CITY COMMISSION FINANCE MEETING
VALLEY CITY, NORTH DAKOTA
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
President Bishop called the meeting to order at 2:30 pm.
Roll Call
Members Present: President Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Kline, Commissioner Erickson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein
Agenda Items
Recognition: New Employee Brenan Anderson, Public Works.
Operations Super Intendent Klemisch introduced new employee Brenan Anderson.
Review monthly bills/reports.
Finance Director Klein reviewed monthly expenditures.
Update on Viking Trailer Court.
David Wick (Viking Trailer Park Landlord) reports that planned road repairs in the trailer park are nearly finished and clarifies that the park rents land but owns no trailers, while addressing misinformation about drug activity, nuisance tenants, and alleged vermin. Wick explained the community’s makeup, ongoing cooperation with police, and significant investments made in infrastructure. Questions from commissioners highlight concerns about rundown trailers, enforcement authority, and non‑owner‑occupied units. Mr. Wick acknowledges past leniency, notes recent removals and potential fixes, and agrees to work from the city’s updated list of properties needing attention. They also explain long road‑repair delays caused by earlier expectations of city drainage projects, budget impacts from storm damage to another property, and the private nature of utilities and roads, emphasizing that closing the park would displace 55 families.
Update from VCBC Development Corporation on Business Expansion Strategy with James Leiman.
Jennifer Feist gave a 90‑day review of James Leiman, noting strong early progress, including three qualified leads in manufacturing and transportation and continued engagement across key sectors. Will update on progress quarterly with the next presentation to be in Dec 2026.
Discuss Commercial Property Revaluation with Vanguard.
City Assessor Drabus reported that she obtained a quote from Vanguard for a full commercial property revaluation and outlined concerns with current commercial assessments, noting they appear undervalued compared to recent sales. Tina explained limited sales data, the complexity of commercial valuation, and her ongoing annual adjustments. Commissioners discussed fairness in taxation, budget impacts, and potential alternatives. Tina recommended considering a full inspection and suggested inviting a Vanguard representative to provide further clarification.
Discuss Commission Leadership Code.
President Bishop reminded commissioners to review the leadership handbook. Noting some updates needed.
Discuss Ribbon Cutting/Open House for Service Center.
City Administrator Crawford discussed options for an open house and/or ribbon cutting for the new city building. McGough will donate a plaque and can help with a public event. Department heads agreed the building should be fully moved into before inviting the public, so people can see how the space is used. Because fall projects and weather make a late‑year event difficult, most favored holding the open house in spring. A tentative May date was suggested, with flexibility for weather.
Discuss Paving Options for Legacy.
The council discussed paving Legacy development but cannot proceed until deed issues are fixed and a development agreement is in place, with the project estimated at $360,000 and dependent on the development resolving its legal requirements.
Discuss adding property to ND DWR Buyout List for Permanent Flood Protection.
The commission discussed adding 404 College Street SE to the Department of Water Resources buyout list because increased flood flow modeling shows the property will be impacted, concluding that a future buyout—at assessed value plus 10%—is the most cost effective mitigation and will be formally addressed at the next meeting.
Department Reports
Sanitation Department: Supervisor Swart reported container counts increased slightly, completed electronics recycling totaling 1,563 pounds, and warrantied damaged residential garbage containers.
Water Department: Water Superintendent Hesch reported water production and usage decreased slightly in August compared to July, though August saw the highest peak daily average. Recent rainfall reduced irrigation demand. The dam is lowering flow due to limited incoming water and the shutdown of Devil’s Lake outlets, but the city can still discharge to the river under current conditions. Other than that, no major updates were reported.
Electric Department: Electric Superintendent Senf informed commissioners that in August, the city experienced eight power outages, all caused by squirrels. Work on the 6th Avenue capital project is over halfway complete, and underground cable has been installed at the courthouse, requiring the purchase of new transformers for both the courthouse and the new high school, with costs to be reimbursed. The high school needs its transformer by mid‑October, keeping staff busy. Finally, the commission needs to establish an out‑of‑city large‑power rate, which will be addressed at a later meeting.
Fire Department/Blighted & Dangerous Buildings: Fire Chief Magnuson reported 11 calls in August. Upcoming work includes annual maintenance and testing of all trucks, which they aim to complete before October 1.
Police Department: Police Chief Horner reported on monthly call activity and noted officers assisted at Summer Nights event and completed CPR and AED training. Work continues with the Behavioral Health Coalition on housing and transportation needs in the community. With parking regulations starting October 1, remaindered residents for trailer removal and restricted parking hours.
Street Department: Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported steady progress on fall flushing, gravel road work, and sanitary lift station cleaning. Salt‑sand mixing is underway, and Midco Diving will clean the city’s water towers next week. We are awaiting confirmation on pallet racking for the new shop. The commission also discussed issues with the property at 622 Valley Ave, including access problems and potential structural concerns. The owner offered to sell the lot to the city for $25,000, and the commission agreed to gather more information and revisit the topic at the next finance meeting.
Administration: City Administrator Crawford reported the team is adjusting some court-related processes, with Kim training to take over recording duties and expected to do well. Chris will leave in December but will help cover during another employee’s maternity leave, easing the transition for everyone.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 4:27p.m.