Category Archives: City Commission

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10/6/2020 Finance Meeting Minutes

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Called To Order at 2:30 PM

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

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Electrical Superintendent Senf, Operations Superintendent Klemisch, Mike Opatz from Houston Engineering

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 4 outages for the month, 3 squirrels and 1 tree branch.  City Park lighting is completed.  Working on 5th Ave.  Skyline Villa is finished.  Love’s is completed other than the main service, waiting on the electrician.

Commission Topics:

  1. Discussion about removing flag pole on North side of City Hall building.
  2. Discussion around selling the extra land the City owns.
  3. Discussion around Elk’s Letter.
  4. Discussion about cold storage.
  5. Brainstorming Session will be added to another meeting due to time restraints.
  6. MRES and NDLC training report was deferred to November Finance Meeting.

Department Reports:

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported the tree was removed by Chautauqua.  Clean up week is complete.  Next year we are considering moving it a week later to hopefully have summer help available.  Thanks to KPH and Jack Moritz for helping with the water main breaks.  Tony Gille is scheduled to do the concrete work. 

Police Chief Hatcher reported they will be getting around more taking care of the car complaints.  There was an incident at Jefferson school so we are researching additional safety options.  Considering dropping the speed limit in the school zone to 15mph, 20 is still pretty fast for a school zone.  Battle of the Badges blood drive is next week, vote Team Law!

Fire Chief Magnuson reported 10 calls last month, 9 for the city and 1 rural.  This week is Fire Prevention and since we can’t go around to the schools we made a video.  Battle of the Badges next week, vote Team Fire!  The final data for the census has been moved to October 30th. 

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Richter reported $1.5 million in bills for the month. $430,000 spent on 5th Ave NW, $207,000 on bond payments $142,000 on Fire Department payroll and a couple other miscellaneous that put us over the $1 million with our regular operations and payroll. 

Discuss Building Fees

City Administrator Crawford reported she received commercial fees from various towns for comparison.  We want to build Valley City but we cannot let the fees end up costing us.  Resolution 2263 will be added to the Commission meeting to add the “Use of outside consultants for plan review, inspections, or both, including administrative and overhead costs. Actual costs” back onto the resolution as it was removed back in 2018.  Would also like to see some of our current fees such as sign fees adjusted. If you want to keep the building inspection fees stay the same we can look into charging a building inspection fee.

Discuss CLOMR

Chad Petersen from KLJ and Mike Opatz from Houston Engineering presented six top options to get the Commission’s feedback.  Commission chose to remove the Golf club bypass and the Tourist Park as an option.  Mayor Carlsrud asked they come up with a plan and if we need we can set up a special meeting.     

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:52 PM.

10/20/2020 Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 2oth, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/92492262531 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 924 9226 2531

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)
Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from October 6th, 2020 meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Application to Block off Street Request from JE Dunn Construction for the dates of 11/2/2020-11/6/2020 on Viking Dr. SW, from 4th Ave SW to VCSU Student Center Drive Way for the Center for the Arts Underground utilities.

2. Approve Raffle Permit for North Dakota Hereford Assn. for the date of 12/5/2020 held at the North Dakota Winter Show.

       Roll Call:          Bishop                  Magnuson           Gulmon                Erickson               Carlsrud


Public Comments

During the COVID-19 emergency, members of the public may request to make a public comment regarding city business by contacting City Hall (701) 845-1700 by 12 NOON on the day of the meeting to make arrangements.

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

New Business

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

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop                  Magnuson           Carlsrud

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

Roll Call:          Magnuson       Gulmon           Erickson Bishop                Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

10/12/2020 Special Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission will meet on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT via Zoom. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/97978626854 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799)

Call To Order
Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

Public Hearing

  • Open Public Hearing regarding the application for Rocking DD Properties for rehab of 358 North Central Avenue relating to the Main Street Program.  (Finance Director Richter)

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:                 Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson          Gulmon                Carlsrud

New Business

  1.  Discuss Wick/Secarse Storm Drainage.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:                 Gulmon                Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson             Carlsrud

  • Status update on Waterfront Meadows Infrastructure Installation.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:                 Magnuson          Gulmon                Erickson                Bishop                    Carlsrud

  • Discuss Barnes Rural Water District Agreement Renewal.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:                 Bishop                 Magnuson          Gulmon                   Erickson                Carlsrud

 

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9/15/2020 Commission Meeting Minutes

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The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public were not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

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

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the September 1st, 2020 Finance and Commission Meetings and minutes from September 3, 2020 Special Commission Meeting seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve raffle permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals held on 12/11/2020 at Duttons Valley Gallery.

