Grafton council approves grant disbursement plan, tractor purchase and housing bid provision

At its Nov. 10 meeting the City of Grafton council approved several administrative and procurement items recommended by standing committees.

On the Public Utilities Committee's recommendation the council agreed to award half of the Back the Blue grant to current officers now and to release the remainder in June 2026; awards for two officers currently seeking employment elsewhere were put on hold so funds could be used for recruitment if appropriate. Greg Young moved the recommendation and Brian Sieben seconded it; the motion carried with all present voting in favor.

The council also approved purchase of a John Deere 2026 3046R compact utility tractor for $29,779.60 after a trade-in allowance of $20,950, contingent on repairing damages to the 2020 John Deere 3046R. Brian Sieben moved the purchase, Greg Young seconded, and the motion carried.

Separately, on the Economic Development Committee's recommendation the council authorized proceeding with a purchase agreement if only one bid at list price or higher is received on Nov. 17 for a single-family home and a twin-home in the NStarr development. Brian Sieben moved that motion and Loree Osowski seconded; the council approved the recommendation.

The council also approved payment of bills and claims for multiple city funds on a motion by Brad Burianek seconded by Phil Ray; the vote was unanimous among members present. The transcript does not record dollar amounts for the Back the Blue grant awards or the exact number of officers covered; the tractor purchase price and trade-in allowance were specified.