Author Archive: Brandy Johnson

Agenda Available

4.5.2023 Finance Agenda

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 The City Commission Meeting will begin on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at 2:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88343063551 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 883 4306 3551

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1.  Commission Topics

            a.   Flood Book (President Carlsrud)

2. Department reports.

  • Sanitation DepartmentWater DepartmentElectric DepartmentFire DepartmentPolice DepartmentStreet Department

  • Administration

3. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)

4.  Fire Extinguisher Services Financial Report.  (Fire Chief Magnuson)

5.  Discuss Quotes for Mowing. (City Administrator Crawford)

6.  Discuss Sale of Land in the NW Industrial Park.  (Jennifer Feist)

7.  Discuss Purchase of Flatbed Truck. (City Administrator Crawford)

Adjourn

3.26.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Folks,

  • Good news,  the sun is regaining power so even when the temperature is below freezing, snow is melting some.  Hang in there, the weather itself must be getting tired of being cold!
  • Hey, next Saturday is “April Fools’ Day”!  Some say it is tied to the vernal equinox, the first day of spring, as Mother Nature would “fool” people with her changing weather.  Be on guard for the friendly “April Fools” pranks.
  • Last week some city employees attended the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) Spring Workshop for elected and appointed city officials.  There were nearly 15 hours of continuing education and a networking social.  Topics ranged from Capital Improvement Plans to Behavioral Health, Legislative updates and much more.  Matt Gardner, Executive Director and his staff did a great job organizing the workshop and are continually working on behalf of North Dakota cities.  Thank you all at NDLC.
  • Please recycle, especially cardboard as the landfill is filling fast and will not accept cardboard if we are not prudent about recycling it. 
  • Thanks to our snow removal staff for another great job of cleaning snow from last week’s event.
  • The Valley City Fire Department (VCFD) held its annual fundraiser Saturday evening at our Eagles Club.  It was great.  If you haven’t attended a VCFD event, watch for the next one, go and enjoy visiting with friends, games and great food!  Thank you to all who make it happen.
  • MRES, like NDLC, track bills at the state and federal levels on our behalf.  MRES tracks bills pertaining mostly to “municipal power” while NDLC tracks bills generally pertaining to “city business”.  Both are critical for Valley City and its citizens.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “You cannot do a kindness too soon as you never know how soon it will be too late.”        ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson                                                                                                     

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

3.19.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Everyone,

  • We had an active, informative week with meetings here and navigating icy roads for meetings with the legislature.
  • Tuesday, City Administrator Gwen, and I traveled with our City Engineers to Bismarck.  Our mission was to testify in support of SB 2020 which is funding for “most everything water”.  Our City Engineers compiled an informational pamphlet outlining our 13.2 million dollar request for permanent flood protection (PFP).  From there, Gwen did a great job testifying at the House Appropriations Committee hearing.  Thanks everyone.
  • * “A March day when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.”  ~ Charles Dickens                                                                                                
  • Wednesday morning the Upper Sheyenne River Water Resource Board Meeting was hosted at our Eagles Club.  Numerous reports concerning the Sheyenne Basin were heard, but most people asked about the flood forecast.  Currently there appears to be about 4-7 inches of water in the snow pack so there is “potential”, but the speed of the melt and spring rains will be the determining factors.  In 2010 there was more snow than either 2009 or 2011, but due to the melt, 2010 didn’t flood significantly, but 2009 & 2011 did.  So, “there you go”.
  • Another meeting at the Eagles Club was “Community Impressions” hosted by the Kiwanis Club.  A Community Impressions Team from Oakes made a day-trip to Valley City and their findings were quite interesting. One thing suggested was “Welcome to Valley City” signage  on our east entrance.  They really liked the Barnes County Museum experience.  When last did you visit the museum?  It is a special place and Wes is a very knowledgeable and accommodating curator.  The Rosebud Center was noted too as there is much history and general information there.  For more information about “Community Impressions”, contact : [email protected]
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose Faith.”                                       ~ Steve Jobs                                                                                                     

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Agenda Available

3.20.2023 Commission Agenda

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Monday, March 20th, 2023 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87651468573 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  876 5146 8573.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the March 7th, Finance and Commission Meetings.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for Kiwanis on May 1st, 2023 at the Eagles.
  2. Approve Application to Block off 4th St NW from 2nd Ave to Central Ave, for Valley City Prom on April 29th, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM.
  3. Approve Contractor Licenses for:
    1. RJ’s Plumbing & Heating
    1. Floor to Ceiling Carpentry and Repair
  4. Approve Applications for Retail Tobacco Licenses at the following locations due to Dakota Plains buyout by Petro Serve USA #072
    1. 807 W Main St.
    1. 151 9th Ave NW
  5. Approve Application for Permit to Sell L.P. Gas at 151 9th Ave NW due to Dakota Plains buyout by Petro Serve USA #072.

