03/18/2020 City Operations Update re: COVID-19

For the latest City Operations & Information, please see https://www.valleycity.us/covid-19/

On Wednesday March 17, Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud declared a state of emergency as a proactive measure to assist in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Not only will the emergency declaration allow the City to tap into state and federal resources and funding if necessary, but the City will be better positioned to take actions that protect the health and safety of Valley City employees and residents.

Pursuant to the Mayor’s emergency powers, and in consultation with city staff, the doors to City Hall, Public Works Service Center, Transfer Station, Water Treatment Plant, and Fire Department will be closed to the public with an anticipated re-open date of April 1.  Protective measures have been taken by the Police Department and the PD lobby will remain open at this time.  City offices are fully staffed and all services will continue to be provided without interruption, including but not limited to fire and police protection, flood protection, garbage collection, and street, water, sewer, and electric service.  The purpose of the closure is to discourage discretionary travel and unnecessary person-to-person contact in the community.

Residents should call or email with any questions, concerns or business matters.  City staff will determine if access to City facilities will be granted depending on the nature of the issue and the City’s ability to handle the issue remotely.

City Commission meetings and City Planning Meetings will continue to be held as previously scheduled in the Commission Chambers at City Hall; however, in furtherance of the emergency declaration access will be limited as follows:

  • The doors to City Hall will be locked as indicated above.
  • Any interested person must call 701-845-1700 to request access.
  • Interested persons will be encouraged to call a conference line or participate remotely (information will be released as soon as possible).
  • Residents are highly encouraged to watch the broadcast (live or replay) of commission meetings on BEK channel 26 or CSI channel 68.
  • NewsDakota.com and/or KOVC radio will be given an opportunity to livestream all meetings.

Utility Bill Payments

Public Works will provide the following payment options during the emergency closure:

  • Auto-pay
    • Complete the Automatic Payment Authorization Form available at www.valleycity.us, and submit to Public Works, PO Box 240, Valley City, ND 58072.
  • Payment by check or money:
    • Mail to Valley City Public Works, PO Box 240, Valley City, ND 58072.
    • Drop box located in the parking lot north of the Post Office.
    • Drop box located inside the entryway to Public Works at 254 2nd Avenue NE
    • Payments deposited in the drop boxes by 8:00 AM will be credited to the previous day’s business activities.
  • Cash
    • Cash payments will be accepted in the drop boxes only for the duration of the emergency closure and must be enclosed in an envelope with information that clearly identifies the account holder and account.
  • Payment by credit card:
    • Credit card payments will be accepted by phone only for the duration of the emergency closure and only using the account holder’s credit card.  Please call 701-845-0380 during regular business hours.

Contact Information

  • City Hall—(701) 845-1700
  • Public Works—(701) 845-0380
  • Transfer Station—(701) 845-0314
  • Police Department—(701) 845-3110
  • Fire Department—(701) 845-3351

At this time the City has not acted to prohibit local travel or restrict the operations of businesses in town.  Please call local businesses directly to determine how they are responding to COVID-19.

The City of Valley City will continue to monitor this quickly evolving situation and will follow the recommendations of local, state, and federal health experts.  Residents are also encouraged to rely on accurate and current advice from trusted sources.  Covid-19 related questions will be directed to

  • City County Health District—(701) 845-8518, Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm;
  • North Dakota Department of Health hotline—(800) 207-2880, daily, 7:00am to 10:00pm;
  • Centers for Disease Control online (www.cdc.gov); and
  • North Dakota Department of Health online (health.nd.gov).

Most importantly, take steps to protect yourself and your family:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or use the inside of your elbow
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and practice social distancing in general
  • If you believe you or a family member is sick please stay home and call a medical professional

Public Access – City Buildings

While North Dakota, and Valley City in particular, remain at a low risk status for community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, many organizations have begun to take preventative actions in an effort to mitigate future transmission.

The City of Valley City government offices and facilities are committed to remaining accessible to members of the public until it is no longer advisable to do so.

For the safety of our employees and to assist in community mitigation efforts, Valley City residents are highly encouraged to conduct business with the City by phone or email.  Utility payments should be mailed, deposited in the drop box in the front entry of Public Works, or deposited in the drop box in the parking lot behind the Valley City Post Office. 

Residents that require personal service (ie. credit card payments) at City Hall or Public Works may be asked to remain in a designated area while they are being assisted.

Commission meetings are open to the public; however, residents are encouraged to remain at home and watch the broadcast (live or replay) on CSI channel 68 or BEK channel 26.   Members of the public who wish to address a matter of public business at the meeting should call or email City Hall in advance to request time to speak.

  • Mail payments to: Valley City Public Works, PO Box 240
  • Payment drop box: Public Works entry or USPS rear parking lot
  • City Hall phone: 701-845-1700
  • Public Works phone: 701-845-0380
  • Transfer Station phone: 701-845-0314

Additional information and updates available at: www.valleycity.us

City Declares Flood Emergency; No Imminent Threat

The City of Valley City declared a flood emergency on March 3, 2020; however, there is no imminent threat to the City. 

An emergency declaration serves to activate the response and recovery aspects of the City’s emergency operations plan and authorizes the furnishing of aid and assistance.  It is the first step to ensure that resources are available to the City before, during and after a predicted flood event.

City staff and the Board of Commissioners continue to monitor flood forecasts provided by the National Weather Service and the US Army Corp of Engineers, and are working closely with other local and state entities including Barnes County Emergency Management and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

Additional information, including river level forecasts for the Sheyenne River through Valley City, is available at https://www.valleycity.us/spring-2020-flood/.

Updates will be provided though the City’s website and local media.

Offices & Transfer Station Closures: President’s Day

Office & Transfer Station Closings:

  • Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, February 15.
  • Public Works, City Hall & Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, February 17.

Garbage Schedule: Week of February 20

  • Monday’s garbage will be picked up on Tuesday.
  • Tuesday & Wednesday’s garbage will be picked up on Wednesday.
  • Regular schedule resumes on Thursday.

Fire Hydrants: Time to Remove Snow

Please keep your fire hydrants clear of snow. This ensure that the Valley City Fire Department can access them in case of emergency.

During the week of February 3, 2020, Valley City State University athletes will begin clearing fire hydrants. If you need assistance cleaning your fire hydrant, please call Deb Feuerherm at (701) 845-7161 or email [email protected] with the address.

You can also contact Scott Magnuson, Fire Chief at (701) 845-3351.

02/04/2020 City Commission Agenda

Tuesday, February 4, 2020
5:00 PM

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)

Introduction of ND Winter Show Manager Tesa Klein

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from January 21, 27, and 29, 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 Raffle Permit for Ducks Unlimited Barnes County Chapter, Valley City High School Music Boosters

Roll Call:          Powell              Bishop             Erickson          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

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2240, a Resolution to Designate Authorized Representative for the City of Valley City as a Member of Missouri Basin Municipal Power Agency dba Missouri River Energy Services (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

    Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Powell              Carlsrud
  2. Approve Resolution No. 2241, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements  in Paving Improvement District No. 120 (NDDOT Project# UGP-2-999(051), PCN 22280), a mill and overlay project on Central Avenue S (KLJ)

    Roll Call:          Erickson          Powell              Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud
  3. Approve Resolution No. 2241, a Resolution Declaring Necessity for Paving Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 121 (2020 Seal Coat) (KLJ)

    Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop             Powell              Erickson          Carlsrud
  4. Approve Resolution No. 2242, a Resolution Authorizing the Public Works cash transfer to remove the Negative balances of $428,283 in the street department, and $629,777 in the water department (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

    Roll Call:          Powell              Erickson          Magnuson        Bishop             Carlsrud

New Business

  1. Approve capital lease of Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper for five years with annual payment of $43,068.00 from Sanitation Products (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

    Roll Call:          Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Powell              Carlsrud
  2. Approve underground primary wire bid from Resco in the amount of $23,606 (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)

    Roll Call:          Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Powell              Carlsrud
  3. Approve Renaissance Zone Authority Board recommendation for 5 year income tax exemption for tenant, Bridge City Dentistry at 239 2nd Avenue NW and designate it as VC-122 (Emma Tufte)

    Roll Call:          Magnuson        Powell              Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud
  4. Approve Agreement for Long-Term Temporary Highway Closure with NDDOT (City Auditor Richter)

    Roll Call:          Powell              Erickson          Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud
  5. Consider Approving the Urban Roads Project Submittal List for Fiscal Year 2021-2024 (KLJ)

    Roll Call:          Bishop             Powell              Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

02/04/2020 Finance Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, February 4, 2020
3:30 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
      1. Two office staff to Florida for Incode Conference in April (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)
  2. Review 5th Avenue NW lighting options (Electric Superintendent Senf)
  3. Review underground primary wire bid for 2020 underground projects (Electric Superintendent Senf)
  4. Review 5 year lease of Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper from Sanitation Products (Public Works Superintendent Differding & Public Works Accountant Jacobson)
  5. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
    1. Review the PW cash transfer requests to remove the Negative balances of $428,283 in the street department, and $629,777 in the water department (Public Works Accountant Jacobson)
  6. Discuss Newman Signs expenditure that exceeds CVB budget (Mary Lee Nielson)
  7. Longest Table Project Update from Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation (Andrea Nelson at 4:00 PM)
  8. Discuss request for amendment of V.C.M.C. 5-01-10 regarding animal tethering (Angie Martin)
  9. State Water Commission Update (KLJ & President Carlsrud)
  10. Review Urban Roads Submittal for Fiscal Years 2021 – 2024 (KLJ)

Adjourn

As Spring Approaches, Valley City Residents are Encouraged to Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance

The City of Valley City is actively monitoring forecasts and conditions in anticipation of a potential 2020 spring flooding event. The first Spring Flood Outlook issued last week by the National Weather Service (NWS) serves as a good reminder for residents to utilize the City’s flood stage map at www.valleycity.us/how-do-i/2008-fema-flood-map to determine potential property impacts.

As always, residents are encouraged to consider purchasing flood insurance and to be aware of the 30-day delay until the policy goes into effect after the purchase date.

The City of Valley City and Barnes County will be jointly collaborating this year in the event sandbagging operations become necessary. The City of Valley City’s administration, department heads, and engineers will be meeting to plan for various contingencies to ensure Valley City is well-prepared to protect its citizens, infrastructure and community.

01/27/2020 Special City Commission Agenda

Monday, January 27, 2020
5:00 PM

Call To Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance (Please Stand)
Resolution

  1. Approve Resolution No. 2239, a Resolution Declaring Slum and Blighted Area – North Dakota Main Street Program sponsored by South Central Dakota Regional Council  (Jennifer Feist)
  • Approve Resolution No. 2238, a Resolution of Sponsorship –  Rocking DD Properties grant application for rehab of 358 North Central Avenue (David & Diane Hochhalter)

New Business

  1.  Approve City Administrator job description and authorize advertising for position (City Attorney Martineck)

Adjourn

01/07/2020 City Commission Minutes

Valley City Commission Proceedings

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

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 Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, City Assessor Hansen, Building/Fire Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Police Chief Hatcher, Chad Petersen from KLJ; Barry Schuchard from KLJ.

Approval of Agenda – Remove N2; Addition of Consent F

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve the minutes from the December 17 and December 26, 2019 meetings. Motion carried.

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 $2,660,805.42
  3. Approve Electrician license for Tyler’s Electric, LLC
  4. Approve Application to Block off Street for Thundering Saints on July 25, 2020 on 3rd Avenue SE from Main Street to 2nd Street SE
  5. Approve Raffle Permit for El Zagal Sheyenne Valley Shrine Club & Flag Corps, Hi-Liner Boys Basketball, The Sharp Shooter Showdown
  6. Approve Tree Trimming License for Mike’s Construction & Repair, Ground to Sky LLC

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion carried.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2228, a Resolution Accepting the MRES Rate Schedules B & C (Green Energy Rate Adder & Economic Development Incentive)

City Administrator Schelkoph stated Missouri River Energy Services has provided additional options for customers including a green energy option and economic development incentives. The green energy rate adder is $0.05 per KWh. The cost will be paid by participating customers. The economic development incentive is for new commercial customers or those with increased power consumption. If anyone would like to participate, stop in the VCPW office to signup.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2228, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Boomer’s Corner Keg on July 25, 2020 for Debbie Gable Memorial Cancer Ride on the 100 block of 3rd Avenue SE

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Removed: Approve 2020 Policy and Procedure Manual revisions (City Attorney Martineck)

Consider Cost-Share Request to ND State Water Commission for Permanent Flood Protection Phase IV Cost Overrun

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the overrun request is related to the CLOMR permitting through FEMA which is required for Permanent Flood Protection. The cost share is 85% State Water Commission; 15% local. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve the cost-share request to the State Water Commission, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bishop and President Carlsrud will attend a phone meeting with FEMA, the State Water Commission and KLJ as this is discussed further.

Consider Design Engineering Agreement for 2020 Seal Coat Project with KLJ in an amount not to exceed $12,000

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated 40 blocks of seal coat are scheduled in 2020. The mill and overlays have been completed in the last two to three years. Bids will be opened at the end of February with summer 2020 construction. Commissioner Powell moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Schelkoph expressed gratitude for spending the last eight years working with the community.

City Updates & Commission reports

City Attorney Martineck thanked City Administrator Schelkoph for his service.
City Auditor Richter thanked City Administrator Schelkoph.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported Permanent Flood Protection pilings continue at the Master Lift Station with the goal to finish them before shutting down for the winter. The Pump Station at Bettins is not operation but gates are installed should there be any flooding.
Commissioner Magnuson thanked City Administrator Schelkoph for his efforts and positive impacts on the city.
President Carlsrud thanked the crews for their work with lots of snow. Asked the community to spread kindness and thanked City Administrator Schelkoph for his efforts.

Adjourn

Adjourned at 5:24 PM.