Granite Falls, Minnesota

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will consider several resolutions, including an EDA housing bond presented by Shannon Sweeney and Amy Nordaune, and a bond to fund a fire truck and watermain presented by Todd Hagen. Other items include a wildlife signage resolution from Nicole Zempel, a state competitive funding contract, and a call for bids for substation equipment installation. The meeting also includes reports from the Utilities Commission and the Kilowatt Community Center, and a discussion of the Pioneerland 2027 budget request and department working hours.

• EDA Housing Bond – presented by Shannon Sweeney & Amy Nordaune
• Issuing Bond for Fire Truck & Watermain – presented by Todd Hagen
• Wildlife Signage resolution – Nicole Zempel
• State Competitive Funding Contract
• Call for Bids – Substation Equipment Installation

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will hold public hearings on an EDA bond for a fire truck and watermain project, and an electric rate change. The council will also consider bids for diseased elm trees, police equipment, and an airport lighting upgrade.

• Public hearing for EDA Bond for Fire Truck & Watermain
• Public hearing for Electric Rate change
• Consideration of bids for Diseased Elm Tree removal
• Consideration of Police Equipment purchase
• Consideration of Airport Lighting Upgrade Project

The council unanimously approved a consumption and display permit for YES House, a $950,000 housing development bond, a 3% electric rate increase, and several capital purchases including police radios, runway lighting, and hydro plant batteries. It also accepted the lowest bid for diseased elm tree removal. The proposed bond for a fire truck and watermain project was tabled. All votes were unanimous among members present.

• Approved YES House consumption and display permit (unanimous)
• Approved $950,000 housing development bond (unanimous)
• Approved 3% electric rate adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved police department equipment purchases (unanimous)
• Approved runway lighting bid award and MnDOT funding amendment (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of hydro plant replacement batteries ($7,728) (unanimous)
• Accepted North 40 Tree & Landscaping quote for elm tree removal (unanimous)
• Tabled issuance of bond for fire truck and watermain project (no vote)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will consider motions for a wildlife signage request and a donation to the Legion, approve the consent agenda, and hold public hearings on electric rates and EDA bonds.

• Wildlife Signage Request motion
• Legion Donation Request resolution
• Electric Rate Public Hearing
• Diseased Elm Tree Bids
• 2025 Audit – Justin Nilson

The council unanimously approved a $100 donation to the American Legion for the VFW Buddy Poppy program. It also accepted a $82,797 contract with Precision Paving Solutions for street patching and seal coating, and a $39,980.16 purchase of fire department air pack equipment and turnout gear from Clarey's Safety Equipment. Additionally, the council approved a reservation of six parking spaces for the YES House Pride Celebration on June 20 and scheduled a public hearing on the Small Cities Development Program for July 20. The wildlife signage request was tabled.

• Approved $100 donation to American Legion (unanimous)
• Approved $82,797 street patching and seal coating contract (unanimous)
• Approved $39,980.16 fire department equipment purchase (unanimous)
• Approved reservation of six parking spaces for YES House Pride Celebration (unanimous)
• Adopted public hearing for Small Cities Development Program on July 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Wildlife signage request tabled
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review several citizen requests, such as bridge lighting, picnic tables, a memorial bench donation, and a tobacco/THC license. The council will vote to reject and rebid the diseased elm tree removal bids. A public hearing will be called for a proposed housing development bond. An electric rate study public hearing will be noted for future agenda.

• Bridge Lighting Request
• Picnic Table Request
• Diseased Elm Tree Bids – Reject and rebid
• Call for Public Hearing Housing Development Bond – Shannon Sweeney
• Electric Rate Study Public Hearing

The Granite Falls City Council unanimously adopted several resolutions, including renewing membership in the Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Tourism program and authorizing a public hearing for a proposed $950,000 housing development bond. The council also rejected a bid for diseased elm tree removal and ordered a rebid, approved a $500 donation to Squidfest and use of Memorial Park, and authorized a new hay‑land lease for about 60 acres at $40 per acre. Additional unanimous approvals covered bridge lighting, a picnic‑table replacement, and a tobacco/low‑potency THC license pending state approval.