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Public Hearing

PH 1.  Public Hearing for 2021 City Budget.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

Finance Director Richter stated she had not received any correspondence regarding the public hearing.  The preliminary budget was submitted to the county before August 10th as required.  Some budget meetings were held the end of July and beginning of August.  At those meeting $1,407,200 to be levied for the 2021 budget. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1065, an ordinance adopting the 2021 City Budget.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1065, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Resolutions

1.   Approve Resolution No. 2260, a resolution to advertise for bids for farm lease.

Decision was made to research the land value further before placing it for bids.  Resolution will be added to next agenda.

2.  Approve Resolution No. 2261, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $300,000 water treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project.

Finance Director Richter stated we applied for and received a safe drinking water loan through the Bank of North Dakota for a warrant up to $300,000 for the water main on the 5th Ave NW project. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2261, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

3.  Approve Resolution No.  2262, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $675,000 wastewater treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project.

Finance Director Richter stated this is for wastewater on the 5th Ave NW project.  A low interest loan through the Bank of North Dakota and we would only draw the amount that we need to offset the special assessment.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve Resolution No. 2262, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

New Business

1. Consider options for Building Inspector and City Engineer.

City Administrator Crawford gave options of putting out an RFQ for an engineering firm that would also handle the building inspections.  Changing the position to a Project Manager/Building Inspector but would need to be a new job description.  If we went with an RFQ and kept Mike Blevins we would have to look at our fee structure.

City Attorney Martineck stated he wasn’t comfortable reposting the job description as is for the same position due to the lack of candidates and the one we had declined the offer.

Commissioner Gulmon made a motion to put out and RFQ for and Engineer as well as producing a job description for a Project Manager/Building Inspector, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Commissioner Bishop stated he spoke with a couple of the engineering firms regarding the RFQ.  He stated their response was that they would not be interested in having someone in their firm in that position because that would make them ineligible to bid on jobs.

Roll Call:          Magnuson-aye  Gulmon-aye     Erickson-aye    Bishop-nay      Carlsrud-aye

Motion Carried.

2.    Consider RFP on 6th St NW Reconstruction.

 City Administrator Crawford stated she spoke with Chad at KLJ and due to the things that go in place ahead of a project starting this needs to start now even though the project isn’t until 2022. 

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the RFP on 6th ST NW reconstruction, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated today due to multiple issues we had some water mains break.  Due to the loss of pressure there is a potential of contamination therefore the State of ND requires us to be placed in a boil advisory.  We are continuing to get the information out the community.  A water sample will be driven to Bismarck on Wednesday and the soonest we will receive the results is by Thursday afternoon.

City Administrator Crawford thanked Public Works, for being immediately on top of it.  Also the office staff for handling all the calls.  The Fire Department for bringing in staff to help with the fire hydrants.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson Census come to an end September 30th.  Please make sure you have completed your census. 

Battle of the Badges blood drive is October 13th and 14th.  More information to come but if you can donate blood please do so.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided project updates.  Started on Phase II 5th Ave NW, I think last Tuesday they started on the sanitary sewer.  Things are progressing. 

City Commissioner Gulmon thanks to everyone involved in clean up week.

City Commission Bishop gave a shout out to the Police Department and the Fire Department and encouraged the community to thank them if they see them out and about. 

City Commissioner Magnuson encourages everyone to get outside, walk and enjoy thecommunity.

President Carlsrud had a COVID spike the last few weeks.  Social distance, wash your hands and use a mask if you are unable to social distance.

Thank you to everyone that helped with the water situation today.  This may slow clean up week so be patient. 

MRES training tomorrow and the next day that a number of employees will be sitting in.

Be safe and be well.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:43 PM.

