OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Duluth City Council Meeting: Budget, Lester Park, and Transit Decisions on December 8, 2025

City Council — Monday, December 8, 2025
BodyDuluth, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, December 8, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

Clean, safe and affordable housing for all residents of the community.

0:04

The HRA manages over a thousand one hundred units of public housing, including scattered single site homes, townhomes, and six high-rise apartment buildings throughout the city.

0:15

They also administer 1,700 section 8 rent subsidy vouchers for income qualifying tenants to keep keeping their rent affordable.

0:25

The HRA is also involved in the creation of affordable housing opportunities, community development initiatives, and neighborhood revitalization efforts in cooperation with the City of Duluth and other organizations.

0:36

Thank you so much for being willing to come and uh interview with us for your possible appointment to the HRA.

0:44

Before we begin, I would just like to give you some time to introduce yourself to the uh to the council.

0:50

So my name is Jacinta.

0:52

I've worked and lived in this community for 17 years.

0:55

I moved here for employment, and I have stayed and raised four children in this community.

1:01

My children are now 18 to 22 and out doing 18 to 22 year old things.

1:06

And I've worked in human resources for the majority of my career.

1:10

I started in the human resources uh area of employment when I was in the military.

1:15

And so I have now gone on to earn a degree in uh organizational development as well as an MBA, and I work to be a fair employer and offer as much support to the employment and the community world that I work in and go from there.

1:31

So it's a little bit about myself.

1:33

Thank you so much.

1:34

Um Ms.

1:35

Roth.

1:37

Um and so I have a pre-termined set of questions that I will be going through with you, and then we'll open it up for counselor questions and comments.

1:46

First question, very simple.

1:47

Why are you interested in serving on this particular board?

1:51

Um I think employment and housing are uh intersection where we all can live and work and often have to come together and make decisions and support one another.

2:01

And so the HRA offers a unique opportunity for our communities to support employment and employers and individuals by creating stability for housing.

2:11

And as a large employer representative, I have the ability to see into different layers and different wage points of challenges associated with it.

2:19

So when I was asked about it, I thought it would be an interesting role for me to offer some insight into.

2:24

Thank you.

2:25

Please give a brief outline of your educational and work experience along with your personal strengths.

2:31

How will your background experience and personal strengths be of benefit in relation to the Duluth HRA?

2:38

Okay.

2:39

Um so I served in the United States military in the Army Reserve right after high school, and then after that was over, I served um as an American family agent for a short period of time, and then that's what brought me to the Duluth region.

2:53

I went to night school for five years and had kids at home while I was doing that, so I understand kind of that balanced approach as well as that sometimes you got a lot of things going on at the same time, and so housing can be a real challenge at times with that.

3:07

Serving families is something I'm passionate about, and that's experience I would definitely draw from.

3:12

Um I've worked in human resources at several levels.

3:15

My previous role I was the executive vice president in my role.

3:18

Now I'm over at Soffadel and I'm the regional manager for Soffadel.

3:23

So I have multiple locations.

3:24

I do actually a lot of geographic mapping and understanding of medium-based income as well as income and challenges of recruiting and retaining individuals within communities.

3:35

So I've got some experience with that.

3:37

I'm very passionate about how to work within groups and systems to create change that's manageable, and I've learned a lot about that both in my educational background and then my experience.

3:49

Um, my undergrad is in organizational development with a management focus, and my master's is in um MBA with a change management leadership focus.

3:58

So I've participated in several leadership cohorts over the years, and I think this space of serving and working within our community is a space that's well defined with individuals who hold roles in the community that they're working in and live in those communities as well.

4:13

Thank you so much, Miss Roth.

4:15

Yes.

4:15

Is that can I address you as Ms.

4:17

Roth?

4:18

Absolutely, yep.

4:18

Thank you.

4:19

Um next question.

4:21

Um, and the next few set of questions are just going to be very um technical questions.

4:27

Umly serving on any other border commission for the city of Duluth or elsewhere, if so, which ones?

4:34

No, I am not.

4:36

Do you have personal or financial interest, direct or indirect with the Duluth HRA?

4:42

Um, or are you in any are you engaged in any capacity where in conflict of interest may arise?

4:48

I do not believe I am that.

4:51

Do you foresee any personal scheduling conflicts which may prevent you from attending the regular meetings of the Duluth HRA, which meets, I believe, on the fourth Wednesday of the month?

5:03

No, I do not have any confidence.

5:05

And with that, counselors, I will um open up the questioning for any other counselors.

5:16

As counselors are I have one question for you as counselors uh put in their questions.

5:24

Um can you give an example of how you have promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion in your past roles?

5:29

This is a question that I ask all interviews from my perspective as just an individual counselor that I think in the current challenging times is an important question to bring up.

5:39

Absolutely, thank you, counselor.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use Planning██████████████████18%
Budget Equity Analysis███████████11%
Public Transportation███████████11%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Procedural█████████9%
Tourism Management██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Economic Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Duluth City Council Meeting – December 8, 2025

The Duluth City Council held a lengthy meeting covering the 2026 budget, property tax levy, capital improvements, and several controversial items, including the transfer of the former Lester Park Golf Course to the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) and the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) levy. Public comment was extensive, with many residents expressing concerns about process, transparency, and the prioritization of development over preservation.

Consent Calendar

  • 25-0883R – Adopted the 2026 fee schedule for licenses, permits, fines, etc.
  • 25-0918R – Approved the Capital Improvement Plan and intent to issue bonds.
  • 25-0919R – Authorized capital equipment notes for $4,825,000.
  • 25-0927R – Allocated $75,000 in tourism taxes for a DECC facilities condition assessment, with a $75,000 grant request from St. Louis County.
  • 25-0928R – Authorized a $10,000,000 revolving line of credit for the Duluth Airport Authority.
  • 25-0929R – Authorized a $4,000,000 revolving line of credit for the DECC.
  • 25-0931R – Approved the 2026 operating budget of the Duluth Airport Authority.
  • 25-0941R – Established the annual bonding plan for 2026.
  • 25-0926R – Authorized a five-year agreement with Tyler Technologies for software and cloud services ($370,289 for 2026, not to exceed $1,976,899 over five years).
  • 25-0917R – Elected members to the Duluth/North Shore Sanitary District board.
  • 25-0943R – Confirmed Kari Hedin, Glenn Merrick, and Tanya Feldkamp to the Natural Resources Commission.
  • 25-0914R – Established 2026 legislative priorities.
  • 25-0915R – Supported additional legislative initiatives (later amended and passed).
  • Numerous other resolutions for street preservation, culvert repairs, water tower reconditioning, sewer lining, lead service inventory, utility crossings, ballistic vests, violent offender task force grant, and Spirit Mountain chairlift changes were approved unanimously.
  • 25-0906R (grant for Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, $768,700) was initially on consent but pulled for discussion and later passed 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Marsha Larraby (Firehouse Flats resident) expressed frustration about safety, police response, and homeless-related issues in her building.
  • Betty Ramsland (library advocate, 311 E Superior St) – Urged increased library funding, noting the budget has been static for over 20 years and that two positions (library manager and librarian) will not be filled.
  • Aaron Krieger (Duluth Library Foundation director, 3015 N 52nd Ave E) – Supported an increased levy for the library; warned that a potential restructuring could lead to further staff losses; highlighted the foundation’s $1.2 million in investments.
  • Sue Henke (Library Board member, 1907 Melrose Ave) – Thanked the council for a 1% levy increase but expressed concern about a possible additional position loss; urged vigilance.
  • Hadrian DeMarabus (Byband Streets Duluth, 2391 Woodland Ave) – Supported the flow street resolution, noting e-bike commuting benefits and safety concerns for cyclists.
  • Mickey Pearson (Apex business recruiter, E 4th St) – Strongly supported the Lester Park golf course transfer to DEDA, citing housing needs and economic growth; argued that Duluth has ample parkland.
  • Asher Estran (2391 Woodland Ave) – Opposed the process, alleging corruption and cronyism; criticized the DEDA study and the parking ramp cost overruns; demanded an ethics investigation.
  • Dave Pagle (Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance, 801 Woodland Ave) – Neither for nor against the transfer but opposed the coupling of the golf course transfer with the 1,500-acre parkland protection; asked for a transparent, public process.
  • Michael Bernston (attorney, Chester Park) – Opposed the ordinance, arguing it subverts the 8/9 vote requirement for parkland conveyance; cited potential health risks from golf course chemicals (Parkinson’s disease); urged councillors to vote no.
  • Dominic Farfaro (320 Morley Pkwy) – Asked to table the proposal; noted historical donations of land; urged keeping land in public trust.
  • Jim Sandness (1805 Valhalla Ave) – Supported maintaining municipal golf; urged that any sale proceeds be used for golf program debt, not split.
  • Tone Lanzillo (Loves and Fishes Committee, 1925 Jefferson St) – Requested a full-time sustainability officer; cited climate change and wildfire smoke data.
  • Kathy Peterson (4601 Sego St) – Opposed Lester Park transfer; supported a sustainability director.
  • Robert Sheeve (3910 W 7th St) – Asked for plowing of an access road.
  • Lisa Fitzpatrick (5229 Peabody St) – Supported full-time sustainability officer and opposed the rushed Lester Park process; presented a petition with ~1,000 signatures.
  • Jeremy Kershaw (Heck of the North Productions, 1314 E 6th St) – Asked for transparency in the Lester Park process.
  • Libby Bent (2423 E 2nd St) – Supported zoning 1,500 acres as parkland separately; opposed auto-oriented development on the golf course; supported sustainability officer.
  • Linda Heron (2617 E 5th St) – Urged full-time sustainability officer; called for tabling Lester Park transfer until new council members are seated.
  • Alec Cadlack (address not given) – Concerned about tying issues together; requested a transparent process.
  • Scott Lederman (McCullough St, District 1) – Opposed coupling of issues and conveying land before a land-use study.
  • Tim Allen (4521 Pitt St) – Advocated for multi-use development including housing, recreation, and golf; urged action.
  • Adam McGill (58th Ave W, DTA Board member) – Opposed the amendment to cut DTA levy from $3.07M to $2.82M, warning of reduced service and future higher levies; asked to table the amendment.
  • Alex Wenson (Morley Heights) – Criticized the process as lacking transparency; urged separating the issues.
  • Kristen Tsar (201 Snabley Rd, Hunter’s Park) – Supported protection of outdoor spaces; questioned why affordable housing would be built in a non-walkable area; urged separating parkland designation from golf course transfer.
  • Brandon Parker (4th District) – Rejected the framing of the debate; urged delinking the two issues and requested a public process for the violent offender task force resolution.
  • Rachel Johnson (Apex CEO, 5702 O'Neida St) – Supported the transfer to DEDA, citing housing needs and economic development; urged council to vote yes.
  • Tom DeSutter (5627 N Shore Dr) – Supported a renewed recreational and housing development on the golf course; presented a vision including golf, trails, and community center.
  • Jane Hovland (13th & Skyline Pkwy) – Supported a full-time sustainability officer; opposed rushed decisions on Lester Park.
  • Dory Risenweber (101 W Kent Rd) – Called for maintaining a full-time sustainability officer.
  • Lindsay Biddle (DTA Board president, address not given) – Opposed the DTA levy amendment; highlighted transit services.
  • Lindsay Lee (1316 E 11th St) – Supported green spaces and opposed the transfer; asked to separate the issues.
  • Julie O'Leary (5128 Arnold Rd) – Presented comments from Judy Gibbs noting that the 1,500 acres are not immediately threatened and called the coupling a false choice.
  • Amanda Mosniak (321 Restormal St) – Supported keeping golf course public, a sustainability officer, and libraries; opposed the transfer.
  • Matt Baumgartner (Chamber of Commerce) – Supported the transfer to DEDA and the city’s legislative priorities; favored housing development.
  • Alexandra Panovich (4th District) – Requested transparency and consistency; asked to pause conveyance until promised mini-master plan.
  • Kristen Phillips Madsen (District 1) – Opposed conveyance to DEDA; raised concerns about potential data center development and conflict of interest with Minnesota Power employees on DEDA/council.
  • Jill Crawford Nichols (4th District) – Estimated annual economic value of Duluth’s 11,000 acres of green space at $55 million; questioned council members’ reasoning; highlighted Maxfield study’s population and housing unit numbers.
  • Andrew St. Croix (address not given) – Noted the majority of speakers were against the transfer.

Discussion Items

  • Truth in Taxation Public Hearing – Opened and closed with no comments.
  • Capital Improvement Plan Public Hearing – Opened and closed with no comments.
  • Reports from Administration – City Administrator Steele introduced new Finance Director Salinas; gave a snow removal update, reminding of parking regulations and priorities.
  • DECC Budget Presentation – Executive Director Hartman reported 615,000 visitors in 2025, $61.1 million economic impact (U of MN formula). Highlighted a facilities condition assessment (first in 60 years) and goals: 5% annual revenue increase, LED conversions, staffing challenges, and deferred maintenance. Finance Director Amanda detailed 2026 budget: $14.7M revenues (7% increase), $15.4M expenses (7% increase), profit of $688,000 before depreciation. Cruise revenue down (6 ships budgeted). Council discussion included reserves (~$2M), parking, and regional partnerships.
  • Flow Street Resolution (25-0950R) – Councilor Awal moved to request Transportation Commission to consider converting First Street to a flow street. Councilors expressed support. Passed 9-0.
  • Development Agreement for Lester Park Property (25-0949R) – Authorized DEDA to spend up to $200,000 on a land-use study and conveyed property for that purpose. Councilor Forsman clarified no predetermined developer, and sale proceeds would go to parks and a revolving loan fund. Passed 9-0.
  • Ordinances for 2026 Levy and Budget (25-034-O through 25-038-O, 25-033-O) – First readings. Councilor Awal offered amendments to increase the levy by $323,810 (from 2.7% to 4.89% overall increase) for fire, library, and administrative services. After debate, the amendment passed 7-2. Ordinance 35 and 36 were amended accordingly.
  • DTA Levy Amendment (25-038-O) – A motion to reduce the DTA levy from $3,069,399 (32% increase) to $2,818,438 (21.4% increase) was initially moved by Councilor Randorf but later pulled after DTA General Manager Belden warned of service cuts. The amendment was withdrawn; ordinance 25-038-O passed as originally proposed by the DTA board.
  • Ordinance for Lester Park Conveyance (25-032-O, second reading) – The ordinance authorizing the transfer of the former Lester Park Golf Course to DEDA, contingent on protective designations for 1,500 acres of other city land. Extensive debate. Council members expressed differing views on the linkage, trust in DEDA, and housing needs. Passed 8-0 (Councilor Durwachter voted no).
  • Legislative Priorities Resolution (25-0915R) – An amendment added items G (regional parks and library service exploration) and H (DECC accessibility and deferred maintenance funding). Amended resolution passed 9-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda – Passed 8-1 (Resolution 25-0906R was pulled for discussion but later passed 9-0).
  • Flow Street Resolution – Passed 9-0 to send to Transportation Commission for a nine-month study.
  • Lester Park Development Agreement (25-0949R) – Passed 9-0.
  • Levy Increase Amendments (25-035-O, 25-036-O) – Passed 7-2, increasing the city levy by 0.75% (to 4.89%) over the mayor’s proposal, allocating additional funds to the fire department, library, and administrative services, including a per diem for boards and commissions (pending implementation).
  • DTA Levy (25-038-O) – Approved without amendment; a 32% increase over the prior year (from $2,322,280 to $3,069,399). Councilors expressed intent to seek a city council liaison and an external operational review.
  • Lester Park Conveyance Ordinance (25-032-O) – Passed 8-0 (Durwachter nay). The property is conveyed to DEDA contingent on permanent protection of 1,500 acres of city-owned parkland via park dedication, Natural Areas designation, or P-1 zoning by January 2027.
  • Legislative Priorities (25-0915R) – Amended and passed 9-0.
  • DECC Budget Approval – The 2026 operating budget was approved as part of the consent agenda.
  • Other Resolutions – All consent items passed, including numerous contracts, grants, and appointments.

Meeting Transcript

Clean, safe and affordable housing for all residents of the community. The HRA manages over a thousand one hundred units of public housing, including scattered single site homes, townhomes, and six high-rise apartment buildings throughout the city. They also administer 1,700 section 8 rent subsidy vouchers for income qualifying tenants to keep keeping their rent affordable. The HRA is also involved in the creation of affordable housing opportunities, community development initiatives, and neighborhood revitalization efforts in cooperation with the City of Duluth and other organizations. Thank you so much for being willing to come and uh interview with us for your possible appointment to the HRA. Before we begin, I would just like to give you some time to introduce yourself to the uh to the council. So my name is Jacinta. I've worked and lived in this community for 17 years. I moved here for employment, and I have stayed and raised four children in this community. My children are now 18 to 22 and out doing 18 to 22 year old things. And I've worked in human resources for the majority of my career. I started in the human resources uh area of employment when I was in the military. And so I have now gone on to earn a degree in uh organizational development as well as an MBA, and I work to be a fair employer and offer as much support to the employment and the community world that I work in and go from there. So it's a little bit about myself. Thank you so much. Um Ms. Roth. Um and so I have a pre-termined set of questions that I will be going through with you, and then we'll open it up for counselor questions and comments. First question, very simple. Why are you interested in serving on this particular board? Um I think employment and housing are uh intersection where we all can live and work and often have to come together and make decisions and support one another. And so the HRA offers a unique opportunity for our communities to support employment and employers and individuals by creating stability for housing. And as a large employer representative, I have the ability to see into different layers and different wage points of challenges associated with it. So when I was asked about it, I thought it would be an interesting role for me to offer some insight into. Thank you. Please give a brief outline of your educational and work experience along with your personal strengths. How will your background experience and personal strengths be of benefit in relation to the Duluth HRA? Okay. Um so I served in the United States military in the Army Reserve right after high school, and then after that was over, I served um as an American family agent for a short period of time, and then that's what brought me to the Duluth region. I went to night school for five years and had kids at home while I was doing that, so I understand kind of that balanced approach as well as that sometimes you got a lot of things going on at the same time, and so housing can be a real challenge at times with that. Serving families is something I'm passionate about, and that's experience I would definitely draw from. Um I've worked in human resources at several levels. My previous role I was the executive vice president in my role. Now I'm over at Soffadel and I'm the regional manager for Soffadel. So I have multiple locations. I do actually a lot of geographic mapping and understanding of medium-based income as well as income and challenges of recruiting and retaining individuals within communities. So I've got some experience with that. I'm very passionate about how to work within groups and systems to create change that's manageable, and I've learned a lot about that both in my educational background and then my experience. Um, my undergrad is in organizational development with a management focus, and my master's is in um MBA with a change management leadership focus. So I've participated in several leadership cohorts over the years, and I think this space of serving and working within our community is a space that's well defined with individuals who hold roles in the community that they're working in and live in those communities as well. Thank you so much, Miss Roth. Yes. Is that can I address you as Ms. Roth? Absolutely, yep. Thank you. Um next question. Um, and the next few set of questions are just going to be very um technical questions. Umly serving on any other border commission for the city of Duluth or elsewhere, if so, which ones? No, I am not.

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