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Attention Valley City Residents City Cleanup September 14TH through September 18TH

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Valley City will conduct its annual residential waste cleanup the week of September 14TH through September 18TH.  The free pickup and disposal for residential waste only.

Valley City residents are encouraged to clean up, clean off, and clean out their properties.  On your regular garbage pickup day, put all your garbage, including the extra, out in your regular pick up spot by 7:00 AM, and Valley City Public Works will pick it up.  There is no limit on the number of bags, cans, boxes, etc., and no extra charge.  We will pick up general household garbage, couches, chairs, furniture, branches and wood DO NOT BAG OR BOX BRANCHES.  Paints and liquids can be disposed of in a dry, hardened form.  Cat litter, floor dry or sawdust can be used to absorb the liquid.  Empty cans can be left out with garbage. LEFTOVER PAINT WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE LANDFILL DURING CLEAN UP WEEK BUT MUST BE DRIED.

Separate items into piles

  • branches and tree
  • household garbage
  • bricks, shingles, cement, wood products, rocks
  • large carpet rolls

Residents may take their appliances to Truck and Auto Salvage or Valley Recycling Center. There may be a fee for refrigeration or freezing units with Freon.

The following items WILL NOT be picked up:

Leaves and grass need to be taken to the collection site at the landfill at no charge.

  • Tires must be taken to the transfer station. The disposal fee cannot be charged, cash only.
  • Batteries may be taken to the salvage yards or Valley Recycling Center.
  • Scrap metal may be taken to Valley Recycling Center.

Help the garbage crews by putting the garbage into boxes, bags or cans not to exceed 32 gallons or 50 lbs. 

Note:  Free disposal of grass, leaves, branches, trees, used motor oil and metal can be disposed of at the Transfer Station all year long. Metal is free for city residents not businesses.

Mosquito with Mosquito Spraying text below

MOSQUITO SPRAYING

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Valley City Public works will spray for mosquitoes on Wednesday, August 19th and Thursday, August 20th in the morning, weather permitting.

Parents are advised to keep children and pets out of the streets and away from the spray machines.  Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area of the operation.

If there are any questions, please feel free to call Public Works at 845-0380.

President Dave Carlsrud

06/29/2020 Mayor’s Message

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COVID-19 & BRIEFS

Hi Folks, A Few Notes

  • Holy smoke, The Fourth of July is NEXT Saturday!  How is that here already? I remember “old people” use to say “time goes so fast” and I didn’t understand it.  Though now I am one of those “old people” and I do understand! Enjoy the journey.
  • Last week a friend sent an interesting article concerning COVID-19, “The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them”. The Author is Dr. Erin Bromage, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them.   It is an easy read; give it a shot. 

    An excerpt:  “Birthday parties/funerals: Just to see how simple infection-chains can be, this is a real story from Chicago. Bob was infected but didn’t know. Bob shared a takeout meal, served from common serving dishes, with 2 family members. The dinner lasted 3 hours. The next day, Bob attended a funeral, hugging family members and others in attendance to express condolences. Within 4 days, both family members who shared the meal were sick. A third family member, who hugged Bob at the funeral became sick. But Bob wasn’t done. Bob attended a birthday party with 9 other people. They hugged and shared food at the 3-hour party. Seven of those people became ill.

    But Bob’s transmission chain wasn’t done. Three of the people Bob infected at the birthday went to church, where they sang, passed the tithing dish etc. Members of that church became sick. In all, Bob was directly responsible for infecting 16 people between the ages of 5 and 86. Three of those 16 died.”
  • Last week VCSU and our community celebrated The Center for the Arts groundbreaking.  This $32M facility will enhance the already prestigious Fine Arts opportunities at VCSU.  The building will be a showplace and recruiting tool for students and our community.  Congratulations to all who worked so diligently to make this facility a reality.
  • Our weather has certainly begun feeling like summer!  North Dakota weather changes so quickly, we often have no chance for acclamation.  Oh well, let’s get out and enjoy it.  There are ballgames with kids of many ages playing, the swimming pool is open, golf is available, Lake Ashtabula, hiking, biking and many July 4th Celebrations.  As restrictions are relaxed, we must remember Social Distancing because IT WORKS.
  •  Equal rights; “Give every human being every right you claim for yourself.”    (Robert Green Ingersoll)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave Carlsrud

Text: 4th of July Closures & Garbage Plans overlaid over garbage trucks

Offices & Transfer Station Closures: 4th of July

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Office & Transfer Station Closings:

  • Public Works, City Hall & Transfer Station will be closed on Friday, July 3.
  • Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

Garbage Schedule: Week of June 29

  • Friday’s garbage will be picked up on Thursday, July 2.

