Author Archive: Judi Hintz

10.28.2024 Special Commission Minutes

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Monday, October 28, 2024
11:00 AM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on October 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM CT, 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/83831960414 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 838 3196 0414

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

NB1.    Approve ND DWR Pre-Construction Cost-Share Application for Design Engineering for Northwest Standpipe Replacement Project. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

NB2.    Approve ND DWR Construction Cost-Share Application for Watermain Improvement District No. 106 (2nd St N, 3rd Ave NE and 4th Ave NE). (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon            Carlsrud

NB3.    Approve Local Permit for the Greg Rockneberg Benefit on 11.4.2024 at the Eagles.

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon            Magnuson         Carlsrud

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.1.2024 Commission Minutes

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 1, 2024



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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Lieutenant Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Remove Item D-c. in the Consent Agenda. Switch NB4 and NB5 Around.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

MUNICIPAL PUBLIC POWER WEEK PROCLAMATION

The week of October 6 – 11, 2024, is to be proclaimed Municipal Public Power Week. Announce that the National Park Service has deemed Valley City as one of only 8 communities to be designated as an American World War II Heritage City this year.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Minutes from the 9.17.2024 Commission Meeting.                                                   
  3. Approve sponsorship of National Park Service American World War II Program through Barnes County Historical Society.                                                                                                     
  4. Approve Local Event Permits for Raffles:                                                                              
  5. S.H.I.N.E. Raffle for 10.12.2024 at Valley City Eagles Club
  6. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals Raffle on 12.13.2024 at Handy Hardware 
  7. District 24 GOP Raffle on 12.14.2024 at Alley Beans
  8. Approve 2024-2025 Contractor Licenses for:                                                                         
  9. Steamatic of Grand Forks, ND
  10. Kjelland Excavation of Fingal, ND
  11. H Anderson Concrete, LLC of Fingal, ND
  12. All Seasons Mechanical of Fargo, ND

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing Regarding Special Assessment Projects:                                                                    

            Paving Improvement District No. 125.

            Water Main Improvement District No. 103.

            Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 67.

            Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 54.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

There were no protests.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 125, Water Main Improvement District No. 103, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 67 and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 54.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1161 an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Annual City Budget.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1162 an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 7-03-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to event permits.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

Approve Resolution 2456, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Request for Funding Considerations from the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation.   

  1. Small Projects – $27,500
  2. Resource Development Specialist – $216,000 ($70,000/year for 3 years plus $6,000 for current year ended 9/30/2024)
  3. Regional Technology Center – $160,000

Jennifer Feist explained the requests and what the funds are used for. Commissioner Erickson asked if Barnes County contributes to these funds as well and was told that they do not.    

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Settlement Agreement for issue resulting from Construction at 605 5th Street NW.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Consider entering Cooperation Agreement in support of Red River Valley Water Supply Project.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to enter into a Cooperation Agreement at 1cfs potable and 1cfs industrial water with the RRVWSP, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Voluntary Flood Acquisition Program Guidelines.

Attorney Martineck will make the changes discussed at the Finance Meeting and update the current Policy.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Consider offer to sell N15’ of Lot 8, and all of Lot 9, Block 10, Weiser’s Addition to the City of Valley City (231 9th Ave NE), as part of Flood Acquisition Program.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the Agreement as previously drafted, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call Vote: Erickson – Nay   Bishop – Nay    Magnuson – Yay    Gulmon – Nay    Carlsrud – Nay. Motion Failed.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to make an offer to purchase 231 9th Ave NE, in the amount of $139,000. and to follow the Flood Acquisition Program Guidelines, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford gave an update on the release of funds for the 2023 December Ice Storm Emergency. Funding was held up do to a software issue.

Finance Director Klein shared that the 2023 Audit is complete and that Brady Martz will be at the November 5th Finance meeting to do a brief overview.

Fire Chief Magnuson reminded us that October 6 – 12 is Fire Prevention Week. Huge thank you to the Team which is made up of 2 full time and 38 volunteers and all they do for the City & County with covering over 15 Townships. A special thank you to the spouses and significant others who support them. You are welcome to visit the Fire Hall anytime. He also shared the dates for the Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive to be held on October 8 & 9 at Stoudt-Miller Car Dealership.

Lieutenant Rustebakke stated that with October upon us, parking restrictions have gone into place regarding boats and campers as well as overnight parking downtown.

City Engineer Peterson gave an update on the Construction projects happening around Valley City.

Commissioner Gulmon reported on the financial position of the City. Sales tax is up 8.4% from last year at this time.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked all the City Employees for their work on cleaning up and preparing for the fall weather. Thank you to those that have been working on the budget & audit and getting that taken care of. Thank you to Steve Urness for his reporting.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 6:05 PM

10.21.2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

10/21/2024

Hello Folks,

  • Last Friday’s little rain, our gauge showed .25 inch, provided clean, fresh smelling air to breathe.  After a month of breathing dusty air, it was a Blessed treat.
  • Halloween is just around the corner and there will be numerous fun parent & kid friendly events preceding and on Halloween.  Please check the “Valley City App”, the Chamber Eblast, the T-R and KOVC for details.  Enjoy & be safe.
  • While walking recently, I have observed more drivers yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.  Thank you to said drivers as it is for people’s safety and usually only takes seconds.  “Courtesy is contagious, catch it”.
  • At our last Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) & Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) meeting, it was announced that WMMPA earned an Aa2 credit rating by Moody’s Ratings of New York.  This is meaningful to us as MRES Members because better credit ratings bring lower interest rates which reduce our finance costs for wind, solar, hydro, oil and gas generation projects.
  • When we were kids in Wolverton, MN, our Mom “finessed” us into raking leaves by letting us bake potatoes in the burning pile of leaves. Those days allowed leaf burning so Mom wrapped potatoes with aluminum foil, and we placed them in the fire to bake. Waiting for the fire to burnout so we could get the potatoes seemed like it took f-o-r-e-v-e-r!  Finally, we could dig them out of the ashes and try eating them, some were done, some weren’t, which didn’t really matter as we had some ownership in the process and had nearly forgotten the drudgery of raking leaves!  Mom was smarter than we were, imagine that!!  Thanks Mom.
  • When walking your pets, please face traffic, wear bright colored clothing and pick-up poop.  Thank you. 
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.  
  • “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.    ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

10.14.2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

10/14/2024

Hi Everybody,

  • Valley City and Barnes County continue being in a “burn ban” as grasses, stubble and bushes are tinder dry.  A recent report from the Tioga – Ray area fires indicated 88,934 acres have been burned so far.  Please be prudent.
  • Kudos to the volunteer firefighters and their commitment to serve.  Along with Ray, Tioga and area fire departments, ten trucks with volunteer firefighters traveled about seventy-five miles to help battle the fires.  Blessings and thank you all.
  • Are you aware of the “Valley City App”?  It is a place to find pertinent information concerning schools and university schedules, parks & recreation activities, job openings, along with church and business news.  It is an “informational hub” for everything Valley City and the area.  The app is FREE and can be downloaded by searching Valley City in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
  • If Measure #4 is passed, only another ballot measure could make needed adjustments.  Constitutional language can only be changed by another tax ballot measure and election.  If Measure #4 is defeated, local control remains and customized Property Tax Reform can be enacted legislatively.
  • A long time teacher and coach, Darrell Olson, writes a weekly column named “Friday Sports Wrap” (FSW) with a plethora of topics from family, small towns, the region & nation.  See an FSW excerpt below and thank you Darrell.                                                        “I have come to realize that my sisters and I were driven by a powerful word: The word is “should.” Consider these options:
  • The Obligatory Should: “I suppose we should go to their open house, they came to ours.”
  • Doing the Right Thing Should:  “Of course we should, they have been our friends for a long time.”
  • Seeking Agreement Should: “Should we go to Mr. Steak for supper?” The speaker has already made the determination and is looking for agreement.
  • Feeling Sorry for Someone Should:  “I suppose we should invite him.”
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article                                                                                                                               
  • “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”     ~ Winston Churchill
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud      

10.15.2024 Commission Meeting Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 15, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 15, 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/82424834869 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  824 2483 4869.

Next Resolution No. 2458            Next Ordinance No. 1165

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 10.1.2024 Finance & Commission Meetings.                                     
  2. Approve Local Event Permits for Raffles:    
  3. Dakota Riders Motorcycle Club Raffle for 12.14.2024 at the Eagles Club.   

