CITY COMMISSION FINANCE MEETING
VALLEY CITY, NORTH DAKOTA
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Called to Order
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
Review Monthly Expenditures Reports.
Finance Director Klein reviewed monthly expenditures.
Quarterly Engineer Report.
Finance Director Klein reviewed the quarterly engineer report.
Update from Dave Carlsrud on Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA).
LAWA Board Member Dave Carlsrud gave a brief history on Lake Agassiz Water Authority and where they are at today.
Commercial revaluation with Vanguard Appraisals.
Reed Kinne discussed the options for a commercial property revaluation, noting that current assessments show valuation inequities and that a full revaluation would improve assessment accuracy and fairness. He also noted that commercial revaluations are commonly conducted on a 10-year cycle. Reed reviewed cost and timeline for scheduling if interested.
Discuss purchasing 622 Valley Ave SE.
City Administrator Crawford reviewed options regarding the property at 622 Valley Avenue SE, noting that access issues stem from a platted but undedicated road. and reported that constructing a new road would be cost prohibitive for a single residence, the property owner is willing to sell the property to the City for $25,000. Crawford stated that the situation is unique and would not likely establish a precedent for future property acquisitions.
Discuss sidewalk from new Service Center to 12th Ave SE.
City Administrator Crawford presented sidewalk cost estimates related to the new city building, noting that the required sidewalk adjacent to the facility is estimated at approximately $31,050 and is planned for construction next year. The Commission also discussed extending sidewalk connectivity from the existing sidewalk network to the new facility, reviewing potential assessment and funding options, and wanted to continue researching costs and implementation requirements.
Review Valley City Infrastructure Plan.
Finance Director Klein provided an update on the Municipal Infrastructure Fund and Prairie Dog funds, reporting that all 2026 funding has been received and reviewing eligible uses for the funds. Staff discussed the City’s long-term infrastructure plan, including potential 2027 street rehabilitation and mill-and-overlay projects, and reviewed priorities for future road, utility, and sidewalk improvements.
Discuss dangerous building inspection at 636 Valley Ave.
City Administrator Crawford reported that the property was reviewed and found no conditions that would classify it as a dangerous building, so no further action is recommended at this time.
Discuss Paving Waterfront Meadows.
City Administrator Crawford discussed options related to a proposed road improvement project, including potential cost-sharing arrangements and the possibility of incorporating adjacent property into the city limits. Staff also reported interest from nearby property owners in extending paving improvements to additional sections of roadway and reviewed the status of subdivision plans in the area.
Discuss Commission Leadership Code.
President Bishop discussed reviewing the leadership code book to commissioners and get him changes or suggestions.
Department Reports
Sanitation Department: Sanitation Supervisor Swart reminded residents that the Transfer Station’s final Saturday of the season will be October 31, after which winter hours will be in effect until reopening in May. and noted that grass sites remain open year-round, reviewed disposal guidelines for leaves and branches.
Electric Department: Electric Superintendent Senf reviewed outages for the month and reported on progress of projects.
Fire Department/Blighted & Dangerous Buildings: Fire Chief Magnuson presented the monthly Fire Department report and reported that a recent live-burn training exercise was successful, providing valuable hands-on experience for firefighters. He noted that the department currently has four open positions, with two additional vacancies anticipated, and discussed the ongoing need for volunteer firefighter recruitment.
Police Department: Police Chief Horner reported the September activity report, highlighted officer participation in community events and VCSU activities, reviewed ongoing training efforts, and reported that the department is exploring options to reduce future costs through a potential long-term Axon contract renewal.
Street Department: Public Works Superintendent Klemisch reported completion of the fall hydrant flushing program, seasonal asphalt patching, and fall tree maintenance activities. He also reviewed recent sanitary sewer smoke testing, which identified only minor issues and no significant sources of inflow and infiltration. Staff plans to expand testing to additional areas next year and encouraged residents to consider backflow prevention measures to help protect properties during heavy rainfall events.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 4:57 pm