City Council

411 West First Street City of Duluth Duluth, Minnesota 55802 Unofficial Actions 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, April 28, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chamber ROLL CALL Present: 8- 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 Absent: 1- Councilor Azrin Awal PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 25-018 Meeting Minutes of the Duluth City Council Indexes: Attachments: 2025-04-14 A motion was made by Kennedy to approve the Minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilor Forsman. The Minutes were approved unanimously. REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 2. 25-017 City of Duluth: Boards, Commissions and Authorities Meeting Minutes City of Duluth Page 1 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 Indexes: Attachments: 2-11-2025 - Planning Commission Minutes 3-3-2025 - Planning Commission Annual Meeting Summary 3-11-2025 - Planning Commission Minutes 3-27-2025 - Planning Commission 12-10-2024- Special Board of Assessment 25PUC-001 25PUC-002 2-18-2025 - DPUC Minutes 3-18-2025 - DPUC Minutes February 2025 - Parking Commission Minutes March 2025 - Parking Commission Minutes February 20215 - Library Board Minutes January 2024 - Duluth Seaway Port Authority Minutes March 2024 - Duluth Seaway Port Authority Minutes April 2024 - Duluth Seaway Port Authority Minutes May 2024 - Duluth Seaway Port Authority Minutes June 2024 - Duluth Seaway Port Authority Minutes This Board or Commission Report was received. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING: PLANNING APPEAL PLIUP-2411-0018 3. 25-0363R RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO DENY AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR A VACATION DWELLING UNIT AT 608 W 4TH ST, UNIT 3. Indexes: Attachments: Attachment A Attachment B Attachment C Attachment D E. 2025-03-21_Letter to Applicant F. Neighbor Notice G. 3-11-25 PC Minutes H. 1958 Zoning Ordinance_Reduced I. 3-11-25 justin voegele packet 25-0363R Memo City of Duluth Page 2 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 A motion was made by Mayou to move the Resolution to the table. The motion was seconded by Councilor Nephew. The Resolution passed unanimously. Councilor Awal - Absent 4. 25-0364R RESOLUTION REVERSING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO DENY AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR A VACATION DWELLING UNIT AT 608 W 4TH ST, UNIT 3. Indexes: Attachments: Attachment A Attachment B Attachment C Attachment D E. 2025-03-21_Letter to Applicant F. Neighbor Notice G. 3-11-25 PC Minutes H. 1958 Zoning Ordinance_Reduced I. 3-11-25 justin voegele packet 25-0364R Memo A motion was made by Councilor Randorf to move the Resolution to the table. The motion was seconded by Councilor Swenson. The Resolution failed by an unanimous vote. Councilor Awal - Absent OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Robin Mainella spoke about the Woodland rezoning Ordinance. Matt Baumgartner spoke regarding a purposed citizen driven ordinance on the election ballot. John Lewis spoke regarding Lester Park Golf. David Hageman about the Planning Appeal. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilor Randorf for pass the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilor Kennedy. The motion passed unanimously. BY COUNCILOR AWAL (PERSONNEL) 5. 25-0325R RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENTS TO THE CITY OF DULUTH BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. City of Duluth Page 3 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 6. 25-0353R RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE NEW CIVIL SERVICE CLASSIFICATION OF SENIOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, AND SPECIFYING CONTRACT BENEFITS FOR SAME. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo Exhibit A This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 7. 25-0354R RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE NEW CIVIL SERVICE CLASSIFICATION OF WATER PLANT MAINTENANCE OPERATOR, AND SPECIFYING CONTRACT BENEFITS FOR SAME. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo Exhibit A This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER (PURCHASING & LICENSING) 8. 25-0324R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH DULUTH AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000.00. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo Exhibit A This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal BY VICE PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) 9. 25-0278R RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 89-0323 ESTABLISHING THE DULUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MODIFYING COUNCIL APPROVAL THRESHOLDS FOR DEDA EXPENDITURES FROM $100,000 TO $150,000. Indexes: City of Duluth Page 4 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 Attachments: Council Memo This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 10. 25-0338R RESOLUTION APPROVING DEDA RESOLUTION 25D-20 AUTHORIZING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AMI CONSULTING ENGINEERS, P.A. TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $59,319 FOR A NEW TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $133,419. Indexes: Attachments: 25-0338R-Council Memo-AMI Consulting First Amend_ Exhibit A This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 11. 