Duluth City Council Meeting - October 13, 2026

The Duluth City Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers with all nine council members present. The council approved the September 28, 2026 minutes, a 12-item consent agenda, a collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services 363, and two ordinances on second reading. Public testimony addressed the Strategic Public Lands Realignment Project, a vape shop near Hamlin Music Academy, and the SD709 school referendum.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda unanimously (9-0), adopting all 12 resolutions: settlement of $21,688.61 to USAA General Indemnity Company for a property damage subrogation claim; a request for future city updates on short-term rental properties; substantial completion of protective designation of at least 1,500 acres acquired through the Strategic Public Lands Realignment Project; acceptance of a permanent right-of-way and utility easement from St. Louis County for $150 in East Hillside; bike lanes on both sides of 4th Street from 5th Avenue E to 6th Avenue E; a no-parking zone on the even side of 4th Street from 3rd Avenue E to 5th Avenue E; an agreement with Hallett Railroad Storage and Services for coal handling and storage not to exceed $176,000; purchase of storm, ditching, and repair materials from Red Rock Precast, LLC for an estimated $65,000; amendments to 2026 short-term rental licensing and permitting fees; acceptance of a Northland Foundation grant for the Duluth Public Library’s Every Child Ready Duluth Initiative for 2026-27; acceptance of an EPA grant of $97,968 for soil contamination data collection near Munger Landing; and a restrictive covenant over Hillside Sport Court Park.
• Councilor Randorf spoke before the vote, praising Item 4 (Strategic Public Lands Realignment) as a significant, multi-year accomplishment tied to the former Lester Golf Course housing conveyance and thanking staff for modifying the 4th Street design in response to public feedback on Items 6 and 7.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Denise Voie de Vie (agenda item 26-0881R) thanked the council for reaching this point but made a final request that a small set of acres—10, 11, or 13 acres—be set aside by the county for an entity whose mission is housing, rather than economic development, to support affordable housing before the process is finalized.
• Roy Hamlin (non-agenda) opposed the location of a recently established vape shop at 5617 Grand Avenue, attached to Hamlin Music Academy at 5615 Grand Avenue. He said the shop endangers a disabled owner, is near facilities serving adults with disabilities and seniors, and sits in a corridor with children’s facilities and schools. He accused city officials of a predetermined decision and disrespect, and asked the council to act in defense of children.
• Loren Martell (non-agenda) raised concerns about the SD709 referendum on the November 3 ballot. He detailed that if both questions pass, levies would be $7.3 million in the first year and $11.7 million in the second year, remaining as a baseline for the decade due to enrollment and inflation indexing. He said the district’s claim that tax impact varies by only $1 per month on a $300,000 home is misleading in year two, and noted $22 million in deferred bond debt reduces the scheduled tax break.

Discussion Items

• Collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services 363 (26-0856R): Councilor Randorf moved approval, seconded by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Durrwachter opposed, citing the city’s multi-million-dollar budget shortfall and a prior 10–15% market adjustment in 2022, and said DPD members make double the income of the average Duluthian. Councilor Clanaugh also opposed, arguing percentage-based raises compound inequities: 5% of $100,000 is $5,000, while 5% of $50,000 is $2,500, and asked higher-paid employees to join in addressing fiscal challenges. Supporters—Councilors Forsman, Johnson, Tomanek, Randorf, Desotelle, Kennedy, and Nephew—cited officer safety, recruitment and retention, full staffing, the agreement being within the budget, and the importance of investing in public safety. The motion passed 7-2 by roll call. The minutes’ yea list omits Councilor Randorf even though the transcript records his yes; nays were Councilors Clanaugh and Durrwachter.
• Taxable grant anticipation revenue notes (26-041-O): Councilor Randorf moved approval, seconded by Councilor Forsman. The ordinance authorizes up to $61,630 in notes for municipal water utility improvements. It passed unanimously, 9-0.
• Minnesota Power franchise fee (26-042-O): Councilor Randorf moved approval, seconded by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Desotelle said the current fee tiers are 3% residential, about 4.25% commercial, and 4.75% industrial; this ordinance raises only commercial and industrial percentages, generating an expected additional $500,000, half proposed for climate and renewable energy action plans. Desotelle supported the ordinance while expressing desire for more, including a 4% residential rate. Councilor Clanaugh supported the progress made by separating the fee from the franchise agreement. Councilor Forsman abstained due to his employment with Minnesota Power. The ordinance passed 8-0 with one abstention.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of the September 28, 2026 council meeting unanimously (9-0).
• Approved the consent agenda unanimously (9-0), including all resolutions listed above.
• Approved the LELS 363 collective bargaining agreement for 2027, 7-2.
• Approved Ordinance 26-041-O, authorizing grant anticipation revenue notes up to $61,630, 9-0.
• Approved Ordinance 26-042-O, establishing Minnesota Power franchise fee changes, 8-0 with one abstention.
• Approved a request for future administration updates on short-term rental properties (26-0855R).
• Adjourned by unanimous voice vote.