[0:48] Hello counselor johnson just want to confirm you can hear

[0:50] us

[0:55] >> yes. I can loud and clear.

[0:58] >> thank you.

[6:44] >> all right. Good evening, everyone. We will open

[6:47] with the finance committee meeting. Good evening. Begin

[6:51] with tourism and tax overview and I hope we get a better

[6:57] understanding how those revenues work and the rule on the

[7:02] financial plan and pivot into an update request the 2027

[7:06] budget including work underway to evaluate the expenses

[7:12] that shape the budget and dates to know. September 10th

[7:18] we have an excellent presentation and then immediately at

[7:23] 9 o'clock meet and that deck for a budget retreat. And

[7:29] with that, turn it over to the finance director salinas.

[7:33] thank you. Thank you for being here.

[7:34] >> this is I believe this we figured out in finance,

[7:38] and I'm usually accompanied by a colleague, but as the

[7:46] committee chair mentioned today we will cover tourism and

[7:52] taxes. That is an important part of our budget, budget

[7:56] and not part of the general fund, but we want to cover a

[8:02] good overview of the tourism tax. And then I will get to

[8:06] a budget update as the next step for the general budget.

[8:11] and then as always time at the end for questions thank

[8:17] you, you should have a presentation in front of you with a

[8:21] slide, I'll note your questions for that. And so I'm

[8:29] going to begin with the overview first of tourism and

[8:34] taxes and start getting into the sources and a little bit

[8:38] of details, a breakdown how we collect them and the

[8:42] numbers we're selecting the percentages in dollars and the

[8:47] research. I broke this down into smarter sections they are

[8:55] complex and almost 9 months now. That is something I am

[9:01] learning the nuances as much as I can if I can share a

[9:09] request if we can't get to it today, I hope the

[9:13] conversation around this, but that on that is really

[9:16] important. So hopefully, at the end, you're not only

[9:22] enlightened by tourism and taxes and give you a little bit

[9:27] of understanding.

[9:29] >> so I'm to define what are the tourism taxes. And

[9:34] there are two components that we collect takes from the

[9:40] customers and from the sales. There is lodging and then

[9:44] food and beverages. And so I want to, want to say tourism

[9:49] and taxes are not sales tax excepting for one smaller

[9:55] component generally paying tax on not on lodging and

[10:00] beverages not tourism taxes.

[10:02] >> so how we collect those. Who gives us permission

[10:07] and what do we collect in taxes?

[10:10] >> so we have authority under the city through

[10:15] charter code ordinances, as well as, laws and statutes

[10:21] into the state of minnesota allowing us to collect. Okay.

[10:28] >> we're going to get into the details. So what do

[10:34] we collect?

[10:35] >> on the lodging side, there are two different

[10:40] taxes we collect on hotels. We collect the 3 percent

[10:46] motels and hotels excise tax, tax a regular tax in the

[10:53] city of duluth that are taxable of one and a half percent.

[10:57] when I pay sales tax that one percent is not exactly with

[11:04] the general fund that is considered a tourism tax on the

[11:09] side. On hotels over thirty units, we collect an

[11:15] additional 2.5 percent and an establishment has more than

[11:19] 30 units, an additional 30 percent. I'll get into the

[11:25] layering starts with the bigger picture into the details.

[11:29] for food and beverages, we collect 2.25 percent that is on

[11:34] top of the sales tax. Before we move on, I want to get

[11:43] into the details and a brief overview on what we can,

[11:47] steps on specifics on the lodging. I'm not going to read

[11:51] them all, but note you'll see those on the food and

[11:56] beverages is the discretion portion. There is very

[12:00] specific lodges around what we can spend on the lodging

[12:03] side that are discretionary. When we look at the food and

[12:08] beverages, we don't have that but on items what we can

[12:13] spend on within the family corridor, etc. So the budget

[12:24] comes every year, we look at it and we know what we can

[12:28] spend and looking to figure out how much. So this graph

[12:33] shows we, we selected for the last 4 increases or years

[12:38] from 2022 to 2025 and have the 2027 projected on 2025.

[12:48] there was a cap in the previous years that is happening

[12:53] one time and it really capped where we've been the last

[12:58] 3 years about 14 point 8 million dollars with that. And

[13:02] looking at that added 2022 averaging 15.6.

[13:07] >> I think another thing to note, we lowered the

[13:12] projection for 2026 to buy the hotel and hotels occupancy

[13:20] rates we're down a little bit. So this is how we collect

[13:26] them and what this 14 point 6 budget looked like.

[13:32] >> where are they coming from?

[13:34] >> so wanted to show you a graph that breakdown. So

[13:41] for food and beverages that is 2.25 percent we're

[13:45] collecting. With all the food and beverages it is

[13:48] $6.8 million and 46 percent of total coming from that.

[13:56] 26 percent from the 3 percent hotel and motel and the one

[14:02] percent sales tax. Again, that piece is on the quantity

[14:07] of units. This final piece 2 point 8 million dollars that

[14:11] is for the establishment over 30 units. This is probably

[14:24] something that might be a self comparison want to put it

[14:28] out here. I think that any questions about what the total

[14:31] is this is only for each of the taxes for the hotels and

[14:36] less than 30 units. So the 8.75 is the city of duluth city

[14:43] tax that is imposed. Again, one percent of which is 75

[14:49] the tourism tax. But then we have adding the 3 percent to

[14:55] the purchase of lodging for one night pay 11.75 on all

[15:04] units. But if we have one more than thirty percent an

[15:10] additional percent. Okay.

[15:16] >> getting a little bit deeper a little bit into the

[15:20] future.

[15:21] >> I have a handout at the end that summarizes all of

[15:24] that I want to hand that out so you will look through it

[15:29] and and makes sense until all the layers are added on, but

[15:35] not part of that presentation. If you see a table that

[15:38] has all this words and numbers but altogether.

[15:44] >> so the 3 percent hotel and motel tax. This was

[15:49] the first ordinance was enacted in 1969. An update for

[15:56] this the first one, was in 1959. And the way that reads

[16:01] on the restrictions this is really important for you all

[16:04] to understand where we can spend the money the hotel and

[16:11] motel tax. We can see the first 5 percent goes to the

[16:14] general fund for for basically administering tourism taxes

[16:21] and then the rest of this is divvied up. 95 percent is

[16:27] left divvied and 65 percent the remaining is for the desk.

[16:33] so supporting maintenance of the arena and the addition

[16:39] for the city of duluth and the other 35 percent before

[16:42] advertising and promotions for the city of duluth, tourism

[16:46] convention centers that the contract in the city of

[16:51] duluth. Not the discretionary, part the contractual part

[16:55] where they operate. And then the graph shows the dollars

[17:01] over the years. I really wanted to highlight the

[17:04] restrictions for each of the components. The one percent

[17:12] sales tax is what we consider the discretionary or one of

[17:18] the discretionary. This is to be used to pay for

[17:22] activities related to tourism, anything that promotes

[17:25] tourism. This is important to highlight that the actual

[17:30] language we look at the ordinances or the resolutions for

[17:34] the statutes, they highlight the desk and spirit mountain

[17:39] that is discretionary. But those who the cities are

[17:44] mentioned in the language. And we'll see it again in the

[17:48] next one.

[17:49] >> for the over 30 units, one and a half percent

[17:58] hotels and motel tax is broken down and you can see a one

[18:02] percent, another one percent in the math. We get to the

[18:06] total of 2 and a half so with one percent is again, a

[18:11] discretionary piece similar to the one in the sales tax

[18:15] and the language included the desk and spirit mountain

[18:19] recreation area. And then the one percent positive

[18:26] capital improvement and and half percent, which some of

[18:30] you see half-and-half in the food and beverages. Which

[18:35] was, that was an actual for the corridor, as well as,

[18:41] athletic venues. This will be a quick one about tourism.

[18:50] >> okay.

[18:51] >> so food and beverages. Again, the same graph

[18:56] shows sales tax and then we'll get paid on top of of

[19:02] tourism tax. Want to show you the breakdown the sales tax

[19:06] and nothing that is for food and beverage, the additional

[19:12] 2.25. What are the restrictions on the two? This one on

[19:19] the food and beverages, first ordinance the original was

[19:24] enacted in 1977. And if I looking at for history I'm

[19:29] happy to take questions off-line if you wanted to

[19:33] understand what is happening with that. But these have the

[19:37] restrictions. Again, the 2 quarter by that the one

[19:41] percent it's for facilities that are basically related to

[19:47] the city. The facilities are or agencies where we run

[19:50] them or are run by a governing body that we appoint those

[19:55] are for the facilities like the zoo. We have some of the

[20:00] facilities and have that. Then have .75 percent of that

[20:08] too, and a quarter for the arena. And this is what I talk

[20:14] about on the previous slides, it is for the corridor and

[20:18] the athletic venues. I know that is a lot of information,

[20:32] but have a few slides to get through. That is putting it

[20:37] altogether multiple categories that we identified as where

[20:42] we can plan. So I think here again, not going to reading

[20:48] through all of them, but ones I want to point out the

[20:53] discretionary, the discretionary budget is pretty big when

[20:58] you look at the whole thing. There we have debt and

[21:02] obligations that the city has priorities we have to borrow

[21:07] into discretionary. So the discretionary, a discretionary

[21:12] gives you, you an example so advertising and projection we

[21:18] assume have $15 million. And in tourism taxes of which

[21:23] maybe 2 and a half are allocated approximately 9 percent

[21:28] of advertising and promotion. $1.4 million for

[21:34] advertising and promotion. You know the concept is one .8

[21:39] and with the contract that is 6 last year and so that is

[21:45] already to 2.4 that we have to borrow from the

[21:49] discretionary funds. So the discretionary pot isn't what

[21:53] we had left over for 2026, was left over for visitors.

[22:01] that looks hefty and supplements from the other

[22:07] obligations for debt and for events that we do as the

[22:13] city. So we are utilizing some of that for our part of the

[22:19] other restricted spending. We use all the restricted

[22:24] spending first with that pulled from that bucket.

[22:28] >> what are the next steps for tourism tax and what

[22:37] have we've done so far? What we've done for july and

[22:41] august is we reviewed historic data and updating the

[22:47] review. Up into recently, have to adjust for july. And

[22:52] then we also this is helping us to determine what the

[22:56] budget, the total dollars will look like. And then we

[23:00] determined the cash reserves available from the full year

[23:05] what does this mean? We don't know what that tourism tax

[23:11] looked like we go back to 2025 what is left over and a one

[23:22] year lag in terms of what the bucket looked like. We have

[23:27] been working on the drafts. And one iteration a review

[23:31] with the administrative. And again, we readjusted the

[23:35] revenues so we'll do one more. And then we will come up

[23:39] with what we bring to council will happen in october and

[23:43] review and approve the resolution. And then also have

[23:47] identified at this time for the funds for duluth and begin

[23:52] the process so -

[23:54] >> so, now I'll get to the budget update and the

[24:03] next steps what we're doing with that.

[24:05] >> this is the much shorter slide than the tourism

[24:11] and tax, but gives us a really good idea where we're at.

[24:16] so we've been talking about the general fund budget over

[24:20] the finance committee meeting. And we have continued and

[24:25] finalized and financials listings. This, of course, data,

[24:32] you know, getting new information want to make sure we

[24:35] have the most updated and using realistic and appropriate

[24:40] revenue assumptions so we're not over shooting or under

[24:44] shooting based on the historical information and any

[24:49] indicators will tell us otherwise. And we explored the

[24:53] opportunity to allot any unused funds that we have from

[24:57] the previous years that are no longer being utilized for

[25:02] the services. Stuff we did think on the revenue side on

[25:08] the express so we'll have no reductions for city services.

[25:13] and we are again continuing to look at the expenditures

[25:17] and look at them up to september 10th, maybe a week before

[25:24] that. And if we are using again historic averages not

[25:30] worst case scenario. So what does that mean? It is

[25:32] important for potentially budgeting for the worst-case all

[25:39] the time so that if we have issues with the budget, we

[25:44] wanted to make sure that is tightened up. And then the

[25:48] payroll budget what we did there a historical vacancy and

[25:55] sometimes were inflated at the time when someone starts

[26:00] the position there are basic savings to make sure we use

[26:05] an approach and recognized those tightened up, up the

[26:10] budget. So as financial committee chair randorf mentioned,

[26:21] the budget presentation that is happening on

[26:24] september 10th. And then have the budget retreat, the next

[26:28] day we will have all the departments presenting budget mr.