25-0340R RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,399,086 AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH SOFIDEL AMERICA Indexes: Attachments: 25-0340R-Council Memo-Sofidel Exhibit A This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 12. 25-0358R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTAMINATION CLEANUP GRANT APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE GOODWILL PROJECT. Indexes: Attachments: 25-0358R-Council Memo-Goodwill This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal BY COUNCILOR MAYOU (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES) 13. 25-0341R RESOLUTION AMENDING CONTRACT L30871 WITH LHB, INC. TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR THE EKLUND AVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT BY $341,705.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL OF $718,702.00, CITY PROJECT NO. 2091. City of Duluth Page 5 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo Amendment No. 2 Location Map This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 14. 25-0342R RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTORS OF DULUTH, INC. FOR THE EKLUND AVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,552,400.00. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo 2091 Tabulation of Bids Project loaction map This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 15. 25-0346R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE MINNESOTA STATE TRANSPORTATION FUND FOR THE RECONDITIONING OF JUNCTION AVENUE/WEST ST. MARIE STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,500,000.00. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo 118-156-013LRIPAgreement This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 16. 25-0347R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH MINNESOTA POWER FOR JOINT CONSTRUCTION OF UTILITIES IN JUNCTION AVENUE. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo Exhibit 1 This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal Abstain: Councilor Forsman, stating employer conflict 17. 25-0349R RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTORS OF DULUTH, INC FOR THE JUNCTION AVENUE/WEST ST. MARIE STREET RECONDITIONING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,846,500.00. City of Duluth Page 6 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 Indexes: Attachments: Cover memo Junction Ave Resolution Map Bid Results TABULATION OF BIDS RECEIVED APRIL 10 This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 18. 25-0350R RESOLUTION AMENDING CONTRACT L31017 WITH LHB, INC TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE JUNCTION AVENUE/ST. MARIE STREET RECONDITIONING PROJECT, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT BY $54,100.00 FOR A NEW TOTAL OF $190,391.00. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 19. 25-0356R RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTORS OF DULUTH, A DIVISION OF MATHY CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR THE 2025 STREET PRESERVATION PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 2194, IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,895,438.97. Indexes: Attachments: Resolution Cover Memo for Northland Bid Summary 25-99371 STREET MAPS This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 20. 25-0357R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH STACK BROS. MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR HOT WATER PIPE REPLACEMENT AT THE DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER (DECC) FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $225,240.00. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo - Resolution 25-0357R This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 21. 25-0359R RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTORS OF DULUTH FOR THE CHESTER PARK DRIVE City of Duluth Page 7 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 ALLEY PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 2102, IN THE AMOUNT OF $690,479.00. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo Construction Bid Tab 2102 LOCATION MAP This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 22. 25-0360R RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE DULUTH-SUPERIOR METROPOLITAN INTERSTATE COUNCIL’S DULUTH-SUPERIOR AREA BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (2025). Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo DS-Metro-Bikeways-Plan-Final-20MB This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 23. 25-0361R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A FIFTY-FOUR MONTH LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION FOR 20 MOTOR GRADERS FOR A TOTAL LEASE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,870,856. Indexes: Attachments: Grader lease Award Cover Memo This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal BY COUNCILOR KENNEDY (PUBLIC SAFETY) 24. 25-0326R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO SERVE AS FISCAL AGENT FOR AND ACCEPT REIMBURSEMENT MONIES ON BEHALF OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR VIOLENT OFFENDER TASK FORCE, SAID REIMBURSEMENT MONIES TO BE PAID UNDER THE MINNESOTA ANTI-METH TASK FORCE PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING THE OPERATIONS OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR VIOLENT OFFENDER TASK FORCE Indexes: Attachments: Document A - AMTF JPA This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal City of Duluth Page 8 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 25. 