East Grand Forks council approves grants, hires and road repairs; amends claims total to $1.687 million

The East Grand Forks City Council adopted a slate of resolutions and administrative motions during its July 7 meeting, approving grants, personnel hires, street repair contracts and an amended claims payment.

On the consent and new-business docket the council approved Resolution 26-07-61, authorizing the fire department to accept a $6,830 turnout-gear dryer reimbursement grant and to purchase the equipment. The body also approved Resolution 26-07-62 authorizing the city to enter into an FY2027 transit operating grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The council confirmed multiple personnel actions. By unanimous roll call the council adopted Resolution 26-07-63 to hire Travis Rambell as a public works wastewater/stormwater operator at grade 13 step 8 ($34.94 per hour), effective July 8, 2026. It also approved Resolution 26-07-65 to hire Sarah Chambault as a public works administrative assistant at grade 10 step 1 ($23 per hour) with a proposed step increase to step 2 after a six-month probationary review; council member Don Kaysme raised a question about the wording of the step increase and staff explained the pay-plan mechanics and the opportunity to amend the resolution if desired. The council adopted Resolution 26-07-68 to hire Jorgen Erickson as parks and recreation superintendent (grade 20 step 1) at an annual salary of $89,575.55; staff said they would research a possible title change (to "director") and any union implications.

Public-works contracts were awarded to RJ Zavril and Sons: the Reinhardt Road Southeast repair project for $27,360 (Resolution 27-07-66) and the Bigland Road Southeast repair project for $53,791 (Resolution 26-07-67). Council authorized staff to proceed with both projects.

When the meeting reached the claims (accounts-payable) item, staff identified a late claims register that increased the total from the initially announced $610,493.12 to an amended total of $1,687,470.72. City staff confirmed the amended figure and the council approved payment of accounts payable and the June 26 payroll by roll call.

Mayor Mark Rolstead offered congratulations to the newly hired staff, and city staff provided updates on the arena project, VFW ice floor schedule and upcoming candidate filing dates for the November 3 general election (filing July 14-28 for Ward 2, Ward 4 and one at-large seat).

All motions and resolutions described above were adopted by roll call during the meeting. The council adjourned following standard closing procedures.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 26-07-61 (turnout-gear dryer grant, $6,830): approved (unanimous roll call) - Resolution 26-07-62 (FY27 MnDOT transit operating grant): approved (unanimous roll call) - Resolution 26-07-63 (hire Travis Rambell, $34.94/hr): approved (unanimous roll call) - Resolution 26-07-64 (advertise civil service hiring, contingent): approved (unanimous roll call) - Resolution 26-07-65 (hire Sarah Chambault, pay-step language discussed): approved (unanimous roll call) - Resolution 27-07-66 (Reinhardt Road repair, $27,360): approved (unanimous roll call) - Resolution 26-07-67 (Bigland Road repair, $53,791): approved (unanimous roll call) - Resolution 26-07-68 (hire Jorgen Erickson, $89,575.55 annual): approved (unanimous roll call) - Claims payment (amended): approved to authorize payment of $1,687,470.72 and the June 26 payroll.

Next steps: staff will proceed with contract administration and hiring paperwork, and follow up with council on any requested amendments to hiring language or title changes.