[26:34] harold is putting together a template for each of the

[26:37] departments so making sure everyone is following what

[26:41] you'll be looking at and the public is looking at is

[26:44] consistent and we're able to understand apples to apples

[26:48] even though we know all departments do a different

[26:53] presentation in terms of the highlights. And on monday

[26:56] september 4, the resolution prepared and understand that

[27:05] if anything is tabled so not vote until the 28; is that

[27:12] correct?

[27:13] >> so, now is the fun part, your questions.

[27:19] >> thank you, director salinas.

[27:20] >> open up for counselor questions the first

[27:26] councilor in the queue is councilor tomanek.

[27:29] >> thank you, chair randorf. Are they paying into the

[27:37] vacation unit fund?

[27:38] >> well the people that or I want to make sure we

[27:43] clarify the consumer is paying. But, yes. And they pay

[27:48] the same percentage for the less than 30 units.

[27:53] >> what is the justification for over thirty and

[27:56] less than thirty?

[27:57] >> corporate is the justification.

[28:01] >> this is something that happened before my time.

[28:04] I believe that was, I don't want to say what year, but the

[28:10] justification at that time was because of moving. And I

[28:14] think they believe they'll not get that from the tourism

[28:21] tax as they go to fruition. There was an understanding

[28:24] from council. In fact at the time that makes for that so

[28:29] the body is the one who determined that.

[28:32] >> thank you.

[28:33] >> uh-huh.

[28:34] >> thank you councilor tomanek. Next it is councilor

[28:40] clanaugh.

[28:41] >> thank you, chair randorf. The 29 this thing is a

[28:45] mom and pop. I'm curious that was not - what would be the

[28:52] tax collected for not having this exemption?

[28:57] >> councilor clanaugh, I don't have that information

[29:00] not something we looked at. And this is currently in the

[29:05] - occurring. We can go certainly take a look at that.

[29:08] >> thank you councilor clanaugh. Next in the queue

[29:13] is councilor durrwachter.

[29:14] >> thank you, chair randorf for the presentation. My

[29:20] question is I'm wondering if you can clarify a little bit

[29:25] more for me why the desk and spirit mountain fund is also

[29:32] called discretionary? A lot is actually discretionary.

[29:37] >> if I can go back to the actual slide. The way the

[29:42] language is written for any company or anyone that is

[29:48] promoting tourism and identifies the deck and spirit

[29:52] mountain. So if you can find the language for that one.

[29:56] >> that was helpful. Thank you.

[29:57] >> thank you.

[30:00] >> councilor durrwachter.

[30:03] >> thank you, councilor durrwachter.

[30:04] >> next in the queue is councilor tomanek.

[30:06] >> thank you, chair randorf. Will you tell us how

[30:10] much the is percentage that will go to the deck for the

[30:14] 10 years?

[30:15] >> councilor tomanek. I don't have the exact number

[30:18] from that, but the amount of the funds that year is that

[30:21] the amount is over. That money gets added and can change,

[30:27] but I'll get that exact for you.

[30:30] >> you said the readjust is in july in round

[30:35] numbers. How much that will be?

[30:37] >> I don't have that exact figure was for the one

[30:41] month.

[30:42] >> great. Thank you.

[30:43] >> thank you councilor tomanek. And next is councilor

[30:47] clanaugh.

[30:48] >> thank you, chair randorf. And director it is

[30:52] referenced for the sales tax and some of that goes for

[30:57] tourism. I am curious do we have a standard definition

[31:03] what it means?

[31:04] >> do we have a consensus with no equity and details?

[31:14] >> and historically have not but currently on a

[31:18] policy to make sure we have that and what you're speaking

[31:22] of to make sure that is what we're going forward have the

[31:25] definitions correct. And everyone understand how that is

[31:29] allocated for what the restrictions are and the

[31:32] definition.

[31:33] >> thank you. And you're welcome. Thank you.

[31:35] councilor clanaugh next in the queue is councilor

[31:37] durrwachter.

[31:38] >> thank you, chair randorf.

[31:41] >> and director salinas, give us a simple list of as

[31:49] one of the slides mentioned, there are areas that had

[31:54] reductions for the core city services. Any sort of list

[31:59] of what those reductions would be or will you be

[32:04] presenting on the retreat?

[32:06] >> we'll be, councilor durrwachter. Yes. That

[32:11] information will be presented.

[32:14] >> thank you. Councilor durrwachter next.

[32:16] >> thank you, chair randorf. Two quick questions.

[32:20] you said this was to 2025, was the bumper. And then the

[32:27] other question if we had had changes to the future like

[32:32] the money needs to go in other places requires a statute

[32:37] to change that language or half and half before we change

[32:41] the ordinances?

[32:42] >> can you be more specific, councilor durrwachter

[32:45] on the second part?

[32:46] >> yeah. So after all I said all of the restricted or

[32:53] rule understates that are the charters probably not a lot

[33:00] of changes. I'll say you're looking at something and want

[33:04] to say well the definitions didn't we want more? That has

[33:09] to go through the state first; right? To get permission

[33:13] under the state level before we make changes within our

[33:17] ordinance?

[33:18] >> yes. That's correct.

[33:20] >> thank you, thank you. As far as the bench, that

[33:22] was the correction related to 2 years for reports not been

[33:28] properly documented and so they have 4 corrections that is

[33:31] what that is for?

[33:33] >> haven't in 2026 --

[33:38] (laughter).

[33:40] >> just checking.

[33:41] >> thank you, councilor durrwachter. And councilor

[33:45] clanaugh.

[33:46] >> director salinas on slide 20, talked about in

[33:53] terms of payroll vacancies. We know the payroll benefits

[33:56] are a chunk of the budget and the lions share, but

[34:01] operational costs. I'm thinking of so - the sustainability

[34:07] position has been vacant for a long time. So there was

[34:11] savings in terms of of payroll and also operational costs.

[34:15] and so then the programming sort of isn't advanced. Are

[34:23] there mechanisms in our budgeting to make up for

[34:28] situations like that to get a program that was

[34:31] understaffed and now back to where it is meant to be?

[34:37] >> councilor clanaugh, the vacancy savings are not

[34:41] what we planned for. The vacancies that is just the --

[34:45] how the operations work so the sustained position, I think

[34:50] I'll defer to the administrator for that.

[34:53] >> thank you.

[34:58] [off mic.]

[35:05] >> there we go. Thank you for that question.

[35:09] >> regarding the sustainability officers, the duty,

[35:13] yes. That position has a vacancy. It was serving that but

[35:20] to keep the sustainability work going and where there are

[35:25] operational savings, there is potentially. But within the

[35:28] things I'll say in sustainability, we try to work that

[35:32] into the budget in all departments we look to do projects

[35:37] and the departments have work that make them work smarter

[35:43] and is a better part of the department's budget.

[35:46] >> not just a sustainability budget.

[35:50] >> sure, thank you.

[35:53] >> thank you, councilor clanaugh. Any further

[35:55] questions from the councilors?

[35:57] >> last call for questions. And seeing none, ask my

[36:04] last question. And director and the councilors we walk

[36:08] away with one or two things to think of different ways

[36:14] before the 2027 -- before the next presentation and the

[36:17] retreat is there. Anything in the process you want to

[36:21] figure out differently or made aware of

[36:25] councilor randorf? I don't know how to speak to that.

[36:32] >> I think the one thing I want to say we've been

[36:38] very conscience. Before when we were looking at the

[36:45] vacancies, we're not doing this doing away with the

[36:51] points. I will come in with the knowledge. We have done

[36:56] a thorough job and very precise when we go through this

[37:04] process.

[37:05] >> and all of us have well been missing -- I think

[37:09] that is going to be maybe reflected and also not been part

[37:15] of the retreat before I think that may, I might have

[37:17] additional information after this one.

[37:20] >> so thank you.

[37:21] >> and thank you so much for the presentation. We

[37:25] can call you anytime we have finance or budget questions.

[37:29] but thanks for tonight. And councilors we will close the

[37:34] finance meeting and come back for the regular council

[37:42] meeting. Thank you.

[37:43] [meeting adjourned]

[51:44] >> I'd like to welcome everyone to the city council

[51:47] meeting. Clerk call the roll.

[51:51] >> thank you.

[51:53] >> thank you, president nephew.

[51:54] >> councilor clanaugh.

[51:56] >> councilor desotelle here.

[51:59] >> councilor durrwachter here.

[52:02] >> counselor forsman here.

[52:04] >> vice president kennedy.

[52:07] >> president nephew and councilor johnson here.

[52:13] >> stand for the pledge

[52:16] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of

[52:17] america and to the republic for which it stands, one

[52:18] nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice

[52:21] for all.

[52:22] >> I'd like to welcome you to the city of olathe,

[52:23] city council regular meeting this evening at 7:00pm.,

[52:34] tuesday, august 30, 2025. Tonight's council will conduct

[52:37] the official business and an opportunity for public

[52:43] comment. Before we move on if you wish to speak, sign up

[52:47] with the clerk. We have two public comments, public

[52:53] comment periods. The first is agenda items and the second

[52:58] for non-agenda items. And the city council meeting will

[53:02] be conducted in the importance -- and rules of order.

[53:05] those rules are established to make sure our meetings are

[53:08] fair, efficient and in order for a process for decision

[53:13] making. If I signed you up, you have 3 minutes to speak,

[53:18] there is a timer on the lectern to remind you. Please

[53:24] finish your comments within 3 minutes and first item move

[53:31] on to the minutes.

[53:34] >> approval of the august 10, 2026, city of duluth,

[53:35] city council meeting minutes. Anyone have any questions on

[53:37] the minutes.

[53:38] >> seeing none, we'll move on to roll call vote from

[53:40] the administration.

[53:41] >> administrator.

[53:42] >> president nephew, no reports from the

[53:46] administration.

[53:47] >> all right. Then have a public hearing. Tonight a

[53:54] public hearing for appeals on ordinance for --

[53:59] >> public hearing(s)/appeals - an ordinance amending

[54:00] chapter ii,section 4, of the duluth home rule charter,

[54:01] 1912. I will open up the public hearing

[54:05] (gavel)

[54:06] anyone have any comments, please come up and speak.

[54:13] >> no speakers for the public hearing.

[54:15] >> okay. Thank you.

[54:17] >> I will call for speakers from the public hearing

[54:20] one more time?

[54:21] >> and a third time. And the public hearing is now

[54:27] closed on the ordinances amending charter 2 of the duluth

[54:33] charter 1912. Other members of public comment for the

[54:37] agenda items. Clerk call the first speaker.

[54:40] >> the first speaker is jessica.

[54:44] >> welcome, if you need to adjust the lectern --

[54:56] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[54:57] >> jessica. And my name is jessica a resident of

[55:01] the parkland community and club. I'm a board member for

[55:05] the community led organization established to build the

[55:09] resilience of the park plan. We can sustain a plan for

[55:14] water and wildlife and infrastructure and people for

[55:17] generations to come. Many parkland residents have watched

[55:23] many years for the - while lot of sharing the neighborhood

[55:31] with visitors and the rentals we are worried about the

[55:37] next impacts it can have on the housing affordability and

[55:46] community cohesion.

[55:48] >> over the past several months, the community

[55:54] working group for vacation rentals in duluth we conducted

[55:57] an online survey with part time and full-time residents

[56:05] based on this and the resources from other communities

[56:08] across the country. We wrote a report for duluth and

[56:13] shared with city council. While the approach for the ones

[56:18] in the ordinance amending the duluth regulations for the -

[56:24] is somewhat different than the approach we recommended, it

[56:28] is deeply aligned. We believe the proposed approach will

[56:33] support the industry and helps our visitors and neighbors

[56:38] and helped with the availability - affordability. And we

[56:46] hope the city had continue to have - excuse me - commit

[56:52] positions for staff and reservoirs for giving us support

[56:57] and hope the city will track the ordinance and making

[57:02] adjustments if necessary to make sure the goals are met.

