Granite Falls public meetings in 2023

Meeting

The City Council will consider several resolutions to approve the 2024 General Fund, Special Revenue, and Enterprise Fund budgets. The meeting also includes actions on the 2024 final levy and the Capital Improvements Plan.

• Adopt Final Levy Payable 2024
• Approve General Fund Budget 2024
• Adopt Special Revenue Fund & Enterprise Fund Budgets 2024
• Adopt Capital Improvements Plan
• Consider Temporary Liquor License for YES House

Truth in Taxation

The City Council will meet to consider several resolutions and review reports from various boards. The agenda includes a Truth in Taxation session prior to the regular meeting.

• Lift Station Repairs resolution
• T-Hangar Contract resolution
• Designate Polling Places resolution
• City Hall Building Automation System Upgrade resolution
• Discussion regarding 993 6th St

Meeting

The City Council will review motions regarding a Planning Commission appointment and a bridge lighting request. The meeting also includes updates on the Hwy 23 Coalition and an Artist in Residency program.

• Planning Commission Appointment motion
• Bridge Lighting Request motion
• Hwy 23 Coalition Membership resolution
• Resolution to close various funds
• Closed session regarding sale of City property

Meeting

The City Council will consider several resolutions and appointments during this meeting. Discussion items include charitable gambling, while future agendas involve fire department equipment and mowing contracts.

• T-Hangar Contract resolution
• Sale of miscellaneous surplus equipment
• Hospital donation resolution
• Energy Transition Grant resolution
• 993 6th Street resolution

Meeting

The City Council will meet to consider several resolutions, including a building inspector's contract and street reconstruction grants. The agenda also includes a first reading of the I-2 General Industry ordinance and a closed session regarding land sale in the Industrial Park.

• Approval of Building Inspector’s Contract
• Street Reconstruction Grant resolution
• First reading of I-2 General Industry ordinance
• RDC Grant Writing Proposal resolution
• Closed session regarding Sale of Land in Industrial Park

Meeting

The City Council will meet to vote on several appointments and resolutions, including a custodial contract and a professional service contract with Bolton & Menk. The meeting also includes information sessions regarding the annual hospital update, an archery range, and the hydro plant wall.

• Mayor, Vice President, and Committee appointments
• Rice Park Bench Donation
• Tree Donation resolution
• Custodial Contract resolution
• Professional Service Contract with Bolton & Menk

Meeting

The City Council will consider several resolutions regarding the 2024 General Fund, Special Revenue, and Enterprise Fund budgets. The meeting also includes a discussion on wastewater facility pumps and the adoption of a proposed levy payable for 2024.

• Adopt Proposed Levy Payable 2024 and set public hearing dates
• Adopt resolutions approving 2024 General Fund, Special Revenue, and Enterprise Fund budgets
• Adopt 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan
• Discussion regarding Wastewater Facility Pumps
• Review of 1148 Granite Street Inspection Report

Meeting

The City Council will review several resolutions, including items regarding the 2024 Airport Improvements and wastewater pumps. The meeting also includes motions for a Park Board appointment and a bench donation for Rice Park.

• Resolution: 2024 Airport Improvements
• Resolution: Wastewater Pumps
• Resolution: DMV Amendment of Lease
• Resolution: Kiwanis Popcorn Stand Improvements
• Resolution: Fire Department Mutual Aid Agreement

The City Council accepted grant awards for 2024 airport upgrades and renewed a DMV lease for City Hall chambers. The council also approved a concrete contract for the Kiwanis popcorn stand and appointed a new Park Board member.

• Approved $545,000 in airport improvements via Department of Aeronautics grants (Unanimous)
• Approved $7,800 bid from Dolan Concrete and Masonry for popcorn stand work (3-1)
• Renewed DMV lease for City Hall chambers at $500 per year (Unanimous)
• Approved Mutual Aid Agreement with West Central and Southwest Fire Department Associations (Unanimous)
• Appointed Ryan Meehan to the Park Board (Unanimous)
• Approved street closures of Lende Lane and Prentice Street for Sept 29 (Passed)
• Approved purple bridge lighting and ribbon display for Oct 15-23 (Unanimous)
• Tabled wastewater pumps for more information

Meeting

The City Council will review motions regarding Pleasant Street signage and Squidfest parking lot use. The meeting also includes a second reading of the Tobacco Ordinance and discussions regarding a popcorn stand and a mural.

• Second reading of Tobacco Ordinance
• Resolution for Utility Loan Request
• Resolution for Bush Park Substation Battery Replacement
• Motion for Pleasant Street Signage
• Motion for Squidfest Use of Parking Lot

The City Council approved several financial resolutions, including a revolving loan for a local business and a residential utility loan. The council also authorized expenditures for police radar equipment, substation batteries, and concrete work for a popcorn stand. Additionally, the council suspended assessments on EDA-purchased lots and approved a tobacco ordinance amendment.

• Approved $100,000 RLF loan to Valley Automotive at 5% interest (Unanimous)
• Approved $8,000 residential utility loan to John and Kathleen Korthuis at 9% interest (Unanimous)
• Approved suspension of assessments on EDA purchased forfeited lots with 2-year review (Unanimous)
• Approved $29,309.71 for 20 Switch Gear Batteries at Bush Park Substation (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of police radar equipment from Stalker Radar for $2,350.00 (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 23-104 to seek bids up to $10,000 for popcorn stand concrete work (Unanimous)
• Approved painting of a community mural during Squidfest (Unanimous)
• Approved second reading and publication summary of tobacco ordinance amendment (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will review several resolutions including wastewater pumps and grant submittals. The meeting also includes a first reading of a tobacco ordinance and a discussion on cannabis public use.

• First reading of Tobacco Ordinance
• Cannabis Public Use Moratorium Ordinance
• Approval of liquor license for La Plazita IV
• Resolutions regarding wastewater pumps and T-Hangar lease agreements
• Discussion on Liquor Store Improvements

The City Council adopted two emergency ordinances creating interim moratoriums on the sale and public use of THC products. The council also approved a liquor license, a foundation donation, and several airport hangar leases.

• Adopted emergency ordinance for interim THC sale moratorium (4-2)
• Adopted emergency ordinance for interim THC public use moratorium (5-1)
• Approved first reading to amend tobacco ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved on-sale liquor license for La Plazita (unanimous)
• Approved $1,325 donation to Southwest Initiative Foundation (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 23-99 amending Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 23-100 to apply for Memorial Park invasive species grant (unanimous)
• Approved three-year airport hangar leases for Keith Woods, Dax Wanless, and Keith Aakre (unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will review motions for an EV charging station site plan and YME employment advertising. The meeting also includes resolutions regarding levee improvement project updates, an EDA loan, and painting Fire Hall #2.

• EV Charging Station Site Plan motion
• Levee Improvement Bids/Project Updates resolution
• EDA loan resolution
• Painting Fire Hall #2 resolution
• Accessory Building Ordinance 2nd reading

The City Council accepted a bid for levee and riverbank restoration and approved a $21,000 loan to the Chamber of Commerce. The council also approved a site plan for an electric vehicle charging station and a bid to paint Fire Hall #2.

• Approved levee and riverbank restoration bid from Rachel Contracting for $317,290 (plus $42,000 alternates) (Unanimous)
• Approved $21,000 EDA RLF Loan to Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce at 5% interest for 10 years (Unanimous)
• Approved site plan for EV charging station at west end of 142 US Hwy 212 (Passed)
• Approved bid to Jesse Bautista for $9,855 to paint Fire Hall #2 (Unanimous)
• Approved second reading of Accessory Building Ordinance (Passed)
• Approved posting signs requiring bikes to be walked on Main Street (Passed)
• Approved request for YME to advertise employment opportunities on the school van (Passed)
• Tabled Tobacco Ordinance 157 reading

Meeting

The City Council will review several resolutions including a contract with ZEF Energy and an RDC grant proposal for invasive species removal. The meeting also includes a first reading of the Accessory Building Ordinance.

• RDC Grant Proposal – Invasive Species Removal
• Hydro Plant Substation Upgrade resolution
• Contract with ZEF Energy
• Boat Launch Site Improvements resolution
• Accessory Building Ordinance 1st Reading

The City Council approved several infrastructure projects, including a $47,104 hydro substation upgrade and boat launch modifications. The council also authorized a grant proposal for invasive species removal and approved a site agreement for an electric vehicle charging corridor.

• Approved $47,104 for hydro substation circuit monitoring and controls (Unanimous)
• Approved $9,000 for Memorial Park boat launch modifications (Unanimous)
• Authorized UMVRDC to submit a grant for invasive species removal at $4,750 plus charges (Unanimous)
• Authorized execution of ZEF Energy Site Host & Owner Agreement for MPCA DC Fast Charging Corridor (Unanimous)
• Approved 1st reading of Accessory Building Ordinance
• Approved temporary liquor license for Baseball Association Junior Legion State Tournament
• Approved sending a letter to contractor EC! regarding cracking concrete at the hydro plant
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, bills, and correspondence

Meeting

The City Council will discuss and take action on various motions, resolutions, and ordinances including a historical society grant and accessory building regulations.

• Volstead Minnesota Historical Society Grant - $10,000 (Resolution)
• Accessory Building Ordinance - First Reading
• ZEF Energy Agreement

The City Council approved several resolutions including a $21,000 contract for turbine cleaning and penalties for THC sales to a minor. The council also authorized the sale of tax-forfeited lands and a city-owned property to the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the speed limit on Minnesota Avenue was reduced to 15 mph.

• Approved $21,000 quote from L & S for Turbine #3 cleaning (Unanimous)
• Fined Laurie Knutson $50 and Down on the Korner, LLC $1,000 with a 3-7 day license suspension for THC violations (Unanimous)
• Reduced Minnesota Avenue speed limit to 15 mph (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Squidfest (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,500 membership in the HWY 23 Coalition (Unanimous)
• Authorized sale of 10 tax-forfeited land parcels in Highland Park (Unanimous)
• Declared 2014 Interceptor as surplus and authorized its sale (Unanimous)
• Approved sale of 761B Prentice Place Commons to Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce for $21,000 (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will review several resolutions, including a transfer of ARPA funds to the 2023 Street/Utility Construction Fund. The meeting also includes discussions on airport maintenance grants, utility pole inspections, and various community requests.

• Transfer ARPA Funds to 2023 Street/Utility Construction Fund
• Airport Maintenance Grant Contract resolution
• Demolition quotes for 12106 5th Street and 145 5th Ave
• Library Board Ordinance second reading
• Public Hearing: Small Cities Development Program

The City Council approved a $294,843.47 transfer of ARPA funds for utility improvements and authorized multiple contracts for demolition, utility pole inspection, and park improvements. The council also approved a temporary loan for the Granite Falls Area Foundation and declined a $142,000 payment request from Canyon Hydro.

• Approved transfer of $294,843.47 in ARPA funds to the 450 Construction Fund (Unanimous)
• Approved $36,900 demolition bid from H&H Construction for 1210 6th Street and 145 5th Avenue (Unanimous)
• Approved $14,470 bid from Utility Asset Management Inc. for utility pole inspection (Unanimous)
• Approved temporary loan to the Granite Falls Area Foundation (Unanimous, B. Peterson abstained)
• Declined $142,000 additional compensation request from Canyon Hydro (Unanimous)
• Approved $4,814.59 air compressor purchase from Dave’s Electric (Unanimous)
• Approved professional services contract with Damon Farber for Memorial Park not to exceed $6,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved temporary liquor licenses for The Yes House for June 17 and June 24 (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will consider several motions including bids for Dutch Elm and force main quotes. The agenda also includes a first reading of the Library Board Ordinance and discussions regarding tree carving and park signage.

• Library Board Ordinance - 1st Reading
• Dutch Elm Bids
• Force Main Quotes
• Cooperative Construction Agreement
• Substation Transformers Grant Proposal

The City Council awarded a $99,900 contract to Redstone Construction for force main removal and asbestos inspection. Council also approved a flood wall mural, a $100 sponsorship for the Cruizerz Car Show, and the 2023 Diseased Elm Tree Removal Program. Additionally, the council authorized a grant application for substation transformers.

• Awarded force main removal and asbestos inspection contract to Redstone Construction for $99,900 (Unanimous)
• Approved Cooperative Construction Agreement with the DNR for crosswalk and trail development (Unanimous)
• Approved painting of a mural on the riverside of the flood wall (Unanimous)
• Approved $100 sponsorship and use of Rice Park for Cruizerz Car Show (Unanimous)
• Accepted Northbound Tree Service quote for 2023 Diseased Elm Tree Removal at $20.65 per inch and $5.25 for stump grinding (Unanimous)
• Ordered inspection of structure at 1148 Granite Street (Unanimous)
• Authorized grant application for substation transformers via UMVRDC (Unanimous)
• Approved $500 donation to Chippewa and Yellow Medicine County Fairs (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will consider several liquor license applications and temporary licenses. The meeting includes first readings of tobacco and accessory building ordinances, as well as a public hearing regarding the naming of the softball field.

• Liquor license approvals for American Legion, Bluenose Gopher Brewery, JS Ventures LLC dba Granite Bowl, and Tolley’s Bar & Grill
• Temporary liquor licenses for Markers Market and YES House Musical Performance
• 2023 Bond Sale, C02 Contract, MAPE Agreement, and City Manager Contract
• 2023 Street & Utility Improvements Change Order No.1
• Tobacco Ordinance and Accessory Building Ordinance first readings

The City Council authorized the sale of General Obligation Bonds for $1,615,000 and approved contracts for EV charging stations and street improvements. The council also named the city softball field and approved new murals and crosswalk art. Employment contracts for the City Manager and MAPE Union were adopted.

• Approved sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023A for $1,615,000 (Unanimous)
• Named softball field 'Verne Anderson Memorial Field- Home of Sting Fastpitch' (6-1)
• Approved $1.00 lease with Jennifer Sneller for softball concession stand (Unanimous)
• Approved phase 3 floodwall mural and downtown crosswalk art designs (Unanimous)
• Approved three-year contracts for MAPE Union and City Manager (Unanimous)
• Approved $5,884.45 change order for catch basin replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved contract with ZEF Energy for EV charging stations at Riverside Bottle Shop/La Plazita
• Approved liquid CO2 purchase from American Welding & Gas, Inc. at $224 per ton (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will review resolutions regarding Memorial Park Phase IV bids, an Access Coordinator contract, and a School Resource Officer contract. The meeting also includes discussions on the hydro plant, CAIR updates, and a potential sale of city property in closed session.

• Memorial Park Phase IV Bids
• Access Coordinator Contract
• School Resource Officer Contract
• Substation Long Range Plan Change Order
• Chamber of Commerce request to use parking lot

The City Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including park improvements and electrical plant updates. The council also increased camping fees and authorized the sale of a property at Prentice Place Commons.

• Approved $498,614 in bids for Memorial Park Phase IV Improvements (Unanimous)
• Approved contract change order for Hydro plant lighting and hoist (Unanimous)
• Adopted proposed City Property Naming Policy
• Scheduled public hearing for May 1, 2023, regarding naming the softball field (Unanimous)
• Increased Memorial Park camping fees: RV sites to $20 and tent sites to $14 (Unanimous)
• Promoted Ryan Meehan to full-time Public Works employee contingent on checks/CDL
• Approved $15,049 change order for Substation Long Range Plan electronic mapping (Unanimous)
• Approved sale of 761B Prentice Place Commons to Medina Sales for $22,500 (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will review motions regarding a Utilities Commission appointment and bridge lighting. The meeting also includes a public hearing for the 2023 Street & Utility Project.

