City Council Agendas & Packets
Regular MeetingEast Grand Forks, MN · February 18, 2025
Minutes
APPROVED MINUTES
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 – 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER:
The Council Meeting of the East Grand Forks City Council for Tuesday, February 18, 2025 was called to
order by Council President Larson 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: Council
President Brian Larson, Council Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council members Tami Schumacher, Ben
Pokrzywinski, Dale Helms, Donald Casmey, and Karen Peterson.
Staff Present: Karla Anderson, Finance Director; Jeff Boushee, Fire Chief; Maggie Brockling, Economic
Development Director; Steve Emery, City Engineer; Ron Galstad, City Attorney; Michael Hedlund, Police
Chief, Reid Huttunen, City Administrator; 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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
OPEN FORUM:
Council President Larson stated the open form was an opportunity for members of the public to address the
City Council on items not on the current agenda and items requiring Council action maybe deferred to staff or
Boards and Commissions for research and future Council Agendas if appropriate. He asked if anyone would
like to address the City Council, please come up to the podium to do so. No one came forward.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Consider approving the minutes of the “Council Meeting” for the East Grand Forks, Minnesota City
Council of February 4, 2025.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE “COUNCIL
MEETING” FOR THE EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL OF FEBRUARY
4, 2025.
Voting Aye: Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, and Casmey.
Voting Nay: None.
SCHEDULED BID LETTINGS: NONE.
City Council Meeting February 18, 2025
SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE
CONSENT AGENDA:
Items under the “Consent Agenda” will be adopted with one motion; however, council members may
request individual items to be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion and action if they choose.
2. Consider approving the Special Event Application for the Grand Forks 10 event scheduled to take
place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 starting at 6:00am and will require the closure of the Sorlie Bridge
for the start of the race for approximately 30 minutes and will be contingent upon MNDOT approval.
3. Consider approving the Special Event Application for the Red River Valley Catfish Club to hold the
Scheels Boundary Battle Catfish Tournament on Saturday, June 28, 2025 contingent upon the
Administration Office receiving insurance for the event.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE ITEMS TWO (2) AND THREE (3).
Voting Aye: Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, and Casmey.
Voting Nay: None.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
4. Regular meeting minutes of the Water, Light, Power, and Building Commission for January 15, 2025.
COMMUNICATIONS: NONE
OLD BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS:
5. Consider approving the two-year extension of the lease agreement between the City of East Grand
Forks and the State of Minnesota for the use of office space in the Park Shop as a driver exam station
through June 30, 2027.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, TO APPROVE THE TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE LEASE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS AND THE STATE OF
MINNESOTA FOR THE USE OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE PARK SHOP AS A DRIVER EXAM
STATION THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027.
Voting Aye: Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, and Casmey.
Voting Nay: None.
6. Consider approving the project plan for the Recreation Facility Improvement project which will be
funded with the approved local sales and use tax for improvements to the Civic Center Sports Complex
and the improvements to the VFW Memorial Arena.
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City Council Meeting February 18, 2025
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE THE PROJECT PLAN FOR THE RECREATION
FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WHICH WILL BE FUNDED WITH THE APPROVED
LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPORTS
COMPLEX AND THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE VFW MEMORIAL ARENA.
Mr. Huttunen stated he had been preparing documents to submit to the Department of Revenue for the
implementation of the local sales and use tax. He explained they requested minutes from when the Council
approved the project plan, there were meetings where the plan was discussed but not formally approved,
this would fulfill that request, and the information would be submitted.
Voting Aye: Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, and Casmey.
Voting Nay: None.
CLAIMS:
7. Consider authorizing the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer to issue payment of recommended bills
and payroll.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER CASMEY, TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK-
TREASURER TO ISSUE PAYMENT OF RECOMMENDED BILLS AND PAYROLL.
Voting Aye: Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, and Casmey.
Voting Nay: None.
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS:
Council Member Helms said the week before they had attended the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities
event, they met with a lot of senators and representatives, it was the first time he had attended this event,
it was quite an experience, and he learned a few things. He added he did not come back hopeful on many
things because things were a mess at the State, it was still interesting because they understood the City’s
issues, but he did not expect things to get done.
Council Member Peterson said continuing with events taking place in the community, February 7th through
the 9th the Blue Line Club along with the Parks and Recreation Department hosted the North/South
Challenge hockey tournament. She explained the tournament brought 10 of the top 10 teams in the State
to town which included teams from Edina, Minnetonka, Moorhead, Warroad, and Woodbury. She said
over 210 hockey players competed over the three days of games, Minnetonka won the Peewee AA division
championship for the second year in a row, Moorhead won the inaugural Bantum AA division
Championship, and the East Grand Forks teams had great performances with Peewee AA team placing
third and the Bantum AA team placed fourth. She added the Squirt division was done in a jamboree style
and the East Grand Forks A team won three out of their four games. She informed the Council that Youth
Hockey Hub sent a photographer to cover the event, and this event was also mentioned on the Midco
broadcast of the UND hockey game because Zach Parise, Keith Ballard, and Devan Dubnyk, all former
NHL players, coached one of the Edina Squirt teams. She added that all three were able to share their
hockey experience with the East Grand Forks Squirt and Bantam teams, the Blue Line Club wanted to
thank the community for their support of the event, and they were looking forward to hosting this event
in the future.
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City Council Meeting February 18, 2025
Council President Larson stated he would echo the sentiments of Council member Helms, it was a nice
trip to St. Paul, there was a lot walking, and thanked Mr. Huttunen, Ms. Brockling, and Council member
Helms for attending and talking about all the good things that were going on in the City. He also thanked
Senator Johnson and Representative Gander for their time and support.
Mr. Huttunen thanked the those that were able to go to St. Paul, it was a valuable trip for them because
they were able to meet with 10 legislators over about 5 hours, and they participated in joint meetings with
the City of Moorhead to meet with legislators that were on the House or Senate tax committee to discuss
a possible increase in scope for the use or eligibility of the Border Cities Enterprise credits. He said
Moorhead used theirs differently than the City, there were five border cities that were eligible to receive
these funds, and they requested an additional appropriation to the fund that could be used by the cities on
a per capita basis. He reminded the Council how the State budget forecast was projecting a deficit, and
the other item was looking at what businesses were eligible or if that could be expanded because currently
it focused on manufacturing or industrial type businesses. He said they asked about possibly adding health
and human services along with hospitality or recreation experience businesses to be eligible for the
funding to help make them more competitive compared to North Dakota. He added that seemed to be
favorable, Moorhead was taking the lead on the bill, but the City would be there for support and it was
something that could be moved forward. He stated they also requested to have the purchases for the
upcoming recreation improvement projects to be exempt from sales tax on certain purchases, the bill
would allow the City to be reimbursed for sales tax paid to the contractor, and help the funds go further
on the projects. He said they also talked about local government aid increases but did not expect that due
to the forecasted deficit and also requesting to keep the formula where it was so the City was not losing
funding each year. He added they also brought up funding for the industrial park projects, it seemed to be
favorable, because there was a need that was Statewide. He said it was a good trip and was glad he was
able to go along.
ADJOURN:
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CASMEY, TO ADJOURN THE FEBRUARY 18, 2025 REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING OF THE EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AT 5:14 P.M.
Voting Aye: Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, and Casmey.
Voting Nay: None.
_______________________________________________
Megan Nelson, City Clerk
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Agenda
AGENDA
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 – 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER:
CALL OF ROLL:
DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
OPEN FORUM:
“An opportunity for members of the public to address the City Council on items not on the current Agenda.
Items requiring Council action maybe deferred to staff or Boards and Commissions for research and
future Council Agendas if appropriate.”
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Consider approving the minutes of the “Council Meeting” for the East Grand Forks, Minnesota City
Council of February 4, 2025.
SCHEDULED BID LETTINGS: NONE.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE
CONSENT AGENDA:
Items under the “Consent Agenda” will be adopted with one motion; however, council members may
request individual items to be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion and action if they choose.
2. Consider approving the Special Event Application for the Grand Forks 10 event scheduled to take
place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 starting at 6:00am and will require the closure of the Sorlie Bridge
for the start of the race for approximately 30 minutes and will be contingent upon MNDOT approval.
3. Consider approving the Special Event Application for the Red River Valley Catfish Club to hold the
Scheels Boundary Battle Catfish Tournament on Saturday, June 28, 2025 contingent upon the
Administration Office receiving insurance for the event.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
4. Regular meeting minutes of the Water, Light, Power, and Building Commission for January 15, 2025.
COMMUNICATIONS: NONE
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.
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OLD BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS:
5. Consider approving the two-year extension of the lease agreement between the City of East Grand
Forks and the State of Minnesota for the use of office space in the Park Shop as a driver exam station
through June 30, 2027.
6. Consider approving the project plan for the Recreation Facility Improvement project which will be
funded with the approved local sales and use tax for improvements to the Civic Center Sports Complex
and the improvements to the VFW Memorial Arena.
CLAIMS:
7. Consider authorizing the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer to issue payment of recommended bills
and payroll.
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS:
ADJOURN:
Upcoming Meetings
Work Session – Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – Training Room – 5:00 PM
Council Meeting – Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Council Chambers – 5:00 PM
Work Session – Tuesday, March 11, 2024 – Training Room – 5:00 PM
Council Meeting – Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – 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.
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UNAPPROVED MINUTES
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 – 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER:
The Council Meeting of the East Grand Forks City Council for Tuesday, February 4, 2025 was called to
order by Council President Larson 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 Mark
Olstad, Council President Brian Larson, Council Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council members Tami
Schumacher, Ben Pokrzywinski, Dale Helms, Donald Casmey, and Karen Peterson.
Staff Present: Karla Anderson, Finance Director; Jeff Boushee, Fire Chief; Maggie Brockling, Economic
Development Director; Nancy Ellis, City Planner; Steve Emery, City Engineer; Ron Galstad, City
Attorney; Michael Hedlund, Police Chief, Charlotte Helgeson, Library Director; Reid Huttunen, City
Administrator; Jeremy King, Parks and Recreation Superintendent; Keith Mykleseth, Water and Light
General Manager; Megan Nelson, City Clerk; and Jason Stordahl, Public Works Director.
DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM:
The Council President Determined a Quorum was present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
OPEN FORUM:
Council President Larson stated the open form was an opportunity for members of the public to address the
City Council on items not on the current agenda and items requiring Council action maybe deferred to staff or
Boards and Commissions for research and future Council Agendas if appropriate. He asked if anyone would
like to address the City Council, please come up to the podium to do so. No one came forward.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Consider approving the minutes of the “Council Meeting” for the East Grand Forks, Minnesota City
Council of January 21, 2025.
2. Consider approving the minutes of the “Work Session” for the East Grand Forks, Minnesota City
Council of January 28, 2025.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER HELMS, TO APPROVE ITEMS ONE (1) AND TWO (2).
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
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City Council Meeting February 4, 2025
SCHEDULED BID LETTINGS: NONE.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE
CONSENT AGENDA:
Items under the “Consent Agenda” will be adopted with one motion; however, council members may
request individual items to be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion and action if they choose.
3. Consider approving the Exempt Gambling Permit application for the Northern Lights Figure Skating
Club to hold a raffle and bingo on April 17, 2025 at the Eagle Club located at 227 10th St NW East
Grand Forks, MN 56721 and waive the 30 day waiting period.
4. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-02-13 approving the following Board and Commission
appointments as presented by the appropriate elected officials.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CASMEY, TO APPROVE ITEMS THREE (3) AND FOUR (4).
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
NONE
COMMUNICATIONS: NONE
OLD BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS:
5. Consider approving the update to the Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws changing the meetings
from monthly to quarterly.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, TO APPROVE THE UPDATE TO THE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION BYLAWS CHANGING THE MEETINGS FROM MONTHLY
TO QUARTERLY.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
6. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-02-14 supporting and approving the 2025 BUILD Grant
application towards planning activities for the East Grand Forks-Grand Forks Bridge crossing project
an authorize the City Administrator to submit the application.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER SCHUMACHER, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-14 SUPPORTING AND
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City Council Meeting February 4, 2025
APPROVING THE 2025 BUILD GRANT APPLICATION TOWARDS PLANNING ACTIVITIES
FOR THE EAST GRAND FORKS-GRAND FORKS BRIDGE CROSSING PROJECT AN
AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION.
Mr. Huttunen told the Council this resolution recognized the name change of the program from RAISE to
BUILD. He stated some of the goals of the program were changed slightly so some adjustments were
made. He added the application had been submitted by the deadline, the resolution would be submitted
once it was signed, and they would know in June if the project was awarded grant funds.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
7. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-02-15 awarding the 2025 Annual Sewer Cleaning to Johnson
Jet-Line Inc for a total of $103, 952.92 for Project Areas 1 and 2 and rejecting the alternate option.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER HELMS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-15 AWARDING THE 2025 ANNUAL
SEWER CLEANING TO JOHNSON JET-LINE INC FOR A TOTAL OF $103, 952.92 FOR
PROJECT AREAS 1 AND 2 AND REJECTING THE ALTERNATE OPTION.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
8. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-02-16 ordering improvement and preparation of plans and
specifications for the 2025 City Project No. 3 for the Lift Station 13 Rehabilitation.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER CASMEY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER HELMS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-16 ORDERING IMPROVEMENT
AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2025 CITY PROJECT
NO. 3 FOR THE LIFT STATION 13 REHABILITATION.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
9. Consider approving the Opinion of Council which will be filed with the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) along with the application for the City of East Grand Forks for federal transportation assistance.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CASMEY, TO APPROVE THE OPINION OF COUNCIL WHICH WILL BE FILED
WITH THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) ALONG WITH THE
APPLICATION FOR THE CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS FOR FEDERAL
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
10. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-02-17 authorizing the filing of applications with the Federal
Transit Administration for federal transportation assistance.
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City Council Meeting February 4, 2025
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER PETERSON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-17 AUTHORIZING THE FILING
OF APPLICATIONS WITH THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FOR FEDERAL
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
CLAIMS:
11. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-02-18 authorizing the City of East Grand Forks to approve
purchases from Border States Trophy the goods referenced in check number 43899 for a total of
$80.00 whereas Council member Riopelle is personally interested financially in the contract.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER CASMEY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER HELMS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-18 AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
EAST GRAND FORKS TO APPROVE PURCHASES FROM BORDER STATES TROPHY THE
GOODS REFERENCED IN CHECK NUMBER 43899 FOR A TOTAL OF $80.00 WHEREAS
COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE IS PERSONALLY INTERESTED FINANCIALLY IN THE
CONTRACT.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
Abstain: Riopelle.
12. Consider authorizing the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer to issue payment of recommended bills
and payroll.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER RIOPELLE, TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK-
TREASURER TO ISSUE PAYMENT OF RECOMMENDED BILLS AND PAYROLL.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS:
Mayor Olstad thanked everyone that had reached out giving condolences after the passing of his mother
which was appreciated and he also said thanks for the plant that was given.
Council Member Schumacher thanked the community for their support. She explained she had recently
adopted four kids that were their foster kids, they had something like a shower, it was incredible, and they
felt very supported.
Council Member Helms said thank you to Council member Schumacher because it took a special kind of
person to do those things. He added he was looking forward to going down to St. Paul and see what they
could find out.
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City Council Meeting February 4, 2025
Council Member Peterson stated she had the opportunity to attend the Chamber’s annual meeting, it was
a new experience for her, and the keynote speaker had an amazing message about he was able to take
personal tragedy, from being a UND athlete to becoming a paraplegic, and with the help of the community
he was able to create new life goals. She explained his experience helped him recognize the importance
of community and home. She continued saying how important the message was for the sense of
community and the importance of home because last week was the Midwestern synchronized skating
competition which was held in Kalamazoo Michigan. She told the group the preliminary team placed
second among 21 teams and based on their score they placed second in the nation. She added the open
juvenile team placed seventh out of 18 teams which was also an amazing accomplishment. She stated
what people may not recognized is that these teams came from a community of 9,000 people, they
competed against teams from communities that were 10 times plus that size, and it was our community
and home that made this happen. She thanked the East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation Department for
offering the program, she thanked coaches many of whom grew up and graduated from East Grand Forks,
she thanked the VFW for providing meeting space and meals for the Northern Star competition, and to
Tom Barrett and Brian Enright for flipping pancakes. She also thanked Triangle Bussing for getting the
skaters to the competitions safely, she thanked the parents, families, and community members who support
the skaters, and she thanked the skaters for making their community and home proud. She said this was
just one of the many examples of why they call East Grand Forks home.
Mr. Huttunen thanked Council member Peterson for her comments. He told the Council they should have
received an email from the Chamber about the Intergovermental Retreat that would be held on February
20th at the Spud Jr. He stated they would need to RSVP from that email, lunch was available, and this
event was scheduled from 12pm to 4pm. He added that if anyone had issues to contact either himself or
Ms. Nelson but try to RSVP through that link. He reminded everyone the following week would be
Legislative Action Day with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, there were a few of them that
would be traveling on Tuesday, they would be participating in meetings all day Wednesday, and traveling
back on Thursday. He stated as of now there was a plan to hold a work session, but there was a possibility
it could be canceled which would happen by the end of the week. He reminded everyone the strategic
planning session would be following the meeting in the training room.
ADJOURN:
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CASMEY, TO ADJOURN THE FEBRUARY 4, 2025 REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING OF THE EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AT 5:15 P.M.
Voting Aye: Casmey, Larson, Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, and Helms.
Voting Nay: None.
_______________________________________________
Megan Nelson, City Clerk
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Minutes of the regular meeting of the Water, Light, Power and Building Commission of the City of
East Grand Forks, Minnesota held on January 15, 2025, at 8:00 am in the City Council Chambers.
Present: Grinde, Rapacz, Riopelle
Absent: Quirk
Also present: Ron Galstad, Keith Mykleseth, Brian Johnson, Todd Grabanski, Steve Emery, Todd
Forster, Brianna Feil, Jordan Midgarden, Corey Thompson, Karla Anderson, Dave Solarski
It was moved by Commissioner Rapacz supported by Commissioner Riopelle to approve the
minutes of the previous regular meeting held on January 2, 2025.
Voting Aye: Grinde, Rapacz, Riopelle
Voting Nay: None
It was moved by Commissioner Rapacz supported by Commissioner Riopelle to authorize the
Secretary to issue payment of the recommended bills and payroll in the amount of $1,576,162.27.
Voting Aye: Grinde, Rapacz, Riopelle
Voting Nay: None
It was moved by Commissioner Rapacz supported by Commissioner Riopelle to approve the Plans
and Specifications for the 2025 Electrical Equipment and Materials, advertise for bids and set bid
opening date for February 12, 2025, at 2:00 pm.
Voting Aye: Grinde, Rapacz, Riopelle
Voting Nay: None
It was moved by Commissioner Rapacz supported by Commissioner Riopelle to accept the letter of
resignation effective January 31, 2025, from Dave Solarski, Assistant Line Foreman.
Voting Aye: Grinde, Rapacz, Riopelle
Voting Nay: None
The Commission recognized Dave Solarski on his retirement and presented him with a plaque for
his 30 years of dedicated service to the Water and Light Department.
It was moved by Commissioner Riopelle supported by Commissioner Rapacz to approve the
updated Sick Time Policy as presented.
Voting Aye: Grinde, Rapacz, Riopelle
Voting Nay: None
It was moved by Commissioner Rapacz supported by Commissioner Riopelle to adjourn at 8:20 am
to the next regular meeting on February 5, 2025, at 8:00 am to be held in the City Council
Chambers.
Voting Aye: Grinde, Rapacz, Riopelle
Voting Nay: None
Kristen Shipes
Commission Secretary
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AGENDA ITEM #_5______
Request for Council Action
Date: 2/10/25
To: East Grand Forks City Council Mayor Mark Olstad, Council President Brian Larson, Council
Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council Members Tami Schumacher, Ben Pokrzywinski, Dale
Helms, Donald Casmey, and Karen Peterson.
Cc: File
From: Administration & Parks & Recreation Departments
RE: Minnesota Dept of Public Safety Utilizing Option to Renew Lease for Park Shop Space
The State Department of Public Safety, Driver, and Vehicle Services currently leases space in the Park Shop
that is located at 929 5th Ave NE. They use this space on Wednesdays to administer the written and road
tests. The rent paid for the use of the building is $325 per quarter or $1300 yearly.
The current lease agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2025 and under section 5.1, the State has the option
to renew the lease one time for a two year period. On February 10th the City received the notice to renew
the lease agreement for the same terms for two years at the same rental rate.
The recommendation is to approve the renewal of the lease for another two-year period.
Enclosures:
Letter from the Department of Administration to renew the lease.
Current lease agreement
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AGENDA ITEM #_6______
Request for Council Action
Date: 2/12/25
To: East Grand Forks City Council Mayor Mark Olstad, Council President Brian Larson, Council
Vice-President Tim Riopelle, Council Members Tami Schumacher, Ben Pokrzywinski, Dale
Helms, Donald Casmey, and Karen Peterson.
Cc: File
From: Administration & Parks & Recreation Depts
RE: Requesting Approval for Recreation Facility Improvement Plan
Staff has been working on preparing the necessary documentation for submission to the Department of
Revenue to start the implementation process of the local sales tax that was approved by citizens during
the November 2024 General Election. Part of the necessary documentation includes approving the
proposed project plan. Mr. King presented an overview of the plan at the September 24, 2024 work
session. The slides from the presentation have been included in the packet.
The recommendation is to approve the proposed project plan that includes spending approximately
$4,745,000 at the Civic Center Arena, $2,000,000 for the ballfield, and $8,000,000 for the VFW Arena for
a total of $14,745,000 in local sales and use tax funding for the projects as they are listed on pages seven,
eight, and nine of the presentation.
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TIMELINE - PROJECT PROCESS
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SALES TAX – GENERAL OVERVIEW
What is the City asking for?
The City is asking residents if they approve of a Total Sales Tax Increase of 1% for up to 20 years for $14,745,000 to be used at the
Civic Center Sports Complex and VFW Arena.
What does a Yes Vote Mean?
By voting yes on both ballot questions, you will be approving a 1% Total Sales Tax Increase for up to 20 years.
Civic Center Sports Complex Measure Explanation:
This measure will allow the City to finance the remodeling, upgrades, and additions to the Civic Center Sports Complex for 20 years or
until $6,745,000 plus the costs of collecting and administering the tax is collected, whichever comes first. This measure will allow for
renovations to the existing Civic Center, along with the addition of a new, multi-use turf ballfield.
VFW Arena Measure Explanation:
This measure will allow the City to finance the reconstruction and upgrades of the VFW Memorial Arena for 20 years or until
$8,000,000 plus the costs of collecting and administering the tax is collected, whichever comes first. This measure will allow for
upgrades and enhancements at the VFW Arena.
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WHY USE A LOCAL SALES TAX?
What is Sales Tax?
A sales tax is a one-time charge applied at the point of purchase on all eligible goods and services in East Grand Forks. This tax is
collected from both local residents and visitors, helping to fund community projects.
Sharing the Cost!
Research shows that through local sales taxes, non-residents can pay between 30-50% of project costs, reducing the financial
burden on our local community.
Successful Past Use:
In 2016, the City implemented a 1% Local Option Sales Tax to fund the renovation of the Sherlock Park Swimming Pool. With
70% voter approval, this tax raised an average of $85,000 per month. These funds repaid the project’s low-interest loan, and the
pool renovation was fully funded by June 2020. The tax was retired upon project completion.
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WHY REINVEST IN RECREATION FACILITIES?
• By supporting local youth recreation programs in your community, you are
helping kids develop many important life skills. These skills include
teamwork, confidence, leadership, and discipline while helping instill a
healthy lifestyle among the youth in our community!
• Community pride is often closely tied to local sports teams and athletes who
represent the community on state, collegiate, or professional stages. The
success and achievements of youth athletes contribute to a sense of civic
pride, uniting residents in their support for local sports endeavors!
• Ice arena youth event visitors generated $2.1 million of economic activity
during Winter 2021-2022. This included $574,410 of income for county
residents, while supporting 40 jobs. Industries that benefited from these
visitors include hotels, restaurants, bars, repair/maintenance construction,
real estate, and management of companies.
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PROJECT GOALS
• Transform participant and user experience and performance through upgraded facility amenities.
• Improved functionality and building flexibility that promotes expanded recreation offerings for the entire community.
• Improved building operating efficiency.
• Improved safety and access for all participants and spectators.
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PROJECT BUDGET
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CIVIC CENTER SITE
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VFW ARENA SITE
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VFW ARENA SITE – BEFORE & AFTER EXAMPLE
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CIVIC CENTER - ENHANCEMENT PLAN – PHASE 1
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CIVIC CENTER - ENHANCEMENT PLAN – PHASE 2
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IF THE SALES TAX PASSES:
Design and Planning (November-March):
Architects and engineers work on detailed designs and construction plans.
Bidding and Contractor Selection (March-April):
If a formal bidding process is required, it typically takes a couple of months to solicit, review, and award bids.
Contractors are selected, and contracts are signed.
Preparation Phase (April-May):
Pre-construction tasks, such as site surveys, ordering materials, and setting up logistics, are handled during this period.
Final permit approvals, if needed, are secured.
Construction Starts (June-July):
With all preparations in place, construction can begin.
Initial work may focus on areas that don't impact existing bookings, but significant construction could limit facility
availability by late spring.
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IF THE SALES TAX DOESN’T PASS OR ONLY ONE SITE PASSES:
3 Projects that must be addressed in the next 3 – 5 years
• VFW Arena R22 ice plant refrigeration system and ice floor - $2,660,908
• Civic Center Ice floor - $1,319,336
• VFW Roof - $1,194,237
Total - $5,174,481
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FUNDING:
Options Available to Fund These Projects
• Property Taxes – Property taxes are collected annually, based on the current market value of properties owned by local homeowners and
businesses. Only those who own or rent property within the city limits are subject to these taxes.
• Building Maintenance Fund – These are funds collected annually from the Water & Light Department, specifically designated for building
maintenance purposes.
• City Reserves – Utilize the City’s financial reserves by spending down available funds.
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