2019 Board of Equalization Minutes

2019 Board of Equalization Proceedings
April 9, 2019
4:00 PM City Hall

President Carlsrud presided and continued with roll call.

Members present: Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson.

Members absent: Commissioner Powell.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, Finance Director Richter, Assessor Hansen, City Attorney Martineck, Police Chief Hatcher.

Finance Director Richter read North Dakota Century Code sections 57-11-01, 03 and 07 pertaining to the duties of the Board of Equalization.

President Carlsrud declared the hearing open at 4:04 P.M. City Assessor Sandy Hansen reported the changes in property values within the city for 2019. An overall summary was read and submitted, with the breakdown as follows:

 

Property Type  2018 State Certified Values 2019 Projected Totals $ Change % Change
Residential land $32,950,320 $34,837,100 $1,886,780 5.73%
Residential structure $208,857,280 $212,561,200 $3,703,920 1.77%
Grand Total: Residential $241,807,600 $247,398,300 $5,590,700 2.31%
         
Commercial Land $32,309,381 $33,130,681 $821,300 2.54%
Commercial Structure $116,505,301 $118,677,009 $2,171,708 1.86%
Grand Total: Commercial $148,814,682 $151,807,690 $2,993,008 2.01%
         
Agricultural land $91,700 $95,700 $4,000 4.36%
Grand Total: Agricultural Land $91,700 $95,700 $4,000 4.36%
         
Total Market Value $390,713,982 $399,301,690 $8,587,708 2.20%

 

City Assessor Hansen reported the parcel for Love’s Annexation will be added to the rolls with approximately $550,000 of true and full value at the County Equalization meeting as the documents were recorded after the City deadline.

 

Forty-eight notices of increase were sent out. The following property owners contacted City Assessor Hansen regarding the notice of increase for 2019.

 

Parcel Number Property Owner Requested Change
63-3551523 Lee Olsberg There was a change in value due to cement pad added to property. After conversation, no requested change.
63-2900062 Chad Wendel Property owner received notice of increase because two year property tax exemption ended. Hansen recommended using the 2018 true and full value of $646,800 as there are no comps in the market. Hansen would like to study oversized homes to review market values in the City.

In 2017, the neighborhood was at $187/square foot. The proposed value is $191+/square foot. New construction is currently at $156/square foot in Valley City. At $187/square foot, the value is $770,000.

Commissioner Bishop and Commissioner Erickson recommended setting 2019 true and full value at $700,000. President Carlsrud recommended following the recommendation of the City Assessor and allowing her time to review the values.

[see below for final action]

No written comments were received by City Auditor.

Commissioner Bishop moved to close the hearing, seconded Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the assessment book as prepared by the City Assessor with the true and full value set at $646,800 for parcel number 63-2900062, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:54 p.m.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City

04/02/2019 Commission Minutes

Valley City Commission Proceedings
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
5:00 PM, City Hall

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

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Deputy Auditor Klein, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Mayor for a Day

President Carlsrud recognized Mayor for a Day essay winner Journey Cruff.

City Government Week Proclamation

President Carlsrud read the City Government Week Proclamation.

Presentation of Safe Drinking Water Act Certificate of Achievement

President Carlsrud recognized Wade Hesch and Sherry Keyes for their efforts to maintain safe drinking water.

Approval of Agenda

Addition of Consent G

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the March 19, 2019 and March 28, 2019 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,729,448.34
  3. Approve Application to Block off Street for Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge 6K Run on May 4, 2019 for route as submitted
  4. Approve Application to Block off Street for Sheyenne Valley Soapbox Derby on June 8-9, 2019 on Central Avenue from 3rd Street N to 9th Street N
  5. Approve Raffle Permits for Education Foundation for Valley City Public Schools, St. Catherine’s Parish – KC’s, Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley City High School DECA
  6. Approve Tree Trimming & Removal Service License for Mike’s Construction & Repair
  7. Approve Raffle Permit for APOC

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2194, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Permanent Flood Protection Phase 2A and Permanent Flood Protection Phase 3 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated Phase 2A is an extension for a pump station at Bettin’s. Phase 3 is floodwall to protect Master Lift Station. The estimated cost of $4.5 million and the bid opening is scheduled for April 30.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2194, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Commissioner Erickson inquired if ladders or cages are required for safety. Petersen stated those details are being finalized. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve VCFD Officer List
Commissioner Powell moved to approve the VCFD officer list, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Commissioner Magnuson requested to abstain. Commissioner Bishop moved to have Commissioner Magnuson abstain, seconded by Commissioner Powell. Motion carried.

The motion passed unanimously.

President Carlsrud administered the Oath of Office for Assistant Fire Chief, Lance Coit.

Fire Chief Magnuson recognized the 2019-2020 officers: Captain/Training Officer Jeffrey Schlittendhardt, 508 Lieutenant Duane Magnuson, 505 Lieutenant Matthew Miller, 503 Lieutenant Matthew Jenrich, 502 Lieutenant Michael Wadeson, 501 Lieutenant Jason Runge, Secretary/Treasurer Gary Peterson, Chaplin Dave Montecullo. Magnuson thanked their spouses for their support.

Approve bid for new sander truck
City Administrator Schelkoph reported multiple bids were received for the new sander truck. Street Superintendent Differding and City Administrator Schelkoph recommend purchase of Peterbilt 348 grouped with Highway Sander Body from Sanitation Products in the amount of $147,010.00. Commissioner Bishop inquired if maintenance work can be done here. Schelkoph confirmed on-site maintenance will be done. Schelkoph reported tandem axle will allow for more efficiency. City will keep one sander truck for backup.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the purchase as recommended for a Peterbilt 348 grouped with Highway Sander Body from Sanitation Products in the amount of $147,010.00, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve 2019 City Forester Contract
City Administrator Schelkoph reported Willis Wagar is willing to serve as City Forester for 2019 season. Commissioner Powell moved to approve the 2019 City Forester Contract, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph reported Barnes County has declared an emergency. New forecast is below 15’ flood minor stage. BC Commission approved joint sandbag center, if needed.

May 6 – 10, 2019 is Clean up Week. Do’s and don’ts are listed on the city website.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Attorney Martineck thanked Mayor Cruff for her participation.

Assessor Hansen stated the Board of Equalization meeting will be held April 9 at 4:00 PM. To appeal property valuation, property owners need to begin at the city meeting.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the bid opening for Paving Improvement Districts No. 119 & 119B is tomorrow. The last column was poured for Permanent Flood Protection Phase II, work will continue south of Hub Mac.

Commissioner Powell asked the public to watch for bicycles and pedestrians.

Commissioner Bishop thanked the firemen and police officers for their work.

President Carlsrud thanked Journey Cruff for an excellent essay and her family for their support. Carlsrud thanked the volunteer firefighters for taking care of the city and rural areas.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:39 P.M.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City

03/28/2019 Special Commission Minutes

Valley City Special Commission Proceedings
Thursday, March 28, 2019
5:30 PM, City Hall

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Resolution

Consider Resolution No. 2192, a Resolution Declaring Flood Emergency

City Administrator Schelkoph is expecting a 14 to 16’ flood stage, this is subject to change if there is a rain event. For financial reimbursement purposes, a flood emergency declaration is part of the process. The probabilistic forecast from March 11, 2019 is out of date. Lake Ashtabula is at 1257’ today. Schelkoph contacted National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks. The thaw-freeze cycle is favorable with flow expected to enter the Sheyenne at Warwick and along the Baldhill Creek due to snow pack. Schelkoph stated biggest risk is a rain event.

Schelkoph stated the City has been undergoing Permanent Flood Protection which reduces the number of sandbags needed. At 16 feet, the City will need 10,000 sandbags. Chad Petersen from KLJ stated 7,800 yards of clay will be needed. At 18’, 28,000 sandbags and 40,000 yards of clay is required.

Schelkoph state the City will follow the plans for storm gates and low roadways/bridges. [Foss] Music Building at VCSU requires no work at a 16’ flood. When help is needed from Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE), will call for help at that time.

Schelkoph recommended to the Commission to approve the emergency today and call for USACOE help at a later date if needed.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2192, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider Resolution No. 2193, a Resolution Requesting Emergency Flood Assistance from USACOE

Schelkoph stated anything below 15’ flood state requires little response and the City can handle internally. If forecast is over 15’ feet, Schelkoph will ask Commission to review and consider the resolution at later date.

Steve Urness stated the stream gauges are viewable on newsdakota.com under “Water Watch.”

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:57 PM.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City

03/19/2019 Commission Minutes

Valley City Commission Proceedings
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
5:00 PM, City Hall

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

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell. Commissioner Erickson joined the meeting at 5:02 PM.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant Jacobson, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Deputy Auditor Klein, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Proclamation Recognizing Vietnam Veterans Day

President Carlsrud read the proclamation recognizing Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29, 2019. Warren Ventsch, Al Schuldt, and Jim Verwey, members of the Valley City ND Cares Steering Committee were in attendance and recognized.

Approval of Agenda

Removal of Consent A.r. Sheyenne Mechanical.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from March 5, 2019 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor licenses for
    1. ASAP Electric
    2. Bakkegard & Schell, Inc.
    3. Bentson Electric
    4. Dakota Electric Construction Co., Inc.
    5. Differding Electric, LLC
    6. Enterprise Electric, Inc.
    7. Grotberg Electric, Inc.
    8. Grotberg Electric, Inc. dba Triton Mechanical
    9. Hi-Line Electric, Inc.
    10. Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C, Inc.
    11. Jamestown Electric
    12. John’s Refrigeration & Electric, Inc.
    13. Keith’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating, Inc.
    14. Kohn Electric, LLC
    15. Kollman Furnace Repair
    16. Peterson Mechanical, Inc.
    17. Scott’s Electric, Inc.
    18. Sheyenne Mechanical
    19. Tom’s Electric, LLC
    20. Valley Electric Service, Inc.
    21. And all license applications received before April 1, 2019 and approved by the Auditor’s Office.
  2. Approve House Mover licenses for
    1. Carrington House Moving, Inc.
    2. Liechty Homes, Inc.
    3. And all license applications received before April 1, 2019 and approved by the Auditor’s Office.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Resolution

R1) Approve Resolution No. 2182, a Resolution Determining Sufficiency of Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 119

R2)Approve Resolution No. 2183, a Resolution Determining Sufficiency of Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 119B

City Auditor Richter reported that there were no protests received for Paving Improvement District No. 119B and 5.34% of affected properties protested in Paving Improvement District No. 119.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve R1 & R2, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

R3) Approve Resolution No. 2184, a Resolution Approving Preliminary Engineers report & directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications & estimates of probable cost for Sanitary Sewer District No. 64

R4) Approve Resolution No. 2185, a Resolution Approving Preliminary Engineers report & directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications & estimates of probable cost for Storm Sewer District No. 52

R5) Approve Resolution No. 2186, a Resolution Approving Preliminary Engineers report & directing preparation of detailed plans, specifications & estimates of probable cost for Water Main District No. 100

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported the above districts are associated with Paving Improvement Districts No. 119 & 119B. The preliminary reports were provided as part of the Paving documents in January 2019.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve R3, R4, and R5, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

R6) Approve Resolution No. 2187, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement District No. 119 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids

R7) Approve Resolution No. 2188, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement District No. 119B and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids

R8) Approve Resolution No. 2189, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Sanitary Sewer District No. 64 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids

R9) Approve Resolution No. 2190, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Storm Sewer District No. 52 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids

R10) Approve Resolution No. 2191, a Resolution Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Water Main District No. 100 and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported all five improvement districts have been developed into one bid package with bids scheduled to be received April 3, 2019.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph reported the City, US Army Corp of Engineers, ND Department of Emergency Services and the Barnes County Emergency Manager discussed the preliminary outlook for the Sheyenne River with 50% chance of 18 feet. As of today, the City has not declared an emergency.

Schelkoph stated HB 1066, Prairie Dog bill has been approved and ready for governor signature, expecting $3 million every biennium for infrastructure replacement. SB 2020 is the State Water Commission budget which includes Phase IV Permanent Flood Protection funding.

City Updates & Commission Reports

PW Accountant Jacobson reported the snow removal budget for 2019 is gone.
Fire Chief Magnuson reported former Fire Chief Schlittenhart passed away. Magnuson asked the public to stay off the river as the thaw begins.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported PFP Phase II construction continues by the Elks building with plans to complete pours within the next week. Streetscape Phase II public input meeting is on Thursday, March 21.
President Carlsrud once again thanked veterans for their service; thanked outdoor crews for their work.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:23 P.M.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City

03/05/2019 Commission Minutes

Valley City Commission Proceedings
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
5:00 PM, City Hall

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

Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell, Commissioner Erickson.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, City Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant Jacobson, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Deputy Auditor Klein, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Approval of Agenda – Addition of Consent D

Approval of Ainutes

Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Magnuson. Minutes from February 19, 2019 meeting

The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
  2. Approve Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $1,344,029.17
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for Valley Quilters
  4. Approve Raffle Permit for Valley City Trap Club, Sheyenne Valley Career & Technical Center Skills USA

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1045, an Ordinance relating to the annexation of a tract of land located southeast of I-94 and Exit 292, described as Parcel 1B-1 and Parcel 1B-2 in Section 28, Township 140N, Range 58W, County of Barnes, State of North Dakota (parcels #41-2840415, 41-2830335)

