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10.16.2023 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

10/16/2023

  • Hi Everybody,
  • With our nice fall weather more people are walking, running and biking.  However, with more hours of darkness and distracted drivers, it is IMPERATIVE you wear “Hi-Vis” clothing.  Be safe, “Go Hi-Vis”.
  • The Valley City Barnes County Library is hosting Joelle Bearstail October 17th, 5:00 at the library.  Joelle is a mom, celebrated author of children’s books, educator and founder of “ImagiNative Inc”.  Stop in and visit with Joelle.
  • The Red River Water Supply Project (RRWSP) is a pipeline to bring water to eastern North Dakota during times of drought.  This is a huge project to be funded with federal, state and local dollars.  I will be sharing further as time goes, but for information now, see: http://www.rrvwsp.com/.
  • FUN, October 20 & 21 Valley City Parks and Recreation (VCPR) will offer numerous activities beginning with free movies Friday at Twin Cinema.  Saturday there is a Halloween Costume Fun Run/Walk, Spooky Spike Showdown and Park-tober Festival all to be taking place in Chautauqua Park.  
  • Many of us are cleaning our yards, flowerbeds and the like.  Please dispose properly; grass clippings, flower stems and small branches (4-inch diameter maximum) go to the west side of the Transfer Station 24/7 at no charge. PLEASE do not put those items in the garbage.  We have some great services available for our use, please respect them & use properly; thank you.
  • Valley City Public Works and MRES are partnering to offer incentives for energy-saving projects and products.  Residential and business customers are eligible and will also receive access to our Trade Ally contractors.  For further information, see Bright Energy Solutions at:  https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/members/valley-city-public-works.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “What you do with your family is more important than what you do for your family.”    ~ Pinterest – SAVETHECOWBOY.COM                      

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

8.29.2023 Special Planning and Zoning Minutes

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August 29th, 2023 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order 4:00pm on Tuesday August 29th, 2023. Commissioners present: Dave Carlsrud, Jeff Erickson, Bill Carlblom, Tim Durheim

Absent: Jim Wright

Others: City Administrator, Gwen Crawford, City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit

Audience members: Quentin Murry

Public Hearing for Variance at 862 2nd ST SW – Quentin Murry

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded by commissioner Tim Durheim.

Quentin Murry spoke how he would like the variance to build a 30×60 garage.

City Planner Joel Quanbeck spoke about his findings. Quentin Murry is requesting a variance on the set back requirement and the requirements to rebuild.

Internal discussion was had.

 Commissioner Jeff Erickson made a motion to approve the variance seconded by Commissioner Tim Durhiem followed by roll call and unanimous board approval.

Adjourn

Chair Schell called for the meeting to close at 4:12pm.

7.11.2023 Planning and Zoning Minutes

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July 11th, 2023 – 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 July 11th, 2023. Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bill Carlblom, Jeff Erickson, Dave Carlsrud and Tim Durheim                     

Others City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current     Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit, City Engineer Chad Petersen (KLJ) Tracy Eslinger (Moore) City Planner Joel Quanbeck, Donny Eberle, Aaron McConuaughey, Bruce and Kathryn Jacobson

Commissioner Bill Carlblom moved to approve the minutes of the May 9th, 2023 regular meeting seconded by Commissioner Tim Durheim. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report                    

Building inspector Mike Blevins had emailed a report of current permits. Building inspector Lance Coit reported he has had some permits for decks, egress windows, and foundation repairs.

Public Comments

Bruce Jacobson spoke about his concerns with the new home he bought. He explained how his flooring needs to be replaced after a year and a half. The contractor will not warranty the floor, or fix it. Bruce was looking for advice on how to move forward with this problem. The planning and zoning commission told Bruce Jacobson this is a civil matter and he will need to hire a lawyer, or small claims court may be able to help.

Public hearing on variance to allow a 12×16 shed 5ft off property line.  

