The City of Valley City has openings effective November 16, 2019 for:
Renaissance Zone Authority Board – balance of 3 year term ending June 30, 2022, 1 opening.
Please submit your name, address and phone number on paper to the Valley City Auditor’s Office, PO Box 390, Valley City, or etufte@valleycity.us if you are interested by December 2, 2019, 5 p.m.
Minutes from November 5, 2019 meeting
Roll Call Magnuson Powell Erickson Bishop Carlsrud
Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.
Others present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Building Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.
Commissioner Powell moved to approve minutes from October 1, 2019 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion carried.
Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Final Public Hearing for Community Development Block Grant for After School Latch Key Program dba TL Childcare
President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. There were no comments. Commissioner Bishop moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1051, an Ordinance to Adopt the Valley City Municipal Code and Repeal all Ordinances Previously Adopted with Certain Exceptions
City Attorney Martineck stated the intent is to repeal Ordinances adopted prior to May 1, 2014 with certain exceptions prescribed in the Ordinance. The second reading includes language to keep Floodplain Ordinance. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Ordinance No. 1051, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
Receive 2019 Tree Report from City ForesterWillis Wagar presented the 2019 Tree Report. There were 96 trees with Dutch Elm – 75% have been removed. Twenty-three (23) trees were marked for other issues. City Administrator Schelkoph & President Carlsrud thanked Mr. Wagar for his four years of service as the city forester.
Approve Appointment of 2020 City Forester and 2020 Contract in the amount of $7,400
City Administrator Schelkoph introduced Bob Anderson to the City Commission as the next city forester and recommended approval of the contract. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the appointment and contract for Bob Anderson as City Forester, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to 1337 6th Ave NE
City Assessor Hansen recommends approval of the application. Commissioner Powell moved to approve the property tax exemption, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider paying for elevator repairs at Elks Building
City Administrator Schelkoph reported May 15th, the pump station for Permanent Flood Protection Phase II Pump Station on Main Street, the sluice gate was closed. During a large rain event, the pumps stopped working, and the streets flooded and then the Elks Building. The pumps are not made for summer time rains, so the gate needs to be left open. On August 5, maintenance work was going on. Again, the Elks Building flooded. Other rain events occurred during the summer, with no issues at the Elks Building. The gate valve needs to remain open. NDIRF is reviewing the case. The elevator system has needed significant repairs. City Administrator Schelkoph requested approval of $90,991 for elevator repairs at the Elks Building with the final cost share to be determined and may include the City, KLJ and Reiner Contracting.
Schelkoph reported cut outs have been added near the City Park footbridge that should help the street drain by the Elks Building.
Commissioner Bishop asked to recuse himself. Commissioner Magnuson moved to have Commissioner Bishop recuse himself, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Motion carried.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve paying for elevator repairs at the Elks Building in the amount of $90,991; seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
City Administrator Schelkoph reported at 11:00 AM, the City Commission declared a flood emergency. The City is preparing for 16’ flood. The City is setting up pumps and flood protection for low areas. The City will prepare to have freeboard at 17.5 to 18’. The City is asking for the State to help with clay levies, with 3’ expected in areas. By Thursday, 3500 cfs output is expected at the dam. If citizens observe any issues, they can call 845-0380.
Building Inspector Dave Andersen asked public to stay away from the river. Thanked Mr. Wagar for his work.
Fire Chief Magnuson reported a good turnout for VCFD Open House. Magnuson also asked people to please keep kids and pets away from river.
Police Chief Hatcher asked for support at blood drive.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated streetlights have been installed for Streetscape. Traffic signals are blinking red for the next week. If temperatures warm up to 45 degrees, will paint roadway markings.
KLJ is addressing flood event issues at Bettins Lift Station and Master Lift Station as construction is ongoing.
Commissioner Erickson thanked street crew for work in snow event.
Commissioner Powell echoed comment support.
President Carlsrud asked citizens to watch out for city crews preparing for flood. A ribbon cutting will be held on October 23 for the Streetscape project. Employee and commission training has been occurring.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:33 PM.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson.
