Personnel Committee Interview and Council Agenda Session - July 24, 2025
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Duluth City Council Personnel Committee and Agenda Session - July 24, 2025
On July 24, 2025, the Duluth City Council Personnel Committee conducted an interview with Nathan Johnson for appointment to the Resource Renewal (formerly Western Lake Superior Sanitary District) board, followed by a council agenda session reviewing multiple resolutions and ordinances.
Personnel Committee Interview
- Nathan Johnson, a professor in civil and environmental engineering at UMD, interviewed for appointment to the Resource Renewal board. He cited his technical expertise in environmental engineering and a recent shift toward applying research to wastewater systems. He discussed promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through involvement in faculty search committees. Councillors expressed support, and the appointment will be considered by the full council in the first week of August.
Consent Calendar
- Items 2–5 (resolutions 596, 605, 615, 619), items 8–12 (resolutions 606, 608, 609, 611, 612), items 13–14 (resolutions 564, 567), and items 19–21 (ordinances 17, 19, 20, 21) were read with no questions and will proceed to the council agenda.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 607 (Crime Victim Grant): Authorizing acceptance of a $70,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to partially fund a victim services specialist. Councillor Awell asked about the remaining funding source and FTE. Attorney Lair clarified that the remainder comes from the general fund and the position is a 0.8 FTE that already exists.
- Resolution 595 (Council Member Fee Increase): Charter Commission recommendation to increase council member fees. Councillor Randorf questioned the timing given upcoming budget challenges. Mr. Staling stated the increase would come from the council budget and that the commission did not consider the city's budget. No decision was made.
- Resolution 618 (Tenant Right to Repair): Petition ordinance to place a tenant right-to-repair question on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Councillor Awell asked if an alternative resolution would be brought forward; Attorney Lair said no.
- Resolution 613 (Spirit Mountain Electrical Upgrades): Authorizing a $199,969 contract with PEC Solutions for electrical upgrades for the new chairlift installation. Councillor Derwachter asked about the additional cost. Mr. Philby Williams explained that the existing infrastructure is 50 years old and the upgrades will also benefit snowmaking and lighting. The total chairlift cost is $4.4 million.
- Resolution 614 (Hayfield Solar Energy Project): Authorizing negotiation of a lease with Eden Renewables for a solar project. Estimated financial benefit to the city is $1.6 million over 25 years, including lease payments and a portion of energy production taxes. Councillor Awell asked about location, benefit, and revenue. Mr. Philby Williams stated the project is north of Hawk Ridge and subject to Minnesota Power approval.
- Ordinance 17 (Daycare Facilities): Amendment to city code regarding daycare facilities. Attorney Laird provided an amendment. Councillor Kennedy requested a first read to allow vetting. The item will be brought to the Monday council meeting as a first read.
- Ordinance 18 (Transportation Commission): Ordinance to establish a Duluth Transportation Commission. Councillor Awell asked about staff edits. Administrator Staling said edits will take a few weeks. Councillor Awell offered to assist.
Key Outcomes
- No formal votes were taken during the agenda session.
- The personnel committee concluded the interview; Nathan Johnson's appointment will be considered by the full council in the first week of August.
- All discussed items will be on the council agenda for the next meeting (Monday, July 28, 2025) or at a later date as noted.
- Ordinance 17 (daycare) will be moved to a first read on Monday.
- Ordinance 18 (transportation commission) will be tabled for further staff edits.
Meeting Transcript
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