Granite Falls public meetings in 2020

Meeting

The City Council is meeting to approve the 2021 General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Enterprise Fund budgets. Members will also consider the 2021 final levy and the Capital Improvements Plan.

• Adopt Final Levy Payable 2021
• Approve General Fund Budget 2021
• Adopt Special Revenue Fund & Enterprise Fund Budgets 2021
• Adopt Capital Improvements Plan
• 2021 Street and Utility Project Preliminary Report

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will meet to consider several appointments and contracts. The body will discuss infrastructure updates and the preliminary report for the 2021 Street and Utility Project.

• Buesing Snow Removal Contract
• Building Inspector Contract
• Century Link and Mediacom Pole Attachment Contracts
• Liquor Store Manager Position
• 2021 Street and Utility Project Preliminary Report

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to review and discuss State Executive Order 20-99. This order relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Review and discussion of State Executive Order 20-99 (COVID-19)

Meeting

The City Council will consider several motions and resolutions, including speed limit signs on County Road 38 and a memorandum of understanding with Johnson Controls. Discussion items include updates on the Memorial Park Project, the Hydro Plant, and the closure of Prentice Street.

• County Rd 38 Speed Limit Signs
• Johnson Controls Memorandum of Understanding
• Waive calling for quotes for two Public Work trucks
• Law Enforcement/Justice Center Lease Agreement
• Sale of Bonds

The Granite Falls City Council approved the sale of $2,355,000 in General Obligation Sewer and Improvement Refunding Bonds, Series 2020A, and adopted several other resolutions, including extending airport farm leases, waiving bids for two public works trucks, and approving a law enforcement center lease with Yellow Medicine County. All resolutions passed unanimously, except the sound equipment donation, which passed with one abstention. The meeting also included reports on the EDA housing grant, Johnson Controls (tabled), and updates on Memorial Park and the hydroplant.

• Approved $2,355,000 sewer bond sale (unanimous)
• Extended airport farm lease contracts for one year (unanimous)
• Waived bids and accepted state bid for two public works pickup trucks (unanimous)
• Declared 2003 pickup surplus and authorized sale (unanimous)
• Authorized law enforcement center lease with Yellow Medicine County (unanimous)
• Approved updated police data request form (unanimous)
• Certified assessments for delinquent utility and miscellaneous charges (unanimous)
• Approved CARES funding donations (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will meet to discuss police department policy updates and appointments for the EDA Board and Charter Commission. The meeting includes a public hearing on the Small Cities Development Program and updates on the Memorial Park project.

• Update Police Department Policies
• TAP Grant resolution
• Employee Health Insurance resolution
• Small Cities Development Program Public Hearing
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station discussion

The Granite Falls City Council approved a $2,000 contribution to a housing study, adopted resolutions authorizing a TAP grant application and submittal, changed employee health insurance to Sourcewell/Health Partners, and allocated $25,000 in CARES funding. The council also approved appointments to the EDA and Charter Commission boards, police department policy changes, and allowed moving a city shed to the Hydro Plant.

• Approved $2,000 contribution to Housing Study (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-118 authorizing UMVRDC grant writing for TAP grant (Nordaune opposed)
• Approved Resolution 20-119 authorizing TAP grant application submittal (Nordaune opposed)
• Approved Resolution 20-120 changing employee health insurance to Sourcewell/Health Partners (S. Peterson abstained)
• Approved Resolution 20-121 authorizing letters of intent for ZEF Energy and Chargepoint (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-122 allocating $25,000 CARES funding (unanimous)
• Appointed Marshall Anderson and Dave Nordaune to EDA Board (Nordaune abstained)
• Appointed Steve Nordaune to Charter Commission Board (Nordaune abstained)

Meeting

The City Council will review specifications for hydro plant repairs and a preliminary report for the 2021 street project. Members will also consider a TAP grant and professional services for a boat launch concept.

• Hydro Plant Repair & Specifications by Cordelle Thomasma-Barr Engineering
• 2021 Street Project Preliminary Report
• Professional Services for Boat Launch Concept
• TIF #9 Expense Transfer
• TAP Grant

The Granite Falls City Council meeting on October 19, 2020, was called to order and the agenda was approved, but the minutes contain no record of any substantive decisions, votes, or outcomes. The agenda lists numerous items for discussion or potential action, including a creative crosswalk project, hydro plant repair, a TAP grant, and a 2021 street project preliminary report, but no results are documented. The minutes are procedural only, with no motions, resolutions, or ordinances recorded as passed, denied, or tabled.

