Duluth City Council Meeting – February 24, 2025

The Duluth City Council met on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included a separate Personnel Committee interview prior to the regular session, public comments, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, adoption of a resolution to evaluate the downtown skywalk system, and passage of a property conveyance ordinance. All votes were 9-0.

Personnel Committee Interview (Before the Regular Meeting)

• The Personnel Committee, chaired by Councilor Awal, interviewed Dr. Chiamaka Anymoor for a potential appointment to the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DITA) Board. Dr. Anymoor is a Duluth resident of over 20 years, owns Lifestone Healthcare Assisted Living, serves on the Workforce Board, YMCA board, and as chair of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. She expressed support for DITA’s mission of economic development and discussed her experience in business, diversity, and community engagement. She noted no current conflicts but raised a question about her real estate company’s potential involvement in DITA projects. Councilors advised that recusal is standard in such cases. The formal appointment resolution will appear on a future council agenda.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (9-0), which included 17 routine items: amendment to an agreement with the Greater Downtown Council for a $65,000 increase in tourism tax funding (total $773,000); sole source purchase of Polaris library system license renewals for $52,551.22; transfer of brewing licenses for Warrior Brewing Company; temporary liquor licenses; software maintenance for Laserfiche document management (~$57,496.50); issuance of a wine/beer license to Falastin, LLC; expansion of a serving area for Just Take Action, Inc.; reappointment of Frank Messina to the Special Board of Review; seventh amendment to a DEED grant agreement for the Duluth Regional Exchange District Project; sole source purchase of interface terminals from Primex ($72,961); purchase of cold mix asphalt ($63,000); contract amendment for lead service line replacement engineering ($29,400 increase, new total $361,470); contract amendment for construction administration on bridge repairs ($28,335 increase); amendment to extend legal services agreement with Greene Espel, PLLP through December 2025; use agreement for Longview Tennis Courts with Duluth Friends of Tennis; and structural repairs at Wade Stadium ($712,407).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sally Akwkwig Larson (1316 E 7th St) voiced concern for transgender community members following federal executive orders and the killing of a trans man in New York. She asked the council to consider actions such as having Clean & Green staff report abuse and having police speak with faith communities about safety. She urged a show of support for trans residents.
• Lauren Martell (623 E 7th St) discussed past concerns about the Duluth school district’s red plan bond debt, which he said were later validated. He expressed similar concerns about the Incline Village project and thanked the council for listening without walking out.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 25-0132R – Evaluation of the Downtown Public Skywalk System (Sponsored by Councilors Forsman, Randorf, Nephew, Swenson): Councilor Forsman introduced the resolution, noting it originated from the 2022 Downtown Task Force report. The resolution directs the city administration, in conjunction with the council, to evaluate the long-term future of the approximately 3.5-mile skywalk system, to include public input and stakeholder engagement, with a goal of completing recommendations within six months. Councilors expressed support for a non-prescriptive approach, emphasizing beautification, lighting, and accessibility while differentiating between perceived discomfort and actual safety. Concerns were raised about equitable investment in Western Duluth and the need to include the Disabilities Commission and other stakeholders. The resolution passed 9-0.
• Ordinance 25-001-O (Second Reading) – Conveyance of Real Property in Gary-New Duluth to JOTO, LLC for $4,620: Councilor Nephew presented the ordinance, which authorizes the sale of a city-owned lot. No questions were raised, and it passed 9-0.

Administration Comments

• Chief Administrative Officer Staling provided an update on the vacant Sustainability Officer position. The job description is under review, and an interim backfill is being considered. The office currently has only interns. Councilor Mayo requested a full evaluation of the office’s structure given the federal funding landscape. Councilor Randorf thanked the council for consent item 2 (Resolution 25-0123R), which funds a downtown outreach position for one year, providing on-the-street support for unsheltered individuals.

Council Comments & Preview of Upcoming Business

• Councilor Awal announced she is exploring adding immigration “know your rights” resources to the city website, in coordination with community groups. She noted the NAACP’s recent fundraiser raised over $22,000.
• Councilor Mayo detailed impacts of federal changes on Duluth, including probationary employee firings at EPA, threats to NIH and DOE funding, and potential cuts to CDBG/HUD grants. He plans to send letters to federal representatives and suggested a future committee-of-the-whole presentation on affected city funding.
• Councilor Forsman praised the earlier 6:00 PM committee start time and thanked co-authors of the skywalk resolution.
• Councilor Swenson urged inclusion of library and accountability for all stakeholders in the skywalk evaluation.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (9-0).
• Adopted Resolution 25-0132R directing a six-month evaluation of the downtown skywalk system (9-0).
• Passed Ordinance 25-001-O authorizing property sale to JOTO, LLC for $4,620 (9-0).
• Interviewed Dr. Chiamaka Anymoor for DITA Board appointment; formal resolution to come at a future meeting.
• Sustainability Officer position to be restructured; interim staffing under consideration.
• Council will consider adding immigrant rights resources to city website.