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.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 21, 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 via Zoom, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Lieutenant Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Agenda Items

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

Review Change Order #1 for Paving Improvement District No. 126. Engineer Peterson reviewed the change order for Paving Improvement District No 126. Each item was discussed.

Discussion on the Annexation of the Oxbow Addition/Woodland Park area into the replat of the Woodland Park. This is the entrance and was not part of the original annexation. The Park Board has been reached out to regarding adding the golf course to the annexation. This does not affect the replat but makes sense to take care of when we are working on the replat. The consensus is to move forward.

Discuss creation of golf course alcoholic beverage license. Discussion took place on creating a new golf course alcoholic beverage license lead by Attorney Martineck. The consensus was to move forward with the license process.

Alternative subdividing and platting procedures. Valley City already has one of the quickest subdivisions and platting processes in the state. Questions came up whether we should have some exemptions to the platting process on the joining of 2 lots, lot split or a lot line adjustment. In those cases, as long as it was per code, it would not need to go to the Boards for approval, the planning administer would approve it would go forward without formal action of either Commission. This will be sent to Planning & Zoning for their view. 

Discuss application process for zoning nonconformities. After some discussion,this item will be sent to Planning & Zoning for their view. 

Discuss Paving Improvement District 130 Protests. A Protest with signatures was received with over 52% of the area protesting. James Jensen, Todd Ingstad and Cory Ravnaas shared their reasoning for the protest. The Commission’s consensus was to accept the protests, start the paving project over with a new paving district and move the official bid date to October.

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. Reminder to have your garbage out by 7AM.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported that his crew has taken down most of the holiday lighting. He has a couple guys monitoring load management 24/7. Review of last year’s outages showed that the power was on 99.999% of the time. Discussion was had on power to the new light posts. No special circuits will be added.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson shared a review of 2024’s calls. On dangerous buildings, the building on currently in Viking Trailer Court is in the process and being removed and there is one on Viking Drive that the owner has secured a crew for a spring demolition & removal. Assistant Fire Chief Coit gave a report on the 2024 Fire Extinguisher Service Report and we are up in receivables. He discussed that the more he does with servicing he has less time for inspections. As this is covered in our code, it was discussed and will be brought up at the next Finance Meeting. Coit also gave the 2024 Building Report. Residential builds were up, additions were down. Renovations were also up for the year. Commercial builds were down as well as additions but the renovations were up. New & Institutional builds and additions were both up. Total permits in general were all up.

Police Department

Police Lieutenant Rustebakke went over the Calls for Service Report for the Police Department. There was a compliance check held and 10 of the 14 establishments passed. The annual Fraternal Order of Police Kids & Cops Event was held and the majority of the Department helped. They are currently working an Active Shooter Training with CHI Mercy Hospital. There are several people going through back ground checks for hiring as well as they did hire 1 person who will be starting in February.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch (via Zoom) shared that he signed with Pittsburgh Tank & Tower to have the John Deere tower painted this summer. VCSU will be paying a share to put their logo on the tower. He also signed an agreement with Midco Marine & Diving to dive the towers this summer. The Water Crew has been working on the Lead Line Inventory. The Street Crew is working on Christmas Tree pickup and painted the inside of the Pole Shed for housing of the sewer truck when the new shop is built. The Osh Kosh snow blower has been returned.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford discussed the Bills and Legislative Hearings that they will be attending that effect our City and Residents.

Agenda Items Continued

Discussion related to a Single-Family Housing Pilot Program. Jennifer Feist, with the Development Corp. explained the new program. The goals of the program are to increase housing inventory, increase our tax base, increase home ownership and increase population in Valley City and Barnes County. The proposed investments from the City were discussed. Invest $10,000 per new home that meets the program guidelines sourced from City funds, waiver of water and sanitary sewer tap fees including temporary meter charges, approve $118,750 sourced from the City Sales Tax dedicated to economic development, and fund up to six (6) homes initially.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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, Police Chief Horner, Deputy Auditor Johnson

Agenda Items

GovCard for City Hall, Police Department & Court.

