Hi Everybody,

• Last Friday “Back to the Future VC-2043”, a production written & directed by Carol Foth and Collette Jensen was presented.  Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the very talented young folks.  The story is a young Mom brought her family to show off her “home town” providing information and humor throughout the play.  Wes Anderson and I each had the pleasure of investing some time with the young cast and crew during rehearsals and the production.  Congratulations on a great show and thank you for welcoming and allowing us to be part of your cast ….. “That’s livin’ in Valley City for ya!”
• June 5th Automated Garbage Collection begins for Valley City residential areas (Please read the packet of information attached to the container left at your address).  A few things, containers are to be out by 7:00 AM, the lid MUST CLOSE, there needs to be 3 feet of clearance around the container and it must face the road (wheels toward your house).  * Your old garbage cans can be taken to the Transfer Station at no charge.
• The Soap Box Derby brought a nice crowd of people to town Saturday.  The young drivers all seemed to have a blast while parents were working like crazy in the pits making adjustments, switching wheels and the like.  Thank you for being here everyone.
• “NBA Mind Health” is a new program available to all who want help to comfort behavioral health challenges.  If something is bothering you, please know there are places where you can find help.  Take a moment and visit the website. https://mindhealth.nba.com/, “Be good to yourself” and “Be Good to each other”.
• Valley City is a Municipal Power Community and nearly 90% of our power is carbon free.  Our power in April was “on” 99.99998% of the time
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    

• “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”    ~ Shutterstock                          

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

NEWS & NOTES

5/29/2023

            Hello Everybody,

• I hope you all had a nice, safe, relaxing holiday weekend. 
• Saturday, June 3rd, the annual Sheyenne Valley Soap Box Derby will be held in Valley City.  Go uptown, enjoy the festivities and visit with friends.  Summer is here, YAY!
• There is a 24-7 grass and branch dump by the Transfer Station.  Please be respectful and keep the piles neat; some people are “strewing” materials everywhere.  It is a good service, take good care of it so it can be continued.  Thank you.
• June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.  That Alzheimers is so prevalent now days, our City County Health Dept. (CCHD) is developing a “Memory Cafe” emphasizing awareness, education and support.  A goal is to be a “Dementia Friendly Community” supporting the afflicted and their caregivers.
• * Can you imagine this?  Some people are putting grass clippings in our painted and clearly identified recycle bins!  Doing that is just wrong, as Mike Ditka would say “Com’on man”! 
• The Valley City Barnes County Library will kick off it’s Summer Learning Program May 30.  At 10:00 AM May 31 there will be various emergency vehicles on display for people to see up close.  Check with the library for further information.
• A CP Rail Training Exercise Team is conducting emergency management training for our county and city staffs.  Many of the sessions are required for us to qualify for cost shares associated with said emergencies.
• Last Thursday a couple Arbor Day events took place.  On West Main two trees commemorating City Foresters, David Dunham (23 years) and Willis Wagar (4 years).  Thank you to them and their families. Valley City Parks and Rec. planned an event in City Park where multiple trees were planted.
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    

• “Give thanks for your Blessings and pray for guidance every day.”      ~ John Wooden                          

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

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Automated Garbage Collection

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS AN AUTOMATED GARBAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM?

Automated collection refers to the system where an operator activates a mechanical arm on the side of the collection vehicle to lift and empty standardized collection containers.

WHY DID THE CITY WANT TO CHANGE TO AN AUTOMATED GARBAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM?

Automated collection is more efficient, environmentally-friendly, safer and more economical than manual collection . Research has shown that the existing manual style of garbage truck currently used can contribute to increased injury to City workers. Injured workers mean lost time at work and additional wages to get the work done. An automated truck also only needs 1 person to run it instead of 2. With having such a hard time finding employees to do this manual work, having this automated system will help us with employment as well.

WHY THE NEED FOR STANDARDIZED COLLECTION CONTAINERS?

The automated collection system requires standardized containers for pick up by the mechanical arm. Regular garbage containers cannot be picked up with the mechanical arm as they are not designed for this purpose. The lids on the standardized containers are designed to be left closed by residents and will open automatically as the container is dumped.

WHEN DOES PICKUP BEGIN WITH THE NEW CONTAINERS/ TRUCK?

•

The first scheduled week with the new truck and containers will begin the week of June 5^th

The containers must

be out by 7 am on your scheduled pickup day to ensure that it is picked up.

WILL MY SERVICE BE ON THE SAME DAV? IF NOT, WHAT ARE THE NEW GARBAGE PICKUP DATES?