Members absent: Commissioner Powell.
Others present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Police Chief Hatcher, Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd, Barnes County Highway Department Representative Dennis Mortiz, Deputy Auditor Klein.
Approve Resolution No. 2221, a Resolution Declaring Flood Emergency
City Administrator Schelkoph read the following report:
We are here today asking the Commission to declare a flood emergency and ask the county and state to do the same. I have been emailing you about the potential river flows from the lake and the runoff from last week’s snowfall. The Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) has give us a new projection of river flows after they had conducted an evaluation of the snow pack located in the upper Sheyenne River watershed. This morning at 8:30 and again at 10:00, Scott Tichy (ACE) gave me a call and informed/confirmed to the city that we should plan on protecting to a 16 foot flood level. Scott said that the projections of input into the lake could be as high as 9000 cfs. They will do their best at keeping the flow around 3500 cfs but this is not a guarantee. 3500 cfs is around 15 feet flood stage. This of course does not include the runoff from the city to the dam. If all falls apart the flows from the dam could reach 4100 cfs. This is a 16 foot flood level without any input from runoff between us and the dam.
Jeff and his crews, with the help from Marshall and his, are putting up pumping stations around town. As of this writing we have enough pumps to keep the city dry but there are areas along the city’s temporary flood protection that will need additional clay to protect to a 16 foot flood stage. To that end we will be asking for help from FEMA when all the appropriate paperwork is filed by the county and state. Right now given the projected numbers the city does not need any sandbags at this time.
City Administrator Schelkoph reported the City will bring lower areas along the river that are 16.5’ to 18 – 18.5’ with clay. Schelkoph will ask the county to declare an emergency; the state will also need to declare an emergency.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported the Elks footbridge is at 17.7’ and Viking Drive closes at 17.2’. VCSU may have parking lots close. Schelkoph expects Viking Drive bridge to close within two to three days to maintain a two foot freeboard. Floodwalls go in between the 17-18’ range. Commissioner Magnuson asked the City to be proactive on these issues.
Schelkoph stated the ACOE and FEMA typically take care of clay and contractors.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2221, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Resolution No. 2222, a Resolution Requesting Emergency Flood Assistance
City Administrator Schelkoph recommends since the City will be moving clay and installing floodwalls that state assistance is requested.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2222, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Barnes County Emergency Manager Lloyd will ask the County Commission to ask for emergency declaration. Barnes County Highway Representative Moritz is watching river levels for possible bridge closures south of Valley City.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:12 AM.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City
October 1, 2019 5:00 PM
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.
Others present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Lieutenant Rustebakke, Chad Petersen from KLJ.
There were no changes.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the September 17 and September 23, 2019 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Motion carried.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
There were no public comments.
Public Hearing for the Issuance of Class B On-Sale and Off-sale Beer License & Class C On-Sale and off-sale Liquor License to Jeremy Tjon dba The Club House
President Carlsrud declared public hearing open. City Auditor Richter stated the application was received and fee was paid. The American Legion already has a license and the club license would be need to be turned in. City Attorney Martineck stated since this is going from one type of license to another type of license, no transfer form was needed and asked for clarification on the transfer date.
Judy Bennefeld spoke on behalf of the American Legion. Bennefeld reported the members voted to sell the building on September 18, 2019 and the contract for deed will be completed soon. The American Legion will use space within the building.
City Attorney Martineck recommended that the new license be issued when the contract for deed is finalized and the City sees it. Bennefeld agreed to bring document to Attorney.
Martineck stated when the new license [Class B & C] is issued; the previous suspension [for the Class A Club license] will be cancelled.
Commissioner Bishop moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider Issuance of Class B & C Licenses to Jeremy Tjon dba The Club House
Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the issuance of licenses contingent upon the receipt of a signed contract for deed or warranty deed, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.
Bennefeld confirmed the gaming site will be still ran by the American Legion Post.
Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1050, the 2020 Annual Budget Ordinance
City Auditor Richter reported no changes to the budget since the first reading. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1050, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1051, An ordinance to adopt the Valley City Municipal Code and repeal all ordinances previously adopted with certain exceptions
City Attorney Martineck stated the ordinance adopts the Valley City Municipal Code Titles 1-20; and repeals those adopted before May 1, 2014. This will serve as preface to the new code book. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Ordinance No. 1051, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Gaming Site Authorization for North Dakota Winter Show at North Dakota Winter Show Event Center on December 6, 2019 and at Valley City Eagles Aeries 2192 on December 7, 2019
City Auditor Richter reported this during the North Star Classic and consistent with previous requests. Commissioner Powell moved to approve the gaming site authorization, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Special Alcohol Event Permits for the Valley City Rotary Club Wine & Beer Tasting Social on November 21, 2019 at the Barnes County Museum for the following establishments:
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the permits, seconded by Commissioner Powell. City Attorney Martineck stated Valley Sales Company is a wholesaler. The motion passed unanimously.
President Carlsrud stated continuing education will be held for commissioners as it relates to public office and stress.
City Administrator Schelkoph stated October is Energy Efficiency Month. Customers will receive two light bulbs each and receive information about the Bright Energy Solutions rebate program. Schelkoph stated street lights on Central have not been able to be installed. The Commission will be considering funding sources for city’s cost share of Permanent Flood Protection as the discussed at the finance meeting.
Fire Chief Magnuson reported Fire Prevention Week begins next week and will host Open House on Sunday, October 6.
Lieutenant Rustebakke asked the public to follow winter parking rules downtown; Battle of Badges Blood Drive is October 15-16.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported Storm sewer 50 still needs seeding and trees to be planted; there was an issue with rainfall and road flooding due to erosion control devices in place. Streetscape traffic signals to be installed next week. Permanent pavement marking starts next week. Permanent Flood Protection work continues with floodwall sheeting near Bettins and work beginning near the Master Lift Station.
Petersen stated manufacturer is looking into it [the Central Avenue streetlights]. Update requested for construction meeting tomorrow. No word on timelines/remedy yet.
President Carlsrud thanked citizens for patience during construction and thanked city employees. Attended Western Governors Association Workshop and stated in North Dakota 1 person in 20 needs to volunteer to support the community.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:34 pm.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City
Monday, September 23, 2019
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell.
Members absent: Commissioner Erickson.
Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, Police Chief Hatcher.
Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application submitted by Dakota Silver at VCSU Homecoming Tailgating Event on September 28, 2019
Commissioner Powell moved to approve the permit, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:02 P.M.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.
Members absent: Commissioner Bishop.
Others present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Martineck by phone, City Auditor Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Lieutenant Rustebakke, Chad Petersen from KLJ.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the minutes from September 3, 2019 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Motion carried.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
Madeline Luke provided comments to the City Commission regarding 2020 budget including salaries, bond rating, and public works expenditures and reserves.
Public Hearing for
2020 Annual Budget
President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. Bob Werkhoven inquired if
the increase in salaries are based on performance evaluations. Commissioner
Magnuson stated based on step increases and COLA increase. Werkhoven commented
on potential issues if a city attorney also has private practice. Commissioner
Magnuson moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Commissioner Powell recommended the City consider merit based pay. Motion
carried to close hearing.
Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1050, the 2020 Annual Budget Ordinance
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1050, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Commissioner Powell stated projects are done within budget. Commissioner Magnuson without increasing electrical rates and without increased mill levies, the utility funds are able to support general government including the street department which is funded by the general government funds. City Auditor Richter clarified the cash reserves are at 48%. Richter explained the Moody’s negative cash outlook due to the accounts receivable from the State Water Commission. Richter now seeks payment prior to year-end. Richter stated the City’s goal is for the cash reserves at least 30%.
The motion passed unanimously.
Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1049, an Ordinance Amending Title 14, Motor Vehicles & Traffic
City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading and based on the new ordinance, vehicles on the street will need to move more than 50’ in 72 hours.
Commissioner Powell moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1049, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider recommendation to begin Renewal Application for Valley City Renaissance Zone
Jim Knutson, Chair of the Renaissance Zone Authority Board, reviewed the program. Started in 2000, 119 projects have been approved with $36 million value; $17 million has been completed and is on the tax rolls which generates $240,000 in tax revenue/year. Knutson asked if the Commission would like the Renaissance Zone Authority Board to put in the time and effort to begin renewal efforts. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve beginning the renewal application for the Valley City Renaissance Zone, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider construction extension for Brockopp Brewing, LLC pursuant to V.C.M.C. 4-01-11(1.b.iii)
City Attorney Martineck recommended 6 month construction extension for Brockopp Brewing, LLC. Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the construction extension, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Consider the purchase of Christmas decorations for the new street lights on Central and Main St. for $14,000
City Administrator Schelkoph stated the existing decorations will not fit on the new light poles. The wreath has been vetted by the Downtown Streetscape Committee and Electrical Superintendent Senf. Schelkoph asked for Commission to continue the purchase of 42 wreaths.
Commissioner Erickson inquired why the old lights can’t be used. City Administrator Schelkoph stated the purchase of the new decorations was not included in the budget for 2019. This cost will be covered from the building site project line item. The building project was delayed as it was over budget. Schelkoph stated the old lights will be put in reserve for reuse later.
Commissioner Powell asked if it is possible to hold off for one year and keep the cash on hand for the building project. Commissioner Magnuson stated the money will be spent either this year or next.
Schelkoph stated typically the large décor is $500-750 each. Schelkoph stated weight of the product was a factor.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Roll call: Erickson – nay; Bishop – absent; Magnuson – aye; Powell – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.
Consider approving Construction Engineering Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase III with KLJ in an amount not to exceed $182,500
Chad Petersen from KLJ reviewed the request for construction engineering agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase III – Master Lift Station. City Administrator Schelkoph clarified that this is for the next phase of the project. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the construction engineering agreement, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Roll call: Bishop – absent; Magnuson – aye; Erickson – nay; Powell – aye; Carlsrud – aye. Motion carried.
City Administrator Schelkoph reminded the citizens that the 3rd and final pickup for tree branches will be on September 26-27. Streetlights are being installed on Central Avenue.
City Attorney Martineck clarified that he is a contracted employee without private practice.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated storm sewer project has closed a portion of Wintershow Road – it should re-open this week; work continues on Central/Main intersection; work will begin on intersection of 9th Street N & Central. Traffic signals for Central Avenue are expected late September/early October.
Commissioner Powell thanked public for putting up with construction.
President Carlsrud thanked employees for work and for Jefferson Elementary parents for working with construction.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:46 P.M.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City
5:00 PM
Minutes from October 15, 2019 meetings
Roll Call: Bishop Erickson Powell Magnuson Carlsrud
Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
3:30 PM
Minutes from October 1, 2019 meeting
Roll Call: Erickson Powell Magnuson Bishop Carlsrud
Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting. The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.
PH1. Final Public Hearing for Community Development Block Grant for After School Latch Key Program dba TL Childcare
Declare public hearing open.
Close hearing.
Roll Call: Bishop Erickson Magnuson Powell Carlsrud
O1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1051, an Ordinance to Adopt the Valley City Municipal Code and Repeal all Ordinances Previously Adopted with Certain Exceptions (City Attorney Martineck)
Roll Call: Powell Bishop Erickson Magnuson Carlsrud
N1. Receive 2019 Tree Report from City Forester (Willis Wagar)
N2. Approve Appointment of 2020 City Forester and 2020 Contract in the amount of $7,400 (City Administrator Schelkoph)
Roll Call: Magnuson Bishop Powell Erickson Carlsrud
N3. Approve Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to 1337 6th Ave NE (City Assessor Hansen)
Roll Call: Erickson Bishop Magnuson Powell Carlsrud
N4. Consider paying for elevator repairs at Elks Building (City Administrator Schelkoph)
Roll Call: Bishop Magnuson Erickson Powell Carlsrud