City Commission Finance Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota
Tuesday August 18, 2026
Called to Order
President Bishop called the meeting to order at 2:30 pm.
Roll Call
Members Present: President Bishop, Commissioner Gulmon, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Kline, Commissioner Erickson, City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein
Agenda Items
Recognition: Sam Nielsen-Public Works.
Operations Super Intendent Klemisch introduced new employee Sam Nielsen.
Discuss Paving and Waterfront Meadows
The council discussed requests from waterfront homeowners to pave the street and reviewed the estimated costs for paving within the subdivision, with potential special assessments per lot. The discussion noted that the existing developer agreement addresses paving and may place responsibility on the developer, while proceeding with assessments could significantly affect nearby property owners who are not part of the agreement. The council also discussed the importance of supporting future development in the area.
Review Monthly Expenditures Reports.
Discuss Housing Incentive.
Jennifer Feist, VCBC Development, discussed the Home Buyer Assistance Program with the commissioners. The housing program was established to help increase housing construction, attract new residents, and make homeownership possible for families who otherwise could not build. There was also discussion about focusing more on affordable homes for young families.
Discuss Data Center Regulations.
The commission discussed preparing for potential data center development. Although no project is currently proposed, it was recommended to establish guidelines in a moratorium so the city can have regulations in place before being approached by developers.
Discuss Construction Delays and Proposed Timeline for Seal Coat Work Associated with Paving 133.
City Engineer Peterson and the commissioners discussed the delay on Paving Project 133 and the options available to address it. KLJ will be working on a change order to be approved at a future meeting.
Department Reports
Sanitation Department: Supervisor Swart reported that they are getting quotes for scale repairs and improvements, including a possible portable scale to use during repairs. Several trucks have needed repairs, with two back in service and another still being worked on. Electronics were also hauled to Jamestown for disposal. She reminded residents that only tree branches should be placed at the grass sites; processed wood must be taken to the Transfer Station.
Water Department: Water Treatment Superintendent Hesch reported that summer operations are still ongoing. He also reported on the water usage for June and July.
Electric Department: Electrical Superintendent Senf reviewed outages for the month and updated the commissioners on the progress of summer projects.
Fire Department: Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the chief calls for the month and provided an update on dangerous buildings.
Police Department: Police Chief Horner reported that all department vehicles are back in service. Officers also conducted room‑clearing training with the Sheriff’s Office and Highway Patrol, along with cybersecurity training at the HAC. Due to the positive response, the department is considering offering additional cybersecurity education for students in the future.
Street Department: Operations Superintendent Klemisch provided updates on finishing school zone and crosswalk painting before school starts and will then begin hot‑mix repairs on East Main Street and other areas. The city’s sanitary sewer and lagoon systems passed the annual DEQ inspection, and fall hydrant flushing will begin August 31. Work has also started on the new inert cell while the old cell is being capped.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 4:49pm