Author Archive: Judi Hintz

1.20.2025 Mayor’s Message

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News & Notes

1/20/2025

         Hello Folks,

  • The Bridge City Cruisers & The Jamestown Classic Car Club are sponsoring the “Hot Rod Junkies Car Show” 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday and 9 AM – 3 PM Sunday, February 24 & 25.  It will be held in the warm confines of the North Dakota Winter Show South Building. There will be Hot Wheels for kids, Valve Cover Racing, Model Car Show & display along with a Swap Meet and food vendors.  Oh, did I mention the beautiful cars, trucks and more?  There is something for the whole family to enjoy, go for fun.
  • There will be four ND District 24 Legislative Forums in Valley City beginning this Saturday January 25, 9:30 at the VCPS HAC.  All are welcome to attend, interact with our state senator, house representatives and hear what is happening in this legislative session.
  • To follow legislative bills please see https://ndlegis.gov/legislative-bill-tracking-system.  When you have educated yourself with the bill of your interest, contact legislators early in the process so they have time to prepare information to answer your support or opposition.  The 11th-hour contact is less affective than earlier.  Remember, “A difference of opinion doesn’t necessarily mean a difference in principle”.
  • In case it interests you, one of the Property Tax Reform Bills is HB 1176.  Property tax funding is important to all of us as said funds pay for fire protection, police, snow removal, street maintenance, schools and senior centers to name a few.
  • A Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) contingent attended a Joint Action Conference last week that focused on providing reliable, adequate & affordable electric power.  It is a huge challenge right now as the need for electric power is growing faster than renewable generation and total generation.  The entire industry is tackling the challenge.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Remember, anyone can love you when the sun is shining.  In the storm is where you learn who truly cares for you.”    ~ Charlie Brown

         Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

Agenda Available

1.21.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 21, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 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/87036838176 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  870 3683 8176.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

Catholic Schools Week Proclamation

The week of January 26 through February 1, 2025 to be proclaimed Catholic Schools Week                        

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Minutes from the January 7, 2025 Commission Meeting and the January 10, 2025 Special Commission Meeting.                                                                                                                                                  
  2. Approve the Site Authorization request for:

      North Dakota Horse Foundation at Sky Lanes Ending 6.30.2025.                                          

  • Approve the Raffle Permit requests for:                                                                                                 

      Trinity Lutheran Stewardship at Trinity Lutheran Church on 2.15.25.                                    

      Student Nurse Organization at Valley City State University on 4.2.25

      Education Foundation at Hi-Liner Activity Center on 1.28.25

  • Approve 2025 License Renewals for:                                                                                        

      Kotaco Fuels for L.P. Gas Permit

      Bumpa’s Ice Cream for Mobile Frozen Dessert Vendor

Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              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

ORD 1167 Approve the second and final reading of Ordinance 1167, an ordinance to amend and reenact section 7-03-05.1 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to removal of snow and ice from sidewalks. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson      Carlsrud

Resolution

RES 2471   A Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 130 (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

RES 2472    A Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Costs and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Paving Improvement District No. 130, Watermain Improvement District No. 106, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 70 and Storm Sewer District 56. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:          Magnuson         Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Carlsrud

New Business

NB1. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,293,654. (Finance Director Klein)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson      Carlsrud

NB2. Approve request for funds for a Single-Family Housing Pilot Program. (VCBCDC Jennifer Feist)  

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson      Carlsrud

NB3. Approve purchase agreement for house at 231 9th Ave NE. (City Administrator Crawford)                       

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

NB4. Approve Cost Share Agreement Reimbursement Valley City NW Standpipe Replacement. (City Administrator Crawford)                                                                                                                                      

Roll Call:          Magnuson         Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Carlsrud

NB5. Approve second addendum to contract with City of Fargo Landfill. (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson      Carlsrud

NB6. Approve Task Order Amendment for Construction Engineering for Paving Improvement District No. 125, etc. – 2nd Ave NE/3rd St NE/3rd Ave NE. (City Engineer)                                                                                               

Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson      Carlsrud

NB7. Approve amendment to City Section 125 Flexible Benefits Plan. (City Attorney Martineck)                   

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

1.21.2025 Finance Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting 

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

2:30 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 2:30 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/82824549788 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 828 2454 9788.

