1. Powers and functions

The commission may exercise the following powers and functions:

(1)     Powers and functions, generally. Subject to the restrictions of this article, the commission shall have the power to adopt such policies, procedures, rules and/or regulations as it may determine to be reasonably necessary and/or convenient to manage and promote the events center, which shall include the following powers:

(A)     To improve, develop, enlarge, operate, manage, regulate and maintain the events center and related facilities, and to contract for the operations or maintenance of any parts thereof or for services to be performed.

(B)      To acquire, lease, trade, or purchase and to hold and dispose of personal property.

(C)      To establish rules, policies and guidelines for the rental and usage of the events center and to amend said rules, policies and guidelines as necessary and convenient.

(D)     To fix and collect parking, rental, and other fees and charges, and to grant concessions.

(E)      To purchase and sell supplies, goods, and equipment as may be reasonably necessary and/or convenient for the operation of the events center.

(F)      To coordinate the efforts of public, private and volunteer agencies involved with events center developments and activities.

(G)     To promote, market, advertise, sponsor, and fund events or activities which provide a better utilization of the events center and commission resources, including but not limited to conventions, shows, concerts, festivals, gatherings, and sporting events.

(H)     To enter into contracts and leases and to execute all instruments necessary and/or convenient to provide a better utilization of the events center and commission resources, including but not limited to contracts and leases for conventions, shows, concerts, festivals, gatherings, sporting events, and other events or activities.

(I)       To hire and employ employees and to prescribe their qualifications and fix their compensation and benefits; provided, however, such employees shall not be subject to civil service or merit system laws, ordinances and/or regulations, including but not limited to chapter VI of the Grand Forks City Code.

(J)       To hire and retain consultants, independent contractors and professional personnel to meet the needs of the event center and commission however, such persons shall not be subject to civil service or merit system laws or other laws, ordinances and/or regulations pertaining to the status of municipal employees.

(K)      To establish committees, determine committee membership, and delegate powers to such committees, employees, and staff as the commission sees fit.

(L)      To permit and regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages upon the premises and within and outside of the events center in accordance with the ordinances of the City of Grand Forks and the statutes of the State of North Dakota.

(M)    To establish and adopt such bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and/or regulations as it may determine to be reasonably necessary and/or convenient to the exercise of commission powers and the implementation of events center programs and activities provided that the adoption thereof shall not be in conflict with any city ordinance, policy, procedure, or resolution.

(N)     To exercise such other powers as delegated by the city council.

(2)     Limitation upon exercise of powers.

 (A)    Title to any real or personal property acquired by the commission shall be in the name of the City of Grand Forks.

(B)      Any change in the name of the facility or of its ballroom shall be subject to approval by the city council.

(C)      No contract or agreement shall be entered into by the commission that exceeds any appropriation or authorization within the annual budget approved by the city council.

2. Membership

Membership and officers. The events center commission shall consist of seven (7) voting members and two (2) nonvoting members. Six (6) of the voting members shall be nominated from the public at large by the mayor and ratified by the city council. One (1) voting member shall be a member of the city council nominated by the mayor and ratified by the city council. One (1) nonvoting member shall be a representative of the University of North Dakota, designated by the president of the University of North Dakota, nominated by the mayor and ratified by the city council. One (1) nonvoting member shall be a representative of the Greater Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau designated by the chairperson of the Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau, nominated by the mayor and ratified by the city council. The members of the commission shall chose from the voting members appointed from the public at large to act as a chairperson and vice chairperson.

3. Terms 

4. Members

• Greg Rixen –Chair, Public at Large Representative
• Irene Halbritter – Vice-Chair, Public at Large Representative
• Jarrod Spoor – Former Chair, Public at Large Representative
• Scott Foyt – Public at Large Representative
• Russell Kraft –Public at Large Representative
• Matt Fischer - Public at Large Representative
• Ken Vein - City Council Representative
• Bill Chaves (non-voting) - UND Representative
• Julie Rygg (non-voting) - VGGF Representative

Staff

Anna Rosburg, General Manager
Alerus Center - 701-792-1200