Duluth City Council Agenda Session – October 8, 2026

This agenda session covered multiple resolutions and ordinances, including a major presentation on the Strategic Public Lands Realignment Project (SPLR). Councillors discussed a collective bargaining agreement for police lieutenants, revised bike lane and parking designs on 4th Street, short‑term rental fees, and the protective designation of over 1,500 acres of acquired land. No final votes were taken; the session prepared items for a subsequent council meeting.

Finance Items

• Resolution 851 – Approving a settlement of $21,688.61 to USAA General Indemnity Company for a property damage subrogation claim.
• Resolution 856 – Approving a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Duluth and Law Enforcement Labor Services 363 for lieutenants for 2027, including a market adjustment from three years ago to improve recruitment competitiveness. The item was pulled per Councillor Derwachter. Staff clarified this is a separate bargaining unit from the sergeants/patrol agreement approved in September.

Planning and Economic Development

• Resolution 855 – Requesting future updates from the city regarding short‑term rental properties.
• Resolution 881 – Confirming the substantial completion of protective designation of at least 1,500 acres of land acquired through the SPLR project. Councillor Desitel raised questions on behalf of Councillor Derwachter: whether this covers all tax‑forfeit lands; the percentage and timeline for remaining lands; whether the resolution has “teeth” or whether an ordinance is needed; whether P1 zoning fulfills the county’s protection requirements; and whether the city will pursue park designations for any of these areas. Staff answered these during the presentation.

Public Works and Utilities

• Item 8 – Accepting an easement from St. Louis County for right‑of‑way and utility purposes ($150).
• Resolution 872 – Establishing a bike lane on both sides of 4th Street from 5th Avenue to 6th Avenue East.
• Resolution 873 – Establishing a no‑parking zone on the even side of 4th Street from 3rd Avenue East to 5th Avenue East.
• Resolution 876 – Authorizing an agreement with Hallett Railroad Storage and Services for coal handling up to $176,000.
• Resolution 879 – Purchasing storm ditching materials from Red Rock Precast LLC for $65,000.

Senior Engineer Alex Pop explained that the revised design for the 4th Street corridor replaces the previously approved separated shared‑use path with parking on both sides (except where existing conditions prevent it), a sidewalk on the upper side, and a shared‑use path on the lower side. Lane widths were narrowed to state‑aid minimums. Snow removal will retain alternate‑side parking (status quo). Councillors Randorf and Forman praised the compromise as addressing earlier concerns.

Public Safety

• Resolution 882 – Amending the 2026 fee schedule for short‑term rental licensing and permitting. Deputy Chief Otis confirmed that the resolution updates the fee schedule because the underlying ordinance takes effect in 2026; the fees themselves will remain the same as those in the 2027 fee schedule.

Recreation, Libraries, and Authorities

• Resolution 853 – Accepting a grant from the Northland Foundation for the Every Child Ready Duluth Initiative (2026–2027).
• Resolution 854 – Accepting a $97,968 EPA grant for soil contamination data collection near Munger Landing.
• Resolution 875 – Authorizing a restrictive covenant over Hillside Sport Court Park. No discussion was held on these items.

Ordinances (Second Reading)

• Ordinance 41 – Authorizing taxable grant anticipation revenue notes up to $61,630 for the municipal water utility improvement.
• Ordinance 42 – Establishing the franchise fee for Minnesota Power under its existing franchise. No discussion was held.

Committee of the Whole: Strategic Public Lands Realignment Project (SPLR)

Presenters: Ben Van Tassel (Planning & Economic Development), Eric Berkland (Parks & Properties), Claire Christensen (Forester), and Kate (Natural Resources Coordinator).

Staff recapped the SPLR background: the city acquired over 700 tax‑forfeit parcels in 2023 from St. Louis County. The land fell into three categories: preserve natural areas, stormwater infrastructure, and active/passive recreation. In 2025, Ordinance 25‑32 (conveyance of Lester Park Golf Course) required protective designation of at least 1,500 acres of SPLR land through park dedication, the Duluth Natural Areas Program (DNAP), or P1 (park/open space) zoning. To date, 531 acres have been entered into DNAP and over 1,100 acres are zoned P1, totaling 1,650 acres—exceeding the 1,500‑acre minimum. The resolution (881) acknowledges this milestone.

Discussion:

• Councillor Desitel raised concerns about the level of protection: park dedication requires an 8‑to‑9 vote to sell, while P1 zoning can be changed by a simple majority. She asked whether staff plans to pursue park dedications for these lands in the future. Staff responded that the conditional use deeds already restrict development for 30 years, and that park dedication is a longer‑term conversation that will unfold as they refine the classification of open spaces.
• Councillor Forman asked about fire risk assessment in the upcoming City Forest Management Plan. Kate noted that prescribed burns are beginning (e.g., Hartley Park) in partnership with the Duluth Fire Department, and that the plan identifies excess fuels as a key concern.
• Councillor Johnson asked about partnerships to manage invasive species like buckthorn. Kate explained that volunteer efforts (e.g., “Duluth Invaders”) are helpful, but contracted removal is often necessary; funding comes from a small annual stipend (~$25,000–$50,000) and grants.
• Councillor Randorf praised the project and the collaboration, noting the community’s passion for parks and the preservation of 1,600+ acres in perpetuity.
• President Nephew asked about budget needs. Kate stated that proper management of natural areas would require about $275,000 annually and 2–2.5 additional staff. Eric Berkland added that the parks system has about $100 million in deferred maintenance and that staffing and budgets could easily be doubled or increased tenfold.
• Councillor Desitel highlighted that the council adopted a Natural Resource Management Plan but never funded it, urging future consideration of referendums or dedicated funding.

Key Outcomes

• The council received the confirmation that 1,650 acres of SPLR land have been protectively designated (531 acres in DNAP, 1,100+ acres P1), meeting the condition of Ordinance 25‑32.
• Staff will continue rezoning remaining large contiguous areas (e.g., Lester, Downer) and will present the City Forest Management Plan to the Natural Resources Commission in November 2026 and to the council in December 2026.
• No formal votes were taken during this agenda session; all items are expected to be voted on at a subsequent council meeting.
• The need for increased funding for natural resources management and park maintenance was acknowledged by multiple councillors and staff.