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 13, 2026

6:00 PM

Council Chambers

ROLL CALL

Present: Clanaugh, Desotelle, Durrwachter, Forsman, Johnson, Randorf,

Kennedy, Nephew

Absent: Tomanek

Vice President Kennedy attending virtually via Teams.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

26-021

Meeting Minutes of the Duluth City Council

Indexes:

Attachments: 2026-06-29_City Council Minutes

Minutes accepted without objection.

REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (AGENDA ITEMS)

No members of the public spoke during Agenda Items Public Comment Period.

SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)

Brian Scott spoke regarding the Lester Park Petitions. Roy Hamlin spoke

regarding the vape shop being constructed next to Hamlin Music Academy.

Loren Martell spoke about increasing wages for the Police Chief while an

affordability crisis is ongoing.

Following the Public Comment Period, a brief recess was called by President

Nephew at 6:11. Meeting resumed at 6:14.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion to approve made by Councilor Clanaugh, seconded by Councilor

Desotelle. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote (8-0).

BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)

26-0594R

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF KARLA CULHANE

AS CITY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CITY OF DULUTH AND

AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

WITH KARLA CULHANE.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Document A

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING)

26-0638R

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS LIQUOR

LICENSES

Indexes:

Attachments: Transfer App, SHB from Lakeside Liquors

Grandma's PP5M Finish Area Layout

Grandma's PP5M Temp. Liq.

This Resolution was adopted.

BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

26-0621R

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN AN AMOUNT

OF $465,830 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING COORDINATION

AND OVERSIGHT OF COMMUNITY LIAISON WORKFORCE

RECRUITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE

BLATNIK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT FOR THE PERIOD OF

JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2031.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo MNDOT Community Liaisons Contract 1061742

Exhibit A - MNDOT Community Liaisons Contract 1061742

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0624R

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE CITY OF DULUTH, ONE ROOF COMMUNITY HOUSING

AND THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF DULUTH,

MINNESOTA, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAT TITLED

“HARBOR HIGHLAND FIRST DIVISION” LOCATED NORTH OF HARBOR

HIGHLANDS DRIVE.

Indexes:

Attachments: Harbor Highlands Cover Memo.pdf

1 - Harbor Highlands First Add DA.docx

2 - 24-103 FINAL PLAT 3-18-25.pdf

3 - PLSUB-2411-0007 Staff Report and Attachments.pdf

4 - 3-27-25 PC Minutes.pdf

This Resolution was adopted.

BY VICE PRESIDENT KENNEDY (COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE)

26-0632R

RESOLUTION APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE AUGUST 11,

2026 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION AND FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026

STATE GENERAL ELECTION.

Indexes:

Attachments: 2026 Election Judges

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)

26-0616R

RESOLUTION APPROVING SETTLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF

$18,443.83 TO MAI KIM FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS.

Indexes:

Attachments: Exhibit A

Cover Memo

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0627R

10.

RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO INSITUFORM

TECHNOLOGIES USA, LLC. FOR THE 2026 CIPP SANITARY SEWER

LINING PROJECT - CITYWIDE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,376,662.99.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

26-99538 Bid Summary

2362Resolution Map

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0628R

11.

RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO MJ COMPANIES, LLC.,

FOR THE 2026 NORTON ROAD SITE 1 CULVERT REPLACEMENT

PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $224,212.00.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

Bid Tabs 26-99545

Project Location Exhibit

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0629R

12.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA

PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY FOR A LOAN FROM THE DRINKING

WATER REVOLVING FUND FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER

TOWER RECONDITIONING PROJECTS AS DESCRIBED IN THE LOAN

APPLICATION.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

2360_AREA MAP_

PFA Application

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0630R

13.

RESOLUTION AMENDING A CONTRACT WITH MSA PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES, INC TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL

ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE LAKEWOOD

WATER TREATMENT PLANT - STANDBY POWER PROJECT, TO

INCREASE THE AMOUNT BY $259,200.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL OF

$568,817.00.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

1_00616250 City of Duluth Project 2135 Lakewood Water Treatement

Plant Power Improvements DSN & BID Ammend 2026-June_REV

WTP Map

This Resolution was adopted.

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

26-0623R

14.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH

ARROWHEAD YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION FOR THE USE AND

OPERATION OF THE CITY’S JEAN DULUTH, ARLINGTON, AND

GARY-NEW DULUTH SOCCER FIELDS.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo - AYSA Field Agreement 2026

Exhibit A

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0641R

15.

RESOLUTION APPROVING A GREATER MINNESOTA LEGACY GRANT

APPLICATION TO THE GREATER MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS

AND TRAILS COMMISSION AND MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF

NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE SPIRIT MOUNTAIN NORDIC

CENTER

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo - Apply - Spirit GMRPTC

Exhibit A

This Resolution was adopted.

26-0631R

16.

RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO STACK BROS

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS INC., FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF

PARK POINT BEACH HOUSE SIDING AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT

FOR THE AMOUNT OF $241,000.00

Indexes:

Attachments: Exhibit A - Cover Memo

Exhibit B - Bid Summary

This Resolution was adopted.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered:

BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (PERSONNEL)

26-0639R

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF LYNNE WILLIAMS

TO THE SPIRIT MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA AUTHORITY.

Motion to table was made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor

Randorf. Motion to table carried unanimously by roll call vote (8-0).

26-0640R

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF SCOTT

SODERBERG TO THE SANITARY SEWER BOARD OF THE WESTERN

LAKE SUPERIOR SANITARY DISTRICT

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

Motion to table carried unanimously by roll call vote (8-0).

RESOLUTIONS TABLED

BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (PERSONNEL)

26-0544R

17.

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF MATT MASSMAN

TO THE DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT AND CONVENTION CENTER

AUTHORITY

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

Councilor Randorf. Motion to remove carried unanimously by roll call vote (8-0).

Motion to approve made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor Randorf.

Motion to approve carried unanimously by roll call vote (8-0).

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

ROLL CALL

BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

26-023-O

18.

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE II, SECTIONS

2-2.1, 2-2.2, 2-2.3, AND 2-2.4 OF THE DULUTH CITY CODE.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

This Ordinance was read for the first time.

BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)

26-025-O

19.

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

This Ordinance was read for the first time.

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

BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)

26-021-O

20.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY

OF TAXABLE GRANT ANTICIPATION REVENUE NOTES IN AN

AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,701,228 OF THE CITY OF DULUTH FOR

THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE MUNICIPAL WATER UTILITY UPON

TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO BE PROVIDED BY RESOLUTION OF

THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLEDGING REVENUES FOR THE PAYMENT

THEREOF.

Indexes:

Attachments: Cover Memo

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

Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote (8-0).

BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

26-022-O

21.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY

OF DULUTH TO RECLASSIFY PARCELS IN THE FORM DISTRICTS.

Indexes:

Attachments: PLUMA-2604-0001 Cover Memo.pdf

Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Desotelle.

Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote (8-0).

COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS

ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Randorf, seconded by Councilor Forsman.

Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.