Superior meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Superior City Council to consider $2.46M design contract for North 28th Street grade separation

The Superior Common Council will consider a $2.46 million engineering design contract for the North 28th Street Grade Separation Project at its Aug. 18 meeting. The contract, with SRF Consulting Group, would not exceed $2,464,037. The council will also act on a $29,900 emergency hull repair for the SS Meteor and a resolution on water utility acquisition. All recent meetings listed below are agenda items; minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

City Council (Aug. 18)

In addition to the design contract, the council will consider:

• Waiving bidding and awarding the SS Meteor hull repair to Fraser Shipyards for $29,900.
• Publishing a resolution relating to water utility acquisition.
• Approving 2026 Hot Mix Asphalt Proposals.
• Amending premises for special event licenses for Main Club and Superior Flame Night Club for Pride events.

Human Resources Committee (Aug. 17)

The committee will consider wage adjustments and job reclassifications, including:

• Adjusting the wage placement of all Police Sergeants from Grade K (held from July).
• Adjusting Battalion Chiefs to Grade M and the Assistant Fire Chief to Grade O, effective Oct. 1, 2026 (held from July).
• Discussing a Council Compensation Modernization & Annual Review Framework (held from July).
• Approving updated job descriptions for IT System Analyst, Building Permit Technician, Fleet Manager, and Battalion Chief.
• Reclassifying Assistant Building Permit Technician to Building Permit Technician and extending the GIS Intern position through May 31, 2027.

Library Board (Aug. 12)

Two library board meetings took place. The Policy & Bylaws Committee reviewed a draft interlibrary loan policy and updates to the Lake Nebagamon branch library agreement. The Board of Trustees approved minutes from June 10, 2026, and financial reports for June and July 2026, heard an update on the 2027 budget process, and discussed 2026–2027 committee assignments.

Wisconsin Point Committee (Aug. 11)

The committee will elect a chair and vice-chair and discuss Allouez Bay Alternative 3, the Wisconsin Point 50 Project, the Fire Management Plan, Schafers Beach, the 44th Avenue East Dock, and the Cultural Connection Project. Funding and timeline for the Wisconsin Point Management Plan are also on the agenda.

Police and Fire Commission (Aug. 12)

The August meeting was canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2026.

Water utility town hall (Aug. 11)

The City of Superior held a town hall on its Water Utility at Thirsty Pagan Brewing, 1615 Winter Street, at 4:00 p.m. The event was open to the public; no official action was taken. Contact: Justin Bernacki, Chief of Staff, (715) 395-7212.

Coming up

• **Plan Commission** – Aug. 24, 5:00 p.m. Will review a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) ordinance, small business grant applications from Superior Tavern and Flow Studio, a floodplain ordinance update, Downtown Superior Design Guidelines, and a Community Land Trust Program framework.
• **Finance Committee** – Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m. Will discuss the Village of Superior Fire Protection Contract (draft shows $1,436.42 per event fee for 2027–2031), a cell phone audit (100 devices across 15 accounts, average $37.62 per device), 2025 audited financial statements from Baker Tilly, and 2025 reserve and debt compliance analyses.

Water utility referendum advances; tourism grants approved

Superior's Public Works Committee approved placing an advisory referendum on the April 6, 2027 ballot asking voters whether the city should transition to a community-owned water utility, provided the Public Service Commission determines the purchase cost is within the city's financial means. The committee also approved several infrastructure contracts and a waiver for the SS Meteor hull repair. Separately, the Tourism Development Commission approved multiple grants and tabled two larger funding requests.

Public Works Committee (Aug. 6)

The committee approved the water utility acquisition referendum, with the motion made by Moffat and seconded by Ledin. The referendum is advisory and contingent on a cost-feasibility determination by the Public Service Commission.