Starting the week of June 5^th_, the new schedule will be as follows for all residential pickup: Monday-SOUTHWEST part of town. (All residential containers South of Main & West of Central) Tuesday- SOUTHEAST part of town. (All residential containers South of Main & East of Central) Wednesday -NORTHEAST part of town. (All residential containers North of Main & East of Central)

Thursday & Friday- NORTHWEST part of town. (All residential containers North of Main & West of Central)

Our ultimate goal is to get the Northwest part of town all picked up on Thursdays but with that area being our largest number of residential pick-ups, it will be a work in progress to make the efficiencies needed. In the  first few weeks if you are located in this area and your garbage is not picked up on Thursday do not worry, we will be back to get it on Friday so please leave it out.

All dumpster pick-up will remain the same day as they are currently picked-up.

1

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK MY GARBAGE WAS MISSED?

Please wait until 3:00pm on the day of your regular pickup before you call to let us know your garbage was missed. With this being a new process and routes changing, they may have a different plan for how they get your garbage. They may be going up one side of the street and come down the other at a different time depending on their route. There are cameras on the automated truck to help alleviate these issues.

WHAT ARE THE SIZE OPTIONS FOR THE COLLECTION CONTAINERS?

The garbage collection containers will be issued in one size for residential collection : 65 gallons.

WHAT IF THE COLLECTION CONTAINER IS TOO SMALL FOR MY HOUSEHOLD?

Research shows that the 65-gallon container is adequate for most residences, plus it will help encourage recycling. Did you know that the recycling center is able to accept glass again?! The 65-gallon container will hold 1 gallon more than what was allowed previously. (Before everyone was allowed 2/32-gallon containers). Using an efficiently sized garbage container helps ensure that less waste ends up in our landfills. It also helps reduce the municipal cost of collection and the regional disposal of waste. It is the responsibility of the home owner to take care of any excess garbage that does not fit in the garbage container. The. transfer station (landfill) is open M-F 8 am-4:30 pm and 9am-12pm Saturdays May- October . If you are not able to take it to the landfill you can call the office and they can pick it up for a fee.

MAY I PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL GARBAGE CONTAINER?

Yes. You may purchase one extra container for $75 (price may change as supplier costs fluctuate) and the cost to dump the extra container will be $25 a month. The $25 fee will be charged regardless of whether or not you put extra garbage out every week.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE VERY MUCH GARBAGE, DO I STILL HAVE TO DRAG OUT THE CONTAINER EVERY WEEK?

No. However, if your garbage becomes smelly or potentially attracts wildlife, you may want it emptied every week. If you store your waste safe from wildlife for more than a week, you can place the container out only when it is full, if you prefer. You will still be charged the monthly garbage fee even if you decide to opt out on a week.

WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE CAN I PUT IN THE CONTAINER & CAN I THROW LOOSE TRASH IN THE CONTAINER

V.C.M .C. § 15-05-04 provides that only garbage and rubbish as defined by section 15-05-01 may be placed in city-supplied containers. Generally, this includes but is not limited to  animal, fruit, or vegetable  waste that results from the preparation, use, cooking, and consumption of food; accumulations of decayable household waste matter; packages and containers used in the storage, preparation, consumption, and serving of food; any other matter of any nature whatsoever which is subject to decay; and paper, cardboard, boxes, crates, barrels, small furniture, feathers, metal cans, wood, glass, bedding, clothing, crockery, and similar materials that are not subject to decay. You may use any kind of garbage bags in a variety of sizes from small to large. Garbage and rubbish should be bagged and tied. This will prevent garbage and rubbish from becoming airborne as well as help keep your container cleaner. Anything that is placed inside the container must be able to fall freely when dumped. Please ensure that you do not stuff the container tight with garbage. Items that MAY NOT be placed in city-supplied containers include but are not limited to ashes, yard waste, trees and shrub trimmings, tires, construction and demolition debris, street cleanings, dead animals, commercial and industrial waste, hazardous waste, liquids, sewer sludges, manure, septic tank pumping’s, pesticides and unrinsed pesticide containers, waste oil, asbestos, infectious waste, rocks and concrete, car batteries, and electronics including televisions.

WILL THE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE I AM ALLOWED TO PUT OUT FOR COLLECTION CHANGE?

You will be allowed to fill thenew collection container. There are only two restrictions: 1) The lid on the container must be able to close completely (do not overfill the container) . 2) The weight cannot exceed 130 pounds (previously limited to 50 pounds each) so that damage is not caused to the container by overweight loads.

ARE THERE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR THE COLLECTION CONTAINERS?

Yes. The maximum weight load for the container is 130lbs. Please keep in mind that excessive weight in your garbage container could result in damage to the container, this would not be the responsibility of the City.

WHAT DO I DO WITH PET WASTE?

Pet waste is allowed in the garbage container, as long as it is double-bagged and securely tied.

WILL THE NEW TRUCK WORK IN AN ALLEY?

Due to the width and dead ends of some alleys, the automated garbage truck cannot work in all alleys. In most locations, container pick up will be from the Street or Avenue. The collection routes will continuously be reviewed to ensure that efficient service is provided to your residence.

WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY OLD RACKS TO HOLD THE NEW CONTAINERS?

You will no longer be able to use the racks that were used previously due to the automatic arm on the new garbage truck. Also, your container may not be fastened or attached to anything on your pick-up day.

WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY CONTAINER?

V.C.M.C. § 15-05-04 requires that containers must not be stored on any street, alley, boulevard, sidewalk, or other public right of way, with the exception of times designated for collection, and container lids must remain securely closed at all times to facilitate proper collection, to prevent accumulation of precipitation and moisture, and to prevent access by vermin and other insects and animals.

HOW WILL I KEEP TRACK OF WHICH COLLECTION CONTAINER IS MINE?

The collection container will be inventoried and each one assigned to an individual address. The containers will be marked with a barcode, so the City will be able to track the containers and determine where a container belongs if one gets mixed up. With the North Dakota winds, it  is recommended  that you write that number down so you can easily identify your container. Please do not mark on your container.

WHAT IF MY NEW CONTAINER BREAKS?

The containers are designed to withstand all seasons, including our cold winter temperatures. In the event that your container is damaged, please contact the Operations Department for repair or replacement to be arranged. Any associated fee would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the cause of the damage.

WHAT IS THE COST IF MY CONTAINER IS DAMAGED, LOST OR STOLEN?

The cost to replace the container is $75.00. (may change as supplier costs fluctuate). This cost is the

responsibility of the home owner if the container is lost, stolen or damaged through no fault of the City or its employees. New containers may be purchased at City Hall/Public Works during business hours Mon-Thurs 8 am­

s pm, Friday 8 am-4 pm.

IS THE AUTOMATED GARBAGE TRUCK HARD TO OPERATE AND WILL IT INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF DAMAGE TO MY PERSONAL PROPERTY?

The automated garbage trucks operate much differently than the City’s current garbage trucks but will not cause an increase of damage to private property. Training will be provided to all operators to ensure safe operation of the new truck. As long as the containers are out at least 3 feet from any obstruction there should not be any damage to any personal property.

WILL I SET OUT MY NEW CONTAINER IN THE SAME PLACE AS I CURRENTLY PUT MY GARBAGE CONTAINER?

The collection routes have been reviewed and revised as necessary to maximize the efficiency of the automated collection system and address areas that the new truck will be able to safely do the route. If your collection locations change, you will be notified. We have sent letters out to people who we are already aware need a location change. Please ensure there is a 3 ft. clearance around the container and that the front of the container is facing the road (wheel side of the container toward the house).

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY OLD CANS?

Feel free to use them for leaves, recycling or anything else you may want to use them for. If you no longer want your current garbage can, you’re able to bring the old cans to  the  transfer station (landfill) to  get rid  ofthem free of charge. The transfer station is open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm and Saturdays from 9am-12pm May until October. Metal ones are able to be taken to the recycling center across the street to the North of the transfer station 24/7.

WILL THE NEW TRUCK WORK ON A HILL?

Yes, the automated garbage truck will work on the hills and terrain within the City of Valley City.

WILL THE NEW SYSTEM REDUCE AVAILABLE ON-STREET PARKING & WILL THE NEIGHBOR’S CAR INTERFERE WITH MY NEW CONTAINER BEING COLLECTED?

No. A basic 3 ft. rule will apply: the new collection containers should be placed 3 ft. from the curb and other nearby obstacles. The automated truck is capable of picking up collection containers in close quarters. As a standard, the 3 ft. rule applies: place your container 3 ft. away from the curb, other containers, overhangs, or a vehicle. You may put your container in your driveway.

WILL THE GARBAGE TRUCK OPERATOR PICK UP MY GARBAGE CONTAINER IF THE LID IS OPEN A LITTLE BIT?

The lid for the garbage container needs to be closed to be able to be tipped into the truck. Having the lid open, even slightly, allows garbage to escape when it is being lifted in the air to be dumped. Leaving the container open even a little, also encourages animals to get into the garbage.

IS THIS AUTOMATED GARBAGE SYSTEM BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

Automated collection is more efficient, environmentally-friendly and more economical than manual collect ion . In addition, providing standardized containers to all residents improves curbside aesthetics by presenting a cleaner, uniform appearance and provides less opportunity for windblown debris and litter at the curbside.

Additionally, the automated trucks serve more homes in a day- which means fewer truck hours on the road and less emissions.

WHEN I MOVE. DO I TAKE MY CONTAINERS WITH ME?

No. Please leave the City-issued container(s), in clean condition, at your address . If you are moving to a different address in Valley City, there should be a container there when you arrive.

I AM MOVING INTO A BRAND-NEW HOME IN VALLEY CITY; HOW DO I GET A GARBAGE COLLECTION

CONTAINER? When a resident applies for utilities on a brand-new home at City Hall/Public Works, a collection container will be assigned and delivered with a set of instructions.

WHO COLLECTS THE GARBAGE?

A City of Valley City employee from the Sanitation Department will operate the automated garbage truck that picks up residential garbage. Although the automated collection system is more efficient, no impact on City employee numbers is anticipated. Any efficiencies in crew schedules will allow work to continue on other priority work and projects for the City.

HOW MUCH MORE IS THE AUTOMATED COLLECTION SYSTEM GOING TO COST ME?

The automated collection system will not increase the cost to our customers. The city worked with USDA for a grant for just over 30% of the cost of the new truck and the containers.

HOW SHOULD I KEEP MY CONTAINER CLEAN & WILL THE COLLECTION CONTAINER BE WILDLIFE RESISTANT / SQUIRREL PROOF?

Here are some ways to prevent odors or conflicts with wildlife:

• Wash your container out regularly with a mild non-toxic detergent.
• Place your garbage into garbage bags inside your container.
• Keep your container stored in a location protected from wildlife access.
• Keep the lid closed at all times, the automated collection container is as wildlife-resistant as it can be with the lid closed, but squirrels have been known to chew through the tops of the containers if they can smell food.
• If you currently store your garbage container in a location that is safe from wildlife, that location will also be fine for the new collection cont ainer . Garbage odor is an attractant to wildlife.
• Most of the items that cause odor in your garbage are your food scraps and food soiled paper.
• To reduce odor, rinse food-soiled containers. (Better yet-check to see if it is able to be recycled!)
• If you don’t have a secure inside location to store your container, freeze or keep indoors any material that might attract wildlife and then put it out on collection day.
• The collection containers have a lid that closes relatively firmly, as long as the container is not overfilled.
• The lid is to stay closed when the container is placed out for collection. The lid will open automatically when the garbage truck empties the container.
• Do not place anything in your garbage that an animal might be able to smell from a distance.

WILL THE TRUCK BE ABLE TO PICK UP MY CONATINER IN THE WINTER MONTHS & IF SO, WHERE DO I PUT MY CONTAINER?

The automated garbage truck is designed to be able to pick up containers in all seasons. During the winter, residents should put their container where they normally put them during the rest of the year, as long as the container is:

• sitting on the ground or asphalt (not on a snow bank)
• at least 3 ft. away from other obstructions, such as a vehicle
• not blocked by any other obstruction that impedes the tipping arm of the truck

HOW WILL I HANDLE MY NEW COLLECTION CONTAINER IN THE WINTER?

The collection container should be easier to use in the winter than your current standard garbage container. The wheels on the containers are designed to be easily maneuverable through all seasons, including through snow in the winter. If your container is not overloaded, it should be easy to wheel.

