Author Archive: Judi Hintz

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9.3.2024 Finance Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

2:30 PM

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84266678579 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 842 6667 8579.

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Logo Discussion for City/Utilities. (Mayor Carlsrud)
  2. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department/Dangerous Buildings
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  3. Discuss Designation of ARPA Funds. (Finance Director Klein)
  4. Discussion on New Service Center Options. (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Valuation Review Options. (City Assessor Current)
  6. Renaissance Zone Updates. (City Administrator Crawford)
  7. Discussion of funds to extend natural gas to the south side of the interstate. (VCBCDC Jennifer Feist)

Adjourn

8.26.2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

8/26/2024

Hi Everybody,

  • Schools are in session and it is nice seeing the “buzz” from students of all ages around town.  “Thank you” to all students who have chosen Valley City; welcome and we are glad you are here.
  • That said, welcome back to all teachers and administrators.  You hold the future of the youth in your hands.  Have a great year.
  • The Valley City Fire Department Fire & Rescue Teams have been pretty busy recently.  One call last week was a house fire where flames extended approximately 40 feet in the air when fire fighters arrived.  One fire fighter said “I didn’t think we could save it”!  With the fire fighters’ expertise and equipment, part of the building was destroyed, but a major part was saved.  We who are served by our volunteer fire fighters are indubitably Blessed.  Thank you to all who serve. 
  • A crowd between seven & eight hundred people (infants to 80’s) attended the Dakota Riders Hill Climb Saturday; competition was keen.  About 65 riders competed from the Mini to 600 classes and it was a great event.  Thank you Dakota Riders.
  • Sadly, the Emerald Ash Borer has found its way to North Dakota.  The tracking I saw showed the borer near Moorhead and now it is south and west of us.  When it gets here, untreated Ash Trees will be devastated.  Please check with your county agents or city foresters and learn about options for your Ash Trees.
  • With the wonderful growing conditions this year, gardens are plush with bountiful yields.  Thank you to all gardeners who have been sharing the fruits of your labors with others.
  • Labor Day is celebrated annually the first Monday of September.  The celebration is recognizing the efforts to improve working conditions during the Industrial Revolution such as the eight-hour work day. 
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • “No matter what your heartache may be laughing helps you forget it for a few seconds.”  ~ Red Skelton
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

Chevy Tahoe Auction Notice

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CITY OF VALLEY CITY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PROPERTY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Valley City will offer the following property for sale at a public auction:

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, White

VIN 1GNSK2E01DR291611

135,342 miles

Live Auction Details: 10:00AM, Wednesday, August 28, 2024, City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City.

Sealed Written Bids:  All interested bidders are required to submit sealed written bids to the Office of the City Auditor at the address above, prior to the live auction.  Bids received after 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 28, will not be considered.  Clearly mark the envelope with “2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Bid.” Include your full name, contact information, and bid amount.

Terms and Conditions: The vehicle is sold “as-is” with no warranties or guarantees.  Emergency equipment and lights will be removed prior to sale. The highest sealed bid will be the starting bid at the live auction.  The winning bidder must enter into a purchase agreement and submit a $1,000 deposit at the time of the auction, with the balance to be paid immediately following review of sufficiency of bids by the Board of City Commissioners.  The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities in any bid, and to hold all bids for 30 days from date of the auction.  If all bids are rejected, the deposit will be refunded.

For more information or to view the vehicle please contact Fire Chief Scott Magnuson, 701-845-3351, smagnuson@valleycity.us, or visit www.valleycity.us/bids.

8.19.24 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

8/19/2024

Hello Folks,

  • Many schools are opening this week.  With excited kids, more traffic, bikes, pedestrians and construction, there will be greater dangers.  Please be extra careful out there.
  • Saturday the Dakota Riders Motorcycle Club sponsors its annual Hill Climb just south of the I-94 exit 290.  Classes are Mini, 150, 250, 450, 650, Open, Powder and Senior.  Watching the skillful riders is really fascinating to me.  The Mini Class has had contestants as young as three and around age 8 many begin riding bigger cycles; they are good too!  Many proceeds are donated to charities so if you haven’t attended before, grab a lawn chair (there is some seating), stop by a concession stand for some goodies and enjoy the show.
  • Not only are squirrels a leading cause of our power outages, they have identified that garbage containers can be “great sport”.  If there is more garbage than what allows the lid to close completely, they can reach in, tear the bags and strew garbage around driveways and or yards.  Try to keep your lids closed.
  • Valley City citizens, if you need wood chips or some black dirt, call the Transfer Station at 845-0314 to check availability.
  • Last weekend the Williston Basin Football Officials Association facilitated the “Gridiron Tune-up”, for football officials & coaches.  The beautiful Williston High School and Football Complex hosted classes in the theater and scrimmages on the turf field.  There were numerous educational, networking and relationship building  opportunities.  BECOME AN OFFICIAL to be “part of the game”, “give back” and have a great time; CALL 701-845-3953.
  • Be sure to check Contractors’ Licensure before hiring them.  For your protection, call  City Hall at 701-845-8121 and confirm your contractor is licensed.  There are some out there who have been unscrupulous and scammed people out of significant amounts of money.  Be prudent.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.”  ~ Abraham Lincoln
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

8.20.2024 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 20, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89206329196 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  892 0632 9196.

Next Resolution No. 2455             Next Ordinance No. 1161

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the 8.2.2024 Finance and Commission Meetings.
  2. Approve Parade Request from Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation for 9.12.24 at 5:45PM, on Central Avenue from  the VCSU Walking Bridge to 2nd St N. 
  3. Approve Local Event Permits for Raffles:
    1. Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter for 9.19.24 @ the Valley City Eagles
    1. Valley City Education Association for 9.9.24 @ the VCHS Hi-Liner Library
  4. Approve 2024-2025 Contractor Licenses for:
    1. Solutions of West Fargo, ND
    1. APi HVAC Services, Inc dba Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors of Eden Prairie, MN
    1. Connect Interiors, Inc of Fargo, ND
    1. Valley Lawn Care Inc dba Valley Landscaping of Fargo, ND
    1. A-P Concrete LLC of Moorhead, MN
    1. APi Garage Door Inc dba Twin City Garage Door of West Fargo, ND
    1. Spain Excavating of Alice, ND
    1. Diamond Roofing & Sheet Metal of Dilworth, MN
    1. Renewal – TNT Plumbing of Oriska, ND
    1. Nova Fire Protection of Fargo, ND

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud

Public Comments

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.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5-minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1158, An ordinance to amend and reenact subsection 6 of section 7-03-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to removal of snow, slush, or ice from private property (Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

  • Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1159, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 8-06-01 and 8-06-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to appointment of city forester. (Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

  • Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1160, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 16-01-03 and 16-01-06 related to land subdivision regulations. (Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. RES 2454, A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Improvement Warrants and Exchange them for $565,000 Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2024. (Finance Director Klein)
Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud  

New Business

N1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,120,445. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon      Carlsrud

N2. Approve Agreement between the City of Valley City and Valley City Barnes County Development     Corporation. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

N3.  Approve Dumpster Rental Agreement with Valley Recycling. (Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud

N4.  Approve final recommendations for Project No. UGP-2-990(068) & SU-CPU-990(069) – 2nd St N, 3rd Ave NE & 4th Ave NE. (City Engineer)

      Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon      Carlsrud

N5.  Memorandum of Understanding for Office Space between the City of Valley City and the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (Police Chief Horner)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon      Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

8.6.2024 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86014989702 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  860 1498 9702.