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics

       2. Department reports.

            Department Spotlight – Electrical Department

  1. Sanitation Department                                                                         
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department                                                                             
    1. Fire Department                                                                                  
      1. Fire Extinguisher Report
      1. Dangerous Buildings
    1. Police Department                                                                               
    1. Street Department                                                                                
    1. Administration                                                                                    
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Klein)
  3. Yearly 2024 Annual Building Report. (Assistance Fire Chief Coit)                     
  4. Review Change Order #1 for Paving Improvement District No. 126, etc. (City Engineer)
  5. Discuss Annexation – Oxbow Addition/Woodland Park (City Engineer)                  
  6. Discuss creation of golf course alcoholic beverage license. (City Attorney Martineck)     
  7. Discuss application process for zoning nonconformities. (City Attorney Martineck)         
  8. Alternative subdividing and platting procedures. (City Attorney Martineck)
  9. Discuss Paving Improvement District 130 Protests. (Finance Director Klein)      
  10. Discussion related to a Single-Family Housing Pilot Program. (Jennifer Feist, VCBCDC)

Adjourn

1.13.2025 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everyone,

  • Might you have a television, computer, printer or other electronics you wish could be “dumped”?  You CAN!!  Our City Transfer Station will accept said items January 13-17 from businesses and residents of Valley City for $0.75 per lb., CASH ONLY.
  • More people have been walking lately, please wear a “Hi-Viz” garment and walk FACING traffic!  There seem to be more and more distracted drivers …. Don’t let them get in the lane behind you. 
  • CHRISTMAS TREES TOO!  January 16th City Crews will pick-up  Christmas Trees…. Only the trees, they must be stripped of plastic and stands or they will be left.  You can take your tree to the grass collection site at no charge as well.
  • Many of you know we have school buildings in disrepair.  As Valley City Citizens, I believe we owe our kids, grandkids and neighbor kids school buildings at least as nice and functional as we had.  Right now, I believe we are way behind.  Please take a little time to educate yourself on some of the needs.  Resources available are the School Facility Advisory Committee, VCPS School Board Members and Superintendent Johnson will have information for you or will know where to find it.
  • A few mental health tips for winter are, getting outside for short walks, a little sledding and “connecting” with family and friends.  https://www.google.com/search?q=mental+health+tips+for+winter&oq=mental+health+tips&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgIEAAYgAQyCQgAEEUYORiABDIHCAEQABiABDIHCAIQABiABDIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQABiABDIHCAkQABiABNIBCTE5MzUxajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
  • ROBOTICS Season is here! This week there is high school competition Friday the 17th, 10:00 – 2:00 and JrHi competition Saturday the 18th, 9:00 – 3:00 in the HAC.  Stop in, it is fantastic!
  • When you clean or have your sidewalk cleaned, please be sure the pile of snow at your property line from brooms, blades or snowblowers is removed.  Thank you for your consideration. 
  • “A walk isn’t just movement; it’s an exploration of thoughts and stories.”
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are.”    ~ Walt Disney’s Pinocchio

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud 

Agenda Available

1.10.2025 Special Commission Agenda

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Special City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Friday, January 10, 2025
12:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM CT, at City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83489079556 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 834 8907 9556

Call To Order
Roll Call

New Business

NB1.    Approve City of Valley City Nondiscrimination Plan. (City Attorney Martineck)    

Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Carlsrud

NB2.    Approve Standard Title VI/Nondiscrimination Assurances. (City Attorney Martineck)           

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

NB3.    Approve Title VI/Nondiscrimination and ADA Policy Statement. (City Attorney Martineck)                                                                                                                                Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Carlsrud

Adjourn

1.6.2025 Mayor’s Message

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NEWS & NOTES

1/6/2025

         Hi Folks,

  • We are now freshly into the year 2025 and I hope each of you had an opportunity to safely welcome the New Year in your own special style. 🙂
  • National Law Enforcement Day is January 9, 2025.  If you have  friends or family members in law enforcement, National Law Enforcement Day is the perfect time to express your gratitude and respect in recognition of their essential profession.  Thank you to all law enforcement people.
  • Last Friday Julie Fedorchak became a member of the 119th Congress.  She is the first woman to represent North Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives and the first woman representing North Dakota since Heidi Heitkamp served in the U.S. Senate.  Julie has served the North Dakota Public Service Commission since 2013 and will serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee as a congresswoman.
  • Going forward in the electric power industry generation, adequacy, transmission and affordability are challenges.  So many advancements in our country require more electricity and more water.  Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and the American Public Power Association (APPA) are working to provide adequate power where and when it is needed at affordable costs.
  • With the North Dakota Legislative session getting under way, time demands on our legislators will be significant.  That said, if you have bills in which you are interested, contact legislators early so they have time to research on your behalf.  To find legislators or follow bills an official website of North Dakota is :https://nd.gov/. 
  • The NCAA FCS Championship game between the Missouri Valley Conference’s North Dakota State Bison and the Big Sky’s Montana State Bobcats is scheduled for Monday night (Some of you will receive this before and some following the game).  Montana State comes into the game undefeated with North Dakota’s Central Valley High School Graduate, Brent Vigen as the coach.  Brent was recently named FCS Football Coach of the Year.  Congratulations Brent.
  • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
  • “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” ~ Maya Angelou

         Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud

1.7.2025 Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, January 7, 2025
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 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/89351022101 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  893 5102 2101.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda (Roll Call Vote needed when changes made to the Agenda)

 

Approval of Consent Agenda

1. Approve Minutes from the December 17, 2024, Commission Meeting and the December 26, 2024, Special Commission Meeting.                                                                                                                        

    2. Approve the Raffle Permit requests for:                                                                            

           * VCSU Foundation – Booster Board at WE Osmon Fieldhouse on 1.10, 1.31, 2.1, 2.7, & 2.8.2025.

            *Andrew Tangen Benefit at the Eagles on 1.18.2025

      3. Approve 2025 License Renewals for:                                                                                

            Frog Town Trailer Court, Operate a Mobile Home Park

            RNR Development Inc, Operate a Mobile Home Park

            Ground to Sky Tree Service, Tree Trimming and Removal Service         

      4. Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for:                                                                           

            Ray Nelson Construction, Valley City ND

      Roll Call:          Magnuson         Erickson           Gulmon            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

      1. Open Public Hearing Regarding Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for El Valle Taco Shop.

      Motion to Close Hearing.                                                                                                         

      Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson      Carlsrud

      Approve Application for Alcoholic Beverage License for El Valle Taco Shop.

      Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson      Carlsrud

      Ordinance

      1. Approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1165, an Ordinance to amend and reenact section 14-10-52.1 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to driving upon sidewalks. (City Attorney Martineck)                               

          Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

          2. Approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1166, an ordinance to amend and reenact subsection 1 and paragraph 6 of subsection 2 of section 4-01-24 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to special event permits for sale of alcoholic beverages. (City Attorney Martineck)

            Roll Call:          Magnuson         Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Carlsrud

            3. Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1167, an ordinance to amend and reenact section 7-03-05.1 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to removal of snow and ice from sidewalks. (City Attorney Martineck)

              Roll Call:          Erickson           Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson      Carlsrud 

              Resolution

              New Business

              NB1.    Approve Property Buyout of 506 3rd St SE in the amount of $77,003.00 (City Administrator Crawford)          

              Roll Call:          Gulmon            Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson      Carlsrud

              NB2.    Approve changes to Employee Policy and Procedure Manual regarding new hire and promotional pay increases. (City Attorney Martineck)

              Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Gulmon            Carlsrud

              City Administrator’s Report
              City Updates & Commission Reports
              Adjourn

              12.30.2024 Mayor’s Message

              Posted on by

              NEWS & NOTES

              12/30/2024

                       Hello Everyone,

              • Happy New Year and please celebrate your gathering with family and friends responsibly so your new year can be a happy one. 
              • That was quite an unusual warm weather spell we encountered over the weekend.  Hopefully you were able to enjoy it.  However, now there will be slippery spots where there weren’t any before, so please be vigilant!
              • A thought, sometimes I feel sorry for myself while thinking about things “I don’t have”.  That IS depressing and I have so many things for which to be grateful.  When I am feeling gratitude, it really helps me to be in a good mental state.
              • Salt and other corrosive ice melting materials can be tough on your concrete sidewalks, driveways and grass so be cautious with how you use them.  There are numerous materials that will melt ice, in some cases blending products could be a safer option for your property.
              • We have friends who are currently battling some health issues.  If you do too, please take a little time to visit, call, text, email or write a note to let them know you are thinking of them.  Most importantly, pray for them.
              • The Winter Solstice was December 21 when the sun was south of the equator directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.  Days are getting longer, YAY!
              • Good ice fishing has picked up following a period of good ice-making weather.  However with the number of unseasonably warm days, some ice deterioration, currents in the rivers and lakes, extra awareness of conditions for your safety may be prudent.  Please be safe.
              • Fall and into winter is a busy time in city business with budgeting, equipment preparation, snow removal, permanent flood protection, next year’s road construction and the like. Thank you to all our city employees for all you do.
              • Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.
              • “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”      ~ Aesop

                       Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

              Dave

              Dave Carlsrud     

              Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

              12.3.2024 Finance Minutes

              Posted on by

              City Commission Finance Meeting

              Valley City, North Dakota

              Tuesday, December 3, 2024

              2:30 PM

              Called to Order

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

              Roll Call

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

              Other present: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Deputy Auditor Johnson

              Agenda Items

              GovCard for City Hall, Police Department & Court.

              Finance Director Klein shared that she did check with the local financial establishments and they were able to offer a system but were not able to make it work for us as most of our cards are not present. Using GovCard, all cards will be charged a fee when paying as all cards will be run as credit cards.  

              Review Change Orders for NW Reconstruction Project (2nd Ave NW, 3rd St NW, 4th St N). City Engineer Petersen went through all the change orders that are associated with this project.

              Discuss Special Event Permits for Sale of Alcoholic Beverages. Attorney Martineck went through the current application & the requested changes that the establishments would like to make. Currently, only beer, wine & sparkling wine are permitted. The consensus of the Commission was to have two levels of permits and rates. This will be brought to the next meeting for approval. Also add that this is for Local Licensed Establishments.

              Discuss Possible Update to PFP Buyout Policy. Administrator Crawford explained the appraisal process or a bank evaluation notice when determining the value of the property. Using the bank evaluation will save the price of the certified appraiser but the banks do not all follow the same guidelines when they are evaluating. The consensus of the Commission was changing the current policy to allow an appraisal or a bank evaluation and set a ceiling of 100K. Also add a lookback period of 5 years. This will be voted on at the December 17th meeting. 

              Discuss PFP Property Buyout of 506 3rd St SE. This will be voted on at the January 7th Meeting.

              Discuss PFP Property Buyout of 512 E Main. No Updates for this property at meeting time.

              Department Reports

              Highlight on the Sanitation Department for December

              Sanitation Department, Water Department, Electric Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and the Street Department

              Adjourn

              The meeting was adjourned at 4:52 PM.

              Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

              12.6.2024 Commission Minutes

              Posted on by

              City Commission Meeting
              Valley City, North Dakota

              Friday, December 6, 2024



              President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.

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

              Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson

              NEW BUSINESS

              Consider approving the Raffle Permit Request from High Plains Association of Realtors on 12/11/2024 at the Valley City Eagles.

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

              ADJOURN

              Meeting was adjourned at 12:02 PM.