Duluth City Council Agenda Session - January 26, 2026

The Duluth City Council held an agenda session on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, with Councilor President Nephew participating via audio. The meeting began approximately two minutes late due to technical setup. The council reviewed a lengthy consent agenda, discussing numerous items in detail but taking no formal votes. Several items were pulled for later consideration, and staff were directed to provide additional information on multiple topics.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 (26-0061R) – Acceptance of gifts $10,000 or less: Councilor Randorf asked whether the resolution included grants. Staff clarified it covers only small gifts, not grants, and that a report on accepted gifts could be provided upon request.
• Items 7-9 – Civil service classifications: Councilor Durwachter asked about the new Digital Forensic Analyst position. Chief Senewa explained it is a new civilian role to extract digital evidence, funded by reducing sworn strength and reallocating positions. Councilor Klanaugh confirmed warrants or consent are typically required for device searches. Councilor Durwachter also asked for an application or resume for the Natural Resources Commission appointee; staff committed to provide that information before the Monday meeting.
• Item 10 (26-0028R) – Shoreland permit fee reduction: Director VanTassel stated fees were reevaluated to align with actual review costs, reducing the fee from $500 to $100. Councilor Durwachter questioned the rationale; Director VanTassel said the change covers administrative costs only.
• Items 11-12 (26-0034R, 26-0035R) – Parking ramp lease amendments: Councilor Forsman asked for the number of leased spaces on the ground level. Staff said the first level has 65 spaces; the ground level is exclusive use but the exact number is undetermined. Councilor Tomanek asked why the lease moved from the second level; staff agreed to research.
• Item 20 (26-0080R) – Resolution of intent to sell property in Central Hillside: Pulled by administration for a future meeting.
• Item 24 (26-0026R) – Giant Voices contract for brochures, gas survey, and membership: Councilor DeSotelle asked what the gas survey entails and whether electronic billing would reduce costs. Staff will have Director Benning provide details.
• Item 25 (26-0032R) – No parking zone on 24th Avenue West: Councilor Randorf asked if similar restrictions are planned for 27th Avenue due to snow and width compliance with MnDOT. Staff will check before Monday.
• Item 30 (26-0056R) – DECC hot water pipe change order with Stack Bros: Councilor Durwachter questioned why the city must pay $35,336 for delays allegedly caused by Evergreen (city’s steam plant manager). Staff will review the change order and respond before Monday.
• Item 23 (26-0010R) – DTA bus stop improvement design: Councilor Klanaugh asked if the redesigns consider not making stops unfriendly to homeless individuals. Staff did not have that design detail and will follow up.
• Item 26 (26-0033R) – Gas meter encoder receiver transmitters (ERTs): Councilor DeSotelle asked how many transmitters the $370,000 purchase covers and their lifespan. Staff will connect her with Director Benning.
• Item 27 (26-0039R) – Lead service line replacement engineering increase: Councilor DeSotelle questioned the 10% increase in costs. Staff will provide more information.
• Item 33 (26-0058R) – Purchase of eight police interceptor hybrids: Councilor Durwachter asked about vehicle lifespan. Chief Senewa explained the fleet cycle: patrol cars are replaced after a few years and cycled to less intensive roles.
• Item 36 (26-0047R) – ATV route study grant acceptance: Councilor Durwachter asked if this duplicates a previous study. Councilor Forsman recalled the prior item was only an application, not a grant. Staff will confirm.
• Items 34 & 36 (Spirit Mountain trail amendments): Councilor Forsman questioned the funding source, noting the St. Louis River Corridor tax has been reauthorized for athletic venues. She requested a committee of the whole update on the athletic venues initiative. Vice President Kennedy acknowledged the request.
• Item 40 (26-0067R) – City Hall restroom remodel (Phase 1): Councilor Tomanek asked if this covers one restroom and whether ARPA funds are used. Staff clarified it is both fourth-floor restrooms, part of a multi-year CIP, and will check the funding source.
• Item 39 (26-0062R) – Airport grant acceptance: Councilor Klanaugh verified the funds are for general public facilities, not hangar improvements for the 148th Fighter Wing. Staff will confirm.
• Item 41 – Ordinance for Central Hillside property conveyance: Pulled by administration for a future agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Items pulled: Item 20 (resolution of intent to sell) and Item 41 (ordinance for Lake Avenue Lofts) were pulled by the administration for later council consideration.
• Information requests: Staff committed to provide answers before the Monday council meeting on: Natural Resources Commission appointment process; parking space count for ground-level lease; DECC change order justification; gas survey content and cost reduction plans; ERT quantity and lifespan; lead service line cost increase details; and whether ATV study duplicates previous work.
• **Councilor Forsman requested a future committee of the whole on the athletic venues initiative. Vice President Kennedy supported the idea.
• Transparency reminder: Vice President Kennedy reminded councilors to pull items only during open agenda sessions or Monday meetings, not via weekend emails.
• No formal votes were taken as this was an agenda session.