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Local Law Enforcement & City-County Health District Launch Anonymous Tip Line

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Free app allows residents to send anonymous tips directly to police from their smartphone

VALLEY CITY, ND – February 12, 2018 – The Valley City Police Department now allows the public to share important public safety information anonymously by sending them a secure message about crimes or suspicious activity in Valley City via a free smartphone app and text line.

Used by over 1,200 communities throughout the U.S. and many communities in North Dakota, tip411 enables anyone with a cell phone or web browser access to send anonymous tips to law enforcement. Tips are received via an interface that allows for secure web and text based conversations. Tip411 enables the public to share an anonymous tip with police and lets the officers respond back creating an anonymous two-way conversation.

The VC BarnesCo. Tips App puts a powerful new crime-fighting tool into the hands of community members of all ages. The App can be downloaded free via the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store.

“We believe the public is our greatest law enforcement resource,” said Police Chief Phil Hatcher of the Valley City Police Department. “Tip411 has been successful in communities across the U.S. and here in North Dakota. It is a safe and secure way for community members to share important information with police without the fear of retribution. It will help our residents play a more active role in keeping Valley City safe.”

Anyone with a cell phone may also send an anonymous tip to Valley City Police Department by texting VCPOLICE and their message/tip to 847411 (tip411). Tip411 should not be used in place of 911 in an emergency.

The VC BarnesCo. Tips App and tip411 anonymous text-a-tip system are 100% anonymous, as the technology removes all identifying information before police see the tip and there is no way to identify the sender.

“The Partnership for Success grant allows us to address underage drinking in Barnes County, and will support the first thirty-six months of tip line service,” said Katie Beyer, Prevention Specialist at City-County Health District. “We’ve enjoyed successful collaboration with law enforcement in the adoption of this service, and we commend their proactive approach to harm-reduction in our community.”

Valley City Public Schools and the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office also allow the public to share important public safety information via tip411. School Resource Officer Sean Hagen will manage the tip line for Valley City Public Schools using the keyword HILINERTIPS. Sheriff Randy McClaflin will manage the tip line for the rural areas of Barnes County using the keyword BCSHERIFF.

Those with questions are asked to call the Valley City Police Department at 701-845-3110.

Main Street Closure – 02/12/2018 to 02/21/2018

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VALLEY CITY, ND –

Permanent Flood Protection Phase 2 work will resume in Valley City. Beginning Monday February 12, 2018, Main Street will be closed between Central Ave and 5th AVE NW. Local traffic will be permitted to businesses inside of the road closures. Business signing will be provided. The contractor will be resuming pile driving as well as staging materials and will need to have their crane and materials on Main Street during this time. For the safety of the traveling public traffic will be detoured onto 2nd Street NW during this shut down. Truck deliveries are encouraged to seek alternative routes. The road closure will last through February 21. Additional updates will be provided as needed.

02/06/2018 City Commission Minutes

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Valley City Commission Proceedings
February 6, 2018
5:00 PM Meeting, City Hall

President Carlsrud presided and continued with roll call at 5:04 PM.

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

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Mertins, City Auditor Richter, Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Police Chief Hatcher, Dave Andersen, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Gary Retterath.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda – Remove N1, Consent D

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from January 16 and January 26, 2018 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 $2,349,194.09
  3. Approve raffle permits for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited, Native American Culture Club, North American Game Warden Museum
  4. Approve mechanical contractor license for Dakota Plains Mechanical

Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve the consent agenda, Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2125, a resolution to amend a fee for parking tickets.

City Attorney Mertins introduced Resolution No. 2125, this will bring the Valley City in conformance NDCC. Commissioner Powell moved to approve Resolution No. 2125, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.

Police Chief Hatcher stated that ten dollars is a sufficient fee for parking violations in comparison to other fees in Valley City and indicated that the timing is a concern for the department. City Attorney Mertins stated that it would be feasible to amend the criminal code to allow a ten dollar fee; in order to do so, this could be done through an ordinance at the next meeting. City Administrator Schelkoph stated that the passage of the twenty dollar fine may limit parking violations.

Commissioner Magnuson inquired if enforcing parking ticket non-payment issues might be addressed separately.

City Administrator Schelkoph recommend the passage of the twenty dollar fee.

Roll call vote: Bishop AYE; Magnuson NAY; Pedersen NAY; Powell NAY; Carlsrud AYE. Motion failed.

Approve Resolution No. 2126, a resolution determining sufficiency of protest for Paving Improvement District No. 117

City Auditor Richter reported that protests were received for Paving Improvement District No. 117 with 2.25% in Swanke Addition and 0.46% for seal coat.

Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve Resolution No. 2126, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2127, Accepting Final Plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement District No. 117 and authorizing Engineer to advertise for bid.

Chad Petersen from KLJ reviewed Paving Improvement District No. 117. The estimated project cost is $720,000. Commissioner Powell moved to approve Resolution No. 2127, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve sale of Lot 6, Riverview Drive Third Addition for $7,013.

City Administrator Schelkoph presented the bid received for Lot 6, Riverview Drive Third Addition. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvement to 240 13th St NE.

City Assessor Hansen provided overview of the Property Tax Exemption for Improvements program and stated that 240 13th Street NE meets the criteria. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the application, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvement to 426 3rd St NW.

City Assessor Hansen reported that 426 3rd St NW will be a complete remodel and meets the criteria for the program. Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Memorandum of Understanding between State of ND ITD and City of Valley City for statewide interoperable radio network

City Attorney Mertins stated that the ND Legislative Assembly in 2017 made the state interoperable radio network a statewide priority. Police Chief Hatcher stated that this will allow multiple agencies the ability to talk over the same frequencies when responding to a single incident.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Award bid for demolition of Elevators & Steel Bins located at Mill Dam to Swanberg Construction in the amount of $164,500.00.

City Administrator Schelkoph reported that six contractors bid on this project with the low bid made by Swanberg Construction. Commissioner Pedersen moved to award bid for demolition to Swanberg Construction, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph will be attending a State Water Commission on Thursday to request funding for the damaged filters at the Water Treatment Plant.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Auditor Richter reported that the 2018 Regular Election includes President, 2 Commissioners, 3 Park Board Members. Information available at City Hall or website. Candidates must file by Monday April 9.

Fire Chief Retterath reminded residents to uncover fire hydrants in neighborhoods; check gas meters to ensure that the meters are uncovered as well.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided update on Permanent Flood Protection Phase II construction.

Commissioner Powell stated that the parking lot lighting looks good.

President Carlsrud thanked Commission and city employees.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:38 pm.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

02/06/2018 City Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
5:00 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda – Consent D, Remove N1

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from January 16 and January 26, 2018 meetings

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 $2,349,194.09
  3. Approve raffle permits for Barnes County Ducks Unlimited, Native American Culture Club, North American Game Warden Museum
  4. Approve mechanical contractor license for Dakota Plains Mechanical

Roll Call:          Pedersen           Powell              Magnuson        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.

Resolutions

R1. Approve Resolution No. 2125, a resolution to amend a fee for parking tickets (City Attorney Mertins)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Pedersen           Powell        Carlsrud

R2. Approve Resolution No. 2126, a resolution determining sufficiency of protest for Paving Improvement District No. 117 (City Auditor Richter)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Pedersen           Powell              Bishop              Carlsrud

R3. Approve Resolution 2127, Accepting Final Plans and Specifications for Paving Improvement District No. 117 and authorizing Engineer to advertise for bid.

Roll Call:          Powell              Bishop              Magnuson        Pedersen            Carlsrud

New Business

N1. REMOVED: Consider City Commission’s Committee for Substance Abuse (President Carlsrud)

N2. Approve sale of Lot 6, Riverview Drive Third Addition for $7,013 (City Administrator Schelkoph)

Roll Call:          Pedersen           Bishop              Powell              Magnuson            Carlsrud

N3. Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvement to 240 13th St NE (City Assessor Hansen)

Roll Call:          Powell              Magnuson        Pedersen           Bishop              Carlsrud

N4. Approve Application for Property Tax Exemption for Improvement to 426 3rd St NW (City Assessor Hansen)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Pedersen           Magnuson        Powell              Carlsrud

N5. Approve Memorandum of Understanding between State of ND ITD and City of Valley City for statewide interoperable radio network (City Attorney Mertins)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop              Pedersen           Powell              Carlsrud

N6. Award bid for demolition of Elevators & Steel Bins located at Mill Dam to Swanberg Construction in the amount of $164,500.00. (City Administrator Schelkoph)

Roll Call:          Pedersen           Magnuson        Powell              Bishop              Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report

City Updates & Commission Reports

Adjourn

02/06/2018 Finance Meeting Agenda

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City Commission Finance Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
3:30 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Public Works reports.
  2. Out of State Training Requests:
    • One police officer: Field Training Officer class in Bemidji, MN on 2-26 until 3-2.
    • Two firefighters: Fire Department Instructor’s Conference in Indianapolis, IN on 4-24 until 4-27.
  3. VCPW accounting clerk: Incode Conference in Boston, MA on 04-22 until 04-25
  4. Discuss Memorandum of Understanding between State of ND ITD and City of Valley City for statewide interoperable radio network (City Attorney Mertins).
  5. Discuss email for Commissioners (City Attorney Mertins)
  6. Discuss moving forward with a “Request for Qualifications” for the city’s project engineer (City Administrator Schelkoph)
  7. Discuss proposed rate changes to the city’s garbage rate (City Administrator Schelkoph)
  8. Discuss MRES electrical safety program for all 5th graders in Valley City (City Administrator Schelkoph)
  9. Review bids for Mill Dam elevator demolition (City Administrator Schelkoph)
  10. Discuss changes to the Liquor Ordinance to make mandatory server training for all employees that serve/sell alcohol (Commissioner Bishop & President Carlsrud)
  11. Discuss changes to the Liquor Ordinance to allow for a brew/tap room license (City Attorney Mertins)
  12. Discuss jail (President Carlsrud)

Adjourn

01/26/2018 Special City Commission Minutes

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Valley City Commission Special Proceedings
January 26,2018
12:45 PM Meeting, City Hall

President Carlsrud presided and continued with roll call.

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

Members absent: Commissioner Pedersen.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Mertins, Auditor Richter.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

New Business

Approve two raffle permits for Dakota Plains Ag

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve two raffle permits for Dakota Plains Ag, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 12:48 pm.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

01/26/2018 Special City Commission Agenda

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Special City Commission Meeting
Friday, January 26, 2018
12:45 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

New Business

N1. Approve two raffle permits for Dakota Plains Ag

Roll Call:          Bishop              Pedersen           Powell              Magnuson             Carlsrud

Adjourn

Catholic Schools Week: January 28 – February 3, 2018

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Whereas, Catholic schools play an important role in our community by furnishing our leaders of tomorrow with basic human, moral and spiritual foundations; and

Whereas,  Catholic schools strengthen the community and nation by keeping viable the right to freedom of religion under law; and

Whereas,  Catholic education is intended to fulfill a threefold purpose of message, community and service; and

Whereas, Catholic education has demonstrated its ability to contribute to the city’s
welfare by raising levels of knowledge, competence and experience; and

Whereas, the National Catholic Educational Association, has declared January 28 through February 3, 2018 as the Catholic schools week with “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” as the theme for 2018.

Therefore, I, Dave Carlsrud, President of the City of Valley City Commission, Valley City, North Dakota, in recognition of, and hereby declare January 28 through February 3, 2018 as Catholic Schools Week in Valley City, North Dakota.

Dave Carlsrud, Mayor
Monday the Twenty-Second of January,
Two-Thousand Eighteen

 

01/16/2018 City Commission Minutes

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Valley City Commission Proceedings
January 16, 2018
5:00 PM Meeting, City Hall

President Carlsrud presided and continued with roll call.

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

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Mertins, Deputy Auditor Klein at 5:15 pm, Assessor Hansen, Public Works Accountant/Manager Jacobson, Police Chief Hatcher, Fire Chief Retterath

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Swearing in of Police Officer Matthew Knight

President Carlsrud swore in Police Officer Matthew Knight.

Approval of Agenda

N6 was moved to immediately following the consent agenda.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from January 2, 2018 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve raffle permit application for Chamber of Commerce, Tony Kramers Fundraiser & Gun Raffle

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

Approve settlement agreement in Lindberg v. City of Valley City or Move to enter into an Executive Session as authorized by North Dakota Century Code sections 44-04-17.1 subsection 4 and in conformance with section 44-04-19.2 (1) to enter into confidential discussions with legal counsel regarding negotiations in Lindberg Bros., Inc. v. Valley City and (2) to limit the executive session to Commission members, City Administrator, City Auditor, City Attorney, City Engineer, and retained legal counsel.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve settlement agreement in Lindberg v. City of Valley City, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2120, a Resolution to Create a Fee for Special Alcohol Server Training.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2120, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve application for conditional use permit for Open Door Center for production and packaging of popcorn.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the conditional use permit for Open Door Center, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. City Administrator Schelkoph reported the conditional use permit received a do pass recommendation from Planning & Zoning Commission. The motion passed unanimously.

