East Grand Forks council adopts multiple resolutions; OKs transit fare increase, housing lot sales and construction rules

The East Grand Forks City Council on March 18, 2025, adopted a series of resolutions and routine motions covering public works projects, housing lot sales, construction standards for a local nonprofit’s homes, a transit fare increase and a grant for LaFave Park.

The council voted unanimously on all formal items on the agenda, with one member absent. The package included authorization to advertise bids for a sewer lift-station rehabilitation, approval to begin the hiring process for a mechanic in the Public Works Department, direction to start a request for qualifications for a construction manager at risk for recreation facility improvements, and several housing-related approvals tied to North Star Neighbors.

Why it matters: the measures set in motion construction and contracting steps for city infrastructure and recreation projects, change fares for local transit riders starting April 14, and modify minimum home sizes and sale terms for a locally focused housing developer.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-03-21 (Lift Station 13 Rehabilitation): Council approved plans and specifications and ordered advertisement for bids to rehabilitate Lift Station 13. Motion moved by Tim Riopel; second by (recorded second). Vote: unanimous among members present; outcome: approved.

- Hiring authorization (Public Works mechanic): Council authorized staff to start the hiring process for a mechanic position in the Public Works Department. Motion moved by Karen Peterson; second recorded. Vote: unanimous among members present; outcome: approved.

- Resolution 25-03-22 (Transit fare increase): Council adopted a resolution approving increases to transit fares to take effect April 14, 2025. Motion moved by Karen Peterson; second by Tim Riopel. Vote: unanimous among members present; outcome: approved.

- RFQ for construction manager at risk (recreation facilities): Council authorized staff to begin a request for qualifications to select a construction manager at risk for recreation facilities improvement projects. Motion moved by Council President Bridal Larson; second recorded. Vote: unanimous among members present; outcome: approved.

- Resolution 25-03-24 (Sale of lots to North Star Neighbors): Council approved the sale of specified parcels to North Star Neighbors, including parcel 83.04141.00, and amended the purchase agreement for parcel 83.04144.00 to include a $1,000 earnest payment in return for a first right of refusal on future purchases. Motion moved by (recorded mover). Vote: unanimous among members present; outcome: approved.

- Resolution 25-03-25 (Amend home-size standards for North Star Neighbors): Council authorized amendments to minimum home-size standards for North Star Neighbors homes: single-story homes not less than 1,400 square feet; bi-level or tri-level homes not less than 1,700 square feet; attached garages not less than 400 square feet. Motion moved by Karen Peterson; second recorded. Vote: unanimous among members present; outcome: approved.

- Resolution 25-03-26 (Grant from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund): Council accepted and approved a grant agreement from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for $15,000 to support improvements at LaFave Park’s boating area, specifically toward a 40-foot floating dock. Motion moved by Tim Riopel; second recorded. Vote: unanimous among members present; outcome: approved.

- Approval of minutes, consent agenda, claims and payroll: The council approved minutes for the March 4 regular meeting and March 11 work session, adopted the consent agenda, and authorized payment of recommended bills and payroll. All routine motions passed unanimously among members present.

Discussion and context

Most items were approved with no substantive debate recorded on the transcript. The council’s action on the Lift Station 13 item orders the project to bid; final contractor selection and contract awards will occur in later steps consistent with city procurement rules.

On the LaFave Park grant, the council heard remarks from Mr. King, a representative of the local Cabela’s and the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. Mr. King said, “Cabela’s Outdoor Fund has generously committed $15,000 to the sponsorship in sponsorship for the completion of the project. These funds will be used to go towards a new 40 foot floating dock.” The council accepted the grant and indicated appreciation for the company’s ongoing support; the transcript notes total Cabela’s contributions to the project over three years now total $21,500.

Decisions, directions and next steps

- Staff were authorized to advertise bids for the Lift Station 13 rehabilitation (next step: bid opening and contract award process).

- Human resources and Public Works were authorized to begin recruitment for a mechanic position (next step: posting and candidate selection by staff).

- Staff will issue a request for qualifications for a construction manager at risk for recreation facility improvements (next step: RFQ responses and selection process).

- City staff were authorized to complete the sale and amended purchase agreement details with North Star Neighbors per the terms approved by the council.

- The transit fare increases will take effect April 14, 2025, per the adopted resolution.

Meeting context

The meeting was largely procedural; most votes were unanimous and required no extended discussion. Public comment during open forum was not used. A representative from Cabela’s addressed the council during the LaFave Park grant item and presented information about the donation and a forthcoming check presentation.

Ending

The council adjourned after routine department and council reports. The transcript records no further substantive items.