[{"_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",6209324,"mediaKeyId","3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d","parentId",3735944,"title","Council receives conceptual River’s Edge redevelopment plan; members split on pace, demolition costs and public plaza funding","audioSeconds",2301,"startMs",5774000,"endMs",8075000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d&start=5774&end=8075","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d/thumbnail_5774000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6209324/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Council-receives-conceptual-Rivers-Edge-redevelopment-plan-members-split-on-pace-demolition-costs-and-public-plaza-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209324-cbafac92b33d22dfc1473114743018d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137074&Signature=UD-MOkkYvcVDCvC~sfFA2eipMzv-OYrzjWDPMZWRat1I1pAdlQaDs7J~FHh-hXrYN4v-VDc0qqxrV7YigIOHo4qKwMrGbWrocxLZkj1zmvdSHujd-Ccy16uySAXSB2OkP0PSKT2h6HJClzRlrFmYTAp0Tm4XA4fu7d8YXNzgiLD3D~T83MnI18bBVjDrSR2piMiZUnsVyo-68y74KiLFETmSbxEvENEnQapa9QhlFu1dMZep6R3p2KhBDO7MAaRRLTbFy1n~7vHgs6dNTkPWNod3g8Vqan9UcU~jIoH1Ci2hsQqtVhiSAZukae62aLbvqiH2uyyWSYqKcyHi7ycfJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grand Forks, ND","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Grand Forks City Council voted to \"receive and file\" a conceptual redevelopment plan for the former water treatment plant site known as River’s Edge, while several members urged more time to study demolition costs, density, traffic impacts and the prospect of a city‑funded public plaza.

Staff described a multi-step process: refine concepts, run RFQ/RFPs for development consultants, secure an engineering firm to scope demolition and site mitigation, and then return a detailed plan for council approval. Staff emphasized that demolition estimates were preliminary and that demolition scope depends on the final site program (for example, whether underground parking or new utilities are required).

“If you do townhomes, there certainly is potential to help on that front. Going to single-family homes would be fiscally difficult because demolition and mitigation costs are high,” staff told councilors, adding that demolition and mitigation were estimated in the multi‑million-dollar range depending on final site configuration.

Council members and the public debated uses and funding. Some members said higher-density multifamily projects would generate tax revenue to offset demolition and could fund a public plaza through tax-increment mechanisms; others said the city should not underwrite a public plaza and that developers should provide amenities themselves.

“I think we should not just file this,” one council member said; another urged caution and more neighborhood outreach. President Sandy said higher reserves and careful fiscal planning are needed if the council contemplates subsidizing a plaza or other public amenity.

The council ultimately voted to receive and file the concept report (a procedural move that allows staff to continue work), with a 5–2 vote. Staff stressed the vote did not commit the city to a particular redevelopment concept and that any demolition contracts, RFPs or incentive packages would return for council approval.

Why it matters: The River’s Edge site is waterfront property in a visible location. Its redevelopment could materially change downtown housing supply, property tax revenues and public amenities; demolition and mitigation will be costly and outcome depends on final program and financing choices.

