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, August 10, 2026  
6:00 PM  
Council Chambers  
ROLL CALL  
Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM. All members present at Roll Call.  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
26-024  
MEETING MINUTES OF THE DULUTH CITY COUNCIL  
1.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: 2026-07-27_City Council Minutes  
Minutes accepted unanimously without objection  
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION  
FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (AGENDA ITEMS)  
Denise Voie de Vie spoke regarding the Lester Park Petition item (26-0681R)  
SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)  
Dan Grandmaison spoke regarding the illegal posting of signs and flyers on utility  
poles, boxes, and others in the right of way and his willingness to volunteer his  
time to clean up these flyers. The following spoke regarding Flock cameras:  
Brandon Parker, Ellen Gott, Andrew St. Croix, and Elizabeth Gaylord. Loren  
Martell spoke regarding the Duluth School District and the "Red Plan".  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Vice President  
Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by Voice Vote (9-0).  
BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)  
26-0706R  
2.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF A  
$1,534,500 TAXABLE GRANT ANTICIPATION REVENUE NOTE,  
SERIES 2026A, AND PROVIDING FOR ITS PAYMENT.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
Exhibit A  
Exhibit B  
Exhibit C  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0707R  
3.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF A  
$5,666,728 TAXABLE GRANT ANTICIPATION REVENUE NOTE,  
SERIES 2026B, AND PROVIDING FOR ITS PAYMENT.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
Exhibit A  
Exhibit B  
Exhibit C  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING)  
26-0726R  
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF A LIQUOR LICENSE  
4.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: C&D App, Sister Cities  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0727R  
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATIONS FOR LAWFUL GAMBLING  
5.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Lawful Gambling App, Little Saints Street Ministry  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
26-0701R  
6.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO  
ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA,  
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND  
UNIVERSITIES, FOR USE OF OFFICE SPACE AT LAKE SUPERIOR  
COLLEGE AT NO COST TO THE CITY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments:  
Cover Memo - LSC Office Lease Agreement 07-01-2025 through  
06-30-2028  
LSC Office Lease Agreement - 07-01-2025 through 06-30-2028  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR DESOTELLE (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES)  
26-0697R  
7.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA  
PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY (MPFA) FOR A FORGIVABLE LOAN  
FROM THE DRINKING WATER REVOLVING FUND FOR LEAD  
SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENTS AS PART OF THE N 40TH AVE W  
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT (PFA PROJECT 1690011-23, CITY  
PROJECT 1813) AS DESCRIBED IN THE LOAN APPLICATION.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
PFA Application 1690011-23  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0711R  
8.  
RESOLUTION AMENDING A CONTRACT WITH LHB, INC. TO PROVIDE  
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE  
LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT - DENFELD PROJECT, TO  
INCREASE THE AMOUNT BY $25,666.50 FOR A NEW TOTAL OF  
$388,256.50.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
31229 Amendment Request Documentation  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0720R  
9.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PERMIT FROM ST. LOUIS COUNTY,  
FOR THE TEMPORARY USE OF PROPERTY ABUTTING ST. MARIE ST.  
IN THE CHESTER PARK-UMD NEIGHBORHOOD, AT NO COST TO THE  
CITY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo  
Exhibit 1 - Permit  
This Resolution was adopted.  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
26-0698R  
10.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A THREE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT  
WITH THE DULUTH AREA FAMILY Y.M.C.A. FOR THE OPERATION  
AND MANAGEMENT OF THE UPPER LEVEL OF THE WOODLAND  
COMMUNITY CENTER.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Exhibit 1  
Cover Memo_YMCA  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0712R  
11.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO THE ANNUAL  
CONTRACT FOR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM)  
PARTS, SUPPLIES AND LABOR FOR 2026 FROM BOYER  
TRUCKS-SUPERIOR FOR $20,000.00, FOR A NEW AMOUNT NOT TO  
EXCEED $85,000.00.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo for 26-0712R  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0715R  
12.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A FEDERAL  
RECREATIONAL TRAIL PROGRAM GRANT OF $150,000 TO  
CONSTRUCT A PORTION OF THE CROSS CITY TRAIL.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Exhibit A  
Project Map  
Cover Memo - Resolution to Accept FRTP CCT  
This Resolution was adopted.  
26-0716R  
13.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A REGIONAL TRAIL  
PROGRAM GRANT OF $300,000 TO CONSTRUCT A PORTION OF THE  
CROSS CITY TRAIL.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo - Resolution to Accept RTP CCT  
Exhibit A  
Project Map  
This Resolution was adopted.  
END OF CONSENT AGENDA  
The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered:  
BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (PERSONNEL)  
26-0723R  
26-0724R  
26-0725R  
14.  
15.  
16.  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF BRIANNA  
GUNDERSON TO THE DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT AND CONVENTION  
CENTER AUTHORITY  
Motion to table made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor Tomanek.  
Motion to table carried unanimously by Voice Vote (9-0).  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF GINKA  
TARNOWSKI TO THE SANITARY SEWER BOARD OF THE WESTERN  
LAKE SUPERIOR SANITARY DISTRICT.  
Motion to table made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor Clanaugh.  
Motion to table carried unanimously by Voice Vote (9-0).  
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF LUKE MEDIS TO  
THE BUILDING APPEAL BOARD  
Motion to approve made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor Johnson.  
Motion to table made by Councilor Durrwachter, seconded by Councilor  
Tomanek. Motion to table carried unanimously by Voice Vote (9-0).  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
26-0714R  
17.  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REMOVAL OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY  
USE PROVISION ENCUMBERING CERTAIN CITY PROPERTY  
MANAGED BY THE DULUTH AIRPORT AUTHORITY.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: 20260731 Cover Memo  
Exhibit 1  
Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Councilor  
Clanaugh. Councilor Forsman announced his intent to abstain due to the nature  
of his employment with MN Power. Motion carried 8-0 by Roll Call vote, Councilor  
Forsman Abstaining.  
RESOLUTIONS TABLED  
BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING)  
26-0681R  
18.  
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  
No action was taken on this item, it is to remain on the table.  
The following entitled ordinances are to be read for the first time:  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
26-037-O  
19.  
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10-5, OF CHAPTER 10 OF THE  
DULUTH CITY CODE TO REDUCE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE  
BUILDING APPEAL BOARD TO SEVEN MEMBERS.  
Indexes:  
Attachments: Cover Memo - 2026 Bylaw Ordinance Change  
This Ordinance was read for the first time.  
The following entitled ordinances are to be read for the second time:  
BY COUNCILOR RANDORF (FINANCE)  
26-035-O  
20.  
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  
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Randorf, seconded by Councilor  
Desotelle. Councilor Forsman announced his intent to abstain from this item due  
to his employment with MN Power. Motion carried 8-0 by Roll Call vote, Councilor  
Forsman Abstaining.  
BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (PERSONNEL)  
26-023-O  
21.  
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  
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor  
Johnson. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).  
BY PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)  
26-026-O  
22.  
23.  
24.  
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  
Motion to approve was made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor  
Desotelle. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).  
26-027-O  
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  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Randorf.  
Motion carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).  
26-030-O  
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  
Motion to approve made by President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Johnson.  
Councilor Forsman announced his intent to abstain due to the nature of his  
employment with MN Power. Motion carried 8-0 by Roll Call vote, Councilor  
Forsman Abstaining.  
ORDINANCES TABLED  
BY COUNCILOR JOHNSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES)  
26-033-O  
25.  
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.  
No action taken.  
26-034-O  
26.  
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.  
No action taken.  
COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS  
COUNCILOR/ADMINISTRATION PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS  
ADJOURN  
Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Johnson, seconded by Vice President  
Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote (9-0).