06/23/2020 City Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 5:00 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 online (https://zoom.us/j/98694073301?pwd=VjRWZlhVNWJ0QjhvWUFFbDh3WUdvdz09) Password 4tTbXr or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 986 9407 3301 Password 534462

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)
Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from June 16, 2020 meeting

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for D&C Home Improvement

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Elect Vice President to City Commission

    Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud
  2. Approve Reorganization of Commissioner’s Portfolios
    • Finance
    • PW Streets, Sanitation, Sewer & Water Distribution
    • PW Electric & Water Treatment Plant
    • Police & Fire
    • Building & Grounds

      Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud
  3. Appoint and approve Commissioner assignments to additional committees and boards
    • Valley City Planning & Zoning Commission (2 commissioners)
    • Valley City Library Board (1 commissioner)
    • City County Health Board (1 commissioner)
    • Barnes County Planning & Zoning Commission (2 commissioners)
    • Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation (2 commissioners)
    • Board for Community Service (1 commissioner)

      Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

06/02/2020 City Commission Minutes

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The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. Members of the public were 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 online (https://zoom.us/j/98978843732?pwd=QVpONXRTOEU3Z2tIckd4Zy9RZTI0UT09) Password 5aJ44L or listen by calling (1-669-900-9128) Webinar ID: 989 7884 3732 Password 674864

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:04 PM. President Carlsrud asked for a moment of silence in honor of Fallen Officer Holte from Grand Forks Police Department.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck. City Auditor Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Oath of Office for City Administrator Gwen Crawford

President Carlsrud administered the Oath of Office for City Administrator Gwen Crawford.

Approval of Agenda – Addition of Consent C.C, E, F; N3; Remove Consent D; Addition of N4

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Powell moved to approve the minutes from the May 19, 2020 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. 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 $1,009,556.60
  3. Approve Electrician,  Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor license for
    1. Maple River Electric
    1. On Demand Plumbing
    1. Energize Electric, LLC
  4. Approve Tree Trimming & Removal License for GS Services
  5. Approve Raffle Permit for Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway
  6. Approve Block off the Street Request for VCSU (on Viking Drive SW from 4th Ave SW to 2nd Ave SW)

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing for Annexation of Auditor’s Lot Number 1 of the NE1/4 of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, Barnes County, ND
City Attorney Martineck reported that the Waterfront Meadows project includes this new annexation request for the roadway access to the new subdivision. President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open. There were no public comments. Commissioner Magnuson moved to close the hearing; seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1059, an Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory described as Auditor’s Lot Number 1 of the NE1/4 of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, Barnes County, ND

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1059, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1056, an Ordinance Repealing Section 2-04-03 of V.C.M.C., relating to residency requirements of appointive officers and employees of city

City Attorney Martineck reported there were no changes to the ordinance since the first reading. The purpose of the ordinance is to repeal/remove the 15 minute residency requirement for all city employees.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Ordinance No. 1056, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2257, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Permanent Flood Protection Erosion Mitigation Phase 1 (Woodland Park and Riverview Drive) and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated he will incorporate the comments from the Finance Meeting into the final plans with 80% cost share from the State Water Commission; 20% local share. Permits are in place except for the USACE permit and once it is obtained, advertising for bids will occur.

Commissioner Bishop inquired if they foresee any issues with the permit. Petersen stated it was submitted end of 2019 and revised copy submitted February 2020. Petersen confirmed construction is expected to begin this year.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2257, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve request for $15,000 (from city sales tax dedicated to economic development) to assist with VC Smart Restart Campaign

Jennifer Feist (Development Corporation) appeared by Zoom in conjunction with Mary Lee Nielsen, CVB and Kay Vinje, Chamber. The groups are working on campaigns to assist local businesses and encourage people to do business locally. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the request, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve purchase of (2) 300KVA 480/277 Padmount Transformers from Resco in the amount of $13,592.00

President Carlsrud reported one pump is going to pump station and one will be a backup. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve 2020 – 2021 Gaming Site Authorization for Valley Twisters Gymnastics Inc at Bridges Bar & Grill

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the Gaming Site Authorization, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Authorize Public Works to credit commercial garbage accounts for entities affected by COVID-19 pandemic

City Auditor Richter reported this was discussed during the Finance Meeting. Public Works Accountant Jacobson and Lead Accounting Clerk Kiefert reviewed the commercial garbage accounts and identified the businesses with the most impact from COVID-19. The credit for pickup fees for each business is based on the number of pickups scheduled per week and the size of the dumpster(s). The credits will total between $2,000 and $3,000.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported on the first two days on the job.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Auditor Richter welcomed City Administrator Crawford to the City.

