Category Archives: Announcements

11.6.2022 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • Last weekend was opening of deer hunting gun season and incase you haven’t noticed is a BIG deal in our area!  Our local businesses held an event for those who were not hunting, “Save a Buck & Spend Some Doe”.  It was great seeing all the people uptown enjoying the stores, fellowship and nice weather.
  • Speaking of weather, fall sure seems to present a myriad of patterns from 70’s & sunny to snowy and not so sunny.  Fall has been pretty darn nice though cooler days are more frequent, enjoy the ones you can.
  • November 11th is Veterans’ Day.  It is a time to honor all Veterans of uniformed services who served or are still serving in times of peace or war.  Please, “Thank a Veteran”.
  • For you who aren’t aware, VCPS and VCSU collaborate to afford VCPS students to earn “Dual Credits”.  The program allows students to earn college credits at a reduced cost while attending high school.  Thank you to all who make these types of programs possible.
  • Our city is offering some cost share opportunities should you like to replace your overhead power lines with underground.   Check with our Electrical Superintendent, Marshall Senf, at 845-8143 to see if it works for you.
  • Help.  Overall we have done better picking up after our pets this year.  One more thing, please pick up after your pets on the “The Broken Road”.  Thank you for helping.
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is working to maintain an affordable, reliable power supply for our 61 members. 
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “All you really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”                                                    (Charlie Brown) Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.26.2022 Special Commission Meeting

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President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM.

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

New Business

Approve Request for Concurrence of Award of Project No. NHU-2-094(158)928 & SU-2-990(058), Main St. W. & Frontage Road Mill & Overlay.

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

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 3:02 PM.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.18.2022 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Award Presentation

Mayor Carlsrud presented the Tree City USA award.

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the September 20th, 2022 Commission Meeting seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Raffle Application for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals on December 16, 2022 at the Eagles.

Approve Applications for Contractor, Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor Licenses for the following:

East & West Excavating LLC

Landscape Elements ND, LLC

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

Public Hearing

Public Hearing for Meadow View Estates.

Declare Public Hearing Open.

There were no public comments.

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

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1117, an Ordinance to Amend Zoning Map and Rezone Meadow View Estates from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-4 Multi-Family Residential.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

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

Motion passed.

Public Hearing Regarding Parking

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Commissioner Erickson expressed concern with the way the ordinance addressed parking in back yards.

City Attorney Martineck requested that section be brought up with Planning and Zoning as it was not one of the previously discussed changes and Planning and Zoning needs to bring the recommendations to the commission.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1118, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Sections 8-07-02, 11-06-16, 14-10-49 and 14-35-04, and Repeal Section 11-06-03, of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Parking.

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

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

Motion passed.

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1115, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 7-05-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Obstruction in a Public Right of Way.

City Attorney Martineck stated we have an ordinance that says citizens can’t place obstructions in the right of way.  This will give the city the ability to remove the obstruction, if the owner cannot be contacted, and store it for 30 days. After the 30 days, if the owner has still not been reached, the city can dispose of the property.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1120, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 7-01-06.1 and Amend and Reenact Section 7-01-07 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the International Property Maintenance Code and Unsafe Buildings.

City Attorney Martineck stated this ordinance is to adopt the most current definitions of dangerous building and adopt the International Property Maintenance Code which appears to be the standard for enforcing property maintenance issues.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2375, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is to include the fees for fire extinguisher services.

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

Approve Resolution 2376, a Resolution Establishing Electric Utility Rates.

Public Works Manager Jacobson requested an increase in rates by 5% for all consumption rates, leaving base rates as is.  This is due to our rates increasing. 

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

Approve Resolution 2377, a Resolution Establishing Rates and Fees for Solid Waste Service.

Public Works Manager Jacobson requested an increase in residential rates from $14 to $15/month and commercial from $24 to $26/month and dumpster collection fees $3 for each 2 yards. This is due to our rates increasing. 

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

Approve Resolution 2378, a Resolution Establishing Fees for Water Service.

Public Works Manager Jacobson requested an increase in rates by about 10% for all consumption rates, leaving base rates as is.  This is due to our rates increasing, mainly our water treatment chemicals. 

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

New Business

2022 Forester Report.

City Forester, Bob Anderson, provided the annual Forestry Report.

Approve Renewal of City Administrator Contract.

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

Approve City’s Selection to Purchase Garbage Receptacles from Rehrig Pacific Company with a low bid quote of $168,593.

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

Approve City’s Selection to Purchase the Dodge Police Vehicle for $40,385 from Stoudt-Miller. 

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated we need consensus on what to do.  There is a project on I94 business loop near 3rd Street SW that bids were put out.  Border States had the low bid but we received the concurrence of award request from the State since all bids were 35% over.  They would like a concurrence tonight but we would like to do some more research before we make that decision.  Commission approved to hold off.

David Wick did not get his delivery last week but we will stay on them.

Nextera was supposed to begin tomorrow and the LDs started on the 14th.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson thanked those that came out to the open house and blood drive. New truck came in and we ended up saving a little over $660,000 going this route.

Commissioner Gulmon thanked the FD for saving the city that money.  Shout out to Carl for all the work he’s been doing on the ordinances.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked Forester Bob for all the work he does and the Image and Beautification committee for the work they do. Cost increases are crazy and we are not immune to inflation.  We try to minimize the increases and you can help to by recycling.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 6:06 P.M.

10.30.2022 Mayor’s Message

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     Hello Everyone, 

  • North Dakota “fall golf ingenuity”.  With leaves falling and folks golfing, one golfer went to his cart, returned with a leaf blower and promptly cleared the green; what a country!!
  • At the Main Street Summit last week Governor Burgum noted North Dakota has had a 16% increase in population since 2010 which ranks 4th in the nation.  ND also has the 4th youngest population with about 200,000 being 18 & under.  Creating a community where people want to live, work and visit is important.  Growing our community will also broaden our tax and customer bases.
  • It was a beautiful weekend for walking Valley City, downtown, along the river, the Broken Road, etc.  Thanks Mylo.
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) held an Area Meeting for member communities.  Some Strategic Priorities were discussed: Retaining and Attracting People, Maintaining Financial Stability, Creating a Reliable & Clean Energy Future, Leveraging New Technology and Preserving MRES Membership & Sales.
  • Think about “Alley Art”.  See & enjoy: https://sillyamerica.com/blog/bismarck-art-alley-north-dakota/
  • Last Friday Superintendent Johnson and President LaFave hosted North Dakota University System (NDUS) Chancellor Mark Hagerott and Vice Chancellor Jerry Rostad.  They visited Washington School and held informational sessions at the HAC and VCSU.  The Chancellor and Vice Chancellor were quite excited about the collaboration and innovation between VCSU & VCPS.  Chancellor Hagerott emphasized Cybersecurity is a 24-7 issue, a huge concern for all and the NDUS is no exception.  Thank you Josh, Al and your teams.
  • Sheyenne River fishing: Awhile back some guys in a boat were taking photos of a nice “pike looking” fish I guessed to be about 40-inches.  My neighbor, Rich, said Muskies were planted some time ago and would be about that size now, wow! 
  • Thank you to all who helped with topics and proofing again this week. 
  • “A smile is the quickest way to brighten a room.”                                                                                       

(Jessica D., South Carolina)

  • Blessings, Respect, & Prayer,

Dave

Agenda Available

11.1.2022 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 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/89024221464 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  890 2422 1464.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the October 18th, 2022 Commission Meeting and October 26th, 2022 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 Raffle Application for VCSU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society on February 28, 2022 at the VCSU Rhoades Science Center.
  3. Approve Application for Contractor License for the following
    •  Jade Nielsen Properties.
    • Richard Berg Construction.

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.

Ordinance

1. Approve Second and Final Reading of 1118, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Sections 8-07-02, 11-06-16, 14-10-49 and 14-35-04, and Repeal Section 11-06-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Parking.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

2. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1115, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 7-05-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Obstruction in a Public Right of Way. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

3. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1120, an Ordinance to Create and Enact Section 7-01-06.1 and Amend and Reenact Section 7-01-07 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to the International Property Maintenance Code and Unsafe Buildings.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

N1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,421,095.56.          

Roll Call:    Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N2.  Approve the Purchase of Lot 13, Block 1 Morrison’s Addition (Parcel No. 63-3110117) for $7,106.54, and request cost share from the State Water Commission . (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N3.  Approve Final Review and Acceptance for the Emergency Clay Levee Removal Project. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

N4. Approve Raising Installation Allowance for Overhead to Underground from $3 to $4 per Foot. (Public Works Manager Jacobson)

Roll Call: Magnuson Erickson Gulmon Bishop Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

11.1.2022 Finance Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 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/87231741265 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 872 3174 1265

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    • Sanitation Department
    • Water Department
    • Electric Department
    • Fire Department
    • Police Department
    • Street Department
    • Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)
  3. Discuss Contractors License.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  4. Update of Viking Court. (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Elks Building. (KLJ)
  6. Viking Drive Bridge Reconstruction. (City Administrator Crawford)
  7. Discuss Possibility to Purchase Property or have Garden on City Property in Crestwood.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  8. Discuss the Purchase of Properties that are Subject to Tax Deed Proceedings: Lot 10, Block 4 Foss Resubdivision; Lot 13, Block 1 Morrison’s Addition; North Half of Lot 5, Block 35, Original Plat of City of Valley City.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

10.26.2022 Special Commission Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 3:00 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/88259148917 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 882 5914 8917

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

NB1.  Approve Request for Concurrence of Award of Project No. NHU-2-094(158)928 & SU-2-990(058), Main St. W. & Frontage Road Mill & Overlay. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:           Magnuson                   Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Adjourn

10.23.2022 Mayor’s Message

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             Hello Folks,

  • It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzNOaBhAcEiwAD7Tb6KWR418UUs0PF5zUNiDhh4ErPcweIs4qZadWVnd_nbzQs7MBeE6BsRoC8vYQAvD_BwE
  • Though we have had a very nice autumn, the colors are softening and trees are dropping their leaves “to beat the band”! “Autumn Leaves”, some of us who have  been around awhile may remember the soothing 1945 song made popular by Roger Williams in 1965.  Anyway, enjoy the rest of the fall and do your yard work at a “conversational pace”.
  • Next Monday is Halloween, a very fun time for the kids.  There are a number of “Trunk or Treat” type events around town which will increase traffic in those areas and there will be “trick or treaters” crossing streets randomly so for safety sake, please be vigilant.
  • Ballots are available for the November 8th election.  Voting is our right and our responsibility.  Part of our responsibility is to be informed voters so please do your best to research candidates and measures.  To all candidates, thank you for running and supporting our legislative process. 
  • Bob Anderson, our City Forester, reported the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) & Dutch Elm Disease (DOE) are threatening our area and each can be devastating.  Be proactive, information is available, Google “Dutch Elm Disease, NDSU” and “Emerald Ash Borer, NDSU”.   
  • * “The best time for planting a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is today”!
  • Last week two local church youth groups partnered and facilitated a food drive.  Together they gathered about 750 pounds of food for the Barnes County Food Bank. Wow!  Blessings and thank you a bunch.
  • Thank you to all who helped with topics and proofing again this week. 
  • “Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.”                                                                                       

(Phil Jackson)

  • Blessings, “Thought, Prayer & Action” (Kyle),

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.4.2022 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Pledge of Allegiance

Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Award Presentation

Matt Gardner, NDLC Executive Director presented Finance Director the Appointed Official of the Year Award.

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the September 20th, 2022 Commission Meeting seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Electrical Superintendent, Building Inspector, Finance Director and Municipal Judge.

Approve Applications for Contractor, Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor Licenses for the following:

  • ACB Construction
  • HSS & PT2-Sun and Pool Corp.
  • Travis Kunze Construction
  • Your Home Improvement Company
  • Hi-Line Construction, Inc.
  • Morton Buildings, Inc.
  • Olaf Anderson Construction, Inc.
  • Rick Bredeson Construction
  • Northland Sheds Inc.
  • Valley Realty, Inc.
  • Ground Works Minn, LLC
  • Six D Construction & Development
  • Mike’s Construction & Repair
  • Bridgetown Builders Inc.
  • Hobart’s Handymen
  • Lavelle Flooring Inc.
  • C&D Home Renovation, LLC
  • Thrifty Services Inc,
  • TNT Plumbing

Approve Application to Block off Street from the Valley City Parks & Recreation on October 29th, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 7:15 PM for Halloween Drive thru Trunk or Treat.

Approve Raffle Application for the following:

  • St. Catherine’s School on November 4, 2022 at the Eagles.
  • ND Hereford Association on December 3, 2022 at the ND Winter Show Building. 
  • Trinity Lutheran Church Women of the ELCA on November 5, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Approve Application for Tree Trimming and Removal Service License for Kieffer Tree.

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

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1116, an Ordinance Adopting the 2023 City Budget. 

Finance Director Richter stated there were no changes from the first reading.

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

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1117, an Ordinance to Amend Zoning Map and Rezone Meadow View Estates Addition from R-1 Single-Family Residential to R-4 Multi-Family Residential.

City Attorney Martineck stated this was previously went through PZ as an R1 to an R2.  In order to obtain financing for the project it was resubmitted from and R1 to and R4.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

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

Motion Passed.

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,844,866.31.        

Finance Director Richter provided the breakdown on the expenses.

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

Consider Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation request for funds in the amount of $137,500.

Jennifer Feist stated these funds will be used to assist Malach USA with the purchase and installation of a powder coating system and accessing the PACE program.

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

Approve Recommended Changes to the Stilling Well. 

City Administrator Crawford stated this is referring to the concrete fixture by the Little Dam.  With the corrections that have to be made it will no longer be needed.  Due to the age there has been talk about making some sort of commemorative plaque. The cost to maintain it for no use and the safety are high.

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

Approve Final Review and Acceptance for 7th Ave. NW & 2nd Ave NE Reconstruction Project (Paving 119/119B, Storm Sewer 52, Sanitary Sewer 64 and Water Main 100). 

Chad Petersen recommended approval to close out the projects.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated the Swankey addition is being finished today. There is a sprinkler that needs to be fixed by Riverview Drive and after that just some small odds and ends. Nextera has not gone well.  The substantial completion date is October 14th so it will be an interesting week to see how it all gets done.City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson reported it is Fire Prevention time so lots will be going on along with the 15th will be an open house.  11th and 12th will be the blood drive at the AmericInn and Friday is first responder night at the VCHS football game.

Police Chief Hatcher encouraged everyone to come out to the football game and to vote Team Law for the blood drive.

Commissioner Gulmon reported on finances.

Commissioner Erickson reminded people the grass site is for branches and leaves only.  Due to several requests there will be a trial run of having the landfill open November 19th and December 17 from 8-noon.  If it’s not cost effective, we will not continue.

Commissioner Magnuson encouraged everyone to get out and walk the community.

Mayor Carlsrud added that the not every community has the branch and grass site.  It’s free of charge and if you can’t “play by the rules” we will have to discontinue it.  Also, we are facing some cost increases.  The more recycling, we can do will help with that as there will be less to haul to Fargo.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:36 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.4.2022 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, Commission Erickson and Commissioner Gulmon

Others Present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson

Commission Topics

Discussion took place around the following topics:

            Discuss Contractor License.

            Discuss Single Family Dwellings being used as Multi Family Dwellings.

            Discuss Parking Ordinance 1108.

            Issues with Recycling.

Department Reports

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported water use has gone down. September the plant was ran 275 hours which was 35 hours less than in August. Water usage in august was 33,405 and as of September 30th it was 27,463.  August daily average usage was almost 1,100,000 and September was around 915,000 and will continue to drop.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported the transformer is getting assembled and tested and should be online the first part of November. We may have a buyer for the other one.  Working on trimming trees and building a 3-phase line on Brea for an upcoming tooling shop.  We had 7 outages, 1 tree, truck hit a power line snapping a pole, the others were squirrels. We also had a pole hit on 5th Ave NE but didn’t cause an outage so just replaced the pole.

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart requested everyone try to keep them clean.  Throw bags and boxes in dumpsters and do not put processed wood down there.  The Transfer Station will be open the 3rd Saturdays of November and December from 8-12 and then we will determine if it is cost effective to continue.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported Fire Prevention week starts Saturday so we will be going to the schools and giving tours.  The 15th there will be an open house at the Fire Hall.  11th is the active shooter drill, there is limited participation allowed for that and those that are allowed should have received an invite. Blood Drive is the 11th and 12th as well. We just got back from NY and the truck is what we need so we did commit.  It should be here next week.

Police Department

Police Chief Hatcher stated they are moving forward with bidding out the towing so we can have established fees.  There have been 2 interviews for our open position, both good candidates.  Friday is also the first responder night at the VCHS football game.

Street Department

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported salt/sand is mixed and ready for winter.  Fall hydrant program will be starting soon. Flood buyouts and condemned houses are on the list to do yet too.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford stated she will be joining the Devils Lake outlet committee that Mary Lee Nielson was previously a member.  We are receiving calls that there is a blind spot coming out of Stoudt Ross and KLJ, and there have been a couple accidents, they are requesting that gets moved down to 25.

Finance Director Richter broke down the quarterly engineering services report.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Richter reported $1,844,866 of expenditures for September.

Fire Extinguisher Services Financial Report

Finance Director Richter read through the report.

Discuss Stilling Well

City Administrator Crawford stated with the changes being made to the Little Dam they will no longer be using the stilling well and are considering making it some sort of monument.

Discuss 8th Ave SE Expansion-Request to Fund Partial Road

City Administrator Crawford stated this is an expansion by Meadow View that was approved.  The developer has asked us to look into funding a portion of the road.

Consensus was made to move forward.

Discuss Public Works Rate Increases

Public Works Manager requested approval for rate increases for electrical, water and garbage departments effective the first billing after January 1st.

Updated on Viking Trailer Court.

David Wick via Zoom advised they are waiting for the delivery of the culverts and once those are received, they have contractors that can put them in.  If they don’t get them in time, they will use steel for now and replace them when they get the concrete. This would be the first phase.
Update on Elks Building

Chad Petersen updated that at this point we are in position to order the materials and then revise the plan documents to show that the materials are owned and on had by the city.

Discuss Replat of Metes and Bounds

City Administrator Crawford stated there has been some discussion from Miller Motors and the Theater about doing some upgrades and in order to get a building permit the areas cannot be a Metes and Bounds area.  David Wick has agreed to pay for a portion of the area outlined and discussion will take place with the other property owners to do the same.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:36 PM.