Category Archives: Announcements

Construction Notice – Update #1 – Paving Improvement District 125 – 2nd Ave NE/4th St NE and 3rd St NE/3rd Ave NE Street Reconstruction

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Phase 1: 2nd Ave NE is closed to traffic from 2nd St NE to 5th St NE. The closure will remain in effect until the corridor is reconstructed, which is anticipated to be early October. No detour route for motorized vehicles will be provided, temporary pedestrian access routes will be provided along the project route for the duration of the project.

Beginning Monday, July 24, 2023, the intersection of 2nd Ave NE and 2nd St NE will be closed for utility work. This closure is anticipated to last approximately one week.

Updated maps for all road closures will be posted on the City of Valley City’s webpage https://www.valleycity.us/engineers when they are taking affect. If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact KLJ at (701)-845-4980.

7.17.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • This week is another great week for entertainment in Valley City.  Wednesday, July 19th, Myron Sommerfeld & The Music of the Stars will be featured at Music in the Park.  Myron and his group play a myriad of easy listening, swing and ballroom music for all to enjoy.  
  • Thursday the 20th is another Summer Nights on Central featuring 32 BELOW and its “music for the working class”.  The band, having sold over 15,000 albums,  is also one of the house bands at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.  Last week the food, music and visits were all good ….. enjoy. 
  • Monday the 17th the VCPR is hosting a City Block Party in City Park 5:30 – 7:30 ….. Fun for all!
  • Chautauqua Park has a great, new Sand Volleyball Court.  Thank you to the Valley City Parks and Recreation Department.
  • Chlorosis in trees, mostly Maples, is showing up around town.  If you have trees that are turning a lighter green, leaning towards golden, you may have a chlorosis issue.  It can be treated if caught early or it could be fatal if not.  Please utilize our City Forester or our Barnes County Agent as resources.  
  • If you are planning to plant a tree(s), please see the recommended tree listing which can be obtained at City Hall and likely the Courthouse too.  Sadly, some my favorite trees are not flourishing in our area as they once did.
  • Another challenge is the Emerald Ash Borer.  The borers have yet to be confirmed in Valley City, though they are in Moorhead.  Valley City has a huge number of Green and Black Ash Trees that can be ruined by the borer so you may want to check your trees.  If you have Ash trees you want to save, there is a treatment and again, please utilize the aforementioned resources.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                     
  • “Never wrestle with a pig, you both get dirty and the pig likes it.”    ~ Cowboy Logic                         

                                                  Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

5.9.2023 Planning and Zoning Minutes

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Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bill Carlblom, Joe Faure and Tim Durheim                     Absent: Dave Carlsrud                                                                                                                       Others: City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Acting Secretary Brandy Johnson and Brenda Gehlhoff, Building Inspector/Asst. Fire Chief Lance Coit Building Inspector Mike Blevins and Nick Blevins, City Engineer Chad Pederson (KLJ) Mike Strom (KLJ) City Planner Joel Quanbeck

Commissioner Jim Wright moved to approve the minutes of the April 12th, 2023 regular meeting seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report                    

Building Inspector Mike Blevins emailed a report of current permits. The building inspectors did not have anything to add

Public hearing on new subdivision plat Diamond B Subdivision.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. Mike Strom explain the changes to the plat from the previous plat brought to the planning and zoning commission.

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom.  

Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve with notch for roadway and the conditions are met recommended by City Planner Joel Quanbeck. Seconded by Commissioner Erickson

Barring additional information presented prior to or at the March 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, it is recommended that the preliminary plat be recommended for approval to the Board of City Commissioners as long as the following conditions are met:

A.  Any utility easements determined by the City Engineer as necessary be added to the plat.

B. The applicant shall give satisfactory assurance of the provision of all site improvements                          for the proposed development as required by VCMC Section 16-01-06.

C. The applicant shall ensure that all site improvements are consistent with all applicable design standards and infrastructure requirements.