10/6/2020 Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/97961141974 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 979 6114 1974

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)
Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from September 15th, 2020 meeting

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $


Public Comments

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

Public Hearing

  1. Open Public Hearing regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 116 Central Avenue N. (Finance Director Richter)

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:                 Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson          Gulmon                Carlsrud

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for

Paving Improvement District No. 116 Central Avenue N.

Roll Call:                 Gulmon                Erickson               Bishop                  Magnuson           Carlsrud

2. Open Public Hearing regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 50 (Finance Director Richter)

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:                 Magnuson          Gulmon                Erickson               Bishop               Carlsrud

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Improvement District No. 50

Roll Call:                 Bishop                  Magnuson           Gulmon             Erickson             Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1.  Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1064, an ordinance to adopt and enact Section 1-01-16 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to cooperative purchasing.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1065, an Ordinance Adopting 2021 City Budget. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

 

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2260, a resolution to advertise for bids for farm lease. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

 

New Business

  1. Consider Visitors Committee recommendation for Image Enhancement Grant for Micaiah’s Studio of Ballet & LivFit Fitness LLC in the amount up to $955 for exterior signage.  (Bobby Koepplin)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

2. Consider Final Review and Acceptance for Permanent Flood protection Phase 2. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3. Consider Accepting Certificate of Substantial Completion for Permanent Flood Protection Phase 2A & 3. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

4. Consider Quotes for Upgrading the Video Conferencing System in the Chambers.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

5. Approve moving forward with the Fire Hall addition and to explore financing options.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

6. Discuss the Crestwood Hillside slide.  (KLJ)

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

10/6/2020 Finance Meeting Agenda

Posted on by

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at 2:30 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting online

https://zoom.us/j/91614029128 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 916 1402 9128

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics
    • Discuss Elks’ Letter.
    • Discuss Cold Storage. (City Administrator Crawford)
    • Discuss Wick/Secarse Storm Drainage.  (City Administrator Crawford)
    • Brainstorming Session for Future Outlook of the City.  (Commissioner Magnuson)
    • MRES and NDLC Training Report. (President Carlsrud)
  •  Department reports.
    • Out of State Travel Requests.
  • Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  • Discuss CLOMR (KLJ)
  • Status Update on PFP Phase 2 Main Street Storm Outlet.  (KLJ)
  • Status Update on Waterfront Meadows Infrastructure Installation. (KLJ)
  • Discuss 2021 Employee Benefits.  (City Attorney Martineck)
  • Discuss Building Fees.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9/3/2020 Special Commission Meeting

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 7:00 AM.

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

Others Present: City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Attorney Martineck, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher

New Business

N2.  Review the City Engineer Position.

City Attorney Martineck stated it was brought up at the last meeting that there may be some alternatives than hiring our current candidate. 

City Administrator Crawford presented some thoughts on an RFQ to hire a firm to do those particular responsibilities other than hiring on staff.

City Administrator Crawford stated the candidate, Caleb, may not be the best for the City due to his concern on the building inspector side of things.

Commissioner Bishop stated he spoke with both Caleb and Dave Anderson recently.  Caleb stated he was still interested in the position and the building inspector part of the description was not a deal breaker.  Dave Anderson was able to learn this position without any prior schooling for it.  Caleb was concerned with the plumbing and electrical which Commissioner Bishop stated isn’t included in this position anyway.  He has an engineering degree and Commissioner Bishop feels he can do this job.

Commissioner Magnuson stated he sees this position as more of an engineer, project planner or someone that goes out and finds projects that need to be done and then we hire an engineering firm to do the rest.

City Attorney Martineck stated if he feels he can do it and the Commission feels comfortable let’s go ahead but let’s not set him up for failure.

President Carlsrud asked if this was a Commission hire.

City Attorney Martineck stated it is a City Administrator hire unless we were going to go a different direction we would want the Commission to vote on it.  Also, right now KLJ is our City Engineer.  They do preliminary design work and present that to the Commission.  The Commission votes on that then it goes out for bids.  Caleb would not be able to do that.  From the very beginning of that project you would be looking at hiring out.

City Commissioner Magnuson said Caleb could look at existing infrastructure and provide input and then oversee the project but anything else would have to be hired out.

Commissioner Erickson expressed his concerns of Caleb using this as a stepping stone.  Also asked what Caleb was asking for pay.

City Attorney Martineck stated he calculated $72,000-$79,000 based on his experience but Caleb did mention he would be asking for more since he had to wear so many hats, probably high seventies low eighties.  RFQ we don’t know cost until it is bid.

President Carlsrud agreed it was a lot of hats but questions requesting more money because that’s what is in the job description.  President Carlsrud would like to see the pay in the range you have calculated instead of higher.

Decision was made to negotiate with Caleb.

N1.  Consider changes to the Preliminary Budget

Finance Director Richter stated with the 2020 Cares Act for the Corona virus we have submitted 5 months of the law enforcements salaries and benefits to the state and based off what was sent in we have received money from the state to help offset the loss of revenue and increased costs we are having.  We have received the first 5 months, $435,056, from the state and will be receiving another portion estimated at $165,000.  This can be used for a wide range of items.

City Attorney Martineck mentioned they have a meeting on document management with Tyler, we don’t have a quote yet but that may want to be included in the budget.  Also the budget for the chamber and court, could that be covid related and receive reimbursement?

Finance Richter stated she will have to check into it as this money received may be in lieu of the other reimbursements that were submitted due to Covid.

City Commissioner Bishop stated he would like to see if something can be done with the windows at the PD.

Finance Director Richter stated that $15,000 was already added into the budget for that but can increase if needed.

President Carlsrud asked Police Chief Hatcher to get quotes so we know what to budget.

Consensus was made to move forward entering this into the budget.

Meeting adjourned at 7:57 AM

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9/1/2020 Commission Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public were not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, PW Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the August 18, 2020 Commission Meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A.  Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and

Public Works Accountant.

B.  Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of

C.  Approve Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited on 9/24/2020.

D.  Approve Raffle Permit for Barnes County Senior Citizens Council.

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

Resolutions

New Business

N1.  Consider advertising for bids the sale of vacant lot at 14th St SW, Parcel 63-0880017.

Discussion took place in Finance meeting prior.

Commissioner Gulmon made a motion to retain property, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

N2.  Consider member participation agreement – North Dakota Public Health Insurance Trust.

City Attorney Martineck stated we have been working with the Hayes Company for our health insurance.  They have proposed if we join the trust and sign a two year agreement with them we would be able to maintain our current health plan at no additional increase to our premiums for 2021.  Starting in 2022 we have an average annual increase of 3-6% which less than what we have had the last couple of years.  This year was over 25% and proposed to be 12-15% next year.  Based on that we are recommending that we enter into this agreement.  We are required to put up 8.5% of our annual premiums up front.

Commissioner Bishop made a motion that we participate with North Dakota Public Health Insurance Trust, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion Carried.

N3.  Consider Site Authorizations for VCSU Foundation at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, VC Town & Country Club, Shelly Ellig Field @ Lokken Stadium and the Valley City Eagles Club.

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

N4.  Approve Recommendations from Renaissance Zone Authority Board for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 for Smith Lumber project VC-126 at 1525 East Main St.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the Renaissance Zone project for Smith Lumber, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated to make people aware that we will be enforcing the Ordinances as written.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Finance Auditor Richter reiterated that we will be having a Special Commission meeting Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00 AM to discuss the City Engineer position and our budget.

Fire Chief Magnuson stated there is one month of the census remaining.  If you know someone that hasn’t completed it please encourage them to do so.

Police Chief Hatcher stated school is in session so please slow down and watch the cross walks.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided project updates.  5th Ave is open through 6th St.  They are working on the landscaping and trees for Phase I.  Phase II they started spreading the gravel this week and will work on the underground next Tuesday.

City Commissioner Gulmon thanked City Attorney Martineck and City Administrator Crawford on their work with the health insurance.  We had an excellent audit so thanks to Avis and staff.

President Carlsrud stated we have been making some less than stellar decisions regarding staying safe with COVID.  From here on forward we can do better.  Wash your hands, social distance and wear masks where you can’t social distance.  We are looking for support from our downtown businesses to encourage people to mask up.