What’s next: Staff will begin a formal Phase 2 process if directed — issuing RFQs, commissioning engineering studies and refining concepts — and will return recommendations, detailed cost estimates and potential incentive structures for council approval before any commitments are made.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Grand Forks Growth Fund Committee/City Council- May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council accepted (received and filed) a conceptual redevelopment plan for the former water treatment plant site — River’s Edge — after staff outlined options including multifamily buildings, townhomes and a public plaza; councillors debated demolition costs, density and whether city funds should underwrite a public plaza.","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},6209329,"Grand Forks Council adopts ordinance limiting camping and sleeping in vehicles after public debate",1754,3732000,5486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d&start=3732&end=5486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d/thumbnail_3732000.jpg","/articles/6209329/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Grand-Forks-Council-adopts-ordinance-limiting-camping-and-sleeping-in-vehicles-after-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209329-c2f6192d02c49db3790a54df56f26bcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137074&Signature=aC-g0EOON9U0tr9Tjji-qT~Az9Ob86Am37bkXMKdC71swjgwJ1kd5ZUSoEYO4pBC1-xSdkjieVBIkfyXWoPv5v0FKSiF~tadGMaVIPe8imE1AbyNhZ89PcxEeXzouIvD1rDXZi8-BLD6QXV7s~1UeBI-0u50BLkYGh5owZTHK7oagJWeVbLl~-Vy4~0x9r8McjQLRp-QLBF14vWnXxXxllxVZQsMrg2K~Bm7XLz2dCJBjzgjENgHRm~SKibY4KrtZY22a8fsacA5MTbZosPZg2Dp-4r7c6bD0jkXZgVot0bFjBrqmBgurnfYTjn~x9tYPQSDCfu1cGsf2Sn1x1vayA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After a multi-hour public hearing and a round of public comments, the Grand Forks City Council voted to adopt an ordinance that prohibits camping and sleeping in vehicles in defined public areas, with a 24-hour notice period for persons asked to move.

The ordinance passed by a 5–2 vote following testimony from area nonprofits, faith-based volunteers and downtown business advocates. Public speakers urged the council to consider both the needs of people who are unsheltered and the concerns of small-business owners and families who use downtown public spaces.

“Camping on the greenway or in public spaces is not recreational,” said Gretchen Graff of Family of God Church, during public comment. “They are there because they cannot afford to go to a campground with amenities and they have no place else to be.”

Several service providers urged caution before criminalizing unsheltered behavior. Pat Moore, president of Homeless Helpers, said fines can make it harder for people to secure housing: “If they have a fine, they’re unable to pay for it. It puts them in, puts a record on their, for a crime and that makes it more difficult for them to get housing,” Moore told the council.

Other speakers pushed for enforcement tools. Jill Proctor of the Downtown Development Association said the measure gives law enforcement a discretionary tool to prevent encampments from forming in the city’s commercial core and said the ordinance is not a substitute for housing services.

Council debate emphasized a balance between compassion and public safety. “We’re giving them notice and giving them 24 hours to vacate,” said Council President Sandy, noting the intention was not punishment but to dissuade camping in public places and protect shared spaces. The president also highlighted shelter capacity in the city: “There are upwards of 150 beds at the Grand Forks Mission, and only 48 were used last night,” he said, urging use of shelter resources where appropriate.

The ordinance is a civil enforcement tool rather than a criminal penalty; staff confirmed code enforcement and police will use discretion and that the municipal court retains authority over any fines set under noncriminal code provisions. Council members also asked staff to coordinate service-provider responses and continue engagement with outreach groups.

Why it matters: Council members said the ordinance gives police and code enforcement a noncriminal mechanism to manage public camping while service providers continue outreach. Advocates warned of unintended harms if alternatives are not available for those who decline shelter or who lack documents needed to access support.

What’s next: Staff will publish the ordinance language and enforcement procedures and continue coordination with local providers on outreach and shelter capacity. Council asked for continued updates and ongoing dialogue with nonprofit partners.