Finance Director Klein shared that she did check with the local financial establishments and they were able to offer a system but were not able to make it work for us as most of our cards are not present. Using GovCard, all cards will be charged a fee when paying as all cards will be run as credit cards.  

Review Change Orders for NW Reconstruction Project (2^nd Ave NW, 3^rd St NW, 4^th St N). City Engineer Petersen went through all the change orders that are associated with this project.

Discuss Special Event Permits for Sale of Alcoholic Beverages. Attorney Martineck went through the current application & the requested changes that the establishments would like to make. Currently, only beer, wine & sparkling wine are permitted. The consensus of the Commission was to have two levels of permits and rates. This will be brought to the next meeting for approval. Also add that this is for Local Licensed Establishments.

Discuss Possible Update to PFP Buyout Policy. Administrator Crawford explained the appraisal process or a bank evaluation notice when determining the value of the property. Using the bank evaluation will save the price of the certified appraiser but the banks do not all follow the same guidelines when they are evaluating. The consensus of the Commission was changing the current policy to allow an appraisal or a bank evaluation and set a ceiling of 100K. Also add a lookback period of 5 years. This will be voted on at the December 17^th meeting. 

Discuss PFP Property Buyout of 506 3^rd St SE. This will be voted on at the January 7^th Meeting.

Discuss PFP Property Buyout of 512 E Main. No Updates for this property at meeting time.

Department Reports

Highlight on the Sanitation Department for December

Sanitation Department, Water Department, Electric Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and the Street Department

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:52 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

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, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Agenda Items

GovCard for City Hall, Police Department & Court.

Finance Director Klein shared the need to be able to take credit card payments in the Auditor’s Department. GovCard is a solution that several cities are using. It is a no cost, secure solution to this need. Commissioner Gulmon asked that local financial establishments be given a chance to offer their solution. Klein will reach out & bring quotes to the next meeting.  

Annexation of Woodland.

City Administrator Crawford discussed who this would affect and what the benefits to those involved would be. The consensus of the Commission was to start moving forward with this process.

PFP Buyout of 512 E Main.

Discussion was had on the proposed buyout of 512 East Main and the plans on how to proceed with this purchase. City Administrator Crawford recommends moving forward. The Commission agrees.

2025 Board Meeting Schedule.

Finance Director Klein went over the proposed meeting schedule for the 2025 Finance and Commission meetings. This will be added to the 11/19/24 Commission Agenda for final approval.

2023 Audit Report by Brady Martz

Matt Laughlin with Brady Martz and Associates, PC, shared the findings of the 2023 Auditor’s Report. The audit was completed in accordance with the auditing standards in the United States of America. The Commission felt that the audit went well and thanked Finance Director Klein and her Department for their work.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported that all is going well in her Department at the moment. Container placement has been going well.  

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that water usage is trending down which is normal as we head into winter & cooler weather.   

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 4 outages last month, 3 were due to squirrels. His Department is keeping busy with completing projects around Valley City.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for October. His Department has been on a few tough calls recently and he thanks them for everything that they do.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner went over his Calls for Service Report. He shared that the Police Department was awarded a grant to cover the upgrades needed on security at both the Police Department & the Water Treatment Plant. Chief Horner also shared the activities around town that his Squad has been participating in.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that all hydrants should be flushed as well as 245 of the 300 nodes that need replacing are completed. Sand trucks are ready to go when needed. Street cleaning is continuing.  

Administration

Administrator Crawford told the Commission that The City did receive a signed copy for the buyout property at 231 9^th Ave NE. They agreed to the terms as determined by the Commission. This process has been started. Administrator Crawford reported that there are 57 remaining properties for the PFP Buyouts. Letters were mailed to those property owners this week. Lead line letters are also being mailed, they will go out when billing does to save on costs. This is another required step in the lead line process.  Discussion was also had on the tearing down of the building at 1416 Main St E to make room for the New Service Center. The plan will be to move ahead with the process to bid on the removal with guidelines set regarding time frames and expectations.

City Attorney Martineck explained the reasoning for the item on the Consent Agenda for Liquor License violations. The establishment in under new ownership and management since possibly August 1^st. They have also not turned in their required Responsible Beverage Server Training Report which was due on September 30. 

Agenda Items Continued

Proposed Public Works Budgets for FY25

Public Works Accountant Jacobson reported on the proposed Public Works Budget for 2025. With the Commissioners consent, he will move forward with the approval process at the next Commission Meeting.

Rate Increase requests for Public Works

Public Works Accountant Jacobsonshared with the Commissioner that the rates that the City pays for Utilities will be increasing in 2025. To cover the cost of these increases, Jacobson proposed a few different scenarios for increasing the Customer’s Utility rates.The Commissioner agreed on the rate increase that they feel is appropriate and let Jacobson know to start the process to seek approval on  the new rates.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:33 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

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, Police Lieutenant Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Commission Topics

President Carlsrud started the discussion on drafting an ordinance about camping and tenting in the City of Valley City. The consensus was to go ahead with an ordinance now to avoid issues that may arise in the future. 

Agenda Items

Finance Director Klein went over the Quarterly Engineers Report. The consensus was to use any unused funds designated for Engineering for the purpose verifying alley encroachments as this has been a recent topic of discussion. 

Administrator Crawford and Attorney Martineck discussed the current PFP guidelines and the policy updates that they recommend. This included the raising of the $50,000. to $75,000 for PFP buyouts without needing Pre-Commission approval. Any buyout over the 75,000. will need Commission approval. Discussion on Fair Market Value which = Appraisal + 10%. Garages and out buildings could be purchased back for $1000. And must provide a timeline for the removal. House structures, if deemed appropriate, will be put up for live auction and require a minimum bid of $1000. The Street Department will take care of disposal of the basement and clearing of the property.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report and reminded all that you need to leave 3’ around your container, have it set out by 7:00AM and face the handle to your house.  

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that everything seems to be running smoothly as we transition into fall.   

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on the 5 outages last month. His Crew is very busy finishing the underground at the trailer court. They are waiting on the permit from the railroad for the work by the Fish Hatchery.

Street Department

Dan Bernhardt shared a new updated map of Valley City that includes an explanation of each parcel in the City. 

Operations Supervisor Klemisch stated that his Departments are currently working on flushing the hydrants around town. 216 nodes have been changed out. The final tree/branch pickup took place last week as well as two condemned structures were taken down & removed.  

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 22 calls. The truck is ready for aerial testing.  National Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. Fire Extinguisher servicing is a few months behind but will be catching up this month.

He also reported on the Dangerous Building processes currently taking place and how they are doing. Discussion took place on how a building gets reported and that all must follow the guidelines. The form is available on the website. 

Police Department

Police Lieutenant Rustebakke went over the Calls for Service Report and what calls and contacts are included in that report. The Commissioners would like them to report on most all contacts with the public so the Department receives credit for all their work. Battle of the Badges will be taking place on October 8 & 9 at Stoudt Miller.

Agenda Items Continued

City Administrator Crawford brought up the purchase agreement for 231 9^th Ave NE. This was presented at the September 17^th Commission meeting and tabled until this Finance Meeting. Currently, the sellers are asking for $139,000. plus the Sellers keep the house and garage structures which they will move. Consensus of the Commission is to offer $139,000. The seller can than purchase the garage for $1000. and the house structure will go up for auction and can be purchased with bids. 

City Administrator Crawford shared with the Commissioners that the Auditor’s Department would like them to discuss moving the monthly finance meeting to the 3^rd Tuesday of the month. This would allow for all Departments to get their reports handed in prior to the agenda be posted. The consensus was to try this for the 2025 meetings.

President Carlsrud shared the most current information on the Red River Water Supply Project and that the Commissioners should make a decision tonight as to buy in or not. This will be discussed at the Commission meeting.  

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:49 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

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

Member absent: Commissioner Gulmon

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

Commission Topics

President Carlsrud started the discussion on the current logos used by the City. It was a consensus of the Commissioners to move ahead using the City of Valley City logo for all departments. Department name can be listed beneath the logo. We will not be replacing all the current logos, but as we purchase new or repair, the logo will be updated. 

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report as well as shared the process for when you believe that your container was missed. Please remember to wait until 3:00 before calling in to Public Works and reporting. Reminder, please do not park in front of the large business dumpsters.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported on the great news that in the 20 samples sent into the State for Lead & Copper testing, there was no lead found! He also reported that water usage is down from the previous years.  

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported only 2 outages last month. His Crew is very busy with upgrading elevator services.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 12 calls. The trucks have all passed pumper testing with the ladder truck needing one minor repair. Discussion was had on the current alarm system, back up & repeaters.  

Police Department

Police Chief Horner went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 670 calls. Gearing up for the school year and the SRO is taking some evacuation training. There were two openings in the department, 1 applicant will be in training this fall with another applicant in the process to possibly train this fall if the paperwork gets completed.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared that the annual Master Lift Station cleaning is complete and the NDDEQ annual inspection of the sanitary systems is done and complements were given. The well on 6^th Ave NE & 8^th St NE was capped.

Administration

Administrator Crawford asked Public Works Accountant Jacobson to discuss the purchase of two garbage trucks from the City of Jamestown and then we would turn around and lease the trucks to Valley Recycling. We currently have two other lease agreements with Valley Recycling. The Commissioners consensus was to go ahead with this purchase.

Finance Director Klein shared the information she received from the Bank of ND on the Service Center Loans. She also stated that there will be Special Assessment Notices going in the mail for the week of the 9^th on the reconstruction project happening on 3^rd and 2^nd.

New Items

Finance Director Klein shared with the Commissioners that they will need to designate prior to the end of 2024, with a motion, how they plan to use the ARPA Funds. It was decided that the funds should be used towards Public Works salaries in 2025. This will be added to the 9.17.2024 Commission Meeting Agenda.

City Assessor Current reported on the 2024 Assessments, her processes for valuations, and if the Commissioners would be interested in hiring the Vangaard Company to come in and do a city-wide assessment. No decision will be made until after the voting in November. Current will ask a few more questions of Vangaard and bring her answers back to the Commissioners. She also shared that the Primary Resident Tax credit for $500.00 for 2024 will be available for next year as well.

City Administrator Crawford shared information on the changes to the requirements for the Renaissance Zone, longer terms and higher amounts. Crawford let the Commissioners know that they have an option to add and change Islands in the Zone. She will put together a proposal for the next meeting.

Commissioner Erickson, City Administrator Crawford, Electrical Superintendent Senf and Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared the latest plans for the new Service Center. They explained the needs of the departments and the layout plan. They shared a list of items that could be removed to save some funds but only a couple of these items were not necessities. The consensus of the Commissioners was to not hold back to save now only to need an item next year. Build to the needs of those departments now. The plan is to keep the project under $15 Million.

VCBCDC Jennifer Feist discussed the need for natural gas on the south side of interstate and the cost associated with getting it there. She asked the Commission for $200K out of Sales Tax Funds designated for economic development to put towards the project.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:57 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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

Member absent: Commissioner Gulmon

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

Commission Topics

Discuss the RRWSP (Red River Water Supply Project) President Carlsrud gave an update on the project and discussed two possible changes. One, sending water down the James River instead of a pipe and the ability to now go around wet lands instead of under them. They also need to figure out how they will share the charges with those buying water.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report, it is up for the month. She reported on a squirrel problem as they are chewing through lids. Please bag your garbage or store in your garage or shed if possible. Scents deter the squirrels as well. Woodchips are currently available at the Transfer Station.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that the water usage between June and July has not changed. Lead & Copper sampling of water has been completed and mailed to Bismarck for testing. This sampling is done every three years.

Electric Department

Administrator Crawford shared Corey Bucks report as he was called away. There were two outages, both from squirrels. Lighting on Secarse has been installed, bases will be installed after the hydro-seeding is completed.  Valley View URD project, all conduit and wiring are installed starting from the cut over from overhead to underground on the house services. Construction is beginning this week on upgrading SCADA to fiber at each sanitary, storm, water booster, and electrical substation.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner reported that the new patrol vehicle is ready for service. Gearing up for the school year and prepping for the SRO duties. There are two opening in the department with interviews scheduled for this week. Parking by the HAC was discussed with the changes from the latest construction project.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 10 calls along with one mutual aid call. The Crew was very professional and did an awesome job. The trucks have been serviced and passed testing. On the Dangerous Building topic, they are currently working on two buildings that will be torn down.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch said that the crew has been doing a lot of hot mixing.  Working on concrete asphalt transitions and curb lines as well. The July tree campaign went well this year. Next week they will be gearing up to paint school crossings and crosswalks. The NDDEQ will be coming to do their yearly sanitary inspections.  Update on the water nodes, there are about 140 already changed out with another 80 on the list to be completed. Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared the new Alley Paving/Reconstruct process with the Commissioners. There was some discussion and once completed, this will be posted to the website for Residents to utilize.

Administration

Administrator Crawford asked Commissioner Erickson to weigh in on the new service center project. The preliminary estimates show an increase in costs from where the previous estimate was. To move forward, they are asking for a larger authorized amount.

New Items

Discuss Settlement Proposal in the amount of $50,000 for Paving Improvement District 125, Watermain 103, Sanitary 67 and Storm Sewer Improvement District 54. Administer Crawford discussed the project and explained the NOI (Notice of Intent) from Strata Corporation on behalf of subcontractor Sellin Brothers, Inc.

Discuss Preliminary Plan Layouts for Project No. UGP-2-990(068) & SU-CPU-2-990(069) – 2^nd St N, 3^rd Ave NE & 4th Ave NE. Discussion was held on alternatives for the businesses affected by this project.

Discussion was held on the Recycling Contract – Parties agree to continue with current recycling contract but going month to month. On the Dumpster Rent to Own Agreement that was to be finished this year with a balloon payment due. Could we set up a new rent to own agreement with payments going towards the balance of the balloon payment? If the Recycling Contract is ended, then the remaining balance would be due. The consensus of the Commissioners is to go ahead with the new agreement.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:27 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

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, Police Lieutenant Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Guest present: Greg Bischoff, James Jensen

Commission Topics

Discuss the RRWSP (Red River Water Supply Project) President Carlsrud and the Commissioners had discussion on the RRWSP and the consensus of the Commissioners is to communicate with the RRWSP that the City of Valley City would like to move forward with 1 and 1.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report as well as how smoothly pick up has been going.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch shared that the meter change will be happening soon and that the measurement of usage concerning backflow should be more precise.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf discussed the 8 outages in the past month, 5 due to squirrels.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson shared the news that 8 Trainees will graduate from the First Responder Course.

Police Department

Police Lieutenant Rustebakke reported that the Animal Control & Chief Vehicles had Emergency Lights installed.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch said that the hot mix is again available so they have been busy with that and the Lagoon Discharge is complete.  

New Items

The Quarterly Engineering Report was given by Finance Director Klein. We are currently sitting at 30% utilized so far this year.

City Attorney Martineck brought up discussion on City Mobile Home Regulations and Limits on a Newly Sited Home. The Commission asked Martineck to prepare an Ordinance using the year 1980 as a guideline.

Discussion on the current Master Fee Schedule and the changes that need to be added from Public Works, Street, Building Inspector and more. This will be updated and presented as a Resolution at the July 16, 2024, Commission Meeting.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) was discussed by City Attorney Martineck and will be added to the Employee Policy.

Lieutenant Rustebakke brought forth two estimates for Body Cams and In-Car Cameras from Axon Enterprises, Inc and Motorola. The Commissioners questioned the differences in the Company’s Products as well as the Estimates. The consensus of the Commissioners is to see movement forward but first check on the Grant Amounts with Chief Horner. Administrator Crawford agreed but would like this to be a 2025 purchase.

A Clean Up Week Debriefing was held and a few items were brought up for discussion. Building materials and Blocks/Pavers being the largest issues. The Commissioners asked for those involved to come back with yardage recommendations for next year’s Clean-Up Week. Possibly add these items to the information sheet available.

The current Recycling Contract is up for renewal. City Administrator Crawford will discuss with Valley Recycling and renew for 1 year if agreed. The Dumpster Lease is also due.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 PM.