City Commission Finance Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein
Agenda Items
Review monthly bills/reports.
Discuss Water Tower Logo. Valley City High School is not interested in placing a logo on the water tower at this time, as they are currently focusing their funds on new school construction.
Discuss appointment of Municipal Judge to fill remainder of term: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. Thomas Goven, the current Municipal Judge, has submitted a letter of resignation, effective June 1, 2026. Discussion to appointment replacement to fill the remainder of his term. Letters will be sent to interested parties, and letters of interest will be requested for review at the March Finance and Commission Meeting.
Discuss appointment and terms of Planning and Zoning Commissioners. Terms for any appointed committee will begin July 01.
Review Finance Committee Recommendations for Year-end Transfers and Reserve Policy.
Finance Director Klein reviewed 2025 year-end transfers that were discussed by the Finance Committee: Transfer in the amount of $229,876 from 601 (Electric Fund) to 611(Service Center Loan Reserves). Transfer in the amount of $100,000 from Fund 100 (General) to 608 (Street). Transfer in the amount of $537,354 from 601 (Electric) to 608 (Street). Discussed that remaining funds from Refunding Bonds in Funds 357 & 358 will be transferred to Fund 290 (R&R Infrastructure Funds) in 2026 when bonds are paid in full. Discussed Reserves Policy and recommend to strive to maintain 30% operating reserves for both the General Fund and Enterprise Funds. If reserves drop below 25% take measures to either generate additional revenue or reduce expenditures, or a combination of both.
Discuss Employee Holiday and Overtime Pay.
City Administrator Crawford provided an overview on how other cities calculate and pay overtime and holiday hours worked. Our policy is being reviewed by staff and will be brought before the Commission for approval.
Department Reports
Sanitation Department
Sanitation Supervisor Swart wanted to remind everyone to please have patience with the garbage pick-up. We are training new drivers along with planned and unplanned events may cause delays or changes in routes which means your garbage will not be picked up at the same time every week. Please wait until after 3pm to call if you believe your garbage has been missed.
Water Department
Water Superintendent Hesch reported Valley City took 2nd place for the ND water tasting contest at the ND Rural Water Expo.
Electric Department
Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on planned work for February, 2025 complete summary outage log, and 2026 outages.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Magnuson reported on chief calls and that the fire department held a pinning ceremony and went well.
Police Department
Police Chief Horner reported on calls for service, 2025-year end report, and updated commissioners on upcoming trainings for officers.
Street Department
Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported on the 2025 Water Expo Convention he attended and updated Commissioners on waterpipe regulations and new requirements on updating water pipe systems.
Administration
City Administrator Crawford reported that Phase II of the walking path project has been approved to go out for bid in October.
At the Renaissance Zone meeting, discussion was held regarding placing greater emphasis on incentives for single-family homes. Members also discussed possible approaches to assist property owners with homes in disarray and/or the conversion of multifamily homes into single family homes.
A reminder was given that the City’s social media accounts are not monitored for questions or concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact Public Works directly. Calls may be made at any time, and after-hours calls are rerouted to the City’s after-hours phone service to address emergency needs.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 PM.