[{"_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",6121702,"mediaKeyId","2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76","parentId",2700227,"title","Votes at a glance: Grand Forks City Council actions March 17, 2025 — major funding, ordinances and contracts","audioSeconds",890,"startMs",3216000,"endMs",4106000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76&start=3216&end=4106","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76/thumbnail_3216000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6121702/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Votes-at-a-glance-Grand-Forks-City-Council-actions-March-17-2025-major-funding-ordinances-and-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121702-c0dae02c583a36b5077bb1181fd75f24/orig.mp4?Expires=1776182873&Signature=W-1Ch2VPkS3P5iu~6QdjT2C0Axv6vuPXuTtA-2ROIqXiyg1l~S4qBPofTXTzs1s1CEkbJ9ajKN4Ri8SoK~0gcwMrH5BbDcepfdJ0QfAY91GZwl3wzPCA3JEaUgmQt3BoS0o7NuFBFIDmfHJT8aoOAxR0RUxvd~-MQKuwb~pVw8OCw6gT56KgqJhZVlL-1I9LZoopYR6o3fVKZsxwaAYrH93GHRzC7n~~-xMR98z7oQbgarpTohaj2vqtNMTYTjPd8ccM0743pmPe86H9g7OpKmd3AQmFoNoS3-VPSkQj5kwzNnC3c46wHIpzfXx4bP6PA0iSmMC6JUpxjhMzvO4GVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grand Forks, ND","date","2025-03-18T13:07:56Z","article","The Grand Forks City Council on March 17 took action on a large consent bundle and several pulled items. Key outcomes below summarize formal votes and final tallies where stated at the meeting.

Major approvals and outcomes

- CAPER (2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and CDBG report): Approved unanimously. (Action: 3.1)

- Ordinances / land-use actions: The council held public hearings and approved several ordinances on second reading, including final approval of the Corinth Eleventh Edition plat (1910 North 50 Second Street), an annexation ordinance for Krentel M 73 subdivision (1910 North 50 Second Street), and rezoning of Lot A, Block 51 Alexander Ives Addition (1027 North Fifth Street) from B3 to R4. (Actions: 3.2–3.4)

- Project determinations and protests: Council found no protests on project 8862 and 8838 street/paving projects and approved moving those assessments forwards. (Action: 3.5)

- Stormwater / Highway 81 loan resolution (Project storm phases 2–5): Council adopted a resolution authorizing a State Revolving Fund loan to cover phases 2–5 of storm projects in the Highway 81 area — combining a new SRF loan of $4,352,000 with the previously approved phase 1 loan of $3,166,000 (totaling ~$7,518,000). The loan will be repaid via special assessments; Council member Osowski recorded a dissenting vote. (Action: 5.1)

- Towing-fee code amendment (21-0907): Council considered updating maximum towing/impound fees but tabled the item for two months at staff and councilmembers’ request, including direction to solicit more data from towing companies and property owners. (Action: 5.6)

- Bid awards and public-works contracts: The council approved multiple construction bid awards, including sanitary sewer Phase 3 (Project 8921) to Molstead Excavating (bid opening produced one responsive bidder above engineer’s estimate), Project 8926 (7th Ave North storm sewer) award (contractor had recent Fargo experience), and annual sidewalks/ADA curb ramps contract to Tony Anderson Construction (approximately $564,260). Council President Sandy dissented on some awards where noted. (Actions: 5.7; 5.8; 5.17)

- Public transportation: Council approved a public transit fare increase and a supplemental purchase policy aligning FTA micro- and small-purchase thresholds with federal rules. (Actions: 5.21; 5.22)

- Airport: Council approved advancing work on the Grand Forks International Airport air-service expansion and signed an agreement with the consultant group to advance the business case for new routes; staff said a $1,000,000 small-service federal grant is expected and the city committed up to $300,000 in local match toward planning. (Action: 5.27)

- Ultra Sports Complex financing authorization: Council authorized solicitation of the first GMP bid package and interim financing offers (see separate article). (Action: 5.28)

Votes that were handled en bloc

Several routine consent items and smaller contracts were approved by motion at the start of the meeting as a group (items listed in the staff packet). The chair read the items that were pulled for discussion; items not pulled were approved by the consent motion.

