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] Monday, January 27, 2025 7:00 PM Council Chamber ROLL CALL Present: 9- Councilor Azrin Awal, Councilor Wendy Durrwachter, Councilor Arik Forsman, Councilor Janet Kennedy, Councilor Mike Mayou, Councilor Roz Randorf, Councilor Tara Swenson, Vice President Lynn Nephew and President Terese Tomanek PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 25-006 Meeting Minutes of the Duluth City Council Indexes: Attachments: 2025-01-13 These Minutes were approved PUBLIC HEARING - Stormwater Sewer Extension for Woodlawn Street (25-0060R) PUBLIC HEARING - Sewer Extension for Westwood Lane (25-0058R) PUBLIC HEARING - Assessment Roll for Sidewalk Repairs (25-0035R) REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION REPORTS FROM OTHER OFFICERS City of Duluth Page 1 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 REPORTS OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES REPORTS OF COUNCIL OPEN ISSUES OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO BE HEARD CONSENT AGENDA BY COUNCILOR FORSMAN (FINANCE) 2. 25-0035R RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR SIDEWALK REPAIRS AT THREE CITY LOCATIONS IN 2024. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 3. 25-0044R RESOLUTION APPROVING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DULUTH AND THE CONFIDENTIAL UNIT OF THE CITY OF DULUTH FOR THE YEARS 2025-2027. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A 2025-2027 - Confidential - Redline This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 4. 25-0045R RESOLUTION APPROVING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DULUTH AND THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES MINNESOTA COUNCIL 5, LOCAL 66, FOR BASIC UNIT EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEARS 2025-2027. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A 20250121 AFSCME CBA FINAL - REDLINE Version This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 5. 25-0058R RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION FOR WESTWOOD LANE City of Duluth Page 2 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 6. 25-0060R RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR STORMWATER SEWER EXTENSION FOR WOODLAWN STREET Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 7. 25-0064R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN UPDATED AGREEMENT WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO ADMINISTER THE CITY OF DULUTH’S GENERAL SALES AND USE TAX. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 8. 25-0073R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPOT FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,000.00. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 9. 25-0075R RESOLUTION AMENDING JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT C20604 WITH DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT AND CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY FOR THE OPERATION OF MINNESOTA SLIP PEDESTRIAN DRAW BRIDGE DURING YEAR 2025 FOR AN ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,800. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 10. 25-0076R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH SPIRIT MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA AUTHORITY FOR 2025 OPERATING EXPENSES IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000.00. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. City of Duluth Page 3 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 11. 25-0078R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH GREAT LAKES AQUARIUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $310,000. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 12. 25-0087R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH HEACOX, HARTMAN, KOSHMRL, COSGRIFF, JOHNSON, LANE & FEENSTRA, P.A., FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $98,000 FOR THE TERM OF TWO YEARS. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING) 13. 25-0028R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM) PARTS, SUPPLIES AND LABOR FOR 2025 FROM ASCENDANCE TRUCKS CENTRAL, LLC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 14. 25-0032R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT TO DULUTH TIRE & OIL INC. FOR VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT TIRES AND TIRE REPAIR SERVICES, FOR AN ESTIMATED ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $180,000.00. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 15. 25-0033R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT FOR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PARTS, SUPPLIES AND LABOR FOR ELGIN AND VACTOR EQUIPMENT FROM MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT, INC., FOR A TOTAL ANNUAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000.00. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 16. 25-0036R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER PARTS, SUPPLIES AND LABOR FOR CASE EQUIPMENT FROM TITAN MACHINERY INC., FOR AN ANNUAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000.00. City of Duluth Page 4 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 17. 25-0037R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER PARTS, SUPPLIES AND LABOR FOR CAT EQUIPMENT FROM ZIEGLER INC., FOR AN ANNUAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000.00. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 18. 25-0041R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A CATERPILLAR 317H2 EXCAVATOR FROM ZIEGLER INC. FOR THE AMOUNT OF $188,401.00 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. BY COUNCILOR AWAL (PERSONNEL) 19. 25-0040R RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW STAEHLING AS CITY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CITY OF DULUTH AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT WITH MATTHEW STAEHLING. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 20. 25-0089R RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARSHA LUE AS THE HUMAN RIGHTS & EQUITY OFFICER FILLING A VACANT POSITION. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A to Employment Contract This Resolution was adopted unanimously. BY VICE PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) 21. 25-0065R RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, WHICH INCLUDES THE 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND AUTHORIZING A REQUEST FOR HUD FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG), HOME PROGRAM (HOME), AND EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM (ESG) PROGRAM FUNDS. City of Duluth Page 5 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Indexes: Attachments: Attachment 2 Attachment 1 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 22. 25-0066R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REQUEST FOR HUD FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR THE 2025 PROGRAM YEAR, AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS WITH APPROPRIATE AGENCIES. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 23. 25-0067R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REQUEST FOR HUD HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP FUNDS FOR THE 2025 PROGRAM YEAR, AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS WITH APPROPRIATE AGENCIES. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 24. 25-0068R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REQUEST FOR HUD EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS PROGRAM (ESG) FUNDING FOR THE 2025 PROGRAM YEAR, AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS, AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS WITH APPROPRIATE AGENCIES. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 25. 25-0069R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REDEVELOPMENT GRANT APPLICATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $691,687 TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO THE GOODWILL PROJECT. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 26. 25-0070R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DEMOLITION LOAN PROGRAM APPLICATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $305,000 TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO LOT D. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 27. 25-0086R RESOLUTION APPROVING SETTLEMENT IN THE MATTER OF City of Duluth Page 6 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 RESPECT STARTS HERE, A MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION, AND ERIC RINGSRED V. DULUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF DULUTH, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY $2,130,000.00, PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. BY PRESIDENT TOMANEK (COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) 28. 25-0039R RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2025. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. BY COUNCILOR MAYOU (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES) 29. 25-0027R RESOLUTION APPROVING DULUTH ENERGY SYSTEM’S THERMAL ENERGY HOT WATER RATE FOR EASTERN CANAL PARK. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 30. 25-0038R RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTORS OF DULUTH, A DIVISION OF MATHY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE BARDON’S PEAK AND SKYLINE PARKWAY REHABILITATION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,719,500.00. Indexes: Attachments: Project1608_4-30-2024 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 31. 25-0046R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR VARIOUS AGGREGATE MATERIALS FOR 2025 FROM KIMINSKI PAVING, INC., FOR THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $185,400.00. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 32. 25-0071R RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO JMF CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE 2025 LEAD WATER SERVICE REPLACEMENT - CENTRAL HILLSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,699,957.85. City of Duluth Page 7 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 33. 25-0074R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR A $600,000 TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE GRANT TO PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN AND TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS ALONG THE 400 BLOCK OF EAST SUPERIOR STREET. Indexes: Attachments: East Downtown Multimodal Hub map This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 34. 25-0080R RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PERMANENT EASEMENT FROM QWEST CORPORATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, RECONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND PROVISION OF HOT WATER SERVICE IN, UNDER AND THROUGH REAL PROPERTY IN DOWNTOWN DULUTH FOR NOMINAL CONSIDERATION. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit 1-Resolution This Resolution was adopted unanimously. BY COUNCILOR KENNEDY (PUBLIC SAFETY) 35. 25-0062R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING A LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Indexes: Attachments: Grant Agreement A-EMPG-2023-DULUTHCI-024 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. BY COUNCILOR SWENSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES) 36. 25-0007R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH BRUNTON ARCHITECTS FOR PROFESSIONAL FACILITY ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING SERVICES FOR THE DULUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT FACILITY PLANNING PROJECT FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $82,906.00. City of Duluth Page 8 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 37. 25-0031R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF $219,888 FROM THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY FOR THE INSTALL AND MAINTENANCE OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE FAST CHARGING STATION AT ENDION STATION. Indexes: Attachments: DULUTH_DC_FAST_CHARGER Grant Agreement draft This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 38. 25-0042R RESOLUTION ACCEPTING UNCONDITIONAL GIFTS FROM THE DULUTH LIBRARY FOUNDATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LIBRARY FOR 2025. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 39. 25-0043R RESOLUTION ACCEPTING UNCONDITIONAL GIFTS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE DULUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LIBRARY FOR 2025. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 40. 25-0061R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE MINNEAPOLIS FOUNDATION FOR UP TO $350,000 FROM THE GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE THRIVING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM TO REMOVE AND REPLACE DISEASED ASH TREES IN DESIGNATED DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS. This Resolution was adopted unanimously. 41. 25-0082R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE CHESTER BOWL IMPROVEMENT CLUB FOR THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHESTER BOWL PARK AND CHALET FOR $27,682.58 PER YEAR. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit 1-Resolution 2025 This Resolution was adopted unanimously. City of Duluth Page 9 City Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 42. 25-0083R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIGO SPORTS, LLC AND THE CITY OF DULUTH. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A This Resolution was adopted unanimously. END OF CONSENT AGENDA The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered: BY COUNCILOR AWAL (PERSONNEL) 43. 25-0019R RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF TIM MCSHANE TO THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF DULUTH. This Resolution was withdrawn and returned to Administration BY VICE PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) 44. 25-0063R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DULUTH AND AMITY BLUFFS, LLC, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAT TITLED “AMITY BLUFFS” LOCATED EAST OF WOODLAND AVENUE AND NORTH OF VASSAR STREET. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit A - Development Agreement 1.10.25 Exhibit B - PL 23-162 Staff report and attachments This Resolution was adopted unanimously. COUNCILOR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS COUNCILOR PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS City of Duluth Page 10