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.
  1. Layne Glines with Healthy Food Ingredients

Public Hearing

 

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1162 an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 7-03-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to event permits. (Attorney Martineck)                                                                               

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

  • Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1163, an ordinance to create and enact section 7-04-23 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to prohibited camping. (Attorney Martineck)                                                                                                                           

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

  • Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1164, an ordinance to create and enact a new section of chapter 11-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to a university zoning district. (Attorney Martineck)                                                        

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2457, a Resolution Approving Definitive Improvement Warrants, Series 2024 A, B, and C for Paving Improvement District No. 128, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69, and Water Main Improvement District No. 105.  (Deputy Auditor Johnson)                                                                                        

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Carlsrud

New Business

N1.       Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $3,018,447. (Finance Director Klein)

                                                                                                                                                        

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

N2.       Consider request for an early pay out of the final payment of $60,000 to the SRVSB-Water Trail. (Deputy Auditor     Johnson)                                                                                                                              

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

10.7.2024 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

10/7/2024

          Hello Folks,

  • “Thank you, Governor Burgum,” for your proclamation supporting Public Power Week October 6-12.
  • Valley City Parks and Recreation (VCPR) hosted the “Parktober Festival” Saturday.  There was food, sand volleyball, pumpkins, a fun run along with fun games of skill for kids and adults.  Kudos to VCPR staff members who did a great job of holding things together in the wind.
  • Speaking of VCPR, with physical activity being great for good mental health, our parks are in great shape now with disc golf, pickleball and updated playground equipment.  Go out and enjoy the nice fall colors and weather.
  • Valley City is a great place to live:  https://www.developvcbc.com/
  • At a meeting generated through the State Department of Commerce a plethora of  community topics were discussed.  One being needs and replacements of our school buildings, some of which are in the 100-year old range.  It will “take a village” to make it happen for our kids and grandkids, let’s do it!
  • Flu and COVID Vaccinations are available now, check with your medical provider.
  • * Measure #4, a constitutional measure, would eliminate property taxes if passed.  While that sounds great, there are many funding consequences without solutions for all of us so be diligent in studying both sides of the measure.  Biennially the legislature would need to squeeze approximately $3.15 B from a $12.2 B General Fund Budget to replace said property tax funding.  Fire & police departments, health care, Parks & Rec, roads, schools and infrastructure to name a few places from which funds can be taken by the legislature.  *Defeating Measure #4 would allow local control over your tax dollars rather than the state legislature controlling your dollars and inspire legislators with the importance of property tax reform.  Be educated on both sides of the measures, be an informed voter.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                  
  • “God put us here to prepare this place for the next generation.  That’s our job. Raising children and helping the community, that’s preparing for the next generation.”  ~ Dikembe Mutombo
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud     

You need to add a widget, row, or prebuilt layout before you’ll see anything here. 🙂
Agenda Available

10.21.2024 Special Commission Minutes

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Special City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Monday, October 21, 2024
12:00 PM (Noon)

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 12:00 PM CT, 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/83529636184 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 835 2963 6184

Call To Order
Roll Call

Public Hearing

  1. Open Public Hearing Regarding Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for Casa Valley Inc dba Casa Mexico Restaurant.

Motion to Close Hearing.

Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson      Carlsrud

Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for Casa Valley Inc dba Casa Mexico Restaurant.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop        Carlsrud

Adjourn

Agenda Available

10.1.2024 Commission Agenda

Posted on by

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 1, 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/87570806184 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  875 7080 6184.

Next Resolution No. 2457             Next Ordinance No. 1163

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

MUNICIPAL PUBLIC POWER WEEK PROCLAMATION

The week of October 6 – 11, 2024, is to be proclaimed Municipal Public Power Week.

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

 

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Minutes from the 9.17.2024 Commission Meeting.                                                                  
  3. Approve sponsorship of National Park Service American World War II Program through Barnes County Historical Society.                                                                                                                                             
  4. Approve Local Event Permits for Raffles:                                                                                              
  5. S.H.I.N.E. Raffle for 10.12.2024 at Valley City Eagles Club
  6. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals Raffle on 12.13.2024 at Handy Hardware
  7. Valley City Christian School Raffle on 11.22.2024 at the School
  8. District 24 GOP Raffle on 12.14.2024 at Alley Beans
  9. Approve 2024-2025 Contractor Licenses for:                                                          
  10. Steamatic of Grand Forks, ND
  11. Kjelland Excavation of Fingal, ND
  12. H Anderson Concrete, LLC of Fingal, ND
  13. All Seasons Mechanical of Fargo, ND

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              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.