What the public should know

Most items will require follow-up administrative steps (contract execution, grant agreements, right-of-way acquisition) and additional council approvals for final contract awards and financing. Notable dissent: Councilmember Osowski voted against the storm project SRF loan resolution; President Sandy sometimes asked that certain technical bids be rebid where he felt procedural or price concerns applied.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Growth Fund/City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved multiple routine and high-profile items on March 17, including the CAPER, several ordinances and plats, utility financing for a stormwater project, multiple bid awards, a public-transportation fare increase, and authorization to seek interim financing for the Ultra Sports Complex GMP package.","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},6121707,"Growth Fund committee approves PACE loan for YMI Industries, authorizes Hive management RFQ; staff reports three past-due loans",578,341000,919000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76&start=341&end=919","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76/thumbnail_341000.jpg","/articles/6121707/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Growth-Fund-committee-approves-PACE-loan-for-YMI-Industries-authorizes-Hive-management-RFQ-staff-reports-three-past-due-loans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121707-e3a896b3f6050d6ba2562dbed7a88bd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776182873&Signature=fLABWOU-dwLi~4qnqWf8Or0OOjiYWc8kSAqr-hSUQB0a20V8rgfVHY5h-TUhAGTbAauYsn22TM2Qm1UxzRYeDmghqKiv3ZPlRCDwUgwzXeSlodVgeYUCkh3bHCpkZsGXzRpx8A1BdrzYo4TIL~4lbXTN-UDouXwu21CiRyixhaa6nY~0rG1DbKDWUjCvSX8StHW8gNESyVYQV7DtUAsV8AUvRUOIwmQ1imc9NB2uDkXjauDW61bKcxri3Hlv2FqTvrytDDXuNmj-Bwq1hBSlORuyll-vVPsRJUANKtoKEq3t~4faVDQ1dyqi7o038sED0KcRZwJirHQbyS5KHHr~jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Growth Fund Committee meeting on March 17 the committee voted to approve a local PACE-style flex loan to Huntsville Properties to support YMI Industries’ purchase and remodel of the former Home of Economy building in Grand Forks. Kevin Hatcher, business development manager for the Grand Forks EDC, presented the request and explained the local flex component would reduce the interest rate on a $784,000 note and leverage a Bank of North Dakota participation; the local loan request was $106,184 (note: transcript contains several overlapping numerals; staff report lists the local request as $106,184). The loan is secured by a corporate guarantee, a personal guarantee from owner Daniel Altapeter, and a subordinate mortgage; staff reported a loan-to-value of 90.84% as shown in the staff report. YMI representatives Andrew (Andrew/Andy) Altapeter and Rick Driggs (CFO) answered committee questions about local ownership and business history; the loan motion passed (mover: Mr. Wolf; second: Tricia Burke).

The committee also considered an RFQ to select a private manager for the Hive tech accelerator, presented by Haley Rosassen (city HR manager, assisting operations). Staff said the Hive currently houses about 30 companies, mixing scale-up tenants and membership seats; the original EDA grant that fit-up the facility includes grant restrictions on portions of the space for roughly 15 years, though city-funded fit-up areas have more flexibility. Council and committee members asked about selection criteria, staff composition and whether the selected manager would handle day-to-day staffing; staff responded the RFQ will be refined to add review-committee criteria and anticipated that a private operator would likely assume staffing responsibilities. The committee voted to approve the RFQ (mover: Ms. Zowski; second: Tricia) and directed staff to include suggested selection criteria.

Staff also briefed the committee on three past-due Growth Fund loans — Chino Latino, Integrity Fundraisers and Dog Mahal. Committee members were told all three borrowers have been connected to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and staff are working to secure repayment plans; two are longer-term past due while the third has more recent arrears. Committee members asked about policy for delinquent loans; staff said a procedures update is in development and noted steps typically include 30/60/90-day notices, SBDC engagement and, where needed, default processes with the city attorney.