[57:06] we applaud the city council for the permits to allow for

[57:10] the pace for a better system and thank the city staff for

[57:15] their thoughtful approach to the vacation rentals. We

[57:19] believe the ordinance recommended by the city staff is a

[57:22] balance and we strongly encourage the city council to

[57:28] approve it.

[57:29] >> next speaker.

[57:31] >> pat sterner.

[57:34] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[57:40] >> pat sterner.

[57:41] >> good evening city of duluth and councilors, my

[57:45] name is pat. I'm a park point resident and for minnesota.

[57:52] and thank you for the opportunity to provide the comment

[57:56] on the proposed ordinance 38- zero amending the charters

[58:04] to regulate short-term rentals and rentals and essentially

[58:12] for what the colleague said and cited by a job underscore

[58:18] the importance of this ordinance in managing the

[58:23] permitting process to make sure that vacation rentals will

[58:28] bring an economic value to the city and the cities goals

[58:34] of maintaining housing tracks and target affordability.

[58:41] we appreciate the process if the owner is taking time to

[58:47] have our community in mind to consider ideas and concerns,

[58:51] to address led by the working group. For our part the

[58:55] community club and the .50 noticed a survey that included

[59:03] the short-term rentals and received a very good response

[59:07] from the comments throughout the process. We appreciate

[59:10] the seriousness of this ordinance and focusing on the

[59:14] training and enforcement those elements will help the

[59:19] management of short-term rentals especially with more than

[59:23] 6 hundred permitted and non-permitted to be reviewed for

[59:29] value. And we urge the county council for a check in

[59:34] point and staff feedback about how implementation is going

[59:39] and especially the process for commenting and monitoring

[59:44] this type of review for the potential amendment for

[59:51] enhancement of effectiveness of work. Again, as noted by

[59:57] jeff the community strongly supports the ordinance as

[1:00:01] written to the entire staff and while we acknowledge no

[1:00:07] work can be perfect without this ordinance, we will

[1:00:10] continue to as a community and city to struggle. We look

[1:00:17] forward to continuing to work in partnerships with the

[1:00:20] city staff and city council for a successful passage and

[1:00:26] implementation of this ordinance. Thank you.

[1:00:30] >> our next speaker is chris coal.

[1:00:35] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:00:39] >> my name is chris coal.l while the court denies

[1:00:47] this following lester park, we urge the other protection

[1:00:52] of the public resources. This conclusion session stated

[1:00:56] the voice of the people are the heart of democracy.

[1:01:00] citizens should continue to hold their elected officials

[1:01:07] accountable and they can attend meetings for the updated

[1:01:10] plans that are present and can attend the city council

[1:01:13] meetings for other available means for their voices to be

[1:01:19] heard. I'm here for the promotion that the thousand of

[1:01:23] voices are heard in the council. The final version of the

[1:01:30] land use study responds to the public people by protecting

[1:01:33] more open space than the original versions, but the

[1:01:37] planners only mission is an expensive process for the

[1:01:43] infrastructure. And expenses might defer developers. So at

[1:01:48] the planning commission that meeting on the 13th following

[1:01:51] the commission following comments by the commissioners,

[1:01:54] the city of duluth has too much green space. Commissioners

[1:01:59] struggled to amend the commissioners asked pretty much had

[1:02:04] consequences that of it would be and remember in the end

[1:02:08] this amendment was passed by 3 of the commissioners and

[1:02:13] that amendment to lower that why the amendment cancels all

[1:02:19] the intent conclusions and directions of the planners. If

[1:02:24] adopted will, by this council or any subsequent council to

[1:02:30] dispose of any profit that the l g y has and give it away

[1:02:34] to developers. And for more than 70 acres to be retired

[1:02:39] for commercial space including a private golf course. The

[1:02:45] amendment covers any protection honoring thousands of

[1:02:50] people sought for open space to develop. Since those

[1:02:56] commission meetings minutes have not been published few

[1:03:00] people had a chance to read the amendment, understand it

[1:03:03] and undercuts the plan. My purpose in speaking to make

[1:03:09] sure a public record is made and the consequences adopting

[1:03:13] the plan in its current form adopts this without the

[1:03:19] amendment.

[1:03:20] >> thank you.

[1:03:21] >> our next speaker is james hansen.

[1:03:24] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:03:35] >> hi, I'm james hansen. I'm a member of the

[1:03:42] national resource commission. On the recent meetings have

[1:03:46] heard reports from the city staff and asked questions on

[1:03:51] duluth's natural aids program. And the cedar creek fish

[1:04:01] kill another item we have spent a lot of time discussing

[1:04:04] with the city staff, new land use study of lester park the

[1:04:10] golf course area. There is 4 natural areas designated in

[1:04:15] duluth. We have a new management with enforcement the

[1:04:21] heart area of the st. Louis river natural area and the

[1:04:28] river natural area. And adjacent to the cluster area is

[1:04:34] the park golf course. And a unique opportunity to expand

[1:04:40] own some of that natural habitat and restore to the

[1:04:46] wetlands that originally were there. And what I know

[1:04:49] there is a demand for housing in duluth. And the land use

[1:04:57] study does acknowledge that that lower third can

[1:05:00] potentially be developed to help alleviate the housing

[1:05:06] crunch. The opportunity to at least with the opportunity

[1:05:11] connected to the west hampton expand that natural area for

[1:05:17] 1100 acres, you know, nearly 14 hundred add and and that

[1:05:26] tourism unique location to the beach and the lakewalk

[1:05:32] trail and the hiking trail and the shore. There is a

[1:05:36] unique opportunity to expand on that economic machine for

[1:05:42] the city of duluth. Such as city-owned campgrounds on the

[1:05:51] west end to my understanding income generated for the city

[1:05:55] something of that nature can happen and might alleviate

[1:06:02] with the short-term rentals. With more challenging

[1:06:06] opportunity for folks that visit the state while seven

[1:06:11] hundred to 900 units will generate $500,000 million for

[1:06:18] the parkland. But an income with the parking the current

[1:06:27] half cent generates more than we gain from property tax in

[1:06:34] the city. Thank you.

[1:06:36] >> thank you. And our next speaker is hayden.

[1:06:40] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:06:50] >> my name is hayden, I live in district one. And I

[1:06:56] was here in the city council chamber in december of 2025,

[1:06:59] that when something happens instead of commissioning a

[1:07:04] land use study, we are impacted while the city council

[1:07:09] conveyed all the land and began the process and at the

[1:07:13] results of the land use study. I - I don't need to tell

[1:07:17] you that is in the court more than it should be look like

[1:07:22] trying to put the wheat in the bag before the lights were

[1:07:27] on. I, I was here in december 2025, when a convoluted

[1:07:33] resolution made the agenda that predicated the intention

[1:07:37] of lester park with the lester park golf course to the

[1:07:40] developer. This office is political skipping. That is

[1:07:45] clear that the city bundling was for the simple majority

[1:07:51] for the state of duress, we shoot the dog the argument and

[1:07:58] the resolution condemned itself. And now that duress comes

[1:08:07] back as counselors they placed on the minutes today to

[1:08:12] piece together what the materiality is. The actions of a

[1:08:19] mayor and city council distrust can damage the reputation

[1:08:23] with the residents. This was done one in 6 voters. As I

[1:08:28] said, a petition for the corrupt process watching unfold

[1:08:32] that, that was in front of us by the city council and the

[1:08:35] mayor. This goes beyond lester park when the corrupt

[1:08:41] processes happen to to corrupt. There is a rock that

[1:08:53] leaves nothing safe for the right start to righting a

[1:09:00] wrong and the super majority will be established by the

[1:09:04] city. And this breaches the trust. And during a time of

[1:09:09] natural or national curruptness and environmental collapse

[1:09:15] most are talked about. And the city of duluth will not

[1:09:18] forget the politicians back up in their home, don't try to

[1:09:23] make things right.

[1:09:25] >> thank you.

[1:09:27] >> our next speaker is ansel.

[1:09:35] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:09:36] >> good evening, I live in the district. First, I

[1:09:42] want to thank the city staff and councilors for taking

[1:09:45] time to engage the communities about the lester park golf

[1:09:51] course project. And also thank the councilors that added

[1:09:55] the motion to tonight's resolution added by the planning

[1:09:59] commission or for for redesignating the city for the

[1:10:03] protected park land that people in city of duluth are

[1:10:10] passionate about. The conservation and political shortage

[1:10:15] of the housing both locally and nationally, no one takes

[1:10:21] that lightly. It needed to be restated that the contention

[1:10:26] in the process it is not from the discussion. And

[1:10:30] unfortunately, many of the media and the discussion in and

[1:10:35] around that housing versus conservation and completely

[1:10:40] ignored around the process and the push back came from the

[1:10:46] decision to convey the parkland before the land use study

[1:10:53] was complete. And one note changed the hands for the

[1:10:56] protection was forgotten and however unlikely the entire

[1:11:02] property is still for a simple majority vote and against

[1:11:07] the acknowledging desire of the one to focus. This

[1:11:12] property didn't need to be in the protected status for the

[1:11:17] land use study. We could have let this play out for the

[1:11:22] protection. This unnecessary step eroded the public trust

[1:11:28] and the discussions around what we should build, those

[1:11:33] were from the planning commission recommendation for the

[1:11:37] entire property for not just the lower 60 acres in the

[1:11:42] land use study that was spoken that people are concerned

[1:11:45] about. And their rights were described away. I'm asking

[1:11:52] to restore the protection and to accept the land use study

[1:11:58] recommendations of pursuing the development. The people of

[1:12:02] the duluth want to focus on the data solutions not

[1:12:07] watchdog in the public eye. Thank you.

[1:12:11] >> next speaker.

[1:12:12] >> denise.

[1:12:17] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:12:24] need to adjust the lectern, you can.

[1:12:28] >> can you hear me?

[1:12:29] >> yes.

[1:12:34] >> denise. I'd like to make comments on two agenda

[1:12:39] items. First one is 2607235. That is a personnel matter

[1:12:48] and and I'd like to gently and respectfully urge you to

[1:12:53] vote no on that particular person being put on that

[1:13:02] commission. And here for 2 weeks, I heard questioning

[1:13:07] particularly to the councils that asked very pointed and

[1:13:12] specific questions and ask them and that person virtually

[1:13:22] led many to believe that you would filling an open seat

[1:13:30] just to fill an open seat. I think perhaps needs a little

[1:13:36] bit more and maybe to come back with their time and try

[1:13:41] and get on the commission then. But I think now is not the

[1:13:46] right time for this person. And that's how this person

[1:13:50] will not vote for that person.

[1:13:52] >> the the other thing is 26 zero 7 for the lester

[1:14:03] park. I agree with all the people that came. I also was

[1:14:07] at the planning commission meeting. It has come here with

[1:14:15] barely a quorum, only 5 people there and tabled, only got

[1:14:21] 3 votes. I would like to know more, and definitely no more

[1:14:31] than the 37 originally was proposed to do them and whose

[1:14:38] mission is economic. I'd like to see the land whoever

[1:14:45] person developed and hoping that is on in the lower half

[1:14:48] or the lower third, the base. I'd like to see a portion of

[1:14:54] that go to a nonprofit or either a state or governmental

[1:15:00] or county governmental equity whose sole position is

[1:15:10] trying to get nine hundred new housing units with

[1:15:14] 10 percent of what the city has accepted. That is an

[1:15:20] incredible amount and told that 33 percent goes to the

[1:15:24] city of duluth and 200 or below to the poverty level.

[1:15:28] 33 percent will be at 200 percent poverty or below. And

[1:15:36] finally affordable housing, $986. Not going to happen in

[1:15:46] the economic. Please, please break it up. So that someone

[1:15:52] is interested in housing, housing, everyone in the city

[1:15:56] has a stake. Thank you very much.

[1:15:58] >> thank you.

[1:16:00] >> our next speaker is -

[1:16:02] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code. If

[1:16:12] you need to adjust the podium so --

[1:16:16] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:16:17] >> my name is meg and I'm at -- I'd like to comment

[1:16:24] today on the resolution to reclassify the area for the

[1:16:29] lester park and procedural registry regarding that and

[1:16:34] building that the land use study conducted reasonably

[1:16:38] well. I was frustrated to hear the planning commission to

[1:16:44] disregard this and for the infrastructure and water and

[1:16:50] sewer is practical in the way of long term and housing.

[1:16:55] I'd like to thank the councilor for the amendment on the

[1:17:00] commissions recommendations and revise the land use study.

[1:17:04] that study favors the developments on the 33 acres

[1:17:08] property in the upper two .7 acres of open space and to

[1:17:14] thank the councilor last week. And especially councilor

[1:17:26] randorf directions the city to remain in ownership and in

[1:17:32] the protected park lane it really aims to be in the spirit

[1:17:38] of the land use study. I strongly urge you to follow up

[1:17:43] with the resolution with both of the amendments and to be

[1:17:51] passing those amendments shows the council means what it

[1:17:54] says to the people. Which is not something that 34 of us

[1:17:59] have been happy throughout the process, a reason between

[1:18:05] housing development and making public land. I encourage

[1:18:10] the city council to meet with the planning commission to

[1:18:13] use the land use study and adopt it without making future

[1:18:20] decisions and development and open space and park. Thank

[1:18:21] you.

[1:18:26] >> thank you. And our next speaker is alec.

[1:18:34] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:18:36] >> I'm alec in the central park plaza side, been a

[1:18:42] long process. Thank you for your continued working at

[1:18:47] least going through this a little while and I hope it goes

[1:18:54] along with the land use study recommendation, and 33 acres

[1:18:57] for mixed-use housing, and 7 acres for parking and

[1:19:02] consider before making a recommendation use for the zoning

[1:19:05] process. And what the super majority deserves and point

[1:19:13] out ,again, the limited trust in the process. Trust is

[1:19:16] hard-earned. And it will take much pause, but it takes

[1:19:22] open communication to be built teenagers and adults have

[1:19:29] to have trust. We called this last time. This cycle is

[1:19:36] simple completion to communicate the consistent action

[1:19:41] creating trust establishes, relationships. This cycle was

[1:19:48] broken down into the steps of lester park in the process

[1:19:50] and can be rebuilt. To that end, the motion to amend -

[1:19:58] proposed rejecting the planning commission changes are

[1:20:02] piecing as the intent for the city to retain ownership of

[1:20:06] the acres designated as parkland. Thank you for that.

[1:20:09] >> part of the process of redeeming and to be clear

[1:20:14] communicate and consist and create more trust. Thank you

[1:20:18] for you time and your service.

[1:20:20] >> thank you. And our next speaker is jill crawford

[1:20:26] nichols.

[1:20:27] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:20:35] >> good evening, jill.

[1:20:37] >> I'm in district 4 and have a big agenda but here

[1:20:42] to speak on the study and representing chapter of the

[1:20:49] mountain legacy and referring to the bike. We have been

[1:20:53] engaged in the issues since the beginning in 2019, and

[1:20:59] opposed the sale of the public parkland and come before

[1:21:04] the commission on numerous occasions. And recently,

[1:21:09] oppose this lester park golf course. Before the completion

[1:21:12] of the land use study. So tonight, I'm pleased to be here

[1:21:16] to speak in support of the land use study finding we

[1:21:20] wanted to recognize the good work and particularly their

[1:21:25] effort that open and offer a constant opportunity for the

[1:21:33] public and the recommendation is supported by their

[1:21:36] community and supports the many, many public comments that

[1:21:39] were made in december and november of this past year. And

[1:21:44] protecting the acres of the upper golf course right

[1:21:50] decision. And also thank the councilors for offering to

[1:21:54] remove the action of august 13th, which will have effected

[1:22:00] the recommendation. And therefore wasting 200 thousand -

[1:22:06] thousands of taxpayer money. And one concern in the

[1:22:10] amendments refers to as the 200 acres at open space,

[1:22:16] however, open space is not a designation. Therefore, we

[1:22:22] encourage you to have the current designation for the 200

[1:22:27] and 7 acres and remove those acres from the data. And in

[1:22:32] addition to this, we strongly encourage the councilors to

[1:22:37] take and address steps for the 6 hundred or 200 and

[1:22:40] 7 acres to have protection by a member of our own

[1:22:45] commission. Thank you, on behalf of 1 hundred and 20.

[1:22:52] >> our final agenda speaker is lisa patrick.

[1:23:04] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:23:10] >> lisa fitzpatrick. I live near lester park and

[1:23:16] lester park golf course. I want to thank councilor

[1:23:21] durrwachter for the study in saying keep parkland. I

[1:23:26] agree with pretty much everyone talking about the 200 and

[1:23:32] 7 acres of parkland. I appreciate the zoning administer's

[1:23:42] and president nephew having written the -- I forgot the

[1:23:50] word to do that. And I would, I also want to say I was one

[1:23:55] of those who went with the petition around duluth and

[1:24:01] people in west duluth were signing it. I was in central

[1:24:07] hillside and I went to -- with flags of a certain party

[1:24:16] that I know was not in agreement. We talked about people

[1:24:22] having a voice and what happens to our land. And I had

[1:24:28] conversations with them people. And, of course, mostly in

[1:24:33] lester park but, having said that, I agree with everyone

[1:24:39] and let's go forward in good faith. Thank you.

[1:24:40] >> thank you.

[1:24:48] >> president nephew. Move on to non-agenda items.

[1:24:50] the first speaker is ali.

[1:24:52] >> welcome.

[1:24:55] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:24:56] >> ali.

[1:24:59] >> signing and - (unintelligible).

[1:25:08] >> from the crane clearing here, we are great lake

[1:25:17] superior and here to talk the lakewalk I posted close to

[1:25:24] be close to it. And have my daughter have access to it

[1:25:27] where we belong. And the closure of the lake sees it

[1:25:32] harmful to the city of duluth. And I think my daughter's

[1:25:35] development and facilitating the connection and brought

[1:25:40] her to the lakewalk when she was a baby. I bring her

[1:25:46] there still and want her to know herself to this lake and

[1:25:51] want other duluth's to have opportunity and for children

[1:25:57] as human beings and for their development is vital. We

[1:26:02] are fortunate to live next to this place. It is harmful

[1:26:12] in this space and not going the another way. Further this

[1:26:18] project will be proper to the public and the - nothing is

[1:26:27] impeding, of course. I think nothing of notice from

[1:26:29] recruitment. I too want to take care of other services

[1:26:33] that is the community of people that want to serve notice

[1:26:38] and on the -- in regard to the land use both to the public

[1:26:43] who is already deeply familiar and scared away, dying to

[1:26:50] come around a curve where birds were gone and beginning to

[1:26:56] do anything with the trees. And they trimmed away trees

[1:27:03] for the public and changing, as well as, for the - I wish

[1:27:08] I could -- we could put up for the trees and I e-mailed

[1:27:14] city hall both for further work to be done on the lakewalk

[1:27:21] and cause hardship to families. And after planning having

[1:27:27] seen concerns about the shoreline near my home is a

[1:27:31] magical cove of boulders and lining the shore appreciated

[1:27:38] by many. Those gathered deserve to be undisturbed and

[1:27:45] desire the land. And I'm weary of a project I think at

[1:27:53] the expense of nature that is curated by nature. My

[1:27:56] daughter wanted me to express for her it is fun climbing

[1:28:01] on the rocks and seeing light, water. The rocks are warm

[1:28:05] and like the sound of wind and waves. Can you not move

[1:28:10] the rocks?

[1:28:11] >> I think public input even from the time it's to

[1:28:18] the streetscape water like is vital and -- thank you.

[1:28:19] >> thank you.

[1:28:26] >> your final speaker is lauren.

[1:28:30] >> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.

[1:28:34] >> good evening, council. I just want to start by

[1:28:42] saying I've seen the public comment is impressive tonight

[1:28:46] in the community. And I'm off, taking off, again -- sorry

[1:28:51] about that. As a candidate to address a most serious

[1:29:02] problem. And resident in the state of minnesota a major

[1:29:08] general fund caused by an action. Those payments coming

[1:29:12] out of the budget were originally intended to spare the

[1:29:16] cost of the $108 million from the taxpayer and fell far

[1:29:24] short of reaching that goal. As now has been moved to the

[1:29:29] taxpayers and less promised. But at the height of scheme 7

[1:29:37] hundred million was coming out of the general fund.

[1:29:42] polling to many that was as factor plan. So it is

[1:29:49] understandable that the current superintendant wanted to

[1:29:55] fully erase that burden. During the committee of the whole

[1:30:01] in in july of 2023, the bond broker passed the referendum

[1:30:08] on the ballot quote asking the taxpayer to support this.

[1:30:14] he also said if he gets stuck in the revenue and the taxes

[1:30:20] will cost him, he pointed out will not be successful. He

[1:30:29] was looking at the height of the cost for the taxpayers

[1:30:31] not a single one said I'm a representative of the public,

[1:30:36] but the taxes are what will it cost.

[1:30:39] >> they have every right to know. Nearly all the

[1:30:44] plans was recommended was paid in 2028 and see a

[1:30:52] significant drop in 2029 with the meeting with the

[1:30:58] superintendent in from 2023, will prevent this from taking

[1:31:04] a relief from lower taxes. He was now going to step us

[1:31:10] down. The citizens of duluth are not for going into debt

[1:31:15] and agreeing to pay 28 more for the red plan. By voting

[1:31:21] for that referendum, no one was asked if they're okay with

[1:31:28] that. I think we should be seeing the clear semantics and

[1:31:38] during the school district push for the referendum.

[1:31:43] >> thank you. And president nephew that concludes

[1:31:47] the list of speakers for the public comment.

[1:31:49] >> thank you very much. And next move on to the

[1:31:52] consent agenda. I would like to remind the public

[1:31:57] commissioner johnson is on line tonight with a role call

[1:32:02] vote.

[1:32:04] >> motion to approve the consent agenda.

[1:32:07] >> seconded by councilor randorf. Not seeing any

[1:32:14] questions.

[1:32:15] >> clerk, call the roll.

[1:32:16] >> councilor clanaugh, yes.

[1:32:17] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[1:32:20] >> councilor desotelle, yes. And councilor tomanek,

[1:32:23] yes. And councilor randorf, yes.

[1:32:25] >> vice president kennedy, yes. And president nephew

[1:32:30] and counselor forsman.

[1:32:31] >> the consent agenda passes 9 to zero. And move on

[1:32:35] to item 23.

[1:32:47] >> resolutions tabled

[1:32:48] 24. 26-0723

[1:32:49] by councilor forsman (personnel)

[1:32:50] resolution confirming the appointment of brianna gunderson

[1:32:51] to the duluth entertainment and convention center

[1:32:52] authority. And we is a motion and seconded by councilor

[1:32:53] tomanek and next to discussion or I'm trying to remember

[1:32:57] the process a vice president kennedy weigh like to read

[1:33:02] the amendment.

[1:33:03] >> all right. Vice president kennedy, go ahead.

[1:33:07] >> do you want me to read the whole thing or just

[1:33:14] the statement of the public purpose?

[1:33:17] >>> we are reading the resolution 26. I want to

[1:33:28] highlight a strike through after the less -- so I'll read

[1:33:34] that part and go down to the statement of purpose and the

[1:33:39] special meeting. So, now therefore, the city adopts this

[1:33:45] planning commission and concludes that the duluth land use

[1:33:49] plan is hereby amended by adding it to the lester park

[1:33:55] golf course study plan. And what was strictly as amended

[1:33:59] by the additional recommendation which will be the

[1:34:05] planning commission vote argument. And then today want me

[1:34:09] to read the full statement of purpose for the special

[1:34:13] meet?

[1:34:14] >> to the end.

[1:34:15] >> so we're at the very end. And I'll read the

[1:34:21] special meeting on august 13, 2026, the applications held

[1:34:27] a planning hearing on the lecturing and the future land

[1:34:35] use map reviewed this. Staff's attachment 3 and discussed

[1:34:38] and deliberated the matter. The planning commission

[1:34:42] considered a motion to recommend the city council

[1:34:45] recommend to the city council the lester park golf course

[1:34:50] future land use amendment and vision plan and future land

[1:34:54] use amendment as amended and additional recommendation.

[1:34:58] they had a vote which passed 5 yeahs and no abstentions

[1:35:07] and added to this motion to amend the planning commission

[1:35:11] additional recommendation. So this will be our amendment.

[1:35:16] and so basically, the intention to go back and follow the

[1:35:20] recommendations of the land use study. And in the queue

[1:35:26] counselor forsman.

[1:35:27] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:35:29] >> thank you, excuse me - drink a drink -

[1:35:33] >> thank you, both for offering this amendment

[1:35:39] appreciate it coming from the act that that -- and back to

[1:35:45] december we took up the land use study. It was clear

[1:35:49] normally what the results a followup of the public

[1:35:53] process. Here we are. I know we all have different ideas

[1:35:57] in the lester park golf course future looked like for some

[1:36:01] people it looked like any development and for others more

[1:36:06] like the land use. But to honor my work for december to

[1:36:12] honor the results of that study and what was originally

[1:36:15] put forward to the planning commission finding, before we

[1:36:20] take a vote, I want to address the sustainability in this

[1:36:24] room and on line our. Planning commissioners who are

[1:36:29] unpaid put in long hours and a lot of research and bring

[1:36:33] recommendations on some of the most local decisions this

[1:36:37] council decisions as an elected official to debate the

[1:36:42] recommendations and make decisions. We agree with the

[1:36:45] planning commission and sometimes we don't. That is how

[1:36:48] the process works, that's okay. What is not acceptable

[1:36:52] and I hope fellow councilors will say not attacking the

[1:36:58] volunteer public servants simply because you disagree with

[1:37:03] them. I saw family members the day after but - I can tell

[1:37:11] you first-hand how much that hurt him. And in this case

[1:37:15] nick is a dedicated long time community member but on the

[1:37:20] port of the chester board and a model citizen. And when

[1:37:25] people overact in discussions with or without expansions

[1:37:32] gives the people and staff volunteers that serve our city

[1:37:36] wants to not serve. That is a loss so debate is welcome

[1:37:41] attacking the character of volunteers that step forward to

[1:37:45] serve is not. Let's do a little bit better when it comes

[1:37:50] to discuss versus tearing down people especially those not

[1:37:54] elected officials.

[1:37:56] >> thank you, councilor forsman. And councilor

[1:38:01] desotelle.

[1:38:02] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:38:03] >>. Thank you very much for adding that amendment,

[1:38:07] president nephew and vice president kennedy. And the

[1:38:10] planning commission meeting watched had happened. The land

[1:38:13] use study was processed and that is confusing in the

[1:38:17] language for the amendment. That remember when that that

[1:38:20] was passed 3/or 5 out of 9 commissioners were present and

[1:38:28] turned out the other 4 commissioners were there. And on

[1:38:36] the one hand, saying the zone is this way.

[1:38:38] >> wondering the zone is this way. This didn't work

[1:38:42] so I appreciate the amendment. And I think at that time

[1:38:44] we need to move forward and accept that.

[1:38:47] >> thank you councilor desotelle. And to go back

[1:38:56] quickly a question for the motion to amend. I believe

[1:39:00] there was moved and I will second that. I felt a formal

[1:39:05] second and mayor that is taken care of now. And councilor

[1:39:11] clanaugh.

[1:39:12] >> thank you, president nephew. And we're all capable

[1:39:13] myself included of having ideas often with the best of

[1:39:19] intentions. And my estimation the planning commission is

[1:39:24] with their motivation their amendment of something that is

[1:39:28] going off-base. I want to thank the people tonight for

[1:39:35] looking at this idea and putting it to rest. And

[1:39:38] counselor forsman for reminding us. And attacking

[1:39:43] character of one another. Working with our citizens.

[1:39:49] >> thank you.

[1:39:53] >> commissioner johnson.

[1:39:54] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:39:56] >> I also want to echo express my appreciation for

[1:40:00] the amendment and will be chiming in. Our planning

[1:40:05] commission does a great deal of work and we need to honor

[1:40:11] respect this work in our disagreements with ideas they do

[1:40:19] have the process they go through. And are facing the most

[1:40:25] challenging kind of discussions in some respect to the how

[1:40:32] we move forward in regards to that. So I appreciate the

[1:40:36] report I appreciate the communication and looking forward

[1:40:43] to continue to have our golf course or moved in inland

[1:40:50] area.

[1:40:51] >> all right. Thank you councilor johnson.

[1:40:54] >> not seeing any further comments. Thank you, vice

[1:41:00] president kennedy for reading this amendment. We need to

[1:41:05] go back to counselor forsman. Go back to what we promised

[1:41:11] for the land use study and we are doing that tonight that

[1:41:14] is the intention. But your planning commissioners they do

[1:41:18] an enormous amount of work and agree with the statements

[1:41:25] he is a astonishing citizen. With that, call the motion

[1:41:31] the amended version of lester park golf course study by

[1:41:38] councilor kennedy.

[1:41:42] >> clerk, call the roll. On the amendment.

[1:41:45] >> councilor clanaugh, yes.

[1:41:46] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[1:41:47] >> councilor desotelle, no.

[1:41:50] >> councilor tomanek, yes.

[1:41:52] >> councilor randorf, yes.

[1:41:55] >> vice president kennedy, yes.

[1:41:56] >> president nephew, yes. And counselor forsman,

[1:41:57] aye.

[1:42:02] >> all right. The resolution 7 61 as amended by

[1:42:07] myself and vice president kennedy passes 9 to zero and

[1:42:14] councilor randorf read in our amendment.

[1:42:16] >> thank you

[1:42:17] >> thank you, president nephew. The purpose of this

[1:42:18] motion to amend to implement the adopted lester park golf

[1:42:23] course study by the process to remove 200 and 7 acres

[1:42:28] identified as open space for the agreement and retain the

[1:42:33] city ownership and to the following entitled ordinances

[1:42:49] residential rural 1 (rr-1) to park & open space (p-1).

[1:42:50] this is actually simple. They acted in the agreement we

[1:42:55] voted on how we will address the property once the land

[1:42:59] use study is done? The next step the land use study is

[1:43:04] complete it identifies approximately 200 and 7 acres as

[1:43:09] p-1 open space. And in section 11 and 2 g the development

[1:43:17] agreement addresses the process for removing the property

[1:43:20] in the arrangement that will not be transferred to them.

[1:43:25] and so this is that process we're following the process

[1:43:30] and in the development agreement and in it it council

[1:43:34] requests the city administrator 2 f and g to remove the

[1:43:40] 200 and 7 acres. And I have of them as p-1 open space and

[1:43:47] additional steps we think, there are appropriate zoning

[1:43:54] processes to follow. This we know that and it is

[1:43:57] suggesting all completed tonight and simply asking us to

[1:44:01] acknowledge the outcome. The land use study we approved

[1:44:05] and initiate that process established for us any

[1:44:09] development agreement to implement that that is an

[1:44:13] important step to classify and important for transparency

[1:44:16] and affordability. And we ask for the study we resolved

[1:44:19] the study and the development tells us what to do next and

[1:44:24] identify the property. This amendment simply starts that

[1:44:28] process. I encourage my follow councilors to vote. Thank

[1:44:29] you.

[1:44:32] >> and motion and second and seconded by councilor

[1:44:39] desotelle

[1:44:40] (laughter).

[1:44:41] >> and counselor forsman.

[1:44:42] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:44:46] >> president nephew. Is it okay if we were to ask

[1:44:51] questions of our attorney that better clarifies, not

[1:44:54] having an opportunity during the open session.

[1:44:57] >> I'll allow for that and not had the opportunity

[1:45:02] for (multiple voices).

[1:45:03] >> sure.

[1:45:04] >> sorry, attorney.

[1:45:05] >> I want to help maybe start getting our arms around

[1:45:13] this itself. In the development agreement last december, I

[1:45:18] think that a pause was cited in the amendment that defined

[1:45:23] read a requirement the council has to take up a change in

[1:45:30] the property boundary if we're going to not convey

[1:45:34] something that is in addition to that. So a requirement

[1:45:37] if we're going to shrink the footprint of the whole

[1:45:41] property something other than that that. For deda to close

[1:45:46] based on the land use study. Is that; correct?

[1:45:49] >> president nephew and councilor forsman. That's;

[1:45:57] correct. Clear in the process the land use study

[1:45:59] indicated that any thought that land will not be feasible

[1:46:02] for developments and deda will not say that is

[1:46:10] developable. And now into the action the amendment to the

[1:46:13] development agreement this raises that costs of 200 and 7

[1:46:19] acres in the actual acreage.

[1:46:21] >> another question that we will have taken an

[1:46:26] agreement that comes about for the council the 200 and 7

[1:46:30] acres another step for the closing down evident of that

[1:46:35] property if this continues forward.

[1:46:37] >> president nephew and counselor forsman. This is

[1:46:39] correct. Keep in mind that closing date is 2027 have an

[1:46:47] amount of time to do the initial steps.

[1:46:50] >> I had two last questions, I'm sure others have.

[1:46:55] this is helpful and accurate to say we're not adding new

[1:46:59] protections to that 200 and 7 acres as part of the

[1:47:03] redevelopment agreement, but that basically just keeps in

[1:47:07] mind that clause in f that we have to do this by

[1:47:11] resolution if we're to shrink that footprint not like

[1:47:16] we're - any reading of the agreement if we cancel that

[1:47:20] can't have anything rezoned. And this acreage can be

[1:47:26] conveyed as the land use study adopted in the future. I

[1:47:31] maybe, I'm going circular. I guess my question can you

[1:47:37] confirm we're not adding any new protections as part of

[1:47:41] the amendment with the 200 and 7 acres, but expecting this

[1:47:47] in the next month's to take the acreage and resolution for

[1:47:52] the compliance?

[1:47:53] >> president nephew and counselor forsman.

[1:47:55] >> my understanding the motion to amend by councilor

[1:48:03] randorf means we are agreeing with the plan study that

[1:48:08] recommendations up to two hundred and 7 approximately

[1:48:11] acres will be open space and those action items will be

[1:48:16] operated and developed as p-1 but a few acres are not

[1:48:22] we're quite sure have to make sure they're all in that

[1:48:28] agreement.

[1:48:29] >> if those acres stay p-1 and can't because of

[1:48:34] development agreement.

[1:48:36] >> counselor forsman, that's correct.

[1:48:38] >> thank you. That's what I was trying to get at.

[1:48:42] >> councilor clanaugh.

[1:48:44] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:48:46] >> thank you, councilor randorf for proposing to

[1:48:48] address the concerns that many have concerns about

[1:48:52] tonight. We heard about the concerns and thanks for

[1:48:55] proposing this laying this to rest and put a horse in

[1:49:02] front of the cart. A given the unfortunate decision that

[1:49:09] come out of the planning commission and those

[1:49:13] possibilities that that vote -

[1:49:15] >> all right. And councilor durrwachter.

[1:49:19] >> tomb.

[1:49:20] >> and well thank you.

[1:49:24] >> thank you, president nephew. And vice president

[1:49:26] kennedy for approving this meantime I support and also I

[1:49:31] want to thank councilor randorf for bringing this really

[1:49:33] important resolution before - forward it furthers us on in

[1:49:40] protecting the 200 and 7 acres that the good work has

[1:49:45] determined our inevitable open space. We previously do

[1:49:49] because the city staff and back in 1245 study. I

[1:49:57] appreciate that. We're disclosing to permanently

[1:50:03] protecting that land 8 to one parkland vote in the future.

[1:50:09] thank you very much.

[1:50:10] >> vice president kennedy and.

[1:50:14] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:50:15] >> this is a question for the attorney.

[1:50:17] >> one of the ones councilor randorf stated of those

[1:50:23] protections or any of the action would be put forward

[1:50:27] until we have voted on the land use study. Are we too far

[1:50:35] ahead? Don't we vote for the land use study and then go

[1:50:39] back - I'm feeling we're a little bit ahead.

