City Commission Finance Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota
Tuesday, October 1, 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 Lieutenant Rustebakke, Administrative Assistant Hintz
Commission Topics
President Carlsrud started the discussion on drafting an ordinance about camping and tenting in the City of Valley City. The consensus was to go ahead with an ordinance now to avoid issues that may arise in the future.
Agenda Items
Finance Director Klein went over the Quarterly Engineers Report. The consensus was to use any unused funds designated for Engineering for the purpose verifying alley encroachments as this has been a recent topic of discussion.
Administrator Crawford and Attorney Martineck discussed the current PFP guidelines and the policy updates that they recommend. This included the raising of the $50,000. to $75,000 for PFP buyouts without needing Pre-Commission approval. Any buyout over the 75,000. will need Commission approval. Discussion on Fair Market Value which = Appraisal + 10%. Garages and out buildings could be purchased back for $1000. And must provide a timeline for the removal. House structures, if deemed appropriate, will be put up for live auction and require a minimum bid of $1000. The Street Department will take care of disposal of the basement and clearing of the property.
Department Reports
Sanitation Department
Sanitation Supervisor Swart went over the Container Count Report and reminded all that you need to leave 3’ around your container, have it set out by 7:00AM and face the handle to your house.
Water Department
Water Superintendent Hesch reported that everything seems to be running smoothly as we transition into fall.
Electric Department
Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on the 5 outages last month. His Crew is very busy finishing the underground at the trailer court. They are waiting on the permit from the railroad for the work by the Fish Hatchery.
Street Department
Dan Bernhardt shared a new updated map of Valley City that includes an explanation of each parcel in the City.
Operations Supervisor Klemisch stated that his Departments are currently working on flushing the hydrants around town. 216 nodes have been changed out. The final tree/branch pickup took place last week as well as two condemned structures were taken down & removed.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Magnuson went over his Calls for Service Report. There were 22 calls. The truck is ready for aerial testing. National Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. Fire Extinguisher servicing is a few months behind but will be catching up this month.
He also reported on the Dangerous Building processes currently taking place and how they are doing. Discussion took place on how a building gets reported and that all must follow the guidelines. The form is available on the website.
Police Department
Police Lieutenant Rustebakke went over the Calls for Service Report and what calls and contacts are included in that report. The Commissioners would like them to report on most all contacts with the public so the Department receives credit for all their work. Battle of the Badges will be taking place on October 8 & 9 at Stoudt Miller.
Agenda Items Continued
City Administrator Crawford brought up the purchase agreement for 231 9th Ave NE. This was presented at the September 17th Commission meeting and tabled until this Finance Meeting. Currently, the sellers are asking for $139,000. plus the Sellers keep the house and garage structures which they will move. Consensus of the Commission is to offer $139,000. The seller can than purchase the garage for $1000. and the house structure will go up for auction and can be purchased with bids.
City Administrator Crawford shared with the Commissioners that the Auditor’s Department would like them to discuss moving the monthly finance meeting to the 3rd Tuesday of the month. This would allow for all Departments to get their reports handed in prior to the agenda be posted. The consensus was to try this for the 2025 meetings.
President Carlsrud shared the most current information on the Red River Water Supply Project and that the Commissioners should make a decision tonight as to buy in or not. This will be discussed at the Commission meeting.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 4:49 PM.