Category Archives: City Commission

4.6.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/94206465785  or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 942 0646 5785

Call To Order
Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Recognition for Mayor for a Day

City Government Week Proclamation


Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Commission Minutes from March 16th and March 30th Meetings.

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 $                      
  3. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:
    1. Magnum Electric, Inc.
    1. On Demand Plumbing
    1. Ace Plumbing
    1. ASAP Electric
    1. Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C, Inc.
    1. Maple River Electric
    1. Engel’s Electric
  4. Approve Raffle Request for
    1. St. Catherine’s Knights of Columbus.
    1. Barnes County Wildlife Federation.
  5. Approve Block off Street Request for Thundering Saints Debbie Gabel Memorial from 12 PM on August 13, 2021 to 8 AM on August 14, 2021 for 3rd Ave SE from Main St. to 2nd St SE contingent on receiving payment.

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           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

PH 1.  Public Hearing for Application for Property Tax Incentives for New or Expanding Businesses (PILOT) for Trademark Tooling, LLC.

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Approve Resolution 2285, a resolution approving Property Tax Incentives (PILOT) for Trademark Tooling, LLC.

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

Ordinance

1.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1074, an Ordinance enacting a new section of the Valley City Municipal Code relating to Wireless Telecommunication Facility Guidelines.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1076, an Ordinance to amend and reenact section 7-04-04 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to numbers on buildings. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

Resolution

            1.  Approve Resolution 2287, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule re Planning and Zoning             Application Fees.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resolution 2288, a Resolution Approving Modifications to the Electric Rates. (PW Manager Jacobson)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

1.  Approve NDDOT Cost Participation and Maintenance Agreement for Project NHU-2-094(181)929, Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud

2.  Approve Gaming Site Authorization for Thundering Saints, Inc. on April 6, 2021 through June 30, 2021 at Woodland Steakhouse.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3.  Approve Amendment to Employee Salary Schedule.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

4.  Approve Construction Engineering Agreement for Paving Improvement District No.119 and119B, Sanitary Sewer District No. 64, Storm Sewer District No. 52 and Water Main District No. 100. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

4.6.2021 Finance Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 at 2:30 PM CT, v at the 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/96827708966 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 968 2770 8966

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics

            a. Discuss Housing Incentives.

            b. Discuss funds for Dam Signage.

  •  Department reports.
    • Out of State Travel Requests.
  • Discuss Battery Quotes for Southside Substation.  (Electrical Superintendent Senf)
  • Discuss Transformer Bids.  (Electrical Superintendent Senf)
  • Discuss Primary URD Cable Bids.  (Electrical Superintendent Senf)
  • Discuss $10,000 spending limit.  (Electrical Superintendent Senf)
  • Discuss Forester-Employee vs Contractor. (City Attorney Martineck)
  • Discuss Road to Landfill Coop. (City Administrator Crawford)
  • Quarterly Review of City Engineer Contract. (City Administrator Crawford)
  • VCFD Building Update. (Fire Chief Magnuson)
  • Discuss Utility Bills staying with the property.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  • Discuss Resolution for Modifications to the Electric Rates.  (PW Manager Jacobson)

Adjourn

3.30.2021 Special Commission Meeting

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The City Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 12:00 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/97696815992 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799)

Call To Order
Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution 2286, a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Improvement Warrants and Exchanging them for $1,535,000.  Refunding Improvement Bonds of 2021.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:                 Gulmon                Erickson              Bishop                  Magnuson             Carlsrud

Adjourn

3.2.2021 Commission Minutes

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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 present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Assessor Hansen, PW Supervisor Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, City Engineers Chad Petersen and Tracy Eslinger, Jerry Hieb (Eagles)

Approval of Agenda

No changes.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the February 16th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  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 $1,555,294.84               
  3. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) contingent on receiving updated contractor licenses for the following businesses:

            a. John’s Refrigeration& Electric, Inc.

            b. Grotberg Electric Inc.

            c. Grotberg Electric Inc. dba Triton Mechanical

            d. Sheyenne Mechanical

            e. Differding Electric LLC

            f. PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC

            g. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating

D.  Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

            a. Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center

            b. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals

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

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies.

City Attorney Martineck stated no changes since the first reading.   It’s not restricting right to demonstrate or hold an assembly in town.  It strictly requires a person to provide notice to the PD and abide by certain noise and distance requirements.

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

New Business

Approve requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.

Commissioner Gulmon stated we have looked at a several areas in the community and we keep coming back to a lime pit area.  There is quite a bit of site prep that would be required to accommodate this so we reduced the size of the potential building from 10,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. which would accommodate all of the flood equipment and some pumps.  We are recommending to move forward with the request to the ND State Water Commission for funding. 

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

Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for Streetscape Phase II.

Chad Peterson from KLJ stated the task order is an hourly contract with a contract max of $219,500.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

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

Approve agreement with Western Dakota Energy Association for oversize and overweight vehicle permits.

City Administrator Crawford stated this is regarding approving a membership with Load Pass and they would take care of all of our oversize and overweight vehicle permits.  Requesting President Carlsrud signing that upon approval of review of the fee schedule.

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

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for VC Eagles Aerie 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show March 10-14, 2021.

Finance Director stated this is for the Winter Show events.

Commissioner Bishop requested we put a time for it to close, a half hour before the end of the event or 11 pm at the latest.

Jerry Hieb representing the Eagles stated they can adhere to that as he didn’t think many of the events would carry over 9:30 pm.

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

City updates & Commission Reports

City Administrator Crawford we have been working on the WSI ergonomic grant and we have been approved for the first phase.  So they come in and work with the different departments on their areas to see if there is anything that can be improved.   

City Attorney Martineck reported that we have made an offer for the Sanitation position and are waiting to hear back.

Finance Director Richter stated we are selling Chamber Bucks at City Hall now.  Sales are going well at both locations.

PW Manager Jacobsen reported we had our meeting today with the ND Dept. of Emergency Services related to the spring 2020 flood.  We received the payment for the 90% reimbursement in December.

Sanitary Supervisor Swart reminded everyone to have their garbage out by 7 am.  Also, please do not stack stuff around the dumpsters and enclosures.

Fire Chief Magnuson there is a lot of melting going on and the river is going to start opening up.  Please keep an eye on your pets and kids.

Chad Petersen stated we opened bids for project 119 and 119B. That will be added to the March 16th agenda for consideration for award.  We submitted a cost share request to the State Water Commission last month for a request for 60/40 cost share on the water main improvements for that.  We won’t know for sure on that request until April 8th. 

Commissioner Gulmon thanked Brandy and Brenda for their help with the sales of the Chamber Bucks and thanks to the Chamber for all the work they have done.  The Sales Tax Revenue report has both good news and bad news.  The good news is that we took in $2.2 million in sales tax which is a 7% increase than the year prior.  Not as good is the Food and Beverage tax due to COVID.  It was down about 5% this past year.  The receipts were the lowest since about 2014.  Adding to that is the Hotel Occupancy Tax was down about 14%, the lowest since 2012.

Commissioner Erickson reported that we have had some requests for roll offs.  Just to let everyone know, we do not have any roll offs and we do not have the access to dump the roll offs at the dump grounds.

Commissioner Bishop stated the siren has been going off quite a lot.  Remember when you hear that to pull over and give these guys some room.  Shout out to the PD, they were pretty busy this last week.  If you see them out and about thank them for what they do.

President Carlsrud stated he would like to share with the community that you have a terrific staff working for the City of Valley City.  When you see them, thank them.  They’re out there in hot and cold weather doing a good job, sometimes catching heck for it but I want to assure you they are doing a good job for our community.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:28 P.M.

 

3.2.2021 Finance Minutes

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Called To Order

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

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Electrical Superintendent Senf, Police Chief Hatcher, PW Superintendent Klemisch, Fire Chief Magnuson, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, Water Plant Supervisor Hesch, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Tracy Eslinger from Moore.

1.  Department Reports:

            Water Plant Supervisor Hesch stated he received his consumer confidence packet and has been in    touch with ND Rural Water.  They should be coming next week and it’s all set up to go to the printer.            The quality of water coming in from the river is good for the winter time.  We’re buffering it with the          well water right now so it’s staying at the 46 degrees.  We received our tractor combo which has            helped clean away all the snow.  We plan to get lots of good use out if that.

            Electrical Superintendent Senf reported three outages for the month.  Wind and ice were a factor,     one was a connector and the other was the rolling black out which was out of our control.  Other than     we’re trimming trees and doing a thermal scan that we had done by MRES and fixing those issues.

            Fire Chief Magnuson reported 15 fire calls last month, ten city, four rescue and one rural call.  We     started having drill the second Thursday of February.  Extinguisher business is going well.  Since we            started we have sold 45 fire extinguishers, 76 inspections, 26-6 year services and so far to date we           have taken in $4,634.  We did get our ISO audit back and it was a good report.  The city stays at a   level 4, for a volunteer department that’s good.  Our rural did get a better rating. They let us use some         of our city infrastructure.  The biggest issue that gets us is the hydrants.  We were probably about 5 points from moving up to the next level.

            Sanitation Supervisor Swart reminded businesses to have the areas clean around their dumpsters.      Also, for everyone to have their garbage out by 7 am.

            PW Superintendent Klemisch reported they went around town and got as much snow off the streets they could.  We’ve also been going around trimming trees.

            Police Chief Hatcher reported they have been busy with some large scale events that have taken        place recently.  Due to the nice weather we are able to get our windows replaced sooner.  We received           an AED grant so those will be getting replaced with the next generation.

            Finance Director Richter reported that we are selling Chamber Bucks at the Auditor’s Department    now.  Kudos to Brenda and Brandy, they are really doing a nice job taking care of the people that are          coming in for them.

            City Assessor Hansen stated the Equalization Meeting is scheduled for April 13th.

2.  Review monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter reported for February we had bills of about $1.55 million and some of the items included paying our annual WSI bill of $27,000, we have $200,000 in the Chamber Bucks promotion and $12,000 above that for labor and promotion that we paid out to the Chamber.  The PD purchased their Durango which was about $26,500, the electrical department had their substation repairs at about $56,000 and also purchased a skid steer at about $65,000.  The water treatment plant purchased their mower for $46,000 and the slope mower that will be shared by a couple of different departments for $58,850 and also our monthly purchase power for about $371,000.  The balance is payroll, benefits and operations.

Commissioner Gulmon added that due to the increase in fees we were able to remove the Midwest Inspection $50,000 from the Cares Act funds so that will leave a balance in those funds from 2020 to $88,117.

3. Discuss Load Pass.

            City Administrator Crawford stated that we had several times this year where people would     apply for an overweight permit and all the City would collect was the $25 permit fee.  We were          not collecting the amount for the actual overage fees.  With Load Pass you pay the $1500 set up          fee and $500 membership and they do all the work and the city would still see a profit.

4.  Discuss requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.

            City Commissioner Gulmon stated the committee keeps coming back to the lime pit area even   though there is a significant cost in site prep which is some of the reason we’re proposing a 5000         sq. ft. building instead if the 10,000 sq. ft.  We agreed we should move forward in requesting funding from the State Water Commission.  If we move forward it would be a 2022 project.  The   main goal for this project is to get the flood walls protected.

5.  Discuss bids for Paving Improvement District 119/119B (7th Ave W/4th St NW/2nd Ave NW).

            Chad Peterson from KLJ stated we opened bids for this project and received three.  The            engineers estimate for the project was just under $3.3 million.  The bids ranged from $2,925,187     to just under $3.5 million.  Sellin Brothers was the low bidder.  At this time we are not ready to        recommend awarding the project at the commission level.  We do need to review the bids with   the NDDOT to make sure everything is in order.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:25 PM.

3.16.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, at the 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/93640711145 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 936 4071 1145

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from the March 2nd Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License for the following:

  • Tim’s Plumbing LLC.
  • Sheyenne River Repair.

B. Approve Rally in the Valley Parade on June 19th, 2021 on Central Ave from Dairy Queen to 4th St S.

C.  Approve Raffle Permit for the Valley City Fire Department at the Eagles on April 30th, 2021.

D.  Approve Block off Street request for Valley City High School Prom on May 1st from 4th St NW from Central Ave to 2nd Ave. 

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

Public Comments

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

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

Ordinance

Resolution

1.  Approve Resolution 2277, a Resolution Creating Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Approve Resolution 2278, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans, Specifications & Estimates of Probable Cost for Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Approve Resolution 2279, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 122 (Main Street Seal Coat).  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

4.  Approve the following Resolutions relating to Projects 119 and 119B.  (KLJ)

  • Resolution 2280, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2281, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 119B, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2282, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Sanitary Sewer District No. 64, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2283, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Storm Sewer District No. 52, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.
  • Approve Resolution 2284, a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Water Main District No. 100, contingent upon approval from ND DEQ.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

New Business

1.  Approve request from the Water Trail Committee of up to $1000 for the install of low head dam signage with applicable posts and hardware.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

2.  Discuss quotes for 7 year lease of heavy equipment.  (Operations Superintendent Klemisch)

            Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

3.  Approve the City Administrator to move forward with negations for PFP Cold Storage Building.  (City Administrator Crawford)

            Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.16.2021 Commission Minutes

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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 present:  City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, City Assessor Hansen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, City Engineers Chad Petersen and Tracy Eslinger, Jennifer Feist, Tyler Marthaler, Tony Shooshani

Approval of Agenda

Remove contingency on NB-5

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the minutes from the January 19th meeting, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A.  Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:

  1. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
    1. Peterson Mechanical Inc.
    2. Kohn Electric LLC
    3. Enterprise Electric, Inc
    4. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.
    5. Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
    6. Bentsen Electric
    7. Dakota Electric Construction
    8. Hope Electric
    9. Scott’s Electric
    10. BDT Mechanical
  1. Approve Raffle Permit for the following:
    1. Dakota Plains Ag
    2. Valley City Music Boosters
    3. District 24 Republicans

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

Ordinance

Approve first reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies. 

City Attorney Martineck stated based on some of the activity in town that we’ve seen over the last 9-10 months it seems we’re at the point where we need to regulate the way people are picketing and protesting.  A lot of research went into this to protect people’s freedom of speech but when it gets to the point that it turns into harassment and threatening behavior we have to start looking at it differently.  This ordinance puts restrictions on time sand places where a person can set up to protest or picket.  If they do plan to set up a picketing or protesting event they’re supposed to notify the PD in advance.  If there’s any intent to use a noise amplifying device that would be prohibited during certain hours.  It’s basically put in place to protect the public that’s coming into City Hall and other government buildings, schools and the court house.  They are here to do legitimate business and it is here to protect the employees and other officials that work at those places so they can get their work done without being harassed at those places.  Anybody that violates this ordinance would be guilty of an infraction which has a maximum of a $1000 fine, no jail time involved so it would be up to the court to determine what the fine would be.      

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

New Business

Approve the VCBCDC request for $16,254.

Jennifer Feist stated we had received approval for small project funding.  I should have included the I-94 corridor, the property we own.  We do pay taxes out of that fund for a couple of other properties so this would reimburse us for $8,000 last year and the $8,500 this year.  What we’ll end up doing is just return the 2020 dollar amount to the taxing authorities.

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

Approve changing the April 20th Commission meeting to April 19th to allow for NDLC training.

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

Approve to move forward with 2021 Main Street Seal Coat Project.

City Administrator Crawford stated going forward as a project is done we will have a motion that straight out says what is being approved to make it easier if we have to track it back.

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

Discuss City Mask Plan.

President Carlsrud stated our mask mandate expires so we have three choices.  We can wait until Friday and allow it to expire, have action today to end it today or have action to extend. 

Commissioner Magnuson moved to ending it today, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Commissioner Gulmon stated recently the CDC had a statement that they are encouraging people to wear masks to mitigate the COVID.  Speaking with Theresa at CCH she had indicated that out of 1291 people over 75 about 51% had been vaccinated, and from 65-74 almost 31% had been vaccinated.  There is certainly reason to still wear masks to protect those vulnerable people but I understand that we’re getting tired and maybe need to take a break.  If the numbers go back up we may need to address it again.

City Attorney Martineck stated we had the original emergency COVID declaration back on March 17th and then we had the mask plan emergency order that went into place on October of last year.  My understanding is that the motion made today will end the mask plan but leave the original emergency plan in place.  If that is not the intent we would want a clear motion of what the intent was.

Commissioner Magnuson clarified his motion is to end the mask mandate, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion carried.

Approve Recommendation from Renaissance Zone Authority Board to approve application by Valley Bridges Properties, LLC at 753 8 ½ Ave NW for the 5 year property tax and 5 year income tax exemption up to $300,000 for construction of new home and designate it as VC-127.

Finance Director Richter stated we received the Certificate of Good Standing so we remove that contingency.

Tyler Marthaler from the RZ Board stated Tony Shooshani is the owner of Valley Bridges Property is on the call as well and can answer questions.

Commissioner Gulmon questioned that he thought the maximum was $250,000.

Finance Director Richter stated the increase was approved by Commission action.

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

City updates & Commission Reports

City Administrator Crawford updated that the Chamber Bucks promotion is going well.  There were a few people that were having issues getting in there between 9-3 and if there is anyone that cannot make it between those times they need to call the Chamber and they will make arrangements to help them.  We are also working with a company called LoadPass.  It’s a group out of western ND that has been slowly making their way east.  They do the overweight permits for you.  Previously we charged $25 for someone that called in for an overweight permit but we weren’t charging for the actual fees for the overweight portion. LoadPass would do that for us.  We’ve been working with Clint and Kevin on a list of things we think are necessary and issues they have for the water tower.  Once we get that we will bring in KLJ/Moore to go over that when it’s complete.  Brenda has been working with KLJ/Moore on getting the information out for the 7th Ave project.  In the information we will include that PW is testing for lead lines and there may be some money available for reimbursement to those that replace them and also shallow lines.  Also want to thank all the employees that have been out in the cold weather.   

City Attorney Martineck stated if you recall at the last meeting we had the first reading of the ordinance regarding wireless communication technology.  We have received a lot of good feedback regarding the provisions that went into the ordinance and the contract with DOT.  Hopefully we will have all the issues resolved and put in front of the commission in March again

Finance Director Richter stated in a previous meeting we had an application request for a PILOT for Trademark Tooling which was approved contingent on receiving the a copy of the lease on the building.  We have received it and will be setting up for a public hearing.

Sanitation Supervisor Swart added that we are still looking for a Sanitation Specialist I so if you know anybody please send them our way.  Thank you to our garbage crew for all their hard work and being able to muddle through all this cold weather.

Fire Chief Magnuson just a reminder it is still cold out.  Check your sewer and furnace vents and remember to change your filters.  Also add water to your drains to keep the sewer gas from coming up.

Chad Petersen stated 6th St NW we had a scoping meeting and discussed the vision for that project.  We are currently working on the dates and times for the public involvement meeting which will probably be in March some time.

City Administrator Crawford added that we are doing the bid opening for the 7th Ave project on February 26th at City Hall.     

Commissioner Gulmon stated the Chamber Bucks that have been issued for the Love of Local program is $242,000 so there’s lots of opportunity left.  Shout out to Marshall and his staff for handling the recent mandatory blackouts that are happening.  I’m sure their phones were ringing off the hook.

Commissioner Erickson thanks to the city crews for working out in this cold.

President Carlsrud thanks to the employees in general for getting out in the cold and going to and doing your job.  Today was a unique experience in the electrical department.  It was levels above us and nobody had any control over the black outs.  The communication was poor but I assure you it was not the city that was causing the poor communication.  They have been working hard at getting any information they can. 

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:48 P.M.

3.2.2021 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/92231194719 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 922 3119 4719

Call To Order
Roll Call

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Minutes from the February 16th 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 $1,555,294.84               
  3. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) contingent on receiving updated contractor licenses for the following businesses:

            a. John’s Refrigeration& Electric, Inc.

            b. Grotberg Electric Inc.

            c. Grotberg Electric Inc. dba Triton Mechanical

            d. Sheyenne Mechanical

            e. Differding Electric LLC

            f. PEC Solutions of the Dakotas LLC

            g. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating

D.  Approve Raffle Permit for the following:

            a. Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center

            b. Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

Public Comments

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

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

Ordinance

1.  Approve second and final reading of Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance enacting new section of Valley City Municipal Code related to demonstrations and assemblies.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

Resolution

New Business

1. Approve requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.  (Commissioner Gulmon)

Roll Call:          Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud

2.  Approve Task Order for Construction Engineering for Streetscape Phase II.  (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Erickson          Carlsrud

3.  Approve agreement with Western Dakota Energy Association for oversize and overweight vehicle permits.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Gulmon           Carlsrud

4.  Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for VC Eagles Aerie 2192 at North Dakota Winter Show March 10-14, 2021.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

3.2.2021 Finance Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 3:30 PM CT, via Zoom.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://zoom.us/j/99791374317 or Listen by calling (1-253-215-8782) Webinar ID: 997 9137 4317

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

AGENDA ITEMS

  1. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss LoadPass.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  4. Discuss requesting funding from the State Water Commission for Storage Building and site costs for a 2022 project.  (Commissioner Gulmon)
  5. Discuss bids for Paving Improvement District 119/119B (7th Ave W/4th St NW/2nd Ave NE).  (KLJ)
ADJOURN


Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.2.2021 Finance Minutes

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Called To Order

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

Roll Call

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

Others present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, City Assessor Hansen, Electrical Superintendent Senf, Police Chief Hatcher, PW Superintendent Klemisch, Fire Chief Magnuson, Sanitation Supervisor Swart, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Tracy Eslinger from Moore.

1.  Department Reports:

PW Superintendent Klemisch recognized Tyler Martin for passing his pesticide applicator   certification and Nick Yokom for passing his waste water collection exam.

Sanitary Supervisor Swart reported the cardboard is going well with having the dumpster.  We are    hiring so if you know someone that would be a good fit send them our way.

Fire Chief Magnuson reported 17 calls for January, a lot of CO detectors this time of year.  Fire extinguishing business is going great.  We are 99.9% up and going.  We are receiving a lot of great feedback that they are happy the City took it back on.  We had the rural board meeting and we have a lease agreement that has been sent to Gwen and Bob Bruns for approval and back to Carl and hopefully for the next 5 years we have a good program in place.

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported zero outages last month.  Darwin finished the pole counts.    Recognition was given to Alec Storhoff for receiving his journeyman linemen certificate.   

2.  Review monthly bills/reports.

Finance Director Richter reported $1,261,000 in bills for the month.  $254,000 in annual payments which includes software, payment with Development Corporation annual insurance, annual HSA payment to employees, PD investigation fees and the last payment for the Winter Show.  We have two payrolls and a quarterly payment to the park which brings it up to about $900,000 with the balance being operations.

3. Discuss changing the April 20th, 2021 Commission Meeting Date for NDLC training.

 Deputy Auditor Klein reported the NDLC workshop falls on the same date as a commission   meeting.  Is there enough interest in people wanting to go that we change the meeting date?    Consensus was made to change the commission meeting to Monday, April 19th.  Will add it to the     next meeting agenda.

4.  Discuss making whole the negative cash balances in the Water (-95,748) and Street (-136,175) funds. 

 PW Manager Jacobson reported we ended the 2020 year with two negative balances.  The     water fund is mainly due to the large amount of repairs due to the water main breaks.  We        budgeted a loss for the street department of about $258,000.  We came in at about $100,000 loss mainly due to the COVID money that was used.  The sewer fund has $1.3 million cash balance and since the water goes hand and hand with that we would like to use that.  For the street fund I’m asking for the funds to come from the electrical department which currently has $3.6 million. Will add to commission meeting.          

5.  Discuss offering a bill credit for $5 for utility customers agreeing to go paperless by proving an email address.

 PW Manager Jacobson stated about two months ago our billing process was moved into our  new finance package causing us to go to a regular paper bill which is also put into an envelope. Due to the number of bills we purchased a stuffer but it’s not working as smooth as it should. With that and the increase in postage we would like to remedy some of this by utilizing the email billing.  To encourage customers to change over we discussed a $5 change to paperless campaign.  Will add to commission meeting.

6.  Discuss Residential Building Permit and Inspection Fees.

 City Administrator Crawford reported that we would like to clear up the Master Fee Schedule based on the different job duties of Lance and Mike.

7.  Discuss SRO Agreement.

 Police Chief Hatcher stated traditionally we’ve been on a contract with the schools for the SRO.  In the last budget process our agreement was becoming a little unbalanced on percentages being covered.  I asked the Superintendent for an increase in the fee with a commitment from us that we will enter into a longer contract.  Looking for approval to present to the school board.  Consensus was given.

8.  Discuss 2021 vehicle bids.

Operations Superintendent Klemisch reported all three bids come in under budget.  Looking     for approval to go with the Miller Motors bid.

9.  Discuss Main Street Seal Coat Project.

 Operations Superintendent Klemisch stated he feels we should move forward with this project. Typically you should seal coat a new surface in 2-3 years and we’re pushing 4 years. 

City Administrator Crawford added the federal funds weren’t available for us before.  50% will go to local share then the other will come out of R&R funds which is plenty because of the cost share the federal program was doing.

Chad from KLJ added Main Street was overlaid from Budget Burger east with the exception of a small segment west of the Rainbow Bridge.  Communication took place with the District Engineer late in 2020 who felt if we got it in soon we could get the funding for 2021.

 Finance Director Richter stated the DOT estimated the local share to be just under $13,000 so   half would be assessed to the property owners and the other half to the R&R fund.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at ­4:07 PM.