12.7.2021 Commission Agenda

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 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/85779020603 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  857 7902 0603.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes for the November 16th 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 2022 Tree Trimming and Removal License Renewals for:
    1. Johnny B’s Trees & Service
    2. Z’s Trees
    3. Mikes Construction and Repair
    4. Ross’ Tree Services
  3. Approve 2022 Vehicles for Hire License Renewal for South Central Adult Services.

            Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Public Comments

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

PUBLIC HEARING

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1091, an Ordinance approving changes to the official Zoning Map of the City.  (City Attorney Martineck)

            Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

 

Resolution

  1.  Approve Resolution 2327, a Resolution from the Valley City Board of City Commissioners Authorizing the President of the Board of Commissioners to execute the deed in favor of the State of North Dakota.  (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,454,534.55. (Finance Director Richter)

      Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud          

2. Approve VCBCDC Request for a Sales Price per Acre of $25,000 for City-owned land between Drug Plastics & Glass and the NW Industrial Park Building. (Jennifer Feist)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

3. Approve Town and Country Club Map Revision Contingent on Approval from the State.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

12.7.2021 Finance Agenda

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 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/84225021019 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 842 2502 1019

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    2. Water Department
    3. Electric Department
    4. Fire Department
    5. Police Department
    6. Street Department
    7. Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss Valley City Tourism-Community Promotion Agreement.  (Mary Lee Nielson)
  4. Discuss Amendments to VCMC Ch. 20-06, City Lodging Tax.  (City Attorney Martineck)
  5. Discuss City Sales Tax renewal.  (Jennifer Feist)
  6. Review Public Works Proposed FY22 Budgets.  (PW Manager Jacobson)
  7. Discuss Utility Rate Changes.  (PW Manager Jacobson)
  8. Discuss Viking Estates Mobile Home Park License Renewal.  (City Attorney Martineck)
  9. Discuss Events at Rec Center (City Owned Building).  (City Administrator Crawford)
  10. Property Buyout-715 6th Ave SW.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

11.2.2021 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher

Pledge of Allegiance

Small Business saturday Proclamation

Recognition of Sherry Keys-2021 Outstanding Plant Operator Award

Approval of Agenda

Addition of N3-N6

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the October 19th, 2021 meetings, 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 Raffle Permit for the Valley City USBC Assn.

Approve Raffle Permit for the Art Club Valley City High School.

Approve Raffle Permit for SHINE. 

Approve Raffle Permit for VCSU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

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

Ordinance

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1090, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact section 15-02-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to new electric service installation.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is for the owners outside of city limits to pay their fair share for installation and for above ground installations over 200 feet the owner is responsible for in city limits.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2324, a Resolution to enroll In and Offer the NDPERS Defined Benefit Hybrid Retirement Plan to all Eligible Employees.

City Attorney Martineck stated this is the plan that will be offered to all employees.  Resolution 2325 is the Safety Plan and 2326 is the Differed Compensation plan.  It is our desire of the city to offer all three of these plans to eligible employees as an option and will be required to all future employees.  It is no extra cost to the city and no current employee will be required to go on the plan.

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

Approve Resolution 2325, a Resolution to enroll in and Offer NDPERS Public Safety Retirement Plan to all eligible City Employees Classified as Peace Officers or Firefighters.

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

Approve, Resolution 2326, a Resolution to enroll in and Offer the NDPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to all Eligible City Employees.

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,780,769.92

Finance Director Richter reported we are at $1,780,770 which includes debt service at $137,419, Forestry & F&B Grants at $33,461, PFP CLOMR, $14,670, Fire Hall Addition at $85,186, West End Lift Station at $276,799, construction projects at $418,313 and MRES at $288,800.  The remaining $526,122 is for our regular operations.

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

Approve for Signatures the 2021 Barnes County, ND Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan once the Plan is approved by the ND Department of Emergency Services. 

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

Approve Employer Participation Agreements for NDPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, Public Safety Retirement Plan, and Deferred Compensation Plan.

City Attorney Martineck stated for each of the resolutions passed for NDPERS there’s an associated contract.  Everything has been reviewed and appears to be in order.  The plan is to have these effective January 1st.

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

Appoint Authorized Agent for NDPERS retirement plans.

City Attorney Martineck proposed to add himself as the primary authorized agent and Brenda Klein, Avis Richter and Gwen Crawford be authorized agents as well.

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

Approve City payroll contribution to NDPERS.

City Attorney Martineck stated we are required to designate how much of a contribution that the city will make towards the retirement plan.  The city is currently making a 10% contribution to the current plan and we are recommending 10% also be paid towards NDPERS.

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

Approve renaming Street Specialist, Sanitation Specialist, and Water/Sewer Specialist positions as Public Works Specialists, reclassifying Publics Works Specialist I as B-21, and creating A-13 Public Works Technician Position.

City Administrator Crawford stated there would no longer be a Sanitation or Street Specialist 1, they would actually be called the Public Works Specialist 1. 

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported that we have been working with the different departments on budgets. We will be setting up individual meetings with the different portfolio holders to go over each of the budgets.  We did get the final approval on the aprons for Loves but with the cold weather that will not be completed until spring.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck stated that he has done a preliminary review of the 2021 legislative changes and made a list of all the sections in the municipal code it affects.  Big thanks to Angeline, she is helping put together a preliminary draft.

Finance Director Richter reported that November 1st was the deadline to send our annual installments for special assessment to certify them and send up to the county auditor so that has been completed.

Fire Chief Magnuson stated they put new doors on the fire department that were funded by some of the funds raised with their fundraisers.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated over the course of the last year we have been trying to rectify what model to use and so we are through phase 3 of CLOMAR.  We have approximately one year to complete the CLOMAR.

Commissioner Gulmon stated cash reserves are strong.  As far as electrical we are lagging a little bit due to the warmer weather.  Thanks to Carl and Gwen for all the work on the NDPERS program, it’s going to be a great benefit for our employees.

Commissioner Erickson congratulated Sherry.  The Transfer Station will now be closed on Saturdays through May.

President Carlsrud thanked all our employees and congratulations to Sherry.  In October your electric power was on 100% of the time!   An extra shout out to our department heads and thanks for all you do and thank you to our commissioners for serving.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:37 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

11.2.2021 Finance Minutes

Called To Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

Roll Call

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

Department Reports

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported Jamestown Communications finished installing the cameras on the trucks.  The Transfer Station is now closed on Saturday’s though May and we have a part time employee that started. 

Water Superintendent Hesch reported this as the first weekend we tried running without Sunday and it will be just fine.  We just have to monitor it.  Commissioner Bishop asked about the standpipe and the water tower up by the armory.  The standpipe has not been fixed.  After inspection it was determined some of the caulking was bad resulting in pinhole leaks.  It will need to be drained and have a contractor some in to fix it.  Clint has information regarding the water tower.

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported zero outages for the month of October.  West end underground project is finished.  Gaukler 36-plex underground is in and we are waiting for the transformer.  Waterfront Meadows contractor will be digging the trench for us.  In regards to the ordinance on the agenda, to make if fair if you aren’t in city limits we would like them to pay the full price vs us paying the 200 feet since they aren’t paying taxes.  Inside city limits they would have to for the overhead after 200 feet.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported the covid third shot will take place at the firehall next week.  We picked up some additional businesses for fire extinguishers.  Should out to the members of our department and the community.  We are getting new doors installed and the funds came from some of the fundraisers we have held.  The building shipped today and should be here on the 5th and then Enterprise would be here next week.

Police Chief Hatcher reported that on Thursday at 1:30 up at the DOT office the highway patrol colonel will be in town to present some awards to one of the local highway patrolman as well as one of our police officers that helped out on the highway.  One award is a purple heart, very prestigious and not awarded very often.  It’s open to the public.  We are full staffed and the last person finished their field training last night.

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported the flushing of the hydrants will be wrapping up in the next day or so.  There is a startup planned tentatively for Thursday for the west end lift station.  Construction is wrapping up for the year with some seeding taking place.  Snow equipment is ready. The NW water tower by DQ is in rough shape.  We are trying to get money in the budget but anything we do is pretty minimal right now until we figure out the plan. 

City Administrator Crawford requested to move item 5 with 3 on the agenda.  Discussion has been taking place about c

City Attorney Martineck introduced Katie Henderson, our new Public Works Administrative Assistant. 

Review Monthly Bills/Reports Finance Director Richterreported we are at $1,780,770 which includes debt service at $137,419, Forestry & F&B Grants at $33,461, PFP CLOMR, $14,670, Fire Hall Addition at $85,186, West End Lift Station at $276,799, construction projects at $418,313 and MRES at $288,800.  The remaining $526,122 is for our regular operations.

Discuss Public Works 1.

City Administrator Crawford stated due to some of the hiring issues, the cross work that goes on in different departments and to become more of a team, we are proposing for 2022 is to merge the Street Specialist 1 and Sanitation Specialist 1 to now a Public Works Specialist 1 at the B-21 level.  The Public Works Technician is at the A-13 level for those that come in and don’t have their CDL yet.

Discuss NDPERS.

City Attorney Martineck stated we have looked into NDPERS for a while and have now made some progress getting it here.  There will be a couple different options, one for safety employees such as the FD and PD and another for non-safety employees.  The city would still put in 10% and the employee makes up the difference.  Any current employee can keep their current retirement plan if they choose or go on NDPERS, any new hires would only have NDPERS as an option.

Discuss NDDOT Urban Grant Program Application.

Chad Petersen stated this was discussed earlier in January and the city has benefitted from this program before.  This opened for applications and the deadline is December 31st, 2021.

Discus NDDOT Urban Grant Program Application for Wintershow Road Shared-Use Path.

Chad Petersen stated this was discussed previously and there was support that this path was desired.  The document shows 8th Ave to the Regional Technology center split into two phases. 

Discussion regarding Vacate Four Bottle Road Frontage Road.

Electrical Superintendent Senf stated the electrical poles are out of the ground and there is one that is starting to tip.  It would be expensive to even do just the bare minimum fix.  If vacated, the current property owners would gain the additional land up to the right of way.

City Administrator Crawford added that it is currently on our Urban Roads program and we need to get John Deere added.  In order to add one you need to remove one.

Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at ­4:53 PM.

Agenda Available

11.16.2021 City Commission Agenda

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 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/85457405384 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  854 5740 5384.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes for the November 2nd Finance and Commission Meeting

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Application to Block Off 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets along Central Avenue from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM for the Parade of Lights on December 2nd, 2021.
  2. Approve Raffle Permit for SVFA.
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for VCSU American Fisheries Society Subunit.
  4. Approve Raffle Permit for Hi-Liner Boys Basketball.

            Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Public Comments

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

PUBLIC HEARING

PH1.  Open Public Hearing regarding changes to the official Zoning Map of the City.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Declare Public Hearing Open.

Close Hearing.

Roll Call:             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Approve Ordinance 1091, an Ordinance approving changes to the official Zoning Map of the City.

Roll Call:             Bishop             Gulmon           Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1090, an Ordinance to amend and Reenact Section 15-02-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code.  (City Attorney Martineck)

            Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

New Business

  • Approve Permit to Sell LP Gas for Love’s Travel Stop (Fire Chief Magnuson)

      Roll Call:           Gulmon          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve Waterfront Meadows Extension.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:           Magnuson       Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve New Electrical Contractor License for Agassiz Electric, LLC.  (Finance Director Richter)

      Roll Call:           Bishop            Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Approve Recommended Changes to Valley City Urban Functional Classification System and Submit Changes to NDDOT for Consideration.  (City Engineer)

      Roll Call:           Erickson         Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

  • Approve Special Event Permit for the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2192 at the North Dakota Wintershow for the North Star Classic on December 3rd, 2021.

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.19.2021 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the October 5th, 2021 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Parade Request for the Parade of Lights on December 2nd on Central Ave. to 4th St. starting at 6:00 PM.

Approve Raffle permit for NDak Hereford Association for the date of December 4th at the ND Winter Show.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2318, a Resolution Providing for the Issuance of Certification of Indebtedness, Series 2021, for the Purpose of Financing the Addition to the Existing Fire Hall.

Finance Director Richter stated earlier this summer we submitted an application for a state infrastructure loan which was approved.  We are now at the point for the certificate to be issued and then there will be a closing in November.  It is a $500,000 loan at 2% for 20 years which can be paid off early with no penalty.

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

Approve Resolution 2319, a Resolution Approving the Replat Request of Lot 4 Block 2 and a part of block 4 of Beyer Industrial Acres.

City Attorney Martineck stated the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval with the conditions set forth in the resolution.

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

Approve Resolution 2320, a Resolution Approving the Plat Request of Land Located Between 8th & 9th Ave NW and North of 10th St NW – includes Lots 4-8 and Part of Lot 3 Block 1, Hyland Park Addition, plus Lots 3-7 and Part of Lot 2, Block 2 Replat of Hyland Park Addition.

City Attorney Martineck stated this has gone through planning and zoning twice.  When the municipal code was amended to change some of the guidelines for the multifamily district it went through for the second time and there were some additional townhomes added to the plan.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval with the conditions listed in the resolution.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

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

Approve Resolution 2321, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule.

City Administrator Crawford stated the police department provides fingerprinting and the cost for the maintenance to keep the machine up is expensive.  We would like to continue to provide the service but we need to do so at a rate that is not causing us to lose money.  We contacted other counties that provide the service.  Ransom is the closest to us and they charge $30.  Our proposed schedule change would be to start immediately with the $30.

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

New Business

Approve Annual Maintenance Certification for Urban Federal Aid Projects.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated that on all of our DOT urban road projects we have to certify that we are maintaining those projects as agreed upon in the maintenance agreement.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated that we have been working with MDU to find out what can be done to get natural gas into our area that isn’t already being serviced and the cost is pretty substantial and there are some additional issues but we’re still in the conversation.

We are also coming up on the end of several of projects that have been taking place.

City Attorney Martineck reported that they are in the final stages of making changes to the policy manual.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that Team Fire won the blood drive.

Chad from KLJ reported the construction on the Main Street Streetscape project was completed last week.  There is still some programming that needs to be completed on the lights, right now they’re just set up on a timer.  That will be completed the middle of November. 

Landscaping on Central Avenue is getting worked on now and 7th Ave should also be wrapped up this week.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Commissioner Gulmon expressed his thanks to the City employees.

President Carslrud stated that city employees are in the service business and with any service business a lot of the times you only hear the things that go wrong.  We have an awful lot of stuff that goes right around this place we don’t often enough say thank you so Commissioners and all of our City staff, thank you very much.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:16 P.M.

11.2.2021 Commission Agenda

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 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/81579095866 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 815 7909 5866.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Small Business Saturday Proclamation

Recognition of Sherry Keys-2021 Outstanding Plant Operator Award

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve minutes from the October 19th 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 Permit for the Valley City USBC Assn.
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for the Art Club Valley City High School.
  4. Approve Raffle Permit for SHINE. 
  5. Approve Raffle Permit for VCSU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

            Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

Public Comments

Attorney General’s “A Citizen’s Guide to North Dakota Open Records & Open Meetings Laws” *A member of the public does not have the right to speak to the governing body at an open meeting.  The public is only entitled to see and hear what happens at a meeting, and to record or broadcast those observations.

  • No personal attacks to persons present or not
  • No inflammatory language used during time that you have the platform
  • 5 minute maximum or as directed by the chair
  • Thank you for participating in City Government.

PUBLIC HEARING

Ordinance

  1. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1090, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact section 15-02-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to new electric service installation. (City Attorney Martineck)

            Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

Resolution

  • Approve Resolution 2324, a Resolution to Enroll and Offer the NDPERS Defined Benefit to Hybrid Retirement Plan to all Eligible Employees.  (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

  • Approve Resolution 2325, a Resolution to Enroll in and Offer NDPERS Public Safety Retirement Plan to all eligible City Employees Classified as Peace Officers or Firefighters.  (City Attorney Martineck)

      Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud

  • Approve, Resolution 2326, a Resolution to Enroll in and Offer the NDPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to all Eligible City Employees.  (City Attorney Martineck)

            Roll Call:          Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  • Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $ 1,780,769.92.        

     Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Magnuson        Carlsrud

  • Approve for Signatures the new Hazard Mitigation Plan one the Plan is Approved by the ND Department of Emergency Services.  (Fire Chief Magnuson)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Magnuson        Bishop             Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

11.2.2021 Finance Agenda

 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 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/89721308721 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 897 2130 8721

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss City Sales Tax Renewal.  (Finance Director Richter)
  4. Discuss New Service Installation fees re: Out of City Limits.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss NDPERS.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  6. Discuss Public Works 1.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  7. Discuss NDDOT Urban Grant Program Application.  (City Engineers)
  8. Discus NDDOT Urban Grant Program Application for Wintershow Road Shared-Use Path.  (City Engineer)

9.   Discussion regarding Vacate Four Bottle Road Frontage Road.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.5.2021 Commission Minutes

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

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

Others City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Lieutenant Rustebakke.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

No Changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the September 21st, 2021 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Approve Block off Street Request for Connect Church on Central Ave S from 3rd St s to 4th St S and then 3rd St SW to 2nd Ave SW on October 31st, 2021 for the Trunk or Treat event.

Approve Raffle Permit for St. Catherine’s Elementary School for Drawing on November 5th, 2021.

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

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing for Issuance of New Class E Alcoholic Beverage Licenses to TBD Inc.  

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

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

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve issuance of new class E Alcoholic Beverage License to TBD Inc., seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing for the Replat Request of Lots 10-12 of Andrus and Sifton’s Addition. 

President Carlsrud declared the public hearing open.

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

            Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve resolution 2314, a resolution approving the replat     request of lots 10-12 of           Andrus & Sifton’s Addition, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.           Motion passed unanimously. 

            Open Public Hearing regarding Special Assessments for 5th Avenue NW Reconstruction       which includes Paving Improvement District No. 118, Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 53, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 65, and Water Main Improvement            District No. 101.

            Deputy Auditor Klein stated the Special Assessment Commission met last Wednesday for the 5th Ave projects.  The commission approved the assessments as is but had two recommendations.  The first recommendation being the city keep working on the landscaping and grass areas where        needed on boulevards and also that the city pick up the cost of the sealcoat.

President Carlsrud declare the public hearing open.

City Administrator Crawford requested the term the seal coat will be completed in be added and recommended 2 years.  6th Street will be completed next year which is why we don’t want to do it then, they will intersect each other.

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

             Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the special assessments as recommended by the        Special Assessment Commission with boulevard improvements and the city to pay for the           seal coat in 2023, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1089, an Ordinance Adopting 2022 City Budget.

Finance Director Richter stated there has not been any changes since the first reading and we have not received any input, comments or letters so I recommend it pass as stated.

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

      Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1088, an Ordinance Approving Text         Amendments to Titles 11 and 16 of the Valley City Municipal Code. 

City Attorney Martineck stated after the first reading we tabled the second reading of this ordinance for the opportunity to receive comments and evaluate some of the language.  There are some changes that took place indicated in blue.  This has been reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission as well.  City staff recommends approval.

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

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2316, a Resolution Approving Final Plans & Specifications for Master Lift Station Upgrades and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated this was bid earlier this year and the bids came in high.  We’re rebidding the same project with a better timeline and more lead time for materials to start construction early spring next year.  We will bid late October for construction next year.

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

Approve Resolution No. 2317, a Resolution Approving Final Plans & Specifications for Main Street Storm Sewer Outlet (Elks) and Authorizing Engineering to Advertise for Bids.

Chad from KLJ stated this is to bid the gravity discharge by the Elks building.  Bidding will take place at the end of the month for construction in 2022.

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

New Business

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,383,908.22

Finance Director Richterreported we are at $2,383,808.22 with MRES at $459,000, purchase of Valley Implements at $470,000, BND debt $348,400, Bluescope for the Fire Hall addition invoice of $78,000, Infrastructure and construction was $372,000 the other two sirens were $21,500.  Payroll was high at $428,000 due to paying the annual fire department payment.

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

Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to 231 2nd Ave NE.           

City Assessor Hansen stated this is for a 5 year exemption for a commercial property and she recommends a do pass.

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

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford reported that Sandy can only do her job when she knows about projects so if there is anything you know going on out there let her know.  Aprons are being considered for Loves to help with turning and the cross traffic. 

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that this week is National Fire Prevention week so events will be taking place for that.  October 12-13 is the Battle of the Badges blood drive, please donate.  The new rural truck arrived. 

Chad from KLJ provided a construction update.  The milling was completed on Streetscape Phase II by Thursday it should be open.  Signage should happen Monday or Tuesday.  The streetlights and signals should be going up next week as well.  7th Ave and 4th St. paving starts tomorrow, most of the concrete work should be complete.  Paving should be wrapped up the end of this week and the seeding and landscaping should take place next week. 

Commissioner Gulmon reported that the finance committee met last week and discussed finances through August of this year.  We also reviewed the sales tax report which was positive, it’s up 41% through July of 2021 which is about $467,000.  That impacts property tax relief, development and R&R funds.  Food and beverage tax is up about 37% and occupancy tax about 21%.  We reviewed the 2021 budget, general funds and public works and things are running pretty much as planned for this year.  Garbage is running at a deficit so there may need to be some adjustments in the future.  Reserves in both the general funds and reserves are strong.  Valley City will receive $992,000 for the American Rescue Plan and that will be used for underground.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the fire department and the unseen work they do for our community and also to the police department and the work they do that we don’t know about.  If you see them shake their hand.

President Carlsrud requested people to respect the piles at the leaf drop site.  Do not drop in the middle of the driveway, try to get it as close to the piles as you can.  We have openings for employee, please check the website. Thank you to everybody.  

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:36 P.M.

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

10.5.2021 Finance Minutes

Called To Order

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

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop and Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Erickson (2:45)

Commission Topics

Discussion took place around the following topics:

Commissioner Long Range Planning Ideas,

RRVWSP information

Department of Water Resources Funding

Department Reports

Sanitation Supervisor Swart requested people try to get closer to the piles when dumping in the grass site.  We are looking for another two new employees.

City Administrator Crawford presented some additional options to try to bring in new employees on the sanitation department.  They will post for part-time positions at a higher wage but no benefits.

Water Superintendent Hesch reported he and Clint will be going to a convention next week and Sherry will be recognized for her Operator’s Award.

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported they have given a manufacturer west of town a bid for 3 phase.  Finished up Smith Lumber today.  We’re having trouble getting quotes back for the WAPA sub.  Everyone wants concrete and its sounds like they are hard to push into the ground.  Either we do the work or hire someone in to do the work.  People don’t want to bid since it’s a foundation.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported this week is Fire Prevention week.  We’ll be waiting until spring to have our open house after we get the addition done.  10 true calls of service last month.  Building is on schedule.  Battle of the Badges is next week.  We picked up all the Summit and Bergan’s properties.  It is working and the numbers will increase.

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported the next couple of weeks will be busy getting everything wrapped up for the season.  Will start flushing hydrants either this week or next week.  We are a little slower since several of the street crew have been getting sent over to sanitation.  

City Administrator Crawford reported that we are still under our contract funds in the engineering and contracting services.  Planning and Zoning is more than what the original plan but we never could have guessed that we would have all this going on.  There is a walking trail that Bobby is trying to establish near the property that Dave Zubrod recently purchased.  We agreed to have the trail on the back side of that property but after some discussion with Bobby is sounds like he would like it in another area but Zubrod is not in agreement with the new area.  Discussion took place and it will still in the original location.

Review Monthly Bills/Reports Finance Director Richterreported we are at $2,383,808.22 with MRES at $459,000, purchase of Valley Implements at $470,000, BND debt $348,400, Bluescope for the Fire Hall addition invoice of $78,000, Infrastructure and construction was $372,000 the other two sirens were $21,500.  Payroll was high at $428,000 due to paying the annual fire department payment.

Discuss Image & Enhancement and Food and Beverage Grant Requirements

City Administrator Crawford requested we change the name of the Food and Beverage Grant to the Valley City Tourism Grant due to people not being clear on what the grant is for.  Reading it now it seems it’s for restaurants but it’s not.  The other is that for $1000-$5000 they are required to provide their financial information.  Many have decided not to apply due to this, they are concerned in providing this information for their competition to see.  It’s also cumbersome for $1000, there is no encouragement to apply. 

Commissioner Gulmon added that the two most critical things required should be that the taxes are paid and credit check.

Decision was made to change the name of the grant and removing the requirement to provide financial statements.

Discuss Request for a Path/Trail along Wintershow Road

Chad from KLJ stated this was discussed as a need at the Longest Table event.  We have a few letters of support for a trail along the road.  The discussion happened before the grant information opened up through the DOT.  The application has a deadline of December 31st, 2021 and the funding is for the 2025 construction season.

Discuss Benches on Main

City Administrator Crawford stated we found out that we cannot put anything on the sidewalk areas that are the white concrete because of ADA.  So originally the thought was to put the benches with backs against the buildings but now that can’t be done and if we set them on the red they don’t work well.  We’d like to get backless benches on Main and move the ones with the backs on Central.

Discuss recommendations from the Special Assessment Commission regarding the 5th Ave NW Reconstruction Project.

Deputy Auditor Klein stated the Special Assessment Commission met last Wednesday night and had the hearing for 5th Ave N. They were fine with the amounts listed but if you saw in the minutes they had recommendations.  They would like the city to work on the landscaping, grass on the boulevards and the other was about the seal coat.  They would like it completed sooner than later and the city pick up the cost of that sealcoat.

Commissioner Bishop asked if we are able to withhold payment from the contractors until they fix the issues.

Chad from KLJ stated we are withholding 2% of the contract, we do still have punch list items that need addressing.

Discuss Stan Ryan Easement

City Administrator Crawford stated basically there was an easement previously developed with Stan and he no longer wants it developed that way.  City Administrator Crawford presented another drawing that has been discussed that will allow further development in that area.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:53 PM.