In other action, the committee:

• Approved a waiver of bidding requirements for the SS Meteor hull repair, awarding the work to Fraser Shipyards at $29,900 (motion by Moffat, second by Elm).
• Approved the 2026 Hot Mix Asphalt Proposals (motion by Elm, second by Moffat).
• Awarded the Engineering Design Contract for the North 28th Street Grade Separation Project to SRF Consulting Group (motion by Elm, second by Moffat).
• Held the item on hauled waste charges indefinitely (motion by Elm, second by Moffat).
• Approved minutes from the July 8, 2026 meeting.

Tourism Development Commission (Aug. 4)

The commission approved four funding requests:

• $9,000 sponsorship for Superior Rotary's Dragon Boats 2026 (Radke and Slay abstained).
• $1,750 marketing grant to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 435.
• $1,000 sponsorship to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 435.
• $5,925 for SWIM Fall Drone Footage, funded from the 2027 contingency fund.

The commission tabled two larger requests until its September meeting: a $78,910 funding request for the Mission Marge Project and a $225,000 three-year marketing contract for the Blatnik Bridge closure.

Other recent meetings

The City Council met Aug. 4, but minutes have not been published, so no decisions are reported. The agenda included updates to nepotism and disciplinary policies, a seasonal finance intern position, trail enforcement ordinance changes, and alcohol license approvals.

The Committee of the Whole met Aug. 4 to discuss 2027 General Fund and Capital Improvement Budget proposals; no decisions were listed.

A town hall on the city's water utility was held Aug. 11 at Thirsty Pagan Brewing, 1615 Winter Street. No official action was taken.

The Wisconsin Point Committee met Aug. 11 to elect officers and discuss Allouez Bay, the Wisconsin Point 50 Project, and other updates; no decisions were reported.

The Library Board met Aug. 12 to review the 2027 budget process and committee assignments, and its Policy & Bylaws Committee discussed a draft interlibrary loan policy and Lake Nebagamon branch agreement updates. No decisions were reported.

The Police and Fire Commission's Aug. 12 meeting was canceled; the next meeting is Sept. 9.

Coming up

The Human Resources Committee will meet Monday, Aug. 17, at 5 p.m. The agenda includes wage adjustments for police sergeants (held from July), reclassification of battalion chiefs and assistant fire chief, a council compensation framework discussion, updated job descriptions, and a reclassification of the assistant building permit technician position.

Superior boards approve $90,000 in CDBG funds, table Blatnik Bridge marketing plan

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Board approved $90,000 in 2027 public service allocations at its July 30 meeting, the largest single funding decision among recent city board actions. The Tourism Development Commission also approved several smaller grants but tabled a $225,000 marketing contract for the Blatnik Bridge closure until September.

CDBG Advisory Board

The board approved the full $90,000 package for 2027 public service allocations, including:

• $10,000 for Just Kids Dental
• $20,000 for Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse, Inc. (CASDA)
• $20,000 for Harbor House Crisis Shelter
• $20,000 for Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, Inc. – Homeless Services
• $20,000 for Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, Inc. – Supportive Housing

The board also approved minutes from its July 23 meeting and decided to hold closed session meetings directly after interview sessions beginning in 2027.

Tourism Development Commission

The commission approved several funding requests at its Aug. 4 meeting:

• $9,000 sponsorship for Superior Rotary's Dragon Boats 2026 (Radke and Slay abstained)
• $1,750 marketing grant to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 435
• $1,000 sponsorship to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 435
• $5,925 for SWIM Fall Drone Footage from the 2027 contingency fund

The commission tabled two larger requests to its September meeting: a $78,910 funding request for the Mission Marge Project and a $225,000 three-year marketing contract for the Blatnik Bridge closure.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards met but took no reported action, with minutes not yet published.

• **Finance Committee (July 28):** Reviewed financial statements and budgets, including 2026 Tax Increment District appropriations. The agenda included possible closed sessions to negotiate contracts for Village of Superior fire protection and the Humane Society of Douglas County.
• **Public Art Commission (July 30):** Considered five grant requests ranging from $3,500 to $10,000 for local artistic projects, plus a Parks Department proposal for downtown garbage can art.
• **City Council (July 30):** Held a town hall on the City of Superior's Water Utility at the Superior Public Library; no action was taken.
• **City Council (Aug. 4):** Agenda included votes on updated HR policies, alcohol licenses, and CHS, Inc. lease assignments, but minutes are not yet available.
• **Committee of the Whole (Aug. 4):** Discussed 2027 General Fund and Capital Improvement Budget proposals.
• **Public Works Committee (Aug. 6):** Discussed a consultant's report on acquiring Superior Water, Light & Power utilities, a $29,900 SS Meteor hull repair contract, hot mix asphalt proposals, and an engineering design contract for the North 28th Street Grade Separation Project.

Coming up

• **Wisconsin Point Committee** – Aug. 11: Election of chair and vice-chair, updates on Allouez Bay, Wisconsin Point 50 Project, and more.
• **City Council Town Hall** – Aug. 11, 4 p.m. at Thirsty Pagan Brewing, 1615 Winter St.: Open to the public, no official action.
• **Library Board** – Aug. 12, 5 p.m.: Review of 2027 budget process and committee assignments.
• **Library Board Policy & Bylaws Committee** – Aug. 12: Draft interlibrary loan policy and Lake Nebagamon branch agreement updates.

Superior CDBG Board Approves $90,000 in Public Service Allocations; Council to Vote on HR Policies, Trail Enforcement

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Board approved $90,000 in 2027 public service allocations at its July 30 meeting, the largest dollar decision among recent Superior committee actions. The board split the funding across five organizations and changed its closed-session scheduling starting in 2027.

CDBG Advisory Board — $90,000 in 2027 Allocations

On July 30, the CDBG Advisory Board approved the following 2027 public service allocations:

• $10,000 to Just Kids Dental
• $20,000 to Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse, Inc. (CASDA)
• $20,000 to Harbor House Crisis Shelter
• $20,000 to Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, Inc. – Homeless Services
• $20,000 to Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, Inc. – Supportive Housing

The total comes to $90,000. The board also approved holding closed session meetings directly after interview sessions beginning in 2027. At a July 23 meeting, the board had conducted interviews with five CDBG public service applicants and approved minutes from its July 31, 2025 meeting.

Human Resources Committee — Policies Approved, Wage Items Tabled

On July 20, the Human Resources Committee approved updated policy #04.06c (Nepotism) and updated policy #16.01 (Disciplinary Actions). The committee also approved a permanent seasonal Finance Intern position.

Several wage-related items were tabled until August:

• Wage placement adjustment for Police Sergeants
• Wage placement adjustment for Battalion Chiefs and Assistant Fire Chief
• Council Compensation Modernization & Annual Review Framework

The committee received and filed Library Board job descriptions and reclassifications and the June 2026 monthly personnel report.

Urban Forestry Tree Board — Officers Elected

On July 23, the Urban Forestry Tree Board elected Ruth Ludwig as Chair and Richard Kaufman as Vice-Chair. Members discussed increasing the board size from six to seven or eight members, with an ordinance to be drafted. Several projects, including the Princess Theater tree planting, are on hold due to funding. The board approved minutes from April 16, 2026 and confirmed its next meeting for October 15, 2026.

Agenda-Only Items — Council and Committee Meetings

Several meetings occurred with agendas published but minutes not yet available, meaning the following items were proposed for consideration, not confirmed as decided:

• **City Council (July 21):** Closed session to discuss legal strategy and potential settlement parameters in 2025 tax litigation with Walmart. The council may reconvene into open session to take related action.
• **City Council (July 21):** Broadband fiber installation for North End Fire Hall ($44,428.00); purchase of property at 1903 Banks Avenue ($240,000.00); small business grants of $20,000.00 each for La Peinado Salon and Up North DeCaro; amendment to Electrical Services Agreement with Benson Electric Company; and a Memorandum of Understanding for free public Wi-Fi on City-owned properties.
• **Licenses & Fees Committee (July 20):** Ordinance adding Section 90-360 to the citation list for designated trails and routes, assigning enforcement authority to the Police Chief and Director of Parks & Recreation, with a $50.00 deposit for violations. Also on the agenda: a new Outdoor Alcohol Consumption License application for Port Town Tavern at 1318 Tower Avenue.
• **Finance Committee (July 28):** Review of 2026 Tax Increment District (TID) Budgets & Appropriations, Barker's Island Marina financial statements, landfill rates and DNR escrow account, and potential closed sessions for Village of Superior fire protection and Humane Society of Douglas County contract negotiations.
• **Public Art Commission (July 30):** Five grant requests totaling $35,125 — Vision Superior ($10,000), Strike for Dickie! A Musical ($9,660), St. Louis River Rendezvous ($6,000), Regional Creative Industries Summit Scholarship ($5,965), and Nordic Handcraft Workshop Series ($3,500). A proposal from the Parks Department regarding downtown garbage can art was also listed.
• **City Council (July 30):** Town Hall on the City of Superior's Water Utility at Superior Public Library. The council was not scheduled to take action.

Coming Up

• **August 4, 6:30 p.m. — City Council:** Will vote on updated Nepotism and Disciplinary Actions policies, the permanent seasonal Finance Intern position, ordinance O26-4433 for trail enforcement, a conditional Outdoor Alcohol Consumption License for Port Town Tavern at 1318 Tower Avenue, resolutions R26-13884 and R26-13885 for CHS, Inc. lease assignments, and special event license amendments for Hudy's Bar and East End Tavern at 2126 E 5th Street and 2114 E 5th Street.
• **August 4 — Committee of the Whole:** Discussion of 2027 General Fund and Capital Improvement Budget proposals.
• **August 4, 1:00 p.m. — Tourism Development Commission:** Will review a proposed $75,000 annual budget ($225,000 total over three years) for Blatnik Bridge closure marketing, plus funding requests from Superior Rotary for Dragon Boats 2026 ($9,000), American Legion Auxiliary Unit 435 ($10,000 marketing grant and $2,000 sponsorship), and the Mission Marge Project ($78,910).

Superior roundup: City Council approves $31,345 police software contract; Plan Commission OKs $240,000 affordable housing purchase

The Superior City Council approved a $31,345 contract for police case-management software and several ordinances at its July 7 meeting, while the Plan Commission approved the $240,000 purchase of a home at 1903 Banks Avenue for the city's Affordable Housing Fund on July 14.

City Council — July 7

The council confirmed Jennifer Sims to the Police & Fire Commission for a five-year term and approved a two-step pay increase for Jen Stank to $40.89/hour. Both items carried on voice votes.

The council also approved a Position Control Policy, an Oakes Avenue two-way stop ordinance under the Traffic Code, and an ordinance prohibiting roosters. A $31,345 police case-management software contract with TouchPhrase Development carried on a voice vote, as did an amendment to the Towing Services Agreement with Duke's Towing. Multiple retail licenses for WI Cstore at 311 and 406 Belknap Street were approved.

Plan Commission — July 14

The commission approved June 9, 2026 minutes and small-business grant applications for La Peinado Salon and Spa LLC and Up North DeCaro Superior. It referred the proposed rooster-prohibition ordinance back to the Public Safety Committee. The commission approved the purchase of the home at 1903 Banks Avenue for $240,000.00 using Affordable Housing Fund money. All items carried.

Public Works Committee — July 8

The committee approved an amendment to the city's Electrical Services Contract with Benson Electric Company and changes to Ordinance 34-73 regarding Commercial Plan Review authority. It awarded a contract to Redline Plan Review for commercial plan review services. The committee tabled utility acquisition and referendum scheduling, as well as discussion on hauled waste charges, until August 6, 2026.

Communications & IT Committee — July 13

The committee approved January 15, 2026 minutes, a WIN, LLC master service agreement amendment extending the contract to 48 months, and a memorandum of understanding with Duluthian Networks to provide free public Wi-Fi at city-owned properties during park hours. All items carried.

Tourism Development Commission — July 6

The commission approved a $2,000 sponsorship for the Superior/South Shore Winter Guide cover and an on-location content capture allowance not to exceed $200 per month. It also approved the 2026 Sponsorship form, which will go live after staff edits. The next meeting is August 4, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Meetings with no action or minutes pending

The Police and Fire Commission meeting scheduled for July 8 was canceled; the next meeting is August 12, 2026. The Liability Claims Committee met July 8 to review six pending claims in closed session; minutes have not been published. Claim numbers listed on the agenda were #26-08 through #26-12, with no amounts or nature specified. The City Council attended an informational session hosted by the Superior Community Coalition on July 15 at Billings Park Civic Center, 3903 N 18th Street; no action was taken. The Urban Forestry Tree Board met July 16 to elect officers and discuss the Princess Theater tree planting; minutes are not yet published. The Public Safety Committee met July 16 and is scheduled to recommend a $44,428 contract with Hanco Utilities for fiber installation at the North End Fire Station; minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 20, 5:00 p.m.** — Human Resources Committee will consider wage adjustments for police sergeants and fire battalion chiefs, updated personnel policies, and a permanent seasonal finance intern position.
• **July 20, 3:30 p.m.** — Licenses & Fees Committee will vote on an ordinance adding designated trails and routes to the citation list with a $50.00 deposit, and review an outdoor alcohol consumption license application for Port Town Tavern at 1318 Tower Avenue.
• **July 21, 6:30 p.m.** — City Council will hold a closed session on 2025 tax litigation with Walmart and may take related action. The council will also consider the $44,428 North End Fire Hall fiber contract, the $240,000 Banks Avenue purchase, $20,000 small business grants for La Peinado Salon and Up North DeCaro, the Benson Electric amendment, and the free public Wi-Fi MOU.
• **July 23** — CDBG Advisory Board will interview five public service applicants, including Harbor House Crisis Shelter and Just Kids Dental.

Superior Roundup: Tourism Commission Approves Winter Guide Sponsorship; Council to Consider Police Software and Rooster Ban

The only body to publish official minutes in the past two weeks was the Tourism Development Commission, which approved a $2,000 sponsorship for the Superior/South Shore Winter Guide cover and a monthly content-capture allowance. Several other city meetings produced agendas but no finalized decisions, and two meetings were cancelled outright.

Tourism Development Commission (July 6 — Decided)

The commission approved three items from its July 6 meeting:

• A $2,000 sponsorship for the Superior/South Shore Winter Guide cover.
• An on-location content capture allowance not to exceed $200 per month.
• The 2026 Sponsorship form, which will go live after staff edits.

The commission confirmed its next meeting for August 4, 2026, at 1 p.m.

City Council (July 7 — Agenda Only, No Minutes Yet)

The City Council's July 7 agenda lists several items slated for consideration, but no minutes have been published, so no outcomes are confirmed:

• A $31,345.00 contract for Julota police case management software.
• Ordinance O26-4430, prohibiting the keeping of roosters.
• Ordinance O26-4429, adding a two-way stop at Oakes Avenue and North 22nd Street.
• Relocation of the August 11 Primary polling place for Precinct 3 to Northwood Technical College.
• New retail tobacco and liquor licenses for WI Cstore at 311 and 406 Belknap Street.

Public Works Committee (July 8 — Agenda Only)

The committee's agenda includes discussion of a Raftelis report evaluating the potential acquisition of Superior Water, Light & Power utilities, along with a recommendation for a public referendum and meeting schedules. New business items listed are:

• Approval of an amendment to the electrical services contract with Benson Electric Company.
• Modification of Ordinance 34-73 to expand delegated authority for commercial plan review.
• Award of a contract to Redline Plan Review for commercial plan review.
• Discussion of hauled waste charges under Ordinance 114-62(e).

No minutes are available; outcomes are not confirmed.

Liability Claims Committee (July 8 — Agenda Only)

The committee was scheduled to review six pending liability claims in closed session with legal counsel. The claims listed on the agenda are:

• #26-08 — USAA General Indemnity Co. on behalf of Kevin & Jocelyn Meredith
• #26-09 — Mark Kinblom
• #26-10 — Amy Renoos
• #26-11 — Kristin Charles
• #26-12 — Richard Doolittle

The agenda provides no details on claim amounts or nature. No minutes have been published.

Cancelled Meetings

• The July 2 Public Works Committee meeting was cancelled; no items were discussed.
• The July 8 Police and Fire Commission meeting was cancelled. Its next meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Communications & Information Technology Committee:** Review of a contract amendment with WIN, LLC that would extend the service term to 48 months and reduce the monthly recurring charge from $2,000 to $1,000. The committee will also consider a memorandum of understanding with Duluthian Networks, LLC to provide free public Wi-Fi on city-owned properties, plus a ConnectSuperior update.

• **July 14 — Plan Commission:** Review of small business grant applications for La Peinado Salon and Spa LLC and Up North DeCaro Superior; review of a proposed home purchase at 1903 Banks Avenue for $240,000.00; review of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area Ordinance and Resolution; and Ordinance O26-4430 to prohibit roosters in City Code Chapter 22.

• **July 16 — Urban Forestry Tree Board:** Election of a Chair and Vice-Chair, plus updates on an invasive species management plan RFP, the Rights of Nature Wisconsin Initiative, the Princess Theater tree planting, and the Arbor Day Celebration/Heritage Tree Program.

Superior roundup: Tourism grants approved, police exam plan adopted, utility acquisition vote ahead

The Tourism Development Commission approved partial funding for the Rotary Dragon Boat grant and increased support for the St. Louis River Rendezvous, while the Police and Fire Commission unanimously adopted a new Police Officer Exam Plan and confirmed three officers' probation completions. Several consequential items — including a potential utility acquisition referendum and a $31,345 police software contract — are on the agenda for the coming week.

Tourism Development Commission — June 23

The Commission elected Lindsey Graskey as Chair and Nick Ledin as Vice Chair. Members approved the June 2, 2026 minutes and acted on several grants:

• Released $6,000 of a requested $15,000 Rotary Dragon Boat grant, pending a marketing plan.
• Increased the St. Louis River Rendezvous grant by $500 to cover additional signage.
• Approved SWIM drone footage production via Cost Breakdown Option B.

Police and Fire Commission — June 24

The Commission elected officers unanimously: Tom Johnson as president, Akela Lloyd as vice president, and Ed Anderson as press spokesperson. Members also unanimously approved corrected April 8 meeting minutes, bundled approvals of probation completions for Pfister, Snyder, and Kolquist along with command staff changes, and the Police Officer Exam Plan.

Golf Course Committee — June 25

The committee unanimously approved April 23 minutes and elected Barb Hoag as Chair and Troy Clark as Vice-Chair. The committee reviewed progress on an irrigation system RFP, targeting a July 15 release and 2027 completion. Marketing efforts showed growth, and the course remains $32,000 ahead of budget despite fewer rounds.

Finance Committee — June 23

Agenda items included a review of library utility costs using 2021–2026 data, General Fund 2025 and 2026 expenditure versus budget analysis, an ARPA Fund budget review, the Nemadji Golf Course May 2026 financial report, and an insurance update regarding vehicle coverage and police pursuits. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Public Works Committee — July 2

The regularly scheduled July 2 meeting was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

Coming up

• **Tourism Development Commission — July 6, 1 p.m.** Will consider a $2,000 sponsorship for the Superior/South Shore Winter Guide cover presence and a proposed monthly On-Location Content Capture Allowance of $100–$200 for tourism marketing. Also on the agenda: the 2026 Sponsorship Application Form, a Gotta Be Superior Digital Asset Management update, visitor guide updates, and a financial review.

• **City Council — July 7, 6:30 p.m.** Will vote on a $31,345.00 contract for Julota police case management software and Ordinance O26-4430 prohibiting the keeping of roosters. Other items include Ordinance O26-4429 adding a two-way stop at Oakes Avenue and North 22nd Street, relocation of the August 11 Primary polling place for Precinct 3 to Northwood Technical College, and new retail tobacco and liquor licenses for WI Cstore at 311 and 406 Belknap Street.

• **Liability Claims Committee — July 8.** Will review six pending liability claims (#26-08 through #26-12) in closed session with legal counsel, then reconvene to announce decisions. No claim amounts or details are provided in the agenda.

• **Public Works Committee — July 8, 5 p.m.** Will discuss and recommend action on a Raftelis report evaluating the potential acquisition of Superior Water, Light & Power utilities, including a recommendation for a public referendum and meeting schedules. New business includes an amendment to the Electrical Services Contract with Benson Electric Company, a modification of Ordinance 34-73 to expand commercial plan review authority, a contract award to Redline Plan Review, and discussion of hauled waste charges under Ordinance 114-62(e).

Tourism Commission releases $6,000 Dragon Boat grant; City Council to weigh $31,345 police software and rooster ban

The Superior Tourism Development Commission on June 23 authorized the release of $6,000 from a requested $15,000 Rotary Dragon Boat grant and added $500 to the St. Louis River Rendezvous grant for additional signage, the most significant financial decisions among recent city board meetings. The commission also elected new officers, while the Police and Fire Commission and Golf Course Committee filled leadership posts.

Tourism Development Commission

Commission members elected Lindsey Graskey as chair and Nick Ledin as vice chair. They approved the June 2 minutes, then voted to release $6,000 of the $15,000 Dragon Boat grant pending submission of a marketing plan. The St. Louis River Rendezvous grant was increased by $500 to cover extra signage. Commissioners also gave the green light to SWIM drone footage production under Cost Breakdown Option B.

Police and Fire Commission

The commission unanimously elected Tom Johnson as president, Akela Lloyd as vice president and Ed Anderson as press spokesperson. After approving corrected minutes from April 8, members bundled and approved probation completions for Pfister, Snyder and Kolquist alongside command staff changes. The Police Officer Exam Plan was also approved, with all votes unanimous.

Golf Course Committee

Barb Hoag was elected chair and Troy Clark vice chair, both unanimous. The committee approved April 23 minutes and reviewed progress on an irrigation system request for proposals (RFP), targeting a July 15 release and 2027 completion. Marketing reports showed growth, and the course remains $32,000 ahead of budget despite fewer rounds played.

Coming up

Superior residents and stakeholders have several meetings to watch in the next two weeks.

July 6 – Tourism Development Commission (1 p.m.): The commission will discuss a $2,000 sponsorship for the Superior/South Shore Winter Guide cover presence and a proposed monthly On-Location Content Capture Allowance of $100 to $200 for tourism marketing. A 2026 sponsorship application form and updates on digital asset management and visitor guides are also on the agenda.

July 7 – City Council (6:30 p.m.): Councilors will vote on a $31,345 contract for Julota police case management software and an ordinance (O26-4430) prohibiting the keeping of roosters. Other items include a two-way stop at Oakes Avenue and North 22nd Street, relocating the Precinct 3 polling place to Northwood Technical College for the Aug. 11 primary, and new retail tobacco and liquor licenses for WI Cstore at 311 and 406 Belknap Street.

July 8 – Liability Claims Committee (time not specified): The committee will meet in closed session to review six pending liability claims against the city, then reconvene in public to announce decisions. Claimants include USAA General Indemnity Co. on behalf of Kevin and Jocelyn Meredith, Mark Kinblom, Amy Renoos, Kristin Charles, and Richard Doolittle.

July 8 – Public Works Committee (5 p.m.): Discussion will center on a Raftelis report evaluating a potential acquisition of Superior Water, Light & Power utilities and a recommended public referendum schedule. The committee will also consider an amendment to an electrical services contract with Benson Electric Company, modification of Ordinance 34-73 to expand delegated authority for commercial plan review, and award of a contract to Redline Plan Review for commercial plan review. Hauled waste charges under Ordinance 114-62(e) will be discussed.