October is Energy Efficiency Awareness Month

Valley City Public Works. Serving Valley City Since 1883 (Logo)

During the month of October, Valley City Public Works will be hanging 2 LED bulbs on each customer’s door along with energy-efficient information.

Thanks to improved technology and falling prices, energy-efficient lighting just makes sense.

Over its lifetime, one ENERGY STAR certified light bulb can save you up to $80 in electricity costs, compared to the standard incandescent bulbs that produce the same brightness. Consider that the average U.S. household has about 40 bulbs, the savings is significant. The new bulbs will last 10 to 25 times longer.

A wide variety of shapes and sizes mean that they are available for almost any application – including recessed cans, track lighting, table lamps and candelabras. Dimmable LED lights are available too.

To learn more about rebates for ENERGY STAR lighting and other energy-efficient equipment, call Valley City Public Works today at (701) 845-0380 or visit https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/valleycity

October 11 & 12: Storm Closings

Transfer Station will be closing Friday, October 11 at 2:00 PM and remain closed on Saturday, October 12.

City Hall & Public Works offices will be closing Friday, October 11 at 2:00 PM.

To report a downed tree, power outage or other safety concern, please contact the Public Works After Hours number (701) 845-0380.

For emergencies, please call 911.

10/15/2019 City Commission Agenda

Valley City, North Dakota
Tuesday,­ October 15, 2019
5:00 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from October 1, 2019 meeting

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals

Roll Call:          Erickson           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.

Public Hearing

PH1. Final Public Hearing for Community Development Block Grant for After School Latch Key Program dba TL Childcare

Declare public hearing open.

Close hearing.

Roll Call:          Bishop              Erickson           Magnuson        Powell              Carlsrud

Ordinance

O1. Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1051, an Ordinance to Adopt the Valley City Municipal Code and Repeal all Ordinances Previously Adopted with Certain Exceptions (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Powell              Bishop              Erickson           Magnuson            Carlsrud

New Business

N1. Receive 2019 Tree Report from City Forester (Willis Wagar)

N2. Approve Appointment of 2020 City Forester and 2020 Contract in the amount of $7,400 (City Administrator Schelkoph)

Roll Call:          Magnuson        Bishop              Powell              Erickson            Carlsrud

N3. Approve Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to 1337 6th Ave NE (City Assessor Hansen)

Roll Call:          Erickson           Bishop              Magnuson        Powell              Carlsrud

N4. Consider paying for elevator repairs at Elks Building (City Administrator Schelkoph)

Roll Call:          Bishop              Magnuson        Erickson           Powell              Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report

City Updates & Commission Reports

Adjourn

Winter Hours Resume 11/1

Effective November 1, 2019, the Transfer Station will begin winter hours – 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Transfer Station will be open over lunch.

10/01/2019 Finance Agenda

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 4:00 PM

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Out of State Travel Requests
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (President Carlsrud)
  3. Discuss Blanket Bond (City Auditor Richter)
  4. Review Permanent Flood Protection payment schedule (City Administrator Schelkoph)
  5. Discuss SW Storm Sewer – Viking Drive Estates (KLJ)

Adjourn

09/03/2019 City Commission Minutes

Valley City Commission Proceedings

Tuesday, September 5, 2019

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

Members Present: Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Powell.

Members Absent: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson.

Others Present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Attorney Martineck, City Auditor Richter, Deputy Auditor Klein, Police Chief Hatcher, Building Inspector Andersen, Fire Chief Magnuson, Public Works Accountant Jacobson.

Approval of Agenda- Addition of Consent E

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from the August 20 & 29, 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 $2,498,500.62
  3. Approve Raffle Permit for Barnes County Historical Society
  4. Approve Block off the Street Request for VCSU on September 27, 2019 on College Street SW from 2nd Avenue SE to 2nd Avenue SW for Presidential Inauguration Concert at 8 PM
  5. Approve Parade Application for VCHS Student Council for Homecoming Parade on October 4, 2019 at 4 PM on Central Avenue N from Jefferson Elementary to Footbridge

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

Approve second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1048, an Ordinance Amending Title 5, Animals

City Attorney Martineck reported there have been no changes since the first reading and reviewed the changes. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1048, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 1049, an Ordinance Amending Title 14, Motor Vehicles & Traffic Specifically 14-10-49(17), Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specific places

City Attorney Martineck stated the parking is limited to 72 hour at a time but currently, there is no designation of how far vehicles must move. With this change, recommending 50’ of movement required. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1049, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate Of Probable Costs and Authorizing Engineer To Advertise For Bids for 5th Avenue NW – NDDOT Project No. SU-2-990(059) in the following resolutions:

  • Resolution No. 2217 for Paving Improvement District No. 118
  • Resolution No. 2218 for Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 53
  • Resolution No. 2219 for Water Main Improvement District No. 101
  • Resolution No. 2220 for Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 65

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the project is NDDOT has bids due for this project on November 8, 2019. Commissioner Powell moved to approve Resolutions No. 2217, 2218, 2219, and 2220; seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Approve Amendment to Engineering Agreement for 5th Avenue NW Reconstruction in an amount not to exceed $40,000

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated the amendment to the engineering agreement due to the complexity of the project as well as ensuring NDDOT requirements are met. City Administrator Schelkoph recommended approval of the amendment. Commissioner Powell moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider the Meter Data Management contract from MRES [and software provider, UtiliSmart]

City Administrator Schelkoph stated the project began a year ago and will expand into a Meter Data Management System. This will allow the City to have easier access to the data (for example, the Electrical Department will have access to outage location information); customer access to data and utility bill online; and allows the City & customers to prepare for time of use billing that MRES is planning to implement in 2023. Schelkoph recommends that the City Commission enter into two contracts with MRES and the software provider [UtiliSmart]. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the contracts as presented, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

There was no City Administrator’s report.

City Updates & Commission Reports

City Auditor Richter reported the City received a “clean” audit for 2018 from Eide Bailley. The first reading of the 2020 Budget Ordinance and public hearing will be on September 17.

Chad Petersen from KLJ reported Central Avenue is closed from north of Hanna Field to 12th Street with east-west traffic on a one-way. Additional work includes Main, 6th & 9th Street intersections and installion of street lights. Storm Sewer 50 includes landscaping south of Winter Show Road; boring continues on 4th Avenue SW with closure on Winter Show Road next week.

Commissioner Powell asked the public to call again if power doesn’t return during an outage.

Commissioner Bishop asked the public that with construction near Jefferson Elementary, please respect no parking signs.

President Carlsrud thanked citizens who are following guidelines at Jefferson; congratulations to team for clean audit.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:21 P.M.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

September 26-27: Tree Pickup

Valley City Public Works will be picking up trees on September 26 and 27. If you want to have the City help you with tree pickup, please call Public Works at 845-0380 to be placed on the list.

The City will pickup:

  • Branches less than 4″ in diameter

City residents can also use the 24/7 drop site at the Transfer Station.

Construction Update: Central Avenue Concrete Pavement Repair

Concrete pavement repair is continuing along Central Avenue. Work has been completed along 12th Street N and along Central Avenue from the entrance of Hanna Field north to 12th Street N. This segment of the project, along with the intersection of 6th Street N will be reopened Monday, September 16th. At that time the Contractor will be closing one lane of traffic in the intersection of Main Street and Central Avenue. Main Street traffic will be controlled with temporary traffic signals. Central Avenue will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Street S and 2nd Street N. Access to businesses in this segment will be maintained.

The installation of the new street lighting on Central Avenue will begin on Monday, September 16th. During this time segments of the parking lane will be closed to facilitate the installation.

Additional updates will be provided as needed.

08/29/2019 Special City Commission Minutes

Thursday, August 29, 2019

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.

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

Members absent: Commissioner Powell.

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

New Business

Approve Raffle Permit for Hi-Liner Booster Club
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Application for Fireworks Display Permit for RES Pyro at Valley City State University on August 29, 2019
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 12:03 PM.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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

08/20/2019 City Commission Minutes

Tuesday, ­August 20, 2019

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, Chad Petersen from KLJ.

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the minutes from July 22, 23, 30 and August 5 and 6, 2019 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Application to Block off Street for VCSU Vikings Campus Activity Board on August 28, 2019 from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM on 2nd Avenue SE
  2. Approve Application to Block off Street for Twin City Roofing for 3rd Street NW & Central Avenue beginning September 3, 2019 for two weeks – to include the parking locations only
  3. Approve Retail Tobacco License for Mosby LLC dba Boomers Corner Keg

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Ordinance

Approve fist reading of Ordinance No. 1048, an Ordinance Amending Title 5, Animals

City Attorney Martineck stated there are three revisions 1) impounding animals procedures are now located in one section versus several in previous version, 2) clarifying that any offense including vicious dog will be classified as a B misdemeanor, 3) changing the 1st and 2nd offenses for animals at large to be an administrative fine with the 3rd or later offense will go to the municipal judge.

Commissioner Powell moved to approve Ordinance No. 1048, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution

Approve Resolution No. 2216, A Resolution Approving Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan

Peggy Harter from Stantec presented a summary of the Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plans. Carron Day from Stantec was available by phone.  

Harter provided background on the Comprehensive Land Use & Transportation Plan which includes plans to 2045; based on demographic projections of 9,450 and anticipated capital improvements for maintenance and growth. The future land use map provides plans for infrastructure needs but is not a zoning or regulatory document. The Valley City 2045 Transportation Plan looked at growth for non-local roads. Harter reported two bridges in Valley City are eligible for federal funds; two future growth areas have been identified in the NW and SE with possible collector road locations identified. Harter stated the report contains recommended changes for the urban road functional classifications.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2216, seconded by Commissioner Powell. The motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution No. 2217, a Resolution Establishing a Valley City Barnes County Complete Census Taskforce for the 2020 Census

President Carlsrud presented the request. The State receives $19,100 per person per census period. Carlsrud requested authorization for the task force to encourage good results for Valley City & Barnes County. Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2217, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Review long range schedule for Permanent Flood Protection and city infrastructure improvements

City Administrator Schelkoph provided an overview of the topics to be presented.

Regarding Permanent Flood Protection, Chad Petersen from KLJ provided background information on funding received to date. Petersen stated the original plan for Phase V was to continue from Dakota Silver east towards Mercy Hospital at the intersection of Chautauqua Boulevard and 6th Avenue NE. The City has two areas along 6th Avenue SW with erosion concerns as the main sewer runs along 6th Avenue SW. Petersen stated the Commission could re-prioritize the location included in Phase V to now include 6th Avenue SW. Petersen stated a request to the State Water Commission will be made in October 2019 for construction dollars for Phase IV and design dollars for Phase V. Phase V construction will likely begin in 2022. Petersen stated Phase V will also include work near the mill dam and after this work is done, the City could remap to get areas out of the floodplain. Petersen stated the work along 6th Avenue SW will need floodwalls with one lift station as well. Consensus was to move forward with 6th Avenue SW for the Phase V request.

Regarding special assessment cost shares, City Administrator Schelkoph reviewed a document outlying the current cost shares the City has for property owners. Schelkoph stated for example, along 7th Avenue NW, the City is pickup up over 69% of the cost.

Regarding long range goals and infrastructure plans, City Administrator Schelkoph reported with the “Prairie Dog” funding, an addition $1.7 million is available to the City for infrastructure projects and is looking for guidance and vision from the Commission for its use.

Chad Petersen from KLJ stated with the R&R fund, the City has $3 million per year that can be invested in infrastructure projects. Watermain replacements is a large priority. Petersen reported there are 8 miles of 4” and 6” watermain that need replacement. Petersen provided three options for replacement of watermains:

  1. Watermain only
  2. Street reconstruction with watermain and sanitary sewer upgrades
  3. Street reconstruction with watermain and sanitary sewer replacement


Petersen detailed projected costs as described in a memorandum dated August 15, 2019 re: “Long-Range Planning for City Infrastructure Projects.”

The 8 miles of watermain could be replaced over the next 10 years. Petersen recommended that the City continue 50-70 blocks of seal coat per year at an estimated cost of $500,000 to the R&R fund per year. Petersen provided a summary of the current projects programmed for 2020 – 2022 as outlined in the memo. Petersen and Schelkoph confirmed the 2020 projects are locked in, adjustments could be made to the 2021 and 2022 lists. Schelkoph stated the northwest part of town is the critical area to consider for watermain replacements, especially 4” mains.

In response to Commissioner Bishop question, City Auditor Richter stated the City could look at what special assesments are still being paid for the area. Petersen stated there have been no major improvements since late 1970s and 1980s with a seal coat in the late 2000s for this area. City Administrator Schelkoph stated the “Prairie Dog” funds can not be used for debt service and that there is no sunset clause; he expects the funds to be available for at least 10 years for non-oil producing counties.

City Administrator’s Report

There was no report.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Building Inspector Andersen reminded the public that trees overhanging sidewalks or traffic need to be trimmed.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported work on Storm Sewer 50 continues and will turn towards east. Permanent Flood Protection Phase IIA walls are progressing for pump station. Central Avenue construction continues and is impacting VCHS (will be open to normal traffic but adjusted pedestrian flows). Central Avenue from 9th Street to Hanna Field parking lot will be a one way. Four to six week impact to Jefferson Elementary flows.

Commissioner Powell asked the public to watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists as school starts.

Commissioner Bishop stated “do not enter” means do not enter in the construction zone.

President Carlsrud thanked staff for work. Calrsurd promoted participation in the upcoming census and asked the public to watch out for kids at Jefferson Elementary and the construction zone.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM.

Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission

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