City Attorney Martineck stated there are no changes for second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1045 regarding the annexation of the Love’s property. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1045, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2178, a Resolution Adopting Updated Hydrology for the Sheyenne River from the 2012 US Army Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study of Flood Protection

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported the US Army Corp of Engineers updated the hydrology from 7200 cfs to 7600 cfs. For Permanent Flood Protection planning, the City has used the 7600 cfs. As part of the long-range Permanent Flood Protection planning, the KLJ is working with FEMA to update the CLOMR. As part of this process, Petersen recommends official adoption of 7600 cfs by the City.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve Resolution No. 2178, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2179, a Resolution Creating Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 64

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported Sanitary Sewer District No. 64 is located in the Paving 119 & 119B reconstruction projects.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2179, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2180, a Resolution Creating Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 52

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported Storm Sewer District No. 52 work will be included in Paving 119. The Storm Sewer drainage extends beyond the paving improvement district. The drainage area will be included in the improvement district except for areas outside of city limits.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve Resolution No. 52, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2181, a Resolution Creating Water Main Improvement District No. 100

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated Water Main District No. 100 for the area of Paving Improvement District Nos. 119 & 119B. Water Main Improvements will be made on 7th Avenue NW and 2nd Avenue NE.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2181, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve NDDOT Cost Participation, Construction, and Maintenance Agreement for Project No. SU-SS-2-990(053)057 (Wintershow Road, 4th Avenue, 8th Avenue SW and I-94 Exit 292 NE Ramp) Storm Drain, Manholes, Inlets and Seeding

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported this project addresses flooding on Wintershow Road. The road is on Urban Road corridor. Eligible portions of the project will be funded with federal funds (80.93% cost share, up to $600,000) with other portions of the project being paid by the State as there is benefit to NDDOT along I-94 near the northeast ramp and behind Riverview Drive. Bid opening is scheduled for April 12.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve the NDDOT Cost Participation, Construction, and Maintenance Agreement for Project No. SU-SS-2-990(053)057, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve purchase Peterbilt 567 Tandem Chassis, grouped with Galbreath U5DPK2000 Hook Lift Hoist and Pitbull PB24 Trailer for $215,309.00 from Sanitation Products

City Administrator Schelkoph stated both he and Street Superintendent Differding recommend this purchase, which is not the low bid but the best bid for the City.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve purchase as recommended for $215,309.00 from Sanitation Products, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

There was no City Administrator’s report.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Magnuson thanked the Street Department for clearing fire hydrants and the VCFD for their response to a high number of accidents.
Chad Petersen from KLJ stated Reiners will return next week to install stop locks and gaskets on Permanent Flood Protection Phase II. A public input meeting for Streetscape II is scheduled for March 21.
Commissioner Erickson reminded the public that if you are worried about your pipes freezing, leave your water trickle especially if the water is 35 degrees or lower.
President Carlsrud thanked city employees, the VCPD & VCFD for working in the cold.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:16 P.M.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City

Arbor Day 2019 Proclamation

Arbor Day Proclamation

Whereas, In 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and

Whereas,  This holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and

Whereas,  Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and

Whereas,  Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife, and

Whereas,  Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products, and

Whereas,  Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality at business areas, and beautify our community, and

Whereas,  Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal, and

Whereas,  Valley City has been recognized as a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation and desires to continue its tree‑planting ways,

Now, Therefore, I, Dave Carlsrud, President of the City of Valley City Commission, Valley City, North Dakota, do hereby proclaim MAY 3, 2019, as

ARBOR DAY

In the City of Valley City and I urge all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to support our city’s urban forestry program, and

FURTHER, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the hearts and promote the wellbeing of present and future generations.

Dave Carlsrud, Mayor
April 16, 2019

 

Arbor Day Foundation Names 2018 Valley City Tree City USA

Valley City, ND was named a 2018 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Valley City achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forester has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of the neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

Updated: April 12-13, 2019 Snow Removal

Business, School & Emergency Route Snow Removal, Beginning April 12

Valley City Public Works crews will remove snow from businesses and school areas beginning Friday, April 12 at 12:01 AM. Crews will continue clearing snow until about 12:00 noon on Friday.

Residential Snow Removal, Beginning April 13

As of 3:00 PM Friday, there are about six blocks of windrows still on the streets.  They have gotten wet and sticky and the blower will not blow them.  We are going to leave them until midnight so that they freeze and will be redoing the business then also.  The plows will finish Northwest residential section Saturday morning and continue clockwise until finished tomorrow.

Please use caution on city streets

Both City standing trucks are down and the City will borrow a sanding truck from the county. Please use caution when traveling on city streets, it is better to stay where you are and not travel today.