Duluth City Council Meeting: March 24, 2025
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Duluth City Council Meeting: March 24, 2025
The Duluth City Council met on March 24, 2025, beginning at 5:30 PM with a Committee of the Whole presentation by Minnesota Power, followed by the regular council meeting at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a personnel committee interview for the Planning Commission, public comment on the proposed acquisition of Elite by private equity firms, approval of the consent agenda, passage of floodplain ordinance updates, and group interviews for the Human Rights Commission. Councillor Randorf was absent for the regular meeting, resulting in 8-0 votes on most items.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution 25-0187R: Approved budget and cost sharing for the Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior Passenger Rail Alliance, authorizing payment of $18,648.
- Resolution 25-0199R: Authorized an agreement with J&M Displays, Inc. for fireworks purchase and display for $62,100.
- Resolution 25-0216R: Authorized purchase and installation of civil defense siren control board upgrades and replacement cabinets from Frontline Warning Systems for $93,260.
- Resolution 25-0200R: Confirmed the appointment of Ben VanTassel to the Housing Trust Fund Committee.
- Resolution 25-0201R: Confirmed the appointment of Brad Scott to the Duluth Public Utilities Commission.
- Resolutions 25-0224R through 25-0230R: Approved amendments to civil service classifications for Engineering Technician, Seasonal Utilities Laborer, Senior Engineering Technician, new classification for Unhoused Response Coordinator, Utility Operator, and Utility Operator Apprentice.
- Resolution 25-0251R: Confirmed the reappointment of members to city boards and commissions.
- Resolution 25-0219R: Vacated portions of Fourth Street and Roussain Avenue in Fond du Lac, subject to utility easements.
- Resolution 25-0220R: Vacated a section of West First Street.
- Resolution 25-0197R: Authorized a cooperative agreement with St. Louis County for the 2026 Townships and Cities Maintenance Striping Program.
- Resolution 25-0215R: Authorized an annual contract with Northland Constructors for bituminous street maintenance, amount not to exceed $295,000.
- Resolution 25-0233R: Awarded a contract to Veit & Company Inc. for lead water service replacement at high-priority sites, amount not to exceed $363,921.
- Resolution 25-0234R: Awarded a contract to Hovland Inc. for lead service line replacement in Lincoln Park, amount not to exceed $11,550,218.
- Resolution 25-0235R: Awarded a contract to TruePani, Inc. for 2025 lead water service replacement filter pitcher and test kit services, amount not to exceed $290,900.
- Resolution 25-0210R: Authorized an agreement with LHB, Inc. for a Park, Recreation, and Coastal Preservation Plan for Park Point Recreation Area, amount not to exceed $129,461.
- Resolution 25-0222R: Authorized an amendment to the agreement with Kraus Anderson Construction for Spirit Mountain chair lift installation, increasing the amount by $156,772 to a new total not to exceed $181,772.
- Resolution 25-0223R: Authorized a contract with the Duluth Area Family YMCA for lifeguarding services at Park Point, amount not to exceed $100,883.21.
- Resolution 25-0228R: Authorized a first amendment to the deer management services agreement with Arrowhead Bowhunters Alliance, extending the term.
- Resolution 25-0217R (removed from consent): Authorized a license agreement with the Duluth Boat Club for use of property at Park Point through 2030 at no cost to the city. Passed 8-0 after discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dr. Eric Henberg (Hermantown) opposed the private equity acquisition of Elite, arguing it would lead to higher rates for residential customers and hinder climate progress. He noted that 74% of electrons go to large industrial users, shifting costs to residential/commercial.
- Beth Tamanin (Duluth) voiced concerns as a shareholder and resident, noting that GIP typically holds investments 5-7 years, threatening long-term stability and local control.
- John Kroom (Duluth) criticized BlackRock’s size and influence, stating the acquisition would privatize public assets and reduce local accountability.
- Luke Nolly (Duluth East High School student) urged sustainable development and transparent climate action, asking how projects like Fourth Street revitalization can be models for green infrastructure.
- Kate Yappel (Duluth East High School student) opposed the acquisition, citing lack of transparency and risk to carbon-free goals. She noted her positive past experiences with Minnesota Power but urged prioritizing long-term community health.
