she agrees with Dr. Buhr but there are some common sense things people are ignoring.  If you get in a vehicle with someone that is not in your household, you need a mask.  If you are in employment somewhere and you have other employees, you need to wear a mask.  That will help keep your business open.  Don’t go for lunch or sit at a meal with people that aren’t in your group.  As City and County employees we can be examples, I encourage us to mask.  We are working on a Mask Campaign and will be going door to door with information for businesses offering hand sanitizer, masks and a poster for their window.

Josh Johnson at the school district emailed they have very few cases but they have a number that are in quarantine and kids are going home and getting it from their parents.

VCSU President Al Lafave stated they have been doing okay as a campus.  They have a mask requirement and several protocols in place.  The number that is impacting them is the quarantine.  11 students on campus 38 off campus and 11 employees because of close contact.  Our dashboard will also include a tab that shows recovered cases.  We are looking at carefully post-Thanksgiving, we are concerned about what could happen after due to students traveling home.  We have a large number of students that have chosen to synchronous in their course delivery post-Thanksgiving.  We are here to support the City & County in what we can do to help get that message out.  I do see a higher use of mass in the community.

City Attorney Carlsrud questioned a requirement for anybody planning for a larger event would need to receive permission prior and discuss what restriction they are putting in place to follow the guidelines.

Commissioner Bishop feels it’s a good idea to know what is going on.  What’s the number we put on that they have to get permission.

Commissioner Gulmon feels it is time to implement a mask mandate.  We should also, along with CCH and the Chamber, send information to our businesses to hang.  We don’t’ want our businesses to close again.  Also, other places have imposed an 11 PM bar closing, is that something we should we discuss?

Commissioner Magnuson stated he is in favor of 11 PM bar closings.  From what I seen there are a lot of issues with the healthcare.  Until you get those fixed you have walking time bombs out there that don’t even know it.  Testing earlier and getting test results back earlier than 7 days is a must.  If you don’t have to go out, don’t.  If you or your kids aren’t feeling well, don’t go to work or school.  We are becoming complacent and passing things off as allergies or a cold.

President Carlsrud stated a comment from the Governor was that they were partnering with additional places to help speed up the results.

City Attorney Martineck stated under the previous COVID 19 emergency that was signed we have the ability to make any additional restrictions or guidelines necessary.

Sharon Buhr, Chair of the CCH Board, stated she would like to bring up two things.  We will be going door to door to businesses with the words mask up but we need the words to come from you in order to say “mandate.”  Also the money.  We won’t be charging anything to go door to door but we do need funds so we can do mass media campaigns.  So I am asking from our board to your board for some monetary support.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to form a committee to assess large group requests, close bars and restaurants at 11 PM and enact a mask mandate for a 30 day timeframe; seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Commissioner Bishop- aye Commissioner Gulmon-aye Commissioner Erickson-nay Commissioner Magnuson –aye Commissioner Carlsrud –aye

Motion carried.

President Carlsrud requested thoughts around actions keeping our employees safe.

Commissioner Magnuson requested the same as last spring. Social distance, spread out breaks, wash hands, wear masks.  Not proposing closing buildings at this time.

Meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM

11/3/2020 Commission Meeting Minutes

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The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT 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, Deputy Auditor Klein, PW Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Approval of Agenda

Added NB2 – To Discuss the Second Half Beer/Liquor License installment.

Form Committee for PFP Storage.

Discuss Future Outlook of the City.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the 10/20/2020 minutes seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

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 $1,566,701.65.

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

1.  Approve First reading of Ordinance No. 1066, an Ordinance Approving Franchise Agreement with Qwest/Century Link.  (City Attorney Martineck)

City Attorney Martineck stated Qwest/Century Link currently provides services to Valley City.  Typically a renewal is done every 10 years.  We’ve been trying to renegotiate an agreement since March 2019.  We are at a point now we are ready to move forward.  The Ordinance provided by them is a good start byut is recommending we make changes before approving.