D. Applicant shall provide assurance that potable water and on-site septic systems are adequate to serve both parcels.

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Public hearing on rezone from R1 Single – Family Residential to Agricultural – Diamond B Subdivision.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Joe Faure.  

Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the rezone of Lot 2 from R1 to Agricultural seconded by Commissioner Wright. Followed by roll call and unanimous approval

Public hearing for a variance to allow septic system – Diamond B Subdivision.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

The variance request is to have a private septic system and not connect to city sewer.

Commissioner Faure made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Carlblom.  

Commissioner Durheim made a motion to approve with the condition that any other further development in Diamond B Subdivision needs to be connected to city sewer. Seconded by Commissioner Wright.

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Other Business

Mike Schell stated we will advertise for Joe Faure set.

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:27pm.

7.10.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • A week ago Sue and I were Blessed to be part of our family’s vacation and it was extra special as I don’t believe this particular group has been together before.  There were siblings, cousins, in-laws from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nevada and Arkansas.  The event was “touching”.  That many of us are “older”, get together with family whenever the opportunities present themselves as we never know what the future brings.
  • SCAM!  “All American Publishing” has been engaged in a deceptive t-shirt scam, falsely claiming to represent VCPS Boys Basketball.  If you are contacted, please let Athletic Director, Rob Hunt, know: rob.Hunt@K12.ND.US
  • Our automated garbage pick up is working well mechanically, I hope you are enjoying the change.  Will you please take a few minutes to re-read the directions that were attached to your container or online at: https://www.valleycity.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/can-instructions-7.pdf .  Some critical points are, facing the container correctly (wheels to the curb), having three feet of clearance all around the container and putting your container out by 7:00 AM.  Please please review the information as it will improve efficiency for you.
  • Wednesday July 12th is the “Music in the Park” series. This week the “Oakland Grove – Family Band” is featured.  Go to our beautiful “City Park” and hear music performed in the bandshell.  The quality of sound from the bandshell is “top shelf” according to one of the bands I visited.
  • Thursday, July 13, is the season’s first “Summer Nights on Central” featuring “Tripwire”.  Shopping Happy Hour 4 – 6, vendors open at 5:30 and the concert is from 6 – 9.  Go uptown for a bite to eat, lots of visiting and good music.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • “You don’t choose your family, they are God’s gift to you as you are to them”    ~ Desmond Tutu                        

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

6.20.2023 Commission Minutes

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CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Vice President Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Deputy Auditor Klein, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Add N7 & N8

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the minutes from the June 6th, 2023 Finance and Commission Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Cabaret License for Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192.

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Tobacco License Renewal for the following:

Brothers III

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc

Approve 2023-2024 Application for Beverage License Renewal for the following:

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192

TBD Inc. dba Sky Lanes Bowling Alley

Bridges Bar and Grill

Valley City Town and Country Club

Captain’s Pub

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

Ace Plumbing

MDU

TNT Plumbing

Larry Klebe Construction

Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

CHI Health at Home on from September 1st, 2023-September 30th, 2023

Red Knights ND Chapter 1 in September 17th, 2023.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing on Dangerous Building Located at 709 4th St. NE.

Vice President Bishop declared the public hearing open.

There were no comments.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to Close Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Order on Dangerous Building Located at 709 4th St. NE.

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

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1133, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Sections 14-10.1-09, and 14-10.1-10, and to Amend and Reenact Sections 14-01-01, 14-08-18, of the Valley City Municipal Code related to Bicycles.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1134, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 12-02-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Abandoned Vehicle Property Maintenance Definitions.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1136, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 1-01-11.2, and to Amend and Reenact Subsection 7 of Section 14-35-02, and Sections 05-03-06, 17-03-04, and 17-04-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Disposition of Noncriminal Offenses.

Tabled to the July 6th meeting.

rESOLUTION

Approve Resolution 2416, a Resolution allowing the Sale of City Surplus Property at Public Sale.

Commissioner Gulmon approved selling items on a public sale, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Consider Request for Approval of $20,000 to be taken from the VC Tourism reserves and sent to the Water Trail for further developments.