• Agenda approved for Oct. 19, 2020 meeting (no vote tally recorded)
• No substantive decisions recorded in minutes
• Items listed for consideration but no outcomes noted: Creative Crosswalk Project, Hydro Plant Repair, TAP Grant, Boat Launch Concept, 2021 Street Project, TIF #9 Expense Transfer
• Discussion items listed but no results: League of MN Cities, CAIRS, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Memorial Park, Small Cities Development Program, CARES Funding, 107 Hwy 212 Appraisal, Charitable Gambling
• Future agenda items noted: Liquor Store Expansion, City Hall Server/Phone System, Century Link Pole Attachment, Data Request Form, Park Name Discussion, Justice Center Lease, MnDOT Outlook, Employee Health Insurance, Land Purchase (closed)

Meeting

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding TIF No. 9 and the enlargement of Municipal Development District No. 1, as well as a hearing for 1560 9th Ave. The body will also consider appointments for General Election Judges.

• Public Hearing for TIF No. 9 & Enlargement of Municipal Development District No. 1
• Public Hearing for 1560 9th Ave
• Council Chamber Technology Update/CARES Funding Update
• Appointment of General Election Judges
• Century Link Pole Attachment Contract

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review several resolutions, including a lease agreement for the Law Enforcement/Justice Center and the 2019 audit by Justin Nilson. The body will also discuss a driveway project and an electric vehicle charging station.

• Law Enforcement/Justice Center Lease Agreement
• 2019 Audit — Justin Nilson
• Council Chamber Technology Update/CARES Funding Update
• 9th Avenue Property Public Hearing set
• Century Link Pole Attachment Contract

Meeting

The City Council will discuss the proposed 2021 levy and budgets for the General, Special Revenue, and Enterprise funds. The body will also consider a 5-year Capital Improvements Plan and various agreements. Other items include updates on street projects and CARES funding.

• Proposed Levy Payable 2021 and public hearing dates
• General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Enterprise Fund Budgets for 2021
• 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan
• Hydro Plant Proposal with BARR
• Transit Agreement with the State

The Granite Falls City Council approved a $35,000 loan to El Nido Birth and Family Ministries, Inc. dba A Taste of Time from the 811 Revolving Loan Fund at 4% interest over 120 months, with the EDA holding a junior mortgage position. The council also approved multiple 2021 budget resolutions, including the proposed tax levy, general fund budget, special revenue and enterprise fund budgets, fund transfers, and a 5-year capital improvements plan. Additional actions included approving additional funds for BARR Engineering for hydro plant work, authorizing the sale of Series 2011A and 2013A bonds for refinancing, and approving a mutual aid agreement with the Upper Sioux Community Police Department.

• Approved $35,000 loan to El Nido Birth and Family Ministries from 811 Revolving Loan Fund (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-92: proposed tax levy payable 2021 and public hearing call (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-93: proposed general fund budget for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-94: special revenue and enterprise fund budgets for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-95: transfers of general funds to various city funds for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-96: transfers of enterprise funds to 2021 general and airport construction funds (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-97: 5-year capital improvements plan and equipment replacement schedule (unanimous)
• Approved additional BARR Engineering funds: $16,500 admin, $6,500 concrete design repairs, $3,000 bid advertising (unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will review a state grant agreement for Turbine II and Hydro Plant repairs and a resolution supporting a bonding bill. The meeting includes updates on street projects, CARES funding, and Memorial Park.

• State Grant Agreement for Turbine II & Hydro Plant Repairs
• Resolution Supporting Bonding Bill
• Airport Proposal/Wet Land Review
• MnDOT Granite Falls Overlook/Memorial Park Rock Wall
• CARES Funding Update

The Granite Falls City Council took several actions at its August 17, 2020 regular meeting. It unanimously adopted Resolution 20-88 calling for a public hearing on expanding Municipal Development District No. 1 and establishing Tax Increment Financing District No. 9. The council also unanimously approved Resolution 20-89 authorizing a state grant agreement for Turbine III and the hydro plant, Resolution 20-90 supporting a bonding bill, and Resolution 20-91 accepting MnDOT's offer to transfer the Memorial Park rock wall to the city. Additionally, the council approved the consent agenda, a Trunk or Treat street closure, purchases of tablets and cleaning equipment, and other items.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, bills, reports) (unanimous)
• Disapproved wetland expansion at airport (motion by Fagnano/S. Peterson)
• Approved closure of 3 blocks of 8th Avenue for Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31, 2-5 p.m. (Nordaune/B. Peterson)
• Adopted Resolution 20-88 calling for TIF District No. 9 public hearing (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-89 authorizing state grant agreement for Turbine III/hydro plant (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-90 supporting a bonding bill (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 7 Lenovo Chromebook Duet tablets at $299 each, total $2,093 (Nordaune/B. Peterson)
• Approved KCC floor scrubber ($4,800) and carpet cleaner ($2,900) (Nordaune/Pazi Zea)

Meeting

The City Council will consider a contract for cleaning services and forfeited property at 247 E Park St. Discussion items include updates on CARES funding, street projects, and the reissuing of General Obligation Bonds.

• Contract for Cleaning Services
• Forfeited Property: 247 E Park St
• Reissuing of GO Bonds Series 2011A (Sewer & Water) and Series 2013A (Street Improvement)
• State Grant Agreement for Turbine III & Hydro Plant Repairs

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will meet to consider a hospital lease agreement and hazardous housing. The body will also discuss updates regarding the airport T-Hanger project and CARES funding.

• Hospital Lease Agreement
• Hazardous Housing resolution
• Disclosure of Conflict for SCDP Recipient
• Lighting of Walla Bridge motion
• Discussion on naming the park adjacent to the water plant

The Granite Falls City Council unanimously approved Resolution 20-82 authorizing the amended Lease and Agreement between the city and Avera Granite Falls, following a presentation by hospital CEO Tom Kooiman. The council also approved a pink and blue bridge lighting request for October 15, 2020, and reached consensus to budget 2021 funds for hazardous housing. Several project updates were provided, including street maintenance, turbine repairs, and the airport T-hanger project, but no other formal votes were taken.

• Approved amended Lease and Agreement with Avera Granite Falls (unanimous)
• Approved pink and blue bridge lighting for Infants Remembered in Silence on Oct 15, 2020 (unanimous)
• Consensus to budget 2021 funds for hazardous housing

Meeting

The City Council will meet to discuss a hospital appointment and a professional service agreement with BARR. The agenda includes updates on Memorial Park and the KCC Courts. Members will also discuss mowing contracts and the naming of a park adjacent to the water plant.

• Hospital Appointment
• Memorial Park Phase IV
• Professional Service Agreement with BARR
• Mowing Contract with Jon Anderson
• Discussion on 401 Winter Dr Property (Closed Session)

Meeting

The City Council will consider resolutions regarding Memorial Park Phase IV and a professional service agreement with BARR. Discussion items include property mowing contracts, KCC courts, and updates on various city projects.

• Memorial Park Phase IV resolution
• Professional Service Agreement with BARR
• Mowing properties and contract discussion
• Closed session regarding 401 Winter Dr property

The Granite Falls City Council held its regular session on June 15, 2020, and took several actions. The most consequential decision was retracting the sale of city-owned land at 401 Winter Drive, amending a previous resolution. The council also approved a rate increase for weed ordinance violations, authorized a grant application for Memorial Park Phase IV, accepted a proposal for Turbine III repairs, and approved a quote for step repairs. All votes were unanimous.

• Retracted sale of city-owned land at 401 Winter Drive (unanimous)
• Approved weed ordinance violation mowing rate increase: $200 first offense, +$100 each subsequent (unanimous)
• Authorized Memorial Park Phase IV grant application submission (unanimous)
• Accepted Barr Engineering proposal for Turbine III repairs (unanimous)
• Ordered inspections of structures per ordinance 150.09 (unanimous)
• Approved using retainage from original contract for Barber Circle/Daniels Drive minor repairs (unanimous)
• Accepted $6,890 quote from Innovative Masonry Restoration LLC for walking bridge step repairs (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, bills, and reports (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will consider resolutions regarding playground equipment for Highland Park and Memorial Park. The body will also review bids and professional services for Memorial Park Phase III and IV.

• Purchase of Highland Park Playground Equipment
• Memorial Park Phase IV Contract for Professional Services
• Memorial Park Nature-based Playground Equipment
• Memorial Park Phase III Bids
• Hospital Appointment

Meeting

The City Council will review bids for 2020 diseased elm tree removal and a professional services contract for Memorial Park Phase IV. Members will also discuss a lease amendment for the Prairie Five Bus Garage and property requests on Hwy 212 and Baldwin St.

• Bids for 2020 Diseased Elm Tree Removal
• Memorial Park Phase IV Contract for Professional Services
• Prairie Five Bus Garage Lease Amendment
• Discussion of buildings on 107 Hwy 212 Property
• Residential request to purchase City Property at Parcel 40-010-0615 Baldwin St

The Granite Falls City Council approved a counter-offer to sell Parcel #40-080-0320 at 104 Winter Drive for $35,000, including a developmental agreement, despite two opposing votes. The council also accepted a bid for the 2020 Diseased Elm Tree Removal Program and transferred ownership of the transit bus facility to Prairie Five Community Action Council. A grant application for Memorial Park Phase IV was tabled, and $2.75 million in funding was secured for hydro-electric plant repairs.

• Approved $35,000 counter-offer for 104 Winter Drive sale (5-2)
• Accepted Northbound Tree Service bid for elm removal at $17.91/inch and $4.50 stump grinding (unanimous)
• Transferred transit facility ownership to Prairie Five CAC (unanimous)
• Approved removal of small wooden outbuilding on 107 Hwy 212 property (unanimous)
• Tabled Memorial Park Phase IV grant application
• Approved consent agenda including bills totaling $424,526.73

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review quotes for 2020 liquid CO2 for the Water Treatment Plant and a farm lease renewal for Rich Jepson. The body will also receive updates on street improvements and turbine projects.

• Quotes for 2020 Liquid CO2 – Water Treatment Plant
• Renewal of Farm Lease Agreement – Rich Jepson
• 2020 Street Improvements update
• Turbine II update
• COVID-19 update

The Granite Falls City Council approved several contracts and resolutions at its May 4, 2020 regular session. The council awarded the 2020 Street Maintenance Improvements bid to Duininck, Inc. for $153,737.50, accepted a $44,234 quote for continued Turbine II repairs, and approved a $2,705 hydro plant piping repair quote from Olsen Plumbing & Heating. All resolutions were adopted unanimously. A motion to till up prairie grass and plant lawn grass at the park adjacent to the water plant failed for lack of a second; a subsequent motion to leave the park as is passed with one opposing vote.

• Awarded 2020 Street Maintenance Improvements bid to Duininck, Inc. for $153,737.50 (unanimous)
• Accepted L&S quote for Turbine II repairs for $44,234, bringing total repair cost to $82,894 (unanimous)
• Accepted Olsen Plumbing & Heating quote for hydro plant piping repair for $2,705 (unanimous)
• Accepted American Welding & Gas quote for liquid CO2 at $192/ton plus $5/delivery (unanimous)
• Renewed farmland lease with Richard Jepson for 3 years with 3% increase in first year (unanimous)
• Committed 10% match of total funding needed for Turbine III and hydro-electric plant repairs (unanimous)
• Authorized surveying of 107 Hwy 212 property and adjacent city-owned property (unanimous)
• Motion to till prairie grass and plant lawn grass at park failed; motion to leave park as is passed (opposed: Galow)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will meet to review reports from the Airport Commission and EDA Board. The body will consider resolutions for diseased elm tree removal and liquid CO2 for the water treatment plant. The meeting includes updates on COVID-19, spring flooding, and street improvements.

• Resolution for 2020 Diseased Elm Tree Removal quotes
• Resolution for 2020 Liquid CO2 quotes for Water Treatment Plant
• 2020 Street Improvements update
• Volstead House Condition Assessment Report
• Spring Flood update

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will meet to consider resolutions regarding infrastructure repairs. The body will also receive updates on COVID-19, spring flooding, and Memorial Park improvements.

• Resolution to waive calling for KCC Roof Repair quotes
• Turbine II Repair Quote
• Memorial Park Improvements update
• 1507 8th Ave update
• Volstead House Conditions Assessment update

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review liquor license applications and bids for street equipment and Memorial Park improvements. The body will also discuss the coronavirus and hydro plant repairs.

• Liquor license approvals for American Legion, Bluenose Gopher Brewery, Dallas II, JS Ventures LLC (Granite Bowl), and Tolley’s Bar & Grill
• Bids for Phase II Memorial Park Improvements
• Bids for Street Department Equipment
• Bids for demolition of structure at 1507 8th Ave
• Resolution finding a Parcel of Structurally Substandard Building

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review bids for 2020 street improvements, park maintenance, and Memorial Park Phase II. The body will also consider a purchase agreement for the Zimmerman property and a utility account assessment.

• Call for Bids 2020 Street Improvements
• Bids for Hay Land Lease
• Bids for Maintenance of City Parks
• Bids for Phase II Memorial Park Improvements
• Purchase Agreement for Zimmerman Property

Meeting

The City Council will review quotes for wastewater treatment plant reactors and bids for a new City Hall server and phone system. The body is also considering contracts for the City Clerk, MAPE, and the Public Access Coordinator.

• Quotes for Sequencing Batch Reactors update at the WWTP
• Bids for replacement of City Hall server and phone system
• MAPE Contract approval
• City Clerk's Contract approval
• Resolution for Turbine #3 replacement and Hydro Plant repairs

Meeting

The City Council will review quotes and bids for wastewater treatment and hydro plant improvements. The body is also considering the approval of an AFSCME contract and the purchase of a police squad car.

• Quotes for Sequencing Batch Reactors and Impellers at the WWTP
• Bids for Hydro Plant safety improvements and relay testing
• Purchase of a police squad car
• Approval of AFSCME contract
• Quotes for hay land lease and library landscaping

The Granite Falls City Council approved a three-year AFSCME union contract with salary increases and benefit changes, accepted bids for hydro plant safety improvements and relay testing, and authorized the purchase of a new police squad car. The council also approved contracts for the Finance Director and City Manager, declared a decline bench surplus, and tabled a wastewater treatment plant project pending more information.

• Approved three-year AFSCME Council 65 contract with 2.5%/2.5%/3% raises (unanimous)
• Accepted $21,277.54 bid from Par Piping for hydro plant safety improvements (unanimous)
• Accepted $9,900 quote from CE Power for relay testing at hydro and diesel plants (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of 2020 Ford Police Interceptor for $31,462.56 plus $8,916.46 equipment (unanimous)
• Approved three-year Finance Director contract with salary increases to $86,507.20 by 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved City Manager contract addendum with salary increases to $94,972.80 by 2022 (unanimous)
• Declared decline bench at Kilowatt Community Center as surplus and authorized sale (unanimous)
• Tabled wastewater treatment plant sequencing batch reactor update pending more information

Meeting

The City Council will consider a second reading of a beekeeping ordinance and a no-parking rule along Highway 212. The body will also discuss updates to Memorial Park and the city's hydro plant. A closed meeting is scheduled to discuss the purchase of property.

• Second reading of Beekeeping Ordinance
• Proposed no parking along Highway 212 from Bridge to East of Lincoln St.
• Execution of 212/23 Intersection Agreement
• Call for bids for maintenance of City Parks and Other Properties
• Donations to Yellow Medicine East scholarship and the Food Shelf

The Granite Falls City Council adopted a new beekeeping ordinance (No. 199) and set a $25 annual permit fee. The council also approved a $10,000 loan to Falls Boutique from the 811 Revolving Loan Fund, authorized the purchase of property at 107 East Highway 212 for $105,000, and approved several other resolutions including donations, a MnDOT construction agreement, and a no-parking zone on Highway 212.

• Adopted beekeeping ordinance No. 199 (unanimous)
• Set beekeeping permit fee at $25 annually (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 loan to Falls Boutique at 3% for 7 years (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of 107 East Highway 212 for $105,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Scholarship YME (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 donation to Neighbors United Food Shelf (unanimous)
• Authorized MnDOT Cooperative Construction Agreement for Hwy 212/23 project (unanimous)
• Approved no-parking zone on Hwy 212 East from MN River Bridge to 800' east of Lincoln St (unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council is meeting to elect leadership, establish rules of order, and appoint members to boards and commissions. The body will also consider several 2020 contracts and a new beekeeping ordinance.

• First reading of Beekeeping Ordinance
• Execution of agreement for 212/23 Intersection Reconstruction
• Approval of City Attorney, LELS, and Airport Manager contracts
• Execution of Airport Infrastructure Renewal Grant Program Application
• Classification and sale of tax forfeited property

The Granite Falls City Council held its re-organizational meeting and approved a three-year contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. for full-time police officers, including salary increases of 2.5% in 2020, 2.5% in 2021, and 3% in 2022. The council also accepted donated fire training trailers, advanced a beekeeping ordinance, and authorized bids for Memorial Park improvements and a wastewater treatment plant upgrade. Several routine appointments and re-appointments were made for boards, commissions, and city staff.

• Approved 3-year police union contract with 2.5%/2.5%/3% raises (unanimous)
• Accepted donation of two fire training trailers from Fire Relief Association (unanimous)
• Held first reading of beekeeping ordinance (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-1 calling for quotes for wastewater treatment plant upgrade (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2020-6 calling for bids for Memorial Park Phase II & III improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2020-5 authorizing Airport Infrastructure Renewal grant application (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 20-2 employment agreement with Holmstrom & Kvam as city attorneys (unanimous)
• Authorized continued negotiations for property purchase (6-1, Nordaune nay)