Minutes - City Council

411 West First Street

City of Duluth

Duluth, Minnesota 55802

Minutes - Final

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, July 27, 2026

6:00 PM

Council Chambers

ROLL CALL

All members present at Roll Call.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

26-022

MEETING MINUTES OF THE DULUTH CITY COUNCIL

Indexes:

Attachments: 2026-07-13_City Council Minutes

2026-07-23_Special City Council Minutes

Minutes were accepted by Council without objection.

REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (AGENDA ITEMS)

The following spoke regarding the Lester Park Petition Items: Libby Bent, Ryan

Jones-Casey, Alexandra Panovich, Nik Bayuk, Matt Baumgartner, Courtney Stein,

Michael Bernstein, Hadrian DeMaioribus, Tim Allen, Sharla Gardner, Laura

Erickson, Jill Crawford-Nichols, Tom McNamara. Gika Tarnowski spoke regarding

the Lester Park Petition items and the recent arrests downtown. Eleanor Dolan

spoke regarding the Lester Park Petition items and the Lake Superior Violent

Offender Task Force.

SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)

Roy Hamilin spoke regarding the Vape Shop next to Hamlin Music Academy, Zac

Tuominen spoke about the USW negotiations with Essentia, Pat Sterner spoke

regarding short term rentals in the city, Loren Martell spoke regarding the pay

increase for the Police Chief and the School District Superintendent.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

seconded by Councilor Randorf. Motion to approve carried unanimously by voice

vote (9-0).

BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

26-0647R

RESOLUTION APPROVING DEDA RESOLUTION 26D-18 AUTHORIZING

A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DULUTH ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND HISTORIC DULUTH ARMORY, LLC

FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ARMORY ARTS AND MUSIC

CENTER AND APPROVING THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

Indexes:

Attachments: Council Memo

Attachment A

Attachment B

Attachment C

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0673R

RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG 18 ½

AVENUE WEST BETWEEN WEST 4TH STREET AND WEST 5TH

STREET, IN THE PLAT OF MYERS REARRANGEMENT OF BLOCKS

105-106-127-128 & 142 IN DULUTH PROPER SECOND DIVISION.

Indexes:

Attachments: PLVAC-26005-0003 Cover Memo final.pdf

Exhibit A 18 and a half Ave W-vacation_signed exhibit.pdf

Exhibit B PLVAC-2605-0003 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0678R

RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG 26TH

AVENUE WEST BETWEEN WEST 10TH STREET AND ITS ALLEY, IN

THE PLAT OF SPALDING’S ADDITION TO DULUTH, LYING

NORTHWESTERLY OF THE NORTHEASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE

SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID BLOCK 17 AND LYING

SOUTHEASTERLY OF THE NORTHEASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE

NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 1, BLOCK 17.

Indexes:

Attachments: PLVAC-2506-0005 Cover Memo final.pdf

Exhibit A 26th Ave W at W 10th St_vacation_signed.pdf

Exhibit B PLVAC-2506-0005 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf

8-12-25 PC Minutes.pdf

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0683R

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO

ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK

OF MINNEAPOLIS TO SUPPORT THE COORDINATION OF PERIODIC

FOCUS GROUPS.

Indexes:

Attachments:

Cover Memo - 2026 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Focus

Group Services Agreement

Exhibit A - 2026 Federal Reserve Bank of Mpls Focus Group Service

Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)

26-0655R

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 11,750 TONS OF

ROAD SALT FOR THE 2026-27 WINTER SEASON FROM MORTON

SALT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $839,063

Indexes:

Attachments: Exhibit A - Cover Memo

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0671R

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH ST.

LOUIS COUNTY FOR THE 2027 TOWNSHIPS AND CITIES

MAINTENANCE STRIPING PROGRAM FOR ROAD LINE STRIPING AT

VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE CITY OF DULUTH AT AN ESTIMATED

COST OF $111,274

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Exhibit A

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0674R

RESOLUTION CONCURRING WITH THE AWARD TO ULLAND

BROTHERS, INC., BY ST. LOUIS COUNTY FOR THE

RECONSTRUCTION AND INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS TO 40TH

AVENUE W FROM GRAND AVENUE TO BELOW THE RAILROAD

TRACKS, WITH A CITY SHARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,502,524.32.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Map

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0677R

RESOLUTION OF INTENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SANITARY

SEWER TO SERVE PROPERTIES ON ROSLYN AVENUE BETWEEN

OXFORD STREET AND CARLISLE AVENUE, AND TO ASSESS THE

COSTS THEREOF.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Location Map

Signed Petition

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0682R

10.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH H&R

CONSTRUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE 2026 GUARDRAIL

REPAIR PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $164,735.93

Indexes:

Attachments: Exhibit A - Cover Memo

Exhibit B - Quote from H&R Construction

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR TOMANEK (PUBLIC SAFETY)

26-0656R

11.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ACCEPT A

$90,250 GRANT AWARD FROM THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG

CONTROL POLICY, HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS

(HIDTA) PROGRAM, TO BE USED FOR EXPENSES INCURRED

DURING PARTICIPATION IN THE LAKE SUPERIOR DRUG CORRIDOR

INITIATIVE.

Indexes:

Attachments: Document A - Grant Award Agreement

Resolution Cover Memo_2026 HIDTA

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

26-0657R

12.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TRACK WHEELCHAIR MANAGEMENT

AGREEMENT WITH HARTLEY NATURE CENTER.

Indexes:

Attachments: Exhibit A

Cover Memo

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0660R

13.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A THIRD AMENDMENT TO AN

AGREEMENT WITH UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION FOR A

LICENSE TO USE CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY BETWEEN MORGAN

PARK AND GARY-NEW DULUTH FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES,

AT NO COST TO THE CITY.

Indexes:

Attachments: Exhibit 2-Map

Exhitit 1_Third Amendment

Cover Memo_3rd Amendment

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0661R

14.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT

L31209 WITH AMI CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO PROVIDE

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR FLOOD

DAMAGE REPAIR PROJECTS AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS RESULTING

FROM THREE SEPARATE STORM EVENTS, TO INCREASE THE

AMOUNT BY $268,126.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL OF $868,026.00.

Indexes:

Attachments: Exhibit A

Cover Memo - Flood Damage Repair Design - AMI Amendment No. 1

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0665R

15.

RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE LAKEWALK AND

COASTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO RACHEL CONTRACTING,

LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,884,980.33.

Indexes:

Attachments: Resolution cover memo

Bid Summary 26-99547

Lakewalk RAISE Area Map

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0666R

16.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE LAKEWALK

AND COASTAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO

EXCEED $8,196,234.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Project Location Map

Exhibit A

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0667R

17.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF AN

INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT JOBS ACT MATCH PROGRAM

GRANT FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR

THE LAKEWALK AND COASTAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN AN

AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,049,752.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Exhibit A

Project Location Map

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0668R

18.

19.

20.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF

$105,000 TO SUPPORT PLACE-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL

EDUCATION FOR YOUTH AT HARTLEY NATURE CENTER.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Exhibit A

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0669R

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH

HARTLEY NATURE CENTER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

$105,000 TO SUPPORT PLACE-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL

EDUCATION FOR YOUTH.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Exhibit A

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0680R

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT OF

$350,000 FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL

RESOURCES OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM TO

SUPPORT PARK IMPROVEMENTS AT NORTON PARK.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Exhibit A

This Resolution was adopted.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered:

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

26-0662R

21.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH MINNESOTA POWER

FOR ELECTRICAL SERVICE UPGRADES FOR THE CHESTER BOWL

CHALET PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,373.00.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo - Chester Bowl Electric Service - 26-0662R

Exhibit A

Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Councilor Tomanek.

Councilor Forsman indicated that he will be abstaining from the vote due to his

employment with Minnesota Power. Motion to approve carried 8-0 by voice vote,

Forsman Abstaining.

RESOLUTIONS TABLED

BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (PERSONNEL)

26-0639R

22.

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF LYNNE WILLIAMS

TO THE SPIRIT MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA AUTHORITY.

Motion to remove from the Table made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by

Councilor Tomanek. Motion to remove from the table carried unanimously by

voice vote (9-0). Motion to approve made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by

Councilor Randorf. Motion to approve carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).

26-0640R

23.

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF SCOTT

SODERBERG TO THE SANITARY SEWER BOARD OF THE WESTERN

LAKE SUPERIOR SANITARY DISTRICT

Motion to remove from the table made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Motion to remove from the table carried unanimously by

voice vote (9-0). Motion to approve made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Motion to approve carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

26-0679R

24.

RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE SUBJECT OF TWO SEPARATE

INITIATIVE PETITIONS CONTAINING PROPOSED ORDINANCES

GOVERNING THE LAND USE AND ZONING OF TWO SPECIFIC

PARCELS OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN OR NEAR THE FORMER

LESTER PARK GOLF COURSE ARE PREEMPTED BY STATE LAW

AND SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THE BALLOT.

Motion to remove from the table made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by

Councilor Randorf. Motion to remove from the table carried unanimously by

voice vote (9-0). Motion to approve made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by

Councilor Tomanek. Motion to approve carried 7-2 by roll call vote, Yes:

Desotelle, Tomanek, Forsman, Johnson, Randorf, Kennedy, Nephew. No:

Clanaugh, Durrwachter.

BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING)

26-0681R

25.

RESOLUTION SUBMITTING THE LESTER PARK INITIATIVE

ORDINANCES TO THE VOTERS AT A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE

HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, AND DIRECTING CERTIFICATION TO

THE ST. LOUIS COUNTY AUDITOR

Motion to remove from the table made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Motion to remove from the table carried unanimously by

voice vote (9-0). Motion to approve made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by

Councilor Clanaugh. Motion to table made by Councilor Randorf, seconded by

Councilor Desotelle. Motion to table carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0)

The following entitled ordinances are to be read for the first time:

BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)

26-035-O

26.

AN ORDINANCE REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 10473, FILE NO.

16-061-O, AND GRANTING MINNESOTA POWER , A DIVISION OF

ALLETE, INC., A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN AN

ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE CITY.

Indexes:

Attachments: 20260717 Cover Memo

Document A - Duluth Franchise Fee Summary

This Ordinance was read for the first time.

BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

26-026-O

27.

ORDINANCE GRANTING VITTA PIZZA, INC. A CONCURRENT USE

PERMIT FOR PERGOLAS AND A BARRICADE TO PROVIDE CODE

COMPLIANT, PERMANENT, OUTDOOR SEATING WITHIN THE

RIGHT-OF-WAY AT 307 CANAL PARK DRIVE.

Indexes:

Attachments: PLCUP-2605-0010 Cover Memo.pdf

Attachment 1- PLCUP-2605-0010 Staff Report with Attachments.pdf

Attachment 2- Vitta Pizza Survey Exhibit V2.pdf

Attachment 3- July 2026 Planning Commission Minutes (not approved

yet).pdf

This Ordinance was read for the first time.

26-027-O

28.

ORDINANCE GRANTING DULUTH COFFEE COMPANY INC. A

CONCURRENT USE PERMIT FOR A PERGOLA AND A BARRICADE

TO PROVIDE CODE COMPLIANT, PERMANENT, OUTDOOR SEATING

WITHIN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AT 107 EAST SUPERIOR STREET.

Indexes:

Attachments: PLCUP-2606-0012 Cover Memo.pdf

Attachment 1- PLCUP-2606-0012 Staff Report with Attachments.pdf

Attachment 2- Exhibit Concurrent Use_20260605_v1.pdf

Attachment 3- July 2026 Planning Commission Minutes (not approved

yet).pdf

This Ordinance was read for the first time.

26-030-O

29.

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AT&T A CONCURRENT USE PERMIT TO

INSTALL SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITY TO A MINNESOTA

POWER POLE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE NORTH 9TH AVENUE

EAST RIGHT OF WAY.

Indexes:

Attachments: PLCUP-2606-0011 Cover Memo.pdf

1. Survey.pdf

2. PLCUP-2606-0011 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf

3. July 2026 Planning Commission Minutes (not approved yet).pdf

This Ordinance was read for the first time.

The following entitled ordinances are to be read for the second time:

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

26-025-O

30.

AN ORDINANCE DEDICATING REAL PROPERTY AS PARK

PROPERTY FOR INCLUSION INTO DOWNER PARK.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo Downer

Exhibit A - Legal Description

Exhibit B - Map

Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Councilor Tomanek.

Motion carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).

26-033-O

31.

AN ORDINANCE PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION THAT

REQUIRES THE CITY TO REZONE AS PARK AND OPEN SPACE (P-1)

THE 37.5-ACRE PARCEL KNOWN AS THE LAKE 9 PARCEL OF THE

FORMER LESTER PARK GOLF COURSE, AND FURTHER

PROHIBITING ANY REZONING OF THIS PARCEL THAT AUTHORIZES

PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, HOSPITALITY,

OR MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT UNLESS APPROVED BY A

MAJORITY OF THE VOTERS AT A CITY ELECTION.

Motion to table made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Councilor Desotelle.

Motion to table carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).

26-034-O

32.

AN ORDINANCE PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION THAT WOULD

PRECLUDE THE CITY OF DULUTH FROM REZONING THE 230-ACRE

PARCEL LOCATED IN OR NEAR THE LESTER PARK GOLF COURSE

FROM A PARK, OPEN SPACE, OR CONSERVATION DESIGNATION

TO A CLASSIFICATION THAT AUTHORIZES PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL,

COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, HOSPITALITY, OR MIXED-USE

DEVELOPMENT UNLESS THE REZONING IS APPROVED BY A

MAJORITY OF THE VOTERS VOTING ON THE QUESTION AT A

REGULAR OR SPECIAL CITY ELECTION.

Motion to table made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Councilor Randorf.

Motion to table carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).

COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS

ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Johnson.

Meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.