City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota
October 06, 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 (Please Stand)
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Approve Minutes from the 09.15.2026 Finance and Commission Meeting.
B. Approve Local Permits
a. Trinity Lutheran Church – Raffle
b. St Catherine School – Raffle
c. Valley City Chamber of Commerce – Raffle
C. Approve Contractor License
a. Olson Remodeling LLC
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Gulmon – Yes; Erickson – Yes; Kline – Yes; Magnuson – Yes; Bishop – Yes. Motion Passed
Public Hearing
Public Hearing Regarding Special Assessment Projects: Paving Improvement District No. 127. – West Main Paving, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 72, Paving Improvement District No. 129/132.
Declare Public Hearing Open.
No Public Comments.
Close Public Hearing.
Motion to Close hearing by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Kline.
Roll Call: Erickson – Yes; Kline – Yes; Magnuson – Yes; Gulmon – Yes; Bishop – Yes. Motion Passed
Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 127, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 72 and Paving Improvement District No 129/132.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
Ordinance
Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1192, An Ordinance Adopting the 2027 Annual City Budget.
No changes from the first reading.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Roll Call: Gulmon – Yes; Erickson – Yes; Kline – Yes; Magnuson – Yes; Bishop – Yes. Motion Passed
Resolution
Resolution 2541 Establishing Electric Utility Rates.
City Administrator Crawford reported that during a review of utility rates, the large‑power rate structure was created several years ago, no corresponding rate was established for large‑power customers located outside city limits.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Klein, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Roll Call: Kline – Yes; Gulmon – Yes; Magnuson – Yes; Erickson – Yes; Bishop – Yes. Motion Passed
Resolution 2542 Establishing Solid Waste Collection Rates.
City Administrator Crawford reported a correction is needed in the sanitation rate schedule: while the two‑yard temporary dumpster rate had been updated previously, the four‑yard and six‑yard temporary dumpster rates were not updated at that time.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Gulmon, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.
Roll Call: Erickson – Yes; Kline – Yes; Magnuson – Yes; Gulmon – Yes; Bishop – Yes. Motion Passed
Resolution 2544 Approving Plat of Eagles Nest Addition to the City of Valley City.
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed an application to replat the land between Bridgeview Assisted Living and the Eagles Club. The request involved a replat to allow Bridgeview to construct a gazebo on its property. The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended approval of the replat.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Erickson, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.
Roll Call: Magnuson-Yes; Gulmon-Yes; Kline-Yes; Erickson-Yes; Bishop-Yes Motion Passed
New Business
2026 Forestry Report.
Forester Anderson presented the 2026 Forester’s Report. He reported on seasonal pruning work, educational workshops, Arbor Day activities, and the issuance of notices related to tree maintenance. A total of 76 trees were planted. Twenty‑six trees were removed due to Dutch elm disease, an increase attributed to storm damage and nearby disease activity. Anderson noted that emerald ash borer has been detected in nearby communities but is not yet close enough to warrant treatment in Valley City. He responded to questions regarding disease trends and ash borer treatment effectiveness.
Approve adding Property at 404 College Street SE, Parcel 63-3380041, to Buyout List for Permanent Flood Protection.
The Commission discussed adding the property to the buyout list. City Administrator Crawford clarified that, as part of the CLOMR mitigation requirements, the City could either purchase one additional home or incur significantly higher mitigation costs elsewhere. The buyout option was determined to be the more cost‑effective approach
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 Permanent Flood Protection Buyout of Property at 401 6th Ave SW Parcel 63-5420654 in the amount of $69,960.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.
Roll Call: Erickson – Yes; Kline – Yes; Magnuson – Yes; Gulmon – Yes; Bishop – Yes. Motion Passed
City Administrator’s Report
City Administrator Crawford provided an update regarding letters sent to residents of Waterford Meadows about a potential future street improvement project. The letters were intended for fact‑finding only; no decisions have been made, and no assessment district has been created. The discussion clarified that the meeting will help determine resident interest, project limits, and an appropriate timeline, as outlined in the developer agreement. Crawford also reported that an initial walkthrough of the new service center facility was completed with department heads. Remaining work includes interior striping, exterior fencing installation, and final inspections. Although construction is nearing completion, Crawford noted that moving into the building will not occur until outdoor work priorities for the season are finished.
City Updates & Commission Reports
Finance Director Klein announced that the Waterford Meadows meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th at 5:15 p.m. She noted that auditors from Brady Martz will present a brief overview of the 2025 audit at the upcoming finance meeting later this month. Klein also reported that staff have reviewed upcoming infrastructure projects and will provide that information to the Commission. After October 15th, she and Jennifer will begin scheduling Public Works budget meetings with portfolio holders and relevant staff.
Fire Chief Magnuson reported that the department’s 39 members completed over 1,140 hours of training, with the rescue squad contributing an additional 410 hours. He thanked volunteers, their families, and their employers for their support. Magnuson also noted that the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is underway and encouraged community participation.
City Engineer Petersen reported that milling for Paving District 133 is progressing and expected to finish by the end of the week. The Viking Drive Bridge water main relocation will begin next week, with a road closure expected for about one to one‑and‑a‑half weeks starting October 12th. He also noted that the DOT, County, and City completed a mill and overlay on the Loves access road as a temporary improvement.
City Engineer Eslinger provided an update on the Water Tower Project. For Contract 1, welding work is continuing, which will progress over the next several months as tower components are assembled. Under Contract 2, Swanberg Construction has replaced pressure‑reducing valves and is completing waterline tie-ins, with project completion expected October 23rd. Contract 3, Highline Electric, will perform most of its work later in the project, primarily during winter and spring of 2027.
Commissioner Erickson reminded residents to contact Public Works directly with any street or water concerns. He noted that social media is not monitored closely, and calling Public Works is the best way to receive a timely response.
Commissioner Gulmon gave update on sales, food & Beverage, and Occupancy Taxes.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 5:28pm