[1:50:44] >> president nephew and vice president kennedy this

[1:50:47] body will decide to approve the land use study. And it is

[1:50:53] fine with the councils to make the motion to amend that

[1:50:58] before us tonight. We cannot get to far there is a long

[1:51:03] process yet to come but in reviewing both the motions to

[1:51:08] amend and rectify them and we feel that's appropriate to

[1:51:12] make a decision tonight.

[1:51:13] >> amy martin.

[1:51:18] >> thank you, president nephew. And thank you,

[1:51:21] councilor randorf for this amendment I think that was that

[1:51:25] appropriate because there's a lot of perplexities and

[1:51:28] having the decision the resolution remind us those land

[1:51:32] will - as attorney said when I start preserving and the

[1:51:39] legal studies acreage moving them around hoping surveys

[1:51:45] are not up to if we want to mocking make sure we the get

[1:51:50] did you p-1 right and on that note I want to clarify this

[1:51:56] as we move forward with making sure that these lands stay

[1:52:00] p-1 that is open space not protected by a super that

[1:52:05] majority vote will be in the designated areas as parkland

[1:52:11] and I the clean power will be there to support the

[1:52:15] community and working with several folks to make sure and

[1:52:18] staff to really look at the left hand or land and which

[1:52:22] ones do we want to make sure the park land is protected

[1:52:26] from the state statute that gives good you protection

[1:52:31] right now and abated by the work done so moved.

[1:52:36] >> so far so excited we're getting back to this and

[1:52:41] fine-tune where is the lines are and look at the develop o

[1:52:46] development and top.

[1:52:48] >> counselor forsman.

[1:52:52] >> thank you, president nephew. One more question and

[1:52:56] follow-up from vice president kennedy on the sequence.

[1:52:59] just to confirm attorney you're interpretation of this

[1:53:05] amendment satisfies the requirement that specifically

[1:53:10] saying we'll have to do the additional resolution?

[1:53:14] >> but needs to come back with the development

[1:53:19] agreement?

[1:53:20] >> president nephew and counselor forsman that's

[1:53:23] acre or; correct. Thank you. And councilor tomanek.

[1:53:27] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:53:28] >> I have some concerns about how this was brought

[1:53:31] up, first of all, thank you to councilor randorf for doing

[1:53:35] the knowledge or, but I received the amendment as

[1:53:39] 4 o'clock today, I resolved changes to the amendment

[1:53:42] 7-minute before the meeting started in your not how I

[1:53:47] work. I appreciate the work you put into the hearing that

[1:53:51] didn't add extra protection we'll be accomplishing this in

[1:54:00] a couple of months I'm not sure I support it.

[1:54:04] >> I have one more question if anyone else in the

[1:54:09] queue does councilmember amendment move the process feast

[1:54:14] for closing or that's my only question and like expedite

[1:54:21] and did our staff have enough time to do work along the

[1:54:26] way.

[1:54:27] >> president nephew. The motion to amend supported

[1:54:30] by councilor randorf didn't speed up the process align one

[1:54:35] of the goals will be to the motion to amend cads adds the

[1:54:44] clarification but it is the same timing.

[1:54:47] >> thank you.

[1:54:50] >> councilor randorf.

[1:54:51] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:54:52] >> I wanted to address the idea of protections we

[1:54:54] are working on that and working with councilor durrwachter

[1:54:57] it is true this property is p-1 so zoning is not offering

[1:55:05] protection. We have to others clarifications that are for

[1:55:10] the resolution and neither of those that will take you

[1:55:15] where the future, at at future time on this property not

[1:55:21] used for anything but to be pursue opportunity is just

[1:55:28] saying already done p-1 and parking and open space is a

[1:55:33] natural designation. And still some nice protections

[1:55:37] things you can't put on it and we are restricted on the

[1:55:42] types activities so a decent level of protection the clear

[1:55:47] reason that is important wasn't to quickly pit something

[1:55:53] throw and not in any way sloppy we worked on for week and

[1:55:59] talking about with the attorney and meaningful working

[1:56:02] prior to the amendment even prior to what we're seeing

[1:56:08] forward today. But it is really important I think for the

[1:56:12] public to be tracking. Many times we know a motion or a

[1:56:18] something coming next probation officer and people

[1:56:21] tracking it not as clearly as we are and it is important

[1:56:25] we're not only adopting if land use substituted did you we

[1:56:30] hear you lowell high school and taking that last 10 and

[1:56:36] we're going to put that back and as p-1 and park and open

[1:56:42] space and that was so important for me it's what I've been

[1:56:47] hearing from my communities and other cities I - I

[1:56:52] encourage us to put on the timing and put aside any other

[1:56:57] complexities and please forgive me for the late addition

[1:57:02] and please forgive me for the types of that are a direct

[1:57:08] ask I thought that was a great catch by counselor forsman

[1:57:15] so that flexibilities doesn't include that convention but

[1:57:21] this as solid amendment fiasco with that process and clear

[1:57:25] for the public. And I encourage everyone to approve it.

[1:57:26] thank you.

[1:57:34] >> councilor johnson.

[1:57:35] >> intentional.

[1:57:36] >> appreciate all the comments that are added and

[1:57:42] also councilor randorf for making that slight in the

[1:57:47] amount of at the last minute that was a concern I think

[1:57:51] had initial needed amending but for myself we're still in

[1:57:59] the process moving towards trying to not do again ged get

[1:58:04] ahead of ourselves and riding out the process and being

[1:58:10] clear about the processing process I appreciate the

[1:58:13] dialogue take place and have been clarified some of it

[1:58:17] questions that were brought forward it is helpful. Thank

[1:58:18] you.

[1:58:23] >> councilor forsman.

[1:58:24] >> thank you, president nephew.

[1:58:25] >> I have one more question for councilor randorf

[1:58:27] you said it I was going to hesitate on one of my petitions

[1:58:32] he knew what you're trying to do in the plans was the word

[1:58:38] couple. I learned a lesson last year when we did the code

[1:58:44] on the lester park golf course we took up the idea of

[1:58:49] 1500 acres protection took on a life of its own but I

[1:58:56] recall that was actually an idea I had to try to put

[1:59:00] different things together but in a way that balanced

[1:59:03] development with protection. You just confirm that was the

[1:59:08] case and a lot of people with miss con assembles we're

[1:59:12] holding lester park golf course hostage which was a

[1:59:18] reverse highway to do protection development. Thank you

[1:59:21] very much. For letting me respond to that.

[1:59:23] >> councilor forsman the minimal of 15 acres a

[1:59:31] strips was so important. It was important for steps and it

[1:59:36] was important because we took look at 1500 acres of park

[1:59:40] not preserves and imagine we have millions of dollars and

[1:59:45] had it zoned p-1, but no deed. We had no additional

[1:59:52] protection at any time someone can come in there and

[1:59:57] change the land public speaker pristine park it is deep

[2:00:01] with wildlife and watersheds and have and we said we're to

[2:00:11] also 95 of this make sure we do that. I still stand behind

[2:00:16] the recommendation and that was an may I thing we saw

[2:00:21] people come through and that is a legacy that double will

[2:00:25] be able to cherish for years to come we will cherish our

[2:00:31] parkland that was I'm proud of that a couple of items

[2:00:37] putting that that tonight or together and thank you,

[2:00:40] counselor forsman and another in the same lane making sure

[2:00:45] that we're protecting those values to you thank you,

[2:00:49] again. And thank you.

[2:00:50] >> councilor tomanek.

[2:00:52] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:00:54] >> I have a question about putting this 200 and 6

[2:00:58] architectural into parkland.

[2:00:59] >> I don't know if it is for councilor randorf if we

[2:01:05] voted will that prohibit any changes to the land that

[2:01:09] might not be able to the community I'm thinking of the had

[2:01:15] a chance to see that and people people with disabilities

[2:01:18] are able to go out and for the first time in their life

[2:01:24] golf. Will it limit new developments of trails or so limit

[2:01:28] the development of our learning center or just golf? Put

[2:01:34] your hand over your heart. It all both parkland but to

[2:01:36] keep any kind of development from happening?

[2:01:39] >> councilor randorf.

[2:01:43] >> I answer that question that was answered thursday

[2:01:47] night as well plus direction of packs depth not be for but

[2:01:56] a partnership with the city and the park they had an -

[2:02:03] trails all the things that are that are louder in a park

[2:02:08] and p-1 zone absolutely will be but the caveat not for

[2:02:16] commercial use ambassador in partnership with the parks

[2:02:20] development and a shared amendment where we provide the

[2:02:24] service centers.

[2:02:25] >> great. Thank you.

[2:02:29] >> councilor desotelle.

[2:02:30] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:02:31] >> one of the other commission meetings I had the

[2:02:33] joy of meeting with the parks commission I want to bring

[2:02:38] up a motion and I--I don't know if this is timing bringing

[2:02:43] it before but one of the things the park commission talked

[2:02:46] about is planning for this park right away.

[2:02:51] >> I hope we think about as we move forward with the

[2:02:55] contractual the plans the 671 acres installed we think

[2:02:59] about where that might go into parks if we get the plan

[2:03:05] done the park is 3 levels of types of uses. Talked about

[2:03:11] kind of the play bylaw heart infrastructure that is the

[2:03:14] stuff that costs a lot of money but still part of parks

[2:03:19] that a lot of the nonprofits help to take care of trail

[2:03:24] and we can bike and walk and sky and some of the resources

[2:03:30] but the trails need to be maintained I think the natural

[2:03:34] areas the ones you want to tiptoe gently on and all the

[2:03:39] lands are very, very important to the city we are so

[2:03:42] fortunate to have 25 percent of our open space and I can

[2:03:48] tell you that studies have been done that the cities don't

[2:03:51] have this don't have the better water quality and the

[2:03:55] habitat and the happiness indexes future that humans need

[2:04:02] so need 25 percent n my head to maintain that while

[2:04:06] wearing gently working on the national lands working

[2:04:12] carefully on the trades and working with the engineers and

[2:04:14] really putting the money into those parks, open spaces.

[2:04:18] we need it based on hockey and those kinds of things

[2:04:24] places we gather as community. When we go round those

[2:04:29] lower 60 some acres we tie that into those spaces and put

[2:04:35] them together at as community hopefully that helps with an

[2:04:42] understanding where I'm going with the parks.

[2:04:44] >> councilor clanaugh.

[2:04:46] >> thank you, president nephew. And councilor

[2:04:48] desotelle I appreciate that. And the idea of the

[2:04:53] procedures from the 6 is acres investment imposed in a

[2:05:01] awareness that is what we steward and moving forward.

[2:05:12] >> councilor forsman.

[2:05:14] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:05:15] >> agree with almost everything you said councilor

[2:05:20] desotelle we'd like to go on record with the 37 and a half

[2:05:26] acres the sales had go to the gulf of mexico's that is a

[2:05:30] future dissolution and debate but on the record what was

[2:05:35] said.

[2:05:36] >> thank you, councilor forsman seeing no one in the

[2:05:42] queue take a motion to amend to a vote.

[2:05:48] >> clerk, call the roll. By councilor randorf.

[2:05:53] >> councilor desotelle, yes.

[2:05:55] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:05:56] >> councilor tomanek, yes.

[2:05:57] >> counselor forsman, yes.

[2:05:58] >> councilor randorf, yes.

[2:06:01] >> vice president kennedy, yes.

[2:06:02] >> councilor desotelle, yes. And councilor johnson.

[2:06:06] >> aye.

[2:06:07] >> the motion to amend presented by councilor

[2:06:11] randorf for 61 passes 9 to zero. And next move on to --

[2:06:17] oh, sorry. As amended by councilor randorf.

[2:06:24] >> do you want to vote?

[2:06:25] >> no. And so now we'll vote thank you for the

[2:06:31] reminder resolution 7 61 amended by myself and vice

[2:06:37] president kennedy. And the motion to amend presented by

[2:06:40] councilor randorf, I see. Thank you for city staff for

[2:06:52] listening.

[2:06:54] >> they put a lot of time and effort into the future

[2:06:58] that involves this properties so thank you to them and

[2:07:02] thank you to a those for the good work on the land use

[2:07:07] study and thank you to the group that helped to provide

[2:07:10] direction I forgot what their name was and people that

[2:07:16] engaged with the process and had a chance to meet a lot of

[2:07:20] folks at the openhouse and I have a variety of the

[2:07:26] opinions and support tonight. Thank you.

[2:07:32] >> councilor durrwachter.

[2:07:33] >>

[2:07:38] >> thank you, president nephew. And thank you to the

[2:07:39] city staff stereo their countless hours working on that at

[2:07:44] night and thanks for the good work as well and I do want

[2:07:51] to point out in the land use study that we approved back

[2:07:57] in october had very special sorry specific components.

[2:08:04] under heading a the general land use study components

[2:08:10] there are 8 bullet points 8 items that the council was

[2:08:19] directing was requesting from the city staff to direct and

[2:08:24] make to achieve and one of them was the falls of county

[2:08:29] demographics in the school district and the other is short

[2:08:37] term or short term and long term infrastructure options.

[2:08:41] and to the day we don't know what the infrastructure will

[2:08:46] cost to create the streets curbs and water and

[2:08:51] infrastructure. I understand that the 63 acres may likely

[2:08:58] come forward with an additional reservoirs it is unclear

[2:09:06] what that costs the city and taxpayers I know currently

[2:09:09] the city was doing on behalf of the reservoirs costing

[2:09:17] $20 million for lodge overdue infrastructure and rehab and

[2:09:22] in addition to I know that our school district is built

[2:09:27] our schools are overflowing so city staff works to bring

[2:09:34] forward housing developments that are much needed I hope

[2:09:39] the city the members the community members of the city

[2:09:44] will receive concrete answers on what the infrastructure

[2:09:49] will cost our taxpayer and how the school system can

[2:09:54] handle additional students. Thank you.

[2:10:00] >> councilor johnson.

[2:10:01] >> thank you, president nephew. And I just want to

[2:10:05] echo kind of my appreciation for all the city staff. You

[2:10:10] are attorneys who directed many of the amendments and also

[2:10:15] our consultants and thinking around the balance of harmony

[2:10:20] of the land use study coming before us and also kind of

[2:10:26] scheduling the possibility there in the housing and

[2:10:31] natural resources and distribution in that area. So I

[2:10:36] just thank you, to all those who participated in the

[2:10:39] process and being part that have it and making 12 come

[2:10:43] forward tonight. Thank you. Councilor johnson and

[2:10:49] councilor clanaugh and councilor johnson. We need to have

[2:10:52] you on screen. You're facing - and councilor clanaugh.

[2:10:57] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:10:58] >> thank you to everyone mentioned by the council

[2:11:01] colleagues. Thank you, especially in the citizenry for

[2:11:09] your tenacious relationship, the common good. And thank

[2:11:13] you, for helping, holding us accountable to clarify a

[2:11:18] process that has been turbulent and count on you to do the

[2:11:24] same as we move forward and councilor tomanek.

[2:11:31] >> thank you, president nephew. I have a question

[2:11:33] about how we have take into consideration the amount of

[2:11:37] money that parks will need to maintain this park?

[2:11:40] >> parks are already in previous slim but very, very

[2:11:46] slim in their budget and not able to pass a ref dump and

[2:11:56] as far as taking care of this more, more land and

[2:12:00] unfortunately machine will answer that not a question for

[2:12:03] tonight but a consideration.

[2:12:04] >> all right. Thank you councilor tomanek.

[2:12:08] >> seeing none, with companions on that resolution

[2:12:12] 751 call a voice vote but like to extend my gratitude to

[2:12:21] staff and for myself counselor this is a important one.

[2:12:27] and was challenging we really stepped up to the task and

[2:12:31] got here and also I think that is a good process so thank

[2:12:38] you for that as well and the community for everyone that

[2:12:40] signed up and participated in the process. Thank you.

[2:12:43] >> for that, well.

[2:12:45] >> and --

[2:12:48] >> councilor clanaugh, yes. And councilor desotelle,

[2:12:49] aye.

[2:12:52] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:12:53] >> counselor forsman, yes.

[2:12:55] >> councilor randorf, yes.

[2:12:57] >> vice president kennedy, yes.

[2:12:58] >> president nephew, yes.

[2:13:00] >> councilor johnson, yes.

[2:13:02] >> resolution 7 61 as amended by vote of myself and

[2:13:09] vice president kennedy. And then also another amendment

[2:13:12] by councilor randorf passes 9 to zero and next move on to

[2:13:23] counselor forsman.

[2:13:29] >> resolutions tabled

[2:13:30] 24. 26-0723

[2:13:31] by councilor forsman (personnel)

[2:13:32] resolution confirming the appointment of brianna gunderson

[2:13:33] to the duluth entertainment and convention center

[2:13:34] authority. Plaque motion to remove this in the table.

[2:13:35] >> and motion and seconded by councilor randorf.

[2:13:37] >> all in favor, say "aye."

[2:13:38] >> aye.

[2:13:39] >> I'm sorry; correct discussion and we need to call

[2:13:43] the roll a discussion.

[2:13:44] >> no discussion.

[2:13:45] >> motion.

[2:13:46] >>

[2:13:48] >> clerk, call the roll. Councilor clanaugh, yes.

[2:13:49] >> councilor desotelle, yes.

[2:13:52] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:13:53] >> councilor tomanek, yes.

[2:13:55] >> counselor forsman, yes.

[2:13:58] >> councilor randorf, aye.

[2:14:01] >> vice president kennedy.

[2:14:03] >> president nephew.

[2:14:06] >> councilor johnson resolution 72 that is removed 9

[2:14:11] to zero.

[2:14:12] >> thank you, president tomanek move approval.

[2:14:16] >> moved by councilor forsman and second. Any

[2:14:22] questions? On the rise 723 seeing none.

[2:14:26] >> clerk, call the roll. And councilor clanaugh, yes.

[2:14:28] >> councilor desotelle, yes.

[2:14:31] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:14:33] >> counselor forsman, yes.

[2:14:34] >> councilor randorf, yes.

[2:14:36] >> vice president kennedy, yes.

[2:14:37] >> president nephew, yes.

[2:14:38] >> councilor johnson, aye.

[2:14:43] >> resolution 723 passes with a vote 9 to zero and

[2:14:50] counselor forsman.

[2:14:55] >> 25. 26-0724 resolution confirming the appointment

[2:14:56] of ginka tarnowski to the sanitary sewer board of the

[2:15:00] western lake superior sanitary district. I move to approve

[2:15:01] to remove that from the table.

[2:15:04] >> by counselor forsman and e-cigarettes and.

[2:15:08] >> clerk, call the roll. Councilor clanaugh and, yes.

[2:15:10] >> councilor desotelle, yes.

[2:15:12] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:15:13] >> councilor tomanek, yes.

[2:15:15] >> councilor forsman, yes.

[2:15:16] >> councilor johnson sorry.

[2:15:19] >> aye.

[2:15:22] >> vice president kennedy and president nephew, aye.

[2:15:28] >> and resolution 724 is removed from the table.

[2:15:32] >> counselor forsman motion by counselor forsman do

[2:15:36] I hear a second? And by councilor randorf any discussion

[2:15:39] on the resolution 724?

[2:15:42] >> seeing none.

[2:15:44] >> clerk, call the roll. Councilor clanaugh, yes. And

[2:15:47] councilor desotelle, yes.

[2:15:48] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:15:50] >> counselor forsman, yes.

[2:15:53] >> councilor randorf, yes.

[2:15:55] >> vice president kennedy, yes.

[2:15:56] >> president nephew, yes.

[2:15:58] >> councilor johnson, aye.

[2:16:00] >> resolution 724 passes 9 to zero and counselor

[2:16:05] forsman.

[2:16:06] >> one more.

[2:16:08] >> 25. 26-0724 resolution confirming the appointment

[2:16:09] of ginka tarnowski to the sanitary sewer board of the

[2:16:12] western lake superior sanitary district. Removal to remove

[2:16:13] from the table.

[2:16:14] >> second and seconded by councilor tomanek and I

[2:16:19] heard - it is motions to remove from the table and

[2:16:24] discussion on it.

[2:16:25] >>

[2:16:26] >> clerk, call the roll.

[2:16:27] >> councilor clanaugh, yes.

[2:16:28] >> councilor desotelle, yes.

[2:16:29] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:16:31] >> councilor tomanek, yes.

[2:16:32] >> counselor forsman, aye.

[2:16:36] >> councilor randorf, yes.

[2:16:37] >> vice president kennedy, yes.

[2:16:38] >> president nephew, yes.

[2:16:42] >> councilor johnson resolution is removed from the

[2:16:45] table a counselor forsman motion by counselor forsman do I

[2:16:49] hear a second?

[2:16:50] >> seconded by councilor randorf.

[2:16:51] >> councilor durrwachter and.

[2:16:54] >> thank you, president nephew.. Does the interviews

[2:16:59] -

[2:17:00] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:17:06] >> councilmember essex no, we did not.

[2:17:09] >> but I believe we had the applicants materials

[2:17:13] that are (unintelligible) and here for review. Thank you.

[2:17:16] >> I do have follow-up.

[2:17:18] >> I know thereby specific requirements for the board

[2:17:23] of appeals and justifications does that person I guess my

[2:17:27] question which specification does this person have?

[2:17:32] >> I have a friendly if you like me to read them.

[2:17:39] >> thank you, president nephew. And councilor

[2:17:45] durrwachter I'd like have to look to see right now I can

[2:17:50] tell with that is the two removed the finance and the

[2:17:55] maintenance supplies I--I don't know any specifics on

[2:17:59] those.

[2:18:00] >> not included in the resolution. I'll have the

[2:18:04] application but I'm not sure and I don't remember.

[2:18:09] >> are you looking for counselor forsman.

[2:18:14] >> so -

[2:18:17] [off mic.]

[2:18:22] >> I personally would like to put this back on the

[2:18:27] table until we have this information if you like?

[2:18:30] >> we can that board is very tight in terms of - and

[2:18:37] been on the table for the last minute I prefer to have the

[2:18:41] questions I can get an answer for you I guess.

[2:18:46] >> counselor forsman.

[2:18:50] >> maybe I respect that choice and other

[2:18:54] alternatives. We have the ability to look for correction

[2:18:59] at the next meeting if we find out. Did you -

[2:19:04] (unintelligible) and this gentleman meets the requirements

[2:19:07] as outlined in the building code.

[2:19:10] >> yes. I am.

[2:19:11] >> okay.

[2:19:14] >> all right. Thank you.

[2:19:15] >> so we are making a motion to table.

[2:19:20] >> I motion to table.

[2:19:22] >> we have motion to table resolution 725. Do I have

[2:19:23] a second?

[2:19:28] >> yes and e-cigarettes by councilor clanaugh and.

[2:19:32] >> clerk, call the roll.

[2:19:33] >> councilor clanaugh, yes.

[2:19:36] >> councilor desotelle, yes. E, aye.

[2:19:39] >>

[2:19:40] >> councilor durrwachter, yes.

[2:19:41] >> counselor forsman no and councilor randorf, no.

[2:19:48] >> vice president kennedy, no.

[2:19:50] >> president nephew, no. And councilor johnson no

[2:19:55] and motion to table resolution 725 failed and vice

[2:20:02] president kennedy.

[2:20:03] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:20:04] >> I do want to direct council to item number it

[2:20:09] thirty I believe moving forward.

[2:20:12] >> building.

[2:20:16] >> do you solemnly swear or affirm the responses and

[2:20:17] statements made will be the whole truth and nothing but

[2:20:18] the truth? Is actually an ordinance to decrease the number

[2:20:20] so I think that is really for that we vote to that but I

[2:20:24] said to direct you to that. I believe the staff has been

[2:20:29] working to understand that a little bit better who it

[2:20:34] needs to be on the board I guess the person to be

[2:20:37] considered as part of this ordinance is done as well.

[2:20:41] >> thank you.

[2:20:44] >> seeing none, on resolution 725.

[2:20:48] >> clerk, call the roll.

[2:20:49] >> councilor clanaugh, no.

[2:20:50] >> councilor desotelle, aye.

[2:20:55] >> councilor durrwachter, no.

[2:20:56] >> councilor tomanek, aye.

[2:20:58] >> councilor kennedy, aye.

[2:21:00] >> --

[2:21:01] >> councilor randorf, yes. A vice president kennedy,

[2:21:04] yes.

[2:21:05] >> president nephew, aye.

[2:21:08] >> councilor johnson, aye.

[2:21:09] >> and resolution 725 passes 7 to two. And next

[2:21:14] going on to ordinances to be -- the following entitled

[2:21:22] residential rural 1 (rr-1) to park & open space (p-1).

[2:21:23] clerk.

[2:21:24] >>

[2:21:41] >> 28. 26-038 an ordinance amending chapters 29 and

[2:21:42] 29a of the duluth city code to regulate short term rental

[2:21:54] licensing and permitting

[2:21:55] >> 29. 26-036 by vice president kennedy (committee of

[2:21:56] the whole)

[2:21:57] an ordinance amending chapter ii, section 4, of the duluth

[2:21:58] home rule charter, 1912, as amended, pertaining vacancies

[2:22:07] of mayor and councilor.

[2:22:08] >> thank you and I would like to address ordinance 38

[2:22:13] and members of parkland community I discussed I know

[2:22:20] councilor tomanek had concerns and we're going to be

[2:22:23] drafting a new resolution to do that and check in and hold

[2:22:28] on with the evaluation and also director van tassel that

[2:22:38] one should be coming at at new meeting we'll not be voting

[2:22:43] on that tonight but that is work to be kind of to come and

[2:22:49] with that, we'll move on for the I'm sorry vice president

[2:22:54] kennedy.

[2:22:55] >> thank you on that comment that you had made

[2:22:59] regarding short-term rentals a question for. Attorney lear

[2:23:04] but also be the first reading?

[2:23:07] >> will be a continued resolution and will be

[2:23:10] changes to the ordinance.

[2:23:13] >> okay. Thank you.

[2:23:15] all right. Next we will move on to.

[2:23:19] >> the following entitled ordinances are to be read

[2:23:31] appeal board to seven members.

[2:23:32] >> so moved do I have a second?

[2:23:35] and seconded by counselor forsman and councilor

[2:23:38] durrwachter.

[2:23:39] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:23:40] >> we are being asked for a ordinances that will

[2:23:44] reduce of members of the public members required on the

[2:23:49] board of appeals from 9 members to 7 the argument for

[2:23:52] people to serve on the board that means it is difficult to

[2:23:57] meet quorum and other boards are 7 members. And the

[2:24:02] residents for this board are specifying and in chapter ten

[2:24:06] of the city code. And once specific requirement for having

[2:24:12] and finance background and another one is maybe to have a

[2:24:17] background as rentals architect and the other one a

[2:24:21] registered engineer and building construction designer and

[2:24:26] other qualification they need to have conduct business in

[2:24:33] residential or commercial building construction and the

[2:24:35] next one is voting materials by a then two of them are

[2:24:41] subsequent sensory and there are two members of this

[2:24:46] board, as well as, one of the fire chief that is for

[2:24:49] voting rights and the other is the building official

[2:24:54] actions as cfo not have voting rights but as secretary. On

[2:25:01] this board we specifics encourage only 8 voting members at

[2:25:08] that time and let's thinks the reduction of medical

[2:25:12] examiner by 6 members will get to vote to continue with

[2:25:15] the list requirement specific expertise and justifiable

[2:25:23] and pertinent level of segment we slashed this

[2:25:29] administration over the 2 years and not filling vacations.

[2:25:36] this week is the first time I heard the manipulates pursue

[2:25:40] filling any vacancies at all and nothing has been

[2:25:45] fountains more on the social media bridge we're seeking

[2:25:49] applicants for this role I personally know several

[2:25:54] qualified people want to be on the boards it is difficult

[2:25:57] to understand the dramatic conclusion to recuse the

[2:26:02] members and tattoo have a - to the point a former expert

[2:26:12] like in the changes to a bull in a china shop seems the

[2:26:17] community should be alarmed the mayor is teaming the

[2:26:21] reduce of number of periods of time expert should the

[2:26:26] board of appeals become necessary in the near future.

[2:26:32] additionally, many of the most contentious issues the

[2:26:36] council has experienced brought speakers to the council

[2:26:41] chambers to requiring an overflow room standard for the

[2:26:48] zoning change and proposal.

[2:26:49] >> recent proposal changes combined with the

[2:26:55] questioning for this by speakers have greatly eroded the

[2:27:01] public's trust. And in december is a premature lester

[2:27:06] park before the results of land use study links together

[2:27:09] with unrelated topics has eroded the trust and the judge

[2:27:18] ordered the clerk to count and validate an ordinance that

[2:27:23] erodes the public's trust and our neighbors in herman town

[2:27:28] is really from the event rezoned land in the radar to

[2:27:35] bring the majority on either of the politically --

[2:27:39] political isle don't want, and including and tax break for

[2:27:44] a million dollar company. I think the public's trust of

[2:27:51] the public officials is at an all time low and analysis.

[2:27:55] the number of members on all the 22 regional authority

[2:28:00] commissioners and half of existing boards contain 9 member

[2:28:04] or more. And in fact, one, two of them require 11 members.

[2:28:10] and it is difficult to understand why this particular

[2:28:13] board building appeals board is the board that was singled

[2:28:19] out for a change in reduction of hours. And reducing the

[2:28:25] members of the board makes it easier to control. Why

[2:28:30] would this mayoral administration allocate to change the

[2:28:36] board of appeals at this time? Why would that that

[2:28:39] administration go up before the board in 12 of the 22

[2:28:43] boards have the same dilemma and the public utilities

[2:28:48] commission? For instance has a hard time and I happened

[2:28:53] to know and qualified who is sitting in the queue has been

[2:28:58] sitting in the queue for 3 months awaiting to be put on

[2:29:02] the agenda to approve for him to join. The planning

[2:29:07] commission barely had a quorum at the last meeting yet

[2:29:10] have a board of 9 members. It is difficult to meet a

[2:29:15] quorum who no matter whether our board members will have

[2:29:19] vacancies the public arts commission has a decision to the

[2:29:26] vacancy to pursue a concerted effort to utilities. The

[2:29:33] media at the modifications fingerprints to search for

[2:29:37] applicants for all boards of authorities and commission

[2:29:40] meetings the best applicants are selected to serve the

[2:29:46] community. For those reasons. I can't vote for this

[2:29:49] ordinance. And I urge my fellow councilors to vote no.

[2:29:53] >> councilor clanaugh.

[2:29:57] >> I'm sorry administration -- administrator go

[2:30:03] ahead.

[2:30:04] >> thank you, president nephew. And councilor

[2:30:05] durrwachter I want to point that out this was actually a

[2:30:08] recommendation from the building and pelosi board I'll and

[2:30:15] is a on 34 board commissions we have a position on the

[2:30:20] website to take an application and that will be for

[2:30:25] whoever is work or work to and come to you with interviews

[2:30:29] addressed authority seeks other intensify processes. I

[2:30:34] will say that is a robust time commitment and we do it in

[2:30:38] the most efficient way potential and along are everything

[2:30:44] else this was in line with other commissions and was

[2:30:47] recommended by the building board.

[2:30:51] >> thank you, councilor clanaugh

[2:30:52] >> tinge for the listening and welcome luke medis

[2:31:11] with the growing focus on the housing need it be important

[2:31:17] for that permitting and construction our complex process

[2:31:21] needs to be met and this board relies on the expertise for

[2:31:26] appeals that is for a successful completion of projects

[2:31:30] while protecting the public interest by redistricting the

[2:31:35] projects for problematic aspects. And the board advise

[2:31:39] and support of enterprises for the experience as they

[2:31:45] operate in our city. Is it in the public interest to

[2:31:50] reduce of membership of this board and eliminate areas of

[2:31:55] finance and building materials?

[2:31:57] >> I would propose it is isn't and not propose those

[2:32:05] I appreciate the challenging time for the board members

[2:32:09] and the consistency and I wonder wherewith we support the

[2:32:15] board members for example, does the city have's perform

[2:32:20] groups in which to have builders association

[2:32:25] infrastructure and one additionally, can be done to boost

[2:32:31] this outreach and collect the membership roles for other

[2:32:35] boards and commissions? And how does the city promote the

[2:32:40] boards and commissions, as well as, robust participation

[2:32:47] I'm poodles by the boards struggles to have membership.

[2:32:52] like many boards and commissions benefits in addition to

[2:32:56] the this comes through the public service. Two benefits

[2:33:01] come to mind with that board the opportunity for knowledge

[2:33:04] development and for professional networking. Each appeal

[2:33:09] has a case board members analysis given situations for

[2:33:14] their filters and have a solution. Anyone participating on

[2:33:19] the board has opportunities to develop little finding of

[2:33:25] what constituents a project, as well as, learn about what

[2:33:29] weaknesses the projects and in addition to this

[2:33:32] professional development aspect the building board of

[2:33:35] appeals provides an excellent opportunity to network and

[2:33:38] expand portfolio of the context and seems the robust

[2:33:45] promotion will support others to building creativity and

[2:33:49] professionals financial and other related people with

[2:33:53] results in the surplus for inner fentanyl vacancies arises

[2:34:03] perhaps we can boost it finding ways for others and staff

[2:34:08] to work with each other and inviting public participation

[2:34:11] on this. Councilor desotelle.

[2:34:19] >> I was hoping to ask a question here being a newer

[2:34:24] counselor and image the previous counselor had worked on

[2:34:30] commission and numbers I'm wording that is part of the

[2:34:33] recommendations that came out with work that she did last

[2:34:37] year?

[2:34:38] >> president nephew and councilor desotelle I'm not

[2:34:43] sure if it carve out in the previous work or not I believe

[2:34:48] this is surplus more recently.

[2:34:51] >> okay.

[2:34:53] >> vice president kennedy.

[2:34:54] >> thank you, president nephew.

[2:34:56] >> I guess I can answer some of the questions I was

[2:35:01] also part of the board commissions and part of

[2:35:05] recommendations is that we should lower the number of

[2:35:09] several of the boards and commissions and take a more

[2:35:14] deliberate approach to that I'm guessing one of the boards

[2:35:18] that all are well and needs to be as far as a smaller

[2:35:23] number to get at aquarium and have a lot of people we

[2:35:27] don't have a lot of people

[2:35:29] serving well, if the roles not in the communities and not

[2:35:33] in the boards and complies. There are lots of people

[2:35:37] wiling and

[2:35:39] performing able to do this so we see that as as change in

[2:35:44] some of the generation now and hopefully they're hearing

[2:35:49] this point to step up and don't serve on boards and

[2:35:53] commission we don't have a lot of boards on the nonprofits

[2:35:59] people in front of a change and volunteerism first years

[2:36:05] ago but all the boards and commissions will have a

[2:36:08] potential for all of them to decrease the numbers.

[2:36:13] >> and.

[2:36:14] >> thank you, president nephew. To amy martin

[2:36:17] question a discussion about significant board positioned

[2:36:21] that the municipalities probably not one we're looking as

[2:36:27] down sizing but the column has gained the discussion and

[2:36:31] with our choices eliminating the commissions today but I

[2:36:36] am willing to center that conversation I think we, you

[2:36:41] know, councilor did good work on and we're not scratching

[2:36:46] the surface changing how we our boards and commissions.

[2:36:52] >> thank you, councilor forsman and with that, we'll

[2:36:56] take this for a roll call and.

[2:37:00] >> clerk, call the roll.

[2:37:01] >> councilor clanaugh, no.

[2:37:02] >> councilor desotelle, yes.

[2:37:04] >> councilor durrwachter, no.

[2:37:06] >> councilor tomanek, yes.

[2:37:07] >> counselor forsman, yes. And councilor randorf,

[2:37:14] yes.

[2:37:15] >> vice president kennedy yes and councilor johnson.

[2:37:18] >> ordinance 37 passes 7 to two and with that, we're

[2:37:23] on to councilor/administration and questions and comments.

[2:37:34] seeing none, motion to adjourn.

[2:37:36] >> motion.

[2:37:37] >> moved by counselor forsman and second - have a

[2:37:46] great night.

City Council on 2026-08-24 6:00 PM

Agenda

Transcript