City Council Agendas & Packets
Regular MeetingEast Grand Forks, MN · August 13, 2024
Minutes
APPROVED MINUTES
OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024 – 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER:
The Special Meeting of the East Grand Forks City Council for Tuesday, August 13, 2024 was called to
order by Council President Olstad at 5:00 P.M.
CALL OF ROLL:
On a Call of Roll the following members of the East Grand Forks City Council were present: Mayor Steve
Gander, Council President Mark Olstad, Council Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council Members
Clarence Vetter, Ben Pokrzywinski, Dale Helms, and Brian Larson.
Staff Present: Karla Anderson, Finance Director; Jeff Boushee, Fire Chief; Nancy Ellis, City Planner;
Steve Emery, City Engineer; Ron Galstad, City Attorney; Paul Gorte, Economic Development Director;
Michael Hedlund, Police Chief, Charlotte Helgeson, Library Director; Jeremy King, Parks and
Recreation Superintendent; Megan Nelson, City Clerk; and Jason Stordahl, Public Works Director.
DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM:
The Council President Determined a Quorum was present.
1. Consider approving the Fireworks/Pyrotechnic Special Effects Permit Application for the
fireworks display during the Hot Valley Nights event contingent upon the applicant meeting city
requirements and the operator being certified by the State Fire Marshal.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER VETTER, TO APPROVE THE FIREWORKS/PYROTECHNIC SPECIAL EFFECTS
PERMIT APPLICATION FOR THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY DURING THE HOT VALLEY
NIGHTS EVENT CONTINGENT UPON THE APPLICANT MEETING CITY
REQUIREMENTS AND THE OPERATOR BEING CERTIFIED BY THE STATE FIRE
MARSHAL.
Ms. Nelson informed the Council the requirements were met and the insurance was received.
Voting Aye: Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Olstad, Larson, and Vetter.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Peterson.
ADJOURN:
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER LARSON, TO ADJOURN THE AUGUST 13, 2024 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AT 5:01 P.M.
Special Meeting August 13, 2024
Voting Aye: Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Olstad, Larson, and Vetter.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Peterson.
_______________________________________________
Megan Nelson, City Clerk
2|Page
APPROVED MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION
CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024 – FOLLOWING THE SPECIAL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The Work Session of the East Grand Forks City Council for Tuesday, August 13, 2024 was called to order
by Council President Olstad at 5:02 P.M.
CALL OF ROLL:
On a Call of Roll the following members of the East Grand Forks City Council were present: Mayor Steve
Gander, Council President Mark Olstad, Council Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council Members
Clarence Vetter, Ben Pokrzywinski, Dale Helms, and Brian Larson.
Staff Present: Karla Anderson, Finance Director; Jeff Boushee, Fire Chief; Nancy Ellis, City Planner;
Steve Emery, City Engineer; Ron Galstad, City Attorney; Paul Gorte, Economic Development Director;
Michael Hedlund, Police Chief, Charlotte Helgeson, Library Director; Jeremy King, Parks and
Recreation Superintendent; Megan Nelson, City Clerk; and Jason Stordahl, Public Works Director.
DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM:
The Council President Determined a Quorum was present.
1. Update from Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities – Marty Seifert
a. Mr. Seifert will be bringing handouts to the meeting.
Mr. Seifert introduced himself to the Council, how he was the senior lobbyist for the Coalition that
represented 106 rural cities, and he would be recapping the legislative session. He explained most things
were completed in May, the bonding bill was not passed, and the hope is one will be approved during next
year’s session. He reviewed how there was discussion on Uber, funding had been approved for emergency
services because there was not enough funding coming from Medicare, the bonding bill needed approval
from both parties, and how legislators like Representative Kiel would vote in favor of the bill when there
were items for communities from her district. He added proposed mandates for zoning had been proposed,
they fought against it along with the League, 40 groups were in favor of it, it was not a partisan issue, but
it ended up staying as local control. He referred to the chart so show what legislation was started, how it
progressed or was stopped, the lack of a bonding bill prevented water and wastewater infrastructure
projects from moving forward, there was one time infrastructure funding for smaller towns, and they were
trying for additional funding for the major corridors. He asked for questions. He reminded the Council
the fall conference was coming up and it was during that conference they finalize the items they focus on
during the following year which is direction given from the cities. Mayor Gander thanked Mr. Seifert for
their help with the change to the LGA formula, it was now a permanent change, and thanked him for their
great work.
