Duluth City Council Meeting - September 18, 2025

The Duluth City Council met on September 18, 2025, at 5:15 PM to discuss several agenda items, including the proposed maximum tax levy for 2026, the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) budget, and various resolutions. The council considered a 4.13% maximum levy increase, with debate over providing additional flexibility. The DTA General Manager presented potential service cuts if the requested 42.9% levy increase were reduced to around 21-25%.

Consent Calendar

• Resolutions 697, 698, 700, 702 (Items 2-5): Proposed sums to be raised by taxation for general purposes, special parks fund, HRA, and DTA for 2026. These were discussed and later moved to the consent agenda.
• Resolutions 716 and 721 (Items 6-7): Authorizing issuance of tourism tax revenue bonds (up to $4,570,000) and acceptance of a $510,000 grant for the Lake Superior Zoo.
• Resolutions 707, 718, 719 (Items 8-10): Purchasing and licensing – network data backup software ($278,440.20), premise permits for Glen Avon hockey club and Duluth Curling Club, and various liquor licenses.
• Resolutions 726, 728, 732, 743 (Items 11-14): Personnel – amendments to civil service classifications (water system maintenance, graduate engineer, data practices compliance specialist) and appointment of Tim Meyer to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Resolution 725 (Item 15): Software subscriber agreement with St. Louis County for property records access ($125 per month per license).
• Resolutions 714R, 715R, 724R, 731, 733-738 (Items 16-25): Public works – contracts for Garfield Avenue repairs, Lakewood Filter Rehabilitation, easements for Lincoln Park neighborhood, and a cooperative agreement for road striping.
• Resolution 713 (Item 26): Public safety – acceptance of $52,724 grant for forensic laboratory equipment.
• Resolutions 699, 723, 727, 730 (Items 27-30): Recreation/libraries – stage repairs at Leif Ericsson Park ($298,000), grant for Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve ($155,000), tree planting grant application ($385,000), and design services for Priley Circle Restoration ($355,135).
• Ordinances 23 and 24 (Items 31-32): Authorizing issuance of lakewalk restoration bonds ($1,245,000 and $1,840,000).
• Ordinance 25 (Item 33): Amending cannabis retail business registration requirements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were noted in the transcript.

Discussion Items

• DTA Levy and Service Cuts (Items 2-5): General Manager Chris Beldon responded to Councilor Randorf's question about managing a 21-25% levy increase instead of the requested 42.9%. Beldon outlined potential cuts: first, the warming center program (shuttle cost ~$50,000 annually, plus lost fare revenue ~$11,000); second, the Canal Park tourist trolley (Port Town Trolley, saving ~$250,000, though new trolleys would need to be disposed of with proceeds likely returned to the federal government); and third, neighborhood routes such as Route 113 (Park Point and Canal Park), Route 112 (Woodland, Kenwood, Duluth Heights, Miller Hill Mall), and Route 109 (Spirit Valley, Bayview Heights). Beldon noted that Park Point route costs ~$570,000 annually and is the lowest performing, with no alternative public transport. He emphasized that any route reductions would require community engagement and board approval. Councilor Randorf noted that a 21.5% increase would be $498,000 instead of $996,000, making it possible to avoid cutting a route if the warming center and trolley savings were applied. Councilor Owell inquired about the trolley's usage and seasonal use; Beldon confirmed it is used for events like Homegrown and Grandma's Marathon. Councilor Howell asked about the Park Point route's ridership and the possibility of an on-demand service; Beldon said it was tried during the pandemic but cost more. Councilor Kennedy asked if cutting a route would require returning funds; Beldon said no for operating costs, but yes for capital assets like vehicles.
• Maximum Levy Discussion (Items 2-5 continued): Councilor Owell expressed concern about voting on the max levy (4.13%) without a full department budget breakdown, noting that previous years had low levies (1.5% last year, 2% the year prior, and a reduction from 9% to 6% three years ago). She suggested raising the levy by 1-2% to provide wiggle room for potential needs, such as funding for boards and commissions (African Heritage, Indigenous, NQ, and Disability Commissions) that lack budgets. She also worried about dipping into the affordable housing trust fund or CIT funds. Councilor Randorf supported the 4.13% max levy, trusting the mayor's plan and noting that the council can adjust in December; he emphasized avoiding taxpayer burden. Councilor Nephew agreed, citing rising property values and the need to avoid taxing residents out of their homes, and suggested exploring public-private partnerships for parks. The council did not vote on the levy at this meeting; the decision is scheduled for Monday.
• Personnel Items (Items 11-14): Councilor Owell clarified that most items were updating existing job classifications, except for the new graduate engineer position, which is designed to attract engineers directly out of college. Administration confirmed there is no hiring freeze but a thoughtful review of vacancies. Councilor Owell asked about the sustainability officer position; Mr. Staling said Dr. Shauna Weaver is serving as interim director, and a budget retreat on October 31 will discuss the long-term vision.
• Public Works Items (Items 16-25): Councilor Owell noted the West Superior Street reconstruction project, which includes ADA-compliant sidewalks, multi-use trails, improved lighting, and green spaces. Mr. Staling confirmed that the work will also improve transit and parking, and that the council will see 24 total easement actions for this project.
• Public Safety (Item 26): Chief Sanoa explained that the forensic science grant will fund a 3D scanner for mapping crime scenes and vehicle crashes, reducing mapping time from hours to minutes.
• Recreation/Authorities (Items 27-30): Councilor Randorf asked about the Priley Circle Restoration Project (Item 30). Mr. Birkland confirmed it is funded through the CIP, with design in 2025 and implementation later; the city is paying one-third of the $355,135 design cost, with the federal GSA and county sharing the rest.
• Cannabis Ordinance (Item 33): Councilor Randorf asked about buffer distances for cannabis businesses near schools. Deputy City Attorney Enslin said he would provide the answer by Monday, including whether the city's ordinance matches the county's 1,000-foot school buffer and 500-foot buffer for daycares, residential treatment facilities, and parks with minors' attractions.

Key Outcomes

• No final votes taken on the levy. The council will consider amendments and vote on Monday, September 22, 2025. Councilor Randorf indicated that amendments should be submitted to the city attorney.
• All consent agenda items (resolutions and ordinances) were approved unanimously without separate roll call votes, as no questions or objections were raised.
• The budget retreat is scheduled for October 31, 2025.
• The city attorney will provide a written response on cannabis buffer distances by the next meeting.
• Councilor DeLuca noted an exhibit error in resolution 735, where a duplicate easement from the King trusts was mistakenly included; this will be corrected.