City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Called to Order

President Dave Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30pm

Roll Call  

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein

Agenda Items

EXECUTIVE SESSION – ATTORNEY CONSULTATION

Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Bishop-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Carlsrud-Yes

Discuss August 2025 Elks Apartment Building Flooding

Review Monthly Expenditures Reports.

Quarterly Engineer Report.

Discuss 2026 Public Works Capital and Operations Budget

City Administrator Crawford reviewed the 2026 Public works budget.

Discuss Garbage Rate Changes. Fargo Landfill started to charge $15 per mattress brought into their landfill. Discussion to begin charging for mattresses at Transfer Station to begin as soon as possible. 

Discuss Reserves Policy

City Administrator Crawford, Street Superintendent Klemisch, and Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the increase prices from Fargo landfill and the new charging of mattresses that are brought in. Discussion was had on coming up with a Reserves Policy for the utility funds. The Finance Committee will come back with a recommendation.

Discuss Preliminary Subdivision Paving Improvement Costs

City Engineer Petersen provided cost estimates for paving 8^th Ave SE going to Waterfront Meadows and also paving the Waterfront Meadow Subdivision. The Auditor’s Department will put together a list of what the special assessments would come to in the area.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS.

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the Electronic Disposal Week and how well it went. She hopes to have another week later this year. We had several residents ask about having another week or think about doing something more long term.  The number on your garbage can is unique to your address so reminder to homeowners to keep your number in case the container blows away or over to the neighbors and you can tell whose is whose.  Discuss commercial tree disposal. 

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson prepared a report on dangerous buildings, they gave notice to Scott Cole.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford discussed bringing back the holiday train together with Tourism and the Development corp.  They are researching what regulations are needed and if there is a chance to get this back to Valley City.

Mary Lee, Chair of Visitors Committee updated commission on Image Enhancement applications

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourn at 4:41pm

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner, City Engineer Petersen, City Engineer Eslinger.

Agenda Items

Review monthly bills/reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed the monthly bills and reports.

Discuss Valley City NW Water Tower. City Engineer Eslinger reviewed the cost options with the project and what the 30 year loan payments would look like. Consensus was the City would do a $500,000 down payment and look at a $2 base fee per meter monthly charge on utility billing.

Review CD Renewal Options. The Commission reviewed CD rate options. Consensus was to renew the rates at Dacotah Bank for 7 months and going forward the Finance Committee will determine CD renewals and report to the City Commission.

Review Settlement Agreement for the 2^nd Ave 3^rd St. NE Reconstruction Project. Commissioner Bishop moved to add Review Settlement Agreement for the 2^nd Ave 3^rd St. NE Reconstruction Project to the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

City Engineer Petersen reviewed the Notice of Intent and change orders with STRATA. The dollar amount paid by the City and NDDOT would not change due to these documents. Consensus was to move forward.

Department Reports

Department Spotlight – New Employees since 1.1.2025

Sanitation Department Forman Swart reported on getting new software for the Transfer Station.

Water Department Water Treatment Superintendent Hesch reported on the lagoon.

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on progress of current projects.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson reported monthly calls and blighted buildings.

Police Department Police Chief Horner reported monthly calls for service and discussed vehicle purchase in 2026. Commission agreed for the Police Department to purchase the Ford Explorer in 2026. Chief Horner updated the Commission on Back the Blue funds awarded and a potential agreement with ND Department of Health and Human Services to develop the Responsible Tobacco Retailer Training Project.

Street Department Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported on progress of current projects.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford discussed Ordinance changes and PFP Buyouts. Discussed the Preliminary & Design Engineering services for the Exit 292/Loves Access Flex Fund Application. Commissioners agreed to pay 5% of the project, which is a 50/50 cost share with the County for the local 10% share.

Finance Director Klein discussed current CD’s and gave an update on changes made to the budget.

Adjourn – 4:42 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Administrator Crawford (via zoom), City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Lt. Rustebakke, Executive Assistant Bodine, Administrative Assistant Hintz, Intern Nord.

New Business

Motion to hold Executive Session for Attorney Consultation to Discuss Main Street Off Sale Alcoholic Beverage License.

Commissioner Bishop moved to open the Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

The executive session began at 2:32 PM and was attended by President Carlsrud,

Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, City

Administrator Crawford via Zoom, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Lt. Rustebakke, Executive Assistant Bodine, Administrative Assistant Hintz, and Intern Nord.

The meeting resumed at 2:46 PM. The media and the members of the public have been

invited to return to the open session.

Agenda Items

Review Commissioner Roles & Responsibilities. City Attorney Martineck presented a PowerPoint.

Review Monthly Expenditures Reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed the monthly reports. 

Review Quarterly Engineer Report. Finance Director Klein reviewed the quarterly reports.      

Review Quarterly Fire Extinguisher Report. Finance Director Klein reviewed the quarterly reports.

Discuss Rosebud Parking Lot. City Administrator Crawford discussed police presence in this area. Commissioners Magnuson and Bishop discussed purchasing security cameras that are tied to the PD. Assistance would be expected covering the costs. Commissioner Magnuson is working on getting quotes. The consensus is to continue with the current procedures.

Discuss Paving Improvement District 131 Protests. City Engineer Peterson discussed additional options with the protest of Project 131. Accept the protest and not do the project at all, losing the Urban Grant Fund ($2.99 million). Accept the protest, find alternative funding to offset the paving special (ie. additional R&R or Prairie Dog) and move forward with the project as presented. Accept the protest, consider alternative special assessment options, move forward with project as presented. Accept the protest, move forward with only the water, sewer and storm sewer improvements, losing the Urban Grant Fund ($2.99 million).

Discuss Policy for Approval of Gaming Site Authorizations. City Attorney Martineck discussed the previous views of the Commission and the need for the policy to move forward regarding out of town organizations.

Discuss Legislative Session Review. City Attorney Martineck reviewed the latest Legislative Session.

Department Reports

Department Spotlight – City Hall

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart reported that they have taken in close to 2 Million Lbs. of trees and branches since the storm. When bringing trees & branches to the Transfer Station, please haul larger trees, trunks, and branches inside, the Grass Site is for the smaller items.

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf explained that his Team is playing catch up and staying busy.  He asks that the public look up at your lines to make sure they are clear of trees and branches. After a 3 year wait, the new digger truck has arrived.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson shared that the $190,000 Grant applied for to purchase new bunker gear looks to be approved. There were 36 calls for service for the past month. He also updated the blighted building locations around town being worked on. 

Police Department Lt. Rustebakke updated the Commissioners of the PD’s new hire Cody Perdue. The FTO process has been started. They are now currently fully staffed.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemisch and his Team continue to pick up trees and branches. 1 hydrant was broken during the storm and the repair parts are in. They will start patching soon and continue to catch up on everything else since the storm. The 2^nd round of tree pickup will start on July 24^th, please have your trees and branches on the boulevards. Concrete is starting at the new Service Center site.

Administration

City Administer Crawford gave an update on the soil from the Service Center site. There is more dirt needing decontamination, this was in the preliminary findings and has been accounted for. Water and sewer service line warranty information will go out again this fall. We have had positive reports from those that have needed it.

Finance Director Klein reminded about the budget meetings coming up and they have been put on the calendar.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:36PM.

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Member Absent: Commissioner Erickson

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Agenda Items

Review Monthly Bills/Reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed the monthly bills and reports.

Discuss Task Order Amendment for Environmental Documentation, Design and Bidding for National Guard Water Tower Demolition Project. City Engineer explained that he had spoken with ND DWR and we can request this as part of a project but there is no guarantee that it will be approved.Discussion was had. Consensus was to move this to the Commission Meeting for a vote.

Discuss Changing our Credit Card Issuer.  Finance Director Klein stated that by going local, we would receive a 2% cash back as well as other features. The Commissioners agreed to move forward with the change. Effective 7.1.25 we will start using the new cards. Effective 8.1.25 the previous credit cards will be cancelled.

Discuss Completing an Electric Rate Study for Valley City. City Administrator Crawford explained that MRES will pay 50% of the study. This will help determine if our current rates are at the correct price and solidify any increases in the future. The Commissioners agreed to move forward.

Discuss Estimate for 12th St & 9th Ave NW. City Engineer Peterson discussed the origin of the request for funding on extending 12^th St from 9^th Ave NW into their development. This was roughly three years ago and nothing has taken place since. The Developers were going to ask for an extension but their time has expired. They are now asking for funds again for this project. The baseline costs have gone from 685K to 835K, this will include the revised alignment adding a curve in the road to stay out of the rail road right-a-way and adding sidewalks. Total cost to make this work, would be 1.65M. This could be done in phases. Currently looking into options for cost share funding, No action at this time. This will be removed from the Commission meeting.

Discuss Keeping of Chickens in City Limits. The materials were reviewed and discussion was had. The preference of the Commissioners was to consider the request, but will make no changes at this time.

Discuss Overpayment of Snow Disaster Funds from the State. Finance Director explained the error made at the State level and we will be paying back the overage.This was just an FYI.

Discuss Sale of Easement on Farm Land near City Lagoon. City Attorney Martineck talked about the new Inter-operable Radio Tower System that the State has been working on for a few years. This location is the best option for the Tower by Valley City. Allo offered 10K for the easement. Allo will also reach out to the Farmer renting and pay for his crop loss. Commission consensus is agreeable to move forward with this process.

Department Reports

Department Spotlight – Street Department – Part 2

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart reported on the Electronics Clean-Up weeks. The Residents appreciate us for providing that service. Letters were sent out to certain Residents for some of the remaining items on boulevards that are not picked up by the Crew. The 2020 Peterbilt will have the tag axle put on in Fargo at NW Truck & Trailer who had the lowest bid.

Water Department Water Supervisor Hesch updated the Commissioners on the Low-Level Alarm that alerted him. He had some Divers from the Valley City Fire Department clean the intake screen and they moved the sensor out of the silt and the Alarm ended. Due to the rain, the water usage has been down.

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf talked about the one outage from last month. The Columbia Grain project was completed. He is looking to order the fiber now for the Service Center due to it being on hand and a good price. Keeping an eye on the soft costs for the project. The plan is to be done boring the south side of town this week.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the calls for service for the past month and on the blighted buildings around town. He gave updates on the listed locations. 

Police Department Police Chief Horner went over the Calls for Service for the past month. He shared the Trainings and Community events that He and the Officers have been attending. Received funding with City/County Health & CHI Mercy to supply CISM Training for up to 25 Officers and First Responders and then open it up to Residents.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemischtalked about the annual inspection from the Department of Agriculture & we passed. Doing a great job of record keeping but will need to start advertising the spraying by means of social media to inform the Residents.Capped the old water service at the Valley Plains site, the street patching was us. Hot mixing around town, spraying for weeds and one spraying for mosquitoes is done.

Administration

City Administer Crawford reported that the New Service Center Ground Work has begun. Update meetings will be held weekly.  They are moving right along, they have however run into quite a bit of cement chunks. We are working to see if the City can haul that out to save on the costs.Cost estimates will be taken care of by Gwen & Brenda.

Finance Director Klein reported that she is working on the current Audit and the 2026 Budget.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:29PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Agenda Items

Review Monthly Bills/Reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed the monthly bills and reports.

Discuss Camera Grant. City Administrator Crawford shared with the Commissioners that the original Grant for the Cameras did not cover all of the expenses but there are funds from other Grants that will.

Discuss an Ordinance allowing Chickens in City Limits.  President Carlsrud shared that a number of Citizens have reached out and inquired about raising chickens. The Commissioners have asked City Attorney Martineck to look into what neighboring Cities allow and draft an ordinance for the June 17^th meeting.

Review City Mobile Home Park Regulations. City Attorney Martineck will draft an Ordinance about the age, model types, as well as installation allowed and where they are allowed in the City.

Discuss 2025 General Fund Budget Amendment for Transportation Plan. The Commissioners agreed to move forward with this plan.

Discuss Administrative Approval for Changes to Applications on Liquor Licenses. The Commission agreed that notification for these changes is appropriate and Commission approval is not needed.

Review Gaming Site Authorization Regulations. City Attorney Martineck will draft an ordinance for Site Authorizations requiring the Gaming Operator to have ties to Valley City.

Discuss New Renaissance Zone Island. Discussion was had on the Renaissance Zone Authority Board moving forward with a new Island. This will allow more locations for the building of new homes that will qualify for the Renaissance Zone Tax Credits.

Discuss Possible Sale of Lot 3, Block 2, Bjornson Heights Parcel. City Administrator Crawford shared that there is interest in purchasing this piece of property to use for recreation. The Commissioners tabled the discussion until it is determined how much of the property is needed and the planned use of the property. There are concerns for the hill side and road below.

Department Reports

Department Spotlight – Police Department

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart explained the process for picking up the garbage during Cleanup Week. Three different trucks loading different materials go around and collect the trash. Residents are still able to haul their items to the Transfer Station on May 31^st at no cost. June 9^th – 13^th is Electronic Cleanup Week. During that week, you may take your used Electronics to the Transfer Station and dispose of them for just $ .75 /lb.  

Water Department Water Supervisor Hesch explained that they are using surface water currently and not the aquafer.  

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf had 1 outage caused by a squirrel since last meeting and that his Team is busy working on projects.  

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson reported calls were back up for the month. They have also been busy removing signs around town and issuing notices for blighted or dangerous properties.

Police Department Police Chief Horner shared the calls that his Team has had over the last month. They have been busy with Compliance Checks; Peer Support and Community projects and events. They will be swearing in new Police Officer Chaise Johnson today.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemisch’s Team has been busy completing the hydrant flushing around town. Cleanup week was very busy and they plan to pick up sticks & branches the 29^th and 30^th.

Finance Director Klein informed the Commission that she will be mailing out the budget schedule for July. The Auditors will be coming next week. The City is very happy with the bond rates that it received. 

City Attorney Martineck shared the current job openings for the City; An accountant, a Public Works 1 and a Public Works 2. The Executive Assistant position has been filled.

City Administer Crawford shared that the Employees at Public Works & City Hall have been busy switching desk/office locations. The west door will become locked full time. The North door will become the main entrance. The plan is to have this completed in June. They have been working on Phase 4 – Flood updates, Final information should be coming next week. Bids in July and the process should be completed in 2026.Water tower update: State Water Commission request is ready to go, waiting on the State for the Emergency request. The Water Tower Plan Site is done as well as the Environmental Review. Looking to this fall for a bid date. Completed the base in 2026 and the tower in 2027. Finished the Connie Courtney PFP Buyout. Per confirmation from the State, Valley City can have 2 Islands in their Renaissance Zone Blocks. We will be holding a Public Hearing during the June 17^th Commission Meeting. Prior to the meeting. Letters will be mailed to the landowners.

President Carlsrud asked the Engineers to take note of the bid requirements and dates with the changes that were made.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:37PM.

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Agenda Items

Review Monthly Bills/Reports. Finance Director Klein reviewed the monthly bills and reports.

Discuss Hotel Liquor License. City Attorney Martineck shared with the Commissioners that this is a possibility if needed in the future but there is no request currently. The consensus of Commission was to put this on hold for now.

Discussion Regarding Downtown Property Snow Removal. City Administrator Crawfordshared that this topic was brought up by Commissioner Erickson at the reading of Ordinance 1169 at the last meeting. Crawford feels that more discussion is needed on this topic. If there are changes to be made to the proposed ordinance, they need to be discussed as that Ordinance is scheduled for a third reading at tonight’s commission meeting. Operations Supervisor Klemisch joined via Zoom and explained his concern over the increase in time for snow removal to 48 hours. It is currently set at 24 hours.The consensus of the Commissioners was to leave the time at the 24 hours for snow removal now. Vote on the ordinance as is. Then, in the future, revisit this concern and possibly make a change at that time. There was also discussion on the sidewalk requirements in the Ordinance. Currently the Ordinance reads that a permit from the City is required and that a Contractor must do the work to the required City Specs. Some Residents take it upon themselves to fix their sidewalks, when this occurs, they need to follow the City Guidelines and the City will cover 25% of the cost.  Clint must review the request first, before work begins and then again when the project is completed. Martineck will confirm if a permit is currently required in Code. If changes are needed, this will be discussed at a future meeting. Discussion on boulevards was also discussed.

Discuss Truck Quotes for Replacement Unit. Electrical Superintendent Senf shared the estimates for a new Unit with the Commissioners. Discussion was had on what the estimates covered and included. His request was for approval to purchase the Dodge Ram that included the truck box with the side built-in tool boxes. Senf feels that this will be the most useful and work best for their needs. The consensus of the Commissioners was to move forward with the purchase of the Dodge.

Department Reports

March Highlighted the Electrical Department Employees.

Sanitation Department Supervisor Swart reported the container count is going up steadily. Please recycle if and when possible to keep costs down. E-recycling was a great success. Special thanks to a couple of her Team Members for going above and beyond. They were approved for the Workforce Safety Technology Grant and now they will be installing a Camera out by the scales to view the loads.

Water Department Water Superintendent Hesch talked about the new cameras being installed at the Water Treatment Plant as part of a Department of Justice Grant that was awarded. They are currently doing their own pilot study for surface water and ground water. They are just running river water to test the aquafer levels. When temperatures start to warm up, they will go back to their normal process. They are planning to dredge the silt off next year.

Electrical Department Electrical Superintendent Senf advised that there were no outages for February. The guys have been working on tree removal & clearing the lines. Spending a little time with cleaning up the Winter Show line and removing the platform currently used. Removing a 3phase line near the Fish Hatchery as well.

Fire Department Fire Chief Magnuson shared last months report with only 8 general calls for service however, there were 22 pages of Chief calls. Saturday night is the annual fundraiser for the Fire Department.

Police Department Police Chief Horner explained that they had more calls this past month then previously. They also had the honor of running the torch for Special Olympics and the pleasure of escorting the Hi-Liner Girls Basketball Team out of town on their way to State. Provided ID scanners to the Winter Show Concert and around town during the event.  Compliance Check Training was held here in Valley City on the 4^th. This is the first in their series of training throughout the State. Cameras and door fobs have all been updated. Working with the VCSU Communications Class to have social media posts to put out about 2 times a week. A new officer was hired and will begin shortly.

Street Department Operations Supervisor Klemischvia Zoomreported his crews are working on filling potholes and the street sweeper is out and busy. The quotes are back for the repairs at the damaged lift station. Valley Plains site demo will start as soon as it opens up. The cost to fix the soils were figured into the total budget and the dirt will be able to be “farmed: and used elsewhere as needed.

City Administer Crawford shared a topic of parking downtown, and a request for a loading and unloading zone. Crawford asked that the Commissioners think about this and it will be added to the agenda for the April Finance meeting.

City Administrator Crawford asked City Engineer Peterson to discuss upcoming construction projects for the City. The Seal Coat will be going out for bids on Friday. Reline should be going out this week as well. As for the PFP, we are still working on some permits but that will also go out this spring. Planned construction will be in 2025 and 2026. As for 2^nd St project, the first step will be to recreate the Improvement Districts. The next step will be to define the Resolution of Necessity and then to define the Benefit to the Properties. That has been discussed and they are using benefit analysis that has been used throughout the State. As for the 2025 funding, we will need to have the final documents submitted to the D.O.T. by the first part of August. The Grant is still available but is slated for 2025 and the funds must be bid and allocated in 2025.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:28PM.