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Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10/6/2020 Finance Meeting Minutes

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Called To Order at 2:30 PM

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Electrical Superintendent Senf, Operations Superintendent Klemisch, Mike Opatz from Houston Engineering

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported 4 outages for the month, 3 squirrels and 1 tree branch.  City Park lighting is completed.  Working on 5th Ave.  Skyline Villa is finished.  Love’s is completed other than the main service, waiting on the electrician.

Commission Topics:

  1. Discussion about removing flag pole on North side of City Hall building.
  2. Discussion around selling the extra land the City owns.
  3. Discussion around Elk’s Letter.
  4. Discussion about cold storage.
  5. Brainstorming Session will be added to another meeting due to time restraints.
  6. MRES and NDLC training report was deferred to November Finance Meeting.

Department Reports:

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported the tree was removed by Chautauqua.  Clean up week is complete.  Next year we are considering moving it a week later to hopefully have summer help available.  Thanks to KPH and Jack Moritz for helping with the water main breaks.  Tony Gille is scheduled to do the concrete work. 

Police Chief Hatcher reported they will be getting around more taking care of the car complaints.  There was an incident at Jefferson school so we are researching additional safety options.  Considering dropping the speed limit in the school zone to 15mph, 20 is still pretty fast for a school zone.  Battle of the Badges blood drive is next week, vote Team Law!

Fire Chief Magnuson reported 10 calls last month, 9 for the city and 1 rural.  This week is Fire Prevention and since we can’t go around to the schools we made a video.  Battle of the Badges next week, vote Team Fire!  The final data for the census has been moved to October 30th. 

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Richter reported $1.5 million in bills for the month. $430,000 spent on 5th Ave NW, $207,000 on bond payments $142,000 on Fire Department payroll and a couple other miscellaneous that put us over the $1 million with our regular operations and payroll. 

Discuss Building Fees

City Administrator Crawford reported she received commercial fees from various towns for comparison.  We want to build Valley City but we cannot let the fees end up costing us.  Resolution 2263 will be added to the Commission meeting to add the “Use of outside consultants for plan review, inspections, or both, including administrative and overhead costs. Actual costs” back onto the resolution as it was removed back in 2018.  Would also like to see some of our current fees such as sign fees adjusted. If you want to keep the building inspection fees stay the same we can look into charging a building inspection fee.

Discuss CLOMR

Chad Petersen from KLJ and Mike Opatz from Houston Engineering presented six top options to get the Commission’s feedback.  Commission chose to remove the Golf club bypass and the Tourist Park as an option.  Mayor Carlsrud asked they come up with a plan and if we need we can set up a special meeting.     

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:52 PM.

10/19/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

  • Fun News:  Last week there were returned ID’s, intact and this week a couple went through a drive-up and people ahead of them paid their bill.  THANK YOU to you Good Samaritans J
  • Less Fun News:  We are in a renewed battle with COVID-19.  North Dakota has had the most positives per capita in the nation and that story made the New York Times. The new surge in North Dakota is all around us.  Barnes County positives are up to 35 per 10K so it is imperative we rededicate our efforts if we are to protect those around us and ourselves.
  • Cass County has been moved to the Orange Risk Level putting stress on its BUSINESSES.  Owners and operators; HELP protect your businesses, please ask customers to wear masks in your establishments.  Set good examples by you and your employees wearing masks.  Masks don’t have to be worn every minute to be affective, just when you cannot social distance.
  • WE CAN:  Reduce discretionary travel, practice good hygiene, social distance and “MASK-UP” when we cannot social distance.
  • I’m trying to improve my mask wearing habits.  Let’s encourage each other, “MASKUp Barnes County”.
  • There was concern about our young students “having to wear facemasks”.  Surprisingly, a friend said his kids wear their facemasks on the way to the car in the morning.  Another said his daughter came home from school and was playing around the house wearing her mask.
  • It is cool out, but getting out of the house is good for our mental wellbeing.  Today’s warm clothing allows us to be outside comfortably so go out and enjoy the fresh air.
  • * Please, exercise your right to vote.
  • “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”                                                                 (Martin Luther King)

Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

   Dave

10/20/2020 Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 2oth, 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/92492262531 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 924 9226 2531

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

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from October 6th, 2020 meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Application to Block off Street Request from JE Dunn Construction for the dates of 11/2/2020-11/6/2020 on Viking Dr. SW, from 4th Ave SW to VCSU Student Center Drive Way for the Center for the Arts Underground utilities.

2. Approve Raffle Permit for North Dakota Hereford Assn. for the date of 12/5/2020 held at the North Dakota Winter Show.

       Roll Call:          Bishop                  Magnuson           Gulmon                Erickson               Carlsrud


Public Comments

During the COVID-19 emergency, members of the public may request to make a public comment regarding city business by contacting City Hall (701) 845-1700 by 12 NOON on the day of the meeting to make arrangements.

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.

New Business

  1. Form Selection Committee for City Engineering/Planning Services (RFQ).  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop                  Magnuson           Carlsrud

2. Consider Final Review and Acceptance for Paving Improvement District No. 121. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson       Gulmon           Erickson Bishop                Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

10/12/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

  • Fun Facts:  Squirrels are the greatest cause of power outages. Our power was on .99967% of the time.
  • Safety:  Last week a young student was struck by a car and was knocked out of his/her shoes.  I don’t believe speeding was involved.  In school zones, construction zones and any congested areas, slow down.  Remember maximum speed limits are for when conditions are perfect, they are not minimums.  Please drive safely.
  • Good News:  A friend lost his money clip with cash and ID’s.  A “Good Samaritan” turned it into the Post Office intact.  Thank you to the “Good Samaritan” and our community for fostering the “right things”.
  • Not as Good:  Let’s please pick up our dog’s poop.  It is important for hygiene and it is our responsibility as pet owners.
  • Good News:  Thank you to our Volunteer Fire Fighters and their families for the many sacrifices you make to protect Valley City and Barnes County.  Gods’ Blessings to all.
  • COVID-19 Update:  The positive numbers are rising at an uncomfortable pace.  From a North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) this week, there is concern about the aforementioned and could lead to higher risk ratings.  Since our spike in positives, you folks have been doing a good job of lowering the curve again. Hygiene, Social Distance and “MaskUpND” when you can’t social distance. “Work towards “Green”
  • * Business Owners:  You can help!  Encourage wearing masks in your business establishment when people, including employees, can’t social distance.  We do not want another closing of businesses.
  • * Please, exercise your right to vote.
  • “A random act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a tremendous impact on someone else’s life.”                                        (Peanuts, Charlie Brown)

     Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

    Dave

10/12/2020 Special Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission will meet on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT via Zoom. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

Members of the public may view the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/97978626854 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799)

Call To Order
Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

Public Hearing

  • Open Public Hearing regarding the application for Rocking DD Properties for rehab of 358 North Central Avenue relating to the Main Street Program.  (Finance Director Richter)

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:                 Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson          Gulmon                Carlsrud

New Business

  1.  Discuss Wick/Secarse Storm Drainage.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:                 Gulmon                Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson             Carlsrud

  • Status update on Waterfront Meadows Infrastructure Installation.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:                 Magnuson          Gulmon                Erickson                Bishop                    Carlsrud

  • Discuss Barnes Rural Water District Agreement Renewal.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:                 Bishop                 Magnuson          Gulmon                   Erickson                Carlsrud

 

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

9/15/2020 Commission Meeting Minutes

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The City Commission Meeting began on Tuesday, September 15, 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.

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

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the September 1st, 2020 Finance and Commission Meetings and minutes from September 3, 2020 Special Commission Meeting seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve raffle permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals held on 12/11/2020 at Duttons Valley Gallery.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Public Hearing

PH 1.  Public Hearing for 2021 City Budget.

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

Finance Director Richter stated she had not received any correspondence regarding the public hearing.  The preliminary budget was submitted to the county before August 10th as required.  Some budget meetings were held the end of July and beginning of August.  At those meeting $1,407,200 to be levied for the 2021 budget. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1065, an ordinance adopting the 2021 City Budget.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1065, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Resolutions

1.   Approve Resolution No. 2260, a resolution to advertise for bids for farm lease.

Decision was made to research the land value further before placing it for bids.  Resolution will be added to next agenda.

2.  Approve Resolution No. 2261, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $300,000 water treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project.

Finance Director Richter stated we applied for and received a safe drinking water loan through the Bank of North Dakota for a warrant up to $300,000 for the water main on the 5th Ave NW project. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2261, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

3.  Approve Resolution No.  2262, a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of $675,000 wastewater treatment assessment warrant for the 5th Ave NW Project.

Finance Director Richter stated this is for wastewater on the 5th Ave NW project.  A low interest loan through the Bank of North Dakota and we would only draw the amount that we need to offset the special assessment.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve Resolution No. 2262, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

New Business

1. Consider options for Building Inspector and City Engineer.

City Administrator Crawford gave options of putting out an RFQ for an engineering firm that would also handle the building inspections.  Changing the position to a Project Manager/Building Inspector but would need to be a new job description.  If we went with an RFQ and kept Mike Blevins we would have to look at our fee structure.

City Attorney Martineck stated he wasn’t comfortable reposting the job description as is for the same position due to the lack of candidates and the one we had declined the offer.

Commissioner Gulmon made a motion to put out and RFQ for and Engineer as well as producing a job description for a Project Manager/Building Inspector, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Commissioner Bishop stated he spoke with a couple of the engineering firms regarding the RFQ.  He stated their response was that they would not be interested in having someone in their firm in that position because that would make them ineligible to bid on jobs.

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

Motion Carried.

2.    Consider RFP on 6th St NW Reconstruction.

 City Administrator Crawford stated she spoke with Chad at KLJ and due to the things that go in place ahead of a project starting this needs to start now even though the project isn’t until 2022. 

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the RFP on 6th ST NW reconstruction, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated today due to multiple issues we had some water mains break.  Due to the loss of pressure there is a potential of contamination therefore the State of ND requires us to be placed in a boil advisory.  We are continuing to get the information out the community.  A water sample will be driven to Bismarck on Wednesday and the soonest we will receive the results is by Thursday afternoon.

City Administrator Crawford thanked Public Works, for being immediately on top of it.  Also the office staff for handling all the calls.  The Fire Department for bringing in staff to help with the fire hydrants.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson Census come to an end September 30th.  Please make sure you have completed your census. 

Battle of the Badges blood drive is October 13th and 14th.  More information to come but if you can donate blood please do so.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided project updates.  Started on Phase II 5th Ave NW, I think last Tuesday they started on the sanitary sewer.  Things are progressing. 

City Commissioner Gulmon thanks to everyone involved in clean up week.

City Commission Bishop gave a shout out to the Police Department and the Fire Department and encouraged the community to thank them if they see them out and about. 

City Commissioner Magnuson encourages everyone to get outside, walk and enjoy thecommunity.

President Carlsrud had a COVID spike the last few weeks.  Social distance, wash your hands and use a mask if you are unable to social distance.

Thank you to everyone that helped with the water situation today.  This may slow clean up week so be patient. 

MRES training tomorrow and the next day that a number of employees will be sitting in.

Be safe and be well.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:43 PM.

10/5/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Greetings Folks,

  • Please “Think”.  A number of Campaign signs have been stolen!  Whether or not a candidate is your candidate of choice, be thankful for people who are willing to step up, run and serve.  Oh, did I mention, stealing is wrong and thieves will be prosecuted?
  • The weather is mellowing, try getting out and enjoying   it.
  • September 24th VCSU hosted a Social Issues Forum on the lawn at McFarland Hall.  It was a beautiful setting and evening.  There were introductory statements followed by an “open mic” segment.  A number of people shared experiences of which all were heartfelt and informative.  A mutual respect for the other person’s position in life was exhibited.  Thank you all for the event and thank you Daijah for inviting me.  “To move along, we need to get along”. 
  • Fun!  Have you seen the new lights in City Park?  It was accomplished with a Parks & Recreation and Valley City partnership. Thanks to Valley City Public works for installing, they look great.
  • Thank you all for efforts you have made battling the virus.  The daily numbers of positive tests have been in the lower single digits recently; keep up your good work. ** Hygiene, Social Distance and “MaskUpND” when you can’t social distance. “Work towards “Green”
  • Good News:  Saturday I had the pleasure of observing two of our police officers help an elderly person who was up town and lost.  They were compassionate and efficient in accomplishing their mission.  Thank you to the officers and Todd Christiansen.
  • * Please, exercise your right to vote.
  • “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”                      (Special Olympics Oath)

     Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

    Dave

10/6/2020 Commission Meeting Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 6th, 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/97961141974 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 979 6114 1974

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

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from September 15th, 2020 meeting

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 $


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

  1. Open Public Hearing regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 116 Central Avenue N. (Finance Director Richter)

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:                 Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson          Gulmon                Carlsrud

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for

Paving Improvement District No. 116 Central Avenue N.

Roll Call:                 Gulmon                Erickson               Bishop                  Magnuson           Carlsrud

2. Open Public Hearing regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 50 (Finance Director Richter)

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:                 Magnuson          Gulmon                Erickson               Bishop               Carlsrud

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Improvement District No. 50

Roll Call:                 Bishop                  Magnuson           Gulmon             Erickson             Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1.  Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1064, an ordinance to adopt and enact Section 1-01-16 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to cooperative purchasing.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1065, an Ordinance Adopting 2021 City Budget. (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

 

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2260, a resolution to advertise for bids for farm lease. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

 

New Business

  1. Consider Visitors Committee recommendation for Image Enhancement Grant for Micaiah’s Studio of Ballet & LivFit Fitness LLC in the amount up to $955 for exterior signage.  (Bobby Koepplin)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

2. Consider Final Review and Acceptance for Permanent Flood protection Phase 2. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3. Consider Accepting Certificate of Substantial Completion for Permanent Flood Protection Phase 2A & 3. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

4. Consider Quotes for Upgrading the Video Conferencing System in the Chambers.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

5. Approve moving forward with the Fire Hall addition and to explore financing options.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

6. Discuss the Crestwood Hillside slide.  (KLJ)

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

10/6/2020 Finance Meeting Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at 2:30 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/91614029128 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 916 1402 9128

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics
    • Discuss Elks’ Letter.
    • Discuss Cold Storage. (City Administrator Crawford)
    • Discuss Wick/Secarse Storm Drainage.  (City Administrator Crawford)
    • Brainstorming Session for Future Outlook of the City.  (Commissioner Magnuson)
    • MRES and NDLC Training Report. (President Carlsrud)
  •  Department reports.
    • Out of State Travel Requests.
  • Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  • Discuss CLOMR (KLJ)
  • Status Update on PFP Phase 2 Main Street Storm Outlet.  (KLJ)
  • Status Update on Waterfront Meadows Infrastructure Installation. (KLJ)
  • Discuss 2021 Employee Benefits.  (City Attorney Martineck)
  • Discuss Building Fees.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

9/28/2020 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • Last week a familiar face of our community retired after serving Valley City Citizens for 36 years.  Jeff Differding is entering the next chapter of his life having more time for family, fishing and hunting.  Jeff, thank you for your passion, talents and expertise exhibited while mentoring fellow workers and improving our community.  You will be missed and always remembered fondly.
  • * Voting for our November Election is open.  Please exercise your right to vote.
  • The COVID-19 Virus is still progressing.  Governor Burgum promotes, “A light touch of government with a large dose of individual responsibility”.  That said, if we are to improve our numbers, IT IS UP TO US!  ** Wash your hands, social distance and “Mask up” when you can’t social distance.  Everyone, “Work towards “Green”.
  • Kudos to VCSU & VCPS students and staffs for the good job you have done to minimize affects of COVID-19 in your systems.  I know many changes from the “old normal” were needed for the successes achieved to date.  Thank you.
  • Our State Legislators are working feverishly to minimize affects of revenue shortages from oil tax, gas tax, the unknown of the DAPL situation and other factors.  It is a tough job so whether or not you voted for particular legislators, say “Thank you for your efforts”.
  • *** Census 2020 ends the 30th!  Please be counted.
  • “What if today, we were just grateful for everything?”               (Peanuts, Charlie Brown)

     Blessings, Pray and Be Safe,

    Dave