Work Session August 13, 2024
2. Request to File Plans & Specifications for 2024 City Project 1 for SCADA System
Improvements – Steve Emery
Mr. Emery informed the Council he had been working with IPS on finalizing the plans for the SCADA
system improvements. He thanked Mr. Dillon Nelson and Mr. Corey Thompson for their help during this
process. He requested to file the plans and specifications and set the bid date for the project. There were
no questions.
This item will be referred to City Council Meeting for action.
3. Consider 2024-2025 Winter Recreation Fees – Jeremy King
Mr. King told the Council a 15% increase had been planned for the 2024-2025 program fees for the winter
season programs. He stated this would help with operational costs. He added they had received feedback
from the clubs on the fees and to prevent participants from starting to join because of high fees, the fees
would be higher for the more advanced programs. He said registration opened on August 22nd, the
proposed fees were in align with other communities, and recommended to approve the proposed increases.
There were no questions.
This item will be referred to a City Council Meeting for action.
OTHER:
Ms. Renee Cardarelle reminded the Council about the grant that was received, she was working with
Northland Community and Technical College on Dine and Dialogue events, and two events were coming
up on September 7th and October 5th. She added it would be great to see them all there and the two goals
they were working on was to help connect neighbors and how to make the community more welcoming.
ADJOURN:
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, TO ADJOURN THE AUGUST 13, 2024 WORK SESSION OF THE
EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AT 5:18 P.M.
Voting Aye: Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Olstad, Larson, and Vetter.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Peterson.
_______________________________________________
Megan Nelson, City Clerk
2|Page
Agenda
AGENDA
OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024 – 5:00 PM
THESE MEETINGS HAVE TO END BY 6PM DUE TO THE PRIMARY
ELECTION TAKING PLACE & BOTH WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL
CHAMBERS.
CALL TO ORDER:
CALL OF ROLL:
DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM:
1. Consider approving the Fireworks/Pyrotechnic Special Effects Permit Application for the
fireworks display during the Hot Valley Nights event contingent upon the applicant meeting city
requirements and the operator being certified by the State Fire Marshal. – The application will be
provided once it becomes available.
ADJOURN:
AGENDA
OF THE WORK SESSION
CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024 – FOLLOWING THE SPECIAL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
CALL OF ROLL:
DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM:
1. Update from Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities – Marty Seifert
a. Mr. Seifert will be bringing handouts to the meeting.
2. Request to File Plans & Specifications for 2024 City Project 1 for SCADA System
Improvements – Steve Emery
3. Consider 2024-2025 Winter Recreation Fees – Jeremy King
ADJOURN:
Upcoming Meetings
Council Meeting – Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – Council Chambers – 5:00 PM
Work Session – Tuesday, August 27, 2024 – Training Chambers – 5:00 PM
Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 3, 2024 – Council Chambers – 5:00 PM
Individuals with disabilities, language barriers or other needs who plan to attend the meeting and will need special accommodations
should contact Nancy Ellis, ADA Coordinator at (218)-773-2208. Please contact us at least 48 hours before the meeting to give our
staff adequate time to make arrangements. Also, materials can be provided in alternative formats for people with disabilities or with
limited English proficiency (LEP) by contacting the ADA Coordinator (218)-773-2208 five (5) days prior to the meeting.
1
AGENDA ITEM #_WS 2___
Request for Council Action
Date: August 8, 2024
To: East Grand Forks City Council Mayor Steve Gander, Council President Mark Olstad, Council
Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council Members Clarence Vetter, Dale Helms, Brian Larson,
Ben Pokrzywinski and Karen Peterson
Cc: File
From: Steve Emery, P.E.
RE: File Plans & Specifications – 2024 City Project No. 1 – SCADA System Improvements
Background:
We are requesting to file Plans and Specifications for the above referenced project and looking for
authorization to proceed with Advertising for Bids and setting a Bid Date. This project is for SCADA
System Improvements at the City’s Wastewater and Stormwater lift stations.
Project Funding
Wastewater and Stormwater Enterprise Funds
Recommendation:
Authorize Widseth to proceed with Advertising of the project.
Set Bid Date for 10:00 A.M. on September 10, 2024
Enclosures:
None
2
AGENDA ITEM #_WS 3______
Request for Council Action
Date: August 13, 2024
To: East Grand Forks City Council Mayor Steve Gander, Council President Mark Olstad, Council
Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council members Clarence Vetter, Ben Pokrzywinski, Dale
Helms, Brian Larson, and Karen Peterson.
Cc: File
From: Jeremy King, Parks & Recreation
RE: 2024 – 2025 Winter Recreation Fees
Background:
In the 2024 Budget, we planned a 15% fee increase for our Figure Skating and Hockey programs. This
increase is intended to help offset the operating costs of our winter recreation activities. Feedback
from the Northern Lights Figure Skating Club and the Blue Line Club suggests that we may be
approaching a point where fee rates could discourage some families from participating. With that
feedback in mind, we've structured the fee increases to be larger at the advanced levels, while keeping
entry-level activities affordable for younger participants. Also, the Parks and Recreation office offers
scholarships to assist families who want to participate but may have difficulty covering the fees.
Budget Impact:
Hockey Registration Revenue
2023 Budget: $100,000 2023 Actual Income: $96,596.03
2024 Budget: $115,000
Figure Skating Registration Revenue:
2023 Budget: $39,000 2023 Actual Income: $36,287.06
2024 Budget: $45,000
Recommendation:
Approve proposed fees as displayed on attached fee schedule.
Enclosure:
Figure Skating & Hockey Fee Schedule
3
2023-2024 Registraion Fees Proposed 2024-2025 Fee
Hockey
Proposed Proposed Non-
Non-Resident of 2024-2025 City Resident
Activity Current Fee City Fee Fee Fee
Termites $ 150 $ 190 $ 150.00 $ 190.00
Mites $ 250 $ 290 $ 250.00 $ 290.00
8U $ 250 $ 290 $ 250.00 $ 290.00
Squirts $ 400 $ 440 $ 500.00 $ 540.00
10U $ 400 $ 440 $ 500.00 $ 540.00
12U $ 625 $ 665 $ 750.00 $ 790.00
Peewee $ 625 $ 665 $ 750.00 $ 790.00
Bantams $ 685 $ 725 $ 850.00 $ 890.00
Hockey Clinic Squirt + $ 80 $ 85.00 $ -
Hockey Clinic Mites $ 65 $ 70.00 $ -
Learn to Skate & Synchronized Skating
Proposed Proposed Non-
Non-Resident of 2024-2025 City Resident
Activity Current Fee City Fee Fee Fee
Snowplow Sam $ 50 $ 90 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
Basic 1-6 $ 135 $ 175 $ 135.00 $ 175.00
Hockey 1-4 $ 135 $ 175 $ 135.00 $ 175.00
Freestyle $ 180 $ 220 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
Snow Plow Sam Synchro $ 65 $ 105 $ 165.00 $ 205.00
Aspire 1-4 $ 430 $ 470 $ 440.00 $ 480.00
Preliminary $ 475 $ 515 $ 575.00 $ 615.00
Pre-Juvenile $ 475 $ 515 $ 700.00 $ 740.00
Open Juvenile $ 475 $ 515 $ 750.00 $ 790.00
Private Ice $ 185 $ 225 $ 260.00 $ 300.00
4
Get email alerts for East Grand Forks
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.