• Approved Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Tourism membership renewal (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to hold public hearing on issuance of up to $950,000 housing development bonds (unanimous)
• Rejected bid for diseased elm tree removal and authorized rebidding (unanimous)
• Approved donation up to $500 to Squidfest and use of Memorial Park (unanimous)
• Authorized execution of hay land lease for ~60 acres at $40 per acre (unanimous)
• Approved bridge lighting request for Oct 15, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of two benches with a picnic table (unanimous)
• Approved tobacco/low‑potency THC license application contingent on state approval (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will meet to consider several resolutions regarding city infrastructure and contracts. The body will also review a second reading of the Winter Burial Ordinance.

• 2026-2028 SRO Contract
• Substation Improvements – Tim Gentile
• Airport Runway Lighting Project
• Streetscape Sidewalk Project Update
• Winter Burial Ordinance 2nd Reading

The council unanimously approved a resolution to add substation improvements and adopted a financing plan using reserve funds to cover the $578,899 funding gap. They also approved a public hearing on a proposed utility rate increase and set summer city‑hall office hours. Additional actions included approving temporary liquor licenses, a School Resource Officer agreement, the sale of surplus equipment, and a $42,510 proposal to update the Memorial Park Master Plan.

• Approved additional substation improvements (Resolution 26-36) – unanimous
• Approved public hearing for proposed utility rate increase (Resolution 26-37) – unanimous
• Approved substation project financing gap plan (Resolution 26-38) – unanimous
• Approved summer city hall office hours change – unanimous
• Approved temporary liquor licenses for multiple events – unanimous
• Approved School Resource Officer agreement (Resolution 26-39) – unanimous
• Authorized sale of surplus city equipment at auction (Resolution 26-40) – unanimous
• Approved Memorial Park Master Plan update proposal ($42,510) (Resolution 26-41) – unanimous

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will consider a series of license approvals, including liquor licenses for six businesses and a THC license for Down on the Korner. The council will also consider a streetscape sidewalk change order, an EDA housing project, and the first reading of a Winter Burial Ordinance. Additional reports and updates will be presented, and future agenda items such as an electric rate study and substation improvements will be noted.

• Approve liquor licenses for six businesses and a THC license for Down on the Korner
• Streetscape Sidewalk Change Order – Mike Amborn
• EDA Housing Project – Amy Nordaune
• Winter Burial Ordinance – first reading
• Discuss upcoming electric rate study and substation improvements

The council adopted a resolution to accept the bid package and authorize construction of the EDA duplex project, funded through EDA reserves and bonding. It also approved additional $30,412 work for the downtown Streetscape Sidewalk project, a $3,500 donation to the Chamber of Commerce, and a $100 sponsorship plus road closure for the Cruizerz Car Show. Several on‑sale liquor licenses were renewed for the 2026‑2027 term.

• Approved EDA duplex construction and funding (unanimous)
• Approved additional $30,412 work for Streetscape Sidewalk project (unanimous)
• Approved $3,500 donation to Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce (unanimous)
• Approved $100 sponsorship and Minnesota Avenue closure for Cruizerz Car Show (unanimous)
• Renewed on‑sale liquor license for American Legion Post #69 (unanimous)
• Renewed on‑sale liquor license for Bluenoise Gopher Brewery (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will vote on several contracts and service requests, including the City Manager contract for 2026‑2028 and bids for the Prentice Street sidewalk. It will also consider a YES House parking request, donations for the county fair, and a professional services agreement with Damon Farber. Additional items such as utility reports and updates from local organizations will be discussed.