Next Resolution No. 2454            Next Ordinance No. 1161

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

(Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)                                                                             

 Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Department Reports from Sanitation Supervisor, Water Superintendent, Electrical Superintendent, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Street Operations Supervisor, Building Inspector, Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  • Approve Minutes from the July 16, 2024, Commission Meeting and the July 22, 2024, Special Committee Meeting and the July 29, 2024, Special Budget Meeting.                                                                               
  • Approve the 2024-25 Alcohol License Renewal TBD Inc dba Sky Lanes Bowling Alley @ 1155 6th ST SE.      
  • Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Applications for Brockopp Brewing LLC for 8.8.24 and 9.12.24, Summer Nights on Central, Central Ave and for 10.5.2024 for Parktoberfest, Chautauqua Park.                  
  • Approve 2024-25 Contractor License and Renewals:                                                                              

Hi-Line Excavation LLC, Valley City, ND – Renewal

Horsley Specialties Inc, Moorhead, MN – New

Diesel Dogs Trucking, LLC, Fargo, ND – New

Comstock Construction, Fargo ND – New

Premium Painting & Drywall, LLC, Fargo ND – New

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Carlsrud

Public Comments

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.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5-minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

Ordinance                                                                                                                                                  

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1157, An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 12-05-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code Relating to Removal of Weeds and Grass. (City Attorney Martineck)      

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson         Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud

  • First Reading of Ordinance 1158, An ordinance to amend and reenact subsection 6 of section 7-03-05 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to removal of snow, slush, or ice from private property (Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

  • First Reading of Ordinance 1159, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 8-06-01 and 8-06-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to appointment of city forester. (Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

  • First Reading of Ordinance 1160, An ordinance to amend and reenact sections 16-01-03 and 16-01-06 related to land subdivision regulations. (Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Consider RES 2453, A Resolution to Sell City Property, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe,  at Public Sale.  (Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson         Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Approve Settlement Proposal in the amount of $50,000 for Paving Improvement District 125, Watermain 103, Sanitary 67 and Storm Sewer Improvement District 54. (Engineer Petersen)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

8.6.2024 Finance Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 2:30PM

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86597762242 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 865 9776 2242.

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department/Dangerous Buildings
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  2. Discussion on RRWSP (Red River Water Supply Project). (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss Settlement Proposal in the amount of $50,000 for Paving Improvement District 125, Watermain 103, Sanitary 67 and Storm Sewer Improvement District 54.. (Administrator Crawford)
  4. Discuss Preliminary Plan Layouts for Project No. UGP-2-990(068) & SU-CPU-2-990(069) – 2nd St N, 3rd Ave NE & 4th Ave NE. (City Engineer)
  5. Recycling Contract – Continue on Annual Basis /Dumpster Rental Renewal. (Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

7.29.2024 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

7/29/2024

Hello Everyone,

  • Wednesday July 31 from 9:00 – 6:00 is “Crazy Daze” in Valley City.  There will be “Crazy good deals” at businesses along with a plethora of fun activities for all.  Come out, visit your friends and just “hang out” 🙂 
  • It looks like another week of hot weather.  Dehydration comes on in a hurry so focusing on hydration is important to each of us.  Dehydrating as little as 2% of one’s body weight can affect a person’s ability to reason.  Please be aware.
  • Last week I mentioned our Carnegie Library and it tweaked my interest even further.  We made an appointment to tour the project and it is fabulous; check it out!  Thank you.
  • Why are trees valuable to us?  They are natural air conditioners, air filters, sponges for carbon, add value to property and are beautiful.  For those and numerous other reasons, it is important to care for our trees.  For healthy trees, proper pruning, treatment for sclerosis (a big deal currently) and protection from “bugs” are critical.  Birch Borers are here (have dead looking Birch Tree branches?), sclerosis is prevalent and the Ash Borers are close! Much information is available from our City Forester, please utilize Bob’s knowledge to care for your trees. 
  • The construction pace around town has been picking up with the drier weather recently.  When preparing road beds, curbs, driveways, etc., there is increased traffic near the sites.  Please obey the traffic signs as they are there to protect YOU from the large construction equipment.  Please be safe, your family will appreciate it.
  • North Dakota has at least 43 species of mosquitoes including Culex Marsalis, the primate carrier of the West Nile virus.  To reduce breeding areas, drain standing water, empty water from old tires and barrels, etc..  For yourself to minimize bites, use repellent with Deet and reduce skin exposure when mosquitoes are plentiful.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, beautiful old people are works of art.”   ~ Eleanor Roosevelt 
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

7.29.2024 Special Commission Meeting

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Special City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, July 29th, 2024
7:00 AM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, July 29th, 2024, at 7:00 AM, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88242551087 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 882 4255 1087

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

N1.  Discuss and Approve 2025 Preliminary Budget. 

Roll Call:          Bishop              Gulmon            Magnuson        Erickson           Carlsrud

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

6.4.2024 Finance Minutes

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City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, June 4th, 2024

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

New Items

A power point presentation on the Red River Water Supply Project was given with discussion following.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on a few items. 2024 Cleanup week brought in 158.65 tons of garbage and 66 tons of inert materials. The electronic recycling brought in 4736lbs of materials. Residential container count is up for the month of May. Thank you to Mike & Gwen for the treats and to Gwen, Joy & Jackie for their assistance during cleanup week. Cameras have been a wonderful addition. 

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch shared that the numbers are up due to additional flushing this year. They have also turned down the outlets due to all the rain. Administrator Crawford asked about people pumping from the river. Research will need to be done if permits are required.

Electric Department

Corey Buck filled the Commissioners in on the happenings in the Electrical Department. There were 3 outages for the month of May, 1 due to high winds & 2 due to squirrels. Continuing to work on the lights around town. Keeping up with the construction needs and working with the contractors. The camp by the Fish Hatchery is now completely underground. Working on getting all the easements caught up and filed.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson went through his run sheet and calls report. The sirens have all been updated to dual power. A test will be run on Tuesday, June 11th. Working on the garbage & grass issues around town. A look into the process for these violations need to be looked into and a possibly ordinance change needed.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner discussed a bit on the body cam quotes and grants.  A new restraint was shown to the Commissioners called “The Wrap”. This was donated by City/County Health and is used by the Jail & the Sheriff’s office so it is interchangeable. The department was also given iPads to use for mental health emergencies. Parking and Code Enforcement is out in full force on past violations and getting current junk violations taken care of. Chief Horner introduced Kim Jorissen as the new Records Manager for the Police Department.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that they are working on the hydro flushing around town. A new batch of water nodes have come in and are being replaced a quickly as possible. Lift stations were checked and are all in good condition. Hot mix for repairs will not be in until mid-June and then repairs will start.  

Administration

City Administrator Crawford shared the Terracon report for the Service Center. It was decided to go with all the sites for boring. The first meeting was held today on the new Service Center. Discussion on Mark Olson’s retaining wall at 6th Ave NW that is located in the right of way. The home owner would like to have the wall replaced but with the new construction there is no need for the wall and the storm sewer main will go. Much discussion was held on this concern. City Engineer Peterson, City Administrator Crawford and Commissioner Erickson will reach out to the home owner for discussion.

New Items

Discussion on the Alley’s maintenance and up keep. Operations Supervisor Klemisch shared the information that he found on this topic. He shared what the City of Fargo was doing and then made some changes to make it work for Valley City and our challenges. He also located an Alley Paving and Reconstruction project application and again made a few changes to make this work here in Valley City.

Changes will be made to the document presented and it will be brought back for discussion and then proceed with the process.

City Attorney Martineck shared with the Commission the fact that Court has not been functioning for a while now. He has been receiving complaints from Various people, Police Officers and Clerks of Court that this is not working for them. The current Judge is not able to be in the court room and he is the only candidate up for re-election in a couple weeks. He shared the two options that could be a possibility but feels that neither is a great answer. One would be to write an ordinance that makes the position an appointed position or pass a resolution to adjust the salary of the Judge. The main goal would be to have something that will work for the City and not just the Judge. Code states the Municipal Judge position is an elected position but an opinion made by the Attorney General about 20 years ago states that because Valley City is home ruled, we could make it an appointed position. Changes made must take affect prior to the new term starting. Add topic to the 6.18.2024 Commission Meeting.

Agenda Topics 4 – 8 will be moved to the 7.2.2024 Finance Meeting.

            Discuss City Mobile Home Regulations

            Employee Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence usage

            Recycling Contract

            Clean-up Week Debriefing & Follow-Up

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:03 PM.