Public Hearing

PH 1. Public Hearing Regarding Special Assessment Projects:                                                                            

            Paving Improvement District No. 125.

            Water Main Improvement District No. 103.

            Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 67.

            Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 54.

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Close Public Hearing.

Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson            Carlsrud

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement

District No. 125, Water Main Improvement District No. 103, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 67 and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 54. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson      Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1161 an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Annual City Budget. (Finance Director Klein)                                                                                                                   

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

 

Resolution

  1. RES 2456, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule.  (Attorney Martineck)                                 

      Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson      Carlsrud

New Business

NB1.    Request for Funding Considerations from the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation.

(Jennifer Feist)                                                                                                                

  1. Small Projects – $27,500
  2. Resource Development Specialist – $216,000 ($70,000/year for 3 years plus $6,000 for current year ended 9/30/2024)
  3. Regional Technology Center – $160,000

            Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson            Carlsrud

NB2.    Approve Settlement Agreement for issue resulting from Construction at 605 5th Street NW. (City Administrator Crawford)                                                                                                                                            

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Gulmon            Erickson            Carlsrud

NB3.    Consider entering Cooperation Agreement in support of Red River Valley Water Supply Project. (President Carlsrud)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson           Bishop              Gulmon             Carlsrud

NB4.    Consider offer to sell N15’ of Lot 8, and all of Lot 9, Block 10, Weiser’s Addition to the City of Valley City (231 9th Ave NE), as part of Flood Acquisition Program. (City Administrator Crawford)                                  

            Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson            Carlsrud

NB5.    Approve Voluntary Flood Acquisition Program Guidelines. (City Attorney Martineck)                                   

            Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson            Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

10.1.2024 Finance Agenda

Posted on by

City Commission Finance Meeting 

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

2:30 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 1, 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/88068217803 or listen by calling     (1-346-248-7799) Webinar ID: 880 6821 7803.

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Commission Topics
    1. Discussion on the Red River Water Supply Project. – (President Carlsrud)             
    1. Camping/Tent Ordinance – (President Carlsrud)
  2. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department                                                                                    Water DepartmentElectric DepartmentFire Department                                                                                              
      1. Fire Extinguisher ReportDangerous Buildings
      Police DepartmentStreet Department
    1. Administration
  3. Quarterly Engineer Report. (Finance Director Klein)
  4. Discuss PFP Guidelines. (Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss the offer to sell N15’ of Lot 8, and all of Lot 9, Block 10, Weiser’s Addition to the City of Valley City (231 9th Ave NE), as part of flood acquisition program. (City Administrator Crawford)
  6. Discuss Moving the Finance Meeting. (Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

9.30.2024 Mayor’s Message

Posted on by

NEWS & NOTES

9/30/2024

Greetings Everybody,

  • What is the old saying?  “If you don’t like the weather in ND, wait ..……..”.  Earlier we had rain and cool, followed by hot and humid, now it has been hot and dry so they are harvesting dusty beans with big clouds of dust.  It is too warm to go full blast with sugar beet harvest and much of the corn could use a good frost so, patience, the weather will change!
  • Recently a contingent of Valley City Employees and two commissioners attended the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) Annual Conference.  Some of the educational sessions addressed the securing of funding, cybersecurity, working together, succession planning and artificial intelligence to name a few.  We split our group so we could cover as many of the concurrent sessions as possible.  It was a valuable conference for us.
  • Janine Stange, “The National Anthem Girl”, who has performed our National Anthem in forty-four states, shared an inspirational keynote speech.  Janine, as The National Anthem Girl, has been recognized nationally so you may find researching her to be interesting.
  • Valley City is a Municipal Power Community so we own our “not for  profit” Electrical Department.  Some benefits for citizens are lower power costs, enough power and reliability.  This year our power has been “on” 99.99923% of the time so we are fortunate.  **October 6-12 is National Municipal Power Week.  For more on Public/Municipal Power see: https://wearecommunitypowered.com/ 
  • Sunday after church Sue and I walked through our well groomed City Park.  The park itself is naturally beautiful and with new playground equipment being installed its beauty will be further enhanced.  Additionally, the Pickleball courts and shelter at Hi-Line Park are really nice and functional.  When you are out and about stop by and have a look.  Congratulations & thank you to our Valley City Parks and Recreation Department.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                   
  • “The sun and the sky are always there.  It’s the clouds that come and go.”  ~ Janine Stange
  • Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud