Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

12.8.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • Well, “How about our WEATHER”?  One thing, if one wants some fresh air, it doesn’t take long to get it. The wind will eventually get “tired” at which time going outside will be tolerable.
  • Barnes County is doing well with COVID numbers again this week; good job folks.  We still must be aware of the “COVID Variance” strain that is out there and it is more contagious than the first one.  We have had about 1200 – 1300 cases of the virus, which represents about 11% of our population.  “Herd Immunity” needs about 75% plus so we are quite a ways from that.  To protect yourself and others, be vaccinated and continue the mitigation practices a bit longer.
  • Valley City employees Tyler Martin, Nick Yokum and Alec Storhoff all completed continuing education in their respective fields.  Thanks for your investment in Valley City guys.
  • COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518 for help. Currently, people 65 with underlying conditions and older are eligible. 
  • * Hey folks, next Sunday is Valentine’s Day, remember the “special ones” in your life.  “Happy Valentine’s Day”.
  • In January Valley City’s municipal power was on 100% of the time!  That is special.  Thanks to Public Works and the Electrical Department.
  • Remember “LOVE OF LOCAL”.  You can purchase your Chamber Bucks at the Rosebud Center and receive a 23-25% discount.  * It is a great way to leverage some of your stimulus check.
  • “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”      (Thomas Aquinas)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

1.19.2021 Commission Meeting Minutes

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Tuesday, January 19th, 2021
Via Zoom


President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

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

Others present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, City Assessor Hansen, PW Manager Jacobsen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Gloria Swart, City Engineer Chad Petersen, Jennifer Feist Aaron Raap, Mike Manstrom, Paul Diegel

Proclamation

President Carlsrud read the proclamation declaring January 31-Feruary 6, 2021 as Catholic Schools Week.

Approval of Agenda

Addition of Proclamation

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the minutes from the January 5th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve 2021 Application to Sell LP Gas for Loves Travel Stop Contingent on the Approval of the Fire Chief.

Fire Chief Magnuson stated due to a change in suppliers, Loves will not have the tanks until closer to the end of February.

No action taken.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing for Approving the Rezone of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. 

City Attorney Martineck stated the area is outside city limits right now.  It is probably zoned as agricultural and is on the agenda to be annexed into the city.  The proposal is for that to be zoned light industrial, I1.

Aaron Raap added they operate under Valley Plains Equipment, owned by Brandt Holdings Company and Nextera is a division of that which is basically the leasing arm.  We plan to build about half the size of the new store in Jamestown.  We have about 12-15 employees and are looking to grow considerably. 

Commissioner Bishop moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1071, Approving Rezone of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.

City Attorney Martineck stated the recommendation from Planning and Zoning is to approve the rezone and also before any construction starts we need a development agreement in place both with the city and the water district.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1071, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1069, an Ordinance Creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant for Structures to be removed in Accordance with the State Water Commission.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes from the first reading.  This is putting restrictions on properties that were bought out with state water funds.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1070, an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory.

City Attorney Martineck stated we received a petition from Nextera Properties to annex the property where the Valley Plains dealer would be located.  All notifications went out per law.  The only comments we received were from the DOT which will be addressed when the building permits are issued.  Today’s recommendation is to proceed with the approval of the annexation.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2267, Approving PLAT of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.

City Attorney Martineck stated before building permits are issued by the city, the land needs to be platted.  We received an application to PLAT the land where the Valley Plains Dealer will be going.  The recommendation from P&Z is to approve that application.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Approve Resolution 2268, Approving Replat of Lot 2 of Hi-Line Estates and Legacy Townhomes PUD.

City Attorney Martineck stated P&Z received an application to PLAT additional townhome buildings in the Legacy Townhomes PUD.  The recommendation from P&Z is to approve that application.  We did receive a couple comments from residents in the neighborhood but I believe those have all been addressed to the satisfaction of P&Z.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approve Resolution 2266, a Resolution Authorizing Refinancing Special Assessment Improvement Bonds of 2011 and 2013.

Finance Director Richter stated she has been working with Mike and supports their refinancing and recommend we proceed.

Mike Manstrom added there is a resolution to hire Ohnstad Twitchell to refinance the 2011 and 2013 projects.  Interest rates are historically low.  We won’t be able to get this done until 4-6 weeks.  If the interest rates increase during that time and there is no savings to the City we would cancel at no cost.  It looks like we could save the city around $85,000-$90,000.  At this time we are just asking for approval to start working on it and will prepare the savings at an upcoming meeting.

