The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 3:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.
Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86154506886 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 861 5450 6886
Call to Order
Roll Call
Agenda items
Department reports.
Sanitation Department
Water Department
Electric Department
Fire Department
Police Department
Street Department
Administration
Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)
Discuss Addition of 7th St NW to Storm Water Phase II. (City Engineer)
Wednesday this week is Crazy Daze in Valley City. Come uptown for fun, merchandise displayed on the street and numerous food options.
August 4th is the opening day of football practice, can you believe it’s that time already! There will be many nice days before cold weather sets in so get out of the house, enjoy the fresh air of summer and our beautiful community.
Every year there are dogs, cats and bicycles lost. Please license your pets and bicycles so, if lost, authorities can identify and return them safely to you. A bicycle license is only $3.00, which is pretty cheap insurance to enhance chances of recovering your property.
Last Thursday’s Summer Nights on Central and the Valley City Parks & Recreation’s Barbeque Cook-off made for a fun filled evening. Good food, good weather and good music. Yea, great job everybody!
Next Thursday, 4:30 to 7:00 PM, is Valley City Parks & Recreation’s “Safety Night in the Park”. In previous years, VCPD, VCFD, Barnes Co. Sheriff’s Dept., Barnes Co. Ambulance and the USACE/Park Rangers have displayed equipment and shared insight for all. In addition, there will be music, food and fun for the whole family including “Grammas” &“Grandpas”.
The caulking in our shower was in dire need of replacement so I “took a swing at it”, WOW! To you folks who are good at those types of projects, I am truly envious. I am not any good at them and it was quite a struggle at best. It had the makings of a cartoon!!
Thanks to all who helped with topics & proofing again this week.
“Be a buddy not a bully. It’s important to treat others how you would want to be ideally treated.” (Always Kind Inc.)
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Bishop and Commissioner Gulmon
Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Move Consent Agenda F to New Business 1.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from June 22nd, 2022 Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
Approve Application for Contractor renewal for Maple River Electric for the Period Ending May 31, 2023.
Approve VC Chamber Block off Street Application for Crazy Daze on July 27th from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Approve Application for Retail Tobacco License Renewal for the Dollar General Store.
Approve Special Alcohol Event Applications for the Eagles on July 14th, 21st and September 8 from 5:00 PM-10:00 PM for the Summer Nights on Central and Summer Vikes on Central Events.
Approve Special Alcohol Event Application for Brockopp Brewing on July 12th, 2022 for North Country Trail Event from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.
Ordinance
Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1102, an Ordinance Approving the Extension of Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes dedicated to City Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement Projects.
City Attorney Martineck stated this is just an extension of the current tax already in place and was approved by the voters at the last election.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1104, an Ordinance Approving the Extension of Sales, Use and Gross Receipts Taxes Dedicated to Economic Development, Basic Industry, Job Development, Tax Relief Infrastructure, other Special Request, Service and Retail Business Development.
City Attorney Martineck stated this is just an extension of the current tax that is already in place and was approved by the voters at the last election.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1107, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 7-05-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Use of Sidewalk for Outdoor Patio Area.
City Attorney Martineck stated this will allow business owners to set up an outdoor patio area on the sidewalk outside of their business. There will be several restrictions that are required and will require a permit process through the city.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1109, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 11-01-04 and Subsection 4 of Section 16-01-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the City’s Extraterritorial Zoning and Subdivision Jurisdiction.
City Attorney Martineck stated after the last Planning and Zoning Meeting it was recommended the city continue to follow state law with respect to our extraterritorial zoning and subdivision jurisdiction and these two changes put that into code.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1106, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Chapter 12-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code Regarding Cutting and Removal of Weeds and Grass.
City Attorney Martineck stated there are no changes from the first reading with the exception of under section 12-05-02 it will say the City Administrator or designated officer will be authorized.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,600,650.21.
Finance Director Richter reported on the monthly expenses.
Appoint Vice President of the Valley City Commission.
Commissioner Gulmon made a motion to nominate Commissioner Magnuson.
Commissioner Erickson made a motion to nominate Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Appoint and Approve Reorganization of Commissioners’ Portfolios:
Portfolio
Board Member
Finance
Commissioner Gulmon
Public Works: Streets, Sanitation, Sewer, Water Distribution
Commissioner Erickson
Public Works: Electric & Water Treatment Plant
President Carlsrud
Police/Fire
Commissioner Bishop
Buildings/Grounds
Commissioner Magnuson
Commissioner Magnuson motioned to keep portfolios as they are, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Appoint and Approve Commissioner Assignments to Additional Committees and Boards.
Committee/Board
Number of Commissioners Assigned
Board Member
Valley City Planning & Zoning Commission
2 commissioners
President Carlsrud Commissioner Erickson
Valley City Library Board
1 commissioner
Commissioner Magnuson
City County Health Board
1 commissioner
Commissioner Gulmon
Barnes County Planning & Zoning Commission
2 commissioners
President Carlsrud Commissioner Bishop
Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation
2 commissioners
Commissioner Bishop Commissioner Gulmon
Board for Community Service
1 commissioner
Commissioner Magnuson
Commissioner Gulmon motioned to keep committees and boards as they are, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve City Holiday Schedule.
City Attorney Martineck stated after recommendation we are voting on whether or not to follow the State holiday schedule.
Commissioner Bishop motioned to follow the State approved holiday schedule, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to Approve the Application from Legacy Developments, LLC for a New Single-Family Residential Home and Designate it as VC-135.
Finance Director Richter stated the Renaissance Zone board met on June 24th and unanimously approved the 5-year property tax and 5-year income tax exemption with a property value up to $300,000.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Task Order for NW Storm Sewer Phase 2-4th St NW/6th Ave NW & Secarse Drive.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated this is to complete the design engineering for these areas. The plan is for this to be bid this this winter and construction in 2023.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Gulmon-aye Erickson-nay Bishop-aye Magnuson-aye Carlsrud-aye
Motion passed.
Receive Payment in Lieu of Taxes request for H & G Holdings, LLC and Schedule Date for a Public Hearing.
Finance Director Richter stated this is for the 36-plex on the NW part of town. We still need the list of competitors but after that is received if this is approved, we will publish on July 14 and 21 and schedule the public hearing for August 16th.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Roll Call: Magnuson-aye Gulmon-aye Erickson-nay Bishop-aye Carlsrud-aye
Motion passed.
Approve Final Review and Acceptance for the West End Lift Station.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.
City Administrator’s Report
City Administrator Crawford reported the Love’s intersection now has the aprons added which are helping but this will not fix the issues that happen in the winter due to the grade of the hill. There are still some drainage issues that need to be finished up in some spots. If you are in an area that had a project and has been reseeded, please continue to mow the weeds. Nextera was able to bore underneath and now there will be a 3-4-week lull until they are back to finish. 12th Street ADA areas will be worked on first and then they will continue on with the mill and overlay.
Congratulations to Marshall Senf for being with the City for 25 years.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Chad Petersen from KLJ provided an update on 6th St. The concrete is done and replacing top soil this week. Paving is scheduled next week. Main Street contractors are grooving to get below the surface and using epoxy to mark the lines which will help with longevity and keep the lines below things like snow plow blades.
Commissioner Gulmon reported on finances and sales and occupancy tax.
Commissioner Bishop welcomed Anthony Erickson as our newest Police Officer.
Commissioner Erickson reminded everyone to have their garbage out by 7 am, the trucks have cameras and if was not out by that time they will not be coming back. There is a culvert that will be fixed at the main entrance of the Transfer Station on Tuesday which will cause congestion.
President Carlsrud thanked everyone for their work. We had a weather change in June with very little precipitation. Congratulations to Chad Petersen for 25 years with KLJ and Marshall Senf for 25 years with the City
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.
