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
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.
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
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
Approve Minutes from the 8.2.2024 Finance and Commission Meetings.
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.
Approve Local Event Permits for Raffles:
Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter for 9.19.24 @ the Valley City Eagles
Valley City Education Association for 9.9.24 @ the VCHS Hi-Liner Library
Approve 2024-2025 Contractor Licenses for:
Solutions of West Fargo, ND
APi HVAC Services, Inc dba Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors of Eden Prairie, MN
Connect Interiors, Inc of Fargo, ND
Valley Lawn Care Inc dba Valley Landscaping of Fargo, ND
A-P Concrete LLC of Moorhead, MN
APi Garage Door Inc dba Twin City Garage Door of West Fargo, ND
Spain Excavating of Alice, ND
Diamond Roofing & Sheet Metal of Dilworth, MN
Renewal – TNT Plumbing of Oriska, ND
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
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
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
(Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)
Approval of Consent Agenda
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
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
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
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
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
Department reports.
Sanitation Department
Water Department
Electric Department
Fire Department/Dangerous Buildings
Police Department
Street Department
Administration
Discussion on RRWSP (Red River Water Supply Project). (President Carlsrud)
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)
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)
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
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
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”
We have a beautiful Carnegie Library in Valley City. It is one of only three in North Dakota relatively unaltered from its original form. Currently there is an interior refurbishing underway restoring the beauty of the dome, stop in and have a look as it is really impressive. “If you feel lucky”, purchase raffle tickets to help support the efforts as well.
Numerous storm drains are plugging during rains …. Just use a rake to drag trash off the drain. AND it is easier to do before it rains! Thank you.
While we have had some significant rains, we have not had flooding others have endured. A friend in Vermillion, SD shared they had broken force mains with sewage escaping into the river and in the McCook Lake area, homes and belongings were floating away. Pray for those folks and we can count our Blessings.
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is the first K-12 State Education Agency to earn National Accreditation. That is a BIG WOW! Congratulations & thank you to all who dedicate their lives to K-12 Education in North Dakota.
Last Sunday, VCPB, VCFD and VCPW played a Whiffle Ball round robin. In spite of the heat, a great turnout of family and friends enjoyed the games. UNOFFICIAL results indicate each team won one, but VCPW had the most total runs and won the tiebreaker! Thank you, Tana, and all who helped facilitate the event, the players and hopefully all the kids had fun.
Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.
“True friendship resists time and distance and silence.” ~ Isabel Allende
May 14th, 2024 – MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday May 14th, 2024. Commissioners present: Jeff Erickson, Bill Carlblom, Dave Carlsrud, Jim Wright, Tim Durheim, and Joe Tykwinski
Others: City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, City Engineer Chad Petersen (KLJ)
Commissioner Bill Carlblom moved to approve the minutes from the April 10th, 2024 meeting seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson. Motion passed with unanimous approval.
Building Inspector Report
Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit reported no new permits since last week. Lance is working on all the contracts are getting their licenses. Coit also reports a couple of residents are putting in new garage slab and he is inspecting those projects.
Public Hearing regarding a variance and conditional use permit for Sheyenne Valley Career and Tech Center
Chair Mike Schell opened the public hearing.
Derek Bopp spoke on behalf of Sheyenne Valley Career and Tech Center. The reason for the variance request is they would like to add on to the building and they would be five percent over the requirement for impervious surface area and parking requirements. Bopp said three of the schools they service are bused in and parking has not been an issue. Bopp also asked for a conditional use permit because the school is in a R-2 zoning.
Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Dave Carlsrud.
Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to approve the variance and to allow the conditional use permit. seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion – Subdivisions and platting procedures. City planner Joel Quanbeck and City Attorney Carl Martineck have worked on cleaning up some of Valley City current procedures. A discussion was had on any ways to make the platting process easier.
Commissioner Jim Wright term ended May 14, 2024 and he resigned from the planning and zoning commission.
With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:26pm.