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. City Planner Joel Quanbeck explained the reason the variance has been requested. Our normal setbacks are 25ft rear yard setback. Donny Eberle’s house is addressed different than normal addressing. If his property was addressed how the address should be he could use the side yard 7ft set back. This is a new development, and all the roads are not constructed yet. When this property was addressed, the City employee who assign addresses he had not seen the layout. When more roads are put in and the development grows, Eberle will need to change their address.

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson.  

Commissioner Erickson made a motion to approve the variance with a 7ft setback not 5ft, with the intent of the variance not needed when Eberle address is changed after more roads are constructed.

Seconded by Commissioner Tim Durheim

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Public hearing for a conditional use permit to operate Mac’s Bait & Tackle – Aaron McConaughey.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. Aaron McConaughey spoke and explained he is the owner of the new business Mac’s Bait and Tackle. He is asking permission to operate in his home until the building on West Main Street becomes available.  He is waiting on the current tenant to move out. Aaron currently has a full-time job and operates few hours in the evenings and on the weekends. City Planner Joel Quanbeck explained a couple things he would recommend if approve, such as hours of operation, parking and signage. The conditional use permit should have an end date also.

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Dave Carlsrud  

Commissioner Bill Carlblom made a motion to approve the conditional use permit with a deadline of Oct 31, 2023 as long as the following conditions are met: and Lance Coit – building inspector will follow up with the applicant

  1. Hours of operation be limited to 7a.m. to 9p.m. and cannot be full time
  2. Any sign for the home occupation meets the signage requirements of Title 7 of the Valley City Municipal Code.
  3. Have adequate parking

Seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Other Business

Discussion was held regarding the property at 226 2nd Ave SE. it was recommended Lance Coit tell the property owner to provide documentation the property is not in the flood plan. We can move forward after the documentation has been turned in.

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:53pm.

10.9.2023 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

10/9/2023

  • Hi Folks,
  • Last week I mentioned the reliability of Municipal Power; our power was “on” .99998 of the time during September.  You might be surprised to know squirrels are the greatest cause of outages!
  • This is National Fire Prevention Week, and its theme is “Cooking Safety Starts With YOU.  Pay Attention to Fire Prevention”.  Look through your homes to identify possible fire hazards and have your fire extinguishers inspected at our Fire Hall.
  • Our Fire Department Personnel will be promoting fire safety with department tours and informative sessions around town throughout the week.  This year, our Volunteer Firefighters logged 3348 man hours of firefighter training!  Thank Volunteer Fire Fighters, their families and their employers.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday is the “Battle of the Badges” blood drive at Stout-Miller Inc., Dodge & Ford dealerships on Winter Show Road.  Call Vitalant for an appointment at: 877-258-4825.
  • Mental Health Awareness Week in Barnes County kicked off with an “Out of the Darkness Walk” for Suicide Prevention at Lokken Field Sunday afternoon.  There was a touching program and 124 walkers participated in this 1 of 500 walks across the country.  “Facing a struggle is a strength not a weakness”.
  • PURPLE streetlights?  We are not alone; it is a factory defect and is all over the country.  The company is standing behind the product to date so we can be grateful.
  • School bus drivers are needed to transport students to classes and activities.  Licensure & training is available through Dietrich Bus Service in Valley City.  This is a critical need for our schools and community so please call 701-845-1590.  Thank you for your consideration.
  • Recently there have been numerous cigarette wrappers and drink containers thrown on our streets.  Will you please hold your trash until you can dispose of it properly?  Thank you.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • “If Jack Nicklaus had to play my tee shots, he couldn’t break 80.  He’d be a pharmacist with a string of drug stores in Ohio.”    ~ Lee Trevino                     

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.26.2023 Special Commission Minutes

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CALL TO ORDER
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.

ROLL CALL

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Bishop via phone.

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Application from Hi-Line Hospitality, LLC for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit to be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Lokken Field/Stadium beginning at 2PM – 3rd Quarter.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 12.02 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.18.2023 Commission Minutes

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

ROLL CALL

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

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

VALLEY CITY/BARNES COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK PROCLAMATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the minutes from the September 7, 2023 Finance and Commission Meetings, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Application for Use of National Guard Building. Schindler Events. October 19-22.

