Duluth City Council Meeting - September 22, 2025

The Duluth City Council met on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting focused on setting the maximum property tax levies for 2026, including the general fund, special parks fund, Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and Duluth Transit Authority (DTA). The council also approved a substantial consent agenda and heard passionate public testimony on housing, transportation, and library services. Votes were taken on amendments to the general fund levy and the DTA levy, with the general fund levy increased by 1% over the mayor's proposal and the DTA levy approved as originally proposed.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 25-0716R: Issuance of up to $4,570,000 General Obligation Tourism Tax Revenue Bonds. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0721R: Acceptance of a $510,000 grant from the State of Minnesota for Lake Superior Zoo. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0707R: Purchase of network data backup software and services for five years from Insight Public Sector for $278,440.20. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0718R: Approving premise permit applications for Glen Avon Hockey Club and Duluth Curling Club. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0719R: Approving various liquor licenses. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0726R: Amending civil service classification of Water System Maintenance Foreperson. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0728R: Approving new classification of Graduate Engineer and specifying contract benefits. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0732R: Amending classification of Data Practices Compliance Specialist. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0743R: Confirming appointment of Tim Meyer to Parks and Recreation Commission. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0725R: Software subscriber agreement with St. Louis County for real property records access at $125/month per license. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0714R: Awarding contract to Northland Constructors for Garfield Avenue concrete pavement repairs and 3rd Avenue W. reconstruction for $444,600.00. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0715R: Professional services agreement with AE2S for Lakewood Filter Rehabilitation for $386,559.00. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0724R: Accepting permanent easement from Laurel Ann Sanders and John Donahue in Fond du Lac neighborhood at no cost. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0731R: Detour agreement with MnDOT for Trunk Highway 61 project using Superior Street, 40th, 26th, and 21st Avenues East. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolutions 25-0733R through 25-0737R: Accepting permanent and temporary easements from various property owners in Lincoln Park neighborhood at no cost. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0738R: Cooperative agreement with St. Louis County for 2026 maintenance striping program. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0713R: Acceptance of $52,724 National Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant from MN Dept. of Public Safety. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0699R: Contract with Innovative Masonry Restoration LLC for Leif Erikson Park stage repairs not to exceed $298,000. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0723R: Acceptance of $155,000 grant from Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund for Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0727R: Application to MN DNR for Community Tree Planting Grant up to $385,000 to replace trees lost to emerald ash borer. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 25-0730R: Agreement with Confluence Inc. for landscape architectural design services for Priley Circle Restoration not to exceed $355,135. Adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jonah Sargent Egermeier (508 E. 11th St.) spoke about a contractor dispute with Kevin Christensen of Basement Pros/Great Lakes Excavating, citing delays, cave-ins, and damage to his home during a foundation project. He expressed frustration and requested council awareness.
• Drew Filkins (4715 Glenwood St., Stability Services Manager at CHUM) spoke in support of the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA), highlighting the partnership between the warming center and DTA that provides rides for homeless clients. He noted that the warming center served over 70 people per night last season and urged continued funding.
• Barbara Montee (2114 E. 5th St., landlord) spoke about the housing shortage and advocated for removing bedroom count restrictions on rentals, arguing that life safety inspectors should determine bedroom safety. She stated that 40% of Duluth homes are rentals and that lifting restrictions would increase available beds.
• Eleanor Dolan (District 4, social worker) spoke against cuts to the DTA levy, libraries, and crisis response, stating that the bus to the warming shelter saves lives. She criticized the council for increasing police funding while cutting core services and called for a higher tax levy. She also expressed dismay at comments made by Councilors Tomanek, Kennedy, Swenson, and Nephew at a previous meeting, calling them homophobic.
• Aaron Krieger (3015 N. 52nd Ave. E., Executive Director of Duluth Library Foundation) spoke in support of library funding, noting that the library has been operating on a shoestring budget and that any reduction could lead to reduced hours. He referenced the 2008 cuts that left branches open only two days a week and urged the council to give themselves flexibility in the levy.
• Brad Little (4707 E. Superior St., owner of e-bike Duluth) thanked the council for establishing a Transportation Commission and encouraged not cutting DTA funding. He noted that September 22 is World Car Free Day and promoted the upcoming Week Without Driving.
• Daniel Jahr (5312 Winida St.) requested that the city establish setback requirements for non-accessory structures on rear property lines in alleys, citing snow removal, grading, safety, and maintenance concerns. He noted that currently there are no setback requirements for items like stacked firewood.
• Libby Bent (2423 E. 2nd St., Vibrant Streets) thanked the council for the Transportation Commission and advocated for lower speed limits, citing Helsinki's zero traffic fatalities. She urged full funding of the DTA, noting that an amendment to half-fund the levy would leave the DTA $500,000 short and force service cuts.
• Amber Boettcher (2021 W. 2nd St., Lincoln Park) spoke as a person with disabilities who relies on the DTA for medical appointments, groceries, and independence. She urged full funding of the DTA, noting that previous routing changes already reduced access.
• Jack Lind (303 E. 8th St.) spoke as a concerned citizen, criticizing the city for planning to cut the DTA budget. He said public transportation is a non-negotiable service and urged Councilor Tomanek to vote against reduction, referencing her prayer for homeless individuals.
• Brandon Parker (621 Atlantic Ave., District 4) spoke about the housing crisis and urged the council to ban landlords' use of algorithmic rent-fixing software like RealPage. He cited a 50% increase in median home prices since 2020 and noted that Minneapolis has adopted such an ordinance. He also called for reinstating the public council email account for transparency.
• Hadrian DeMaioribus (2391 Woodland Ave., organizer with Vibrant Industries Duluth) thanked the council for passing the Transportation Commission and urged full funding of the DTA, stating that mobility for all creates a thriving city.
• Mike Casey (Smithville, past DTA board member) urged the council not to cut the DTA levy, stating that the DTA manages fiscal responsibility well. He emphasized that transit is essential infrastructure and that every dollar invested returns multiple dollars in economic activity. He noted that Duluth's crash rate per capita is double that of Minneapolis.
• Asher Estrin-Haire (District 4) spoke in support of the library and DTA as core services, criticizing council members who ignore constituent messages. He said the budget deficit could have been avoided and urged the council to listen to the public.
• Caroline Olson (219 W. Kent Rd., oncology nurse) spoke about her patients who rely on the DTA to get to life-saving oncology appointments. She urged the council to fully fund the DTA, noting that she and a patient both used the blue line that day.

Discussion Items

General Fund Tax Levy (Resolution 25-0697R)

Councilor Forsman introduced the resolution proposing a 4.13% increase in the property tax levy for general purposes, equal to $1,793,383. He noted that new construction added 1.43% growth ($621,622) and highlighted four projects that made up 45% of that growth: Aeris Duluth Apartment Building, Amazon Distribution Center, the acres on Arrowhead, and Town Place Suites. Councilor Awal proposed an amendment to increase the levy by an additional 2% (to 6.13%) to provide flexibility while the budget is still incomplete. After discussion, Councilor Awal amended her motion to a 1% increase (totaling 5.13%), citing the need to evaluate the budget and protect core services like libraries, parks, and the DTA. Councilor Durrwachter supported the 1% increase, noting it does not lock in a final number. Councilor Forsman opposed any increase, arguing that taxpayers are already burdened. Councilor Swenson and Vice President Nephew also opposed, citing concerns about taxing seniors and renters. The motion to amend passed 5-4 (Councilors Awal, Durrwachter, Kennedy, DeLuca, and Tomanek in favor; Councilors Forsman, Randorf, Swenson, and Nephew opposed). The amended resolution then passed 9-0.

Special Parks Fund Levy (Resolution 25-0698R)

Councilor Swenson noted that the Parks Commission had sent a resolution with recommendations for parks infrastructure. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

HRA Levy (Resolution 25-0700R)

Vice President Nephew highlighted that the increase includes about $86,000 for a partnership with Union Gospel Mission for Mission Heights, a tax credit housing project. Adopted unanimously.

DTA Levy (Resolution 25-0702R)

Councilor Randorf introduced an amendment to reduce the DTA's proposed 43% levy increase (approx. $996,000) to a 21% increase, citing sustainability concerns. She noted that the DTA's 2026 budget includes a 43% increase in operating costs and projects a $2 million increase in 2027 and a $7 million levy by 2030. She suggested cost reductions in staffing, capital projects, and reserves. Councilor Forsman supported the amendment, emphasizing that the 43% increase is not sustainable. Councilor Awal opposed the amendment, expressing concern about cuts to the warming shelter shuttle and the canal park trolley, and noting that the DTA levy is only 0.07% of the city's total levy. Councilor Durrwachter opposed the amendment, citing the importance of the DTA for vulnerable populations, including coworkers and disabled residents. Councilor Swenson supported the amendment but preferred continued collaboration. Councilor DeLuca noted that she had a deeper discussion with General Manager Beldon and learned that the DTA is strategically using federal funds to reduce future levy dependence. She recommended not amending the levy but working with the DTA between now and December. After further questioning of General Manager Beldon, the amendment's co-authors (Councilors Forsman, Randorf, and Nephew) withdrew the amendment. The original resolution was adopted unanimously.

First Reading of Ordinances

• Ordinance 25-023-O: Authorizing issuance of up to $1,245,000 in General Obligation Lakewalk Restoration Bonds.
• Ordinance 25-024-O: Authorizing issuance of up to $1,840,000 in General Obligation Lakefront Restoration Bonds.
• Ordinance 25-025-O: Amending Section 8A-4 to exclude combination businesses operating a retail location from maximum cannabis retail business registration requirements. All three ordinances were read for the first time.

Key Outcomes

• General Fund Levy (Resolution 25-0697R): Amended to increase the maximum levy by 5.13% (1% over the mayor's proposal of 4.13%). The amendment passed 5-4, and the amended resolution passed 9-0.
• Special Parks Fund Levy (Resolution 25-0698R): Adopted unanimously.
• HRA Levy (Resolution 25-0700R): Adopted unanimously.
• DTA Levy (Resolution 25-0702R): Adopted unanimously as originally proposed (43% increase). The amendment to reduce to 21% was withdrawn.
• Consent Agenda: All 25 resolutions adopted unanimously.
• Ordinances: First reading completed for all three ordinances.
• Next Steps: The council will hold a budget retreat on October 31, 2025, to review the full budget. Councilor Awal announced a personnel chair meeting on October 23 or 27 to discuss board and commission work. The mayor reiterated the goal of achieving a 2.7% levy increase in the final budget. The DTA will continue to work with the council ahead of the December budget vote.