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

Resolution

1.  Approve Resolution No. 2264, a resolution accepting bid and awarding contract to Strata Corporation for Project No. UGP-SU-2-999(051), PCN 22280-Streetscape Phase II.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the DOT received three bids for the project ranging from $2.2-2.5 million, the Engineers estimate was $2.18 million.  Total project cost is $2,868,000 with the local share approximately $725,000.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to accept the bid from Strata in the amount of $2,197,370 and with the motion would like to identify the additional local share that was not previously identified totaling $254,000 coming from the Cares Act and R&R Funding, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

New Business

  1. Approve Annual Maintenance Certification for urban federal aid projects.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated with all of the projects that are on the NDDOT we entered into a Cost Participation and Maintenance Agreement.  Every year the DOT has the City certify that we are maintaining as outlined. 

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

2.  Approve second half liquor and beer license installment.

Deputy Auditor stated in the previous minutes it was stated to reevaluate the second installment when it came time due to waiving the first installment because of the shutdown.

Commissioner Bishop feels they should pay the installment, they have been able to operate.

Consensus was to bill the second installment as usual.

3.  Form a committee for PFP storage.

Commissioner Magnuson stated he has formed the committee which consists of himself, Commissioner Gulmon, Deputy Auditor Klein, Superintendent Klemisch, City Administrator Crawford and requested Chad from KLJ sit in on a few of the first meetings.

4.  Discuss Future Outlook of City.

Commissioner Magnuson stated this is pretty broad but I wanted to discuss.  The citizens put us in charge of not only helping maintain property tax but reduce it, finding better ways of doing things in the community, increase and promote business which drives sales tax dollars which pay for a lot of things.  It was more of a topic to see what everyone’s vision is for Valley City.  We had a study put together a while ago and the community decided what they would like to see and how they would like to see the City grow.  I think it’s up to us to help grow that vision of the citizens of Valley City. I would like everyone to think of how we can promote the business down town and have more come to town and maybe some incentives to bring people and businesses in. 

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated there are several contracts being reviewed.  Valley Implements, Barnes Rural Water, Qwest/Century Link. Lots of different clean-up for example the trees.  People have been cleaning up their areas.  Brandi and Lance with the help of Phil and his crew are doing a really good job of getting things cleaned up the way we have to in order to keep it legally responsible.

Thank you to Sandy for all the work on those lots.

2 hour parking signs for downtown will go in spring because of the delay.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson reported that they have been working on the Public Works budget.  All the numbers are together from the department heads.  We will be starting meetings through next week to discuss the numbers.  Starting on the 16th we will start meeting with the portfolio holders to go over the different budgets.

Fire Chief Magnuson expressed his thanks to the members on his department for the help with the Halloween events taking place and keeping social distancing order.  We are having some issues with the warmer weather people think they can burn leaves.  There is an ordinance that you cannot burn leaves.

Commissioner Gulmon is asking the community to do what they can to help prevent the spread of the virus.  Also, I was sent the hours that were spent by the members of the Beautification Committee.  I think it was over 400 hours in the community and I would like to thank each one of them.

Commissioner Magnuson said it is beautiful out, get out and walk.  The new light on 5th Ave and in the Park are beautiful.

Mayor Carlsrud added to do what you can to help slow the spread. Mask up when you can’t social distance.  Thank you to our department heads and to all our employees for all your efforts.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:35 PM

11/16/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Barnes County,

  • Well, our weather has certainly been living up to North Dakota Standards.  What is the old saying, “If you don’t like our weather, wait a few minutes, it will change”? With the nice days sprinkled in our weeks, make opportunities to get out and enjoy them. The air smells great.
  • The Corona Virus is ravaging our nation.  Our Barnes County positives have increased 137 in the last three days!   
  • Governor Burgum and the State Health Officer issued four mitigation orders Friday evening                                             
    • Face Covering Order where we cannot socially distance and violation carries a penalty of infraction.                                       
    • Adjusted bar, restaurant and food service venues. 
    • Addressed Tiered Capacity for large gatherings and events.                                   
    • Pauses all school, community, association and club sports until December 14th.
  • People, we have to “come together” if we are to effectively battle the virus.  We must have compassion and respect for our family, friends, co-workers and other citizens to slow the spread.  Remember the virus does not differentiate between family or friends, it will transmit through all contacts regardless of the relationship.  So unless we are with someone from our own household and cannot social distance, Mask-UP.
  • Our City County Health Department has Mask-UP Kits with signage available for use in your building(s).  Please call CCHD at 845-8518.
  • Be compassionate to those less fortunate and respectful to all.

