OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Duluth City Council Meeting – June 29, 2026

City Council — Monday, June 29, 2026
BodyDuluth, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, June 29, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
4:34

Welcome everyone.

4:34

We will get the city council meeting for this evening.

4:38

Um starting?

5:00

Councilor Forzman.

5:02

Councillor Johnson.

5:03

Councillor Randor.

5:05

Vice President Kennedy.

5:06

President Nephew.

5:07

Here, please stand for the pledge.

5:12

I pledge admittions to the flag of the United States of America.

5:16

And to the republic.

5:19

One nation under God.

5:30

Good evening.

5:31

I'd like to welcome everyone to a regular meeting of the Duluth City Council.

5:35

Tonight, the council will conduct its official business and vote on several matters on the agenda.

5:40

There will be an opportunity for public comment before we move on to the consent agenda.

5:45

If you wish to speak, please sign up with the clerk.

5:48

And one thing you should know is that we do have two public comment periods.

5:52

The first public comment period will be for agenda items, and the second public comment period will be for things that are not on our agenda.

6:01

Duluth City Council meetings are conducted in accordance with the council's standing rules and Roberts Rules of Order.

6:07

These rules are established to ensure that our meetings are fair, efficient, orderly, and provide a clear process for decision making.

6:18

So as a reminder, if you'd like to speak, please sign up with the clerk.

6:21

You'll be given three minutes to speak.

6:22

There's a timer on the lectrand, so you can track your three minutes.

6:26

Please finish your comments with the unlotted time.

6:28

When your three minutes are up, I will interrupt you and call in the next person.

6:33

This evening we do still we do have two public um hearings that I will be calling as well.

6:41

So if you would like to speak with those, please speak, please sign up with the clerk as well.

6:46

Um first thing we will open up the public hearing for the Lincoln Park Special Services District.

6:53

Do I have anyone that would like to speak for the public hearing for the Lincoln Park Special Services District?

7:00

That's a lot to say.

7:02

Yes, the first speaker is Cameron Krueger.

7:08

Welcome.

7:09

If you could please state your name and your precinct or zip code.

7:13

Cameron Kruger, 55812.

7:16

And thank you, President Nephew and Counselors.

7:18

Uh again, my name is Cameron Kruger.

7:20

I am the administrator for the Lincoln Park Business Group, and I want to thank you all and city staff for bringing us to tonight's vote.

7:26

Lincoln Park needs a special services district because it is the best tool that is available to us to ensure that our neighborhood continues to thrive far into the future.

7:35

The business group helps keep Lincoln Park clean and supports over 200 businesses in the district by being scrappy.

7:42

And through the generosity of our members and hundreds of volunteer hours.

7:46

But West Superior Street reconstruction has already made some challenges and some impacts on our businesses, and they're gonna hit the middle of our district next year.

7:55

We need to invest in better wayfinding and more marketing to support our businesses, but we don't have the resources.

8:02

And on the other side of this project, we have 26 new trash cans to empty, 47 benches and 65 bike loops to maintain, hundreds of new trees, uh, which are all exciting new additions that we want for our neighborhood, but we can't care for them on a shoestring budget.

8:18

That's all in addition to our clean sweep team's work, walking over four miles of the district to pick up trash, serve as goodwill ambassadors to our visitors, and to help guide struggling neighbors to social services.

8:30

The special services district allows property owners to pool their resources to address all of these issues and more with every dollar contributed staying in Lincoln Park.

8:40

And when it comes time for you to make decisions about tourism tax, I know the council will consider that over 2.5 million dollars our businesses contribute to that fund each year and reinvest that back in a level that supports the ongoing work to make sure that Lincoln Park thrives.

8:58

Thank you.

8:59

Thank you.

9:00

Um our next speaker is Karen Kramer.

9:06

Welcome.

9:07

If you could please state your name and your precinct or zip code.

9:10

Yep.

9:10

Hello, I'm Karen Kramer, and I live at 55807.

9:15

Um I am uh the owner of the Duluth Pottery and Gallery and Lincoln Park.

9:20

I started that business there in 2017 when things were changing.

9:25

Um I started attending some of the meetings that the advancing linking park group were having to try to bring like-minded people to that neighborhood to grow businesses and to make jobs, and we've done a really good job with that.

9:39

Um I invested my own money into buying a commercial building and took out a very large loan to fix it up and turn it into what it is now.

9:48

We have five employees, including myself.

9:51

Uh we have three small businesses housed in that building, and we've been a really important part of the whole thing that's going on in Lincoln Park.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Environmental Protection████████8%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Economic Development████████8%
Land Use Planning███████7%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Duluth City Council Meeting – June 29, 2026

The Duluth City Council met on June 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, with Councilor Clanaugh joining remotely. The meeting included public hearings, public comment periods, approval of a consent agenda, consideration of several resolutions and ordinances, and a vote on the police chief’s contract. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Public Hearings & Appeals

  • Lincoln Park Special Service District: Three speakers supported the creation of the district. Cameron Kruger (administrator, Lincoln Park Business Group) noted that the district would help maintain public improvements and support over 200 businesses. Karin Kraemer (owner, Duluth Pottery and Gallery) emphasized the need for marketing and wayfinding during upcoming construction. Jason Rolfe (vice president, Lincoln Park Business Group) expressed strong support, stating the district would provide structure for a clean, safe environment and maintain new public investments.
  • Assessment Roll for Sanitary Sewer Extension for Westwood Lane: No members of the public spoke.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Agenda Items:
    • Unified Development Chapter (UDC) amendments and/or Downtown Development Strategy: Nicholas Bayuk (55803) spoke in support of UDC amendments, calling them thoughtful and workable. Mickey Pearson (on behalf of Apex) strongly supported the UDC changes, highlighting simplified rules, faster processes, and allowance for missing middle housing. Shaun Floerke (foundation representative) encouraged adoption of both the UDC and downtown strategy to build tax base. Linda Herron (55812) urged inclusion of climate emergency planning in the downtown strategy. Kristi Stokes (downtown Duluth organization) applauded the downtown strategy and UDC changes, noting housing additions and reduced barriers. Matt Baumgartner (president, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce) supported the Lincoln Park Special Service District, the downtown strategy, and UDC amendments, citing housing as economic development. Lisa Fitzpatrick (55804) called for incorporating the Climate Action Plan into the downtown strategy.
    • Police Chief Contract (Resolution 26-0593R): Brandon Parker (4th district) opposed the raise, citing whistleblower lawsuits and surveillance concerns. Justin Dean (55803) opposed, arguing funds should go to schools and other needs. Andrew St. Croix (55804) questioned the salary increase and alleged misconduct. Eleanor Dolan (55806) described negative interactions with the chief and opposed the raise. Joel Kilgore (district 2, precinct 11) did not advocate for or against but spoke positively about the chief’s community engagement and urged deeper conversations about departmental culture.
  • Non-Agenda Items: Kari Hedin (vice chair, Duluth Natural Resources Commission) celebrated the proposal to designate Lester-Amity-Hawk Ridge as a Natural Area, noting it meets all five criteria. Loren Martell (55805) criticized the school district’s communication and financial management, highlighting a survey showing only 22% of the public feels well-informed.

Discussion Items

  • Police Chief Contract (26-0593R): Councilor Durrwachter opposed the raise due to pending whistleblower litigation and the city’s structural deficit, noting the median household income is below $70,000 and the poverty rate is 17%. Councilor Randorf supported the contract, stating it reflects negotiated terms and that litigation is not a finding of fact; he emphasized the need for stability in public safety leadership. Councilor Forsman clarified the raise is not a budget increase and argued the council should focus on governance, not state policy. Vice President Kennedy noted the contract is at-will, allowing future adjustments. Councilor Johnson supported the chief’s community relationships. President Nephew echoed retention concerns and noted the chief is not the highest paid in the state. The resolution passed 7-2, with Councilors Durrwachter and Clanaugh voting no.
  • Downtown Development Strategy (26-0450R): Councilor Desotelle proposed an amendment adding a whereas clause citing Duluth’s Climate Action Plan (2022-2027), Climate Vulnerability Assessment (2018), and Resolution 21-0256R declaring a climate emergency. Some councilors expressed concern about the late amendment, but after discussion and a brief comment from Kristi Stokes (who had no objection), the amendment carried 9-0. The amended resolution then passed 9-0.
  • Lincoln Park Special Service District Service Charges (26-0555R): Councilor Clanaugh noted the district provides a baseline of resources; confusion about tourism tax revenue was clarified as a separate step. The resolution passed 9-0.
  • Unified Development Chapter Amendments (26-019-O, second reading): Councilor Forsman called it one of the most important votes of the year, thanking staff for year-long work. Councilor Desotelle withdrew his sustainability amendments pending a new sustainability coordinator. Councilor Johnson and others noted the importance of addressing missing middle housing. The ordinance passed 9-0.
  • Lincoln Park Special Service District Ordinance (26-020-O, second reading): Councilor Durrwachter and others noted interest in learning from the district for other business districts. The ordinance passed 9-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (9-0). Included 30 items such as:
    • Resolution 26-0587R: Confirm assessment roll for sanitary sewer extension for Westwood Lane.
    • Resolution 26-0565R: Vacate sewer rights-of-way in Congdon neighborhood.
    • Resolution 26-0572R: Accept $50,000 from DEED for Service to Success program.
    • Resolution 26-0524R: Access and snow removal agreement with Duluth Airport Authority.
    • Resolution 26-0566R: Award $58,330 to Alliant Engineering for Medical District Lighting Improvements.
    • Resolution 26-0570R: Authorize $1,200,000 Army Corps partnership for Tischer Creek Tributary 7 Resilience Project.
    • Several easements and license agreements for College Street improvements in Chester Park-UMD neighborhood (at no cost to city).
    • Resolution 26-0597R: Amend AE2S agreement for Lakewood Filter Rehabilitation, increasing by $67,970 to $454,529.
    • Two MnDOT master utility agreements for water and gas on Trunk Highway 535.
    • Resolution 26-0601R: Accept tax forfeited land for road purposes in Chester Park-UMD.
    • Resolution 26-0561R: Accept $5,200 grant for hazardous materials training.
    • Resolution 26-0602R: Agreement with US Coast Guard for fire department support on cutter Spar.
    • Resolution 26-0530R: License agreement with Duluth Backcountry Horsemen through 2029.
    • Resolution 26-0571R: Approve Park Point Recreation Area Plan.
    • Resolution 26-0573R: License agreement with Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa for Mission Creek Forestry Enhancement.
    • Resolution 26-0574R: Subgrant agreement with South St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District for Tischer Creek project.
    • Resolution 26-0590R: Accept Lester-Amity-Hawk Ridge Natural Area Management Plan and final designation.
    • Resolution 26-0596R: Authorize $172,006.85 ATV route study with Short Elliott Hendrickson.
  • Police Chief Contract (26-0593R): Approved 7-2.
  • Resolutions Tabled:
    • 26-0544R (Matt Massman to DECC Authority) remained tabled.
    • 26-0546R (Gerry Goldfarb to DECC Authority) removed from table and approved 9-0.
    • 26-0547R (Jason Gresh to Spirit Mountain Authority) removed from table and approved 9-0.
    • 26-0549R (Steven Gall to Spirit Mountain Authority) removed from table and approved 9-0.
  • Downtown Development Strategy (26-0450R): Amended (added climate resiliency whereas clause) and approved 9-0.
  • Lincoln Park Special Service District Service Charges (26-0555R): Approved 9-0.
  • Ordinances – First Readings (introduced, no vote):
    • 26-021-O: Authorize up to $7,701,228 in taxable grant anticipation revenue notes for water utility improvements.
    • 26-022-O: Amend official zoning map to reclassify parcels in form districts.
  • Ordinances – Second Readings (final votes):
    • 26-018-O: Grant Tall House LLC a concurrent use permit for deck and stairs at 1712 West 3rd Street – approved 9-0.
    • 26-019-O: Amend Chapter 50 (Unified Development Chapter) – approved 9-0.
    • 26-020-O: Establish Lincoln Park Special Service District – approved 9-0.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome everyone. We will get the city council meeting for this evening. Um starting? Councilor Forzman. Councillor Johnson. Councillor Randor. Vice President Kennedy. President Nephew. Here, please stand for the pledge. I pledge admittions to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic. One nation under God. Good evening. I'd like to welcome everyone to a regular meeting of the Duluth City Council. Tonight, the council will conduct its official business and vote on several matters on the agenda. There will be an opportunity for public comment before we move on to the consent agenda. If you wish to speak, please sign up with the clerk. And one thing you should know is that we do have two public comment periods. The first public comment period will be for agenda items, and the second public comment period will be for things that are not on our agenda. Duluth City Council meetings are conducted in accordance with the council's standing rules and Roberts Rules of Order. These rules are established to ensure that our meetings are fair, efficient, orderly, and provide a clear process for decision making. So as a reminder, if you'd like to speak, please sign up with the clerk. You'll be given three minutes to speak. There's a timer on the lectrand, so you can track your three minutes. Please finish your comments with the unlotted time. When your three minutes are up, I will interrupt you and call in the next person. This evening we do still we do have two public um hearings that I will be calling as well. So if you would like to speak with those, please speak, please sign up with the clerk as well. Um first thing we will open up the public hearing for the Lincoln Park Special Services District. Do I have anyone that would like to speak for the public hearing for the Lincoln Park Special Services District? That's a lot to say. Yes, the first speaker is Cameron Krueger. Welcome. If you could please state your name and your precinct or zip code. Cameron Kruger, 55812. And thank you, President Nephew and Counselors. Uh again, my name is Cameron Kruger. I am the administrator for the Lincoln Park Business Group, and I want to thank you all and city staff for bringing us to tonight's vote. Lincoln Park needs a special services district because it is the best tool that is available to us to ensure that our neighborhood continues to thrive far into the future. The business group helps keep Lincoln Park clean and supports over 200 businesses in the district by being scrappy. And through the generosity of our members and hundreds of volunteer hours. But West Superior Street reconstruction has already made some challenges and some impacts on our businesses, and they're gonna hit the middle of our district next year. We need to invest in better wayfinding and more marketing to support our businesses, but we don't have the resources. And on the other side of this project, we have 26 new trash cans to empty, 47 benches and 65 bike loops to maintain, hundreds of new trees, uh, which are all exciting new additions that we want for our neighborhood, but we can't care for them on a shoestring budget. That's all in addition to our clean sweep team's work, walking over four miles of the district to pick up trash, serve as goodwill ambassadors to our visitors, and to help guide struggling neighbors to social services. The special services district allows property owners to pool their resources to address all of these issues and more with every dollar contributed staying in Lincoln Park. And when it comes time for you to make decisions about tourism tax, I know the council will consider that over 2.5 million dollars our businesses contribute to that fund each year and reinvest that back in a level that supports the ongoing work to make sure that Lincoln Park thrives. Thank you. Thank you. Um our next speaker is Karen Kramer.

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