City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner, Administrative Assistant Hintz.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Move Item N5. to Consent Agenda.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Deedra Froemke brought up discussion on Ordinance 1169, does this pertain to Hidden Pond Trail?

Trevor Kamstra discussed communication regarding fines and communication in general.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approve Minutes from the 2.14.2025 Special Commission Meeting and the 2.20.2025 Finance and Commission Meetings.                                                                                                     
2. Approve the Site Authorization request for:

      Updated Request – Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at North 9 Bar and Grille  

• Approve the Raffle Permit requests for:                                                                                             VCSU Foundation/VCSU Scholarship Auction Fundraiser on 4.11 at the Eagles                         Disabled American Veterans Monthly Drawing at the Eagles, 7/2025 – 6/2026

Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals on 4.19 at the Eagles

Mary Jones Benefit on 5.3 at the Eagles

• Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for:                                                                        

            Roger Koble Contracting

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1169, an ordinance to amend and reenact Title 7, create and enact title 7.1, and repeal chapter 15-06 and section 17-04-23 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to use of the public rights of way.             

Commissioner Magnuson moved to change as discussed and add to 3.18.25 agenda for reading and approval, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1170, an ordinance to amend and reenact chapter 11-08 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to zoning nonconformities.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation request of $45,000 to increase childcare capacity with funds sourced from the City Sales Tax dedicated to economic development.

Jennifer Feist with the VCBCDC explained the need for funds to help assist with the lack of childcare in the area. She is currently working with two new possible parties interested in addressing the supply of childcare issues. There will be a provision in the contract that the facility must remain operational for a minimum of 5 years or there is a “claw back” requiring repayment and they must be licensed.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve revision to allocation of funds for “Back the Blue” grant money. These are remaining funds from the grant that was awarded in 2023 and must be allocated before March 24, 2025. Previously, $11,000.00 was paid for retention bonuses and $1000.00 for recruitment bonuses. The remaining balance will be paid towards retention bonuses.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve ND DWR Pre-Construction Cost Share Application for Preliminary and Design Engineering for Northwest Standpipe – Emergency Repairs.                                                              

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve GMP Amendment to McGough’s Contract for the Valley City Public Works Building to be completed by Olaf Anderson in the amount of 1,635,532 for the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB). Oliver Finneman with McGough discussed the process for bids, the need to get this structure ordered, there is a 3 to 4 month waiting period and that would really cut into prime construction season. He also explained that many local contractors were notified prior to the start of the build and will continue to be included in bids throughout the build process. If possible, the City would like to use local contractors as much as possible.

President Carlsrud opened the meeting to Public Comment again. Todd Ingstad shared his concerns over the cost and payment method for the new Public Works Building. Jon Aus shared his concern, from the stewardship and resources, was looking for justification of the monies being spent. All 4 Commissioners and President Carlsrud spoke in favor of the build. They explained that this didn’t just come up tonight but has been in discussion and the works since 2017. The estimate from 2018 was discussed and the increase in cost since. The reasoning for the new building and discussion on the condition of the current buildings. Why the increase in electrical rates over property taxes to help with the cost of the build. Electrical rates in general compared to neighboring communities. Employee safety and well-being. Equipment storage needs.  

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford talked about the requests for more transparency. If there is a way that we can share more information than we already do, please reach out with your suggestions. Agendas, minutes and materials are all posted on the valleycity.us website for easy access. Notices are sent out to the Newspaper, posted on Facebook and Instagram and now we have an additional location, the Valley City App. Please let us know if you know of a way to get more of the public involved in our meetings.

Police Chief Horner wanted to remind all to be cautious with the snow melt, thaw and freezing. This causes ice to build and can be very dangerous. Please be aware.

City Engineer Peterson shared a map and discussed the proposed Seal Coat work to be done in 2025.  

Commissioner Gulmon gave a report on City Finances and that the Sales Tax revenue was up about 6.9% last year. Online sales, Food & Beverage and the Occupancy taxes were all up this past year. 

Commissioner Erickson wanted to remind all that he will gladly take your phone calls and answer your emails when he is available. If he is not able to answer, he will get back to you.

Commissioner Magnuson shared some history on the Public Works Building and why the rate increase was selected as the fairest way to collect funds. Please call anytime to talk about what is going on, get answers to your questions and to hear what is truly happening. Very open to discussing these issues with you directly.

Commissioner Bishop asked residents to call, text or emailanytime and he will gladly talk or meet with you. He will not respond to Social Media comments. All of the Commissioners are open to conversations and want to do what they feel is truly best for the City of Valley City overall.

Mayor Carlsrud thank you to all who came to this meeting, we appreciate your presence and your thoughts. Thank you to the Employees for all the numerous projects that you are working on and prepping for spring. Thank you to Oliver and Rich from McGough, appreciate you explaining the project and processes. Thank you to the Commissioners for serving and for all the extra time you put in that people are not aware of.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 6:25 P.M.

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Thursday, February 20, 2025

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford, City Attorney Martineck, Finance Director Klein, Police Chief Horner and Administrative Assistant Hintz

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Add to the Agenda New Business Items: N9. Approve Maintenance Certification for Urban Federal Aid Project.

Correct the Wording on Ordinance 1169 and 1170  

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approve Minutes from the 2.4.2025 Commission Meeting.                                                          
2. Approve the Site Authorization request for:

      Valley City Hockey and Figure Skating Club at North 9 Bar and Grille                                

• Approve the Raffle Permit requests for:                                                                                      

      St. Catherine’s School at St Catherine’s School on 5.19.2025                                                 

      ND Skills USA, Valley City ND Chapter at Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Tech Center   on 4.14.25

      Valley City Fire Department at the Eagles on 3.22.2025

• Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for:                                                                        

      Your Home Improvement Company LLC

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

ORDINANCE

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1169, an ordinance to amend and reenact Title 7, create and enact title 7.1, and repeal chapter 15-06 and section 17-04-23 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to use of the public rights of way.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1170, an ordinance to amend and reenact chapter 11-08 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to zoning nonconformities.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,645,050.            

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.                                                                                                     

Valley City Christian School abatement application.City Assessor Current explained that the abatement request is from Valley City Christian School for 3 months of 2023 and all of 2024. The proper paperwork was not filled out to receive the proper exemption at the time. They do have a 501C3.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the abatement in the amount of $1184.54, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Service Agreement with ND Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Division and the City of Valley City.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve settlement on Soil Conditions SU-CPU-2-990(062) & SU-2-990(063) PCN: 23571 & 23572. City Administrator Crawford reported the current agreement is for $140,000.00 plus the charge of LDs for 2023, with the LDs for 2024 being forgiven.Engineer Peterson reminded all that the amount will also include the prime contractor markup of 10%.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Final Review and Acceptance of Paving District 126, Sanitary District 68, Storm Sewer District 55 and Water Main District 104 – Phase 2 NW Storm Sewer. Engineer Peterson reported that all work was completed last fall per the contract requirements. This was reviewed by the City Administrator and Public Works last week. This is the final review and acceptance, as well as the final pay estimate. A final review of the seeding will happen this spring.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Extension of the Alcohol License start date for Casa Mexico Restaurant.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the extension of 60 days, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve sale of detached garage – flood buyout – 823 2^nd St NE.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Settlement and Release Agreement for Property Damage – 711 5^th Ave NW.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Maintenance Certification for Urban Federal Aid Project. Agreement for Cost participation completed annually.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford shared the Capitol Connections Event that was held in Bismarck this past week. This event covered many discussions on the bills that are being presented in Bismarck and how they will affect our City. She urged Citizens to reach out the Legislators and Representatives on any of the bills and share your feelings.

Public Works Accountant Jacobson share the news that the City will not be charged as much for their power from MRES as previously anticipated. Our rates dropped from 5600 kwh to 4500 kwh.

Commissioner Gulmon reported from the Finance Committee that our revenues have exceeded expenses for 2024. The City is in a good sound financial position.

Commissioner Erickson gave a shout out to Gloria Swart for her assistance in obtaining a grant for the Pilot program which dropped our cost down substantially.

Commissioner Bishop gave a shout out to our Police and Fire Departments for all that they do to protect our city no matter the weather. They are doing an excellent job.

Mayor Carlsrud reiterated the good news from Public Works Accountant Jacobson. Thanks to all of our people who are spending time out in this cold and wishing you safety.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:35 P.M.

City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

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

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

Others: City Administrator Crawford via Zoom, City Attorney Martineck, Deputy Auditor Johnson, Police Chief Horner

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No Changes.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approve Minutes from the January 21, 2025, Finance and Commission Meeting Minutes.

Approve the Raffle Permit requests for:

      Harvest for Hunger Campaign at CHS Dakota Plains Ag on 3.28.2025                                 

      Sanford Valley City Clinic at The Reserve at Woodland on 2.7.2025

      Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter at Valley City Eagles Club on 3.15.2025

Approve 2024-25 Contractor License for:

      Pine Country Landscaping & Nursery, Valley City ND                                                         

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE

Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1168, an ordinance to amend and reenact subsection 1 of  

section 4-01-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to new alcoholic beverage license for

private golf courses.               

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.

Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION

Approve Resolution 2473, A Resolution to Annex Territory. The annexation on the Bjornson Golf Course and surrounding area.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call: Bishop – Aye, Magnuson – Aye, Erickson – Aye, Gulmon – Abstain, Carlsrud – Aye.

Motion Passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Letter of Intent for Barnes County Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan. County and State require a yearly renewal to show our intent to continue to work with them.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Task Order for Valley City NW Water Tower: Environmental Documentation & Final Design.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Roll Call Vote: Gulmon – Aye, Bishop – Aye, Magnuson – Aye, Erickson – Nay, Carlsrud – Aye.

Motion Passed.

Approve Task Order for Final Design for Hyland Park Estates Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Sewer and Paving Improvements.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call Vote: Bishop – Aye, Magnuson – Aye, Erickson – Nay, Gulmon – Aye, Carlsrud – Aye.

Motion Passed.

Approve the 2025 Contract for Custodial Maintenance Services. K&S was significantly lower then the other two quotes.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Crawford shared that Fargo has approved the Landfill Extension Agreement with Valley City. The other item discussed was a leak in the standpipe. The team is aware and currently working on the situation.

Police Chief Horner explained “Holes” training which was brought up at the last Commission Meeting. The training is about the Juvenile Court System & its processes as well as Community Service. This is taught by the School Resource Officer.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked all the Employees for working out in this weather, battling the winds and cold temperatures. Please be safe. Also thank you to our Commissioners for serving, you are greatly appreciated.

ADJOURN

Meeting was adjourned at 5:21 P.M.