 NEWS & NOTES

5/22/2023

            Hello Folks,

• The sun and wind are drying ground so more and more farmers can prepare and plant their crops.  If you are so inclined, your prayers for a successful farming year can be meaningful.  Agriculture is the  strongest industry sector in North Dakota’s economy.
• Memorial Day is a federal holiday honoring U.S. Military Personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The day has been observed for 155 years and is currently observed on the last Monday in May.
• The topic of turn signals was mentioned the other day.  Utilizing your turn signals properly protects you from other drivers.  To be safe, turn your signal on well in advance of beginning your turn …… and it is a law!
• A big “Thank you” to all our city employees who went the “extra mile” during city clean-up.
• Last Wednesday VCPS held its annual “VCPS Achievement and Excellence Program” recognition.  Congratulations to all who were recognized for contributions and thank you to ALL who are a part of the VCPS educational system.  For detailed stories see: The Times Record and News Dakota.
• Congratulations to all of this year’s high school graduates.  High school graduation is the most special in my memory as many of us classmates were together in grades K through 12!  Your classmates will go in different directions after graduation and it could be the last time you see some.  Take some time to reflect on all the good times and cherish the experience of your high school graduation.
• With the importance of behavioral health,  might you have family, friends or other acquaintances with whom you haven’t communicated in some time?  Maybe your call, e-mail or text could “make the person’s day”.  Make someone’s day, give’m a call.  
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.                    

• “We learned about gratitude and humility – that so many people had a hand in our success.”      ~ Michelle Obama                          

                                                                                                                                                                       Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Carlsrud receives Community Leader Award from Missouri River Energy Services

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA – Dave Carlsrud of Valley City, North Dakota, was honored with the Community Leader Award during the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) 58^th Annual Meeting. The awards ceremony was held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center on May 10.

MRES established the award in 2003 to recognize individuals who have dedicated many years of service to their communities, locally owned utilities, MRES and public power.

Carlsrud was nominated by Valley City Public Works utility staff in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership as Valley City’s mayor since 2016. During the awards presentation, MRES Board Chair Vernell Roberts noted that Carlsrud is a member of many boards and committees in Valley City and the surrounding area, where he often provides the public-power perspective.

“Dave is also quick to emphasize the critical importance of providing affordable and reliable power supply to support economic development,” Roberts said. “As one example, he resurrected community meetings involving the heads of Valley City State University, Valley City Public Schools, Barnes County, and the city in order to keep everyone informed and working together for the good of all.”

In addition to his role as mayor, Carlsrud joined the MRES Board of Directors in January 2020 and serves as fourth vice chair. He advocates for public power at the state and federal levels, and he also actively promotes public power, Valley City and MRES through a weekly column at NewsDakota.com.

“It’s important to recognize that there are many people like Dave who serve in community leadership positions throughout the MRES membership,” Roberts continued. “They each do it for the benefit of the communities in which they live, and their selfless contributions are very deserving of this award.”

MRES is an organization of 61 member municipalities in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Each member owns and operates a municipal electric utility. MRES provides its members with wholesale electricity and a wide range of energy-related services.

The City of Valley City has an opening on the Planning and Zoning Commission for an extraterritorial seat. This position is a 5-year term.

If you would like to be considered for this position:

Please submit your name, address and phone number, in writing, to the Valley City Auditor’s Office, PO Box 390, Valley City. You may also email your information to bgehlhoff@valleycity.us. All submissions must be turned in by Friday, June 2nd, 2023.

NEWS & NOTES

5/15/2023

            Hi Everybody,

• Hopefully you made opportunities to honor your Mom or for some of us, to honor the memory of our Moms on Mothers’ Day.
• VCSU held commencement for its graduating students last week and VCPS will do the same this week.  Congratulations everyone.  To the VCSU and open enrolled high school students, “Thank you for choosing Valley City”.
• I saw a car “roll through” a stop sign and another driving too fast for conditions ….. a VERY near collision!  Be courteous and be safe,“Courtesy is contagious, catch it”.
• Four of us attended the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) Annual Meeting last week which included numerous educational presentations throughout the day-and-a-half event.  That we all like the lights to come on when we flip the switch, presentations on adequate, reliable and affordable energy were especially interesting.  On the financial side, MRES is on budget and is on solid ground.  A Federal Legislative Update was provided by Marty and Samantha of Kanner and Associates, our lobbying firm.
• Tom Heller has been with MRES since 1992 serving as President and CEO.  Over that time he has hired good people and created a culture that attracts and retains quality employees.  Tom presided over his last MRES Annual Meeting as he retired following the meeting.  Matt Schull, our new President and CEO assumed his duties Friday the 12th.  Thank you Tom and welcome Matt.
• Please say a prayer for favorable farming weather.
• With recent memories of snow and ice, it is nice seeing green grass, flowers and trees blossoming.  Our lawn suffered significant winter damage this year so bringing it back to health will be a big challenge.  Thankfully we have a number of businesses in Valley City that have seed, tools and everything we’ll need for our task.
• Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
• “Be tough on the issues, but easy on the people.”                            

                                                                                               ~ Tom Heller

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave