The Grand Forks council has agreed to enter into a standstill agreement with Fufeng over the failed plans to locate the corn milling plant in the city.
Council member Rebecca Osowski questioned what would be gained since a development agreement purportedly offers the city financial protections for money already spent.
City Attorney Dan Gaustad says there are other issues that could be addressed if legal teams are allowed to have those conversations. “It’s more than getting money back…they still own property.”
Council member Danny Weigel says he’s not excited about the idea – but motioned in favor of allowing both sides to talk. “I want this done…yesterday.”
Council president Dana Sande says the city has nothing to lose by hearing from Fufeng’s attorney’s. “The opportunity to negotiate without going to court has the likelihood of saving our community a considerable amount of money. We are talking about going to court with a multi-billion dollar company that probably isn’t super happy with our community right now.”
The corn milling plant was terminated after the U.S. Air Force cited national security concerns. The standstill agreement will be in place for up to 90 days.
In other action the council set a hearing date for April 3rd to take up a de-annexation petition for Highway 81 property owners.
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