Granite Falls public meetings in 2021
25 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The City Council is meeting to approve the 2022 General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Enterprise Fund budgets, along with the final levy. The body will also consider several appointments for 2022 and a Capital Improvements Plan.
- Adopt Final Levy Payable 2022 and 2022 budgets
- Turbine #3 Bid - Cordelle Thomasma and Chris Anderson
- Contract with Countryside Public Health for Tobacco Compliance Checks
- Memorandum of Agreement to participate in Opioid Settlement
- Ordinances 95.020 (Inoperable Motor Vehicles) and 95.023 (Abatement)
Meeting
The City Council will review several resolutions including a snow removal contract with Buesing and the purchase of a Public Works mosquito sprayer. The body will also consider a second reading of an annexation ordinance. Other items include budget modifications for TIF #9 and American Rescue Plan actions.
- Snow Removal Contract - Buesing
- Purchase of Public Works Mosquito Sprayer
- Annexation Ordinance 2nd Reading
- TIF #9 Budget Modification
- Memorial Park Invasive Species Call for Bids
Meeting
The City Council approved several infrastructure and property resolutions, including the purchase of utility poles and the removal of a hazardous building. The body also authorized renovations to the Senior Center and increased airport land lease rates.
- First reading of ordinance to annex 30 acres for a new hospital
- Contract with Stella Jones for $30,022 to purchase 65 wood power poles
- Resolution declaring the structure at 846 7th Street a public nuisance for removal
- Increase of 3-year airport land lease agreements to $135 per acre
- Approval of renovation plan for the Senior Center in the city-owned Library building
Meeting
The City Council decided on priority spending for American Rescue Plan funds and approved several infrastructure and land agreements. The body also authorized preparations for 2022 street and utility improvements and approved support for the Winter Solstice event.
- Approved $285,500 American Rescue Plan funds for city well project, wastewater treatment upgrade, and inspections
- Approved $22,120 for additional Hydroelectric Plant repairs by Engineering & Construction Innovations, Inc.
- Authorized engineering report for 2022 Street and Utility Improvements
- Approved a one-year Industrial Park Farmland Lease Agreement with Eric Peterson
- Second reading of Ordinance No. 203 creating City Code 203, Public Parks
Meeting
The City Council held a public hearing and voted to increase residential and commercial availability charges for water and sewer services. The body also approved a utility loan for a resident and a funding agreement with the USGS.
- Sewer availability charge increase of $1.50 for residential and commercial users
- Water availability charge increase from $17 to $22 (residential) and $23 to $28 (commercial)
- 5-year joint funding agreement with USGS for streamgage
- $1,500 donation to the Granite Area Arts Council
- $6,000 residential utility loan to Laura Read at 4% interest over 10 years
Meeting
The City Council will consider the first reading of an ordinance to amend City Code Chapter 155.57. The meeting includes updates on street, utility, and park improvement projects.
- First reading of Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 155.57
- Update on 2018 Street and Utility Improvements at Barber Circle & Daniels Drive
- Update on Phase I & II Memorial Park Improvements
- Update on property located at 741 Highway 212 West (Gilby’s)
- Update on Chippewa County Pedestrian Ramp Project
Meeting
The City Council will review resolutions regarding fire department rates and retirement, as well as utility bids for the industrial park and line clearing. The body will also discuss the American Rescue Plan and an invasive species proposal.
- Fire Department Rates resolution
- Fire Department Retirement resolution
- Xcel Transmission Service Agreement
- Industrial Park Utilities Bid
- City Well Rehabilitation resolution
Meeting
The City Council approved several resolutions including a public nuisance declaration for 846 7th Street and an updated plat for Stony Run Addition. The council also accepted a professional services agreement with Stantec regarding inflow and infiltration ordinance development.
- Declaration of 846 7th Street as a public nuisance
- Approval of updated plat for Lots 9 & 10, Block 3 of Stony Run Addition
- Acceptance of Stantec professional services agreement for inflow and infiltration ordinance development
- Rejection of bid for Turbine #3 and call for new bids
- Approval of updated Police Department allegations of misconduct policy
Meeting
The City Council is meeting to discuss and vote on the 2022 General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Enterprise Fund budgets. The body will also consider a 5-year capital improvements plan and a public hearing for water and sewer rate adjustments.
