GRAND FORKS – The Grand Forks City Council formally accepted the first bid package for the Altru Sports Complex. Next, the facility progresses to a June groundbreaking.
The council approved the measure during its meeting Monday night, after it had reviewed the bids, agreements and financing packages last week. Council member Rebecca Osowski cast the lone vote against it, citing her continued view that the project costs too much and is over budget. Even with economic uncertainties regarding national tariffs, the city generally has been happy with the competitive bidding so far.
“Many, many bidders showed up,” City Auditor Maureen Storstad told the council. “I believe the number was 89 bidders. (It was) very competitively bid and numbers came up very well.”
Similarly, the city received very competitive bids for the interim financing, which also was given final approval by the council. The city received multiple offers for a line of credit, which will act as a bridge between the Alerus Center construction bonds sunsetting and more permanent bonds for the Altru Sports Complex.
For the interim financing, the city will draw on a line of credit with a 3.54% fixed interest rate from Wells Fargo. This method will likely save the city interest in the long run as it’ll be able to access the funds as it progresses, instead of a lump sum up front.
“I appreciate the opportunity coming to see you guys,” Derick Duklis, a representative from Wells Fargo, told the council. “All the new developments you guys have going on are absolutely incredible.”
The indoor turf and aquatics complex has a budget of $110 million, but recent bids have come up much better than expected, allowing the city to pursue add-ons like an elevated walking track. The facility will be located off 42nd Street just south of the Alerus Center.
The council also approved the special assessments it’s giving itself for the site work. The city has to go through the formal process of establishing special assessments even though it's to itself, so it can take out bonds to pay for the improvements.
An agreement with the Grand Forks Park District also moved forward. While the city will own the Altru Sports Complex, the parks district will operate it. The Park Board was expected to consider the agreement at its meeting Tuesday. Two items remain open, including reimbursements and costs for technological and computer expenses and some insurance provisions.
In other news, the council:
- Gave the first approval to an ordinance regulating camping on public property. Other cities, like Fargo and Bismarck, have similar provisions to address issues with homeless encampments. In her dissent, council member Tricia Berg said this ordinance won’t solve the root issues for homelessness in Grand Forks and will unnecessarily fine people.
- As the Jobs Development Authority, declared a loan with Steers Restaurant LLC in default and authorized staff to begin the collection process. The business, more commonly known as Chino Latino, is delinquent on its $30,000 start-up loan it received in 2022. Declaring a default is typically a last resort, Economic Development Manager Andy Conlon said, but other avenues have been exhausted. The business is still able to pursue a restructuring proposal even though considered in default.
Voigt covers government in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.
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