Roll Call
Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop and Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson
Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson
Commission Topics
Discussion took place around the following topics:
Estimated 2023 Prairie Dog Funding
Fargo Landfill Contract
Department Reports
Sanitation Department
Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported they got a new compost turner and have been borrowing a magnet to drag to help prevent flat tires. There is a good pile of wood chips ready for residents to get. Please make sure your garbage is out by 7:00 AM. There has been cross-training taking place so the times might not be the same each time and we will not come back if it is not out by 7:00 AM. There is a culvert that needs to be fixed at the Transfer Station by the main gate and may affect traffic.
Water Department
Water Superintendent Hesch reported we are dry now and people are out watering so we are working some Sundays. There are signs of some algae bloom.
Electric Department
Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 5 outages-3 squirrels, 1 bird and 1 tree. Lights are being replaced and trees are being trimmed.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the fire report for June. New rescue truck is now on-line. There are several community events the Fire Department will be participating in.
Fire extinguishers numbers are lower than anticipated. Part of this is due to permits and the rise in nuisance calls so there will be a plan in place to streamline these and next time you’ll see a rise in the numbers.
Police Department
Police Chief Hatcher reported there will be an exercise with VCSU for a mass casualty incident and the plan is to do a drill sometime in August or September. There is another opening for a police officer again.
Street Department
Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported they are flushing hydrants. The forester has been busy so trees are getting worked on too, and mowing is a full-time job for a few people.
Administration
Finance Director Richter presented the engineering quarterly report which shows we are where we should be.
Review monthly bills/reports
Finance Director Richter reported $2,600,650.21 in expenses for June.
Discuss Contractor License
City Administrator Crawford stated the electricians, plumbers, HVAC all need to be licensed, but contractors do not. Many years ago, there was one in place but through an initiated ordinance it was eliminated. Discussion took place regarding whether or not to require contractors to have a license.
Update on Elks.
Chad from KLJ stated they are soliciting quotes for the gates for the discharge to order ahead of time. Hoping to have the bid opening beginning of August. Construction will be scheduled to take place next spring.
Discuss City Holiday Schedule
City Attorney Martineck provided a comparison of the city, state, federal and county holidays. Discussion took place around if any changes should be made to the current schedule.
Discuss 2022 Spring Flood Updates
City Administrator Crawford reported that she heard July 25th Biden will declare the federal emergency. With the steps that need to take place we can start the process and if it isn’t declared we can hold the bids for 30 days if needed.
Discuss Existing Ordinances Related to Parking and Storage of Vehicles, Boats and Trailers.
City Attorney Martineck stated the ordinances currently in place are not easily enforced. The plan is to take the current ordinances and add how it will be enforced and the procedures that will take place.
Update on Crestwood
Operations Superintendent Klemish stated they are running with new water line. We will see if there is any federal funding for this area to have another study on the stability of the ground.
Gosh, with last Monday being Independence Day, the end of the week arrived in a hurry! Of course being “older”, many things seem to come & go in a hurry. It is still fun, enjoy.
In the Summer 2022 edition of the “North Dakota Horizons” magazine there is a striking article about our Medicine Wheel Park. Co-Editor, Annie Bennett and Dr. Joe Stickler collaborated on a must read article. Find it at https://www.facebook.com/Medicine-Wheel-Park-680472872015658/ Thank you Dr. Joe & Annie.
There are still some properties needing mowing and cleaning. Please take pride in your property’s appearance and “spiff it up” a bit. Thank you.
Remember “Summer Nights on Central” this Thursday. There will be music, vendors and opportunities for investing time with family & friends of all ages.
Your VCFD is now providing fire extinguisher sales, re-charging services and safety instructions. They offer same day extinguisher service along with home & business inspections helping you determine your needs. They have many sizes of sensibly priced extinguishers in stock and their service prices are very desirable. For the safety of your family & friends, install fire extinguishers in you homes and garages.
Thanks to all who helped with topics & proofing again this week.