Commissioner Magnuson motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Approve Resolution 2269, a Resolution Amending Master Fee Scheduled re Fees for Residential Building Permits and Inspections.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is the same thing we did to the commercial fees.  Since we are now contracting out our inspections and bidding processes this allows the city to assess the fees pursuant to our contract with Midwest Inspections.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

New Business

Approve the VCBCDC request for $15,000 to Support the Shop Local Campaign.

Jennifer Feist stated to stay with the formal process of receiving approval of funds we would request $15,000 of Economic Development funds to support the recently approved $200,000 CARES Act campaign that is being launched.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approve Designating $20,000 from Renew and Replacement Fund 290 for 2021 Sidewalk, Curb, Gutter and Driveway Apron Replacement.

Finance Director Richter the request is for a reimbursement to property owners that would be updating their sidewalks in 2021.  There would be a 25% reimbursement to that property owner contingent on providing the City with a quote or estimate from a contractor prior, having a city staff look to determine that it is something that needs replacing.  Upon completion we need the invoice and would replace the property owner 25% of that invoice.  This has been done in the past and has gone well.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Approve Gaming Site Authorization for ND Chapters of delta Waterfowl Inc. on February 27, 2021 at the Valley City Eagles Club 2192.

Finance Director Richter stated this is an ongoing annual event.  The fees have been paid and the application is in good order.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approve Task Order for Design Engineering for Master Lift Station Upgrades.

Chad from KLJ both N4 and N5 were two project that were included in the 2021 PW capital budget.  In a previous meeting it was recommending to move on these projects.  The first step is to get the design engineering under contract.  N4 is relating to the Master Lift Station, an hourly contract not to exceed $23,350 to prepare the specs and get out the bid or quotes depending on what the final estimate is.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Bishop-aye       Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Approve Task Order for Design Engineering for West End Lift Station.

Chad from KLJ stated this is the same as stated above but for the replacement of the West End Lift Station.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon

Magnuson-aye              Bishop-aye       Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Approve Task Order for Preliminary Engineering for 6th Street NW Reconstruction Project.

Chad from KLJ stated this was the project that the city recently went thru the procurement process.  The project is primarily funded thru the NDDOT so this project requires the DOT’s project development. This first ask is the first stage.  Once we are through this they would come back for the final design engineering component.  This project is an hourly not to exceed contract.  Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2022.

As Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Bishop-nay      Gulmon-aye     Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Approve Amendment to Engineer-Owner Agreement for Paving Improvement District 119 & 119B (7th Ave W and 2nd Ave NE).

Chad from KLH stated this goes back to 2018.  The project was originally bid with the full project as described in 2019.  Bids came over what was budgeted so bids were rejected.  In December the City received funds through the state for infrastructure projects.  Since the bids were over 2 years old, updates have been made.  Conversations have taken place with the state engineer’s office about reapplying for the funds for the water main portion so we will resubmit that as part of this package.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Bishop-nay      Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

Discuss City Mask Plan.

President Carlsrud stated we were following the Governors order and he made a significant change so right now our mask mandate has expired.  Do we want to go without or extend?

Commissioner Gulmon feels it is important to extend the mandate.  Were so close to getting vaccines to our community and we have a responsibility of trying to support our public health and provide safeguards to our community.  I think we should extend for another 30 days.

Commissioner Erickson does not want to extend.  I think we should leave it up to the businesses if they want to enforce it or not.  We shouldn’t be pushing it on any more than we have already.

Commissioner Bishop stated he has spoken with a fair amount of people since the mandate has been lifted.  If the schools and businesses want to require masks that’s up to them but I think it’s time we let adult make their own decisions.

Commissioner Magnuson stated at first he wasn’t huge on expanding it but beings as close as we are.  I think the businesses could do it but it’s easier if they have something to go back on.  I’m in favor of one month.