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

Approve Site Authorization Renewals for the Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 Fraternal Order of Eagles at the Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 and My Bar.

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

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for the Eagles on July 13th, July 20th and September 7th from 4pm-10pm for Summer Nights on Central.

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

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for 2nd Ave NE/3rd St NE Reconstruction Project, including 8th Ave SW Safety Improvement Project [NDDOT Project Number SU-CRP-CPU-2-990(062), PCN 23571; SU-CRP-2-990(063), PCN 23572; and HEU-2-990(064), PCN 23573].

City Engineer Petersen stated Strata has stated they will start the Phase I portion mid-July and extend about mid-October.  That is 2nd Ave and the portion on 4th St by Leevers. The second phase will be in 2024 with a proposed start date in April depending on the weather, completion date the end of July. We’re still waiting on the proposed timeframe of the flashing beacon.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call:          Magnuson-aye  Erickson-nay    Gulmon-aye     Bishop-aye

Motion passed.

Consider Visitor’s Committee Recommendation to approve a 6-month extension for Sky Lanes’ Tourism Grant.

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

Approve Transfer Request for Liquor and or Beer License and Application for Alcoholic Beverage License from Jeremy Tjon (current owner of The Clubhouse) to Autumn Perry subject to conditions being met.

Tabled to July 6th meeting.

Approve Midco Request for Easements.

City Attorney Martineck stated Midco is offering a little over $800 for access to the easement.  Recommendations were made in order for it to be approved and nothing has been returned so at this point if there is an approval it should be with the conditions that were listed.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve with conditions, Commissioner Magnuson seconded.

Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated she spoke with the DOT about the overage. The Feds decided to raise that to $20,000.

Online bill pay has been set up for PW.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Vice President Bishop thanked the employees and reminded cyclists to abide by the traffic laws.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:26 p.m.

Agenda Available

7.6.2023 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 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/88163214980 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  881 6321 4980

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the June 20th Commission Meeting and the June 29th Special Commission Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector Finance Director and Municipal Judge.
  2. Approve Application for House Movers License for Glaesman Moving.
  3. Approve Application to Block off the Street for Valley City Parks & Recreation Pulled Pork Cook off on July 13th, 2023 from 3pm-6:30pm.
  4. Approve 2023-2024 Application for Contractor License for the following:
    1. Kohn Electric LLC
    1. Randall’s Excavating Inc.
    1. Valley Plains Equipment
    1. MX Underground
    1. Dedicated Builders

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             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

PH1. Public Hearing on Rezoning and Amending Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Motion to Close Public Hearing.

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1135, an Ordinance to Rezone and Amend Zoning Map, Lot 2, Diamond B Subdivision in Valley City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1136, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 1-01-11.2, and to Amend and Reenact Subsection 7 of Section 14-35-02, and Sections 05-03-06, 17-03-04, and 17-04-20 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Disposition of Noncriminal Offenses.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud   

New Business

N1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $    

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N2.  Authorize Brenda Klein as an authorized signer on Dacotah Bank Accounts Effective August 1st, 2023.

Roll Call;          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N3. Approve Transfer Request for Liquor and/or Beer License Application for Alcoholic Beverage License from Jeremy Tjon (current owner of The Clubhouse) to Autumn Perry subject to conditions being met. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

N4. Consider VC-BC Development Corporation Request for $500,000 to support VCSU and their Forward Together Campaign. (Trinity Nelson)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

N5.  Approve MOU with VCBC Library for Services.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

N6.  Approve Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Designated Entity contract between WAPA, the City of Valley City and MRES.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

N7.  Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit Application for Brockopp Brewing LLC on July 20th for Summer Nights on Central.  (Deputy Auditor Klein)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

7.6.2023 Finance Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 3:30 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/85177642833 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 851 7764 2833

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics

    

2. Department reports.

  • Sanitation Department

  • Water Department

  • Electric Department

  • Fire Department

  • Police Department

  • Street Department
  • Administration

3. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Deputy Auditor Klein)

4.  Fire Extinguisher Services Financial Report.  (Fire Chief Magnuson)

5. Fee for Special Meeting Request. (City Administrator Crawford)

6.  Viking Drive Update (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

Agenda Available

6.29.2023 Special Commission Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 at 8:45 AM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

  1. Approve Site Authorization for the Valley Twisters Gymnastics Club, Inc. at the Tavern 94.

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

Adjourn

Fireworks Safety

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Millions of Americans will enjoy 4th of July celebrations.  There are many public displays while many will be using consumer fireworks.  Use this holiday celebration for your enjoyment and be safe!

The sale of fireworks in North Dakota is from June 27 to July 5th.   Retail hours in Valley City are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  The City of Valley City also has a fireworks ordinance which states the days of detonation or using your fireworks and is not the same as the state.  The times of use for Valley city are as follows:

July 1-3:  8 am until 11 pm

July 4th:  8 am until midnight and then past midnight on July 5 until 1:00 am

July 5th:  8 am until 11 pm

You must be 12 years of age to purchase fireworks in Valley City and all of North Dakota.

Bottle rockets are illegal to buy and sell in North Dakota.  The use, detonation, or explosion of bottle rockets and roman candles is prohibited in Valley City.  Thousands of injuries occur

from fireworks each year, mostly from carelessness.  Do not become complacent during

your time of entertainment.    Things can go bad in a hurry.  This can be the best of

times and this can be the worst of times. 

Supervision is critical.  Adults must take this responsibility seriously.  Be strict on the proper use of fireworks.  Alcohol and fireworks are a very dangerous combination.  Choose an open space to set off the fireworks.    Use a flat, heavy board on level ground with bricks to hold your aerial devices steady. 

  • Keep spectators at a safe distance:  40 ft for aerial fireworks. 
  • Have a bucket of water and a garden hose close by.
  • Have eye protection for those setting off the displays.
  • Wear clothing that will protect your skin. 
  • Use a barbecue lighter or a punk to light your fireworks.
  • Do not try to light dud fireworks that did not go off.
  • Do not alter fireworks, and do not detonate using cans or glass bottles.
  • Put all used fireworks in a garbage can and wet down with the water hose.
  • Do not put the garbage can in the garage for the night.

Your enjoyment for the 4th can be a good one if you use good safety practices.  There are many who wished they did because they are living with some very ugly scars.     PLEASE USE YOUR FIREWORKS SAFELY.

Scott Magnuson is the Fire Chief of the Valley City Fire Department.

Your Health is coordinated by City County Health District.

6.26.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Gosh, what a beautiful rain with which we were Blessed over the weekend.  Our grass went from “not growing” to “too long” and in need of mowing.  Mowing this time was kinda fun!
  • Tom Heller, recently retired MRES CEO, was recognized with the American Public Power Association’s “Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award” at the National Conference in Seattle. Congratulations Tom and thank you for your many years of quality service to Valley City and all MRES Members.
  • Are you or a loved one experiencing memory loss? The Sheyenne Valley Memory Café will meet Thursday, June 29 from 1-3 PM at the Legacy Place Community Room.  Come and learn with others who are dealing with the challenges of memory loss.
  • There are a number of properties around town with unkept buildings and yards.  Please, take pride in your properties, mow grass and “touch up” buildings.  Thank you.
  • The fall sports seasons are just around the corner; how about being a game official? There are training opportunities through local officials and clinics.  Last week the Sioux Empire Football Officials Clinic was held in Sioux Falls where 92 officials attended, four of whom were from Valley City.  It is a great fellowship, talk with one of our local folks about officiating and a possible “ride-along” to a game some evening seeing if you might enjoy officiating.
  • Thank you to our Street Department and all who cleaned Central Avenue and related areas following Rally in the Valley.  It looked nice Sunday morning.
  • Next week, July 4th, we will celebrate the 1776 Declaration of Independence being adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.  It is exciting and usually a good time so please be careful with boats, cars and fireworks.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    
  • “May we never forget our fallen comrades.  Freedom isn’t free.”    ~ Sgt. Major Bill Paxon                        

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave