(KNOX) – The East Grand Forks City Council voted 4-3 to give preliminary approval to Boreal Elite LLC for a cannabis retail registration. This would allow Boreal to set up shop in the downtown location that was provided for Red Iris LLC.
Council Members Karen Peterson, Brian Larson, Tami Schumacher and Tim Riopelle voted for the approval, while Dale Helms and Don Casmey voted against, and Ben Pokrzywinski abstained.
Red Iris was granted the ability to open a cannabis shop through a lottery, but it decided to terminate its agreement with the city in September. Boreal was the alternative business chosen in the lottery.
The city originally put in an ordinance that only two dispensaries would be allowed to come into town. Although, dispensaries that are run by tribes don’t need to follow the limit on the amount of dispensaries in the city. Skol MN LLC, is still planning to open a dispensary in the highway commercial zone, and Waabigwan Mashkiki is being run by the White Earth Nation.
Skol MN has not opened up yet and City Administrator Reid Huttunen doesn’t have any updates on its status.
The East Grand Forks City Council also made several approvals at Tuesday’s meeting.
The City Council approved a fireworks/pyrotechnic special effects permit that will be for the Hollydazzle event November 22nd, but it needs final approval from Fire Chief Paul Hanson.
The City Council approved a program coordinated by the East Grand Forks Police Department called “Food for Fines.” This program relates to street maintenance and snow emergency parking tickets issued during the 2026 winter season. Residents who receive these types of parking tickets will be able to pay them by donating nonperishable food items at the police department instead. All of the food will go to the East Grand Forks Food Shelf.
The City Council approved authorizing the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer to certify five properties with outstanding mowing charges to the County Auditor for collection with the 2027 real estate taxes.
The City Council approved renewing the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organizations building lease agreement for two years. The office space is 979 square feet, and the rent would cost $14.75 per square foot in 2027 and $15 per square foot in 2028
The City Council approved renewing the lease the Galstad, Jensen and McCann law office has in the Infill Building for three years. The office building is 3,420 square feet and the rent would stay at $11.25 per square foot.
The City Council approved an LG214 Premises Permit application for the East Grand Forks Blue Line Club. This would allow legal gambling to happen at the former American Legion building.
The City Council approved proclaimed November 4th through November 11th as Operation Green Light for Veterans.
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