Commissioner moved to extend the mask mandate until February 19th, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Bishop-nay      Gulmon-aye     Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

City updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck stated the small cell tower movement.  When it comes to town they’re going to be putting up a lot of new infrastructure that we can’t stop but we can to some extent control how it happens.  We are working with DOT to have some control over the DOT right of way so when Verizon or AT&T comes in with their equipment we will be responsible for the permitting process.  We also need to look at an ordinance so we have a little more control in the areas of town where 5G equipment might be going in.  If you can imagine a backpack size piece of equipment about every 300 feet on a tower, that’s what we’ll be looking at.  So if we can control any aspect of that whether it’s the fees, the aesthetics, those are the types of provisions that we can put in place.  I would expect a proposed ordinance at the Finance meeting next month and possibly a first reading at the following Commission meeting.

Finance Director Richter stated at the last meeting we approved the PILOT for Trademark Tooling contingent on the lease.  They are still working on getting the lease.  We will need to back up the Public Hearing date until we receive the lease.

President Carlsrud thanks all the employees, we had some snow and a lot of work in the offices and evidently you’re making it look easy.  Shout out to Jennifer for the work she does on behalf of the Development Corporation of Valley City and her hand that she’s had on the amendment that we are working to get through to the House and the promotion upcoming with the Chamber.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:46 P.M.

2.1.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • Congratulations.  With your efforts our COVID Numbers reached a point where the Governor declared North Dakota is now at the Green Risk Level.  Great job everyone!
  • That we are “Green”, more opportunities are available to us such as greater seating capacities in restaurants, bars and large venues.  That said, how about checking activities schedules at VCPS, St. Catherine’s and VCSU.  There are still some ballgames to be played and perhaps it would work out for you to give the kids a “boost” by your attendance where allowed.
  • The other day I drove for one of our local car dealerships.  Did you know our local dealers would search for nearly any kind of vehicle for which you may be looking?  Stop in and check them out …… “Give it a shot”.
  • Barnes County is in a good position with COVID as of this writing.  Until vaccinations are almost complete, it is important we continue doing the things that allowed us to reach the Green Risk Level.  Wash hands, Social Distance and Mask-up when we cannot Social Distance.  Thank you.
  • If you want COVID VACCINATIONS, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org or call 845-8518 for help. Currently, people 75 and older are eligible. 
  • Watch for information on “Love of Local”.  About $240,000.00 of CARES Funding will be used to provide approximately 23-25% savings for people who purchase Chamber Bucks to be redeemed in Valley City businesses.  * It is a great way to leverage some of your stimulus check.
  •  “People should take time to be happy.”    (Grandma Moses, rural American Life Painter)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

2.2.2021 Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/98304864205 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 983 0486 4205

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from January 19th Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for the Express Wrestling of Valley City for the activity dates of 1/1/2021-6/30/2021.
  2. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for the Disabled American Veterans for the activity dates of 7/31/2021-6/30/2022.
  3. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited for the activity date of 4/8/2021.
  4. Approve Application for Raffle Permit for El Zagal Sheyenne Valley Flag Corps for the activity date of 8/21/2021.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          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 No. 1070, an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

2.  Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1071, Approving Rezone of Nextera Addition to the City of Valley City.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

3.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1072, an Ordinance enacting a new section of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to Wireless Telecommunication Facility Guidelines.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

Resolution

 1.  Approve Resolution No. 2270, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Paving             Improvement District No. 119 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resolution No. 2271, a Resolution Approving Paving Improvement District No. 119B and             Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3.  Approve Resolution No. 2272, a Resolution Approving Sanitary Sewer District No. 64 and Authorizing             Engineer to Advertise for Bids.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

4.  Approve Resolution No. 2273, a Resolution Approving Storm Sewer District 52 and Authorizing Engineer to         Advertise for Bids.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

 5.  Approve Resolution No.  2274, a Resolution Approving Water Main District No. 100 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids.  (KLJ)

 Roll Call:         Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

6.  Approve Resolution No. 2275, a Resolution Amending Master Fee Schedule – Residential Building Permit and Inspection Fees.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

1.  Approve the VCBCDC request for $10,000 for marketing.  (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Approve Gaming Site Authorization for Valley City State University Foundation on February 1st, 2021 through June 30th 2021 at Brockopp Brewing.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Review and award bids for 2021 vehicle purchase.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

2.2.2021 Finance Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 3:30 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/93998991299 or Listen by calling (1-253-215-8782) Webinar ID: 939 9899 1299

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda Items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)

3. Discuss changing the April 20th, 2021 Commission Meeting Date for NDLC training. (Deputy Auditor Klein)

4.  Discuss making whole the negative cash balances in the Water (-95,748) and Street (-136,175) funds.  (PW Manager Jacobson)