Approve Parade Application for VCSU Homecoming Parade September 23. Start time 10:30AM. Central.

Approve Contractor Licenses for Central Trenching.

Approve Raffle Application for Valley City Town & Country Club October 26.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing for 2024 City Budget.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

There were no public comments.

Finance Director Klein reported on the increase in premiums for the 2024 Health Insurance Premiums. The amounts levied for the Final 2024 Budget did not change from what was discussed during the Preliminary Budget Meetings.

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

ORDINANCE

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1141 an Ordinance Adopting the 2024 City Budget.  Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

Approve Resolution 2417, a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 128. (Engineer Petersen)

Approve Resolution 2418, a Resolution Creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 69. (Engineer Petersen)

Approve Resolution 2419, a Resolution Creating Water Main Improvement District No. 105. (Engineer Petersen)

These resolutions relate to the Urban Grant Reconstruction Project. This Project was partially funded by the ND DOT for street improvements, a cost share request will be submitted for the water main replacement and special assessment districts are being created for the local share. This Project is scheduled to be bid through the ND DOT on November 17, 2023 with construction beginning 2024.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve all 3 Resolutions as listed, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Application to Operate a Mobile Home Park by Dane Feldhaus, Sunrise Trailer Court.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

With the sidewalks near the west entrance being closed due to Construction, Tana will be covering the north entrance of City Hall and the doors will remain open in all departments. The plan is to only block the Police entrance for a maximum of 2 days. Will update sidewalk and street closures after Wednesday Morning’s Construction Meeting.  League of Cities training begins Wednesday, September 20 and MRES Tech training September 27 & 28. Jamestown Truck agreement has been completed. Working with Peterbilt to get the part to fix our truck, this may be happening sooner than previously reported. Employees are doing their part to try and get this taken care of.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

CITY UPDATES & COMMISSION REPORTS

Engineer Petersen reported that the sidewalk construction did start on the 2nd Ave Project. Most of the underground work was completed last week. The completion date is looking to be October 13.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:29 p.m.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.7.2023 Finance Minutes

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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 Gulmon, and Commissioner Erickson

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

  1. Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the Grass Site Area and reminded all that no whole trees are to be taken to the grass site. This site is only for Valley City Citizens. Also, when dumping clippings, please empty your bags and take your bags or throw them in the trash. Automated Garbage Truck update, if you place your trash can in front of your driveway put it on the street. The Arm needs at least a 3’ clearance all the way around the can to be able to dump it. Garbage must be out by 7 AM or even the night before. Handles and wheels should face your house. Lids should be closed. No excess garbage around your trash can will be picked up, that is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Please check the City’s website, Facebook page, Instagram, Times Record, KOVC, and CSI Cable for Holiday schedules and inclement weather changes. Discussion on the notification of Citizens for customer service concerns when Garbage is not picked up by the truck.

Water Department

Water Supervisor Hesch reported some numbers on usage comparing July and August. Demand has dissipated. Shared the average usage daily as well as the max usage in a day. July’s usage was higher than Augusts this year.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on a good August. Only 1 outage due to weather. Columbia Grain project is now complete. Several projects planned for this fall. Senf discussed the lighting around town. Parts are coming to correct the color and lumen issue. If you notice a pole down or out, please report it to Public Works so that a service order can be started and taken care of.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that fire calls were down for service but up for rescue calls. Last month the Trucks were all tested and serviced, and all are working and passed inspection. Fire Fighter 1 Class is finishing up. Testing will be on the morning of September 16. Magnuson reported that they tested and added 3 new members to the squad. Side by Side will be ready to go in service soon. Grass, weeds and junk calls are handled weekly.

Police Department

Assistant Police Chief Rustebakke reported the police department put a reminder out to the Citizens that starting next month you need to keep your camper and boats off of the streets.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that they are working on cleaning the storm lift stations. Salt is scheduled for delivery on Tuesday hauling sand in as well. September 18 Rural Water will be training on hydrants. September 19 Rural Water will be putting on a Wastewater Seminar. Working on concrete projects but waiting on the actual concrete.

  • Review monthly bills/reports (Finance Director Klein)

Finance Director Klein reported on the August expenditures. $2,627,118.00 Total

Renewal of 2 CDs, renewed for 5.1% and set up a new CD @ 11 months at a 5.1% rate in the amount of $800,000.00.

  • Discuss continued use of Fargo Landfill. (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

Jacobson compared charges between Fargo Landfill with Jamestown Landfill. The decision was to negotiate with both Landfills and determine the correct place to contract with.

  • Discuss Garbage Hook Truck out of commission. (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

The current Hook Truck was having Def Issues and now needs parts for the ECM that has quit. Parts are about 2 years out. Jacobson gave a price comparison to hauling ourselves using our trucks, having Valley Recycling haul or renting a truck from Jamestown. Recommendation is to rent a truck then to use our own but first we check again with Peterbilt to see what they will do for us. Talk to Ken about pulling a pup. Martineck will review the rental agreement. Added to the Commission Meeting Agenda for approval of signatures.

  • Discuss ordinances to address parking ticket enforcement and alcoholic beverage license requirements. (City Attorney Martineck)

Currently the ordinance reads that the license holder must also be the title holder of the building. Requesting a change to the ordinance that a tenant or purchaser for contract for deed can hold the liquor license. The second half of this item is that the collection of parking tickets currently does not give the Police Department the authority to collect on past due tickets. It was suggested that a tiered process would give the Police Department a better enforcement tool.

  • Removed prior to Meeting
  • Review cost proposals for audit services. (Finance Director Klein)

Requests went to 6 Companies, 3 replied. One was determined insufficient. Cost proposals were shown between Eide Bailly and Brady Martz. It was decided to go with the lower bid awarding the Audit to Brady Martz.

  • KPH request to forgive liquidated damages. (City Administrator Crawford)

The Commission requested that Crawford negotiate for the City and not accept their current proposal. This will be added as a new agenda item for the Commission Meeting.

  • Personal Leave – compared to State annual leave. (City Administrator Crawford)

Discussion on current annual leave earnings and when hiring in this competitive time, it was determined that the City earns less than the State Employees. Holidays were previously changed to match the State. The Commission agreed and this change will take effect on January 1, 2024. Martineck will update the Policy.

  1. Issued Conditional Letter of Map Revision for the City of Valley City, ND case No. 23-08-0015R – (City Administrator Crawford)

The CLOMR has been approved. CLOMR letter and the map were discussed as well as the interior flooding and drainage. The letter was a requirement to be mailed as part the process.

  1. Discuss removing abandoned fuel tank located in street right of way in conjunction with street project. (City Engineer Peterson)

4th St W and Central Avenue, it was determined that there are abandoned fuel tanks. This will be taken care of at the same time as the street project but will not be included in the project.

  1. 2022 Audit Report by Eide Bailly. (Finance Director Klein)

Courtney Richman with Eide Bailly joined via Zoom and shared the executive summary for the 2022 Audit findings. The City received a “clean” audit finding.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:59 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

8.1.2023 Finance Minutes

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Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford via Zoom, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported on the automated garbage process and stated that the numbers for trash cans facing the wrong direction is down. Hint: the handle should always face your house. She also reminded us that any branches left at the grass sites should be 3’ in diameter or smaller.

Fire Department

Assistant Fire Chief Coit reported on the calls for service for July. Scuba gear was tested and checked over this past week. He is now working on fire extinguishers & fire inspections. He will be attending the National Flood Protection Insurance Program sponsored by FEMA.

Police Department

Police Chief Hatcher reported the police department is working on a transition plan with his leaving this Friday 8.4.23.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on the current outage report. He discussed the “blinks” that people are experiencing are caused mainly by squirrels, birds & trees. The city is running on 2 subs and using 9 circuits. Project with Columbia Grain to switch lines from overhead to underground, Senf will be ordering the equipment for this project pending approval by the commission and an agreement has been signed by both parties.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that there was a water leak in front of Alley Beans, he feels that there will be more digging and repairing of couplers and pipe as this project continues. The work being done on 5th Ave NW is not a city project: A Resident is putting in a new sewer service. 3 Employees passed their CDL test. This makes all Employees in that department licensed CDL drivers. The Team is also working on the School Crossing painting.  Salt has been ordered.