- Evan Liebens (UMD student) opposed the acquisition, arguing it would lead to rate increases and greenwashing, and does not align with Duluth’s energy goals.
- James Callaway (Duluth) opposed the acquisition, quoting Thoreau and urging the council to stand against corporate control.
- Brandon Parker (Duluth) opposed the acquisition and criticized the mayor’s board appointment process, advocating for open interviews. He also raised concerns about safety ordinances targeting houseless individuals.
- Lisa Fitzpatrick (Duluth) urged the council to oppose the acquisition to protect the city’s climate progress.
- Matt Baumgart (President, Duluth Chamber of Commerce) supported the acquisition, arguing it provides capital needed for clean energy transition and that rates remain regulated by the MPUC. He noted this is not a zero-sum game.
- Rebecca Keller (Superior, WI) spoke against the NTEC project, noting shared air and water impacts, and urged Duluth to consider cross-border pollution.
- Jim Cluckard (Duluth) opposed the acquisition, calling for public control of infrastructure and against privatization.
- Rachel Johnson (President/CEO, Apex) supported the acquisition, emphasizing Minnesota Power’s community partnership and the need for capital to achieve renewable goals.
Discussion Items
- Personnel Committee Interview (Planning Commission): Kate Van Dale was interviewed for a vacancy on the Planning Commission. She expressed full support for the role, highlighting her past work on the Imagine Duluth 2035 comprehensive plan and her experience as a city PIO. She discussed balancing developer and neighbor interests, and her commitment to equity. No vote was taken; her appointment will be on a future council cycle.
- Committee of the Whole – Minnesota Power Presentation: Jennifer Cady, Vice President of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, presented an update on two major initiatives: the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the acquisition of Elite by CPP and GIP. Key points: Minnesota Power is nearly 60% renewable; the IRP aims for 90% renewable by 2035 by adding 400 MW of wind, 100 MW of storage, and refueling Boswell Unit 3 to natural gas. The acquisition will keep headquarters in Duluth, honor union contracts, and maintain regulatory oversight by the Minnesota PUC. Councillors asked questions about NTEC (not included in current IRP), cost impacts, and assurances on rates. No council action was taken.
- Counselor Questions and Comments:
- Councillor Owl outlined the board appointment process, announcing group interviews for select commissions and a questionnaire for others. She emphasized transparency and accountability.
- Councillor Mayo expressed concerns about the Elite acquisition, noting shared air with NTEC and the consolidation of wealth. He plans to submit comments to the Minnesota PUC.
- Councillor Nephew reported that St. Louis County is tracking federal funding changes and encourages questions to the county.
- Councillor Forsman thanked staff for the council retreat and suggested a future resolution to clarify the board interview process, noting that not all commissions need interviews.
- Councillor Durwachter thanked speakers and criticized private equity, citing BlackRock’s environmental and indigenous rights record. He asked for examples of private equity-owned utilities that lowered rates.
- Human Rights Commission Interviews: Group interviews were conducted for three applicants: Marcus Edge, Amanda Shai, and Luis Angel Navarro Islas. They discussed their backgrounds, interest in promoting diversity and human rights, and experience in advocacy and community engagement. Two other candidates will submit questionnaires. The interviews were part of the ongoing board appointment process.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Passed 8-0 (with Councillor Randorf absent).
- Duluth Boat Club License Agreement (Resolution 25-0217R): Passed 8-0 after being removed from consent for discussion.
- Ordinance 25-002-O (Floodplain and UDC amendments): Initially a motion to table failed (3-5), then passed 8-0. The ordinance updates FEMA compliance and floodplain regulations.
- Ordinance 25-003-O (UDC principal use definition): Passed 8-0.
- No Formal Action on Elite Acquisition: The council did not vote on the acquisition or IRP. Councillor Mayo indicated he will submit comments to the Minnesota PUC on behalf of constituents. Councillor Durwachter urged the public to also submit comments.
- Board Appointments: Reappointments were approved on the consent agenda. The personnel committee interviewed a candidate for the Planning Commission, and group interviews for the Human Rights Commission were conducted. A process for handling the backlog of appointments was announced, including group interviews for key commissions and a public questionnaire for others.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. My name is Um Azreen Owl. I serve as an at large city counselor, and I am calling the uh the personnel committee meeting and interview to order now. Can I call uh Mrs. Kate Van Dale to the podium? Hello, Mrs. Uh Van Dale. Thank you so much for joining us here today. Um today we're conducting an interview for the planning um the planning com vi uh commission. The planning commission advises the city council on all planning and development matters, including rezoning, issuance of special permits, and community development practices. The commission has final authority in approval of Platz and serves as responsible as the responsible government unit and conducts conducts environmental reviews pursuant to Minnesota chapter uh Minnesota Statute chapter uh um one sixteen D and applicable state regulations. Thank you, Mrs. Uh Vundale for coming and um being willing to serve on the planning commission, fill a vacancy and just willing to serve our community in this way. Um as we begin um our interview today, I'll ask a set of questions and then I'll turn it over to my council members to ask any following uh follow-up questions, and then I'll give it back to you to end on any last remarks. Does that sound good to you? Chair Al, thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to be here. That sounds great to me. Thank you. Why don't we begin by why don't you introduce yourself and just um tell us a little bit about who you are? Sure. So um my name is Kate Van Dale. Uh I'm a native Minnesotan. I grew up in Minneapolis. Didn't really spend a lot of time in Duluth until my husband and I would come back and needed a place uh to refuge uh away from my family just to be alone and so um ended up coming to Duluth uh while coming from Denver and just really honestly fell in love with this community. So uh was hired from the city of Duluth uh and took us away from Denver in I don't remember what year, but had uh two different jobs. One was in the planning team originally where I helped to work on the comprehensive plan that is before you today, Imagine Duluth 2035, and then served as the public information officer for three and a half years. So had um a wonderful chance to get to know the staff, the role that we serve in the community, uh really was tried to do my best to lift up um what taxpayers should expect from this body and their services that they provide. Uh miss it uh very much. Um still in touch with a lot of different staff and uh look forward to cheering on the city every day in a different role. Thank you so much for your continued service, your past service um with the plan and even continued as you're um up for this uh the this potential appointment. Um would you've already kind of explained your previous um experience uh with potentially planning. Um would you be willing to expand on why you're interested in serving on this particular board? Sure, Chair Al, thank you for the question. Uh my interest in serving on the planning commission stems from a strong dedication to our community and my experience as a former employee both on the planning commission and as the PIO. Uh having been involved in the development of the current Imagine Duluth 2035 plan, I understand both the vision and the detailed work that went into creating the roadmap for our community. It's a plan that I take a lot of pride in and want to ensure that its goals are implemented thoughtfully in a way that reflects both the values and needs of our residents across the city. I see serving on the commission as a natural step in my commitment to this community in a different space than I have served in the past. It would allow me to bring my first hand knowledge, collaborative approach, and passion for equitable development to the decision making process, ensuring that we're continuing to build a community that thrives economically, socially, and environmentally. Thank you. Um this upcoming question, um you've already laid down some of the groundworks. Would you be able to please um give a brief outline of your educational and work experiences? How will your background, your lived experiences and personal strengths be of benefit to the planning commission? Sure. Um, so my mom ran an environmental uh nonprofit out of the Twin Cities, and I started writing grants for her when I was 13 years old. Uh so started working in the development uh capacity then just because I wanted to help out. Um I think like a lot of people did not want to be like my mother and instead went to college to be an education uh an education uh professional, really got into politics. Um that changed my viewpoint and so um ended up being a political science major who then did exactly what I didn't want to do and turned into my mother by going into nonprofits. Um so after that uh went went to Denver, served in the mayor corps, uh, and then ended up working for the city of Denver on homelessness issues, and so worked in a variety of capacities, um, both as a street outreach counselor on the streets of Denver and then in executive director roles for public health uh entities that then brought me to um this wonderful city to then work on not only the planning team, but then really work to elevate the communication uh within uh eight departments out of nine in addition to the mayor's office. So um long long history, very colorful um experience across a lot of different both public service uh government and now on the corporate send uh lens, and so I think I bring a broad perspective not only from how the city would want to be viewed as a former spokesperson, well aware of any risks that I think Miss Lear would uh agree to in terms of what we can and can't say, thinking about the role that we serve and then also taking development and how it impacts our city very seriously.
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