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported Permanent Flood Protection Phase III floodwalls continue to be poured near the Master Lift Station. Permanent Flood Protection Phase IIA seeding will occur. Startup meeting for pump went well. 5th Avenue NW project continues with storm sewer work. Seal Coat Project will start middle of next week.

Commissioner Erickson welcomed Gwen.

Commissioner Powell welcomed Gwen. Thanks Scott & VCFD for efforts to respond to a gas leak.

Commissioner Bishop thanked VCPD officers for their work.

Commissioner Magnuson thanked VCPD officers for their work; welcomed Gwen. Commissioner Magnuson stated summer time is here and that the broken road is for walkable /biking travel.  Magnuson asked the public to watch out for kids on the streets.

President Carlsrud thanked city employees. Keep COVID-19 important. Thanked peace officers for their work and efforts.

Adjourn

Adjourned at 5:35 PM.

Board Opening for Visitors Committee

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The City of Valley City has the following opening effective July 1 for:

Visitors Committee – One position, 4 year term.

Please submit your name, address and phone number on paper to the Valley City Auditor’s Office, PO Box 390, Valley City, or bklein@valleycity.us if you are interested by July 6, 2020, 5 p.m.

COVID-19 Briefing Wednesday at 5:30 PM with City of Valley City and City County Health District logos

06/17/2020 COVID-19 Briefing

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City of Valley City Hosting COVID-19 Response Briefing on June 17

Speakers will include:

  • Theresa Will – Administrator for City-County Health District
  • Dr. James Buhr – M.D. and Health Officer for City-County Health District
  • Gwen Crawford – City Administrator for Valley City
  • Dave Carlsrud – Valley City Mayor

WHAT: Each organization will provide updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response. All officials will be available following the briefing for questions from media partners.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30pm

WHERE: City of Valley City – City Hall, 254 2nd Ave NE, Valley City, ND 58072

The briefing is closed the public to honor social distancing. Members of the public can view live on City-County Health’s Facebook page, KOVC 1490 AM, BEK Channel 26 and CSI Cable 68.

Bob Anderson photo

Introducing 2020 City Forester & Forestry Reminders

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Bob Anderson serves as the City Forester for the City of Valley City. The City has a part-time forester during the months of May through September to enforce ordinances and identify diseased trees.

“I am looking forward to working with you to keep our trees in Valley City both beautiful and safe.  I am also a resource for you if you have any tree questions,” says Anderson.

Here is a short list of things you can do to make our Dutch Elm Disease prevention program successful:

  • Quick removal of diseased elms from the urban forest once they have been identified for Dutch Elm Disease.
  • Quick disposal of elm wood and stumps (elm bark beetles live under the bark, and a few logs stacked in someone’s backyard can jeopardize healthy elms within a couple blocks).
  • Notify the City Forester if you would like me to inspect your tree or are concerned a tree might have Dutch Elm Disease.

Here is a short list of things you can do to keep our trees safe:

  • Keep your trees trimmed so there is 8’ of clearance above sidewalks.
  • If you think a tree poses a public hazard, please notify the City Forester and he will inspect it.
  • Please refer to Section 8-06-16 of the City Code before planting trees near streets and sidewalks.  The City also has a handout of suggested tree species to plant.
President Dave Carlsrud

06/15/2020 Mayor’s Message

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COVID-19 & NOTES

  • Recently the Corona Virus positives were being identified at a rate of 22 – 42 per day. Due to Blessings and a good job of social distancing, Barnes County is still holding at nine positives so keep up your good efforts.
  • Saturday I had the honor of watching Captain Matt Nielson’s Guard Retirement Ceremony on Zoom. It was a heart-warming time with family, friends, and a number of fellow guard members. Family support is essential for a member of a household to serve. That said, congratulations Annette, Matt and family for your many years of service and support to our country.
  • Thank you for investing in Valley City.
  • City Hall’s doors will be open beginning Monday though social distancing will be required. Please do as much as of your business as you can through phone, e-mail, direct pay and the like.
  • We have had a great number of Dutch Elm Diseased trees this year.  Please remove them as soon as you are able to slow the spread.  Thank you for your efforts everyone.
  • City Crews and construction crews are working diligently in our community.  Please be alert and be careful when you are driving.
  • “There are moments in life when you miss some people so much that you want to pick them from your dreams and HUG them for real.” (Charlie Brown)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

Dave Carlsrud