Crystal Johnson

The City Council discussed several agenda items, including updates from the Coalition of Utilities Cities and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities regarding energy transition policy and key Greater Minnesota programs. The Fire Department provided its annual update detailing call statistics and personnel changes. Key actions included approving a $1,000 donation to the Lee Mar Ranch Equine Center and adopting the updated Airport Master Plan. The Council also approved the 2026-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME and authorized a $2,000 donation to the Yellow Medicine East Scholarship Program. Furthermore, the Council approved language modifying the lease with Avera Granite Falls, authorized the purchase of a new one-ton truck for the Electrical Department, and approved the purchase of a 2026 Police Patrol Vehicle. The retirement of Police Chief Brian Struffert was accepted, and the Granite Falls Western Fest Community Celebration charitable gambling license application was acknowledged.

The City Council proceedings covered several significant items. Key actions included reviewing and approving a proposal from Barr Engineering for a structural inspection of retaining walls along the creek downstream of the hydroelectric powerhouse, with a cost not to exceed $12,000 (Resolution No. 25-130). Additionally, the Council passed an ordinance (Ordinance No. 237) on its second reading, which amends the city charter sections related to initiative, referendum, and recall petitions by adding a required "Date of Birth" line to the respective forms. The council reached a consensus to move the City Cannon indoors for temporary safekeeping.

The council meeting included an annual library update, a YES House annual update, and updates on the Memorial Park 100th Anniversary event planning. The council approved the renewal of several on-sale liquor licenses and a THC license. They also approved the American Legion's use of the parking lot for Western Fest events and Ribfest. Additionally, the council approved the renewal of an airport mowing contract, a lease agreement with the Minnesota DMV, and a sponsorship for the Cruizerz Car Show, including the closure of Minnesota Avenue and use of Rice Park. A contract with Fuller Paving for bituminous patching was approved, utilizing Transportation Advancement Account (TAA) funds for the project.

The council discussed and approved funding for mural project supplies, accepted a bid for underground electrical line replacement, and approved a request from Bluenose Gopher Brewery to install fencing and allow food trucks to park in front of the building. Fees for THC product licenses were established. The council also approved illuminating the bridge in pink and blue annually in October for IRIS. A Joint Powers Agreement with the MN Department of Natural Resources was approved, as well as donations to the Chippewa and Yellow Medicine County Fairs. Finally, a public hearing was scheduled to consider declaring property at 1560 9th Avenue as a public nuisance.

The council addressed a change order for the Hydro Plant, focusing on a revised strengthening design for the left downstream retaining wall. They also discussed a vacancy on the Granite Falls Charter Commission and recommended submitting a petition for the appointment of Spencer Kvam. An amendment to the City Charter under the Recall section was considered, and a public hearing was scheduled to discuss the proposed change. Furthermore, the council authorized one-year extensions of farmland lease agreements with Eric Peterson and Richard Jepson, as well as a three-year extension of the hay land lease agreement with Blaine Weber. They accepted a proposal from Buesing Ag Partnership for snow removal for the 2025/2026 season and rescheduled public hearings for street vacations due to a publication error. Inspections were called for properties located at 187 Baldwin Street and 492 Prentice Street due to concerns regarding structural integrity and safety.