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President Dave Carlsrud

Mayor’s Message

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  • Good job with your Social Distancing everyone.  That we have been Blessed with fewer positive tests than some other places is indicative you are doing the right things.
  • ND Smart Restart is now under way.  About six weeks ago we were quite afraid of COVID-19, it seemed death was almost a certainty.  The virus is still very dangerous, but Social Distancing is working so now we have more freedom.  With more freedom, more discipline will be needed to make wise choices. Keep up your good work.
  • It is likely you all have had something in your lives postponed or cancelled.  From K-12 to Higher Ed. distance learning is a new experience.  Though there are times of disappointment, missing your friends and changes in relationships, those things are educational too.  While this spring isn’t what we all planned, the lessons we will have learned, will always be remembered.  Embrace them.
  • Census 2020 – BE COUNTED
  • I have no artistic abilities so I am continually amazed at the beautiful chalk art around town.  Thank you “chalk art” artists.
  • We will have another 5:30 Press Briefing Wednesday and our guest will be VCPS Superintendent Josh Johnson.  Please join us.
  • Charlie Brown said, “One of the best gifts you can give people is thanking them for being part of your life.”
  • Pray.

Blessings and Be Safe,

Dave Carlsrud

City Commission Meeting

05/05/2020 City Commission Agenda

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City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, May 5, 2020
5:00 PM

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT, via Zoom. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may view the meeting online (https://zoom.us/j/98790731637) listen by calling (312) 626-6799 Webinar ID: 987 9073 1637.

Call To Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from April 21, 23, 28, 2020 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 $
  3. Approve Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor licenses for
    • Kemen Plumbing & Heating, Inc
    • Tyler’s Electric, LLC

Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Powell              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.


Public Hearing

  1. Public Hearing to Rezone for public use the VCSU Center for the Arts (City Attorney Martineck)

    Declare public hearing open.
    Close hearing.

    Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1055, an Ordinance Rezoning West ½ of Lot 10, East 74.25’ of Lots 11 & 12, Lots 13 and 14 less the North 105’, and Lot 15 of Block 3, Andrus & Sifton’s Addition for VCSU Center for the Arts (City Attorney Martineck)

    Roll Call:          Bishop             Powell              Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

Ordinance

  1. Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1053, an Ordinance Rezoning Block 3, Plecity Mobile Home Park Addition (City Attorney Martineck)
    Roll Call           Magnuson        Powell              Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud
  2. Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1054, the 2020 Infrastructure Funding Ordinance (City Attorney Martineck)
    Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Powell              Bishop             Carlsrud

Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2251, a Resolution Approving Plat of Waterfront Meadows (City Attorney Martineck)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud
  2. Approve Resolution No. 2253, a Resolution accepting Bid and Awarding Contract to Strata Corporation for UGP-2-999(051) – Streetscape Phase II (KLJ)
    Roll Call:          Bishop             Powell              Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud
  3. Approve Resolution No. 2254, a Resolution Approving Renaissance Zone Development Plan for 2020 – 2025 (Jim Knutson, Chair)
    Roll Call           Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Approve Recommendations from Renaissance Zone Authority Board for 5 year income tax exemption and 5 year property tax exemption up to $250,000 for the following projects (Jim Knutson, Chair):
    • VC-123 at 461 12 ½ Street NE
    • VC-124 at 441 12 ½ Street NE
    • VC-125 at 554 Legacy Lane

      Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Carlsrud
  2. Consider Recommendation from Visitors Committee for a Food & Beverage grant in an amount not to exceed $42,079 for Kayak & Bike Kiosk Project from Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway (Bobby Koepplin, Chair)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud
  3. Approve Agreement between City and Bridgetown Builders Inc. for development of Waterfront Meadows Subdivision (City Attorney Martineck)
    Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Carlsrud
  4. Consider Engineering Agreement with KLJ for Water, Sewer and Roadway Extension to Waterfront Meadows in an amount not to exceed $20,500. (KLJ)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Magnuson        Erickson          Bishop             Carlsrud
  5. Consider Amendment to Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV – Preliminary Engineering for CLOMR (KLJ)
    Roll Call:          Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Carlsrud
  6. Consider bid for cable in conduit from Resco in the amount of $11,070 for 5th Avenue NW lighting project (Electrical Superintendent Senf)
    Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Erickson          Carlsrud
  7. Consider ending 2020 Spring Flood declaration (City Auditor Richter)
    Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Powell              Magnuson        Carlsrud
  8. Approve Annual Gaming Site Authorization for Thundering Saints, Inc. at Boomer’s Corner Keg for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 (City Auditor Richter)
    Roll Call:          Powell              Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud
  9. Consider Parade Application for VCHS Class of 2020 on May 13, 2020 at 6:30 PM on Central Avenue from Hanna Field to Main Street (City Attorney Martineck)
    Roll Call:          Erickson          Powell              Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud
  10. Approve employment contract with City Administrator appointee Gwendolyn Crawford (President Carlsrud)
    Roll Call:          Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Bishop             Carlsrud

City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Finance Meeting

05/05/2020 Finance Meeting

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Tuesday, May 5, 2020
3:00 PM

The City Commission Finance Meeting will begin on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 3:00PM CT, via Zoom. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may view the meeting online (https://zoom.us/j/93399518606) or listen by calling (346) 626-6799 Webinar ID: 933 9951 8606.

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    • Review bids for cable in conduit for 5th Avenue NW lighting project (Electrical Superintendent Senf)
    • Discuss employee residency requirement (City Attorney Martineck)
    • Social Media Update (City Attorney Martineck)
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. COVID-19 Related Items for Discussion:
    • Discuss city operations and COVID-19 (President Carlsrud)
    • Discuss financial impacts moving forward due to COVID-19 (City Auditor Richter)
    • Discuss Hazard Pay for Valley City Police Department (Police Chief Hatcher)
    • Discuss alcoholic beverage & tobacco licensing renewals (President Carlsrud)
    • Discuss local business challenges (President Carlsrud)
  4. Discuss ordinance re: mobile vendor licensing (President Carlsrud & Commissioner Magnuson)
  5. Engineering Items for Discussion:
    • Review bids received for Project No. UGP-2-999(051), Streetscape Phase II (KLJ)
    • Discuss Permanent Flood Protection
      • Phase IV – Project Status Update
      • Review Amendment to Agreement for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV – Preliminary Engineering for CLOMR (KLJ)
      • Discuss Next Steps
    • Discuss proposed projects to be included in the ND SWC 2021 Water Development Plan (KLJ)
      • Discuss 2021-2023 Biennium Project Funds (KLJ)
  6. Discuss abandoned roadway on College Street SE from 4th Avenue SE to 6th Avenue SE (Commissioner Bishop)
  7. Discuss small cell in state highway right of way (City Attorney Martineck)

Adjourn

City of Valley City Hosting COVID-19 Response Briefing on April 29

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WHO: Officials from City-County Health District, Valley City State University and Local Government are expected to speak.

Speakers will include:

  • Theresa Will – Administrator for City-County Health District
  • Dr. Alan LaFave – President of Valley City State University
  • Dave Carlsrud – Valley City Mayor

WHAT: Each organization will provide updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response. All officials will be available following the briefing for questions from media partners.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29 at 5:30pm

WHERE: City of Valley City – City Hall, 254 2nd Ave NE, Valley City, ND 58072

The briefing is closed the public to honor social distancing. Members of the public can view live on City-County Health’s Facebook page, KOVC 1490 AM, BEK Channel 26 and CSI Cable 68.

04/28/2020 Special City Commission Agenda

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Special City Commission Meeting
Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, April 28, 2020
5:00 PM

The City Commission will meet on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT via Zoom. Board Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may view the meeting online or call (312) 626-6799 Webinar ID: 987 4975 4194.

Call To Order
Roll Call

Ordinance

  1.  Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1054, the 2020 New Infrastructure Funding Ordinance (City Attorney Martineck)

New Business

  1. Second interview with City Administrator candidate
    Gwendolyn Crawford
  2. Select finalist for City Administrator position
    Roll Call:          Powell              Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

Adjourn

Mayor’s Message

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Sunday, April 26, 2020

LIFE GOES FORWARD:

  • It is Sunday evening the 26th and we have 867 cases in North Dakota of which four are in Barnes County.  Just remember Social Distancing, be safe; “you know the drill”.
  • Our weather has made a turn for the better.  I have seen kids playing “hopscotch”, “chalk art”, people walking, rollerblading, skateboarding, biking and fishing.  Get out and enjoy life.   We only have to “stay apart” now so we can “be together” later.
  • The June 9th Municipal Election includes a ballot question to approve the extension of an existing one-half (1/2) percent sales tax for Permanent Flood Protection (PFP).  The tax will run 15 years or until retirement of the debt.  The sales tax dedication was approved with a sunset of December 31, 2047 so the extension would begin from that date. The extension is needed to meet the Bank of North Dakota requirements providing 30 years of funding to match the 30-year loans needed for PFP.  Again, this is an extension of time only, not an increase in sales tax.
    •  Mail Ballot Applications will be sent out by April 30th.
  • We will have another 5:30 Press Briefing Wednesday and our guest will be VCSU President Al Lafave.  Please join us.

Blessings and be safe.

Dave Carlsrud

04/23/2020 Special City Commission Agenda

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Valley City, North Dakota

Thursday, April 23, 2020
3:00 PM

The City Commission will meet on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 3:00 PM CT, via Zoom. Members may attend from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16. Members of the public may attend through Zoom, by clicking on the hyperlink “online” in each new business item.

Call To Order
Roll Call
New Business

  1. Interview of City Administrator Candidate Darcy Long at 3:00 PM
    Available to view online through Zoom
  2. Interview of City Administrator Candidate Larry Thompson at 4:00 PM
    Available to view online through Zoom
  3. Interview of City Administrator Candidate Gwendolyn Crawford at 5:00 PM
    Available to view online through Zoom

Adjourn

04/01/2020 Special City Commission Minutes

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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

11:00 AM via Microsoft Teams

Board Members attended from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 11:13 AM.

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

Others Present: City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

NEW BUSINESS

Discuss funding, including use of Renewal and Replacement fund, for new infrastructure in territories annexed to the City

President Carlsrud reported $3.4 million from Prairie Dog fund is likely impacted due to lower oil prices. City Auditor Richter stated the Renew and Replacement fund is fully designated for 2020. Any policy or procedure changes need to be sustainable for this development and future developments for new infrastructure in territories annexed to the City. Commissioner Magnuson discussed the city responsibility to extend infrastructure to a new development/future growth of the City; with infrastructure within a new development would be the developer’s responsibility. Magnuson discussed possible funding options, such as $55/linear foot for water; $55/linear foot for sewer extensions with cap at $150,000 to extend city water main and sewer main; depending on size of development and proximity to current services. City Auditor Richter stated the Renew and Replacement fund could support the $150,000 for this and future developments. Commissioner Bishop inquired if bonding would be appropriate for the infrastructure. City Auditor Richter stated the R&R fund would support without bonding; it may be necessary in the future. City Auditor Richter and President Carlsrud mentioned impacts to city budgets including lower gas taxes, lower sales tax collections due to COVID-19.

Chad Petersen from KLJ provided background regarding the water supply to areas including the Love’s property that require coordination with Barnes Rural Water to ensure that designs and specifications are met, but water is sold by Barnes Rural Water (after being purchased from the City and going through a meter pit).

President Carlsrud asked for Commission input. Commissioner Erickson supported development of homes. Commissioner Magnuson responded to Commissioner Powell that electrical service expected from VCPW. Commissioner Bishop agreed with housing developments.

City Auditor Richter responded to City Attorney Martineck that the original intent of the R&R fund was for existing infrastructure as fund was established in 2007 and 2010. City Auditor Richter asked for Commission clarity that the intent is for residential developments (not commercial properties or apartments) in newly annexed territories.

City Attorney Martineck stated an ordinance change would be needed to allow fund use for new development.

Consider Bridgetown Development requests related to Auditors Lot 5 of NE¼, Section 27, Township 140N, Range 58W, Barnes Country (Waterfront Meadows subdivision)

  • Cost-share for infrastructure to new subdivision

    Donny Eberle, registered agent for Bridgetown Developments, inquired about electrical service for the development and cost shares for extension of the lines/transformers. President Carlsrud stated this will need to be researched.

    Commissioner Magnuson clarified that within the development, the cost is fully on the developer. Magnuson’s previous statements has been to extend services to the development.

    Eberle stated there is currently 300-400 feet from the current infrastructure to the development. The land between is city-owned. Eberle asked for city to pay for extension in full across the city-owned land and to a 50/50 cost-share the infrastructure on the roadway as other adjacent land is not owned by Bridgetown Development.
  • Waiver of performance bond

    City Attorney Martineck stated the code requires a performance bond as the City will be extending roadway and service lines to the development. Eberle requested waiver of the performance bond to help lower costs to the developer and offered the opportunity for a lien. Commissioner Powell asked if this possible. City Attorney Martineck will look into this and stated this will create a precedent if the Commission moves forward.
  • Curb/gutter/street installation.

    Donny Eberle stated requested waiver of street, curb and gutter installations with the intent to have this done by the City through special assessments. Eberle referred to previous developments where this has occurred. This requirement is in the City’s land subdivision code. Commissioner Magnuson agreed special assessment district could occur. Commission discussed. Magnuson stated that MDU is not available in this area and discussions are occurring.
  • Taxation of undeveloped lots.

    City Auditor Richter read an email from City Assessor Hansen regarding the taxation of undeveloped lots, there is a 30% discount on these lots. Hansen requested any consideration should keep fairness to other developments in mind.

    Donny Eberle stated there will be 47 taxable lots, split into two phases of development. Eberle asked that unsold lots be assessed at agricultural rate. 18 townhomes are planned to go along the waterfront beginning this summer. Eberle also asked that special assessments not be applied to unsold properties if roadway is installed and only be applied once there is a sales transaction. Commissioner Powell inquired about impacts to other undeveloped lots and the agricultural rates in other areas of town. City Auditor Richter stated this needs to be addressed by City Assessor Hansen.

    Commissioner Magnuson stated when the improvements are made, special assessments are applied to properties within district. Magnuson clarified that an improvement district can be protested out, if 50% protest the improvements.

    City Attorney Martineck stated the City should enter into a Development Agreement with Bridgetown Development that addresses each of the issues.

    President Carlsrud directed City Staff to prepare for continued discussion at April finance meeting and the regular meeting on 4/7/2020 for consideration. Additional items that will be considered include the sidewalks, Barnes Rural Water development agreement.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 12:23 P.M.

2020 Arbor Day Proclamation

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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 1, 2020 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.

/s
Dave Carlsrud, Mayor
April 21, 2020

04/13/2020 Board of Equalization Minutes

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The City Commission meet on Monday, April 13, 2020 at 4:00 PM CT, via conference call. Board Members attended from alternate locations to minimize group size and contact, as recommended by state and federal government officials due to COVID-19 and as allowed in ND Executive Order 2020-16.

President Carlsrud presided and continued with roll call.

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

Members absent: Commissioner Powell.

Others Present: Finance Director Richter, Assessor Hansen, City Attorney Martineck.

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 4:06 P.M. City Assessor Sandy Hansen reported the changes in property values within the city for 2020. An overall summary was read and submitted, with the breakdown as follows:

Property Type  2019 State Certified Values 2020 Projected Totals    $ Change % Change
1.  Residential Land  $               34,837,100  $             35,274,600  $          437,500 1.26%
2.  Residential Structure  $             212,371,200  $           218,227,600  $         5,856,400
2.76%
Grand Total Residential  $             247,208,300  $           253,502,200  $         6,293,900
2.55%
         
3.  Commercial Land  $               33,761,081  $             34,463,755 $           702,674 2.08%
4.  Commercial Structure  $             118,677,009  $           124,187,065  $           5,510,056
4.64%
Grand Total Commercial $           152,438,090  $          158,650,820  $           6,212,730
4.08%
       
5.  Agricultural Land  $                     95,700  $                    98,800  $                  3,100 3.24%
Grand Total Agricultural  $                    95,700  $                   98,800  $                  3,100 3.24%
         
5.  Total Market Value  $        399,742,090  $      412,251,820  $       12,509,730
3.13%

City Assessor Hansen reported the parcels for Waterfront Meadows Annexation will be added to the tax rolls in 2021.
 
Sixty-five notices of increase were sent out. The following property owners contacted City Assessor Hansen regarding the notice of increase for 2020.

PARCEL nUMBER pROPERTY OWNER REQUESTED CHANGE
63-4270414 Joshua & Jackie Gow The house had been updated and was recently purchased. The house was not reviewed in 2017 when the City Assessor was in neighborhood. Dropped value by $2,300 per changes confirmed with new property owners (ie, siding was repainted, not new) prior to the meeting.

No written comments were received by City Auditor.

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

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the assessment book as presented by the City Assessor, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  The motion passed unanimously.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:33 p.m.