GF approves department merger plan

Grand Forks has approved the combining of Planning and Community Development into a single department.

The restructuring is expected to save upwards of $130,000 dollars annually. It comes about as a result of the pending retirement of Community Development Director Meredith Richards.

City Planner Ryan Brooks would oversee the new department.

Council member Ken Vien says he supports the consolidation but questions the elimination of the civil service position brought about by the merger.
City Attorney Dan Gaustad says the council approved an ordinance moving department heads to contract positions when new hires come along.
There are currently five department heads that still fall under the civil service designation.

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The City of Grand Forks has inked a new three year lease with LM Wind Power for space in the industrial park. The wind blade maker owns its facility at 1580 South 48th Street and leases 134,000 square feet in an adjacent JDA-owned building. The current lease expires at the end of the month. While rent will go up slightly the agreement includes a partial deferment if a future three year deal is signed.