Review monthly bills/reports

Deputy Auditor Klein reported on the July expenditures.

Discussion on Viking Estates

David Wick commented on facilitating the work progress on the Viking Drive Estates and other projects.

Discussion on VCMC 5-01-20. Feeding of deer and wild birds prohibited

City Attorney Martineck discussed the ordinance. Brandi Johnson reported on the issues that she is encountering when enforcing such as homeowners scattering large amounts & large pieces of corn and bread. Suggested that the feed must be in some type of feeder or container. Concerned for the amount of deer, vermin and rodents that this feeding causes.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:04 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9.7.2023 Commission Minutes

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CALL TO ORDER
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:07 PM.

ROLL CALL

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Constitution week proclamation

Approval of Agenda

Addition of N7 and N8.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the August 15 Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Monthly Reports from the Sanitation Department, Water Department, Electric Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and the Street Department.

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractor Licenses for the following:

  1. Indigo Signworks, Inc. dba Indigo Signs
    1. Bridge City Landscaping and Excavating LLC
    1. Citywide Electric LLC
    1. Nations Roof, LLC

Approve Raffle Permits for the following:

  • Valley City United States Bowling Congress Assn, Monthly 9/7/2023 through 6/30/2024 at Sky Lanes
    • SHINE on 10/7/2023 at the Eagles
    • Dakota State Auxiliary from 10/7/2023 to 4/20/2024, Final drawing at the Valley City Eagles

Approve Parade Application for Valley City Public Schools on 9/22/2023 starting at 4:00PM. Homecoming. Central Avenue.

Approve Application to Block Off Street for Valley City Barnes County Development Corp Fireworks Show 9/7/2023 at 8:45pm to 9:15 PM.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

A pprove Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1138, an ordinance to amend and reenact sections 8-06-06 and 8-06-09 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to emerald ash borer. (City Attorney Martineck)

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1139, an ordinance to amend and reenact section 5-01-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to feeding wild animals. (City Attorney Martineck)

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1140, an ordinance to amend and reenact section 15-06-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to contractor excavation bonds. (City Attorney Martineck)

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,627,118.11. (Finance Director Klein)           

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve 2022 Audit Report Prepared by Eide Bailly. (Finance Director Klein)

Eide Bailly shared their findings of the 2022 Audit and the City received “clean” rating and the City is in a good financial position for favorable bond ratings.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Accept Cost Proposal for Audit Services. (Finance Director Klein)

Requests for proposals were sent to 6 companies, 3 responded. It was decided to go with the low bidder Brady Martz.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously

Approve Request from Valley City Barnes County Development Corp for Building Purchase to Assist Freedom Machine Group. (Jennifer Feist)

Request submitted by the Development Corp to assist in the purchase of a building. Travis Gray with Freedom Machine spoke about future expansion and employment opportunities.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Consider Request for Native Growth Area at 1150 West Main St, Concept Dentistry. (City Attorney Martineck)

Martineck shared information about the Valley City Municipal Code regarding weeds and wild flowers and the needing of an exemption for the Concept Dentistry location. Brian Bulik discussed the benefits of wildflowers and native grasses even in small areas and that this is a new trend of natural landscaping. The Commission had discussion on this area and approved an exemption with the understanding that all noxious weeds, as determined by the ND State Noxious Weed List, will be removed.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Marketing & Promotion of Valley City Service Agreement. (City Attorney Martineck)

Contract is basically the same as the previous contract and is working so no reason not to sign.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Motion passed unanimously.

Consider Request from KPH Regarding Liquidated Damages. (City Administrator Crawford)

Approve to forgive 6 days of LD’s charged to KPH bringing the total to $73,500.00.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve President Carlsrud to Sign the Rental Agreement for the Hook Truck. (City Attorney Martineck)

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

Announced that the CLOMR was approved and now we can move forward with the phases for the flood protection. Still working on the garbage collection and the automated truck. Please make sure that your garbage is out before 7:00 AM and that your garbage can is accessible. Two alleys will be taken out of the pickup rotation, one between 6th & 7th Ave NW and 2nd & 3rd ST NW, and another one between 5th & 6th Ave & 4th & 5th St. Notices will be sent.

