[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6295814,"mediaKeyId","2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977","parentId",2519732,"title","JDA holds public hearing, unanimously approves updated flexPACE loan for Acme","audioSeconds",219,"startMs",363000,"endMs",582000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977&start=363&end=582","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977/thumbnail_363000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6295814/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/JDA-holds-public-hearing-unanimously-approves-updated-flexPACE-loan-for-Acme","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295814-3bdab13ba9c8104b3bd09c5a81dc6223/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450673&Signature=fiewmaKkVkiVD-tySrB1KQenr0PXf4jOFSycbg9vwGzlt96WxVvVcyVWv9GaZNv-a5UGATiPP87Op9IbUT9kWWYEkpaWNnsK0qdgE4OIGc6oPQd90XsR2coaTVDSsoDh6ZeYeWHAolfikjMTYcWOFdeCwIv4sZdDB15zob6NiKhRq99keahfEdizaR0I~XZ0h3O78OFyH8lJn8lVOdadPARCNNdLfBr9ezSPiQzq1CvyA1Lax0HwOGShH0f9lWvPbrOISg9jsSRURW7g2xCLdFH5Ig3IcyrA4WKgWCVEK68BXjdh~gsuJsigAUdGQ4RP9wSwphbVUp9S7gZI6fuSxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grand Forks, ND","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","The Grand Forks Job Development Authority (JDA) held a public hearing and unanimously approved an updated flexPACE loan for Acme after staff said higher interest rates raised the buy-down amount since the board’s original approval in November.

At the JDA meeting Vice Chairwoman Osowski presided. Staff reported the Acme loan had been approved by the board in November and was expected to close this month, but a rise in market interest rates increased the buy-down requested from the community. Staff described the update as a “fairly administrative” revision to the previously approved loan and asked the board for updated approval because the revised loan amount was higher than the November authorization.

A board member moved to approve the updated loan and a second was received. The chair opened a public hearing and, after no public comments, closed it. The board then voted in favor; the clerk recorded the outcome as passing unanimously.

The hearing and vote were procedural: the loan revision returns the item to the board because the changed buy-down exceeded the prior authorization. No detailed loan terms, interest rates or dollar amounts were given on the record at the meeting, and staff indicated they would proceed to close once the updated approval was in place.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Grand Forks City Council Meeting March 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Grand Forks Job Development Authority opened and closed a public hearing and unanimously approved an updated flexPACE loan for Acme after staff said increased interest rates raised the requested buy-down amount.","taxTitle","Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota","taxId",3815,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6295819,"Resident urges change to rental-license fee structure; council asks staff to return with options",603,2352000,2955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977&start=2352&end=2955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977/thumbnail_2352000.jpg","/articles/6295819/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Resident-urges-change-to-rental-license-fee-structure-council-asks-staff-to-return-with-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295819-42d653448ed3179f9c114bae5f69dfd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450673&Signature=Nn5GnLS7CmFHj4bESJtT9cfCgPPo6qbi7qQbuUFgdA5uGlt1H0OM-HIy8YSVVFtJ-p8kiiOB9v9AgRbEH62cj6MOBf7ROC8bQaiKX~yhj7Zy9ocj~qF7WozhuTNVDxw3kz8dBCtmW1feL80iAvQmgJrkFQBewWAyVk-YZ8tKRadgaPaNTEOA~7MsvOK76q0cEW4mRit70fkikaXMcGx9PVUpMFGNRrQEGZrmAgW9XkHF~V6mViGIKmlA6oidIBnP1vaHjh4UP3JVwkmpidl1zUqGU7k9iq6eWKT8rHdARoYxpW4Zm~6ezjgWalUJVkEKwM0D3ClBP-4-q9PHXa7D6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A longtime Grand Forks landlord urged the City Council to change the city’s rental-license fee structure, saying single-family homes and duplexes must pay $35 per unit while larger apartment complexes do not face the same requirement.

Jim Dietz, introduced by the clerk as a long-time Grand Forks resident and property owner, told the council he has pursued the issue with several city offices since last April and called the fee unfair. “Why do I need a license?” Dietz asked, saying he has been charged the fee despite larger complexes operating without the same license requirement.

Council members responded during general comment. Council Member Osofsky said the University Club neighborhood and other constituents have raised the same concern and recommended the item be scheduled for study at a future Committee of the Whole meeting. President Sandy and city staff said the licensing policy dates to a policy adopted about 15 years ago when single-family homes near the university were converting to rentals; at that time the council established a fee and an inspection cycle. City Administrator Poehling said two rental inspectors perform five-year periodic inspections under the existing policy and that staff will bring the matter forward for further discussion.

Council members suggested options that staff could evaluate, including lowering the fee across the board or amending which property types must be licensed. No formal action or ordinance change was taken at the meeting; council members asked staff to return with an agenda item and recommendations for policy options.

The item will return to the council’s work calendar for review and possible future action.","A longtime Grand Forks property owner complained that single-family and duplex rental-license fees are unfair compared with larger apartment complexes; councilmembers and staff said they will add the topic for further review and may bring options to a future meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6295824,"City staff summarizes state bills affecting Grand Forks ahead of Grand Forks Day at the Legislature",384,695000,1079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977&start=695&end=1079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977/thumbnail_695000.jpg","/articles/6295824/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/City-staff-summarizes-state-bills-affecting-Grand-Forks-ahead-of-Grand-Forks-Day-at-the-Legislature","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295824-8f9a1868a3299aec2c1dc177aa756478/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450673&Signature=RtAwSfEVU0SoXu0ZWndzrjQxnoRXq5IfSZAtc3XMD4yHZxh-xFFWqBEfz02YZAxgoE0Zaal4EWC72e-06wLFLKd-~kftvGp8fjaDLPgC2rqpcq~gf1h4sX2jvsUY6MrhhfNP7vwsQqNoKOwtkyIm9RJ1KRTqUF0B9HS~lHOuLIPVl8~zNbR0LHO~KuGnnHiqso0W9drzyf~1cwqv29MZNh-vJGVs7Z60ohwWTuBDTZYLe2ylCgOYyxvLc1lCBhx1O5aH22tVCuhWKe~0IpenFeLaIfc~FACia93DAebsNbo-JzOR3TJ89DgWXTUlu~rJVDN3pXgRGIHfRGFGtzVTLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City legislative staff provided a high-level update on state legislation of interest to Grand Forks and previewed a series of meetings scheduled in Bismarck for Grand Forks Day later this week.

Mr. Burnstrom, identified in the meeting as city legislative staff, told the council the omnibus budget bill (House Bill 1015) carries the Office of Management and Budget budget and contains a funding increase for the Prairie Dog program that would affect city and county shares if enacted. He also summarized transportation-related bills including Senate Bill 2012 (ND DOT budget) and a fixed-route transportation bill (bill cited as 2254) that would include a $2,000,000 grant and a study of state funding for public transit.

On water and natural-resources matters, Burnstrom described House Bill 1020 (water-resources budget) as including support for the Red River Valley water supply, municipal water grants and the Water Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund, plus a study on governance for regional water projects. He noted House Bill 1537 (water agreements) remains active in the Senate but has been heavily amended. He also outlined wastewater infrastructure legislation (House Bill 1577) that creates a wastewater-infrastructure program though it contains limited funding initially.

On community and economic development, Burnstrom said House Bill 1332 would create a $30,000,000 forgivable line of credit for agricultural facilities and that the governor’s property-tax reform package is moving as House Bill 1176 with related measures under consideration. He also noted the Department of Public Instruction budget includes a $5,000,000 item for the Grand Forks Children’s Museum and that Senate Bill 2225 could help offset local infrastructure costs for housing projects. Burnstrom said Senate Bill 2398 was amended to remove land-use regulation language and has a committee hearing scheduled this week.

Burnstrom closed by reminding the council that a large delegation will travel to Bismarck for Grand Forks Day and that staff will distribute a handout of departmental priorities and meeting schedules for legislators.

The update was informational; no council action was requested at the meeting.","City legislative staff reviewed bills on transportation, water, property-tax reform, and grants — and previewed the city’s Grand Forks Day delegation to Bismarck later this week.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6295829,"Council approves special-assessment district for Ultra Sports Complex amid cost and timing concerns",1071,1296000,2367000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977&start=1296&end=2367","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519732-a5a9ba0611b8799a05990036b22db977/thumbnail_1296000.jpg","/articles/6295829/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Council-approves-special-assessment-district-for-Ultra-Sports-Complex-amid-cost-and-timing-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295829-d06d8ed49096576e4135cf78e9cf9345/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450673&Signature=dK6VqY6h7nXFW47k~N6wZAgyBKyxTyRMsNwqFhTBTmlGIe-cldcBLklBCvwJOJ8COAxNuQpBRrqhFZH11sMj-L6BDk1rJAvykZ8O1i2CJJ9iHPPe7kqciIk9oBxQESKUZl2KknITjlkJA6~mlkWeBHkb2msVX0ILGPrU6ZrVk4BaBDAqKjT4~YgC7i1lQItV48cSOfELl~1pVsUHb9n98M3QgEoKEau8gw~Wt-Rfz5FSxrouaTYqHn6r6h6vdQU3VI1UbZUqN2dq2wZZ1PsCAJJUjc1wBFCdHL8Yhq8N42Ylf35iOF8BDnebqpSTWWWSX1LxUaUZP6bQ1iA01095NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks City Council voted to create Special Assessment District 8933 for the Ultra Sports Complex paving, storm sewer and site work after extended discussion about funding sources and the project schedule.

Council President Sandy said the council should move forward; President Sandy moved approval and Council Member Berg seconded. The motion carried, recorded in the meeting as \"Motion carries 7 to 6 to 1 with Osofsky dissenting.\" The council established a financing plan that relies primarily on special assessments paid via sales-tax sources and a mix of utility cash for non-assessed items.

The decision matters because the special-assessment boundary and funding split determine which parcels and public revenues will pay for roughly $8.7 million in assessment-funded infrastructure. City staff told the council the assessment portion shown on the district map is the combined 4.467 and 4.238 figures that total about $8.7 million; the remainder of the project would be paid from city cash accounts and utility funds. Staff also explained that portions of the assessments that benefit specific properties would be paid from designated city sales-tax revenue streams: the 3/4-percent sales tax would cover the portion tied to the Ultra Sports Complex building and the 2.163-percent economic development sales tax would be used for other areas in the district, including the BMX parcel and the Grand Forks Children’s Museum footprint.

Council Member Dean pressed staff on schedule and cost alignment. Dean said he expected design development (DD) estimates to return to council before the city committed to major bidding, and warned that authorizing bids before receiving DD-level estimates could force scope changes, rebids or budget increases. Project staff responded that DD documents were submitted Feb. 25 and that the administration will present a DD estimate on April 21 and further updates on May 12, with bid-return deadlines in May. Staff said the immediate plan is to authorize an early bid package to preserve construction season scheduling and potential cost savings, and that the council would see interim financing details from finance staff before final contract awards.

Council members debated that trade-off at length: some argued early packages reduce escalation risk by starting construction earlier; others warned the council might receive bids for work it could not afford without confirmed DD estimates. Staff said proceeding with an early package is optional — bids can be rejected — and committed to returning with phased estimates and a recommendation before final award.

Votes at the council meeting also recorded approval of the special-assessment financing formula previously adopted in October; staff noted that the funding formula had been presented to council in prior months and finalized earlier in the project schedule.

The council’s approval sets the special-assessment district in motion and authorizes staff to proceed with pre-bid and financing activities; final contract awards remain contingent on later council approvals and the receipt of more detailed cost estimates.","The City Council voted to create Special Assessment District 8933 for the Ultra Sports Complex paving, storm sewer and site work after extended debate about the funding formula and the risk of bidding before finalized design estimates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

JDA holds public hearing, unanimously approves updated flexPACE loan for Acme

Resident urges change to rental-license fee structure; council asks staff to return with options

City staff summarizes state bills affecting Grand Forks ahead of Grand Forks Day at the Legislature

Council approves special-assessment district for Ultra Sports Complex amid cost and timing concerns