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East Grand Forks Council approves gas franchise, fee and several routine purchases and hires
Summary
On Aug. 19, 2025 the East Grand Forks City Council approved two ordinances related to Northern States Power Company, authorized equipment purchases and personnel hires, and adopted an interlocal landfill agreement; a conflict-of-interest disclosure led to one abstention on a small claim.
East Grand Forks City Council members on Tuesday approved a gas distribution franchise ordinance for Northern States Power Company and a companion ordinance implementing a gas service franchise fee, along with a set of routine purchases, personnel actions and an interlocal landfill agreement.
The council adopted Ordinance No. 48 (fourth series) granting Northern States Power Company permission to construct, operate and maintain a distribution system and to use public ways for gas transmission and distribution. City staff member Huttner told the council the ordinance packet was updated that day and that "there are three changes, fairly minor," pointing to section 3.1 (procedures for removal of abandoned gas facilities), section 5 (notice for tree trimming within the right of way) and section 6.1 (indemnity language). The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote.
The council also approved Ordinance No. 49 (fourth series), which implements a gas service franchise fee on Northern States Power Company for providing gas service within the city. That ordinance passed on second reading by roll call vote.
Council approved several other items by motion and roll call:
- Purchase of six mobile radios for the police department from Stones Mobile Radio for $46,055.52. - The city’s 2025 update to the Title VI and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plan, a joint plan with the city-area transit system. - A solid waste disposal and management agreement with the City of Grand Forks for use of the Grand Forks Landfill. - Resolution No. 25-08-63, hiring Ivan Hagen as a public works mechanic at a salary of $30.29 per hour. - Authorization for the city administrator/clerk-treasurer to issue payment of recommended bills and payroll.
The agenda included a claims resolution (Resolution No. 25-08-64) authorizing purchases from Border States Trophy for goods referenced in check No. 44899 totaling $43.00. The agenda noted Council member Riopelle had a personal financial interest in that contract; Riopelle abstained from the vote and the resolution passed.
All motions listed on the meeting packet moved, were seconded, and passed by roll call unless noted above. The council closed the meeting after routine council and staff reports.
Votes at a glance (as recorded in the meeting): Ordinance 48 — passed on second reading (roll call); Ordinance 49 — passed on second reading (roll call); Radios purchase — approved; Title VI/LEP update — approved; Solid waste agreement — approved; Hire of Ivan Hagen — approved; Claims resolution (Border States Trophy, $43) — approved with an abstention by Council member Riopelle.
The council scheduled no new bid lettings and had no scheduled public hearings on the Aug. 19 agenda. The meeting adjourned after reports and announcements.