","After a lengthy public hearing and council debate, Grand Forks City Council voted to adopt an ordinance prohibiting camping and sleeping in vehicles in specified public places, giving those asked to move 24 hours' notice; the vote was 5–2.",{"_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},6209334,"Growth Fund committee modifies accelerate loans, extends deadlines for startup Thread and eases repayment for SafetySpec",913,1620000,2533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d&start=1620&end=2533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6209334/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Growth-Fund-committee-modifies-accelerate-loans-extends-deadlines-for-startup-Thread-and-eases-repayment-for-SafetySpec","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209334-daace43c03322149543fca501378dbcd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137074&Signature=dvjo8D-eI~Lwztth6Kf47f5QnywXaCGh9seEnx7lvM5-pU4shBwwWHFUQ4FkqgpsX3Rlc3K0sbnTWnMiE7URDMjRR-aOYjQS9BymSdelde5Z-5s-p8s~mQ6OnNDT9ETwnpUIe2SQKCqQFdbkeeSxnzt67OkZii2wpbZenT5rIVFzWOl3tGgYxUnk6wTulSNDwT28gTYBYtee1mMhevUD7i7ShKe3rSgKC6be29QI4HCdTiT-IzB~NH0gc7FlhaNP23j8U0r9uuqmbJsqhw1jyTG7i5w7kvWLTTegevjs5J0yFtzSUxL58Ah3D8vQtU9QWaAE4LT~Le54SXjhH7n~2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Growth Fund Committee approved several actions under its high-risk \"Accelerate\" and CARES Act-supported loan programs, moving to give time for two startups to finish financing rounds, restructuring repayment for one company and beginning collection steps for a defaulted borrower.

The committee voted to amend the maturity schedule for Thread (a local tech start-up) to allow the company's Series B round to close. Under staff and Bank of North Dakota (BND) recommendations, the committee approved moving the loan’s maturity from July to a later date and increasing the printed interest rate for calculation to prime (7.5%) while preserving the company’s 2% payments during the interim; the interest differential would be capitalized into the balloon payment. Committee members later asked staff to shorten the revised maturity to a February date (ahead of an April BND date) to balance runway for the company and oversight by the committee; the group approved that shorter date.

Josh Reedy (represented at the meeting by Josh Hague) told the committee Thread expects to conclude Series B late in the year and is targeting a roughly $25 million round. “We have already initiated series B … we expect by the end of the year, Q3, Q4, for the conclusion of that and expecting around a $25,000,000 raise,” Mr. Hague said.

SafetySpec — which has an accelerate loan coming due in July — won committee approval to convert its single balloon payment into 12 equal monthly payments at the 6% rate. Company founder Ken Barton described recent commercial progress, federal contract wins and a pending larger award that would add revenue to support repayment; he said the firm planned to pay the city loan early if capital raised closes as expected.

The committee declared Taylor Ree in default after the firm notified staff it was ceasing business operations. Staff recommended and the committee authorized collection steps and evaluations of any assets, noting BND was reviewing its position as well.

Integrity Fundraisers, a CARES Act EDA-RLF borrower, won a restructuring that moves short-term payments into a manageable schedule and leaves a balloon at the end of a three-year term to allow the firm time to rebuild sales; staff highlighted the company’s ongoing communication with staff and its work with the SBDC.

Why it matters: The accelerate program takes more portfolio risk than traditional lending in order to keep high-growth local companies on regional payrolls. The committee’s actions reflect a mix of tolerance for time-limited risk (to let private financing close) and conservatism (securing repayment or beginning collections where operations stop).

Next steps: Staff will coordinate documentation with the Bank of North Dakota, record new loan security where required, and return updates on progress and any collections activity at future committee meetings.","The committee approved a set of accelerate-program actions: an extension tied to Thread's Series B financing, a 12-month amortization in place of a balloon for SafetySpec, declared default and collection actions for Taylor Ree, and a restructured repayment plan for Integrity Fundraisers.",{"_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},6209339,"Growth Fund committee approves PACE/FlexPACE support for three regional manufacturers",894,341000,1235000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d&start=341&end=1235","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735944-e95441655102a16b2fd78ac3c0f58a1d/thumbnail_341000.jpg","/articles/6209339/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Growth-Fund-committee-approves-PACEFlexPACE-support-for-three-regional-manufacturers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209339-2ca782595d7160ea806bb90b872e5693/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137074&Signature=LxsqJzj9LxQP4JALaWOQn8vSMY5levO-hO60P2nhQNS~J9SYINuxyVELADXPEuCTgeWoFVC-ViHYvs~p9fwL0-THJPH99n3hJZdGY83I7AcaFPgC2svu0~6FkJqgLLWXeUVlbYnQIC~HaJr0T6SArDm9xALSi3uvAkQD9RVNIlQ3i7CjhdqsXn0AH9w-c7Z00-h1UFsi~Tk53~xpI4nJbX9PEfh8b~rXVfhOsU-SqRjh7t6tkGy~buaVX4TF15QT3c0IWs5t7xMtb04Czi1ahf7ZznLDLxj-FKbDLOP4fach0rkcftgXJHRB-uZHf9weXc5355ef33i9eijZXcTV6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Growth Fund Committee approved PACE or FlexPACE loan assistance this month for three locally based manufacturers — Johnstown Bean Company, Northern Plains Railroad and Cirrus Industries — to support equipment purchases and a facility expansion.

Committee members voted to approve small Growth Fund contributions layered under larger primary loans from other lenders. The requests included a FlexPACE contribution of roughly $8,500 for Johnstown Bean, $116,511 for Northern Plains Railroad and $269,231 for Cirrus Industries; each award was structured as a deferred buy-down at 2.5% interest with personal and corporate guarantees, staff said.

Those awards follow broader financing from private lenders or state programs: Johnstown Bean is pursuing a $500,000 primary loan, Northern Plains a roughly $2.96 million financing package, and Cirrus is using a roughly $9.5 million commercial loan. Committee staff said each Growth Fund contribution would be subordinate to the primary lender and secured by UCC filings and personal guarantees where required.

“...it will be a big move for the efficiency and safety for our employees. No longer will employees have to have the limitation of being able to hold 100 pound bags or lift 100 pound bags,” Dylan Carley, general manager of Johnstown Bean Company, told the committee about a planned robotic palletizer.

Northern Plains Railroad representatives described upgrades to locomotives and track-repair equipment intended to cut fuel and labor costs and improve safety. Tom Hyde, the company’s chief financial officer, said the purchases would modernize aging equipment and support the region’s commodity transport needs.

Cirrus Industries presented a separate request to support a major 30,000-square-foot equipment expansion at its Grand Forks facility. Staff noted the project is part of a previously approved development agreement with the city and that the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense have expressed no concerns about the proposed expansion. “The United States Air Force and Department of Defense don’t have any concerns with the proposed expansion by Cirrus,” staff noted while summarizing input from defense liaisons.

Committee discussion touched on common underwriting features: five-year deferrals on the Growth Fund piece, monthly payments thereafter, blanket UCCs on equipment, and personal guarantees from owners. One committee member pressed staff to use federal-level foreign-investment screening (CFIUS playbook) more routinely after companies said they had no foreign investors.

Votes on the three items carried. Committee minutes show a mix of unanimous and near-unanimous approvals; one member recorded a dissent during the Cirrus vote.

Why it matters: The Growth Fund assistance reduces the effective interest cost for the businesses, encouraging capital investment and local job retention. The committee framed these awards as targeted gap financing intended to leverage larger lender and owner equity contributions while protecting the local fund through collateral and guarantees.

What’s next: Borrowers must finalize primary financing, execute subordinate UCCs and meet the Growth Fund’s standard documentation before funds are disbursed. Committee staff said they will monitor repayment performance and report back on outcomes.

","The Grand Forks Growth Fund Committee voted to approve PACE or FlexPACE assistance for Johnstown Bean Company, Northern Plains Railroad and Cirrus Industries to support equipment purchases and an expansion; the loans include subordinate collateral and personal guarantees, and drew questions about foreign investment and repayment terms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council receives conceptual River’s Edge redevelopment plan; members split on pace, demolition costs and public plaza funding

Grand Forks Council adopts ordinance limiting camping and sleeping in vehicles after public debate

Growth Fund committee modifies accelerate loans, extends deadlines for startup Thread and eases repayment for SafetySpec

Growth Fund committee approves PACE/FlexPACE support for three regional manufacturers