5.  Discuss offering a bill credit of $5 for utility customers agreeing to go paperless by providing an email address.  (PW Manager Jacobson)

6.  Discuss Residential Building Permit and Inspection Fees.  (City Administrator Crawford)

7.  Discuss SRO Agreement.  (Police Chief Hatcher)

8. Discuss 2021 vehicle bids.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

9. Discuss Main Street Seal Coat Project.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

Adjourn

1.25.2021 Mayors Message

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Hello Folks,

  • PROGRESS!  COVID numbers are the most favorable they have been in a long time.  You can all be proud of your efforts.  Thank you.  Beware of complacency as it can ruin your good works, so “keep doing what you have been doing”.
  • If you want Covid Vaccinations, visit the City-County Health District website, citycountyhealth.org.  Currently, people 75 and older are eligible.  If you know people who are eligible and using a computer is difficult for them, please help them register, or add their names to the “I’m interested in an extra dose list”, or call CCHD at 845-8518 for help. 
  • We have “paid some dues” with a few tough, long winters recently.  We can be grateful for the wonderful weather with which we have been Blessed so far this winter.  It could certainly get tougher, but we have a lot of good weather “in the bank”. J
  • Speaking of weather, we’ll be having some colder days, but watch for the nicer days so you can get out for some good fresh air.  It smells and feels great!
  • Watch for information on “Love of Local”.  Around $240,000.00 of CARES Funding will be used to provide approximately 23-25% savings for people who purchase Chamber Bucks to be redeemed in Valley City businesses.  * It is a great way to leverage some of your stimulus check.
  •  “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”       (Martin Luther King Jr.)                                                    

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

1.05.2021 City Commission Minutes

Posted on by

Tuesday, January 5th, 2021

5:00 PM

Via Zoom

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Assessor Hansen, PW Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Operations Superintendent Klemisch, Gloria Swart, Jennifer Feist, Torrey Morehouse (Trademark Tooling)

Approval of Agenda

Added NB-8 and NB-9

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the December 15th minutes, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,290,121.10         
  3. Approve 2021 Tree Trimming and Removal License for Pine Country Nursery.
  4. Approve 2021 Application to Operate Mobile Home Park for
    • Plecity Mobile Home Park.
    • Viking Drive Estates.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

 1.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1069, an Ordinance Creating a Perpetual Restrictive Covenant for Structures to be removed in Accordance with the State Water Commission.

City Attorney Martineck stated part of the phase IV of the PFP the City used State dollars to buy out properties which are listed in the Ordinance.  State Water Commission requires us to place convenient on what is built on those properties, how structure have to be built if there placed there.  The property is supposed to remain as open space.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Resolution

1.  Approve Resolution 2265, a Resolution to sell Real Property at a Private Sale.

City Administrator Crawford stated she had gotten a request at someone purchasing the property on 5th where the house exploded.  This is the first step towards the sale of properties the city owns.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

New Business

1. Approve Transformer Purchase Request.

Electrical Superintendent Senf presented quotes earlier.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

2. Approve Economic Development Contract.

Jennifer Feist requested approval for the presented agreement which is actually in place until December 31, 2029.  This agreement allows us to go through every 2 years to make sure the contract reflects what we’re doing.  Added was the addition of the Retention and Recruiting Coordinator.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

3.  Approve Procurement Committee Final Report – 6th Street Engineering.

City Attorney Martineck stated the city is scheduled to do a street reconstruction, water main replacement and a partial sanitary sewer replacement in 2022.  Due to the project qualifies for State Water funding we went out for an RFQ.  We received qualifications from 4 engineering firms.  We went through the interview process and ranked the firms.  KLJ/Moore ended up being the firms with the top priority so the committee is recommending the city hire them to do the preliminary engineering on this project.     

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Erickson-nay    Magnuson-aye  Bishop-nay      Gulmon-aye     Carlsrud-aye    Motion carried.

4.  Receive Payment In Lieu of Taxes request for Trademark Tooling and Schedule date for a Public Hearing.

Finance Director Richter stated he is looking for a 10 year PILOT. The schedule is included in packet.  Whatever decision is made will be contingent on receiving the lease agreement. 

