City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
President Bishop called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Members Present: President Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Kline, Commissioner Erickson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Add to Consent Agenda, Section D. Sheyenne Valley FFA and District 24 Democrats
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Approve Minutes from the 09.01.2026 Commission Meeting.
B. Approve Monthly Reports from The Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
C. Approve Contractors License
a. Bob Ryerson Construction
b. 2C’s Heating & Cooling
D. Approve Raffle Permit
a. District 24 Republicans
b. Sheyenne Valley FFA
c. District 24 Democrats
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Kline-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Public Hearing
Open Public Hearing Regarding 2027 Annual City Budget.
Finance Director Klein gave a summary of the 2027 levy and budget, noting that with the 3% cap and new growth, the city can levy a 3.75% increase. The number of mills compared to prior year, will decrease from 72.15 to 71.2, meaning property owners with unchanged valuations will see a slight reduction in the city portion of their tax bill. The city met its required cap, with general fund expenditures increasing only 2.7%, and approximately $200,000 in property tax relief included in revenues. The budget also maintains the city’s 30% cash reserve policy.
Motion to close hearing by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Kline.
Roll Call: Kline-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Ordinance
First Reading of Ordinance 1192, An Ordinance Adopting The 2027 Annual City Budget.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Resolution
Resolution 2538, A Resolution Approving Transfer of Salvaged Bricks for City Heritage Preservation (All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 516 Central Avenue North).
City Attorney Martineck reviewed a request related to the former Episcopal Church project, where the owner plans a residential addition while preserving the historic structure. With the demolition of the old laundry building, unused city‑owned bricks closely matching the church’s original materials can be transferred, requiring a resolution to ensure proper public‑purpose compliance. Approval was recommended.
Motion to approve resolution by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Kline.
Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Resolution 2539, A Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Lots 6 And 7, Block 3, Riverside Park Addition, City of Valley City (Guest Inn).
City Attorney Martineck provided information on the efforts to bring all local short‑term rentals into compliance with city code. It is recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board for approval of a conditional use permit with the conditions outlined in the resolution.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Kline-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Resolution 2540, A Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Lot 2, Block 14, B.W. Benson’s Addition, City of Valley City (Guest Inn).
Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Kline-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
New Business
Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in The Amount of $2,918,174.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Roll Call: Erickson-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Approve the Remodel Exemption Application for The Tom Glandt Property Located At 1268 West Main Street – Parcel Number 63-3430082.
City Assessor Drabus reported that she inspected the property. The building has a plan for remodel, and recommended approval.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Kline, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Approve Renaissance Zone Authority Board Recommendation to Approve Application for Bridgetown Development LLP For A 5-Year Income Tax Exemption And 5-Year Property Tax Exemption Capped At $500,000 Located At 949 12th ST SE and Designated As VC- 149.
City Assessor Drabus informed Commissioners of an application for a townhome in the southeast part of town was reviewed and approved by the Renaissance Board and approval is recommended.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Roll Call: Gulmon-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Kline-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Approve Renaissance Zone Authority Board Recommendation to Approve Application for Bridgetown Development LLP For A 5-Year Income Tax Exemption And 5-Year Property Tax Exemption Capped At $500,000 Located At 953 12th ST SE and Designated As VC- 150.
City Assessor Drabus informed Commissioners of an application for a townhome in the southeast part of town was reviewed and approved by the Renaissance Board and approval is recommended.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Kline-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Magnuson-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Approve Task Order for Environmental Documentation and Design Engineering For 2027 Highway Safety Improvement Project.
City Engineer Petersen reported that the City updated its 2022 safety‑funding request to relocate speed feedback signs near the Gaukler Family Wellness Center. This task order is for preliminary and design engineering with a maximum of $15,500. The project will be funded 90% by the state and 10% locally, with Public Works expected to handle construction. Engineering expense is 100% local funds.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Erickson-No; Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
City Administrator’s Report
City Administrator Crawford provided an update on the Service Center, noting that construction is progressing with doors and flooring installed and final finishing work underway. The project remains on schedule and within budget. Plans for a spring open house are being considered, with additional details to be finalized.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Finance Director Klein reminded everyone of A Special Assessment Commission meeting that is scheduled for Tuesday, the 22nd, at 5:15 p.m. The meeting will cover the 2025 seal coat, the 2025 sanitary sewer reline, and the West Main Mill and Overlay project. Notices have been mailed to all affected property owners and published in the newspaper.
Police Chief Horner reminded the Commission that October 1 marks the beginning of snow route parking restrictions, as well as the prohibition of overnight street parking for trailers, campers, and similar vehicles. With September already halfway over, residents are encouraged to begin planning appropriate storage arrangements if they have not done so already.
City Engineer Peterson gave update on the Paving 133 project. The Viking Drive Bridge project will start its water‑main work next week, with sidewalk closures and a full bridge closure from September 30 to approximately October 9. Temporary asphalt will be placed for winter, with full bridge construction set to begin in early 2027.
City Engineer Eslinger gave update on the water tower project, with the foundation poured and steel delivery underway. Steel erection is expected this fall, with welding anticipated by year‑end or early January, weather permitting. Construction will pause over winter and resume in the spring for cleaning, painting, and final commissioning.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 5:30pm