• Memorial Park Phase IV Contract resolution
• Bond Sale – Todd Hagen resolution
• T-Hangar Lease Agreement resolution
• Call for Bids – 2023 Dutch Elm
• 2023 Street & Utility Project Public Hearing

The City Council authorized the sale of General Obligation Improvement Bonds and Equipment Certificates of Indebtedness. The council also approved final assessments for 2023 street and utility improvements and a grant contract for Memorial Park. Several administrative appointments and lease agreements were finalized.

• Approved final assessment roll for 2023 Street and Utility Improvements (Unanimous)
• Authorized sale of $1,615,000 in General Obligation Improvement Bonds Series 2023A (Unanimous)
• Authorized issuance of $570,000 in General Obligation Equipment Certificates of Indebtedness Series 2023A (Unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Karl Hegna to the Utilities Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved bridge lighting request for National Tourism Week, May 7-13 (Unanimous)
• Authorized $569,973.00 grant contract for Memorial Park Phase IV Improvements (Unanimous)
• Authorized two-year 'Jet Pod' hangar lease agreement with Ryan Christopherson (Unanimous)
• Approved soliciting quotes for 2023 Diseased Elm Tree Removal Program (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council will consider several resolutions and motions, including a Utilities Commission appointment and various service agreements. Discussion items include library updates, flow monitoring proposals, and a public hearing regarding the Small Cities Development Program.

• Appointment to the Utilities Commission
• Memorial Park Plant Survey resolution
• Security system upgrade for Riverside Bottle Shop
• Asbestos inspection call for 1210 6th Street
• Small Cities Development Program public hearing

The City Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including a $67,216 sewer flow monitoring study and a security system upgrade for the Riverside Bottle Shop. The council also passed resolutions to apply for a Small Cities Development Program Grant and authorized the sale of 142 US Hwy 212 to La Plazita Hispanic Market LLC.

• Approved $67,216 contract with Stantec Consulting Services for flow monitoring (unanimous)
• Approved $8,767.29 bid from Blue Sky Security LLC for Riverside Bottle Shop (unanimous)
• Approved $2,200 asbestos inspection for 1210 6th Street by VCI Environmental, Inc (unanimous)
• Approved bid to Midwest Natural Resources for Memorial Park rare plant survey (unanimous)
• Approved $400 donation to Western Fest Celebration (unanimous)
• Renewed contract between city, WAPA, and CMPAS (unanimous)
• Approved Small Cities Development Program Grant application and declared slum and blighted area (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase, party wall, and easement agreements for sale of 142 US Hwy 212 to La Plazita Hispanic Market LLC (unanimous)

Meeting

The council will consider several action items including a limited use permit for Memorial Park, an AFSCME contract, a memorandum of understanding with LELS, a hydro plant change order, a park survey, and public works equipment. They will also hear reports on the food shelf, the hospital, and an electric vehicle charging station proposal.

• T-Hangar Donation
• Limited Use Permit – Memorial Park
• AFCSME Contract
• Memorandum of Understanding - LELS
• Hydro Plant Change Order 1

The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to authorize Change Order No. 1 for hydroelectric plant intake area repairs. The Council also acknowledged a gambling license application for Western Fest.

• Adopted Resolution No. 23-26 authorizing Change Order No. 1 for hydroelectric plant intake area repairs (unanimous)
• Acknowledged gambling license application for Western Fest

Canceled

This meeting was canceled. No decisions or discussions took place.

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will consider several action items, including a temporary liquor license, donations to CAIR and Lee Mar Equine Center, appraisal services, non-union contracts, Memorial Park Phase IV, and a Granite Falls Energy dividend. They will also receive a fire department year-end report and discuss a softball field naming request.

• Temporary liquor license
• CAIR donation – Dani Prados
• Lee Mar Equine Center Healing Hearts donation
• Memorial Park – Phase IV
• Granite Falls Energy dividend

The City Council accepted a proposal from Rural Appraisal Services for 2023 and 2024 assessment services. The council also approved funding for the City Artist in Residence program and several administrative contracts. A request to name a softball field was denied, leading to a decision to create a formal naming policy.

• Approved 2023 City Artist in Residence theme and $10,000 funding (Unanimous)
• Approved temporary liquor licenses for Yes House for four dates (Approved)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Lee Mar Ranch Equine Center, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Accepted Rural Appraisal Services proposal for 2023-2024 assessment services at $34,068.75 per year (Unanimous)
• Approved three-year non-union contracts for Finance Director and City Clerk (Unanimous)
• Called for bids for Phase IV Memorial Park Improvements (Unanimous)
• Allocated Granite Falls Energy Dividend to the Granite Falls EDA (Unanimous)
• Denied request to name softball field after Vern Anderson; approved creation of Parks and Facilities Naming Policy

Meeting

The City Council approved a three-year contract for full-time police officers and authorized a FEMA grant application for a new aerial fire truck. Other actions included approving a loan to Woodbern Properties and setting new airport hangar rental rates.

• Approved three-year contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. for 2023-2025 (unanimous)
• Authorized professional services to apply for FEMA grant for fire department aerial truck (unanimous)
• Approved loan to Woodbern Properties from 811 Revolving Loan Fund for approx. $8,250 (B. Peterson abstained)
• Approved new airport hangar rates: $175/month for small units and $1,200/month for one large unit (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Scholarship YME program (unanimous)
• Approved quote from VCI Environmental for asbestos removal at 145 5th Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved offering the archery deer hunt in 2023
• Tabled first reading of Accessory Building ordinance

Out-Going

This is a routine outgoing council meeting with no substantive decisions or discussions listed. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, bills, and reports from the Kilowatt Community Center Board and Planning Commission.

• Approval of minutes from December 19, 2022 regular meeting and December 27, 2022 special meeting
• Approval of bills
• Fire department correspondence
• Reports from Kilowatt Community Center Board and Planning Commission

The City Council held an out-going session and a re-organizational meeting to appoint officials and boards for 2023. The council approved several professional service contracts, a $5,000 food shelf donation, and a zoning change for a local property.

• Re-appointed Steve Nordaune as Vice President (Unanimous)
• Designated FM Bank and Citizens Alliance Bank as depositories (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Re-appointed Rodeberg & Berryman as City Engineers and approved 2023 mileage rate increase (Unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 donation to Neighbors United Resource Center Food Shelf (Unanimous)
• Established $2,000 application fee for THC licenses (Unanimous)
• Authorized Airport Manager contract with Keith Woods (Unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 1107 Granite Street from R-2 Medium Density Residential to C-1 Highway/Auto Commerce (Unanimous)
• Ordered 2023 Street & Utility Improvements and called for bids (Unanimous)

Reorganizational

The Granite Falls City Council will vote on several 2023 appointments and contracts, including the City Engineer, Airport Engineer, Electrical Engineer, City Attorney, and Airport Manager. The council will also consider a zoning amendment, a THC licensing fee, and a donation to the food shelf. A discussion item includes a waiver from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.

• Approve City Engineer, Airport Engineer, and Electrical Engineer for 2023
• Approve City Attorney contract for 2023
• Consider zoning amendment request
• Set THC licensing fee
• Discuss League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust waiver

The Council appointed city officials, designated depositories, and approved several professional service contracts for 2022. The body also accepted foundation donations for city amenities and approved a donation to a local food shelf.

• Appointed Steve Nordaune as Vice-President (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 22-1 calling for a Feb 7 public hearing on 2022 Street/Utility Improvements (unanimous)
• Designated FM Bank and Citizens Alliance Bank as city depositories (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Re-appointed Rodeberg & Berryman (City Engineer), Bolton & Menk (Airport Engineer), and HDR Engineering, Inc (Electrical Engineer) (unanimous)
• Accepted $20,000 in donations from Jeanette Olson Foundation for playground, dog park, and library (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 22-2 appointing Holmstrom, Kvam and Blackwelder, PLLP as city attorneys (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 22-3 donating $5,000 to Neighbors United Resource Center Food Shelf (unanimous, Mayor abstain)
• Adopted Resolution 22-5 requesting proposals for Volstead House exterior repair services (unanimous)