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

5. Approve Valley City CARES Business Assistance Program.

Commissioner Gulmonstated the committee that consisted of himself, Commissioner Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Richter and PW Accountant Jacobsen           met to discuss ways to help businesses within the city during these difficult times.  The proposal is to leverage $200,000 in CARES dollars for Chamber Bucks and receive a 25% benefit.  There are some exclusions such as medical, dental, RXD, bills.  The sales could begin on February 6th and would continue until out.  The Chamber Bucks would be open to all businesses, not just Chamber members.  If we committed $200,000 and another $12,000 for expenses and waive the     remainder of the beer licenses for 2021 totaling $21,000.  The total CARES expenditure would be         $233,000. 

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

6.  Approve Updates to Covid 19 Cares Act Relief Fund.

Finance Director Richterreported on the changes for the revenues we’ve received and the expenditures to date.  We’re estimating $91,000 for the December CARES revenue.  Prior to the Prairie Dog money we used $150,000 for Streetscape II.  Now that we have Prairie Dog funds which lightens up the load for R&R.  We would request to take the $150,000 extra out of the R&R instead of the CARES freeing up more of those funds for other items.  The other item for $100,000 is for property tax reductions that our citizens did get, not intentionally, but they did. The mill levy was calculated differently this year than prior years and the city ended up with a 4 mill reduction than what was expected.  The next item is the bars and restaurants Covid relief but that’s where the $233,000 would go leaving us with $28,000 in our CARES relief fund.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

7.  Approve Amendment to the City Emergency Order.

President Carlsrud stated the Governor has changed his order again.  Requesting to amend the Emergency Order to follow the State order so it doesn’t need to be addressed every time.  If there is something that we don’t agree with we can address those items.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion Carried.

8.  Approve Moving Forward with the 7th Ave NW Reconstruction and 2nd Ave NE Reconstruction Projects for 2021 Construction.

City Administrator Crawford stated this is a project that was started in 2019 but it is shovel ready.  One of the reasons it was put off was due to funding.  PW feels that due to it being shovel ready and other chain events happen from this that this project is what we need to move forward with.  It replaces storm sewer, water mains and will help with fire protection.  We would need a contract amendment to help with updated costs. 

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

9.  Discuss City Engineer.

Commissioner Bishop stated if we have a City Engineer and they are also bidding project, who is going to hold them accountable?

Commissioner Bishop motioned if KLJ wanted to the City Engineer they can’t bid on projects.  If they want to bid they resign as City Engineer, Commissioner Erickson seconded that motion.

Magnuson-nay Bishop-aye       Gulmon-nay     Erickson-aye    Carlsrud-nay    Motion failed

City Administrators Report

City Administrator Crawford stated she had been investigating lots of things.  Working with PW to get a plan together on what they think are most critical action items and then speak with the engineers.  We have now sent out reviews to the department heads and those will take place on the actual anniversaries of the employees so they aren’t all done at once. 

 

City Updates & Commission Reports

Police Chief Hatcher updated that he was working on the new policy manual.  Anybody that lives on the snow emergency routes, please make sure your cars are removed when snowing.

Commissioner Gulmon thanked the Commission for the support with the new Business Assistance program. Thanks to Kay and the Chamber for the background work and the work going forward to get this ready.  Thanks to Gary, Gwen and Avis for the collaboration, I think this program will make a difference. 

Commissioner Erickson thanks the City crew for their work.  Also a gentlemen thanked the fire department for not destroying many more equipment than they had to when they put out his fire.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the Fire Department, they’ve been out a lot lately.  Also thanks to the Police Department.

Commissioner Magnuson thanked the Commission for their leadership abilities for helping the city grow.

President Carlsrud thanked all of our employees.  The first trip through a snow event is something.  As citizens we have to remember they can clear our streets pretty fast after a snow event but please drive for the conditions.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:02 PM

1.5.2021 Finance Meeting

Posted on by

Tuesday, January 5th, 2021

2:30 PM

Via Zoom


Called To Order

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

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Operations Superintendent Klemisch, Fire Chief Magnuson (3:30), Gloria Swart (3:30)

1.  Commission Topics

            b. Discuss Incentives to Newly Built Homes Outside the Renaissance Zone. 

            Discussion took place around incentives for bringing people to Valley City.

            a. Discuss City Engineer.

            Discussion took place regarding the City Engineer position.

2.  Department Reports:

            Electrical Superintendent Senf reported there were 3 outages for this month, 2 squirrels and 1          primary jumper.  We were at 99.99996% for the year, 40 total outages, and 43 hours out of power       for about 1700 customers.  Over half were animal related.  There was also discussion about putting        lights on the walk bridge.  Cost estimate would be about $2500 per side and         recommended only doing            the one side due to the cost and since the other side is only seen by the Elks building and would like to    do them so they are year round lights, not just for Christmas.  Would also like to improve the          Christmas decorations throughout town.  We also received 5 quotes back for the transformers.              Looking for approval for the lowest bids on the 9 transforms shown in the quote.  $65,000 was  previously budgeted for a Bobcat.  They no longer make the model we were looking to purchase.            Bobcat found us one in Iowa for under budget so that is on order along with attachments, still under          budget.

 Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported he was happy with the work the guys did after the     first storm.  We had some new people doing new things, so thanks to them for all their hard work.            Made it through the holiday garbage schedule with limited bodies so thanks to those employees.  The      ND Department of Equality found additional funding to continue the waste water testing through            January, maybe through the summer depending on the funding.  RDO was out to do some             maintenance on the motor grader and found a larger in the differential so we will be getting a loaner in         town will the other one is serviced.

 Gloria Swart reported that the cardboard dumpster is working great.  The new garbage truck is going to Fargo Thursday for servicing.  We made it through the holidays without to many hiccups.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported fire extinguisher services have been great.  Geotech was out drilling holes        where the addition will hopefully go.  Those results were sent to the foundation people and it     sounds   like within the next 2 weeks we should get results from that.  We are starting to get back to training while still practicing social distancing.  Most of our team have had the first dose of the vaccine.       By the time we go back to training they should have had their second dose.  Fire Chief    Magnuson stated he is training to be able to administer the rapid Covid tests so his team will be able to            rapid test before drill.    

2.  Review monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter reported $1.3 million in bills for the month.  $365,000 in projects such as PFP or Infrastructure projects.  There was also a 3rd payroll issued in December which is a little over $100,000.  That puts us under the $1 million for operations.  For revenue coming in we had a good month.  We received the Prairie Dog funds which was about $2.5 million and we received November Cares for the salaries which was a little over $91,000.  We also received a little over $300,000 for reimbursement from the State Water Commission.

3.  Review proposed Public Works Capital and Operating Budgets for FY21.

            Public Works Manager Jacobson explained the breakdown of the capital budget and     summarized the operations budget.

4.  Discuss Mobile Home Park Ordinance.

            City Administrator Crawford reported that the way the Ordinance is worded an annual application is not needed, they do still have to turn in the fees.  Looking at the properties the           biggest issue we saw was Viking MHP.  The roads are beyond the city’s standards.  Per the           Ordinance we will send a notice and inform them of the penalties.  It states if nothing happens           after that a Class B Misdemeanor is issued.

            City Attorney Martineck stated that is one way to do it.  Another way is to have it so if they      aren’t in compliance their license isn’t renewed, another option is to add administrative penalties   to the ordinance. 

            City Administrator Crawford recommends amending the ordinance so it states an application   must be turned in annually and add any other changes they feel necessary. 

            Consensus was to send a letter regarding the streets.

5.  Discuss Prairie Dog Funding and Options.

            City Administrator Crawford stated in 2019 there was a plan put together for the funds and that            was when we thought it was going to be $3.5 million, it was actually $2.5 million.  We only have        the streetscape project in 2021 so the 7th Ave NW and 2nd Ave NE could be completed.  This     project is shovel ready as it was supposed to be completed in 2019 but due to circumstances it            was put on hold.  On the project a large portion cannot be assessed so this would be a good option for the funds and using part of the R&R funds.  We would have to update the bid package.  The          storm sewer would be replaced all the way and the water main would be from 2nd SW to 2nd NW      and the alley between 2nd and 3rd up to 4th St.

            Clint Klemisch added that the big thing with the water main is that it’s 4 inch cast iron and the   minimum for fire protection is 6 inch, we would go with 8 inch.  The 2nd Ave sanitary reline     project-when they went to do that they weren’t table to reline 2 blocks because of the way it’s    angled into the manhole.  There’s a lot of difficulty cleaning that right now and there are some           blockages there which is why this is a priority.

            Consensus is to move to Commission agenda for action.