• YES House Parking Request
• Prentice Street Sidewalk Bids – Mike Amborn
• Chippewa/Yellow Medicine County Fair Donations
• Professional Services – Damon Farber
• 2026‑2028 City Manager Contract

The Granite Falls City Council approved the consent agenda and a parking request for the YES! House event. It adopted the lowest bid for the Downtown Streetscape Sidewalk Improvements Project and approved donations to two county fairs. The council also authorized professional services for a trail study, and unanimously approved three‑year contracts with the MAPE union and the city manager. The liquor store logo item was tabled.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, bills, correspondence, meetings & events)
• Approved YES! House request to close two front parking spaces on April 25
• Approved $399,558 sidewalk contract with B.G. Amundson Construction (unanimous)
• Approved $500 donation to each Chippewa and Yellow Medicine County Fair (unanimous)
• Approved professional services with Damon Farber for trail exploration (unanimous)
• Approved three‑year MAPE union contract (unanimous)
• Approved three‑year city manager contract (unanimous)
• Tabled liquor store logo item

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council met on March 16, 2026 to address routine business and several specific actions. Council members will vote on a motion for the Western Fest Mosaic Mural and consider a resolution approving a new trail proposal. The meeting also includes reports from the Economic Development Authority and the Park Board, as well as updates on the YES House and an electrical department vacancy. Future agenda items mentioned are an electric rate study, a 212 Bridge Mural, an Avera Granite Falls annual update, Board of Appeals & Equalization, and substation improvements.

• Motion: Western Fest Mosaic Mural
• Resolution: New Trail Proposal
• Report: Economic Development Authority (EDA)
• Report: Park Board
• Discussion: YES House Update

The council adopted Resolution No. 26-26, raising RV camping fees to $30 and $25 per night while keeping tent fees at $15. It approved an armor crack repair treatment for the tennis courts and accepted the Western Fest mosaic mural as presented. A proposal for a new trail was tabled, and the resignation of lineman Drew Kiffmeyer was accepted, declaring the position vacant and directing staff to advertise it.

• Adopted Resolution No. 26-26 increasing camping fees (unanimous)
• Approved armor crack repair treatment for tennis courts
• Approved Western Fest mosaic mural as presented
• Tabled Damon Farber proposal for new trail feasibility study
• Accepted resignation of Drew Kiffmeyer, declared position vacant and directed advertisement

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council meeting will address several items, including a request for temporary liquor licenses for YES House and a bridge lighting request from the US MEF2C Foundation. Council members will consider quotes for new restrooms at Rice Park, a donation for the Western Fest, and bids to remove a diseased elm tree. The council will also take up a second‑reading of the Multiple Animal Ordinance. Additional discussion topics include the Board of Appeals, equalization, and THC drinks at a liquor store.

• YES House Temporary Liquor Licenses Request
• Bridge Lighting Request – US MEF2C Foundation
• Rice Park Restroom Quotes – Mike Amborn & John Aus
• Diseased Elm Tree Removal – Call for Bids
• Multiple Animal Ordinance – 2nd Reading

The city council unanimously approved the contractors and $142,900 budget for the Rice Park restroom improvements. It also approved the purchase of GIS locating equipment for $15,510.26. Additional unanimous actions included temporary liquor licenses, bridge lighting, a Western Fest sponsorship, a request for elm‑tree removal quotes, an ordinance amendment for animal permits, and authorization to begin offering THC‑infused beverages at the Riverside Bottle Shop.

• Approved Rice Park restroom improvements contract $142,900 (unanimous)
• Approved GIS locating equipment purchase $15,510.26 (unanimous)
• Approved temporary liquor licenses for Yes House fundraiser and River Valley Ripple event (unanimous)
• Approved bridge lighting request for blue lighting on walking bridge (unanimous)
• Approved $1,250 Western Fest sponsorship from Community Fund (unanimous)
• Approved solicitation of quotes for diseased elm tree removal program (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance amending multiple animal permit procedure (unanimous)
• Authorized process to offer THC‑infused beverages at Riverside Bottle Shop (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review a first reading of a Multiple Animal Ordinance. The body will also consider requests for parking spaces and temporary liquor licenses.