“Friendship is the rainbow between two hearts sharing seven colors.”                        (Snoopy Quotes)                                                   

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

11.17.2020 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom 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/92301265901 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 923 0126 5901

Call To Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from November 3rd and November 6th Meetings.

Proclamation

Shop Small Proclamation

Approval of Consent Agenda

A.  Approve Chamber of Commerce Parade Permit.

Roll Call:  Gulmon          Erickson         Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

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 No. 1067, an Ordinance creating and enacting Section 19-01-08 of Valley City Municipal Code re penalty for violation of City emergency orders. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:     Magnuson Bishop            Gulmon           Erickson           Carlsrud

2.  Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1068, an Ordinance Amending and Reenacting Sections 8-06-07 and 8-06-12 of the Valley City Municipal Code, related to removal of stumps and renewal of licenses.  (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Gulmon          Erickson         Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

1.  Approve Small Projects Funding for 2020 – $20,000. (Jennifer Feist)

          Roll Call:     Bishop            Gulmon           Erickson         Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resource Development Specialist – Funding Increase – $4,000.  (Jennifer Feist)

     Roll Call:     Magnuson       Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson         Carlsrud

3.  Approve R&R Coordinator – Funding Increase – $10,000/year for two years.  (Jennifer Feist)

    Roll Call:      Erickson          Magnuson       Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

4.  Consider Accepting Project No. UGP-SU-2-990(057), PCN 22043-CPR-Streetscape Phase I – Central Ave N     (KLJ)

Roll Call:     Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson         Bishop           Carlsrud

5.  Consider Accepting Project No. SU-SS-2-990(053)057, PCN 21095 – Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 50 (KLJ)

Roll Call:     Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson         Carlsrud

6.  Approve City Engineer Section Committee Final Report.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call: Magnuson       Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson         Carlsrud

7.  Discuss Mask Plan Emergency Order.  (President Carlsrud)

8.  Discuss Liquor Licenses.  (Commissioner Magnuson)

Roll Call:     Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

9. Approve Preliminary Engineering Reimbursement Agreement with NDDOT (Project No. NHU-2-094(175)928, West I-94 Business Loop hill slide).  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:     Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

10. Approve Tobacco Permit for Loves Travel Stop & Country Stores, Inc. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call: Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

11/9/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Thank a “Veteran” as November 11th is Veterans’ Day.  Many people out there have served our country’s military to provide the freedoms we have today.  Also, when you see active military personnel, please say “Thank you” to them as they are currently protecting our freedoms.
  • “Thank you” to all the “close contacts” out there who are patiently quarantining to protect people around them.
  • Recycle CARDBOARD.  Cardboard “weighs up” in a hurry so it is beneficial to recycle, as it is “cash flow”.  If it is thrown in our garbage it becomes an “expense”.  The less garbage we have to ship to Fargo’s Landfill, the longer we can hold our Garbage Rates steady for you.  Please try it.
  • We are now in the Orange Risk Level for the COVID spread which prompted a “Mask Mandate” in Valley City.  Our number of positives spiked again with 30 one day last week and double digit increases since.  The virus has caused a number of Barnes County people to be very sick for a couple weeks and there have been deaths.  This is serious, please Mask-UP, it helps.  We NEED to be “North Dakota Smart”!!
  • What we have been doing is not slowing the spread.  Please ask yourself, “To slow the spread, what can I do better”?
  • Long time Senator Larry Robinson was defeated in this year’s election.  As Senator, Larry served District 24 faithfully, effectively and with dignity.  He worked both sides of the aisle in efforts to “do the right things” for all North Dakota.  Thank you Larry and thank you to your family members for their support over the years as well, you will always be remembered.
  • Be courteous, respectful & kind. 

“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”  (John Wayne)                                                   

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave

11.6.2020 Special Commission Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Friday, November 6th, 2020 at 12:00 PM CT, via Zoom. 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/98487551097 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 984 8755 1097

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

1.  Discuss COVID (President Carlsrud)

          Roll Call:     Bishop            Gulmon           Erickson         Magnuson        Carlsrud


Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10/20/2020 Commission Meeting Minutes

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The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, October 20th, 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.

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon, and Commissioner Erickson.

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Klein, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the October 6 and October 12, 2020 Meeting minutes seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Application to Block off Street Request from JE Dunn Construction for the dates of 11/2/2020-11/6/2020 on Viking Dr. SW, from 4th Ave SW to VCSU Student Center Drive Way for the Center for the Arts Underground utilities.
  • Approve Raffle Permit for North Dakota Hereford Assn. for the date of 12/5/2020 held at the North Dakota Winter Show.

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

New Business

  1. Form Selection Committee for City Engineering/Planning Services (RFQ).  (City Administrator Crawford)

City Administrator Crawford stated we have three companies that turned in for an RFQ.  Before we can set time lines we need to form a committee.  City Administrator Crawford stated she and Operations Superintendent Klemisch would be on the committee, City Attorney Carlsrud recused himself, President Carlsrud, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson and Commissioner Bishop all stated they would like to be on the committee.  Discussion also took place inviting Dan Bernhardt and/or Lance Coit to fill spots.

Commissioner Gulmon made a motion to form the committee as mentioned inviting Dan and if Dan declines invite Lance, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

  • Consider Final Review and Acceptance for Paving Improvement District No. 121. (KLJ)

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the seal coat was completed in June satisfactorily and we are working on the final review and acceptance.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated she received an email from Love’s and there is an issue with the weather and the asphalt plant shutting down.  We are evaluating our options. 

5th Ave NW has issues between driveways and sidewalks but we want to get the first layer down.  There is a meeting tomorrow for our game plan.

Today was the first meeting on the I-94 landslide.  In 2021 they will lay out the plans and in 2022 would be the project. 

We realized the emergency flood protocols that are currently in place are great but we also realized we don’t have protocols in place for anything else really so we are working on that.

City Administrator Crawford also stated she did a ride along with Brandi from the PD and the crew from the North sanitation route.  It was beneficial to see firsthand the process and the issues these employees are facing.  With the upcoming snow there are vehicles that need to be moved.  The sanitation crew wanted to commend Bob for the work he did on getting several of the branches cleaned up.  An issue they also have is yards that have the wooden garbage holders.  Sometimes in order to get the can out you have to lift them really high and they can be heavy.

President Carlsrud thanked Gwen and added that on his walks he sees lots of cardboard and encouraged everyone to recycle.  If it is recycled it pays for itself but if it goes to the garbage we pay to have it removed.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck reported we had 2 applications for the City Planner/Building Inspector position.  We will be reviewing those in conjunction with the RFQ process.

Chad Petersen from KLJ updated on Streetscape Phase II that bids were open by the DOT last week and will have more information at the November Finance/Commission meeting.  Strata was the low bid at $2,197,000, the Engineering estimate was around $2,180,000.  More will be presented at the next meeting so a decision can be made.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided an update on the 5th Ave project.  Two blocks of curb and gutter are complete with three more to go.  The sidewalk work is happening and if not already complete the electrical is almost completed up to 12th St.  Completion date is set for October 16th but will likely extend beyond that but shouldn’t be by much.

Commissioner Gulmon stated in regards to the COVID situation it would be best if all citizens do our part.  Wear masks and encourage businesses to ask customers to wear masks.  We need to step up and do a better job.

Commissioner Bishop continued off of Commissioner Gulmon’s statement stating he knows firsthand as he is in quarantine now due to being in close contact. 

Mayor Carlsrud reported he was on a call with the Governor and City Mayors and they were calling it a COVID storm due to the escalation.  We are at about 41/10,000 active cases.  We’ve been doing a good job, we were down to about 25 a week ago.  We need to rededicate ourselves to doing the right thing.  Kudos to the Public Schools and University along with their employees represent around 2,750 people.  Infections in that group are in the range of 20.  The school systems are doing a great job and part of that is because they are wearing masks everywhere.

It’s simple, social distance, wash your hands, practice good hygiene and wear a mask when you can’t social distance.  Business owners and operators, Fargo is afraid this could move them to red down the road and we don’t want to go there.  I invite you to put signs on your door and when you can’t social distance put your mask on.  I don’t know how many can afford to be shut down again but I don’t want to see it.  Please help and respect the signs on the doors.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:24 PM