Roll Call:          Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           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.

Ordinance

  1.  Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1127, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 14-06.1-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Fee for Unlawfully Entering Closed Road.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud     

New Business

  1.  Accept Transfer of Land and Easement from Barnes County Water Resource District at Site of West End Lift Station and Booster Station.  (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Carlsrud   

2. Reconsider Motion to Approve Joint Power Agreement for SVACTC, and Approve Correct form of Agreement to Transfer the Area Career and Technology Education Center. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

3.  Approve 2023 Application to Operate Mobile Home Park for Frog Town Trailer Court. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon           Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

12.13.2022 Planning and Zoning Minutes

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Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday December 13th, 2022. Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bobby Koepplin, Jeff Erickson, and Bill Carlblom Commissioners Absent: Dave Carlsrud, Joe Faure                                                                      Others: City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit                                                                                      Attending by Zoom City Planner Joel Quanbeck                                                                      Audience members: Josh Nathan, Bob McCallister, Dan Miller

Commissioner Jim Wright moved to approve the minutes of the November 8th, 2022 regular meeting seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report                     

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit gave a report in the last month the city has only had demo permits.

Public hearing regarding alleged violation of VCMC § 11-06-18 – Automobile Repair; consider assessment of fee(s). Zoning Code Violation – 444 3rd St. NE.  

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. City attorney Carl Martineck explained the violation of a motor vehicle parked in the driving way for weeks if not months at Josh Nathan residence at 444 3rd ST NE. The vehicle has been on blocks and the hood up and clearly being worked on. Notices were sent out stating he was in violation of the zoning code and no action was taken. Vehicles were also parked in the front yard which is also violation. Josh Nathan said the vehicle is no longer on blocks and is not being worked on.                                                                                         

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom.            

Commissioner Bobby Koepplin made a motion to wave the fine if the vehicle is moved off the sidewalk within two days. Seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Public hearing for replat and variance subdividing auditor’s lot into 5 lots to allow sale of portions of the land. New subdivision to be named “Diamond B Subdivision”

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. Bob McCallister asked questions about the septic system and also asked who is going to take care of the road. McCallister also brought in pictures of the area of the replat during flooding. City Planner Joel Quanbeck explained the area for replat is zoned R1. Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Wright.

Internal discussion was had about the area for replat is in the floodplain and some floodway. Decision continued about the lot sizes and the lots size needed to build on. The lot size needed for a septic system. The current size of lots would be restricted. David Bjornson who submitted the replat and variance application was not at the meeting. Commissioner Bobby Koepplin move to table the replat. Seconded by Commission Jim Wright. Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion of zoning for outdoor self-storage rental space.

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit explained that a business in B2 is also renting out spaces for storage. The business is on main street. Coit would like the commission to clarify if a business in B2 can rent self-storage spots.  Discussion was also had about if self-storage can be inside and outside storage. The recommendation was to have Coit require a conditional use permit for a business in B2 to have self-storage.

Approval of Updated Zoning Map

Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the updated zoning map. Seconded by Commissioner Koepplin. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Planning and Zoning Commission Approved the April meeting date to Wednesday April 12th,2023

Other Business                                                                                 

Commissioner Bobby Koepplin has given his notice to resign from the planning and zoning commission as of December 31st, 2022

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 5:31pm.

3.12.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hi Folks,

  • Last week was quite a week of weather.  Thank you to all the folks with the city, county and state who work at keeping roads safe for us while often times putting their own lives at risk.
  • I feel badly for the North Dakota Winter Show and the North Dakota Activities Association as slippery roads and stormy weather minimized attendance.  That both entities rely on attendance to pay bills, poor weather creates hardships.
  • Spring Training Baseball is in full swing;  hopefully spring-type weather is CLOSE?
  • Sports on television makes it nice for fans nowadays as it seems there are basketball high school and college tournaments being telecast all hours of the day and night.  That programing provides good options during stormy days when going outside isn’t pleasing.
  • * There is a shortage of blood and plasma, please donate.
  • Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is generating green energy while maintaining adequacy, reliability and affordability with base load generation.  It is a tall task.  Read about a “pumped storage project”: https://www.gregoryhydro.com/
  • On a positive note, we do have a beautiful white blanket of snow suitable for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, four wheeling or just walking.  With moderating temperatures, it is a nice time of the year to get out and enjoy the scenery and the clean air.
  • Daylight Saving Time is here.  Our evenings will be providing more daylight for enjoying your favorite activities.  Enjoy.
  • Many of our local people you see every day and some on television are doing great jobs officiating our area tournaments.  WHY NOT .… become an official? See: https://highschoolofficials.com/?
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “How do you spell love?  You don’t spell love, you feel it.”                                       ~ Piglet & Pooh, Winnie the Pooh                                                                                                      