Thanks to all of our employees.  There is a lot of stuff going in the last couple weeks.  We’ve had to adjusting on the fly and thank you all for that and picking up the extra slack.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM.

9/1/2020 Finance Meeting Minutes

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Called To Order at 3:00 PM

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM.

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, PW Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ

Department Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson – There were 19 calls for the month of August. 

Census update – The rural homeowners that have had two or three addresses have all gotten census information.  The County numbers may not be going up because those addresses are not being fulfilled, waiting on clarification.

Waiting on a cylinder dryer and a tester that should be in the end of the week.  Within two to three weeks we should be able to start testing and filling extinguishers.

Gloria Swart –Closed this Saturday at the Transfer Station.  Clean up week is September 14-18.  Please separate your materials into piles.  TVs are taken with no extra charge.  Tires are accepted at the Transfer Station with an extra charge depending on size, but will not be picked up on the blvd. Appliances can go to Valley Recycling.  We will not pick up metal.

Review Monthly Bills/Reports

City Auditor Richter reported we only spent $1.4 million in August.  Looking at some of the construction reports there was just about $300,000 infrastructure and PFP and there weren’t really any other large charges.

Discuss Agenda for the NDLC virtual conference

City Administrator Crawford feels this training is important and to avoid interruption during the training we should move it offsite.

Discuss Advertising for bids the sale of vacant lot at 14th St SQ, Parcel 63-0880017.

City Commissioner Bishop stated he didn’t think we should sell it as it’s not costing us anything.  Services can’t come from the bottom up but they can come from the back.  It could be sold as a buildable lot someday.

Will leave on the Commission meeting agenda making a motion to not put it up for sale.

Discuss lease agreement.

City Administrator Crawford stated she had requested if anyone knew of any verbal agreements or any agreements that were expiring to bring them forward.  This lease has expired.  They were getting if for $25 and I have listed what the average prices are going for right now. 

Public Works Manager said he spoke with Jeff and the land is tillable.  There was a deal worked out in the past.

City Commissioner requesting putting the land up for bids.

City Attorney Martineck stated typically use of any government property can only be for a maximum of two years.  It has to be for fair market value.

Discuss URD Wire Bid for all URD projects for 2020.

President Carlsrud the need for the underground is to finish the University and 5th Ave. project.  Marshall recommends that we move forward with Resco.  

Eide Bailly presentation of the 2019 Audit Report.

Luke Evenson from Eide Bailly presented the 2019 Audit findings.  The city received a “clean” audit opinion.

Update on CLOMR

Chad Petersen from KLJ, Mike Opat and Adam Neiss from Houston Engineering presented some of the impacts with PFP and concepts identified for mitigation.

Discuss City Engineer

City Attorney Martineck stated we discussed our one and only candidate and came to the conclusion that the way we have the job description set up right now he may not be the best fit.  We could work with him if we wanted to go that direction but he does not have any building inspection experience which could end up being a good portion of that position.  Before we move forward with an offer we would like to present some other options.

City Administrator Crawford stated she went through what was wanted, what the City’s needs are and what the candidate said he could do.  On the list of pros and cons there were very few pros.  If there were building inspection experience that would add more to the pros.  Other options may be doing RFQ for a City Engineer that would not do any projects.

Will add this to the Special Commission meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 7:00 AM.

Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at ­4:15 PM.

9/15/2020 Commission Meeting Agenda

Posted on by

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City
Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/93963234761 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 939 6323 4761

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)
Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from September 1st, 2020 Finance and Commission Meetings and minutes from September 3, 2020 Special Commission Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve raffle permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals held on 12/11/2020 at Duttons Valley Gallery.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud


Public Comments

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.


Public Hearing

PH 1.  Public Hearing for 2021 City Budget.

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1065, an Ordinance Adopting the 2021 City Budget (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2260, a resolution to advertise for bids for farm lease. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

2. Approve Resolution No. 2261, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $300,000 water treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

3. Approve Resolution No.  2262, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $675,000 wastewater treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud



New Business

  1. Consider options for Building Inspector and City Engineer.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

2.  Consider RFP on 6th St NW Reconstruction.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn