MPO Executive Policy Board

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1. Functions

  1. The Executive Policy Committee shall prepare and adopt a Plan and recommend policies for the development of the area. The Plan shall be based on existing conditions and probable future growth and shall be made with the general purpose of guiding a coordinated and harmonious development that will promote the health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants. The Plan shall also seek to promote efficiency and economy in the process of land development and population distribution so as to reduce the waste of resources; and it shall promote an efficient and economic utilization and conservation of the means of production of food and water, of sanitary and other facilities and of natural resources and transportation.

  2. The Executive Policy Committee shall act as the official area-wide planning agency for the Metropolitan Area and shall be designated as a consortium of governments for federal legislation dealing with transportation, land use, and any other issue deemed appropriate by their respective governing bodies and as the official Area Planning Organization as required by the United States Department of Transportation and other agencies.

2. Membership

The Executive Policy Committee shall consist of at least two-thirds elected officials and each member unit of government shall be allowed voting representation as follows:
  1. Two elected officials from the Grand Forks City Council;

  2. Two elected officials from the East Grand Forks City Council;

  3. One member each from the Grand Forks and Polk County Commissions;

  4. One member each representing the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks City Planning Commissions;

  5. Representatives shall be appointed by the respective bodies they are to represent.

3. Terms

Members of the Policy Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) years except that members of the respective governing bodies holding memberships by virtue of their elected positions shall hold office only during their respective terms of office.

4. Members

  • Terry Bjerke - Grand Forks County

  • Ken Vein -Grand Forks City Council
  • Warren Strandell - Polk County
  • Al Grasser - Grand Forks P&Z

  • Brian Larson - East Grand Forks City Council

  • Brad Ortzman - East Grand Forks P&Z

  • Tricia Lunski - Grand Forks City Council
  • Karen Peterson - East Grand Forks City Council

Staff

Ben Ehreth, MPO Executive Director  Email  746-2657
www.theforksmpo.org

Board of Adjustments

  • Date: 05/21/2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Whom it May Concern

FROM:             Bev Collings — Zoning & Special Projects Manager

DATE:              April 30, 2026

RE:                  Board of Adjustments Meeting Agenda

Please be informed that the meeting date to hear these variances is scheduled for Thursday, May 21. 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in person in the City Council Chambers at City Hall 255 N. 4th Street, to consider the appeals below. Members of the Grand Forks Board of Adjustments may be attending this meeting in person, electronically or telephonically.

1 . Austin Kogil on behalf of Evelyn Clark, 2001 4th Ave. N. has made a request for variance to impervious surface area coverage and front yard setback requirements [Section 18-0209(7) 18-0209(8)) of the Land Development Code] in order to build a detached garage. Legal Description: East 8' of Lot 23 & Lot 24, Block 24 of Kelsey's 2nd Addition.

2. Ryan & Nichole Kuhl, 3402 62nd Ave S, has made a request for variance to the accessory building requirements [Section Table 18-0206(5) of the Land Development Code] in order to build an outbuilding. Legal Description: Block 1 of Heritage Place Addition.

3. Nick Walker, 5464 Courtyard Dr., has made a request for variance to impervious surface area coverage and accessory building requirements [Section 18-0208(7) & 18-0305 of the Land Development Code] in order to develop the property. Legal Description: Lot 31, Block 1 of Shadyridge Estates 8th Resub-division.

4. Tamara Spicer, 1203 2nd Ave. N., has made a request for a variance to the impervious surface area coverage and accessory building requirements [Section 18-0211 (10) & 18-0305 of the Land Development Code] in order to build an attached garage. Legal Description: Lots 2 & 4 Block O of Budge & Eshelman's 2nd Addition.

Any member of the public seeking to submit comments relating to an Agenda item or public hearing should submit their comments to Bev Collings at bcollings@grandforksgov.com or call 701-330-8911 for further information. All comments received before 3:00 PM on the day prior to the meeting day will be considered part of the record of the meeting as if personally presented.

NOTE:

Any individual requiring special accommodation to allow access or participation at a City meeting is asked to notify the ADA Coordinator (746-2665) of their needs one week prior to meeting date.

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