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  
Tuesday, May 26, 2026  
6:00 PM  
Council Chambers  
Tuesday - Day After Memorial Day  
ROLL CALL  
All members present at roll call.  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
26-016  
MEETING MINUTES OF THE DULUTH CITY COUNCIL  
1.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: 2026-05-11_City Council Minutes  
Minutes were approved without objection by the City Council.  
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION  
FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (AGENDA ITEMS)  
David Schimpf, Kristi Stokes, Jnana Hand, and Shaun Floerke spoke regarding  
the Downtown Strategy (26-0450R) item.  
SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)  
Olin Pogorels spoke regarding the Library remaining downtown. Peter Krause  
spoke regarding the new parking system and the removal of the parking meters.  
Craig Sheets regarding radioactive detectors being placed in the port, rail yards,  
and weigh stations. Loren Martell spoke regarding the lead lateral replacement  
project and his appreciation for the work done to replace the line to his house.  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda was made by Councilor Johnson,  
seconded by Councilor Tomanek. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.  
BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)  
26-0451R  
2.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE AN  
AMENDMENT TO THE CRIME VICTIM SERVICES PROSECUTORIAL  
GRANT FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,  
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE  
AGREEMENT THROUGH DECEMBER 2026 AND PROVIDING AN  
ADDITIONAL $17,500 TO PARTIALLY FUND THE VICTIM SERVICES  
SPECIALIST POSITION IN THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR 2026.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: 20260514 Cover Memo  
Exhibit A  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING)  
26-0459R RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATIONS FOR LAWFUL GAMBLING  
3.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Irving Community Club, Premises Permit  
Southern SLC Fair Assn, Premises Permit - Tappa Keg  
Piedmont Heights Hockey, Premises Permit  
Southern SLC Fair Assn, Premises Permit, Aces on 1st  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0463R  
4.  
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS LIQUOR  
LICENSES  
Indexes:  
Attachments: New Off Sale Liquor, Sabor by Pedros LLC  
New Off Sale Liquor, Cave Enterprises  
Temp On Sale Liquor, COGGS  
Temp On Sale Liquor, Race Across Duluth  
Temp Expansion, Lemon's Reef, Grandma's  
Temp Expansion, Lemon's Reef, Shipwrecked  
Grandma's Marathon Canal Park Map  
Temp Expansion, Grandma's Marathon  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (PERSONNEL)  
26-0458R  
5.  
RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE  
NEW CIVIL SERVICE CLASSIFICATION OF OPERATIONS PROGRAM  
COORDINATOR, AND SPECIFYING CONTRACT BENEFITS FOR  
SAME.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Exhibit A  
Exhibit B  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0477R  
6.  
RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE  
NEW CIVIL SERVICE CLASSIFICATION OF WORKFORCE  
DEVELOPMENT SUPERVISOR, AND SPECIFYING CONTRACT  
BENEFITS FOR SAME.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Exhibit A  
Exhibit B  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
26-0460R  
7.  
RESOLUTION APPROVING DEDA RESOLUTION 26D-06 AUTHORIZING  
SUBRECIPIENT FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH INLAND  
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLC FOR THE CONTAMINATION  
CLEANUP OF LOT D IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,134,320.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Council Memo  
Exhibit A  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0461R  
8.  
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE REQUEST BY UNION GOSPEL  
MISSION TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA FOR QUALIFYING  
MULTIFAMILY FUNDING AND A CONDITIONAL PRE-COMMITMENT OF  
$400,000 FISCAL YEAR 2027 FUNDING ALLOCATION TO THE CITY OF  
DULUTH FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN  
DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MISSION  
HEIGHTS HOUSING PROJECT.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Council Memo  
Attachment 1  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0462R  
9.  
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE REQUEST BY ONE ROOF  
COMMUNITY HOUSING TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA FOR  
QUALIFYING MULTIFAMILY FUNDING AND A CONDITIONAL  
PRE-COMMITMENT OF $400,000 FISCAL YEAR 2027 FUNDING  
ALLOCATION TO THE CITY OF DULUTH FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF  
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION  
OF THE DECKER 2 PROJECT.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Council Memo  
Attachment 1  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0465R  
10.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE  
CITY LOAN AGREEMENT WITH SOFIDEL AMERICA CORP.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Council Memo  
Exhibit A  
Original Minnesota Investment Fund Loan Agreement  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0467R  
11.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A JOINT  
POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE MINNESOTA HOUSING FINANCE  
AGENCY RELATED TO THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT  
PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR 2027.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Council Memo  
Exhibit A  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)  
26-0466R  
12.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE  
DULUTH SEAWAY PORT AUTHORITY FOR THE TEMPORARY USE OF  
PROPERTY ON RICE’S POINT TO MAKE CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS  
ON LIFT STATION 40, AT NO COST TO THE CITY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo-DSPA License Agreement re Rices Point  
Exhibit 1 - License Agreement  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0468R  
13.  
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO JMF CONSTRUCTION,  
INC. FOR THE 5TH AVENUE WEST DOWN DRAIN PROJECT, CITY  
PROJECT NO. 2257, IN THE AMOUNT OF $282,527.06.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: 26-0468R Resolution Cover Memo  
Exhibit A  
Map  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0469R  
14.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA  
PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY (MPFA) FOR A FORGIVABLE LOAN  
FROM THE DRINKING WATER REVOLVING FUND FOR  
CONSTRUCTION OF THE “2026 HIGH-PRIORITY LEAD SERVICE LINE  
REPLACEMENT” PROJECT (PFA PROJECT 1690011-30, CITY  
PROJECT 2320) AS DESCRIBED IN THE LOAN APPLICATION.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
PFA Application 1690011-30  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0470R  
15.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA  
PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY (MPFA) FOR A FORGIVABLE LOAN  
FROM THE DRINKING WATER REVOLVING FUND FOR  
CONSTRUCTION OF THE “2026 NEIGHBORHOOD LEAD SERVICE  
LINE REPLACEMENT” PROJECT (PFA PROJECT 1690011-31, CITY  
PROJECT 2324 AND 2325) AS DESCRIBED IN THE LOAN  
APPLICATION.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
PFA Application 1690011-31  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
26-0476R  
16.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TEN-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE  
GND DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE FOR THE USE AND MAINTENANCE  
OF THE GARY NEW DULUTH RECREATION CENTER.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: GND 10 year_Cover Memo  
Exhibit 1  
This Resolution was adopted.  
END OF CONSENT AGENDA  
The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered:  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
26-0450R  
17.  
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF DULUTH’S DOWNTOWN  
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo - Downtown Strategy.pdf  
Downtown Development Strategy - Final Draft - reduced file size.pdf  
Motion to table was made by Vice President Kennedy, seconded by Councilor  
Clanaugh. Motion to table carried unanimously by voice vote.  
BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)  
26-0471R  
18.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN REAL  
PROPERTY IN THE IRVING NEIGHBORHOOD FROM MINNESOTA  
POWER, A DIVISION OF ALLETE, INC. FOR $100, PLUS ASSOCIATED  
COSTS.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Exhibit 1 - Purchase Agreement  
Exhibit 2 - Map  
Cover Memo-MP PA  
Motion to approve made by Councilor Desotelle, seconded by Councilor  
Tomanek. Councilor Forsman notified the Council that he will be abstaining due  
to his employment with Minnesota Power. Motion carried 8-0 by voice vote,  
Councilor Forsman abstaining.  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
26-0455R  
19.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DULUTH  
CLIMBERS COALITION FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF  
ICE FARMING INFRASTRUCTURE AT QUARRY PARK.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo_Duluth Climbers Coalition  
Exhibit A  
Motion to approve by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Vice President Kennedy.  
Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.  
26-0473R  
20.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND RECORDATION  
OF THREE DOCUMENTS AFFECTING REAL PROPERTY TO BE  
ACQUIRED FROM PARK HILL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION IN THE  
MORLEY HEIGHTS/PARKVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo - Grant Docs  
Exhibit 1 - Resolution  
Exhibit 2 - Resolution  
Exhibit 3 - Resolution  
Exhibit 4 - Resolution  
Exhibit 5 - Resolution  
Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Councilor Desotelle.  
Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.  
The following entitled ordinances are to be read for the first time:  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
26-016-O  
21.  
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING MINNESOTA POWER A CONCURRENT  
USE PERMIT TO INSTALL A NEW TRANSFORMER AND TRANSITION  
CABINET WITHIN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN 602 W MICHIGAN ST  
AND 530 W MICHIGAN ST.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: PLCUP-2604-0009 Cover Memo.pdf  
Attachment 1- Exhibit.pdf  
Attachment 2- Staff Report.pdf  
This Ordinance was read for the first time.  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
26-017-O  
22.  
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 35 OF THE DULUTH CITY  
CODE TO REGULATE PRIVATE EGRESS ACROSS THE MARTEN  
TRAIL  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo - Dock Ordinance  
Marten Trail Map of Permittable Dock Locations  
This Ordinance was read for the first time.  
The following entitled ordinances are to be read for the second time:  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
26-010-O  
23.  
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 709 A  
CONCURRENT USE PERMIT TO PAVE AND STRIPE THE EASTERLY  
PORTION OF THE 101ST AVE W RIGHT-OF-WAY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: PLCUP-2603-0006 Cover Memo.pdf  
Attachment 1- Exhibit.pdf  
Attachment 2- Staff Report.pdf  
Attachment 3- Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (not approved  
yet).pdf  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Vice President  
Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.  
26-012-O  
24.  
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AT&T A CONCURRENT USE PERMIT TO  
INSTALL SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITY TO A MINNESOTA  
POWER POLE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF PARKWOOD LANE RIGHT OF  
WAY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo.pdf  
Attachment 1- Exhibit.pdf  
Attachment 2- PLCUP-2602-0002 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf  
Attachment 3- Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (not approved  
yet).pdf  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Johnson.  
Councilor Forsman notified the Council that he will be abstaining due to his  
employment with Minnesota Power. Motion carried 8-0 by voice vote, Councilor  
Forsman abstaining.  
26-013-O  
25.  
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AT&T A CONCURRENT USE PERMIT TO  
INSTALL SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITY TO MINNESOTA POWER  
POLE ON THE EAST SIDE OF NORTH 53RD AVENUE EAST RIGHT OF  
WAY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo.pdf  
Attachment 1 - Survey.pdf  
Attachment 2 PLCUP-2602-0003 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf  
Attachment 3 Public Comment.pdf  
Attachment 4- Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (not approved  
yet).pdf  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Johnson.  
Councilor Forsman notified the Council that he will be abstaining due to his  
employment with Minnesota Power. Motion carried 8-0 by voice vote, Councilor  
Forsman abstaining.  
26-014-O  
26.  
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AT&T A CONCURRENT USE PERMIT TO  
INSTALL SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITY TO MINNESOTA POWER  
POLE ON THE EAST SIDE OF NORTH 50th AVENUE EAST RIGHT OF  
WAY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo.pdf  
Attachment 1- Exhibit.pdf  
Attachment 2- PLCUP-2602-0004 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf  
Attachment 3- Public Comment.pdf  
Attachment 4- Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (not approved  
yet).pdf  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Johnson.  
Councilor Forsman notified the Council that he will be abstaining due to his  
employment with Minnesota Power. Motion carried 8-0 by voice vote, Councilor  
Forsman abstaining.  
26-015-O  
27.  
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AT&T A CONCURRENT USE PERMIT TO  
INSTALL SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITY TO A MINNESOTA  
POWER POLE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE NORTH 58TH AVENUE  
EAST RIGHT OF WAY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo.pdf  
Attachment 1- CUP Exhibit.pdf  
Attachment 2- PLCUP-2602-0005 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf  
Attachment 3- Public Comment.pdf  
Attachment 4- Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (not approved  
yet).pdf  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Johnson.  
Councilor Forsman notified the Council that he will be abstaining due to his  
employment with Minnesota Power. Motion carried 8-0 by voice vote, Councilor  
Forsman abstaining.  
COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS  
COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS  
ADJOURN  
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Clanaugh, seconded by Councilor  
Johnson. Meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM.