411 West First Street

City of Duluth

Duluth, Minnesota 55802

Minutes

City Council

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Duluth City Council

is to develop effective public policy rooted in citizen

involvement that results in excellent municipal services and

creates a thriving community prepared for the challenges of the

future.

TOOLS OF CIVILITY: The Duluth City Council promotes the use

and adherence of the tools of civility in conducting the business

of the council. The tools of civility provide increased

opportunities for civil discourse leading to positive resolutions

for the issues that face our city. We know that when we have

civility, we get civic engagement, and because we can’t make

each other civil and we can only work on ourselves, we state

that today I will: pay attention, listen, be inclusive, not gossip,

show respect, seek common ground, repair damaged

relationships, use constructive language, and take

responsibility. [Approved by the council on May 14, 2018]

MN Statutes,13D.02. Members may participate by interactive

technology

Monday, March 9, 2026

6:00 PM

Council Chambers

ROLL CALL

All members present at Roll Call.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion to approve the Minutes from the 2-23-2026 City Council Meeting by

Councilor Desotelle, seconded by Councilor Clanaugh. Motion carried

unanimously by voice vote.

Meeting Minutes of the Duluth City Council

REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Ian Johnson spoke on the recent flying of the Russian flag in City Hall and the

Standing Rules changes.

The following audience members spoke regarding the Standing Rules changes:

Corinne Freedman Ellis, Alex Swenson, Alec Kadlec, Alexandra Panovich, Loren

Martell, Karin White, Ansel Schimpff, Andrew St. Croix, Brandon Parker, Barb

Montee.

Roy Hamlin spoke regarding the vape shop that is being constructed next to

Hamiln Music

Michael Bernstein spoke regarding the Lester Golf Course land-use study

Callan Pfau rose to yield his time to Michael Bernstein, President Nephew denied

the request based on the Standing Rules where speakers are only allowed to

speak once, allowed Pfau to speak if Pfau desired. Pfau declined to speak.

RESOLUTIONS TABLED

BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ACCEPT

GIFTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 OR

LESS (REPLACEMENT).

Motion to remove from the table was made by Councilor Randorf, seconded by

Councilor Tomanek. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

A motion to table the resolution was made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded

by Councilor Clanaugh. Motion failed 2-7 by voice vote. Councilors Clanaugh and

Durrwachter voting in favor.

A motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilor Tomanek, seconded

by Councilor Forsman. Question was called by Tomanek, seconded by Forsman.

Motion carried 7-2 by roll call vote. Councilors Clanaugh and Durrwachter voting

in opposition.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda was made by Vice President Kennedy,

seconded by Councilor Johnson. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. The

Consent Agenda has been approved.

BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT

24886 WITH THE GREATER DOWNTOWN COUNCIL FOR AN

INCREASE OF $44,000 OF TOURISM TAX FUNDING FOR A NEW

TOTAL AMOUNT OF $817,000.

This Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH GREAT LAKES

AQUARIUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $310,000.

This Resolution was adopted.

BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIRST

AMENDMENT TO A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH AND

ACCEPT A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,757.27 FROM THE

STATE OF MINNESOTA, ACTING THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TO PROVIDE

WEEKLY REQUIRED RECEPTION AND CAREERLAB DUTIES FOR

STATE SERVICES FOR THE BLIND FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 1,

2024 - JUNE 30, 2028.

This Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE

DULUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DEDA) FOR THE

HOUSING TRUST FUND AND APPROVING DEDA RESOLUTION

26D-03 AUTHORIZING DEDA EXPEND AN AMOUNT OF UP TO

$1,250,000 TO SUPPORT THE HOUSING TRUST FUND

This Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A GRANT

AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF

TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PLANNING STUDY OF THE I-35

CORRIDOR WITHIN THE DULUTH CITY LIMITS FROM THE

RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF

$1,800,000.00.

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT

L31230 WITH NORTHLAND CONSULTING ENGINEERS L.L.P. FOR

ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR DESIGN OF PROJECT 2324 LEAD

SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT - ENDION, TO INCREASE THE

AMOUNT BY $17,680.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL OF $327,100.00.

This Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO K&H EXCAVATING INC

FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE 2026 GAS EXCESS FLOW VALVE,

RISER REPLACEMENT, METER RELOCATION AND BOLLARD

INSTALLATIONS PROJECT AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE AMOUNT

OF $594,873.23

This Resolution was adopted.

10.

11.

12.

RESOLUTION AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

AGREEMENT TO MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. FOR THE

WOODLAND WEST RESERVOIR REHABILITATION PROJECT IN THE

AMOUNT OF $96,400.

This Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

AGREEMENT TO MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. FOR THE

LAKEWOOD PUMP HOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE

AMOUNT OF $87,600.

This Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TEN-YEAR CONTRACT WITH ST. LOUIS

COUNTY FOR A COOPERATIVE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

AGREEMENT.

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

13.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH DULUTH

ENTERTAINMENT & CONVENTION CENTER FOR THE ANNUAL

PROCUREMENT AND COORDINATION OF A FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN

CONJUNCTION WITH FOURTH FEST.

This Resolution was adopted.

14.

15.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

RECREATION AREA AUTHORITY FOR 2026 OPERATING EXPENSES

IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000.00.

This Resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO PURCHASE ORDER

25-0648 FOR ADDITIONAL PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT WITH

LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,920.63

FOR A NEW TOTAL OF $159,224.80.

This Resolution was adopted.

16.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT

L31283 WITH CR-BUILDING PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS, INC., FOR

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ON THE MORGAN PARK

ROOF INSULATION PROJECT, FOR AN INCREASE OF $17,500.00

AND A NEW AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $59,500.00.

This Resolution was adopted.

17.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT FOR SERVICES WITH THE

LAKE SUPERIOR YMCA FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

$106,036.95 FOR LIFEGUARDING SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE

CITY’S PARK POINT BEACH HOUSE AND RECREATION AREA

DURING THE 2026 OPERATING SEASON.

This Resolution was adopted.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered:

BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)

18.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A GRANT

AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF

TRANSPORTATION (USDOT) FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE

AERIAL LIFT BRIDGE (BRIDGE NO. L6116) IN THE AMOUNT OF

$11,200,000.00.

Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilor Tomanek, seconded by

Councilor Desotelle. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Resolution 26-0159R is adopted.

19.

RESOLUTION AMENDING CITY COUNCIL STANDING RULES TO

REVISE THE ORDER OF BUSINESS, CREATE TWO SEPARATE

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODS, DOCUMENT THE MOST COMMON

MOTIONS AND THE RULES OF DECORUM, CLARIFY THE

AMENDMENT OF RULES AND UPDATE THE USE OF ELECTRONIC

MAIL.

Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by

Councilor Randorf.

Motion to amend Rule 17(c) made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Councilor Randorf. Modifies 17(c) to read, maintaining the italicized language in

the original document: "To maintain focus on city business, speakers shall

address remarks to the council body as a whole. Speakers may reference or

critique actions or statements of individual councilors or public officials as a part

of policy discussion. Direct debate between speakers and council members

during public comment is not permitted." Motion carried unanimously by roll call

vote.

Motion to amend Rule 17(d) made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Modifies 17(d) to read, maintaining the italicized language

in the original document: "Comments should not include threatening or obscene

language as defined by law, defamatory statements, or personal attacks as

defined by ad hominem." Motion carried 8-1 by roll call vote. Vice President

Kennedy voting in opposition.

Motion to amend Rule 17(h) made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Councilor Randorf. Modifies 17(h) to add: "However, individual members of a

group shall retain the right to speak during public comment in their personal

capacity." Motion failed 4-5 by roll call vote. Councilors Desotelle, Forsman,

Johnson, Vice President Kennedy, and President Nephew voting in opposition.

Motion to amend Rule 17(j) was made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Modification proposed was reliant on the amendment of

17(h) to pass. Motion was withdrawn by Councilors Durrwachter and Clanaugh.

Motion to table Resolution 26-0173R was made by Councilor Tomanek, seconded

by Councilor Durrwachter. Motion failed 3-6 by roll call vote. Councilors

Desotelle, Forsman, Johnson, Randorf, Vice President Kennedy, and President

Nephew.

Motion to amend was made by Councilor Tomanek, seconded by Councilor

Clanaugh. Modification to remove the second comment period from the Standing

Rules. Motion failed 4-5 by roll call vote. Councilors Forsman, Johnson, Randorf,

Vice President Kennedy, and President Nephew voting in opposition.

Motion to amend Rule 7 was made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Clanaugh. Modification to Rule 7, move item 11, Second public comment period

(Non-agenda Items), to immediately follow item 6. Question was called by Vice

President Kennedy. Motion failed 4-5 by roll call vote. Councilors Desotelle,

Forsman, Johnson, Vice President Kennedy, and President Nephew voting in

opposition.

Motion to amend Rule 17, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3, was made by Councilor

Durrwachter, seconded by Clanaugh. Modifies Paragraph 1, Sentence 3, to read:

"Any person wishing to be heard on agenda items is encouraged to sign up prior

to the start of the council meeting to ensure orderly administration." Question

was called by Councilor Clanaugh. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

A point privilege was called by Councilor Tomanek to take a break. A recess was

called by President Nephew for a 5-minute break at 8:32 PM. Meeting was

resumed at 8:42 PM.

Motion to reconsider the vote on the amendment to Rule 7; Modification to Rule

7, move item 11, Second public comment period (Non-agenda Items), to

immediately follow item 6 was made by Councilor Desotelle, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Question was called by Councilor Tomanek. Vote on calling

the question carried 5-4 by roll call vote. Councilors Forsman, Johnson, Vice

President Kennedy, and President Nephew. Original Motion carried 5-4 by roll

call vote. Councilors Forsman, Johnson, Vice President Kennedy, and President

Nephew opposed.

Motion to amend Rule 18 made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Adds a new subsection (f) to Rule 18 reading: "(f) Any

enforcement of the standing rules during public comment shall be

viewpoint-neutral and applied equally to all speakers regardless of position on

an issue." Motion failed 2-7 by roll call vote. Councilors Clanaugh, Desotelle,

Forsman, Johnson, Randorf, Vice President Kennedy, and President Nephew

voting in opposition.

Motion to amend Rule 7a, Paragraph 1, was made by Councilor Clanaugh,

seconded by Councilor Tomanek. Modification of Rule 7a, Paragraph 1, was read

by Councilor Clanaugh. Question was called by Vice President Kennedy. Motion

failed 1-8 by roll call vote. Councilors Desotelle, Durrwachter, Tomanek,

Forsman, Johnson, Randorf, Vice President Kennedy, and President Nephew

voting in opposition.

Motion to amend Rule 7a, Paragraph 2, was made by Councilor Clanaugh,

seconded by Councilor Durrwachter. Modication to Rule 7a, Paragraph 2, was

read by Councilor Clanaugh. Question was called by Councilor Forsman. Motion

failed 3-6 by roll call vote. Councilors Tomanek, Forsman, Johnson, Randorf, Vice

President Kennedy, and President Nephew voting in opposition.

Motion to approve Resolution 26-0173R as amended by Councilor Randorf,

seconded by Councilor Desotelle. Motion carried 7-2 by roll call vote. Councilors

Clanaugh and Durrwachter voting in opposition.

Resolution 26-0173R is adopted as amended.

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

20.

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING UNCONDITIONAL MONETARY AND

NON-MONETARY GIFTS FROM THE DULUTH LIBRARY FOUNDATION

FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LIBRARY FOR 2026.

Motion to approve Resolution 26-0154R made by Councilor Tomanek, seconded

by Vice President Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Resolution 26-0154R was adopted.

21.

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING UNCONDITIONAL GIFTS FROM THE

FRIENDS OF THE DULUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE BENEFIT OF

THE LIBRARY FOR 2026.

Motion to approve Resolution 26-0155R was made by Councilor Johnson,

seconded by Vice President Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Resolution 26-0155R was adopted.