- Proposed Levy Payable 2022 and public hearing dates
- 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan
- Powerhouse Intake Area Repairs Proposal
- Ordinance 33.01 Lodging Tax (2nd Reading)
- Flood Plain Ordinance (1st Reading) and public hearing
Meeting
The City Council adopted resolutions to purchase a 2022 tanker truck and call for bids to extend utilities in the industrial park. The body also approved a membership fee increase for the Kilowatt Community Center and engineering services for power plant repairs.
- Purchase of a 2022 Tanker Truck for the Fire Department via state bid
- 3% membership fee increase for Kilowatt Community Center starting September 1, 2021
- Engineering services proposal from Barr Engineering for Hydro Electric Power Plant intake repairs
- Call for bids to extend utilities in the industrial park
- Lease renewal with Department of Public Safety for driver exam station at $500 per year
Meeting
The City Council will consider several motions and resolutions including park updates and airport requests. Discussion items include street and utility projects, food trucks, and the Chippewa Terrace update.
- Rice Park trash cans motion
- Legion Parking Lot request
- Airport hangar construction request
- Bids for electrical line tree trimming
- 2021 forfeited properties resolution
Meeting
The City Council approved a resolution to extend the Small Cities Development Program grant contract until February 28, 2022. The council also scheduled a public hearing for September 7, 2021, regarding amendments to the City Flood Plain Ordinance.
- Extension of SCDP grant contract until February 28, 2022
- Appointment of new Charter Commission members
- Installation of a yield sign at 11th Avenue and 4th Street
- Two-day temporary water hose request for Martin Marietta
- Renewal of custodial services contract for city buildings
Meeting
The City Council approved a bond sale for infrastructure projects and adopted new electric rate adjustments effective January 15, 2022. The body also authorized contracts for website redesign and invasive species removal.
- Sale of $1,320,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2021A for Utility/Street project
- Electric rate increases: Residential to $16.00, Commercial Single Phase to $22.00, and Commercial Three Phase to $55.00
- $9,000 contract with Native Resources Preservation for invasive species removal at Memorial Park
- 5-year contract with Revize Software Systems for city website redesign at $2,760 per year
- Approval of change order for concrete repairs at the hydroelectric plant and a call for bids for Turbine #3
Meeting
The City Council decided on several infrastructure and community projects, including grant applications for park improvements and the replacement of an electric department vehicle. The body also held a public hearing regarding the purchase of a new Pumper/Tanker Truck.
- Resolution 21-63: Authorizing submission of grants for Memorial Park Phase IV
- Resolution 21-64: Calling for bids to replace the 2005 International Digger Truck
- Resolution 21-65: Approving application to the American Rescue Plan State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
- Approval for Bluenose Gopher Public House to block parking areas for a July 24 bike race
- Approval to install a pole for internet service at Memorial Park
Meeting
The City Council approved several infrastructure projects, including new server and phone systems for City Hall and street/utility assessments. The council also authorized invasive species removal at Memorial Park and a demolition at 221 Baldwin Street.
- Approved Marco for city server ($6,389.36) and West Central for phone system ($3,053.25)
- Approved final assessments for 2021 Street and Utility Improvements
- Authorized a $23,000 change order for 2021 Street and Utility Improvements
- Accepted $19,500 proposal from Native Resources Preservation for invasive species removal at Memorial Park
- Accepted $9,427.00 bid from H&H Construction for demolition at 221 Baldwin Street
Meeting
The Granite Falls City Council approved the site for a new dog park and authorized several facility improvements. The body also decided on fee increases for camping and approved multiple fund transfers and demolition quotes.
- Approved dog park location east of Riverside Bottle Shop and $400 for surveying
- Approved asbestos removal and called for demolition quotes for 221 Baldwin Street
- Authorized USDA grant application for a new Fire Department pumper/tanker
- Approved $207.40 per ton for liquid CO2 from American Welding & Gas, Inc.
- Approved transfer of $35,285 from EDA TIF Fund 221 to the General Fund
Meeting
The City Council approved engineering services for turbine repairs and authorized a survey for a new trail at Memorial Park. The body also approved designs for creative crosswalks and renewed several on-sale liquor licenses.