City Attorney’s Report

Continue to make progress on the Police Chief Search. All 3 candidates completed the background questionnaire and that is now in the hands of the background investigator and will hopefully have all that information back by September 11 or 12. At that time the committee will meet again and make a final decision.

city updates & commission Reports

Finance Director Klein mentioned that her office is working on Special Assessment letters for projects that were constructed in 2022. They are the 6th St NW Project, 12th St N Mill & Overlay, and Seal Coat on East Main. The letters will be sent and the publication will be in the newspaper. Reminder that the next Commission meeting will be held on Monday, September 18. The first reading of the ordinance for the 2024 budget.

City Assessor Current shared that the 2023 Notice of Estimated Property Tax letter and a flyer for the Homestead Credit were mailed. The income level was increased to 70 thousand and there have been several people coming in to get help on completing the form.

City Engineer Peterson gave an update on the 2nd Avenue construction project. They are progressing well. Main Street opened up last week. The Public Works Service Center site survey work has been started.

City Engineer Eslinger updated that the water service line inventory which is primarily to determine lead service lines, Moore Engineering received a work order request from that Department of Environmental Quality. Work order Should start on September 11, 2023 & finish on April 1, 2024. This will determine a minimal number of testing sites. The Northwest Water Tower Study analysis of the water pressure zone is done and they have identified 4 locations for a water tower.

Commissioner Gulmon stated that the Finance Committee met and approved expenses through July 2024. Sales tax report from June shows that we had the largest month of revenue in 5 years. Food & Beverage, Occupancy and Highway taxes were all up.

Commissioner Erickson reminded all on the garbage cans to have the handles face your house, place the can where the truck will have easy access and any garbage that is not in the can will not be picked up. First time you will receive a notice and we may come back, this would not happen a second time. The grass site is not for whole trees, they can be taken out tot eh landfill.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the Police Department for keeping things going while the search continues for a Police Chief. Thank you as well to the Fire Department.

President Carlsrud talked about the CLOMR and thanked all who worked on it and what that will do for our community. Thank you to the city employees for getting everything prepared as we move into fall and into the next season.

 

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:56 PM

10.2.2023 Mayor’s Message

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 NEWS & NOTES

10/2/2023

  • Greetings Everyone,
  • We surely have been Blessed with some beautiful fall weather. A few of the days even felt very summer-like.
  • There seems to be a great number of wasps around this year.  Try a pie-tin with some apple juice or similar with a few drops of dish soap.  Sweet to attract and the soap to kill.
  • Remember Mental Health Awareness Week in Barnes County is October 8-14.  Valley City Public Schools, City County Health along with others are partnering to bring said awareness to students, parents and community.  There is help for those tough times.
  • A number of people have commented positively about our Christmas Decorations.  Our Electrical Department has done a wonderful job systematically adding and updating decorations the past few years.   I mention this now as efforts put forth by your Electrical Department were recognized by Missouri River Energy Services (MRES).  The “2023 WattSTAR Award” was presented to Department Head Marshall Senf at MRES “Technology Days” last week.
  • MRES Technology Days provided a plethora of educational presentations from “The Next Big Things in Energy Efficiency to Bright Energy Solutions” and networking opportunities for our attendees.
  • This week, October 2-6, is “National 4-H Week”.  Throughout the week, Barnes County 4-H will showcase many ways 4-H inspires kids.  Through hands-on learning experiences as well as highlighting the remarkable 4-H youth in our communities who work each day making positive impacts on those around them.
  • The 2nd Avenue NE construction is progressing though slowed some due to last week’s rain.  Curbs and sidewalks are being poured and if all goes well, there could be some blacktop showing around the 20th.  Yay!
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress: working together is success.”    ~ Henry Ford                      

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud