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, April 27, 2026  
6:00 PM  
Council Chambers  
ROLL CALL  
All members present at Roll Call.  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MEETING MINUTES OF THE DULUTH CITY COUNCIL  
1.  
Indexes:  
Minutes were accepted by the Council without objection.  
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION  
PUBLIC HEARING(s)/APPEALS - TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 39  
Public Hearing was called to open by President Nephew. No speakers rose to  
address Council during the Public Hearing. Hearing was closed by President  
Nephew.  
FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (AGENDA ITEMS)  
The following spoke regarding Item 31 (26-0335R): Derek Pederson, Dan Collison,  
Carolyn Sundquist, Deb Schaber, Matt Baumgartner.  
Josie LaPorte spoke regarding her reappointment to the Parks and Recreation  
Commission.  
SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)  
Roy Hamlin spoke regarding the Vape Shop near Hamlin Music Academy.  
Dillon Messick spoke regarding his appreciation to the work of City Council.  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Motion to approve by Council Tomanek, Second by Councilor Johnson. Motion to  
pull Item 9 (26-0348R) from the Consent Agenda by Durrwachter, Seconded by  
Councilor Clanaugh. Motion to pull Item 9 from the Consent Agenda carries  
unanimously by voice vote. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended  
was carried unanimously by voice vote.  
BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING)  
2.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A FIVE-YEAR LEASE OF A MAIL  
MACHINE AND SERVICES WITH PITNEY BOWES FOR A TOTAL  
AMOUNT OF $40,231.20.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
3.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ELECTION POLLING  
PADS FROM KNOWINK IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,160.00.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (PERSONNEL)  
4.  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF KATI ANNIS TO  
THE LIBRARY BOARD  
This Resolution was adopted.  
5.  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF JOSIE  
LAPORTE TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION  
This Resolution was adopted.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF RUSS SALGY TO  
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF GEORGE  
MCDERMITH TO THE COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF CHRISTINA  
WOODS TO THE PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
9.  
RESOLUTION APPROVING DEDA RESOLUTION 26D-08 AUTHORIZING  
AN AGREEMENT WITH EHLERS AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR  
2026-2028 FINANCIAL CONSULTING IN A YEARLY AMOUNT OF  
$100,000 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
Motion to approve was made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor  
Randorf. Motion carries 7-2 by roll call vote, Councilors Durrwachter and  
Clanaugh voting in opposition.  
10.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DULUTH  
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACCEPTING $22,500  
AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH ONE ROOF  
COMMUNITY HOUSING PROVIDING $22,500 IN SUPPORT OF THE  
TENANT LANDLORD CONNECTION PROGRAM  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)  
11.  
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A “NO PARKING ZONE” ON WEST  
NIAGARA STREET FROM APPROXIMATELY 120’ EAST OF THE  
CHESTER CREEK CROSSING TO THE WEST TERMINUS OF WEST  
NIAGARA STREET.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
This Resolution was adopted.  
12.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE AN  
AGREEMENT WITH MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC., FOR THE  
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION OF THE 32ND AVE WEST CREEK  
WATERSHED STORMWATER RESILIENCY IMPROVEMENTS, CITY  
PROJECT NO. 2069, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $117,720.00.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
This Resolution was adopted.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NORTHLAND  
CONSTRUCTORS OF DULUTH, A DIVISION OF MATHY  
CONSTRUCTION CO., FOR THE WEST SUPERIOR STREET  
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,376,000.00.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE  
STATE PROGRAM FOR IIJA ASSISTANCE FOR THE  
RECONSTRUCTION OF WEST SUPERIOR STREET IN THE AMOUNT  
OF $7,684,530.00.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH JMF  
CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE 2026 STREET PRESERVATION  
PROJECT - GARY NEW DULUTH, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,232,160.65.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
16.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO WSB LLC FOR MATERIAL  
TESTING SERVICES FOR 2026 LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT  
PROJECTS NOT TO EXCEED $51,220.00  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover memo  
This Resolution was adopted.  
17.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT NO.  
L31239 WITH LHB, INC., TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL  
ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES  
FOR THE 2026 STREET PRESERVATION PROJECT-MORLEY  
HEIGHTS, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT BY $295,714.00 FOR A NEW  
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $412,634.00.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
18.  
19.  
20.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE FREIGHTLINER  
TANDEM DUMP TRUCK CHASSIS FROM BOYER TRUCKS SUPERIOR  
FOR THE AMOUNT OF $151,348.62.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO BONNELL  
COMMANDER SINGLE AXLE PLOW TRUCK BODY BUILDS FROM  
BERT’S TRUCK EQUIPMENT FOR THE AMOUNT OF $421,448.00.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RESOLUTION AMENDING CONTRACT L31095 WITH LHB, INC. TO  
INCLUDE REGULATED SEDIMENT EXCAVATION OVERSIGHT, FOR  
THE RETROFIT OF THE PALM STREET STORMWATER POND, TO  
INCREASE THE AMOUNT BY $13,587.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL OF  
$415,909.78.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
This Resolution was adopted.  
21.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO  
FREIGHTLINER SINGLE AXLE PLOW TRUCK CHASSIS FROM BOYER  
TRUCKS SUPERIOR FOR THE AMOUNT OF $262,251.78.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
22.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH HOVLAND, INC., FOR  
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 2026 STREET PRESERVATION  
PROJECT - LINCOLN PARK, IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,302,903.22.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
23.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES  
AGREEMENT TO MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. FOR DESIGN  
OF THE PUMP STATIONS POWER SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT IN  
THE AMOUNT OF $66,200.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Letter  
This Resolution was adopted.  
24.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO TANKSCO, INC. FOR THE  
WATER TOWER RECONDITIONING - PROCTOR AND BAYVIEW  
PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $986,000.00  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Bid Summary  
This Resolution was adopted.  
25.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO TANKSCO, INC. FOR THE  
WATER TOWER RECONDITIONING - HIGHLAND AND ORPHANAGE  
PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $951,000.00  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Bid Summary  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE BONNELL  
COMMANDER SINGLE AXLE PLOW TRUCK HOOK BODY BUILDS  
FROM BERT’S TRUCK EQUIPMENT FOR THE AMOUNT OF  
$247,941.00.00.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR TOMANEK (PUBLIC SAFETY)  
27.  
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AN UNCONDITIONAL NON-MONETARY  
GIFT FROM THE DULUTH POLICE FOUNDATION FOR THE BENEFIT  
OF THE DULUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 2026.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
28.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO MAX GRAY  
CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY  
HALL-ATTORNEYS AND CLERKS OFFICE REMODEL PROJECT IN  
THE AMOUNT OF $210,500.00.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
29.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO ZENITH TRAIL  
CONTRACTING LLC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HAWK  
RIDGE TRAIL ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT  
OF $137,200.00.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
30.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF AN AQUATIC  
INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION PROGRAM GRANT OF $36,000  
FROM ST. LOUIS COUNTY FOR A CD3 SYSTEM AT MUNGER  
LANDING.  
Indexes:  
This Resolution was adopted.  
END OF CONSENT AGENDA  
The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered:  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
31.  
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT  
PROJECT/MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PROGRAM PLAN  
AND ESTABLISHING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 39  
THEREIN AND ADOPTING A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN  
THEREFOR.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Council Memo  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Tomanek.  
Motion carried 7-2 by roll call vote, Councilors Clanaugh and Durrwachter voting  
in opposition.  
32.  
RESOLUTION APPROVING A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN FOR  
THE ORCHARDS OF MORGAN PARK TAX INCREMENT FINANCING  
(HOUSING) DISTRICT AS PROPOSED BY THE HOUSING AND  
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF DULUTH, MINNESOTA.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Johnson.  
Motion carried 8-1 by roll call vote, Councilor Durrwachter voting in opposition.  
33.  
RESOLUTION APPROVING DEDA RESOLUTION 26D-12 AUTHORIZING  
CHANGE ORDER TO DEDA CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. 24 860  
043 WITH CARLETON COMPANIES, INC. FOR DEMOLITION OF THE  
SHOPPER’S RAMP FOR A NEW TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED  
$3,045,430.84 AND AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF AN AMOUNT UP TO  
$400,000 TO DEDA FOR DEMOLITION COSTS.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
Motion to approve was made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor  
Tomanek. Question was called by Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor  
Randorf, motion carried unanimously. Motion on the item carried 7-2 by roll call  
vote, Councilors Clanaugh and Durrwachter voting in opposition.  
BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)  
34.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT NO.  
L31238 WITH MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC., TO PROVIDE  
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION  
ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR THE 2026 STREET  
PRESERVATION PROJECT - GARY/NEW DULUTH, TO INCREASE THE  
AMOUNT BY $273,930.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED  
$367,542.00.  
Indexes:  
Motion to approve made by Councilor Desotelle, seconded by Vice President  
Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.  
35.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CONTRACT NO.  
L31240 WITH SHORT ELLIOT HENDRICKSON, INC., TO PROVIDE  
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION  
ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR THE 2026 STREET  
PRESERVATION PROJECT - LINCOLN PARK, TO INCREASE THE  
AMOUNT BY $128,615.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED  
$352,390.00.  
Indexes:  
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Desotelle, seconded by Vice President  
Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
36.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN REAL  
PROPERTY IN THE ONEOTA NEIGHBORHOOD FROM KNIFE RIVER  
PROPERTIES LLC FOR $1,175,000.00, PLUS ASSOCIATED COSTS,  
UNDER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A CERTAIN PURCHASE  
AGREEMENT.  
Indexes:  
Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Councilor  
Clanaugh. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.  
RESOLUTIONS TABLED  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
37.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO RACHEL CONTRACTING  
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE HILLSIDE SPORT COURT PARK SITE  
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED  
$1,369,367.50.  
Indexes:  
Motion to remove Resolution 26-0249R from the table made by Councilor Randorf,  
seconded by Vice President Kennedy. Motion to remove carried unanimously by  
voice vote. Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Vice  
President Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.  
COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS  
COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS  
ADJOURN  
Motion to adjourn by Councilor Randorf, seconded by Councilor Forsman. Motion  
to adjourn carries unanimously by voice vote.