Discuss possible joint meeting with Barnes County Commission and Valley City Public Schools

President Carlsrud stated that a luncheon may be held with Barnes County Commission & Valley City Public Schools to discuss issues of mutual interest. Commissioners supported continuing the efforts to plan a joint meeting.

Approve rescheduling of March Finance & Commission meetings to Thursday, March 8
City Administrator Schelkoph stated that March Madness, a League of Cities conference, is scheduled at the same time as the regular March finance and commission meetings. Commissioner Pedersen moved to approve rescheduling of March Finance & Commission meetings to Thursday, March 8, seconded by Commissioner Powell.

Approve authority to transfer to local agent for Valley City Retirement Plan
City Administrator Schelkoph reported that the Retirement Committee has considered proposals by local agents to administer and provide financial advice regarding the Valley City Retirement Plan. The Retirement Committee recommends transferring to Tom Glandt at Valley Weath Advisors. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the authority to transfer to a local agent, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Preliminary & Design Engineering Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV – Segments 12, 13 & 14 with KLJ in an amount not to exceed $875,775.

City Administrator Schelkoph stated that this preliminary & design engineering agreement will allow the City to have shovel ready project for Phase IV construction when legislative funding is available. Chad Petersen from KLJ reported that Phase IV will include clay levy and floodwall from HubMac to the Powerhouse. Commissioner Powell moved to approve the preliminary & design engineering agreement, seconded by Commissioner Pedersen. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph reported that the State Water Commission is continuing to review the Water Treatment request. Schelkoph continues to work with the State Water Commission regarding the cost share for future projects. Schelkoph congratulated Chris Grafing on receiving his journeyman lineman status.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Fire Chief Retterath welcomed the public to attend a fundraiser on February 2 at the VFW for the VCFD.

Commissioner Powell encouraged the public to be engaged in the Valley City Public Schools planning sessions regarding a new track.

Commissioner Pedersen relayed congratulations from governor for work on main street initiative.

President Carlsrud congratulated Chris Grafing. Carlsrud reminded citizens to watch for icy streets.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:23 pm.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

Attested to by:
Brenda Klein, Deputy Auditor
City of Valley City

01/16/2018 City Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
5:00 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Pledge of allegiance (please stand)

Swearing in of Police Officer Matthew Knight

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from January 2, 2018 meeting

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve raffle permit application for Chamber of Commerce, Tony Kramers Fundraiser & Gun Raffle
    Roll Call: Powell              Bishop              Pedersen           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.

Resolution

R1. Approve Resolution No. 2120, a Resolution to Create a Fee for Special Alcohol Server Training.

Roll Call:          Bishop              Pedersen           Powell              Magnuson            Carlsrud

New Business

N1. Approve application for conditional use permit for Open Door Center for production and packaging of popcorn (City Administrator Schelkoph).

Roll Call:          Pedersen           Magnuson        Bishop              Powell              Carlsrud

N2. Discuss possible joint meeting with Barnes County Commission and Valley City Public Schools (President Carlsrud)

N3. Approve rescheduling of March Finance & Commission meetings to Thursday, March 8 (City Administrator Schelkoph)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Powell              Bishop              Pedersen            Carlsrud

N4. Approve authority to transfer to local agent for Valley City Retirement Plan (City Administrator Schelkoph)
Roll Call: Bishop             Pedersen           Powell              Magnuson            Carlsrud

N5. Approve Preliminary & Design Engineering Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV – Segments 12, 13 & 14 with KLJ in an amount not to exceed $875,775. (KLJ)

Roll Call:          Pedersen           Bishop              Powell              Magnuson            Carlsrud

N6. Approve settlement agreement in Lindberg v. City of Valley City or
Move to enter into an Executive Session as authorized by North Dakota Century Code sections 44-04-17.1 subsection 4 and in conformance with section 44-04-19.2 (1) to enter into confidential discussions with legal counsel regarding negotiations in Lindberg Bros., Inc. v. Valley City and (2) to limit the executive session to Commission members, City Administrator, City Auditor, City Attorney, City Engineer, and retained legal counsel.

Roll Call:          Powell              Pedersen           Magnuson        Bishop              Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report

City Updates & Commission Reports

Adjourn