6.  Discuss Curb Stop to Main Ownership.

            City Administrator Crawford stated in most cities in ND has a rule that the city owns the curb stop to the main.  In 2014 a policy was made to change that the homeowner owns it and that was      entered into the Ordinances in 2016.  This will be an issue whenever there are pipes that freeze.

            Commissioner Erickson stated he thought the reasoning this was done was due to some new     homes that were built with the mains not being buried deep enough and that was because of the         homeowners decision. Due to this they put it back on the homeowner.

            City Administrator Crawford stated in the ordinance is says that the main has to be buried 7-8 feet so anything less than that shouldn’t have been allowed.

            Consensus is that the city should own curb stop to main and change the ordinance.

7.  Discuss Valley City CARES Business Assistance Program.

            Commissioner Gulmon stated the committee that consisted of himself, Commissioner    Magnuson, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Richter and PW Accountant Jacobsen met to discuss ways to help businesses within the city during these difficult times.  The proposal            is to leverage $200,000 in CARES dollars for Chamber Bucks and receive a 25% benefit.  There          are some exclusions such as medical, dental, RXD, bills.  The sales could begin on February 6th           and would continue until out.  The Chamber Bucks would be open to all businesses, not just       Chamber members.  If we committed $200,000 and another $12,000 for expenses and waive the        remainder of the beer licenses for 2021 totaling $21,000.  The total CARES expenditure would be             $233,000. 

8.  Review Covid 19 Cares Act Relief Fund.

 Finance Director Richter reported on the changes for the revenues we’ve received and the  expenditures to date.  We estimating $91,000 for the December CARES revenue.  Prior to the Prairie Dog money we used $150,000 for Streetscape II.  Now that we have Prairie Dog funds, that lightens up the load for R&R find and we would request to take the $150,000 extra for that out of the R&R instead of the CARES freeing up more of those funds for other items.  The other  item for $100,000 is for property tax reductions that our citizens did get, not intentionally, but      they did. The mill levy was calculated differently this year than prior years and the city ended up         with a 4 mill reduction than what was expected.  The next item is the bars and restaurants Covid          relief but that’s where the $233,000 would go leaving us with $28,000 in our CARES relief fund.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:45 PM.

1.19.2021 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • I am thankful for another week of nicer than average January weather.  Be careful for the ice when walking or driving and if you have ice on sidewalks, please spread some “grit” so your mail carrier can have some traction.
  • Governor Burgum elected to let the State Face Mask Mandate expire.  Reflecting, the COVID began on the coasts, worked its way to the mid-states and north.  It took quite awhile for it to reach North Dakota though it arrived with fervor.  We battled it with “North Dakota Smart”, washing hands and social distancing.  We slowed it, but eventually the virus over-ran us and we had the highest numbers in the USA.  Now we have battled and brought numbers down.  The only difference from when we didn’t control it until now seems to be the masking.  Data shows masking works and now there is a more contagious strain coming.  That said, I believe it is imperative for us to “Wash Hands and Mask-up when we can’t Social Distance”.  Those mitigations will be meaningful for us, and those around us until the vaccinations catch up.
  • Good News:  VCPS and VCSU represent approximately 3,000 people counting students and employees have had only miniscule “on campus” positives due to masking.
  • “You can’t unsay a cruel word.”  (A Cowboy Guide to Life)                                                   

Blessings, Pray, Be Safe and Be Kind,

Dave

1.13.2021 Planning and Zoning Agenda

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  The Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting will begin on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 4:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public are not permitted in the Commission Chambers due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.
     Members of the public may view the meeting live online (https://zoom.us/j/99334849197), or listen by calling (1-253-215-8782) Webinar ID: 993 3484 9197.

DATE:  Wednesday, January 13th, 2021

TIME:   4:00 P.M.

  1. Call meeting to order.
  1. Roll call.
  1. Approve minutes from November 4, 2020 meeting.
  2. Open public hearing for preliminary plat and rezone application for Auditor’s Lot 2 of SW1/4 NE1/4 & NW1/4 SE1/4 Sec 26-T140N-R58W Barnes County, to be replatted immediately following annexation as Lot 1 Nextera Addition the City of Valley City.
  3. Open public hearing for consideration of an application for Amendment No. 7 to Final Plat of Legacy Townhomes Planned Unit Development, City of Valley City, requesting subdivision of land for addition of multifamily housing.
  4. Discussion on penalties for zoning violations (City Attorney Martineck).
  5. Building/Fire Inspector Report.
  6. Adjourn