Category Archives: Announcements

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For Immediate Release

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On Oct. 21, 2020, Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud signed Emergency Order 2020-05 implementing a Mask Plan for the City of Valley City in accordance with the ND Smart Restart guidelines.

The City Mask Plan strongly encourages people in Valley City to wear a face covering over their mouth and nose in buildings where they may encounter people outside of their household and they are unable to keep 6 feet of distance from them. They are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask in all outdoors settings where they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from people outside of their household.

The City Mask Plan also strongly encourages businesses to follow the ND Smart Restart guidelines, which limits customers in their establishments to 50% capacity with a maximum of 100 people.

Customers entering restaurants, bars, breweries, and similar businesses are encouraged to wear a face covering from the time they enter the building to the time they sit. They should continue to wear their mask if they are not in the process of eating or drinking. Individuals using or operating public transportation should wear a face covering from pickup to arrival at the destination.

The City will actively support property owners who wish to require masks in their buildings.

The City Mask Plan places responsibility on each individual to wear masks to ensure they are not spreading coronavirus and protecting their family, friends, colleagues and fellow community members.

The City Mask Plan takes effect at 5:00 pm on Friday October 23, and will remain in effect until Governor Doug Burgum adjusts Barnes County’s risk level, or Mayor Carlsrud or a majority of the Board of Commissioners decides to change or end the Plan.

The Plan also includes a list of exemptions to the requirement which includes young children, individuals with a medical condition or disability that prevents face coverings, and certain employment, athletic and other activities.

Barnes County is currently in the yellow-moderate risk level under the ND Smart Restart guidelines.  This level represents heightened exposure risk.  The state advises that social distancing and precautions are needed and that increased cleaning on high-touch surfaces and shared spaces should be routine. 

Mayor Carlsrud said that the City desires to be proactive in the fight against COVID-19 to reverse the trend toward significant community spread and high risk of exposure which could eventually lead to a state mandated closure of businesses.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10/12/2020 Special Commission Meeting Minutes

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

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

Others present: City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Klein, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, PW Accountant/Manager Jacobson. 

Chad Petersen from KLJ and Jennifer Feist VCBCDC Director via Zoom.

Public Hearing

  1. 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)

President Carlsrud declared the Public Hearing open.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

New Business

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

 Discussion took place and KLJ will draw up an estimate.

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

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided an update.

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

Commissioner Bishop motioned to go with the water consumption charge that is presented, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 5:44 PM

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10/6/2020 Commission Meeting Minutes

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The City Commission Meeting began 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 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, City Assessor Hansen, PW Accountant Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Mike Opatz from Houston Engineering.

Approval of Agenda

No Changes

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the September 15st, 2020 Commission Meeting minutes seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  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 $1,514,647.38
  3. Approve Block off Street Request on Central Ave S from 3rd St S to 4th St S and 3rd St SW from Central Ave to 2nd Ave SW for Connect Church Trunk or Treat event held on October 31, 2020 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Public Hearing

PH 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)

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

Finance Director Richter stated the Special Assessment Commission met on September 21st and approved the Special Assessments as presented.  We are assessing out for 10 years at a 2.5% rate.

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

Approve Special Assessments as recommended by the Special Assessment Commission for Paving Improvement District No. 116 Central Ave N.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

PH2.    Open Public Hearing regarding Special Assessments confirmed by the Special Assessment Commission for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 50 (Finance Director Richter)

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

Finance Director Richter stated this public hearing was also held on the 21st.  Several property owners attended via Zoom.  We are financing this with the Clean Water State Revolving Loan funds through the Bank of North Dakota.  This will be a 20 year assessment with a 2.5% interest rate. 

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

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

Commissioner Magnuson made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Discussion took place.  Commissioner Gulmon commented that it appeared the property owners would be assessed about 32%.  Finance Directory replied it was more like 35% of the local share and $.32 per sq. ft.  The way it is set up now we will be taking $880,000 out of the R&R fund.  If we take any additional out of the fund will delay future projects.

Roll Call: Bishop-nay         Magnuson-aye           Gulmon-aye           Erickson-nay             Carlsrud-aye. Motion carried.

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)

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

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

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

Resolutions

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

Commissioner Bishop motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

City Attorney Martineck stated this was discussed before and there was question regarding the land value.  We have since added documentation from City Assessor Hansen regarding what that value is in order to make an informed decision on what the minimum bid should be.

City Assessor Hansen stated per the soil surveys that land is a higher valued land but there are some drainage issues.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motioned carried.

2.   Approve Resolution No. 2263, a resolution amending Master Fee Schedule regarding building permit fees.

City Administrator Crawford stated it is about adding the words back on about the use of outside consultants for plan review, inspections, or both, including administrative and overhead costs: Actual cost.

Commissioner Magnuson motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

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.  (Mary Lee Nielson)

Visitor’s Committee Member Nielson stated the Visitor’s Committee and unanimously recommend giving this grant to Micaiah’s Studio of Ballet.  This is located on Central Ave. and will help dress it up.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

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

Chad from KLJ stated Phase II is the portion along Main.  This work was substantially completed in 2019.  There were a few items that were finished July of 2020.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

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

Chad from KLJ Phase 2A & 3 were considered substantially complete on August 11th, 2020.  This allows us to reduce retainage in the contract.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion carried.

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

City Administrator Crawford stated we received quotes for new video conferencing systems.

City Attorney Martineck said we received two quotes.  One was from Site on Sound from Fargo and that came in around $43,000.  I’m asking the Commission to reject that due to it being out of the budget.  The other was came in around $24,000.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Commissioner Bishop questioned analog stated in the quote versus digital.  Would like clarification on the quality prior to moving forward.

Motion carried.

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

City Administrator Crawford stated we need to start taking steps forward.  We need the Commission to give Finance Director Richter the okay to explore financing options. 

Finance Director Richter advised she spoke with Tyler Marthaler, the Commercial Loan Officer for Dacotah Bank and he will speak with the Bank of North Dakota to make sure there are no glitches with using GSA.  After we hear from him the next step will be going to the Development Corporation to see if we qualify for the Flex Pace program.  Finance Director Richter requested clarification on the vote, if we are voting on signing a contract with GSA or voting to continue exploring the options.

Commissioner Bishop motioned to move forward with the bullet points outlined in City Administrator Crawford’s paper, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion carried.

6.         Discuss the Crestwood Hillside slide.  (KLJ)

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated this area has been an issue for the City for a number of years.  This last spring this was identified by the ND Department of Emergency Services as a possible project.  We will be going up there to see what options are available and see if we can move forward. 

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated she would like to add “Discuss Wick/Secarse Storm Drainage” to the upcoming Special Meeting.

We realized the emergency flood protocols that are currently in place are great but we also realized we don’t have protocols in place for anything else really so we are working on that.

Also working on the Rural Water rates.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck reported he put out an advertisement for an in house Building Inspector/City Planner which closes on October 16th.  Also did an RFQ which will close on October 20th.

Finance Director Richter reported there is a Special Meeting scheduled for Oct. 12th at 5:00 PM to have a Public Hearing on a Main Street Improvement Grant along with some additional items.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that it is Fire Prevention Week.  Due to COVID we were not allowed in schools so we created a video and posted it to social media.  Fire Chief Magnuson also thanked his crew and their employers and family that allow them to leave to protect the community.

Police Chief Hatcher reminded everyone that the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive begins on Tuesday and to vote Team Law.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided an update on the 5th Ave project.  Two blocks of curb and gutter are complete with three more to go.  The sidewalk work is happening and if not already complete the electrical is almost completed up to 12th St.  Completion date is set for October 16th but will likely extend beyond that but shouldn’t be by much.

Commissioner Erickson extended his thanks to Jeff Differding for his many years of service.

Commissioner Gulmon reported the 2021 budget was approved and we are projecting our goal of cash reserves to remain at the 30%.  Great job on the Fire Department video.  Great job to Avis and the team on the budget.

Commissioner Bishop thanks the Street Department for the good job they did on clean up week.  They were pulled in all directions with the water main breaks

Commissioner Magnuson requested people get out, walk around and police your community.  We have a beautiful community, let’s keep it that way.  Shout out to Jeff Differding for all the great work he has done and to his successor, Clint, he will do a great job as well.  Vote Fire.

Mayor Carlsrud gave a shout outto City Administrator Crawford for receiving her City Auditors certification.  Thank you to all of those that are scurrying to get everything done before the cold weather comes.  Shout out to Jeff Differding, may you have a long, healthy retirement.  Thanks to the folks that are trying to fill his shoes.  We look forward to working with you too.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM.

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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

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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