City Council Agendas & Packets

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025 – 5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER: The Council Meeting of the East Grand Forks City Council for Tuesday, August 5, 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: Jeff Boushee, Fire Chief; Maggie Brockling, Economic Development Director; Nancy Ellis, City Planner; Steve Emery, City Engineer; Ron Galstad, City Attorney; 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 July 15, 2025. 2. Consider approving the minutes of the “Work Session” for the East Grand Forks, Minnesota City Council of July 22, 2025. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CASMEY, TO APPROVE ITEMS ONE (1) AND TWO (2). Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. SCHEDULED BID LETTINGS: NONE. City Council Meeting August 5, 2025 SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS: 3. Public hearing for City of East Grand Forks Amendments updating Franchise Agreements with Northern States Power Company (D/B/A Xcel Energy) and implementing Natural Gas Franchise Fees. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. Mr. Huttunen stated the hearing was regarding the update to the natural gas franchise agreement between the City and Xcel Energy, the agreement was first implemented in 2005 with a 20-year term, the next reading would take place in a couple week, and Xcel Energy would need a time period to notify customers of the changes that would go into effect on December 1, 2025. He said based on the notice the Council did receive email about the rates and was not specific to the franchise fee, but this hearing was specifically for the franchise fee, not the overall rate. He explained that the natural gas rates in Minnesota were governed by the Public Utilities Commission, when Xcel Energy requests changes, it was that commission that requests public input which was similar to this process. He said the comments received were valuable but it would be better to be given to the Public Utility Commission. He asked for questions and how Kathryn Kester from Xcel Energy was also present to help answer questions. There were no questions. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: 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. Council President Larson asked if any council member would like to have an item pulled. Council member Helms asked to pull item 9. Council President Larson asked for a motion for item 9. Council member Schumacher asked what the event date was for item five. Ms. Nelson stated the event would take place on August 23rd. 9. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-08-61 approving the proposed fees for the 2025-2026 winter program season. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CAMSEY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-08-61 APPROVING THE PROPOSED FEES FOR THE 2025-2026 WINTER PROGRAM SEASON. Council member Helms said he wanted to pull this item because he would be voting no on it. He stated the fees were getting really high, they could be losing some people, and it could be very costly for three or four kids in programs. Council member Schumacher asked if the family cap was still in place. Mr. King informed the Council the family cap was removed at the end of 2022 when they were working on 2|Page City Council Meeting August 5, 2025 the budget for 2023. Council member Pokrzywinski asked what the gap was between revenue and expenses. Mr. King told the Council said they collected approximately $150,000 in revenue but it cost around $180,000 to run the program. Council Pokrzywinski said that was a significant gap and asked what the additional revenue from the increase in fees was. Mr. King said it would be approximately $4,000. Mr. Huttunen added those costs did not include the costs of operating the facilities. Council member Pokrzywinski said it cost a lot to run the program and facilities, the City was still subsidizing the programs, so the fees needed to increase because it was not fair to those that did not use the programs. Council Vice-President Riopelle said the Park and Recreation Commission talked about the fees, how this increase would help closed the gap for program costs, and there were great benefits for businesses when tournaments were held in the city. There were no further questions or comments. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: Helms. Council President Larson asked for a motion for items 4 through 8. 4. Consider approving the Exempt Gambling Permit application for the East Grand Forks Booster Board to hold a raffle on August 21, 2025 at the American Legion located at 1009 Central Ave NW East Grand Forks, MN 56721 and waive the 30-day waiting period. 5. Consider approving the Special Event Application for the Nick Minske Memorial Run to reserve the parking spaces for event participants along Demers Ave from 4th Street NW to 5th Street NW from 10am to 12pm and again from 5:30pm to 8:30pm on August 23rd and waive the city fees associated with this event. 6. Consider approving the Exempt Gambling Permit application for the Heritage Foundation to hold a raffle on December 13, 2025 at the Heritage Village Brier Building located at 219 20th St NE East Grand Forks, MN 56721 and waive the 30-day waiting period. 7. Consider approving the Facility Use Agreement between the City of East Grand Forks and the Blue Line Club for use of the VFW Memorial Arena from September 8th through October 9th for a total of $14,725.00. 8. Consider approving the Facility Use Agreement between the City of East Grand Forks and Northern Lights Figure Skating Club for use of the VFW Memorial Arena from September 8th to October 12th for a total of $6,260.00. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE ITEMS FOUR (4) THROUGH EIGHT (8). Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: 10. Regular meeting minutes of the Water, Light, Power, and Building Commission for July 2, 2025. COMMUNICATIONS: NONE 3|Page City Council Meeting August 5, 2025 OLD BUSINESS: NONE NEW BUSINESS: 11. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-07-56 vacating the listed streets, alleys, and easements in the flood protection area and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator/Clerk-Treasure to sign the necessary documents. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-07-56 VACATING THE LISTED STREETS, ALLEYS, AND EASEMENTS IN THE FLOOD PROTECTION AREA AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK-TREASURE TO SIGN THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS. Mr. Galstad told the Council there was a minor modification because the full vacation of an alleyway would prevent a person from accessing their property, so it was vacated up to Lot 6 so the property owner would have continued access to their property. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. 12. Consider granting final approval of the replats for the Eagle Point Addition, the West Point Addition, the Red Lake River Addition, the LaFave Park Addition, the North Forks Addition, and the South Point Addition. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO GRANT FINAL APPROVAL OF THE REPLATS FOR THE EAGLE POINT ADDITION, THE WEST POINT ADDITION, THE RED LAKE RIVER ADDITION, THE LAFAVE PARK ADDITION, THE NORTH FORKS ADDITION, AND THE SOUTH POINT ADDITION. Ms. Ellis stated these plats were for the lots that were purchased after the flood, the streets and easements were vacated, these were the new plats for those areas, and the Planning Commission was recommending the plats be approved. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. 13. Consider adopting Resolution No. 25-08-60 entering into Agreement No. 1060640 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation with the City and State sharing the costs of the lighting system extension along Trunk Highway 2 and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the agreement. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-08-60 ENTERING INTO AGREEMENT NO. 1060640 WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WITH THE CITY AND STATE SHARING THE COSTS OF THE LIGHTING SYSTEM EXTENSION ALONG TRUNK HIGHWAY 2 AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. 4|Page City Council Meeting August 5, 2025 Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. 14. Consider approving Ordinance No. 48, 4th Series granting to Northern States Power Company permission to erect a gas distribution system for the purposes of constructing, operating, repairing, and maintaining in the City of East Grand Forks, the necessary gas pipes, mains, and appurtenances for the transmission or distribution of gas to the city and its inhabitants and others and transmitting gas into and through the city and to use the public grounds and public ways of the city for such purposes. (1st Reading). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 48, 4TH SERIES GRANTING TO NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY PERMISSION TO ERECT A GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONSTRUCTING, OPERATING, REPAIRING, AND MAINTAINING IN THE CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS, THE NECESSARY GAS PIPES, MAINS, AND APPURTENANCES FOR THE TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF GAS TO THE CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS AND OTHERS AND TRANSMITTING GAS INTO AND THROUGH THE CITY AND TO USE THE PUBLIC GROUNDS AND PUBLIC WAYS OF THE CITY FOR SUCH PURPOSES. (1ST READING). Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. 15. Consider approving Ordinance No. 49, 4th Series implementing a gas service franchise fee on Northern States Power Company for providing gas service within the City of East Grand Forks (1st Reading). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CASMEY, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 49, 4TH SERIES IMPLEMENTING A GAS SERVICE FRANCHISE FEE ON NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY FOR PROVIDING GAS SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS (1ST READING). Council member Pokrzywinski asked if there was additional information about the commercial businesses. Mr. Huttunen said there have been no changes since this was last discussed. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: Pokrzywinski. 16. Consider approving the request to start the hiring process for a Mechanic position for the Public Works Department. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST TO START THE HIRING PROCESS FOR A MECHANIC POSITION FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. 5|Page City Council Meeting August 5, 2025 17. Consider approving the Consent to Assignment transferring the Collection Agreement Contract for refuse and recyclable material services from Countrywide Sanitation Company to Waste Management to be effective September 1, 2025. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CASMEY, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT TO ASSIGNMENT TRANSFERRING THE COLLECTION AGREEMENT CONTRACT FOR REFUSE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIAL SERVICES FROM COUNTRYWIDE SANITATION COMPANY TO WASTE MANAGEMENT TO BE EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2025. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. 18. Consider approving the Microtransit Feasibility, Design, and Implementation Plan. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, TO APPROVE THE MICROTRANSIT FEASIBILITY, DESIGN, AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN. Council member Helms said he would be voting no on this item because he was not convinced that this was the way to go, they could use the buses to improve the routes, something was broken, and this was a costly venture. Ms. Kouba stated there was a difference in price, microtransit would go into areas that were not currently served such as the Point area, and it would be the same cost to operate when the bus route entered the Point area. Discussion followed about how the current service did not extend into the south end of the city, some of the mileage could be shortened with the microtransit service, and it used smaller vehicles instead of the larger buses. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: Helms. 19. Consider approving the Safe Street for All Safety Action Plan. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, TO APPROVE THE SAFE STREET FOR ALL SAFETY ACTION PLAN. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. CLAIMS: 20. 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 CASMEY, TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK-TREASURER TO ISSUE PAYMENT OF RECOMMENDED BILLS AND PAYROLL. 6|Page City Council Meeting August 5, 2025 Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS: Mayor Olstad read off the Disability Pride Day Proclamation designating July 26th as Disability Pride Day in East Grand Forks. He added that their event was held over the weekend which he was able to participate in, he also got to take part at the Cats Incredible fishing tournament, and a good time was had by all. Council Vice-President Riopelle congratulated the American Legion baseball team who put on a great showing at the tournament over the weekend at St. Michael. Council Member Helms reminded everyone that it was the Heritage Foundation 50th Anniversary this coming weekend, they would be starting with the parade of Thursday night, and it should be a fun weekend. He added that any council member that wanted to participate in the parade were still able to and needed to be by the fire hall by 6pm on Thursday. Council Member Casmey commented how residents were reaching out to him about abandoned or junk cars in town, he told them he would bring it forward, and ask what could be done. Mr. Galstad told Council member Casmey to give him a call to talk about that issue and offered his condolences to the James McDonald family. Mr. Emery stated Zavoral’s was going to be starting on the sidewalk project which was scheduled to be completed before school or by August 29th. He added there were some panels that needed to be replaced because of settlement in the quiet zone area and while this work was being done the intersections were going to be closed to traffic for about a half a day for each intersection along the railroad tracks. Mr. King informed the Council the installation of the playground equipment at Grigg’s Park had started and should be completed by the end of the week. ADJOURN: A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CASMEY, TO ADJOURN THE AUGUST 5, 2025 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF THE EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AT 5:33 P.M. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. _______________________________________________ Megan Nelson, City Clerk 7|Page  APPROVED MINUTE SUMMARY OF THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION CITY OF EAST GRAND FORKS TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025 – FOLLOWING THE COUNCIL MEETING CALL TO ORDER: The Closed Meeting of the East Grand Forks City Council for Tuesday, August 5, 2025 was called to order by Council President Larson at 5:39 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. List all staff members present: Staff Present: Reid Huttunen, City Administrator; and Megan Nelson, City Clerk. DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM: The Council President Determined a Quorum was present. 1. Job Evaluation of the City Administrator. The meeting will be closed pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05 Sub. 3(a). A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. Discussion followed in closed session. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HELMS, TO MOVE INTO OPEN SESSION. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. ADJOURN: A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER POKRZYWINSKI, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIOPELLE, TO ADJOURN THE AUGUST 5, 2025 CLOSED MEETING OF THE EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AT 6:10 P.M. Voting Aye: Peterson, Schumacher, Pokrzywinski, Riopelle, Helms, Casmey, and Larson. Voting Nay: None. _______________________________________________ Megan Nelson, City Clerk