A committee member raised concern about meeting frequency and attendance; the committee agreed to monitor scheduling to improve regular monthly meetings.","The Growth Fund Committee approved a PACE (PACE/flex) loan request tied to Huntsville Properties and YMI Industries, authorized release of an RFQ for Hive management, and received an update on three past-due loans (Chino Latino, Integrity Fundraisers, Dog Mahal) that are working with SBDC.",{"_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},6121714,"State awards $20 million toward Demers/40 Second underpass; total project now estimated at $90 million",303,2817000,3120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76&start=2817&end=3120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76/thumbnail_2817000.jpg","/articles/6121714/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/State-awards-20-million-toward-Demers40-Second-underpass-total-project-now-estimated-at-90-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121714-7a99897362a67492ef98b613cd8c5060/orig.mp4?Expires=1776182873&Signature=cAK2Q8L9GHWzzuuSm6OiN4Y-unK-Q38csrIwewJ4aDEZgrfnFYuX-6GL8BUCIXcgKJ1NFBVH7RdaW6r~ql~eGNaEFFqJvDaLItQoJCA6VrkFdVKCsyqQO5120LokiALvcdj0~S1L4w4XeRaiFDse6H98naDmrfXpET1pLGL8l-kIUCFbBCY~DXMkHRmUNNH~qSKQ8SnmW7avzZWW0QtOe6T2roJIig7faPrh6kfK~phcA0S5BDJxX0kJJcfP6suVAmXsV~sJmZ6Ath5gxJkhnI3viKhCcEABEBB5lTnO75SKk4Zvih-YsKTbWOb5cEWqm4~NcQjE8XHyEVYxdwuzYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Dakota Department of Transportation and city staff told the Grand Forks City Council on March 17 that Governor Armstrong’s office committed an additional $20 million in state flex funding for the Demers Avenue and 40 Second Street underpass project, a major infrastructure program the city and DOT have been advancing.

City project manager (presenter) reported the project’s estimated cost has risen to about $90 million, up from earlier estimates. The city plans to shift $8 million of previously allocated funds from a separate 48th Street reconstruction project and add $2 million in city funds to fill gaps, plus the governor’s $20 million, to make the funding package closer to complete. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) previously committed roughly $30 million toward the underpass (covering about 50% of earlier cost assumptions); city and DOT staff said they have requested additional FRA support and are in discussions with BNSF Railway on potential contributions (BNSF has offered limited additional funding if the city agrees to certain crossing closures).

Project design is at roughly 90% and staff said they are working to finalize grant agreements, right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocation so the project can be advertised for bids this fall. The project will require additional council actions later this year: a cost participation and maintenance agreement, construction plan approval and (if bids are in range) an award of contract. Construction is anticipated to start in 2026 and last two years, with some final items possibly extending into 2028.

Council members thanked NDDOT and the governor’s office for the state funding. Staff emphasized the remaining steps to finalize FRA grant language and property negotiations with railroads and adjacent property owners prior to executing agreements and starting right-of-way acquisition.","City and NDDOT reported a $20 million state flex fund award toward the Demers Avenue/40 Second Street underpass; city will shift local and federal funds to close a projected $90 million cost and expects construction bids this fall and two years of construction beginning next year.",{"_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},6121718,"Grand Forks council authorizes first GMP bid package and interim financing step for Ultra Sports Complex",3109,6599000,9708000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76&start=6599&end=9708","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700227-770b297ab5ed79cbf801bb062b37cb76/thumbnail_6599000.jpg","/articles/6121718/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Grand-Forks-council-authorizes-first-GMP-bid-package-and-interim-financing-step-for-Ultra-Sports-Complex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121718-285d7d11089fe257c895a911b52a68dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1776182873&Signature=ou9-VCM4NERVlvaGxowNLteJEUHpDAiHav7LWSWye1b6ZNKAGDtKhuBNARhY43JlXbDEK4Zyx8HpEZgkOXDDlhh6rBT3DaEjzQoIPVil6cq~yuVHcy95Ck~in2h585NeiIv3EvEa33q-PKl17eZeq-qz51h-qGo7szSVq34smNQ~JljpsR8zIUhSzsb1CZJvzztaEiqeEWsIY~u08fwaL~~l5ffvHPBjCZhlvMNoCnhN3y4itXDO5Tiyu5HY1VGfunBNQVB7vHWZ4uzVrv9bMyXf~SupaZjFEcisYUaaValb5dIrKt~caxCuxaCRivCnoXJd6y9BBOQdyarcCCal1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks City Council on March 17 authorized city staff and the project team to solicit bids for the first guaranteed-maximum-price (GMP) construction package for the proposed Ultra Sports Complex and to seek interim financing for the initial construction drawdown.

Design consultant Adam Davidson and the construction manager at-risk team told council the first bid package will cover about 50% of the building cost — foundations, structural steel, building enclosure (exterior walls/roof) and site infrastructure — to lock in prices for materials that have shown recent volatility. Davidson said bidding those “steel- and aluminum-heavy” components now reduces schedule and escalation risk and gives the city hard contractor pricing on half the project within weeks.

The project team presented updated cost figures and contingency positions. The most recent reconciliation placed the overall project about $3.6 million over the earlier target, but the team said roughly $7.14 million of design-and-estimating contingency remains available to cover risks and to form an owner contingency if needed. The team said completing a parallel design-development (DD) estimate and returning GMP bids for the first package would give the council the most precise near-term information on cost and allow more agile value engineering if required.

Council members debated timing and risk. Councilmember Ken Veen urged caution, saying he preferred waiting to receive the full DD estimate and perform value engineering before authorizing bids. Backers of the accelerated approach, including Council President Sandy, said waiting could raise costs because of market pressures, seasonal scheduling and the threat of tariffs on steel and aluminum.

After public and council discussion, President Sandy moved to authorize staff to proceed with the first GMP bid package and to solicit interim financing; the motion passed on a roll-call vote (yes: Sandy, Berg, Lunsky, Bridal, Bean and others present; see action record). The motion commits the city to seek short-term bank financing (draw-down structure) to cover an estimated initial construction financing of roughly $45–50 million and to later refinance with permanent municipal bonds when timing and market conditions are suitable.

Project staff said the design-development estimate will be available to the council in April and that the city will receive actual bid results for the first package in time for the April 28 and May 5 council reviews. If first-package bids suggest the project still exceeds budget, the contracted design/construction team is obligated under the CMAR agreement to propose value-engineering options and to work with the city to reach budget without added design fees.

Supporters argued the phased GMP approach offers the best chance to contain costs for volatile materials while keeping the project on a schedule that delivers community benefits. Critics warned the city still lacked full cost certainty on interior fit-out and furnishings (FF&E) and urged clear plans for owner contingency and value-engineering commitments.

The council vote authorizes: (1) issuance of documents and solicitation of bids for the first GMP bid package covering structure, foundation, enclosure and site work, (2) solicitation of interim financing offers for the estimated first-phase construction draws, and (3) return to council with DD estimate and bid results for further decisions.","Council voted to authorize the first guaranteed-maximum-price (GMP) bid package covering roughly half the building and to solicit interim financing to bridge construction until permanent bonds are issued. Supporters said the approach reduces price risk for steel and aluminum; some council members pressed for more cost certainty before bidding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Grand Forks City Council actions March 17, 2025 — major funding, ordinances and contracts

Growth Fund committee approves PACE loan for YMI Industries, authorizes Hive management RFQ; staff reports three past-due loans

State awards $20 million toward Demers/40 Second underpass; total project now estimated at $90 million

Grand Forks council authorizes first GMP bid package and interim financing step for Ultra Sports Complex