• First reading of Multiple Animal Ordinance
• YES House Temporary Liquor Licenses Request
• Bluenose Parking Spaces Request
• Memorial Park Invasive Species Removal resolution
• MN River Valley Scenic Byway Donation resolution

The council adopted a resolution directing the 2026 Granite Falls Energy Dividend of $23,250 to the Economic Development Authority. It also approved a $150 donation to the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Alliance, a $28,583.04 invasive‑species contract for Memorial Park, and a $16‑per‑parcel assessment services agreement. Additional actions included consent agenda approval, parking space use for Bluenoise food trucks, temporary liquor licenses, and display of a historic cannon.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, bills, reports, etc.) – unanimous
• Approved Bluenoise parking spaces for food trucks on Feb 6, Feb 20, Mar 14, Mar 20 – unanimous
• Approved temporary liquor licenses for Yes House Open Mic Night (Feb 2074) and River Valley Ripple Artist Salon (Feb 2874) – unanimous
• Allocated $23,250 energy dividend to Economic Development Authority – unanimous
• Approved $150 donation to Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Alliance – unanimous
• Approved assessment services agreement with David Parsons at $16 per parcel – unanimous
• Approved $28,583.04 invasive‑species removal contract at Memorial Park and $2,000 grant‑writing services – unanimous
• Authorized display of 75mm infantry mortar M2 cannon at Yellow Medicine County Museum – unanimous

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review several resolutions, including a new AFSCME contract for 2026-2028 and equipment purchases for the police and electrical departments. The council will also consider an ordinance regarding multiple animal permit procedures.

• AFSCME Contract 2026-2028
• Truck purchase for the Electrical Department
• Police Department squad car purchase
• Multiple Animal Permit Procedure ordinance
• Avera Lease and Agreement Amendment

The Granite Falls City Council adopted a series of unanimous resolutions, including the updated Airport Master Plan, a new 2026–2028 AFSCME contract, and several donations. It also approved a dog‑park ribbon‑cutting event, an amended lease with Avera, and purchases of a utility truck and a police patrol vehicle.

• Approved consent agenda with 7D Western Fest gambling permit (unanimous)
• Approved dog park ribbon‑cutting ceremony on May 28 (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Lee‑Mar Ranch Equine Center (unanimous)
• Approved updated Airport Master Plan for future planning and grants (unanimous)
• Approved 2026–2028 AFSCME collective bargaining agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 donation to Yellow Medicine East scholarship (unanimous, Pullan abstained)
• Approved amended lease and agreement with Avera Granite Falls (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a $43,900 electrical‑department truck (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will review several resolutions including a call for bids for duplex development and a streetscape sidewalk project. The body will also discuss the fee schedule and the use of opioid settlement funds.

• Call for bids for Duplex Development
• Streetscape Sidewalk Project call for bids
• Purchase of new mower
• Avera Lease and Agreement Amendment
• Review of Fee Schedule

The Granite Falls City Council adopted five resolutions unanimously. It authorized advertising for bids on the downtown sidewalk improvement project and approved the purchase of a John Deere 1575 mower for $55,329.86. The council amended the Avera Health lease to release four parcels for duplex housing and then authorized the EDA to proceed with the duplex development and advertise for bids. It also approved the 2026 municipal fee schedule.

• Adopted Resolution 26-5 to advertise bids for downtown sidewalk improvement project (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 26-6 approving purchase of John Deere 1575 mower with attachments for $55,329.86 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 26-7 amending Avera lease to release parcels 34-400-2701, 34-400-2702, 34-400-2703, 34-400-2710 for residential duplex development (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 26-8 authorizing EDA to proceed with duplex development project and advertise for bids (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 26-9 approving the 2026 annual fee schedule (unanimous)

Meeting

The Granite Falls City Council will consider several motions and resolutions, including the appointment of officers and engineers, and the approval of contracts for the city attorney and airport manager. They will also discuss an update on opioid settlement funds and a streetscape project. The meeting includes routine agenda items such as minutes, bills, and correspondence.

• Elect Vice President
• Establish Rules of Order
• Approve City Attorney Contract for 2026
• Approve Airport Manager Contract for 2026
• Multiple Dog Permit