Duluth meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Duluth City Council approves 2027 law enforcement labor contract, $176,000 coal handling agreement

The Duluth City Council approved a 2027 collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services 363 on a 7-2 vote at its Oct. 13 meeting, one of several actions that also included a coal handling agreement worth up to $176,000 and $61,630 in taxable grant anticipation revenue notes for the municipal water utility.

The council's decisions are the only ones in the past two weeks backed by published minutes. The other meetings in that stretch — including the Planning Commission, Charter Commission, Human Rights Commission and Public Utilities Commission — are represented by agendas only. Minutes have not been published, so no outcomes are reported for those bodies here.

City Council, Oct. 13: money and contracts

• Authorized a coal handling agreement with Hallett Railroad Storage and Services for up to $176,000 (9-0).
• Approved the 2027 collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services 363 (7-2).
• Authorized issuance of taxable grant anticipation revenue notes up to $61,630 for the municipal water utility (9-0).
• Approved a $21,688.61 settlement for a USAA General Indemnity Company property damage claim (9-0).
• Established the Minnesota Power franchise fee under Ordinance No. 10980 (8-0, 1 abstention).

Land, streets and parking

The council approved a protective designation process for at least 1,500 acres of land from the Strategic Public Lands Realignment Project (9-0). It also established a bike lane on both sides of 4th Street from 5th Ave E to 6th Ave E (9-0) and a "No Parking" zone on the even side of 4th Street from 3rd Ave E to 5th Ave E (9-0).

The meeting summary states the council adopted a consent agenda covering multiple settlements, easements, bike lanes and grants.

On the agenda, not yet decided

Several bodies met during the past two weeks without published minutes, so what they discussed is known only from their agendas.

The Heritage Preservation Commission (Oct. 13) listed a Section 106 consultation and a Phase IA literature review and archaeological assessment for Priley Circle/5th Ave Mall, plus updates on Spirit Mountain Trail repair and Canal Park resurfacing.

The Community Development Committee (Oct. 14) was set to review 2027 Public Facilities and Housing funding applications. The Human Rights Commission (Oct. 14) listed community listening events, outreach to marginalized community members, and nominations and elections for its executive team. The Charter Commission (Oct. 14) listed election of officers, research on an even-year election cycle, a charter amendment ballot question, a Section 38 amendment proposal and revisions to Chapter IV, Section 20.

The Planning Commission (Oct. 15) scheduled a public hearing on a UDC Map Amendment for Lester Park Golf Course, along with a minor subdivision at 102 E Gary St, a final plat of Paine's Horseshoe Addition at 2102 N 40th Ave W, and public comment on the Tallas Bay Dredging Environmental Assessment Worksheet.

The Indigenous Commission (Oct. 19) listed a debrief of the Indigenous People's Day Event, an update on the Hillside Community Center building, subcommittee discussions on AI surveillance, education and housing, an Ojibwe language and art project, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The Duluth Public Utilities Commission (Oct. 20) listed 2027 utility capital projects.

Coming up

• **Oct. 26 — City Council:** an ordinance to reclassify parcels within Lester Park Golf Course; an engineering services agreement with LHB, Inc. for Hillside Culvert Repair - Phase 3 not to exceed $166,382.50; a utility invoice mailing services agreement with InfoSend, Inc. for 2027 estimated at $215,550.00; a sanitary sewer extension for 2339, 2408, 2415 and 2416 Roslyn Avenue estimated at $79,200; and acceptance of a $53,850 Minnesota Department of Public Safety grant for the 2027 Towards Zero Deaths project.
• **Oct. 27 — Community Development Committee:** application scoring and manager funding recommendations, preliminary recommendations for the FY 2027 Annual Action Plan, and scheduling of a public comment period and public hearing.
• **Oct. 28 — Duluth Economic Development Authority:** a change order for Carleton Companies, Inc. for Shopper's Ramp demolition not to exceed $3,220,441.56; a license agreement with the University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute for the Becks Road property; a contamination cleanup grant application for the Duluth Heritage Sports Center project; and consent to a collateral assignment by Historic Duluth Armory, LLC in favor of Sunrise Banks, National Association.
• **Oct. 28 — Duluth Citizen Review Board:** a police liaison report and public comment.

Duluth City Council approves 2027 law enforcement contract, $176,000 coal handling agreement

The Duluth City Council on Oct. 13 approved a 2027 collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services 363 on a 7-2 vote and authorized a coal handling agreement with Hallett Railroad Storage and Services for up to $176,000 on a 9-0 vote. In the same meeting, the council approved a protective designation process for at least 1,500 acres of land under the Strategic Public Lands Realignment Project, also 9-0. Those actions come from official minutes. Most other bodies that met in the past two weeks have published agendas only, with no minutes yet available, so what follows for them is what was scheduled, not what was decided.

City Council: contract, coal handling, land

The 2027 collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services 363 passed 7-2, the only item in the summary that drew recorded opposition. The coal handling agreement with Hallett Railroad Storage and Services carries a ceiling of up to $176,000. The land item approves a protective designation process covering at least 1,500 acres from the Strategic Public Lands Realignment Project.

Water utility, settlement, street changes

• Authorized issuance of taxable grant anticipation revenue notes up to $61,630 for the municipal water utility (9-0).
• Approved a $21,688.61 settlement for a USAA General Indemnity Company property damage claim (9-0).
• Established a bike lane on both sides of 4th Street from 5th Ave E to 6th Ave E (9-0).
• Established a "No Parking" zone on the even side of 4th Street from 3rd Ave E to 5th Ave E (9-0).
• Established the Minnesota Power franchise fee under Ordinance No. 10980 (8-0, 1 abstention).

2027 funding applications under review

The Community Development Committee met Oct. 6 at 5:30 PM in Room 155, City Hall, 411 West First Street, to review 2027 funding applications in three areas: economic development, public services and homelessness. Its agenda also listed approval of the Aug. 18, 2026 meeting summary (CDC26-6). The committee met again Oct. 14 to review 2027 Public Facilities and Housing applications. The agendas list no dollar amounts, applicants or decisions, and minutes have not been published.

Library Board, commissions and Planning Commission

The Library Board met Oct. 6 at the Main Library Gold Room on the 2027 library budget (LB42), the library manager hiring process (LB48), the Main Library facility and regional library services district (LB16), the 2027 meeting schedule (LB61), and a City Council resolution to accept a $7,500 grant from the Northland Foundation (LB60).

The Commission on Disabilities met Oct. 7 at 3:00 PM in the Lakeside Conference Room (Room 430), City Hall, with an accessible parking update, a library partnership discussion, a Parks and Rec report, committee updates on crosswalks, skywalks and outreach, and two public comment periods on the agenda.

The Heritage Preservation Commission met Oct. 13 on a Priley Circle/5th Ave Mall Section 106 consultation and a Phase IA literature review and archaeological assessment for Priley Circle, plus Spirit Mountain Trail repair and Canal Park resurfacing updates.

The Charter Commission met Oct. 14 on election of officers, even year election cycle research, a charter amendment ballot question, the Section 38 Amendment Stollee Proposal, and revisions to Chapter IV, Section 20.

The Human Rights Commission met Oct. 14 on community listening and education events, outreach to marginalized community members, and nominations and elections for its executive team.

The African Heritage Commission met Oct. 8 on planning for The Big Tent at Freedom Farms (Oct 10), Indigenous Peoples Day (Oct 12) and Rev Up Voter Education (Oct 20), plus outreach to Parks and Recreation and the Fire Department and coordination with ISD 709 and the YMCA.

The Planning Commission met Oct. 15 for a public hearing on a UDC Map Amendment for Lester Park Golf Course, a minor subdivision at 102 E Gary St, the final plat of Paine's Horseshoe Addition at 2102 N 40th Ave W, and public comment on the Tallas Bay Dredging Environmental Assessment Worksheet.

Coming up

The Indigenous Commission meets Oct. 19 to debrief the Indigenous People's Day event, take up a Hillside Community Center building update, discuss subcommittees including AI surveillance, education and housing, an Ojibwe language and art project, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives.

The Duluth Public Utilities Commission meets Oct. 20 on 2027 utility capital projects and approval of minutes from Sept. 15, 2026.

Duluth Parking Commission approves 2027 budget and 4th Street parking plan; City Council to weigh $176,000 coal-handling agreement

The Duluth Parking Commission approved the proposed 2027 Parking Funds budget and a revised parking layout for the 4th Street redevelopment project at its Oct. 2 meeting — the only recent meeting in the records provided where votes were taken and recorded. All six items on that agenda passed 5-0.

Parking Commission: 2027 budget and 4th Street parking

The commission approved the proposed 2027 Parking Funds budget on a 5-0 vote. No dollar figure for that budget appears in the summary provided.

On 4th Street, members rescinded a previous design approval and approved an updated design that retains parking on both sides of most blocks, 5-0. They separately approved prohibiting parking on the even side of the 300 and 400 East blocks of 4th Street, also 5-0.

Two accessible parking zone requests were approved 5-0: relocation of a zone at 631 East 3rd Street and a zone at 1228 North 7th Avenue East. The commission approved the September 2026 meeting minutes 5-0 and received operational updates on off-street and on-street parking.

Other recent meetings: agendas only, no minutes yet

Four other bodies met or were scheduled to meet in the past two weeks, but the records provided are agendas only. No decisions, votes, or dollar amounts are established for these meetings.

• **Library Board** (Oct. 6, Main Library Gold Room): agenda items included the 2027 library budget, the library manager hiring process, the Main Library facility and regional library services district, the 2027 meeting schedule, and a City Council resolution to accept a $7,500 grant from the Northland Foundation.
• **Community Development Committee** (Oct. 6, Room 155, City Hall, 411 West First Street): review of 2027 funding applications in three areas — economic development, public services, and homelessness — plus approval of the Aug. 18, 2026 meeting summary. The agenda lists no dollar amounts, applicants, or decisions.
• **Commission on Disabilities** (Oct. 7, Lakeside Conference Room, Room 430, City Hall): an accessible parking update, a library partnership, a Parks and Rec report, committee updates on crosswalks, skywalks, and outreach, and two public comment periods. Topics only; no votes listed.
• **African Heritage Commission** (Oct. 8): planning for The Big Tent at Freedom Farms (Oct. 10), Indigenous Peoples Day (Oct. 12), and Rev Up Voter Education (Oct. 20); outreach to Parks and Recreation and the Fire Department on nature access and CPR training; coordination with the YMCA and ISD 709 on swim lessons and lifeguard training; and planning for a January-February bike donation drive.

Coming up

City Council, Oct. 13. The council is scheduled to vote on resolutions including a collective bargaining agreement for law enforcement and public works contracts. Agenda items include an agreement with Hallett Railroad Storage and Services for coal handling not to exceed $176,000; purchase of storm and ditching materials from Red Rock Precast, LLC estimated at $65,000; issuance of taxable grant anticipation revenue notes up to $61,630 for the municipal water utility; establishment of bike lanes and a no-parking zone on 4th Street; and an EPA grant of $97,968 for soil contamination data collection near Munger Landing. Ordinances for municipal water utility revenue notes and a Minnesota Power franchise fee are also under review.

Heritage Preservation Commission, Oct. 13. A Section 106 consultation and a Phase IA literature review and archaeological assessment for Priley Circle/5th Ave Mall, plus updates on Spirit Mountain Trail repair and Canal Park resurfacing.

Human Rights Commission, Oct. 14. Committee reports, community listening and education events, outreach to marginalized community members, and nominations and elections for the executive team.

Community Development Committee, Oct. 14. Review of 2027 Public Facilities and Housing funding applications.

Charter Commission, Oct. 14. Election of officers, research on even-year election cycles, a charter amendment ballot question, the Section 38 Amendment Stollee Proposal, and revisions to Chapter IV, Section 20.

Planning Commission, Oct. 15. A public hearing on a UDC Map Amendment for Lester Park Golf Course, a minor subdivision at 102 E Gary St, the final plat of Paine's Horseshoe Addition at 2102 N 40th Ave W, and public comment on the Tallas Bay Dredging Environmental Assessment Worksheet.

Duluth Council approves $7.2M in financing, liquor license, and other items

The Duluth City Council on Aug. 10 approved $7.2 million in taxable grant anticipation revenue notes, along with a liquor license, a lease agreement, and several other items. The council also passed ordinances on second reading, including a Minnesota Power franchise, and removed a national emergency use provision on airport property.

City Council actions

The council voted 9-0 to approve two taxable grant anticipation revenue notes: $1,534,500 (Series 2026A) and $5,666,728 (Series 2026B), totaling $7,201,228. The notes are a form of short-term financing.

In other unanimous votes, the council approved:

• A liquor license for C&D App, Sister Cities
• A lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry
• A no-cost office space agreement with Lake Superior College
• An application for a lead service line replacement loan
• A $25,666.50 increase to the LHB contract for the Denfeld lead service line project
• A three-year YMCA lease for the Woodland Community Center

Also on the consent agenda were a temporary use permit from St. Louis County, an OEM parts contract increase, and two grants for the Cross City Trail. The council tabled three appointment confirmations.

On a separate vote, the council approved removal of a national emergency use provision on airport property (8-0, one abstention). The Minnesota Power franchise ordinance passed on second reading (8-0, one abstention). The Lester Park initiative ordinances remain tabled with no action.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards and commissions met over the past two weeks, but most were agenda-only or informational.

• **Heritage Preservation Commission (Aug. 10):** Procedural meeting to approve June minutes and receive updates on the NAPC 2026 conference and a Planning Commission liaison report. No substantive decisions.
• **Duluth Economic Development Authority (Aug. 11):** Special meeting to receive a presentation on the Lester Park Golf Course Land Use Study & Vision Plan. No formal decisions.
• **Human Rights Commission (Aug. 12):** Heard a presentation from ISD 709. No votes on ordinances or contracts.
• **Parks and Recreation Commission (Aug. 12):** Informational updates on the Community Garden Program, Lester Park Land Use Study, and Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements Project. No formal votes.
• **Planning Commission (Aug. 13):** Special meeting to consider land-use items, including a bank review, comprehensive plan amendments for Lester Park Golf Course and Becks Road, and a housing TIF district conformance. Public hearings were held for the bank and the two plan amendments.
• **African Heritage Commission (Aug. 13):** Discussed planning for Juneteenth 2027 and ways to increase awareness of the commission's role.
• **Indigenous Commission (Aug. 17):** Planned Indigenous People's Day, Feast and Forum, and Orange Shirt Day, and held elections for the executive team.
• **Public Utilities Commission (Aug. 18):** Reviewed the proposed 2027 utilities budget and considered a resolution to approve and recommend it.
• **Community Development Committee (Aug. 18):** Held public hearings on the FY 2027 Community Needs Assessment and a 2025 Substantial Amendment to the Action Plan, and discussed funding priorities.
• **City Council (Aug. 18):** Voted unanimously to enter a closed session, which lasted from 5:34 p.m. to 6:28 p.m., then adjourned without any public votes or actions.

Coming up

• **City Council (Aug. 24):** Will consider accepting a $1.75 million HUD grant for library and community health services planning, amending the comprehensive plan to reclassify areas of Becks Road and Lester Park Golf Course, and introducing an ordinance to regulate short-term rental licensing. Also on the agenda is a resolution authorizing a $750,000 EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant for a Cody Street stormwater filtration basin.
• **Citizen Review Board (Aug. 26):** Will discuss the DPD CORE Team, review a police liaison report, and approve minutes. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.

Duluth City Council approves $7.2M in grant anticipation notes, other items

The Duluth City Council on Aug. 10 approved two taxable grant anticipation revenue notes totaling $7,201,228, along with a liquor license, a lawful gambling application, and several other items. The council also tabled three appointment confirmations and left Lester Park initiative ordinances tabled with no action.

City Council

The council approved the following items by 9-0 votes:

• $1,534,500 taxable grant anticipation revenue note, Series 2026A
• $5,666,728 taxable grant anticipation revenue note, Series 2026B
• Liquor license for C&D App, Sister Cities
• Lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry
• No-cost office space agreement with Lake Superior College
• Application for lead service line replacement loan
• $25,666.50 increase to LHB contract for Denfeld lead service line project
• Three-year YMCA lease for Woodland Community Center

Two items passed 8-0 with one abstention: removal of a national emergency use provision on airport property and a Minnesota Power franchise ordinance on second reading.

Three appointment confirmations were tabled. The Lester Park initiative ordinances remain tabled with no action.

Other decisions

The Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission on Aug. 5 approved a lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry Inc. and a one-day temporary consumption and display permit for Duluth Sister Cities International at 835 West College St. on Oct. 17, 2026. The commission tabled a theater liquor license transfer for Alhambra Cocktail Lounge at 321 N Central.

Agenda-only meetings

Several boards met during the past two weeks with no formal decisions, according to agendas and minutes not yet published:

• Library Board (Aug. 4) discussed the 2027 library budget, safety updates, and facility updates.
• Parking Commission (Aug. 7) reviewed proposals to remove parking on one side of 4th Street and create an accessible parking zone on the 500 block of West Superior Street.
• Heritage Preservation Commission (Aug. 10) approved June minutes and received updates on NAPC 2026 and a Planning Commission liaison.
• Duluth Economic Development Authority (Aug. 11) heard a presentation on the Lester Park Golf Course Land Use Study & Vision Plan.
• Human Rights Commission (Aug. 12) heard a presentation from ISD 709.
• Parks and Recreation Commission (Aug. 12) received informational updates on the community garden program, Lester Park land use study, and Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements Project.
• Planning Commission (Aug. 13) held public hearings on a bank review, comprehensive plan amendments for Lester Park Golf Course and Becks Road, and a housing TIF district conformance.
• African Heritage Commission (Aug. 13) discussed Juneteenth 2027 planning and its role as a community resource.

Coming up

• **Indigenous Commission** – Aug. 17, 2026: Plans Indigenous People's Day, elections, and subcommittee updates.
• **Community Development Committee** – Aug. 18, 2026: Public hearings on FY 2027 Community Needs Assessment and 2025 Substantial Amendment; discussion of funding priorities.
• **City Council** – Aug. 18, 2026: Closed session on litigation strategy for lawsuit 69DU-CV-26-562.
• **Public Utilities Commission** – Aug. 18, 2026: Review and recommend 2027 utilities budget.

Duluth Council awards $9.8M Lakewalk contract, keeps Lester Park initiatives off ballot

The Duluth City Council on July 27 awarded a $9,884,980.33 contract to Rachel Contracting, LLC for the Lakewalk and Coastal Improvement Project. The council also accepted $8,196,234 in federal and $2,049,752 in state grants for the project. In a 7-2 vote, the council decided that two initiative petitions concerning land use at the former Lester Park Golf Course are preempted by state law and will not be placed on the ballot.

City Council actions

The council approved several other items:

• $2,502,524.32 city share for reconstruction of 40th Avenue W.
• $839,063 purchase of 11,750 tons of road salt from Morton Salt, Inc.
• $164,735.93 guardrail repair contract with H&R Construction.
• Confirmed appointments of Lynne Williams to the Spirit Mountain Recreation Area Authority and Scott Soderberg to the Sanitary Sewer Board of Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, both 9-0.

Other recent meetings

Three other city boards met in the past two weeks, but their minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are available.

• **Library Board (Aug. 4):** Discussed the 2027 library budget, Main Library facility updates, safety, and a June 2026 usage report.
• **Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission (Aug. 5):** Considered a lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry, a one-day temporary consumption permit for Duluth Sister Cities International, and a theater liquor license transfer for Alhambra Cocktail Lounge.
• **Parking Commission (Aug. 7):** Reviewed proposals to remove parking from one side of 4th Street and create an accessible parking zone on the 500 block of West Superior Street, along with updates on on-street and off-street parking.

Coming up

• **City Council (Aug. 10):** Will vote on a resolution to submit the Lester Park Initiative ordinances to voters in a Nov. 3, 2026 special election. The consent agenda includes $1,534,500 and $5,666,728 in taxable grant anticipation revenue notes, liquor licenses, a forgivable loan for lead service line replacements on N 40th Ave W, a three-year lease with the Duluth Area Family YMCA for Woodland Community Center, and acceptance of $150,000 and $300,000 grants for the Cross City Trail.
• **Heritage Preservation Commission (Aug. 10):** Procedural meeting to approve June minutes and receive updates on NAPC 2026 and a Planning Commission liaison.
• **Duluth Human Rights Commission (Aug. 12):** Will hear a presentation from ISD 709.
• **Duluth African Heritage Commission (Aug. 13):** Will discuss planning for Juneteenth 2027, its role as a community resource, and voter engagement.

Duluth awards $9.8M Lakewalk contract; Council blocks Lester Park ballot petitions

The Duluth City Council approved a $9,884,980.33 contract for the Lakewalk and Coastal Improvement Project on July 27, the largest spending decision in this week's roundup. The council also accepted more than $10 million in related grants and determined that two initiative petitions concerning the former Lester Park Golf Course will not go before voters.

Lakewalk and Coastal Improvement Project

The council awarded the Lakewalk and Coastal Improvement contract to Rachel Contracting, LLC in the amount of $9,884,980.33. It also accepted two grants tied to the project: an $8,196,234 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and a $2,049,752 state grant.

Lester Park Golf Course Petitions

On July 23, the council tabled two resolutions related to the former Lester Park Golf Course on 9-0 votes: Resolution 26-0679R, regarding state law preemption of the petitions, and Resolution 26-0681R, regarding a special election for Lester Park ordinances. Two related ordinances — 26-033-O and 26-034-O — were read for the first time but no final action was taken.

On July 27, the council decided that two initiative petitions seeking to rezone land near the former Lester Park Golf Course are preempted by state law and will not be placed on the ballot. That vote was 7-2.

Separately, the Duluth Economic Development Authority met July 22 to discuss a memo on the Lester Park Golf Course, though minutes from that meeting have not yet been published.

Other Infrastructure Contracts

The council approved several additional infrastructure items on July 27:

• $2,502,524.32 as the city share for the 40th Avenue W reconstruction.
• $839,063 for the purchase of 11,750 tons of road salt from Morton Salt, Inc.
• $164,735.93 guardrail repair contract with H&R Construction.

Appointments Confirmed

The council confirmed two appointments on unanimous 9-0 votes: Lynne Williams to the Spirit Mountain Recreation Area Authority, and Scott Soderberg to the Sanitary Sewer Board of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District.

DEDA Agenda Items (Minutes Not Yet Published)

The Duluth Economic Development Authority's July 22 agenda included Resolution 26D-18, a development agreement with Historic Duluth Armory, LLC for the Armory Arts and Music Center; Resolution 26D-13, support for the city's Downtown Development Strategy; a second amendment to a development agreement with Portland Land Co., LLC; monthly cash transaction approvals for May and June 2026; and discussion of the July Lester Park Golf Course memo. Because minutes are not yet published, outcomes for these items are not confirmed.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — Library Board:** Review of the 2027 library budget, Main Library facility updates, safety updates, and the June 2026 usage report.
• **Aug. 5 — Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission:** Votes on a lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry (902 Mall Drive), a one-day temporary consumption permit for Duluth Sister Cities International (835 West College St.), and a theater liquor license transfer for Alhambra Cocktail Lounge (321 N Central Ave.).
• **Aug. 7 — Parking Commission:** Proposal to remove parking from one side of 4th Street (PKC317) and a proposal to create an accessible parking zone on the 500 block of West Superior Street (PKC318), plus on-street and off-street parking updates.

Duluth City Council names new city administrator, approves $1.37M infrastructure contract

The Duluth City Council approved Karla Culhane as the city's next City Administrator by an 8-0 vote on July 13, along with more than $2 million in contracts and a $465,830 state grant for the Blatnik Bridge project. The council also tabled two personnel appointments and approved a package of liquor licenses, development agreements, and election preparations.

City Council actions

The council voted 8-0 on every item before it. Key financial decisions included:

• Accepted a $465,830 MNDOT grant for the Blatnik Bridge project.
• Awarded a $1,376,662.99 contract to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC.
• Awarded a $224,212.00 contract to MJ Companies, LLC.
• Awarded a $241,000.00 contract to Stack Bros Mechanical Contractors Inc.
• Amended an MSA Professional Services contract by $259,200.00.
• Approved an $18,443.83 settlement to Mai Kim.
• Authorized a water tower loan application to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.

The council also approved the Harbor Highlands development agreement, an Arrowhead Youth Soccer Association field agreement, a Spirit Mountain Nordic Center grant application, and election judges for the August and November 2026 elections. Two appointments — Lynne Williams and Scott Soderberg — were tabled 8-0. Matt Massman's appointment was approved 8-0 after being removed from the table. The council passed second readings of both the water utility revenue notes ordinance and a zoning map amendment ordinance.

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission

The commission approved the transfer of an off-sale intoxicating liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc. at 4507 E Superior Street. It also approved a temporary on-sale liquor license for Grandma's Marathon's Park Point 5-Miler event. The June 3, 2026 minutes were approved.

Parking Commission

The Parking Commission approved two on-street accessible parking zones: one at 6209 Raleigh Street and another at 5818 Elinor Street, each by a 5-0 vote. The June 2026 meeting minutes were also approved 5-0. No other substantive actions were taken.

Heritage Preservation Commission

The July 13 Heritage Preservation Commission meeting was cancelled. No agenda items were considered or decided.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission's July 14 agenda included concurrent use permits for outdoor seating at Vitta Pizza (307 Canal Park Dr) and Duluth Coffee Company (101 E Superior St), a wireless facility permit at 827 E 1st St, variance requests at 2517 Minnesota Ave and 3825 W 7th St, and a public hearing on rezoning Piedmont Trail System parcels from RR-1 to P-1. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Charter Commission

The Charter Commission's July 15 agenda listed proposed amendments to the city charter, including shifting municipal elections to even-numbered years, revising Section 4, and a Section 38 amendment proposed by Commissioner Stolee. A ballot question for the even-year election cycle was also under discussion. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 22 — Duluth Economic Development Authority:** Will review a development agreement with Historic Duluth Armory, LLC for the Armory Arts and Music Center, a resolution supporting the city's downtown development strategy, a second amendment to an agreement with Portland Land Co., LLC, and a memo on the Lester Park Golf Course.
• **July 23 — City Council:** First reading of two ordinances proposed by initiative petition that would require voter approval for rezoning of a 37.5-acre Lake 9 parcel and a 230-acre parcel near the former Lester Park Golf Course.

Duluth Council approves Police Chief contract amendment; water utility funding and Armory redevelopment ahead

The Duluth City Council approved a first amendment to Police Chief Michael Ceynowa's employment contract on June 29 in a 7-2 vote, alongside a batch of infrastructure and park agreements totaling more than $1.4 million.

City Council — June 29

The council approved the contract amendment for Ceynowa (7-2) and confirmed Gerry Goldfarb's appointment to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority (9-0). A second appointment to that authority, Matt Massman, was tabled.

On the consent agenda, the council approved a $1.2 million partnership agreement for the Tischer Creek Tributary 7 Resilience Project, a $172,006.85 agreement for an ATV route study, and a $58,330 agreement for Medical District lighting improvements. The Park Point Recreation Area Plan was approved, along with multiple permanent easements and licenses for the Chester Park-UMD neighborhood.

Commission on Disabilities — July 1

The Commission on Disabilities held a regular meeting with an accessible parking update, a Parks and Rec report, and committee updates. Public comment was scheduled twice. No specific proposals or votes were listed on the agenda; minutes have not yet been published.

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission — July 8

The AGT Commission's July 8 agenda included a proposed transfer of an off-sale intoxicating liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc., a temporary on-sale liquor license for the Grandma's Marathon Park Point 5-Miler, and a review of the PP5M finish area layout. The meeting was held at City Council Chambers, 411 West First Street. Minutes have not yet been published.

Parking Commission — July 10

The Parking Commission reviewed on-street accessible parking zone requests (PKC315) and received updates on off-street and on-street parking. Public comments and follow-up were also on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 13 — City Council:** Second reading of an ordinance authorizing up to $7,701,228 in grant anticipation revenue notes for water utility improvements. The agenda also includes a resolution confirming Karla Culhane as city administrator, a $465,830 MnDOT grant for Blatnik Bridge community liaison workforce, a $1,376,662.99 contract for citywide CIPP sanitary sewer lining, and a development agreement for the Harbor Highlands First Division plat.
• **July 13 — Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission:** Vote on the off-sale liquor license transfer from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc. at 4507 E Superior Street, plus the temporary on-sale license for the Grandma's Marathon Park Point 5-Miler.
• **July 13 — Heritage Preservation Commission:** Meeting cancelled; no items were considered or decided.
• **July 14 — Planning Commission:** Concurrent use permits for outdoor seating at Vitta Pizza (307 Canal Park Dr) and Duluth Coffee Company (101 E Superior St), a wireless facility permit at 827 E 1st St, variance requests at 2517 Minnesota Ave and 3825 W 7th St, and a public hearing on rezoning Piedmont Trail System parcels from RR-1 to P-1.
• **July 15 — Charter Commission:** Proposed amendments to the city charter, including a shift to even-year municipal elections and a Section 4 amendment. A Section 38 amendment proposed by Commissioner Stolee is also on the agenda.
• **July 22 — Duluth Economic Development Authority:** Development agreement with Historic Duluth Armory, LLC for the Armory Arts and Music Center (Resolution 26D-18), a resolution supporting the city's downtown development strategy (26D-13), a second amendment to an agreement with Portland Land Co., LLC, and discussion of a Lester Park Golf Course memo.

Duluth City Council approves Police Chief contract amendment, $1.2M creek resilience project

The Duluth City Council approved a first amendment to Police Chief Michael Ceynowa's employment contract on June 29, 2026, covering salary and benefits, in a 7-2 vote. The council also approved a $1.2 million partnership agreement for the Tischer Creek Tributary 7 Resilience Project and several other infrastructure and land-use items during its regular meeting.

City Council — June 29

The council voted 7-2 to approve the first amendment to Police Chief Ceynowa's employment contract. The agenda summary did not specify the dollar terms of the amendment.

On infrastructure, the council approved a $1.2 million partnership agreement for the Tischer Creek Tributary 7 Resilience Project, a $172,006.85 agreement for an ATV route study, and a $58,330 agreement for Medical District lighting improvements.

The council approved the Park Point Recreation Area Plan and multiple permanent easements and licenses for the Chester Park-UMD neighborhood.

Gerry Goldfarb was confirmed to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority on a 9-0 vote. A separate appointment of Matt Massman to the same authority remains tabled.

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission — July 1

The commission approved the transfer of an off-sale intoxicating liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc., located at 4507 E Superior Street. It also approved a temporary on-sale liquor license for Grandma's Marathon's Park Point 5-Miler event. The commission approved its June 3, 2026 minutes.

Citizen Review Board — June 24

The Duluth Citizen Review Board met to elect board officers, receive a police liaison report, and plan for an August community meeting. The agenda also included public comments and approval of minutes. Official minutes have not yet been published, so the outcomes of the officer elections are not yet in the record.

Duluth Economic Development Authority — June 24

The scheduled June 24 meeting of the Duluth Economic Development Authority was canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Coming up

• **Parking Commission — July 10:** Will review on-street accessible parking zone requests (PKC315) and receive updates on off-street and on-street parking. Public comments and follow-up are on the agenda.
• **Charter Commission — July 15:** Will consider and potentially vote on proposed charter amendments, including shifting municipal elections to even-numbered years, a revision to Section 4, a ballot question for the even-year election cycle, and a Section 38 amendment proposed by Commissioner Stolee.

Council approves police chief contract amendment, park plan, $1.2M resilience project

The Duluth City Council approved a contract amendment for Police Chief Michael Ceynowa on a 7-2 vote and moved forward with a $1.2 million resilience project for Tischer Creek Tributary 7 during its June 29 meeting. The council also adopted the Park Point Recreation Area Plan and authorized an ATV route study. Recent meetings saw the Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission approve a liquor license transfer, while two other public bodies held procedural or canceled sessions. Upcoming meetings include a Charter Commission vote on even-year elections and a Parking Commission review of accessible parking zones.

City Council (June 29)

The council approved a first amendment to the employment contract of Police Chief Michael Ceynowa addressing salary and benefits. The vote was 7-2. Separately, the council confirmed the appointment of Gerry Goldfarb to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority on a 9-0 vote; the appointment of Matt Massman to the same authority was tabled.

A $1.2 million partnership agreement for the Tischer Creek Tributary 7 Resilience Project won approval. The council also authorized:

• $172,006.85 for an ATV route study.
• $58,330 for Medical District lighting improvements.
• Multiple permanent easements and licenses for the Chester Park-UMD neighborhood.

Additionally, the Park Point Recreation Area Plan was adopted. All consent agenda items, including infrastructure agreements and easements, passed.

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission (July 1)

The commission approved a transfer of an off-sale intoxicating liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc. at 4507 E Superior Street. It also granted a temporary on-sale liquor license for the Grandma’s Marathon Park Point 5-Miler event.

Other Recent Meetings

The Duluth Economic Development Authority meeting scheduled for June 24 was canceled.

The Duluth Citizen Review Board on June 24 handled organizational business: electing board officers, receiving a police liaison report, and beginning plans for an August community meeting. All items were procedural.

Coming Up

The Duluth Charter Commission meets July 15 to consider and potentially vote on amendments to the city charter. Items include shifting municipal elections to even-numbered years, a ballot question for that change, and a revision to Section 4. A separate amendment to Section 38, proposed by Commissioner Stolee, is also on the agenda.

The Parking Commission will meet July 10 to review on-street accessible parking zone requests and receive updates on off-street and on-street parking operations.