25-0327R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF FIRST AMENDMENTS TO THE GRANT CONTRACT AGREEMENTS FOR THE AUTO THEFT PREVENTION PROGRAM REPLACING AS PARTY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. Indexes: Attachments: Document A - Auto Theft Dedicated Document B - Auto Theft General This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 26. 25-0352R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT RENAMING THE LAKE SUPERIOR DRUG AND VIOLENT CRIME TASK FORCE AS THE LAKE SUPERIOR VIOLENT OFFENDER TASK FORCE AND INCORPORATING UPDATES TO THE VIOLENT CRIMES ENFORCEMENT TEAMS OPERATIONS MANUAL. . Indexes: Attachments: Document A - JPA Resolution Cover Memo_LSVOTF JPA This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal BY COUNCILOR SWENSON (RECREATION, LIBRARIES & AUTHORITIES) 27. 25-0318R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE NAACP DULUTH BRANCH FOR THE LEASE OF SPACE IN THE WASHINGTON RECREATION CENTER. Indexes: Attachments: NAACP Lease Agreement (Signed by NAACP) This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal 28. 25-0362R RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 25-0222R AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT L30637 WITH KRAUS-ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE SPIRIT MOUNTAIN CHALET AND LIFT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS FOR AN INCREASE OF $365,188 AND A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED OF $390,188. Indexes: City of Duluth Page 9 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 Attachments: Cover Memo Resolution 25-0362R SPT MTN CM Costs per Amendment 1 Amendment 1 to L30637 This Resolution was passed unanimously. Absent: Councilor Awal END OF CONSENT AGENDA The following entitled resolutions are also to be considered: BY VICE PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) 29. 25-0328R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DULUTH 1200 FUND, INC. TO TRANSFER $1,400,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMINISTERING A HISTORIC FUND PROGRAM Indexes: Attachments: 25-0328R Council Memo - Historic Fund Transfer Exhibit A Exhibit B A motion was made by Vice President Nephew. The motion was seconded by Councilor Mayou. This Resolution passed unanimously. Absent - Councilor Awal BY COUNCILOR MAYOU (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES) 30. 25-0343R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA FOR IMPROVEMENTS ALONG JUNCTION AVENUE, BUFFALO STREET, AND W. ST. MARIE STREET, AT NO COST TO THE CITY. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo Exhibit 1 A motion was made by Councilor Forsman. The motion was seconded by Councilor Randorf. This Resolution passed unanimously. Absent - Councilor Awal Abstain - Councilor Mayou, stating employer conflict 31. 25-0348R RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF City of Duluth Page 10 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 MINNESOTA DULUTH FOR JOINT CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALK ALONG JUNCTION AVENUE, BUFFALO STREET, AND ST. MARIE STREET. Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo UMD Temporary Agreement City of Duluth - Temp Construction Agreement Draft - 4.4.25 A motion was made by Councilor Durrwachter. The motion was seconded by Councilor Randorf. This Resolution passed unanimously. Absent - Councilor Awal Abstain - Councilor Mayou, stating employer conflict The following entitled ordinances are to be read for the first time: BY VICE PRESIDENT NEPHEW (PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) 32. 25-008-O AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DULUTH TO RECLASSIFY THE PARCEL DESCRIBED AS 010-4680-01265 FROM RESIDENTIAL- TRADITIONAL (R-1) TO RESIDENTIAL-PLANNED (R-P). Indexes: Attachments: Cover Memo- PLUMA-2502-0001 Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3 Attachment 4 Attachment 5 2025-03-27, Planning Commission Meeting Audio This Ordinance was read for the first time. BY COUNCILOR MAYOU (PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES) 33. 25-005-O AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN ELECTRIC LINE EASEMENT TO MINNESOTA POWER, A DIVISION OF ALLETE, INC. UPON, OVER, UNDER AND ACROSS REAL PROPERTY IN THE KENWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD FOR NOMINAL CONSIDERATION. Indexes: City of Duluth Page 11 Printed on 4/29/2025 City Council Unofficial Actions April 28, 2025 Attachments: Exhibit 1 Exhibit 2 Cover Memo This Ordinance was read for the first time. 34. 25-006-O AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN ELECTRIC LINE EASEMENT TO MINNESOTA POWER, A DIVISION OF ALLETE, INC. UPON, OVER, UNDER AND ACROSS REAL PROPERTY IN THE KENWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD FOR NOMINAL CONSIDERATION. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit 1 Exhibit 2 Cover Memo This Ordinance was read for the first time. 35. 25-007-O AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN ELECTRIC LINE EASEMENT TO MINNESOTA POWER, A DIVISION OF ALLETE, INC. UPON, OVER, UNDER AND ACROSS REAL PROPERTY IN THE DULUTH HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD FOR NOMINAL CONSIDERATION. Indexes: Attachments: Exhibit 1 Exhibit 2 Cover Memo This Ordinance was read for the first time. COUNCILOR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS COUNCILOR PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS This meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. City of Duluth Page 12 Printed on 4/29/2025