“Sportsmanship goes beyond the game; it begins with respect.” (Tommy Hilfiger)
Do you have your garbage cans? What a question, but with the high winds, garbage cans have been blown here there and everywhere. How about putting identification on your garbage cans so others can help you find them?
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) manages energy we utilize as a Public Power City and last week Tom Heller, MRES CEO, was here for a “member visit”. Our city staff and commissioners had opportunities to share thoughts, ask questions and hear updates from MRES and the energy industry. Thank you Tom.
Garage sales abound in the summer; one can get some “deals” and also visit with folks. ONE THING, please refrain from attaching signs to metal power poles as adhesives and hard surfaces can damage the finish on poles. Thank you for your help.
DOG POOP! Please, pick up after your dog and encourage others to do the same. The bags are FREE; help keep Valley City beautiful & safe.
With all the rain this spring, most trees are growing rapidly now. Please check yours to see if trimming is needed as trees need air and light to be healthy. Trees are to be 8 feet above sidewalks and 15 feet above streets. For information on trimming trees, call City Hall, 845-1700 and see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAB7AYmJ-Hk
Contributors; thank you again for helping this week.
“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” (Bansky)
The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.
Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84957804964 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 849 5780 4964
Call to Order
Roll Call
Agenda items
Commission Topics
Estimated 2023 Prairie Dog Funding
Fargo Landfill Contract
Department reports.
Sanitation Department
Water Department
Electric Department
Fire Department
Police Department
Street Department
Administration
Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)
4. Fire Extinguisher Services Financial Report. (Fire Chief Magnuson)
While we were grateful for the quick installation of the clay levees to mitigate flooding, perhaps the most asked question now is “When will the levees be removed”? Emergency declarations allow quick installation, however removal involves some layers of bureaucracy. It is important we remove levees as directed so we have opportunities for cost shares.
Isn’t it amazing, with all the rain we have had, our lawn (not the best soil) is already stressing from lack of moisture? An area farmer once told me “We are only ever ten days away from a drought”!
Last week Gwen, Marissa and I attended the Water Topics Overview Committee Meeting at the State Capital. The Committee was interested to know how flood fighting in Valley City was and what it is like now with some Permanent Flood Protection (PFP). We shared our community looked like a “war zone” in 2009, 2010 & 2011, but this year our Main Street was secure, traffic moved normally and was free of mud. We shared our gratefulness, as without the help of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) & the State Water Commission (SWC), we likely would not have PFP.
Next Monday is the Fourth of July so it will be a great weekend to invest time with family and friends. Please be prudent while boating, lighting fireworks and other fun activities to avoid accidents.
Contributors; thank you again for helping this week. J
“Neither fire or wind, birth or death can erase our good deeds.” (Buddha)
The Elected Officials Oaths of Office will begin on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 4:45 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (please stand)
Receive the Barnes County Official Canvassed Abstract and the Certificate of Election from the Primary Election held on June 14, 2022. (Finance Director Richter)
Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Erickson Gulmon Carlsrud
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Bishop and Commissioner Gulmon
Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Remove N6
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from June 22nd Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
Approve Application for Tobacco License Renewal for the following:
Dakota Silver, LLC
Brothers III Sports
Casey’s Retail Company
FOE Aerie 2192
Approve Application for the Alcohol Beverage License Renewal for the Following:
Dakota Silver
My Bar
The Clubhouse Lounge, LLC
Main Street Off Sale, LLC
Jimmy’s Pizza
Hi Line Hospitality, LLC
FOE Aerie 2192
Approve Application for Raffle Permits for the Following:
El Zagal Valley Flag Corps on August 27, 2022 at the Eagles.
CHI Mercy Health Foundation on October 25th, 2022 at the Eagles.
Valley City Parks and Recreation on August 6, 2022 at Chautauqua Park.
VCSU Foundation/Booster Board on June 10, 2022 at the VC Town and Country Club.
VCSU Foundation/Booster Board on November 5, 2022 at VCSU’s Lokken Stadium.
Approve Application to Block off the Street for the following:
Central Ave from Main Street to 5th St N and Main Street from Central to 2nd Ave E on June 18th for the Rally in the Valley Events and Car Show.
Main St from Central Ave to 2nd Ave E on June 18th for the Street Dance from Brockopp Brewing.
Section of 9th Ave SW for Cal Ripken and Little League Ball from Valley City Baseball Association.
Central Ave N from Wells Fargo to Valley Service including alleyways by Vault & NuCara on July 14, July 21 and September 8 from 1 pm to 10 pm for Summer Nights on Central & Summer Vikes on Central.
Approve Application for Parade for the following
VC Chamber of Commerce on Central Ave from 12th St N to 4th St S on June 18th at 10 am for Rally in the Valley.
VC Barnes County Development Corp on Central Ave from Walking Bridge to 2nd St N on September 8th from 6-6:30 pm for Summer Vikes on Central.
Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Application for the following:
Brockopp Brewing, LLC on June 18th, 2022 from 7pm-12am for the Rally in the Valley Street Dance.
Captain’s Pub on June 18th, 2022 from 7pm-12am for the Rally in the Valley Street Dance.
Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Resolution
Approve Resolution 2364, a Resolution Approving Sale of GE Transformer No. F-961679.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Site Authorization Renewals for the Thundering Saints at Boomers Corner Keg and Bridges Bar and Grill from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve New Site Authorization Requests from Valley City Baseball Association from June 1, 2022-June 30, 2022 at Brockopp Brewing and from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 at Brockopp Brewing and City Lights Supper Club.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.
Consider Rescheduling the June 21st Commission Meeting and July 7th Finance and Commission Meetings.
Due to conflicts and the holiday, it was requested to move the June 21st meeting to June 22nd and the July 5th Finance and Commission Meetings to the 7th.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Recommendation from the Renaissance Zone Authority Board to Approve the Application from Richard and Pat North for a 5-year State Income Tax Exemption and a 5-year Property Tax Exemption Capped at $300,000 Valuation on a new Cold Storage Building and designate it as VC-134.
Finance Director Richter stated the RZ Authority Board met on May 26 and made a motion and approved unanimously that this project move forward for your approval. Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Hear and Determine Sufficiency of Written Protests against Proposed Annexation Set forth in Resolution 2360.
City Attorney Martineck stated Resolution 2360 was already approved and we did not receive any protests. At this point we are waiting for written consent from the DOT and will record the annexation.
Approve Nextera Extension on Water and Sewer Main in the Amount of $102,408.50.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the amount of $102,408.50 with the City’s portion being a maximum of $25,486.59, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Valley Plains Sewer/Water -National Guard Temporary Right of Entry Agreement.
City Administrator Crawford stated this is allowing entry in the Nation Guard area to do some set up for construction.
City Attorney Martineck added as part of the project they will be removing a 50 ft. section of the fence and putting up a temporary fence daily. Once the project is complete, they will replace the section.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.
Approve Construction Engineering Agreement for Water/Sanitary Sewer Extensions to Nextera Addition.
Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Bishop-aye Magnuson-aye Erickson-nay Gulmon-aye Carlsrud-aye
Motion carried.
City Administrator’s Report
City Administrator Crawford provided updates on several of the construction projects and capital improvement projects in process for 2022.
City Updates & Commission Reports
City Assessor Hansen provided an update on the county equalization meeting. There were no protests but were a couple of corrections.
Commissioner Gulmon reported on the finances for April.
Commissioner Erickson reported that this week is clean up week. If you have questions please call the landfill.
President Carlsrud stated when there is an emergency situation, we have to jump through a lot of hoops so we can have opportunity for cost sharing. We will be cleaning up as soon as we can. For clean up week, please sort your materials. You can also bring your items to the transfer station this week at no change if you are a citizen of Valley City.
If you are campaigning for office you can have yard signs but they cannot be on boulevards.
Thanks to all our employees and citizens of Valley City for what you do to make our city better and thank you to the commissioners for serving.
