Hello counselor johnson just want to confirm you can hear
us
>> yes. I can loud and clear.
>> thank you.
>> all right. Good evening, everyone. We will open
with the finance committee meeting. Good evening. Begin
with tourism and tax overview and I hope we get a better
understanding how those revenues work and the rule on the
financial plan and pivot into an update request the 2027
budget including work underway to evaluate the expenses
that shape the budget and dates to know. September 10th
we have an excellent presentation and then immediately at
9 o'clock meet and that deck for a budget retreat. And
with that, turn it over to the finance director salinas.
thank you. Thank you for being here.
>> this is I believe this we figured out in finance,
and I'm usually accompanied by a colleague, but as the
committee chair mentioned today we will cover tourism and
taxes. That is an important part of our budget, budget
and not part of the general fund, but we want to cover a
good overview of the tourism tax. And then I will get to
a budget update as the next step for the general budget.
and then as always time at the end for questions thank
you, you should have a presentation in front of you with a
slide, I'll note your questions for that. And so I'm
going to begin with the overview first of tourism and
taxes and start getting into the sources and a little bit
of details, a breakdown how we collect them and the
numbers we're selecting the percentages in dollars and the
research. I broke this down into smarter sections they are
complex and almost 9 months now. That is something I am
learning the nuances as much as I can if I can share a
request if we can't get to it today, I hope the
conversation around this, but that on that is really
important. So hopefully, at the end, you're not only
enlightened by tourism and taxes and give you a little bit
of understanding.
>> so I'm to define what are the tourism taxes. And
there are two components that we collect takes from the
customers and from the sales. There is lodging and then
food and beverages. And so I want to, want to say tourism
and taxes are not sales tax excepting for one smaller
component generally paying tax on not on lodging and
beverages not tourism taxes.
>> so how we collect those. Who gives us permission
and what do we collect in taxes?
>> so we have authority under the city through
charter code ordinances, as well as, laws and statutes
into the state of minnesota allowing us to collect. Okay.
>> we're going to get into the details. So what do
we collect?
>> on the lodging side, there are two different
taxes we collect on hotels. We collect the 3 percent
motels and hotels excise tax, tax a regular tax in the
city of duluth that are taxable of one and a half percent.
when I pay sales tax that one percent is not exactly with
the general fund that is considered a tourism tax on the
side. On hotels over thirty units, we collect an
additional 2.5 percent and an establishment has more than
30 units, an additional 30 percent. I'll get into the
layering starts with the bigger picture into the details.
for food and beverages, we collect 2.25 percent that is on
top of the sales tax. Before we move on, I want to get
into the details and a brief overview on what we can,
steps on specifics on the lodging. I'm not going to read
them all, but note you'll see those on the food and
beverages is the discretion portion. There is very
specific lodges around what we can spend on the lodging
side that are discretionary. When we look at the food and
beverages, we don't have that but on items what we can
spend on within the family corridor, etc. So the budget
comes every year, we look at it and we know what we can
spend and looking to figure out how much. So this graph
shows we, we selected for the last 4 increases or years
from 2022 to 2025 and have the 2027 projected on 2025.
there was a cap in the previous years that is happening
one time and it really capped where we've been the last
3 years about 14 point 8 million dollars with that. And
looking at that added 2022 averaging 15.6.
>> I think another thing to note, we lowered the
projection for 2026 to buy the hotel and hotels occupancy
rates we're down a little bit. So this is how we collect
them and what this 14 point 6 budget looked like.
>> where are they coming from?
>> so wanted to show you a graph that breakdown. So
for food and beverages that is 2.25 percent we're
collecting. With all the food and beverages it is
$6.8 million and 46 percent of total coming from that.
26 percent from the 3 percent hotel and motel and the one
percent sales tax. Again, that piece is on the quantity
of units. This final piece 2 point 8 million dollars that
is for the establishment over 30 units. This is probably
something that might be a self comparison want to put it
out here. I think that any questions about what the total
is this is only for each of the taxes for the hotels and
less than 30 units. So the 8.75 is the city of duluth city
tax that is imposed. Again, one percent of which is 75
the tourism tax. But then we have adding the 3 percent to
the purchase of lodging for one night pay 11.75 on all
units. But if we have one more than thirty percent an
additional percent. Okay.
>> getting a little bit deeper a little bit into the
future.
>> I have a handout at the end that summarizes all of
that I want to hand that out so you will look through it
and and makes sense until all the layers are added on, but
not part of that presentation. If you see a table that
has all this words and numbers but altogether.
>> so the 3 percent hotel and motel tax. This was
the first ordinance was enacted in 1969. An update for
this the first one, was in 1959. And the way that reads
on the restrictions this is really important for you all
to understand where we can spend the money the hotel and
motel tax. We can see the first 5 percent goes to the
general fund for for basically administering tourism taxes
and then the rest of this is divvied up. 95 percent is
left divvied and 65 percent the remaining is for the desk.
so supporting maintenance of the arena and the addition
for the city of duluth and the other 35 percent before
advertising and promotions for the city of duluth, tourism
convention centers that the contract in the city of
duluth. Not the discretionary, part the contractual part
where they operate. And then the graph shows the dollars
over the years. I really wanted to highlight the
restrictions for each of the components. The one percent
sales tax is what we consider the discretionary or one of
the discretionary. This is to be used to pay for
activities related to tourism, anything that promotes
tourism. This is important to highlight that the actual
language we look at the ordinances or the resolutions for
the statutes, they highlight the desk and spirit mountain
that is discretionary. But those who the cities are
mentioned in the language. And we'll see it again in the
next one.
>> for the over 30 units, one and a half percent
hotels and motel tax is broken down and you can see a one
percent, another one percent in the math. We get to the
total of 2 and a half so with one percent is again, a
discretionary piece similar to the one in the sales tax
and the language included the desk and spirit mountain
recreation area. And then the one percent positive
capital improvement and and half percent, which some of
you see half-and-half in the food and beverages. Which
was, that was an actual for the corridor, as well as,
athletic venues. This will be a quick one about tourism.
>> okay.
>> so food and beverages. Again, the same graph
shows sales tax and then we'll get paid on top of of
tourism tax. Want to show you the breakdown the sales tax
and nothing that is for food and beverage, the additional
2.25. What are the restrictions on the two? This one on
the food and beverages, first ordinance the original was
enacted in 1977. And if I looking at for history I'm
happy to take questions off-line if you wanted to
understand what is happening with that. But these have the
restrictions. Again, the 2 quarter by that the one
percent it's for facilities that are basically related to
the city. The facilities are or agencies where we run
them or are run by a governing body that we appoint those
are for the facilities like the zoo. We have some of the
facilities and have that. Then have .75 percent of that
too, and a quarter for the arena. And this is what I talk
about on the previous slides, it is for the corridor and
the athletic venues. I know that is a lot of information,
but have a few slides to get through. That is putting it
altogether multiple categories that we identified as where
we can plan. So I think here again, not going to reading
through all of them, but ones I want to point out the
discretionary, the discretionary budget is pretty big when
you look at the whole thing. There we have debt and
obligations that the city has priorities we have to borrow
into discretionary. So the discretionary, a discretionary
gives you, you an example so advertising and projection we
assume have $15 million. And in tourism taxes of which
maybe 2 and a half are allocated approximately 9 percent
of advertising and promotion. $1.4 million for
advertising and promotion. You know the concept is one .8
and with the contract that is 6 last year and so that is
already to 2.4 that we have to borrow from the
discretionary funds. So the discretionary pot isn't what
we had left over for 2026, was left over for visitors.
that looks hefty and supplements from the other
obligations for debt and for events that we do as the
city. So we are utilizing some of that for our part of the
other restricted spending. We use all the restricted
spending first with that pulled from that bucket.
>> what are the next steps for tourism tax and what
have we've done so far? What we've done for july and
august is we reviewed historic data and updating the
review. Up into recently, have to adjust for july. And
then we also this is helping us to determine what the
budget, the total dollars will look like. And then we
determined the cash reserves available from the full year
what does this mean? We don't know what that tourism tax
looked like we go back to 2025 what is left over and a one
year lag in terms of what the bucket looked like. We have
been working on the drafts. And one iteration a review
with the administrative. And again, we readjusted the
revenues so we'll do one more. And then we will come up
with what we bring to council will happen in october and
review and approve the resolution. And then also have
identified at this time for the funds for duluth and begin
the process so -
>> so, now I'll get to the budget update and the
next steps what we're doing with that.