- Resolution 21-40: $21,000 for BARR Engineering to add three alternates to Turbine #3 bid packets
- Resolution 21-41: Up to $5,000 for Bonnema, Runke, Stern, Inc. to survey Memorial Park for a new trail
- Approval of creative crosswalk designs and the Flood Wall Mosaic Mural Project
- Renewal of on-sale liquor licenses for Veterans Lounge, Bluenose Gopher Brewery, Granite Bowl, and Tolley’s Bar & Grill
- Council consensus to allow burning of the park next to the water plant
Meeting
The City Council will review several professional service agreements and street/utility project bids. Discussion items include updates on the Creative Crosswalk, Memorial Park, and potential property purchases.
- 2021 Street & Utility Project Bids and Assessment Hearing
- Dallas/Liquor Store Roof Replacement
- Professional Service Agreement with the RDC
- Airport Fuel Terminal Agreement
- Second Reading to Amend Ordinance 155.02
Meeting
The City Council approved several resolutions including a zoning ordinance amendment and airport fuel terminal replacement. The council also authorized soliciting quotes for diseased elm tree removal and declared city audio/video equipment as surplus.
- Rezoning of Parcels No: 34-423-0114 and No: 34-423-0310 from R1 to C1 District
- Acceptance of lowest bid for hydro plant repairs
- Solicitation of quotes for the 2021 Diseased Elm Tree Removal Program
- Declaration of 2010 audio/video equipment as surplus
- Replacement of the airport fuel terminal via O’Day Equipment LLC quote
Meeting
The City Council approved a contract for LHB, Inc. to develop a Comprehensive Plan with a cost not to exceed $20,000. The council also held a public hearing regarding the use of drones by the Granite Falls Police Department.
- Resolution 21-25: $250 donation to Yellowstone Trail Alliance of Western Minnesota
- Public hearing regarding drone use by the Granite Falls Police Department
- Resolution 21-26: Contract for professional services to update the Comprehensive Plan not to exceed $20,000
- Housing study summary presented by Scott Knudson
- $13,625 received to date for Christmas Street Light donations
Meeting
The City Council approved several resolutions regarding infrastructure and community grants. The body also authorized the sale of a surplus fire department utility truck and approved a service area expansion for Bluenose Gopher Public House.
- Awarded $51,488 bid to MN Mechanical for wastewater plant flow meter installation
- Resolution 21-20 declaring a fire department utility truck as surplus and authorizing its sale
- Approved $100 donation to the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
- Authorized revised budget for new Christmas street lighting
- Approved the Community Energy Transition Grant Program Agreement
Meeting
The City Council approved several service contracts and a purchase for street decorations. The council also scheduled a public hearing for March 15 to discuss the police department's use of drones.
- Resolution 21-14: Purchase of new Christmas street lighting not to exceed $35,000
- Resolution 21-15: Renewed contract for public access coordinator services at $105 per month
- Resolution 21-16: Professional services to update Pole Attachment Agreement with Mediacom not to exceed $5,300
- Resolution 21-17: Contract with Countryside Public Health Services for tobacco ordinance compliance checks
- Resolution 21-18: Public hearing scheduled for March 15 regarding police department drone use
Meeting
The City Council will meet to review a market study presented by Linda Mathiasen. The body will also receive updates on city properties and utility infrastructure.
- Resolution regarding Granite Falls Market Study
- Update on property at 221 Baldwin St
- Update on property at 215 9 Avenue
- Century Link and Mediacom Pole Attachment Contract update
- Hydro Plant repairs and Turbine #3 update
Meeting
The City Council held a public hearing and approved the 2021 Street & Utility Improvement Program. The body also authorized several equipment purchases and property acquisitions.
- Ordered 2021 Street & Utility Improvements and directed the city engineer to call for bids
- Approved $45,820 purchase of a new Fire Department Utility Truck
- Authorized purchase of property at 221 Baldwin Street for $25,000
- Approved $1,000 donation for four $250 scholarships for the Yellow Medicine East School District
- Authorized purchase and installation of a wastewater plant influent flow meter
Meeting
The City Council established administrative roles, meeting schedules, and official depositories for the year. The body re-appointed professional service providers and approved a donation to a local food shelf.
- Approved $5,000 donation to Neighbors United Resource Center Food Shelf
- Re-appointed Rodeberg & Berryman as City Engineers with a rate increase for 2021
- Re-appointed Bolton & Menk as Airport Engineers and HDR Engineering, Inc. as Electrical Engineers
- Adopted Resolution 21-3 regarding the rising cost of water and wastewater services
- Designated Granite Falls Bank and Citizens Alliance Bank as depositories of city funds