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Minutes Available text with City of Valley City Logo above

2.21.2023 Commission Minutes

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

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop via Zoom, Commissioner Erickson, and Commissioner Gulmon.

Others: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Richter, Administrative Assistant Johnson.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Add N6.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the minutes from the February 7th, 2023 Finance and Commission Meetings with correction, seconded by Commissioner Erickson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approve Raffle Permits for the Following:

VCSU Trap Shooting Club on April 27th, 2023 at VCSU.

Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals on April 8th, 2023 at the Eagles.

Valley City Lions Club on March 21st, 2023 at the Eagles.

Approve Application for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit from the Following:

Eagles Club on March 7th-12th from 11am-10pm at the Winter Show.

The Labor Club on March 4th, 2023 from 5:30pm-10:00pm at the Winter Show Concert.

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1125, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 14-09-01 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Fee for Careless Driving Violation. 

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

Commissioner Bishop moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.

Roll Call:          Bishop-aye       Magnuson-aye  Erickson-nay    Gulmon-aye     Carlsrud-aye

Motion passed.

Approve Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 1126, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 4-01-27 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Open Sale or Possession of Alcohol in Public.

City Attorney Martineck stated there were no changes from the first reading.

Commissioner Erickson expressed his concerns with patrolling in alleys.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.

Roll Call:          Gulmon-aye     Bishop-aye       Magnuson-aye  Erickson-nay    Carlsrud-aye

Motion passed.

Resolution

Approve Resolution 2401, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 125.

Approve Resolution 2402, a Resolution Declaring Sufficiency of Protest for Paving Improvement District No. 126. 

Commissioner Erickson moved to approve both resolutions, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2403, a Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Costs and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Paving Improvement District No. 125, Watermain Improvement District No. 103, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 67, and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 54. 

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2404, a Resolution Approving Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate of Probable Costs and Authorizing Engineer to Advertise for Bids for Paving Improvement District No. 126, Watermain Improvement District No. 104, Sanitary Sewer Improvement District No. 68, and Storm Sewer Improvement District No. 55.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2405, a Resolution Declaring Necessity of Improvements in Paving Improvement District No. 127.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Resolution 2406, a Resolution Approving Engineers Report and Directing Preparation of Detailed Plans Specification and Estimate of Probable Costs for Paving Improvement District No. 127.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve the bid, second by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Appoint New Member to Planning and Zoning Commission to Fill Unexpired City Resident Term Ending on June 30, 2026. 

Tim Durheim and Ian Jacobson have both expressed interest in filling this position.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to have both candidates submit a letter of interest and qualifications by March 1st to be added to the next Finance and Commission Meetings, seconded by Commissioner Erickson. Motion passed unanimously.
Consider and Approve a Request for Funds to Support Business Expansion.

Jennifer Feist requested funds from the City Sales Tax dedicated to economic development for an expansion at John Deere Seeding.

Commissioner Gulmon motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon.  Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Main Street Champion Action Plan.

City Administrator Crawford stated they needed to change the number of pickleball courts before submitting.

Commissioner Gulmon moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.

Approve Application for a Special Alcohol Beverage Event Permit for Cottonwood Cider House on March 8th, 2023-March 12th, 2023 from 11am-10pm.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bishop.  Motion passed unanimously.

Discuss Finance and Commission Meeting Material Distribution Process.

City Administrator Crawford requested the Commissioners input on how they would like to receive materials for the meetings.  Currently, some materials are not being submitted until the day of which does not give them time to review.

Consensus was made to experiment and find what works best.

Consider a 30-Day Extension for Moving the Garage that is Located at 636 East Main St. to 245 Secarse Dr.

Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gulmon. Motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator’s Report

City Administrator Crawford stated there is a lot of work going on preparing for the upcoming projects. HB2020 is looking promising.

Commissioner Gulmon reported that we received the second installment of Prairie Dog money for this biennium.

Mayor Carlsrud thanked all employees.  Reminded everyone to remove their vehicles from the street as we will be having snow removal with what the upcoming forecast is showing.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 5:56 P.M.

3.5.2023 Mayor’s Message

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Hello Everybody,

  • Remember it is WINTER SHOW WEEK #86, March 7-12.  Go up to the show and enjoy food stands, booths, rodeos, fellowship and much more.
  • Friday VCPS sponsored a presentation “Kindness, Respect and Inclusion” with speakers Erin Baumann & Ty Terry.  Erin and Ty shared personal heart-felt, powerful life stories.  Should you be looking for speakers, these two young people would be good choices.  Inclusion: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”.     ~ Declaration of Independence
  • Last week Gwen Crawford and I traveled with Missouri River Energy Services personnel to Washington DC for an American Public Power (APPA) Legislative Rally.  Congressman Armstrong, Senator Hoeven and Senator Cramer graciously shared time with us.  Discussions mostly centered around providing adequate municipal power that is reliable and affordable.  Thank you MRES for including Valley City.
  • Gwen & I visited the Holocaust Museum for the first time.  It was very educational though there were many examples of terrible brutality.  Emotionally it was hard, but I am very grateful to have been there and recommend seeing it.
  • Another 12 to 14 inches of snow last week demonstrated again what a great job our Public Works Department does with snow removal.  Thank you everyone.
  • * March 20, 2023 is the first day of spring …… Hang in there!
  • Our Sanitation Department is trying to catch up on the garbage route.  PLEASE help them by clearing a path to your garbage containers.
  • Speaking of snow, if you have land close by, we are running out of room for piling snow.  If you want to share some space, please contact Gwen at City Hall (845-1700).
  • Welcome to the group Sam.
  • Thanks to all who provide and proof material for this article.
  • “This is a wonderful day. I haven’t seen this one before.”                                                                                                                                                                       ~ Maya Angelou

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Agenda Available

3.7.2023 Commission Agend

Posted on by

The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 5:00 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND.

The meeting is also available to view online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83277895415 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID:  832 7789 5415.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance (please stand)

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approve Minutes from the February 21st, 2023 Commission Meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

  1. Approve Raffle Permit for the Education Foundation for VCPS on March 16, 2023 at the HAC.
  2. Approve Contractor License for Meyer Milk Transport Inc.

Roll Call:                Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Gulmon            Magnuson       

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.

Ordinance

  1.  Approve First Reading of Ordinance 1127, an Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Section 14-06.1-06 of the Valley City Municipal Code Related to Fee for Unlawfully Entering Closed Road.  (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:          Gulmon           Bishop             Erickson          Magnuson        Carlsrud   

New Business

N1.  Approve Amendment to Purchasing Policy. (City Attorney Martineck)

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

N2. Appoint New Member to Planning and Zoning Commission to Fill Unexpired City Resident Term Ending on June 30th, 2026.  (Finance Director Richter)

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

N3.  Approve Joint Powers Agreement for SVACTC. (City Administrator Crawford)

Roll Call:    Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Carlsrud

N4.  Consider Accepting Project No. SU-2-990(060), PCN 23154-6th St. NW Reconstruction. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:    Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Erickson          Carlsrud

N5.  Approve Preliminary & Design Engineering Task Order for Project No. UGP-2-990(067), PCN 23951-2024 Urban Grant Reconstruction Project. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:    Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Magnuson        Carlsrud

N6.  Approve Preliminary Engineering Task Order for NW Water Tower Study. (City Engineer)

Roll Call:    Magnuson        Erickson          Gulmon           Bishop             Carlsrud

City Administrator’s Report
City Updates & Commission Reports
Adjourn

Agenda Available

3.7.2023 Finance Meeting

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The City Commission Meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 3:30 PM CT, at the City Commission Chambers, 254 2nd Avenue NE, Valley City, ND. 

Members of the public may view the meeting online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88027708105 or listen by calling (1 346 248 7799) Webinar ID: 880 2770 8105

Call to Order

Roll Call

Agenda items

  1. Department reports.
    1. Sanitation Department
    1. Water Department
    1. Electric Department
    1. Fire Department
    1. Police Department
    1. Street Department
    1. Administration
  2. Review monthly bills/reports (10 minutes) – (Finance Director Richter)
  3. Discuss Sales of Electronic Cigarettes.  (Commissioners)
  4. Discuss Viking Drive Estates.  (City Administrator Crawford)
  5. Discuss Amendment to Purchasing Policy.  (City Attorney Martineck)
  6. Discuss Appointing New Member to Planning and Zoning Commission. (Commissioners)
  7. Review Proposed 2024-2027 Urban Program Worksheet.  (City Engineer)

Adjourn