>> this is the much shorter slide than the tourism
and tax, but gives us a really good idea where we're at.
so we've been talking about the general fund budget over
the finance committee meeting. And we have continued and
finalized and financials listings. This, of course, data,
you know, getting new information want to make sure we
have the most updated and using realistic and appropriate
revenue assumptions so we're not over shooting or under
shooting based on the historical information and any
indicators will tell us otherwise. And we explored the
opportunity to allot any unused funds that we have from
the previous years that are no longer being utilized for
the services. Stuff we did think on the revenue side on
the express so we'll have no reductions for city services.
and we are again continuing to look at the expenditures
and look at them up to september 10th, maybe a week before
that. And if we are using again historic averages not
worst case scenario. So what does that mean? It is
important for potentially budgeting for the worst-case all
the time so that if we have issues with the budget, we
wanted to make sure that is tightened up. And then the
payroll budget what we did there a historical vacancy and
sometimes were inflated at the time when someone starts
the position there are basic savings to make sure we use
an approach and recognized those tightened up, up the
budget. So as financial committee chair randorf mentioned,
the budget presentation that is happening on
september 10th. And then have the budget retreat, the next
day we will have all the departments presenting budget mr.
harold is putting together a template for each of the
departments so making sure everyone is following what
you'll be looking at and the public is looking at is
consistent and we're able to understand apples to apples
even though we know all departments do a different
presentation in terms of the highlights. And on monday
september 4, the resolution prepared and understand that
if anything is tabled so not vote until the 28; is that
correct?
>> so, now is the fun part, your questions.
>> thank you, director salinas.
>> open up for counselor questions the first
councilor in the queue is councilor tomanek.
>> thank you, chair randorf. Are they paying into the
vacation unit fund?
>> well the people that or I want to make sure we
clarify the consumer is paying. But, yes. And they pay
the same percentage for the less than 30 units.
>> what is the justification for over thirty and
less than thirty?
>> corporate is the justification.
>> this is something that happened before my time.
I believe that was, I don't want to say what year, but the
justification at that time was because of moving. And I
think they believe they'll not get that from the tourism
tax as they go to fruition. There was an understanding
from council. In fact at the time that makes for that so
the body is the one who determined that.
>> thank you.
>> uh-huh.
>> thank you councilor tomanek. Next it is councilor
clanaugh.
>> thank you, chair randorf. The 29 this thing is a
mom and pop. I'm curious that was not - what would be the
tax collected for not having this exemption?
>> councilor clanaugh, I don't have that information
not something we looked at. And this is currently in the
- occurring. We can go certainly take a look at that.
>> thank you councilor clanaugh. Next in the queue
is councilor durrwachter.
>> thank you, chair randorf for the presentation. My
question is I'm wondering if you can clarify a little bit
more for me why the desk and spirit mountain fund is also
called discretionary? A lot is actually discretionary.
>> if I can go back to the actual slide. The way the
language is written for any company or anyone that is
promoting tourism and identifies the deck and spirit
mountain. So if you can find the language for that one.
>> that was helpful. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> councilor durrwachter.
>> thank you, councilor durrwachter.
>> next in the queue is councilor tomanek.
>> thank you, chair randorf. Will you tell us how
much the is percentage that will go to the deck for the
10 years?
>> councilor tomanek. I don't have the exact number
from that, but the amount of the funds that year is that
the amount is over. That money gets added and can change,
but I'll get that exact for you.
>> you said the readjust is in july in round
numbers. How much that will be?
>> I don't have that exact figure was for the one
month.
>> great. Thank you.
>> thank you councilor tomanek. And next is councilor
clanaugh.
>> thank you, chair randorf. And director it is
referenced for the sales tax and some of that goes for
tourism. I am curious do we have a standard definition
what it means?
>> do we have a consensus with no equity and details?
>> and historically have not but currently on a
policy to make sure we have that and what you're speaking
of to make sure that is what we're going forward have the
definitions correct. And everyone understand how that is
allocated for what the restrictions are and the
definition.
>> thank you. And you're welcome. Thank you.
councilor clanaugh next in the queue is councilor
durrwachter.
>> thank you, chair randorf.
>> and director salinas, give us a simple list of as
one of the slides mentioned, there are areas that had
reductions for the core city services. Any sort of list
of what those reductions would be or will you be
presenting on the retreat?
>> we'll be, councilor durrwachter. Yes. That
information will be presented.
>> thank you. Councilor durrwachter next.
>> thank you, chair randorf. Two quick questions.
you said this was to 2025, was the bumper. And then the
other question if we had had changes to the future like
the money needs to go in other places requires a statute
to change that language or half and half before we change
the ordinances?
>> can you be more specific, councilor durrwachter
on the second part?
>> yeah. So after all I said all of the restricted or
rule understates that are the charters probably not a lot
of changes. I'll say you're looking at something and want
to say well the definitions didn't we want more? That has
to go through the state first; right? To get permission
under the state level before we make changes within our
ordinance?
>> yes. That's correct.
>> thank you, thank you. As far as the bench, that
was the correction related to 2 years for reports not been
properly documented and so they have 4 corrections that is
what that is for?
>> haven't in 2026 --
(laughter).
>> just checking.
>> thank you, councilor durrwachter. And councilor
clanaugh.
>> director salinas on slide 20, talked about in
terms of payroll vacancies. We know the payroll benefits
are a chunk of the budget and the lions share, but
operational costs. I'm thinking of so - the sustainability
position has been vacant for a long time. So there was
savings in terms of of payroll and also operational costs.
and so then the programming sort of isn't advanced. Are
there mechanisms in our budgeting to make up for
situations like that to get a program that was
understaffed and now back to where it is meant to be?
>> councilor clanaugh, the vacancy savings are not
what we planned for. The vacancies that is just the --
how the operations work so the sustained position, I think
I'll defer to the administrator for that.
>> thank you.
[off mic.]
>> there we go. Thank you for that question.
>> regarding the sustainability officers, the duty,
yes. That position has a vacancy. It was serving that but
to keep the sustainability work going and where there are
operational savings, there is potentially. But within the
things I'll say in sustainability, we try to work that
into the budget in all departments we look to do projects
and the departments have work that make them work smarter
and is a better part of the department's budget.
>> not just a sustainability budget.
>> sure, thank you.
>> thank you, councilor clanaugh. Any further
questions from the councilors?
>> last call for questions. And seeing none, ask my
last question. And director and the councilors we walk
away with one or two things to think of different ways
before the 2027 -- before the next presentation and the
retreat is there. Anything in the process you want to
figure out differently or made aware of
councilor randorf? I don't know how to speak to that.
>> I think the one thing I want to say we've been
very conscience. Before when we were looking at the
vacancies, we're not doing this doing away with the
points. I will come in with the knowledge. We have done
a thorough job and very precise when we go through this
process.
>> and all of us have well been missing -- I think
that is going to be maybe reflected and also not been part
of the retreat before I think that may, I might have
additional information after this one.
>> so thank you.
>> and thank you so much for the presentation. We
can call you anytime we have finance or budget questions.
but thanks for tonight. And councilors we will close the
finance meeting and come back for the regular council
meeting. Thank you.
[meeting adjourned]
>> I'd like to welcome everyone to the city council
meeting. Clerk call the roll.
>> thank you.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> councilor clanaugh.
>> councilor desotelle here.
>> councilor durrwachter here.
>> counselor forsman here.
>> vice president kennedy.
>> president nephew and councilor johnson here.
>> stand for the pledge
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of
america and to the republic for which it stands, one
nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all.
>> I'd like to welcome you to the city of olathe,
city council regular meeting this evening at 7:00pm.,
tuesday, august 30, 2025. Tonight's council will conduct
the official business and an opportunity for public
comment. Before we move on if you wish to speak, sign up
with the clerk. We have two public comments, public
comment periods. The first is agenda items and the second
for non-agenda items. And the city council meeting will
be conducted in the importance -- and rules of order.
those rules are established to make sure our meetings are
fair, efficient and in order for a process for decision
making. If I signed you up, you have 3 minutes to speak,
there is a timer on the lectern to remind you. Please
finish your comments within 3 minutes and first item move
on to the minutes.
>> approval of the august 10, 2026, city of duluth,
city council meeting minutes. Anyone have any questions on
the minutes.
>> seeing none, we'll move on to roll call vote from
the administration.
>> administrator.
>> president nephew, no reports from the
administration.
>> all right. Then have a public hearing. Tonight a
public hearing for appeals on ordinance for --
>> public hearing(s)/appeals - an ordinance amending
chapter ii,section 4, of the duluth home rule charter,
1912. I will open up the public hearing
(gavel)
anyone have any comments, please come up and speak.
>> no speakers for the public hearing.
>> okay. Thank you.
>> I will call for speakers from the public hearing
one more time?
>> and a third time. And the public hearing is now
closed on the ordinances amending charter 2 of the duluth
charter 1912. Other members of public comment for the
agenda items. Clerk call the first speaker.
>> the first speaker is jessica.
>> welcome, if you need to adjust the lectern --
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> jessica. And my name is jessica a resident of
the parkland community and club. I'm a board member for
the community led organization established to build the
resilience of the park plan. We can sustain a plan for
water and wildlife and infrastructure and people for
generations to come. Many parkland residents have watched
many years for the - while lot of sharing the neighborhood
with visitors and the rentals we are worried about the
next impacts it can have on the housing affordability and
community cohesion.
>> over the past several months, the community
working group for vacation rentals in duluth we conducted
an online survey with part time and full-time residents
based on this and the resources from other communities
across the country. We wrote a report for duluth and
shared with city council. While the approach for the ones
in the ordinance amending the duluth regulations for the -
is somewhat different than the approach we recommended, it
is deeply aligned. We believe the proposed approach will
support the industry and helps our visitors and neighbors
and helped with the availability - affordability. And we
hope the city had continue to have - excuse me - commit
positions for staff and reservoirs for giving us support
and hope the city will track the ordinance and making
adjustments if necessary to make sure the goals are met.
we applaud the city council for the permits to allow for
the pace for a better system and thank the city staff for
their thoughtful approach to the vacation rentals. We
believe the ordinance recommended by the city staff is a
balance and we strongly encourage the city council to
approve it.
>> next speaker.
>> pat sterner.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> pat sterner.
>> good evening city of duluth and councilors, my
name is pat. I'm a park point resident and for minnesota.
and thank you for the opportunity to provide the comment
on the proposed ordinance 38- zero amending the charters
to regulate short-term rentals and rentals and essentially
for what the colleague said and cited by a job underscore
the importance of this ordinance in managing the
permitting process to make sure that vacation rentals will
bring an economic value to the city and the cities goals
of maintaining housing tracks and target affordability.
we appreciate the process if the owner is taking time to
have our community in mind to consider ideas and concerns,
to address led by the working group. For our part the
community club and the .50 noticed a survey that included
the short-term rentals and received a very good response
from the comments throughout the process. We appreciate
the seriousness of this ordinance and focusing on the
training and enforcement those elements will help the
management of short-term rentals especially with more than
6 hundred permitted and non-permitted to be reviewed for
value. And we urge the county council for a check in
point and staff feedback about how implementation is going
and especially the process for commenting and monitoring
this type of review for the potential amendment for
enhancement of effectiveness of work. Again, as noted by
jeff the community strongly supports the ordinance as
written to the entire staff and while we acknowledge no
work can be perfect without this ordinance, we will
continue to as a community and city to struggle. We look
forward to continuing to work in partnerships with the
city staff and city council for a successful passage and
implementation of this ordinance. Thank you.
>> our next speaker is chris coal.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> my name is chris coal.l while the court denies
this following lester park, we urge the other protection
of the public resources. This conclusion session stated
the voice of the people are the heart of democracy.
citizens should continue to hold their elected officials
accountable and they can attend meetings for the updated
plans that are present and can attend the city council
meetings for other available means for their voices to be
heard. I'm here for the promotion that the thousand of
voices are heard in the council. The final version of the
land use study responds to the public people by protecting
more open space than the original versions, but the
planners only mission is an expensive process for the
infrastructure. And expenses might defer developers. So at
the planning commission that meeting on the 13th following
the commission following comments by the commissioners,
the city of duluth has too much green space. Commissioners
struggled to amend the commissioners asked pretty much had
consequences that of it would be and remember in the end
this amendment was passed by 3 of the commissioners and
that amendment to lower that why the amendment cancels all
the intent conclusions and directions of the planners. If
adopted will, by this council or any subsequent council to
dispose of any profit that the l g y has and give it away
to developers. And for more than 70 acres to be retired
for commercial space including a private golf course. The
amendment covers any protection honoring thousands of
people sought for open space to develop. Since those
commission meetings minutes have not been published few
people had a chance to read the amendment, understand it
and undercuts the plan. My purpose in speaking to make
sure a public record is made and the consequences adopting
the plan in its current form adopts this without the
amendment.
>> thank you.
>> our next speaker is james hansen.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> hi, I'm james hansen. I'm a member of the
national resource commission. On the recent meetings have
heard reports from the city staff and asked questions on
duluth's natural aids program. And the cedar creek fish
kill another item we have spent a lot of time discussing
with the city staff, new land use study of lester park the
golf course area. There is 4 natural areas designated in
duluth. We have a new management with enforcement the
heart area of the st. Louis river natural area and the
river natural area. And adjacent to the cluster area is
the park golf course. And a unique opportunity to expand
own some of that natural habitat and restore to the
wetlands that originally were there. And what I know
there is a demand for housing in duluth. And the land use
study does acknowledge that that lower third can
potentially be developed to help alleviate the housing
crunch. The opportunity to at least with the opportunity
connected to the west hampton expand that natural area for
1100 acres, you know, nearly 14 hundred add and and that
tourism unique location to the beach and the lakewalk
trail and the hiking trail and the shore. There is a
unique opportunity to expand on that economic machine for
the city of duluth. Such as city-owned campgrounds on the
west end to my understanding income generated for the city
something of that nature can happen and might alleviate
with the short-term rentals. With more challenging
opportunity for folks that visit the state while seven
hundred to 900 units will generate $500,000 million for
the parkland. But an income with the parking the current
half cent generates more than we gain from property tax in
the city. Thank you.
>> thank you. And our next speaker is hayden.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> my name is hayden, I live in district one. And I
was here in the city council chamber in december of 2025,
that when something happens instead of commissioning a
land use study, we are impacted while the city council
conveyed all the land and began the process and at the
results of the land use study. I - I don't need to tell
you that is in the court more than it should be look like
trying to put the wheat in the bag before the lights were
on. I, I was here in december 2025, when a convoluted
resolution made the agenda that predicated the intention
of lester park with the lester park golf course to the
developer. This office is political skipping. That is
clear that the city bundling was for the simple majority
for the state of duress, we shoot the dog the argument and
the resolution condemned itself. And now that duress comes
back as counselors they placed on the minutes today to
piece together what the materiality is. The actions of a
mayor and city council distrust can damage the reputation
with the residents. This was done one in 6 voters. As I
said, a petition for the corrupt process watching unfold
that, that was in front of us by the city council and the
mayor. This goes beyond lester park when the corrupt
processes happen to to corrupt. There is a rock that
leaves nothing safe for the right start to righting a
wrong and the super majority will be established by the
city. And this breaches the trust. And during a time of
natural or national curruptness and environmental collapse
most are talked about. And the city of duluth will not
forget the politicians back up in their home, don't try to
make things right.
>> thank you.
>> our next speaker is ansel.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> good evening, I live in the district. First, I
want to thank the city staff and councilors for taking
time to engage the communities about the lester park golf
course project. And also thank the councilors that added
the motion to tonight's resolution added by the planning
commission or for for redesignating the city for the
protected park land that people in city of duluth are
passionate about. The conservation and political shortage
of the housing both locally and nationally, no one takes
that lightly. It needed to be restated that the contention
in the process it is not from the discussion. And
unfortunately, many of the media and the discussion in and
around that housing versus conservation and completely
ignored around the process and the push back came from the
decision to convey the parkland before the land use study
was complete. And one note changed the hands for the
protection was forgotten and however unlikely the entire
property is still for a simple majority vote and against
the acknowledging desire of the one to focus. This
property didn't need to be in the protected status for the
land use study. We could have let this play out for the
protection. This unnecessary step eroded the public trust
and the discussions around what we should build, those
were from the planning commission recommendation for the
entire property for not just the lower 60 acres in the
land use study that was spoken that people are concerned
about. And their rights were described away. I'm asking
to restore the protection and to accept the land use study
recommendations of pursuing the development. The people of
the duluth want to focus on the data solutions not
watchdog in the public eye. Thank you.
>> next speaker.
>> denise.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
need to adjust the lectern, you can.
>> can you hear me?
>> yes.
>> denise. I'd like to make comments on two agenda
items. First one is 2607235. That is a personnel matter
and and I'd like to gently and respectfully urge you to
vote no on that particular person being put on that
commission. And here for 2 weeks, I heard questioning
particularly to the councils that asked very pointed and
specific questions and ask them and that person virtually
led many to believe that you would filling an open seat
just to fill an open seat. I think perhaps needs a little
bit more and maybe to come back with their time and try
and get on the commission then. But I think now is not the
right time for this person. And that's how this person
will not vote for that person.
>> the the other thing is 26 zero 7 for the lester
park. I agree with all the people that came. I also was
at the planning commission meeting. It has come here with
barely a quorum, only 5 people there and tabled, only got
3 votes. I would like to know more, and definitely no more
than the 37 originally was proposed to do them and whose
mission is economic. I'd like to see the land whoever
person developed and hoping that is on in the lower half
or the lower third, the base. I'd like to see a portion of
that go to a nonprofit or either a state or governmental
or county governmental equity whose sole position is
trying to get nine hundred new housing units with
10 percent of what the city has accepted. That is an
incredible amount and told that 33 percent goes to the
city of duluth and 200 or below to the poverty level.
33 percent will be at 200 percent poverty or below. And
finally affordable housing, $986. Not going to happen in
the economic. Please, please break it up. So that someone
is interested in housing, housing, everyone in the city
has a stake. Thank you very much.
>> thank you.
>> our next speaker is -
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code. If
you need to adjust the podium so --
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> my name is meg and I'm at -- I'd like to comment
today on the resolution to reclassify the area for the
lester park and procedural registry regarding that and
building that the land use study conducted reasonably
well. I was frustrated to hear the planning commission to
disregard this and for the infrastructure and water and
sewer is practical in the way of long term and housing.
I'd like to thank the councilor for the amendment on the
commissions recommendations and revise the land use study.
that study favors the developments on the 33 acres
property in the upper two .7 acres of open space and to
thank the councilor last week. And especially councilor
randorf directions the city to remain in ownership and in
the protected park lane it really aims to be in the spirit
of the land use study. I strongly urge you to follow up
with the resolution with both of the amendments and to be
passing those amendments shows the council means what it
says to the people. Which is not something that 34 of us
have been happy throughout the process, a reason between
housing development and making public land. I encourage
the city council to meet with the planning commission to
use the land use study and adopt it without making future
decisions and development and open space and park. Thank
you.
>> thank you. And our next speaker is alec.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> I'm alec in the central park plaza side, been a
long process. Thank you for your continued working at
least going through this a little while and I hope it goes
along with the land use study recommendation, and 33 acres
for mixed-use housing, and 7 acres for parking and
consider before making a recommendation use for the zoning
process. And what the super majority deserves and point
out ,again, the limited trust in the process. Trust is
hard-earned. And it will take much pause, but it takes
open communication to be built teenagers and adults have
to have trust. We called this last time. This cycle is
simple completion to communicate the consistent action
creating trust establishes, relationships. This cycle was
broken down into the steps of lester park in the process
and can be rebuilt. To that end, the motion to amend -
proposed rejecting the planning commission changes are
piecing as the intent for the city to retain ownership of
the acres designated as parkland. Thank you for that.
>> part of the process of redeeming and to be clear
communicate and consist and create more trust. Thank you
for you time and your service.
>> thank you. And our next speaker is jill crawford
nichols.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> good evening, jill.
>> I'm in district 4 and have a big agenda but here
to speak on the study and representing chapter of the
mountain legacy and referring to the bike. We have been
engaged in the issues since the beginning in 2019, and
opposed the sale of the public parkland and come before
the commission on numerous occasions. And recently,
oppose this lester park golf course. Before the completion
of the land use study. So tonight, I'm pleased to be here
to speak in support of the land use study finding we
wanted to recognize the good work and particularly their
effort that open and offer a constant opportunity for the
public and the recommendation is supported by their
community and supports the many, many public comments that
were made in december and november of this past year. And
protecting the acres of the upper golf course right
decision. And also thank the councilors for offering to
remove the action of august 13th, which will have effected
the recommendation. And therefore wasting 200 thousand -
thousands of taxpayer money. And one concern in the
amendments refers to as the 200 acres at open space,
however, open space is not a designation. Therefore, we
encourage you to have the current designation for the 200
and 7 acres and remove those acres from the data. And in
addition to this, we strongly encourage the councilors to
take and address steps for the 6 hundred or 200 and
7 acres to have protection by a member of our own
commission. Thank you, on behalf of 1 hundred and 20.
>> our final agenda speaker is lisa patrick.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> lisa fitzpatrick. I live near lester park and
lester park golf course. I want to thank councilor
durrwachter for the study in saying keep parkland. I
agree with pretty much everyone talking about the 200 and
7 acres of parkland. I appreciate the zoning administer's
and president nephew having written the -- I forgot the
word to do that. And I would, I also want to say I was one
of those who went with the petition around duluth and
people in west duluth were signing it. I was in central
hillside and I went to -- with flags of a certain party
that I know was not in agreement. We talked about people
having a voice and what happens to our land. And I had
conversations with them people. And, of course, mostly in
lester park but, having said that, I agree with everyone
and let's go forward in good faith. Thank you.
>> thank you.
>> president nephew. Move on to non-agenda items.
the first speaker is ali.
>> welcome.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> ali.
>> signing and - (unintelligible).
>> from the crane clearing here, we are great lake
superior and here to talk the lakewalk I posted close to
be close to it. And have my daughter have access to it
where we belong. And the closure of the lake sees it
harmful to the city of duluth. And I think my daughter's
development and facilitating the connection and brought
her to the lakewalk when she was a baby. I bring her
there still and want her to know herself to this lake and
want other duluth's to have opportunity and for children
as human beings and for their development is vital. We
are fortunate to live next to this place. It is harmful
in this space and not going the another way. Further this
project will be proper to the public and the - nothing is
impeding, of course. I think nothing of notice from
recruitment. I too want to take care of other services
that is the community of people that want to serve notice
and on the -- in regard to the land use both to the public
who is already deeply familiar and scared away, dying to
come around a curve where birds were gone and beginning to
do anything with the trees. And they trimmed away trees
for the public and changing, as well as, for the - I wish
I could -- we could put up for the trees and I e-mailed
city hall both for further work to be done on the lakewalk
and cause hardship to families. And after planning having
seen concerns about the shoreline near my home is a
magical cove of boulders and lining the shore appreciated
by many. Those gathered deserve to be undisturbed and
desire the land. And I'm weary of a project I think at
the expense of nature that is curated by nature. My
daughter wanted me to express for her it is fun climbing
on the rocks and seeing light, water. The rocks are warm
and like the sound of wind and waves. Can you not move
the rocks?
>> I think public input even from the time it's to
the streetscape water like is vital and -- thank you.
>> thank you.
>> your final speaker is lauren.
>> welcome. Please state your name and zip code.
>> good evening, council. I just want to start by
saying I've seen the public comment is impressive tonight
in the community. And I'm off, taking off, again -- sorry
about that. As a candidate to address a most serious
problem. And resident in the state of minnesota a major
general fund caused by an action. Those payments coming
out of the budget were originally intended to spare the
cost of the $108 million from the taxpayer and fell far
short of reaching that goal. As now has been moved to the
taxpayers and less promised. But at the height of scheme 7
hundred million was coming out of the general fund.
polling to many that was as factor plan. So it is
understandable that the current superintendant wanted to
fully erase that burden. During the committee of the whole
in in july of 2023, the bond broker passed the referendum
on the ballot quote asking the taxpayer to support this.
he also said if he gets stuck in the revenue and the taxes
will cost him, he pointed out will not be successful. He
was looking at the height of the cost for the taxpayers
not a single one said I'm a representative of the public,
but the taxes are what will it cost.
>> they have every right to know. Nearly all the
plans was recommended was paid in 2028 and see a
significant drop in 2029 with the meeting with the
superintendent in from 2023, will prevent this from taking
a relief from lower taxes. He was now going to step us
down. The citizens of duluth are not for going into debt
and agreeing to pay 28 more for the red plan. By voting
for that referendum, no one was asked if they're okay with
that. I think we should be seeing the clear semantics and
during the school district push for the referendum.
>> thank you. And president nephew that concludes
the list of speakers for the public comment.
>> thank you very much. And next move on to the
consent agenda. I would like to remind the public
commissioner johnson is on line tonight with a role call
vote.
>> motion to approve the consent agenda.
>> seconded by councilor randorf. Not seeing any
questions.
>> clerk, call the roll.
>> councilor clanaugh, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, yes. And councilor tomanek,
yes. And councilor randorf, yes.
>> vice president kennedy, yes. And president nephew
and counselor forsman.
>> the consent agenda passes 9 to zero. And move on
to item 23.
>> resolutions tabled
24. 26-0723
by councilor forsman (personnel)
resolution confirming the appointment of brianna gunderson
to the duluth entertainment and convention center
authority. And we is a motion and seconded by councilor
tomanek and next to discussion or I'm trying to remember
the process a vice president kennedy weigh like to read
the amendment.
>> all right. Vice president kennedy, go ahead.
>> do you want me to read the whole thing or just
the statement of the public purpose?
>>> we are reading the resolution 26. I want to
highlight a strike through after the less -- so I'll read
that part and go down to the statement of purpose and the
special meeting. So, now therefore, the city adopts this
planning commission and concludes that the duluth land use
plan is hereby amended by adding it to the lester park
golf course study plan. And what was strictly as amended
by the additional recommendation which will be the
planning commission vote argument. And then today want me
to read the full statement of purpose for the special
meet?
>> to the end.
>> so we're at the very end. And I'll read the
special meeting on august 13, 2026, the applications held
a planning hearing on the lecturing and the future land
use map reviewed this. Staff's attachment 3 and discussed
and deliberated the matter. The planning commission
considered a motion to recommend the city council
recommend to the city council the lester park golf course
future land use amendment and vision plan and future land
use amendment as amended and additional recommendation.
they had a vote which passed 5 yeahs and no abstentions
and added to this motion to amend the planning commission
additional recommendation. So this will be our amendment.
and so basically, the intention to go back and follow the
recommendations of the land use study. And in the queue
counselor forsman.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> thank you, excuse me - drink a drink -
>> thank you, both for offering this amendment
appreciate it coming from the act that that -- and back to
december we took up the land use study. It was clear
normally what the results a followup of the public
process. Here we are. I know we all have different ideas
in the lester park golf course future looked like for some
people it looked like any development and for others more
like the land use. But to honor my work for december to
honor the results of that study and what was originally
put forward to the planning commission finding, before we
take a vote, I want to address the sustainability in this
room and on line our. Planning commissioners who are
unpaid put in long hours and a lot of research and bring
recommendations on some of the most local decisions this
council decisions as an elected official to debate the
recommendations and make decisions. We agree with the
planning commission and sometimes we don't. That is how
the process works, that's okay. What is not acceptable
and I hope fellow councilors will say not attacking the
volunteer public servants simply because you disagree with
them. I saw family members the day after but - I can tell
you first-hand how much that hurt him. And in this case
nick is a dedicated long time community member but on the
port of the chester board and a model citizen. And when
people overact in discussions with or without expansions
gives the people and staff volunteers that serve our city
wants to not serve. That is a loss so debate is welcome
attacking the character of volunteers that step forward to
serve is not. Let's do a little bit better when it comes
to discuss versus tearing down people especially those not
elected officials.
>> thank you, councilor forsman. And councilor
desotelle.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>>. Thank you very much for adding that amendment,
president nephew and vice president kennedy. And the
planning commission meeting watched had happened. The land
use study was processed and that is confusing in the
language for the amendment. That remember when that that
was passed 3/or 5 out of 9 commissioners were present and
turned out the other 4 commissioners were there. And on
the one hand, saying the zone is this way.
>> wondering the zone is this way. This didn't work
so I appreciate the amendment. And I think at that time
we need to move forward and accept that.
>> thank you councilor desotelle. And to go back
quickly a question for the motion to amend. I believe
there was moved and I will second that. I felt a formal
second and mayor that is taken care of now. And councilor
clanaugh.
>> thank you, president nephew. And we're all capable
myself included of having ideas often with the best of
intentions. And my estimation the planning commission is
with their motivation their amendment of something that is
going off-base. I want to thank the people tonight for
looking at this idea and putting it to rest. And
counselor forsman for reminding us. And attacking
character of one another. Working with our citizens.
>> thank you.
>> commissioner johnson.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> I also want to echo express my appreciation for
the amendment and will be chiming in. Our planning
commission does a great deal of work and we need to honor
respect this work in our disagreements with ideas they do
have the process they go through. And are facing the most
challenging kind of discussions in some respect to the how
we move forward in regards to that. So I appreciate the
report I appreciate the communication and looking forward
to continue to have our golf course or moved in inland
area.
>> all right. Thank you councilor johnson.
>> not seeing any further comments. Thank you, vice
president kennedy for reading this amendment. We need to
go back to counselor forsman. Go back to what we promised
for the land use study and we are doing that tonight that
is the intention. But your planning commissioners they do
an enormous amount of work and agree with the statements
he is a astonishing citizen. With that, call the motion
the amended version of lester park golf course study by
councilor kennedy.
>> clerk, call the roll. On the amendment.
>> councilor clanaugh, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, no.
>> councilor tomanek, yes.
>> councilor randorf, yes.
>> vice president kennedy, yes.
>> president nephew, yes. And counselor forsman,
aye.
>> all right. The resolution 7 61 as amended by
myself and vice president kennedy passes 9 to zero and
councilor randorf read in our amendment.
>> thank you
>> thank you, president nephew. The purpose of this
motion to amend to implement the adopted lester park golf
course study by the process to remove 200 and 7 acres
identified as open space for the agreement and retain the
city ownership and to the following entitled ordinances
residential rural 1 (rr-1) to park & open space (p-1).
this is actually simple. They acted in the agreement we
voted on how we will address the property once the land
use study is done? The next step the land use study is
complete it identifies approximately 200 and 7 acres as
p-1 open space. And in section 11 and 2 g the development
agreement addresses the process for removing the property
in the arrangement that will not be transferred to them.
and so this is that process we're following the process
and in the development agreement and in it it council
requests the city administrator 2 f and g to remove the
200 and 7 acres. And I have of them as p-1 open space and
additional steps we think, there are appropriate zoning
processes to follow. This we know that and it is
suggesting all completed tonight and simply asking us to
acknowledge the outcome. The land use study we approved
and initiate that process established for us any
development agreement to implement that that is an
important step to classify and important for transparency
and affordability. And we ask for the study we resolved
the study and the development tells us what to do next and
identify the property. This amendment simply starts that
process. I encourage my follow councilors to vote. Thank
you.
>> and motion and second and seconded by councilor
desotelle
(laughter).
>> and counselor forsman.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> president nephew. Is it okay if we were to ask
questions of our attorney that better clarifies, not
having an opportunity during the open session.
>> I'll allow for that and not had the opportunity
for (multiple voices).
>> sure.
>> sorry, attorney.
>> I want to help maybe start getting our arms around
this itself. In the development agreement last december, I
think that a pause was cited in the amendment that defined
read a requirement the council has to take up a change in
the property boundary if we're going to not convey
something that is in addition to that. So a requirement
if we're going to shrink the footprint of the whole
property something other than that that. For deda to close
based on the land use study. Is that; correct?
>> president nephew and councilor forsman. That's;
correct. Clear in the process the land use study
indicated that any thought that land will not be feasible
for developments and deda will not say that is
developable. And now into the action the amendment to the
development agreement this raises that costs of 200 and 7
acres in the actual acreage.
>> another question that we will have taken an
agreement that comes about for the council the 200 and 7
acres another step for the closing down evident of that
property if this continues forward.
>> president nephew and counselor forsman. This is
correct. Keep in mind that closing date is 2027 have an
amount of time to do the initial steps.
>> I had two last questions, I'm sure others have.
this is helpful and accurate to say we're not adding new
protections to that 200 and 7 acres as part of the
redevelopment agreement, but that basically just keeps in
mind that clause in f that we have to do this by
resolution if we're to shrink that footprint not like
we're - any reading of the agreement if we cancel that
can't have anything rezoned. And this acreage can be
conveyed as the land use study adopted in the future. I
maybe, I'm going circular. I guess my question can you
confirm we're not adding any new protections as part of
the amendment with the 200 and 7 acres, but expecting this
in the next month's to take the acreage and resolution for
the compliance?
>> president nephew and counselor forsman.
>> my understanding the motion to amend by councilor
randorf means we are agreeing with the plan study that
recommendations up to two hundred and 7 approximately
acres will be open space and those action items will be
operated and developed as p-1 but a few acres are not
we're quite sure have to make sure they're all in that
agreement.
>> if those acres stay p-1 and can't because of
development agreement.
>> counselor forsman, that's correct.
>> thank you. That's what I was trying to get at.
>> councilor clanaugh.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> thank you, councilor randorf for proposing to
address the concerns that many have concerns about
tonight. We heard about the concerns and thanks for
proposing this laying this to rest and put a horse in
front of the cart. A given the unfortunate decision that
come out of the planning commission and those
possibilities that that vote -
>> all right. And councilor durrwachter.
>> tomb.
>> and well thank you.
>> thank you, president nephew. And vice president
kennedy for approving this meantime I support and also I
want to thank councilor randorf for bringing this really
important resolution before - forward it furthers us on in
protecting the 200 and 7 acres that the good work has
determined our inevitable open space. We previously do
because the city staff and back in 1245 study. I
appreciate that. We're disclosing to permanently
protecting that land 8 to one parkland vote in the future.
thank you very much.
>> vice president kennedy and.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> this is a question for the attorney.
>> one of the ones councilor randorf stated of those
protections or any of the action would be put forward
until we have voted on the land use study. Are we too far
ahead? Don't we vote for the land use study and then go
back - I'm feeling we're a little bit ahead.
>> president nephew and vice president kennedy this
body will decide to approve the land use study. And it is
fine with the councils to make the motion to amend that
before us tonight. We cannot get to far there is a long
process yet to come but in reviewing both the motions to
amend and rectify them and we feel that's appropriate to
make a decision tonight.
>> amy martin.
>> thank you, president nephew. And thank you,
councilor randorf for this amendment I think that was that
appropriate because there's a lot of perplexities and
having the decision the resolution remind us those land
will - as attorney said when I start preserving and the
legal studies acreage moving them around hoping surveys
are not up to if we want to mocking make sure we the get
did you p-1 right and on that note I want to clarify this
as we move forward with making sure that these lands stay
p-1 that is open space not protected by a super that
majority vote will be in the designated areas as parkland
and I the clean power will be there to support the
community and working with several folks to make sure and
staff to really look at the left hand or land and which
ones do we want to make sure the park land is protected
from the state statute that gives good you protection
right now and abated by the work done so moved.
>> so far so excited we're getting back to this and
fine-tune where is the lines are and look at the develop o
development and top.
>> counselor forsman.
>> thank you, president nephew. One more question and
follow-up from vice president kennedy on the sequence.
just to confirm attorney you're interpretation of this
amendment satisfies the requirement that specifically
saying we'll have to do the additional resolution?
>> but needs to come back with the development
agreement?
>> president nephew and counselor forsman that's
acre or; correct. Thank you. And councilor tomanek.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> I have some concerns about how this was brought
up, first of all, thank you to councilor randorf for doing
the knowledge or, but I received the amendment as
4 o'clock today, I resolved changes to the amendment
7-minute before the meeting started in your not how I
work. I appreciate the work you put into the hearing that
didn't add extra protection we'll be accomplishing this in
a couple of months I'm not sure I support it.
>> I have one more question if anyone else in the
queue does councilmember amendment move the process feast
for closing or that's my only question and like expedite
and did our staff have enough time to do work along the
way.
>> president nephew. The motion to amend supported
by councilor randorf didn't speed up the process align one
of the goals will be to the motion to amend cads adds the
clarification but it is the same timing.
>> thank you.
>> councilor randorf.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> I wanted to address the idea of protections we
are working on that and working with councilor durrwachter
it is true this property is p-1 so zoning is not offering
protection. We have to others clarifications that are for
the resolution and neither of those that will take you
where the future, at at future time on this property not
used for anything but to be pursue opportunity is just
saying already done p-1 and parking and open space is a
natural designation. And still some nice protections
things you can't put on it and we are restricted on the
types activities so a decent level of protection the clear
reason that is important wasn't to quickly pit something
throw and not in any way sloppy we worked on for week and
talking about with the attorney and meaningful working
prior to the amendment even prior to what we're seeing
forward today. But it is really important I think for the
public to be tracking. Many times we know a motion or a
something coming next probation officer and people
tracking it not as clearly as we are and it is important
we're not only adopting if land use substituted did you we
hear you lowell high school and taking that last 10 and
we're going to put that back and as p-1 and park and open
space and that was so important for me it's what I've been
hearing from my communities and other cities I - I
encourage us to put on the timing and put aside any other
complexities and please forgive me for the late addition
and please forgive me for the types of that are a direct
ask I thought that was a great catch by counselor forsman
so that flexibilities doesn't include that convention but
this as solid amendment fiasco with that process and clear
for the public. And I encourage everyone to approve it.
thank you.
>> councilor johnson.
>> intentional.
>> appreciate all the comments that are added and
also councilor randorf for making that slight in the
amount of at the last minute that was a concern I think
had initial needed amending but for myself we're still in
the process moving towards trying to not do again ged get
ahead of ourselves and riding out the process and being
clear about the processing process I appreciate the
dialogue take place and have been clarified some of it
questions that were brought forward it is helpful. Thank
you.
>> councilor forsman.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> I have one more question for councilor randorf
you said it I was going to hesitate on one of my petitions
he knew what you're trying to do in the plans was the word
couple. I learned a lesson last year when we did the code
on the lester park golf course we took up the idea of
1500 acres protection took on a life of its own but I
recall that was actually an idea I had to try to put
different things together but in a way that balanced
development with protection. You just confirm that was the
case and a lot of people with miss con assembles we're
holding lester park golf course hostage which was a
reverse highway to do protection development. Thank you
very much. For letting me respond to that.
>> councilor forsman the minimal of 15 acres a
strips was so important. It was important for steps and it
was important because we took look at 1500 acres of park
not preserves and imagine we have millions of dollars and
had it zoned p-1, but no deed. We had no additional
protection at any time someone can come in there and
change the land public speaker pristine park it is deep
with wildlife and watersheds and have and we said we're to
also 95 of this make sure we do that. I still stand behind
the recommendation and that was an may I thing we saw
people come through and that is a legacy that double will
be able to cherish for years to come we will cherish our
parkland that was I'm proud of that a couple of items
putting that that tonight or together and thank you,
counselor forsman and another in the same lane making sure
that we're protecting those values to you thank you,
again. And thank you.
>> councilor tomanek.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> I have a question about putting this 200 and 6
architectural into parkland.
>> I don't know if it is for councilor randorf if we
voted will that prohibit any changes to the land that
might not be able to the community I'm thinking of the had
a chance to see that and people people with disabilities
are able to go out and for the first time in their life
golf. Will it limit new developments of trails or so limit
the development of our learning center or just golf? Put
your hand over your heart. It all both parkland but to
keep any kind of development from happening?
>> councilor randorf.
>> I answer that question that was answered thursday
night as well plus direction of packs depth not be for but
a partnership with the city and the park they had an -
trails all the things that are that are louder in a park
and p-1 zone absolutely will be but the caveat not for
commercial use ambassador in partnership with the parks
development and a shared amendment where we provide the
service centers.
>> great. Thank you.
>> councilor desotelle.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> one of the other commission meetings I had the
joy of meeting with the parks commission I want to bring
up a motion and I--I don't know if this is timing bringing
it before but one of the things the park commission talked
about is planning for this park right away.
>> I hope we think about as we move forward with the
contractual the plans the 671 acres installed we think
about where that might go into parks if we get the plan
done the park is 3 levels of types of uses. Talked about
kind of the play bylaw heart infrastructure that is the
stuff that costs a lot of money but still part of parks
that a lot of the nonprofits help to take care of trail
and we can bike and walk and sky and some of the resources
but the trails need to be maintained I think the natural
areas the ones you want to tiptoe gently on and all the
lands are very, very important to the city we are so
fortunate to have 25 percent of our open space and I can
tell you that studies have been done that the cities don't
have this don't have the better water quality and the
habitat and the happiness indexes future that humans need
so need 25 percent n my head to maintain that while
wearing gently working on the national lands working
carefully on the trades and working with the engineers and
really putting the money into those parks, open spaces.
we need it based on hockey and those kinds of things
places we gather as community. When we go round those
lower 60 some acres we tie that into those spaces and put
them together at as community hopefully that helps with an
understanding where I'm going with the parks.
>> councilor clanaugh.
>> thank you, president nephew. And councilor
desotelle I appreciate that. And the idea of the
procedures from the 6 is acres investment imposed in a
awareness that is what we steward and moving forward.
>> councilor forsman.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> agree with almost everything you said councilor
desotelle we'd like to go on record with the 37 and a half
acres the sales had go to the gulf of mexico's that is a
future dissolution and debate but on the record what was
said.
>> thank you, councilor forsman seeing no one in the
queue take a motion to amend to a vote.
>> clerk, call the roll. By councilor randorf.
>> councilor desotelle, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> councilor tomanek, yes.
>> counselor forsman, yes.
>> councilor randorf, yes.
>> vice president kennedy, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, yes. And councilor johnson.
>> aye.
>> the motion to amend presented by councilor
randorf for 61 passes 9 to zero. And next move on to --
oh, sorry. As amended by councilor randorf.
>> do you want to vote?
>> no. And so now we'll vote thank you for the
reminder resolution 7 61 amended by myself and vice
president kennedy. And the motion to amend presented by
councilor randorf, I see. Thank you for city staff for
listening.
>> they put a lot of time and effort into the future
that involves this properties so thank you to them and
thank you to a those for the good work on the land use
study and thank you to the group that helped to provide
direction I forgot what their name was and people that
engaged with the process and had a chance to meet a lot of
folks at the openhouse and I have a variety of the
opinions and support tonight. Thank you.
>> councilor durrwachter.
>>
>> thank you, president nephew. And thank you to the
city staff stereo their countless hours working on that at
night and thanks for the good work as well and I do want
to point out in the land use study that we approved back
in october had very special sorry specific components.
under heading a the general land use study components
there are 8 bullet points 8 items that the council was
directing was requesting from the city staff to direct and
make to achieve and one of them was the falls of county
demographics in the school district and the other is short
term or short term and long term infrastructure options.
and to the day we don't know what the infrastructure will
cost to create the streets curbs and water and
infrastructure. I understand that the 63 acres may likely
come forward with an additional reservoirs it is unclear
what that costs the city and taxpayers I know currently
the city was doing on behalf of the reservoirs costing
$20 million for lodge overdue infrastructure and rehab and
in addition to I know that our school district is built
our schools are overflowing so city staff works to bring
forward housing developments that are much needed I hope
the city the members the community members of the city
will receive concrete answers on what the infrastructure
will cost our taxpayer and how the school system can
handle additional students. Thank you.
>> councilor johnson.
>> thank you, president nephew. And I just want to
echo kind of my appreciation for all the city staff. You
are attorneys who directed many of the amendments and also
our consultants and thinking around the balance of harmony
of the land use study coming before us and also kind of
scheduling the possibility there in the housing and
natural resources and distribution in that area. So I
just thank you, to all those who participated in the
process and being part that have it and making 12 come
forward tonight. Thank you. Councilor johnson and
councilor clanaugh and councilor johnson. We need to have
you on screen. You're facing - and councilor clanaugh.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> thank you to everyone mentioned by the council
colleagues. Thank you, especially in the citizenry for
your tenacious relationship, the common good. And thank
you, for helping, holding us accountable to clarify a
process that has been turbulent and count on you to do the
same as we move forward and councilor tomanek.
>> thank you, president nephew. I have a question
about how we have take into consideration the amount of
money that parks will need to maintain this park?
>> parks are already in previous slim but very, very
slim in their budget and not able to pass a ref dump and
as far as taking care of this more, more land and
unfortunately machine will answer that not a question for
tonight but a consideration.
>> all right. Thank you councilor tomanek.
>> seeing none, with companions on that resolution
751 call a voice vote but like to extend my gratitude to
staff and for myself counselor this is a important one.
and was challenging we really stepped up to the task and
got here and also I think that is a good process so thank
you for that as well and the community for everyone that
signed up and participated in the process. Thank you.
>> for that, well.
>> and --
>> councilor clanaugh, yes. And councilor desotelle,
aye.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> counselor forsman, yes.
>> councilor randorf, yes.
>> vice president kennedy, yes.
>> president nephew, yes.
>> councilor johnson, yes.
>> resolution 7 61 as amended by vote of myself and
vice president kennedy. And then also another amendment
by councilor randorf passes 9 to zero and next move on to
counselor forsman.
>> resolutions tabled
24. 26-0723
by councilor forsman (personnel)
resolution confirming the appointment of brianna gunderson
to the duluth entertainment and convention center
authority. Plaque motion to remove this in the table.
>> and motion and seconded by councilor randorf.
>> all in favor, say "aye."
>> aye.
>> I'm sorry; correct discussion and we need to call
the roll a discussion.
>> no discussion.
>> motion.
>>
>> clerk, call the roll. Councilor clanaugh, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> councilor tomanek, yes.
>> counselor forsman, yes.
>> councilor randorf, aye.
>> vice president kennedy.
>> president nephew.
>> councilor johnson resolution 72 that is removed 9
to zero.
>> thank you, president tomanek move approval.
>> moved by councilor forsman and second. Any
questions? On the rise 723 seeing none.
>> clerk, call the roll. And councilor clanaugh, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> counselor forsman, yes.
>> councilor randorf, yes.
>> vice president kennedy, yes.
>> president nephew, yes.
>> councilor johnson, aye.
>> resolution 723 passes with a vote 9 to zero and
counselor forsman.
>> 25. 26-0724 resolution confirming the appointment
of ginka tarnowski to the sanitary sewer board of the
western lake superior sanitary district. I move to approve
to remove that from the table.
>> by counselor forsman and e-cigarettes and.
>> clerk, call the roll. Councilor clanaugh and, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> councilor tomanek, yes.
>> councilor forsman, yes.
>> councilor johnson sorry.
>> aye.
>> vice president kennedy and president nephew, aye.
>> and resolution 724 is removed from the table.
>> counselor forsman motion by counselor forsman do
I hear a second? And by councilor randorf any discussion
on the resolution 724?
>> seeing none.
>> clerk, call the roll. Councilor clanaugh, yes. And
councilor desotelle, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> counselor forsman, yes.
>> councilor randorf, yes.
>> vice president kennedy, yes.
>> president nephew, yes.
>> councilor johnson, aye.
>> resolution 724 passes 9 to zero and counselor
forsman.
>> one more.
>> 25. 26-0724 resolution confirming the appointment
of ginka tarnowski to the sanitary sewer board of the
western lake superior sanitary district. Removal to remove
from the table.
>> second and seconded by councilor tomanek and I
heard - it is motions to remove from the table and
discussion on it.
>>
>> clerk, call the roll.
>> councilor clanaugh, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> councilor tomanek, yes.
>> counselor forsman, aye.
>> councilor randorf, yes.
>> vice president kennedy, yes.
>> president nephew, yes.
>> councilor johnson resolution is removed from the
table a counselor forsman motion by counselor forsman do I
hear a second?
>> seconded by councilor randorf.
>> councilor durrwachter and.
>> thank you, president nephew.. Does the interviews
-
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> councilmember essex no, we did not.
>> but I believe we had the applicants materials
that are (unintelligible) and here for review. Thank you.
>> I do have follow-up.
>> I know thereby specific requirements for the board
of appeals and justifications does that person I guess my
question which specification does this person have?
>> I have a friendly if you like me to read them.
>> thank you, president nephew. And councilor
durrwachter I'd like have to look to see right now I can
tell with that is the two removed the finance and the
maintenance supplies I--I don't know any specifics on
those.
>> not included in the resolution. I'll have the
application but I'm not sure and I don't remember.
>> are you looking for counselor forsman.
>> so -
[off mic.]
>> I personally would like to put this back on the
table until we have this information if you like?
>> we can that board is very tight in terms of - and
been on the table for the last minute I prefer to have the
questions I can get an answer for you I guess.
>> counselor forsman.
>> maybe I respect that choice and other
alternatives. We have the ability to look for correction
at the next meeting if we find out. Did you -
(unintelligible) and this gentleman meets the requirements
as outlined in the building code.
>> yes. I am.
>> okay.
>> all right. Thank you.
>> so we are making a motion to table.
>> I motion to table.
>> we have motion to table resolution 725. Do I have
a second?
>> yes and e-cigarettes by councilor clanaugh and.
>> clerk, call the roll.
>> councilor clanaugh, yes.
>> councilor desotelle, yes. E, aye.
>>
>> councilor durrwachter, yes.
>> counselor forsman no and councilor randorf, no.
>> vice president kennedy, no.
>> president nephew, no. And councilor johnson no
and motion to table resolution 725 failed and vice
president kennedy.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> I do want to direct council to item number it
thirty I believe moving forward.
>> building.
>> do you solemnly swear or affirm the responses and
statements made will be the whole truth and nothing but
the truth? Is actually an ordinance to decrease the number
so I think that is really for that we vote to that but I
said to direct you to that. I believe the staff has been
working to understand that a little bit better who it
needs to be on the board I guess the person to be
considered as part of this ordinance is done as well.
>> thank you.
>> seeing none, on resolution 725.
>> clerk, call the roll.
>> councilor clanaugh, no.
>> councilor desotelle, aye.
>> councilor durrwachter, no.
>> councilor tomanek, aye.
>> councilor kennedy, aye.
>> --
>> councilor randorf, yes. A vice president kennedy,
yes.
>> president nephew, aye.
>> councilor johnson, aye.
>> and resolution 725 passes 7 to two. And next
going on to ordinances to be -- the following entitled
residential rural 1 (rr-1) to park & open space (p-1).
clerk.
>>
>> 28. 26-038 an ordinance amending chapters 29 and
29a of the duluth city code to regulate short term rental
licensing and permitting
>> 29. 26-036 by vice president kennedy (committee of
the whole)
an ordinance amending chapter ii, section 4, of the duluth
home rule charter, 1912, as amended, pertaining vacancies
of mayor and councilor.
>> thank you and I would like to address ordinance 38
and members of parkland community I discussed I know
councilor tomanek had concerns and we're going to be
drafting a new resolution to do that and check in and hold
on with the evaluation and also director van tassel that
one should be coming at at new meeting we'll not be voting
on that tonight but that is work to be kind of to come and
with that, we'll move on for the I'm sorry vice president
kennedy.
>> thank you on that comment that you had made
regarding short-term rentals a question for. Attorney lear
but also be the first reading?
>> will be a continued resolution and will be
changes to the ordinance.
>> okay. Thank you.
all right. Next we will move on to.
>> the following entitled ordinances are to be read
appeal board to seven members.
>> so moved do I have a second?
and seconded by counselor forsman and councilor
durrwachter.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> we are being asked for a ordinances that will
reduce of members of the public members required on the
board of appeals from 9 members to 7 the argument for
people to serve on the board that means it is difficult to
meet quorum and other boards are 7 members. And the
residents for this board are specifying and in chapter ten
of the city code. And once specific requirement for having
and finance background and another one is maybe to have a
background as rentals architect and the other one a
registered engineer and building construction designer and
other qualification they need to have conduct business in
residential or commercial building construction and the
next one is voting materials by a then two of them are
subsequent sensory and there are two members of this
board, as well as, one of the fire chief that is for
voting rights and the other is the building official
actions as cfo not have voting rights but as secretary. On
this board we specifics encourage only 8 voting members at
that time and let's thinks the reduction of medical
examiner by 6 members will get to vote to continue with
the list requirement specific expertise and justifiable
and pertinent level of segment we slashed this
administration over the 2 years and not filling vacations.
this week is the first time I heard the manipulates pursue
filling any vacancies at all and nothing has been
fountains more on the social media bridge we're seeking
applicants for this role I personally know several
qualified people want to be on the boards it is difficult
to understand the dramatic conclusion to recuse the
members and tattoo have a - to the point a former expert
like in the changes to a bull in a china shop seems the
community should be alarmed the mayor is teaming the
reduce of number of periods of time expert should the
board of appeals become necessary in the near future.
additionally, many of the most contentious issues the
council has experienced brought speakers to the council
chambers to requiring an overflow room standard for the
zoning change and proposal.
>> recent proposal changes combined with the
questioning for this by speakers have greatly eroded the
public's trust. And in december is a premature lester
park before the results of land use study links together
with unrelated topics has eroded the trust and the judge
ordered the clerk to count and validate an ordinance that
erodes the public's trust and our neighbors in herman town
is really from the event rezoned land in the radar to
bring the majority on either of the politically --
political isle don't want, and including and tax break for
a million dollar company. I think the public's trust of
the public officials is at an all time low and analysis.
the number of members on all the 22 regional authority
commissioners and half of existing boards contain 9 member
or more. And in fact, one, two of them require 11 members.
and it is difficult to understand why this particular
board building appeals board is the board that was singled
out for a change in reduction of hours. And reducing the
members of the board makes it easier to control. Why
would this mayoral administration allocate to change the
board of appeals at this time? Why would that that
administration go up before the board in 12 of the 22
boards have the same dilemma and the public utilities
commission? For instance has a hard time and I happened
to know and qualified who is sitting in the queue has been
sitting in the queue for 3 months awaiting to be put on
the agenda to approve for him to join. The planning
commission barely had a quorum at the last meeting yet
have a board of 9 members. It is difficult to meet a
quorum who no matter whether our board members will have
vacancies the public arts commission has a decision to the
vacancy to pursue a concerted effort to utilities. The
media at the modifications fingerprints to search for
applicants for all boards of authorities and commission
meetings the best applicants are selected to serve the
community. For those reasons. I can't vote for this
ordinance. And I urge my fellow councilors to vote no.
>> councilor clanaugh.
>> I'm sorry administration -- administrator go
ahead.
>> thank you, president nephew. And councilor
durrwachter I want to point that out this was actually a
recommendation from the building and pelosi board I'll and
is a on 34 board commissions we have a position on the
website to take an application and that will be for
whoever is work or work to and come to you with interviews
addressed authority seeks other intensify processes. I
will say that is a robust time commitment and we do it in
the most efficient way potential and along are everything
else this was in line with other commissions and was
recommended by the building board.
>> thank you, councilor clanaugh
>> tinge for the listening and welcome luke medis
with the growing focus on the housing need it be important
for that permitting and construction our complex process
needs to be met and this board relies on the expertise for
appeals that is for a successful completion of projects
while protecting the public interest by redistricting the
projects for problematic aspects. And the board advise
and support of enterprises for the experience as they
operate in our city. Is it in the public interest to
reduce of membership of this board and eliminate areas of
finance and building materials?
>> I would propose it is isn't and not propose those
I appreciate the challenging time for the board members
and the consistency and I wonder wherewith we support the
board members for example, does the city have's perform
groups in which to have builders association
infrastructure and one additionally, can be done to boost
this outreach and collect the membership roles for other
boards and commissions? And how does the city promote the
boards and commissions, as well as, robust participation
I'm poodles by the boards struggles to have membership.
like many boards and commissions benefits in addition to
the this comes through the public service. Two benefits
come to mind with that board the opportunity for knowledge
development and for professional networking. Each appeal
has a case board members analysis given situations for
their filters and have a solution. Anyone participating on
the board has opportunities to develop little finding of
what constituents a project, as well as, learn about what
weaknesses the projects and in addition to this
professional development aspect the building board of
appeals provides an excellent opportunity to network and
expand portfolio of the context and seems the robust
promotion will support others to building creativity and
professionals financial and other related people with
results in the surplus for inner fentanyl vacancies arises
perhaps we can boost it finding ways for others and staff
to work with each other and inviting public participation
on this. Councilor desotelle.
>> I was hoping to ask a question here being a newer
counselor and image the previous counselor had worked on
commission and numbers I'm wording that is part of the
recommendations that came out with work that she did last
year?
>> president nephew and councilor desotelle I'm not
sure if it carve out in the previous work or not I believe
this is surplus more recently.
>> okay.
>> vice president kennedy.
>> thank you, president nephew.
>> I guess I can answer some of the questions I was
also part of the board commissions and part of
recommendations is that we should lower the number of
several of the boards and commissions and take a more
deliberate approach to that I'm guessing one of the boards
that all are well and needs to be as far as a smaller
number to get at aquarium and have a lot of people we
don't have a lot of people
serving well, if the roles not in the communities and not
in the boards and complies. There are lots of people
wiling and
performing able to do this so we see that as as change in
some of the generation now and hopefully they're hearing
this point to step up and don't serve on boards and
commission we don't have a lot of boards on the nonprofits
people in front of a change and volunteerism first years
ago but all the boards and commissions will have a
potential for all of them to decrease the numbers.
>> and.
>> thank you, president nephew. To amy martin
question a discussion about significant board positioned
that the municipalities probably not one we're looking as
down sizing but the column has gained the discussion and
with our choices eliminating the commissions today but I
am willing to center that conversation I think we, you
know, councilor did good work on and we're not scratching
the surface changing how we our boards and commissions.
>> thank you, councilor forsman and with that, we'll
take this for a roll call and.
>> clerk, call the roll.
>> councilor clanaugh, no.
>> councilor desotelle, yes.
>> councilor durrwachter, no.
>> councilor tomanek, yes.
>> counselor forsman, yes. And councilor randorf,
yes.
>> vice president kennedy yes and councilor johnson.
>> ordinance 37 passes 7 to two and with that, we're
on to councilor/administration and questions and comments.
seeing none, motion to adjourn.
>> motion.
>> moved by counselor forsman and second - have a
great night.