Duluth City Council Archives

Duluth Council Unanimously Supports State Surplus Money for 148th Fighter Wing in First In-Person Meeting in 2 Years

Monday night and going forward, meetings will be hybrid with the public able to view and give feedback through WebEx like before.

April 11, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After two years of virtual meetings Duluth’s City Council returned to City Hall in person, where they unanimously showed support for using extra state funds to maintain and upgrade the 148th Fighter Wing. “I never anticipated it was going to be 2 years,” Council President Arik Forsman said. “I remember we had our last meeting where COVID was…

Derek Medved Says Farewell, Council to Begin Reviewing 27 Applications Received

At his last council meeting tonight, Medved thanked his fellow councilors and the public for what he called the honor of a lifetime.

February 14, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth closed applications for City Councilor Derek Medved’s Councilor-At-Large seat at 4:30 today and will now start reviewing the almost 30 candidates who applied. So far, 27 candidates have filed for the open seat, including community leaders like Pez Davila, and former City Councilor Noah Hobbs. At his last council meeting tonight, Medved thanked his…

Duluth Council Approves Application Process To Fill Derek Medved’s Seat

Applications will be accepted only through 4:30 p.m. February 14th, Medved's last council meeting.

January 24, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday the City of Duluth will begin accepting applications to fill the At-Large Council seat soon to be left open by Derek Medved, who announced his resignation last week. Medved abstained from the vote at the council meeting Monday, making it 7 to 0. He announced he’s leaving the council to focus on his KornerStore business. The…

Emergency Mask Mandate Fails to Pass with Unanimous Vote By Duluth City Council

The Council voted 7-2 on the mandate, with Councilors Roz Randorf and Derek Medved voting against it.

January 10, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- There will be no indoor mask mandate in the City of Duluth, as the emergency ordinance failed to garner the unanimous vote needed by City Council Monday night. The discussion about a mask mandate turned into a discussion about the council’s powers and whether or not it is their job to manage how the city navigates the pandemic….

Duluth Council Approves DEDA’s Help in Paying Rising Cost of Historic Old Central Redevelopment

Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have brought the project cost up an additional $4.3 million.

November 8, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn,- Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have affected the redevelopment of Duluth’s Historic Old Central High School into housing units. According to Councilor Zack Filipovich, the project cost has gone up an additional $4.3 million dollars due to those issues. With the developer covering about $2.7 million of that, Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday…

At-Large Council Members Tomanek, Awal Speak Out After Election Victory

New Council Members will be Sworn in Come January 2022

November 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Two new at-large Duluth city council members have been elected to their positions earlier this week. We caught up with Terese Tomanek, who was previously appointed to fill the position of councilor Barb Russ last year, and newly elected Azrin Awal, Duluth’s first Asian American to sit on the council. For Tomanek, she looks forward to continuing…

Duluth Council to Discuss Indigenous People’s Abuse, Trauma from Christian Boarding Schools

The resolution allows the Duluth City Council to officially go on record calling on Congress to commission a study and report on the boarding school policy.

October 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As Duluth City Council prepares to meet on Monday, also Indigenous People’s Day, one of the biggest items on their agenda is a resolution calling for awareness and reconciliation for Christian boarding schools who abused and in some cases killed many indigenous children throughout history. As the Northland prepares to recognize Indigenous People’s Day, the resolution put forth…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Proposes 2022 Budget with 6% Property Tax Levy Increase

Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million dollars for next year before council.

September 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Mayor Emily Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million for next year before council Monday evening. “I have always believed that budgets are moral documents. Every single Duluthian needs to know that, in some way that is meaningful to them, we are in their corner,” Mayor Larson said. “There is no more important way…

Council To Vote Monday On Mayor’s Plan To Outsource Duluth’s Tourism Marketing

Monday’s Council meeting will remain virtual, according to Forsman, due to the county's recent spike in COVID cases.

August 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At their Monday meeting Duluth City Council is set to discuss Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to put Duluth’s next marketing contract out for bid for the first time since Visit Duluth got the job in 1935, and why the winner went to Minneapolis-based Bellmont Partners — not a local firm. Mayor Larson says she believes Bellmont Partners is…

Historic St. Louis County Jail Could Become Apartments

The building could be converted into 33 apartment units with a portion demolished for parking space.

July 14, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A Historic Downtown Duluth building that has been empty for decades and once housed some of the Northland’s toughest criminals could soon serve a new purpose. The Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse on Second Street behind the courthouse was built back in 1923 and decommissioned in 1995. It has sat unused since. Now it could be converted into…

Community Crisis Intervention, City Hall Ventilation Among Proposed COVID Relief Spending Discussed by Duluth Council

More than a dozen citizens spoke out in support of what they call a community crisis response team independent of law enforcement.

July 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council discussed accepting almost $60 million of federal funding for recovery from the pandemic and Mayor Emily Larson’s recommendations for how to spend that money. Council unanimously tabled the resolution, to further discuss the Mayor’s following suggestions to allocate the money: Affordable Housing: $20,678,130 Job Training and Workforce Services: $550,000 Utility Infrastructure and Broadband: $13,850,000…

Planning Moves Forward For 2022 Seawall Reconstruction, Walkway Redesign Behind DECC

Duluth Council gave the go-ahead to begin looking at designs for reconstructing the aging seawall and the surrounding greenspace from the Slip to Bayfront.

March 22, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed two resolutions for pre-design and pre-engineering work for Phase II of seawall construction and rehabilitating the pedestrian walkway along Harbor Drive between Canal Park and Bayfront. Councilors say they expect construction to begin on the seawall in 2022. They plan to use some of the $13 million in state bonding bill money the city…

Phase 4 Lakewalk Reconstruction, Police Opioid Officer on Duluth Council Agenda Monday

The tail end of Lakewalk Reconstruction and new initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic are on the docket.

February 21, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The end is in sight for Duluth’s Lakewalk Reconstruction Project as Duluth City Council will look at designs for Phase 4. They’ll also vote on changes to the Duluth Police Department, including adding a civilian opioid officer position. On Monday Council will look at design work for Phase 4 of rebuilding Duluth’s Lakewalk primarily behind the DECC, after…

Formalities, Election of New Officers for First Duluth City Council of 2021 Monday

Councilor Renee Van Nett is set to be elected the first indigenous woman Council President.

January 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After 2020 brought more resolutions and ordinances for relief and safety to Duluth City Council’s docket, councilors say they are starting 2021 on a quieter note. The first council meeting Monday, according to Councilor Joel Sipress, will be focused on beginning-of-the-year formalities. Still, after a year of passing ordinances like the mask mandate and COVID-19 related relief to…

Duluth Council Talks Commission to Focus On Concerns of LGBTQ+ Community

Council read an ordinance which would establish the Duluth LGBTQ+ Commission.

December 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A new commission focused on the concerns of Duluth’s LGBTQ+ community was on the docket of Monday nights Duluth City Council meeting. Council read an ordinance by President Gary Anderson which would establish the Duluth Nonbinary, Queer, Trans, Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex and Asexual Commission. It would advise city administration and council on issues impacting that…

Duluth Council Amends Mayor Larson’s 2021 Tourism Tax Revenue Distribution

The Council's unanimous decision is the ultimate say beyond the Mayor's recommendations for the money allocations.

December 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At their second to last meeting of the year Duluth City Council voted on, among other things, next year’s distribution of a smaller pot of Tourism Tax Revenue due to the effects of the pandemic. Last year, about $12 million in Tourism Tax — or Hotel, Motel, Food and Beverage Tax — Revenue was collected for Duluth tourism-related…

Skiers, Snowboarders Excited to Hit the Reopened Spirit Mountain Slopes

After a summer spent closed, Spirit Mountain reopened Thanksgiving weekend and was filled with excited guests.

November 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn- Spirit Mountain reopened Friday after months closed due to financial woes caused by both the coronavirus pandemic and past financial struggles, and Northland winter sport lovers couldn’t wait to get back on the slopes. “We get this every winter,” Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold said. “This is normal every winter, skiers and boarders are ready to get…

Spirit Mountain Starts Season Busy After Being Closed During Summer

The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to warm up in their cars and no food or beverage is allowed on the snow.

November 28, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After months being closed due to financial woes caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the slopes at Spirit Mountain were alive again as they reopened this weekend. Spirit Mountain reopened to season pass holders Friday. Like other businesses it looks different due to the pandemic. The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to…

Duluth Council Approves DEDA Reserve for Kozy Fix-Up, Funding Request for Lasting Warming/Hygiene Facility

A resolution calling for part of Duluth's CARES Act money for the multi-year warming center/hygiene facility, and one for DEDA's money in case a court orders action on the Kozy.

November 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday the Duluth City Council unanimously passed two resolutions involving federal funding for a multi-year warming shelter and hygiene facility, and DEDA funding in case a court asks the city to work on the run-down Kozy Bar and Apartments Building. All councilors approved a resolution from Councilors Roz Randorf and Vice President Renee Van Nett calling for…

Council to Vote Monday on Funding for Kozy, Federal Funding for Permanent Warming, Hygiene Center

Resolutions call for money set aside for the Pastoret Terrace, and for CARES Act funding to be used for the city's first permanent warming and hygiene center.

November 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two big issues will be brought to Duluth City Council Monday night — DEDA’s proposal to set aside funding for maintenance of the condemned Kozy Bar and Apartment Building, and a resolution for a permanent warming shelter and hygiene facility for Duluth’s homeless. The issue surrounding the historic Pastoret Terrace on East First Street, better known as the…

Duluth Council Unanimously Votes to Wash Out Lakewalk Extension Plans

The resolution calls to reallocate FEMA funds to repair the storm damaged shorelines at Brighton Beach and the Marten Trail.

October 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday to leave a missing part of the Duluth’s Lakewalk trail disconnected after storms severely eroded the shoreline in 2018. The resolution calls for the indefinite closure of the shoreline trails behind the Ledges Townhomes on 21st Ave. East, and indefinitely halting construction of a new footpath from the Beacon Pointe…

Duluth Council to Vote Monday on Leaving Lakewalk’s Missing Link Disconnected

Councilors say the shoreline behind the Ledges and Beacon Pointe is too washed out to try and make changes.

October 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council is expected to vote on whether to scrap plans to connect a missing link to the popular Lakewalk behind some shoreline properties. At their last meeting two weeks ago, the council tabled the resolution that would reallocate $915,695 in FEMA funds. Those funds were granted to repair the 2018 storm-damaged trail behind the Ledges Townhomes…

Council Approves Funds to Re-Open Spirit Mountain This Winter, Tables Lakewalk Extension Talks

The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter, and tabled a resolution which would cancel work on the Lakewalk by Beacon Pointe.

September 28, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter. Council also tabled another resolution Monday night which proposed leaving some homes and condominiums along the lake disconnected from the main Lakewalk. The $300,000 to Spirit Mountain is to reimburse most of the $340,000 the Mountain spent on…

Duluth City Council to Vote On Proposal Monday to Fund Spirit Mountain Through Winter

The proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system, snow-making equipment and alpine coaster over 2018, 2019, and 2020.

September 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Spirit Mountain could see life this coming winter, if Duluth City Council approves a new proposal to use money from the city’s half-and-half tourism tax to cover operation costs. Heard at an agenda session Thursday, the proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system,…

Duluth Becomes First City in Northland to Approve Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

July 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is now the first city in the Northland to require masks in all public indoor spaces to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, after City Council voted unanimously to pass the historic ordinance Monday night, effective immediately. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, and in apartment building…

Duluth City Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance Requiring Masks Indoors Citywide

July 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has unanimously passed a resolution requiring masks in indoor public places in the city, effective immediately, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, at restaurants and bars when not eating or drinking, and in apartment building common areas such…

Local Musician, Disability Rights Advocate Writes to Duluth Council in Favor of Mask Mandate

Gaelynn Lea says she feels requiring masks indoors is a logical first step for Duluth.

July 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local musician and outspoken advocate for people with disabilities is voicing her support of the City Council approving a mask-mandate in public buildings. Gaelynn Lea recently wrote to Mayor Emily Larson and also the City Council urging them to require mask-wearing in the city. She said people who don’t wear a mask in public create a serious…

Duluth Council Approves Spirit Mountain Summer Closure; Extra $350K Still Needed for Winter Reopening

The adventure park's financial request comes while the city is facing a potential $38 million budget shortfall.

May 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously passed Spirit Mountain’s annual multi-million dollar budget Tuesday evening, which is also calling for extra funding later this year to get the park reopened for the winter season after being shut down for the rest of the summer. Councilors just approved the adventure park’s $4 million operating budget for the 2020-2021 season, but…

Duluth Council, Mayor’s Administration Discuss Budget Shortfall, Layoffs

City Council shared their thoughts and questions while the Mayor and her team outlined plans.

April 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Mayor Emily Larson made a rare appearance at Duluth’s virtual City Council meeting to give councilors a detailed outline, and uncertain look towards a grim future after she announced the city’s budget shortfall–which was unveiled to now be about $20.7-$38.2 million. According to city officials, due to the city’s “strong mayor system,” Larson can make any decisions she…

Keene Creek Park Improvements Presented to the Public

An informational meeting was held to discuss the improvements and upgrades to the park.

March 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- One of Duluth’s most popular Dog and Recreation Parks is getting some big upgrades this year. We’re talking about Keene Creek Park near Grand Avenue in West Duluth. Planned changes include accessibility upgrades, a new playground, dog park improvements, trail resurfacing, and a new bicycle pumping rack. In 2016 the City Council approved the Keene Creek Mini Master…

Council Unanimously Approves New Police Protective Gear Policy

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

February 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously approved a new policy for the use of newly purchased protective gear by the Duluth Police Department. This effectively puts an end to public discussions on the policy, which began back in 2017 when Police Chief Mike Tusken proposed purchasing the gear to replace outdated ones. Many councilors spoke on their reasons for…

Council Approves Demolition of Kozy; Former Owner Still Determined to Stop Wrecking Ball

Former owner Eric Ringsred didn't come up with the $50,000 bond court required to keep building up.

February 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is the closest its ever been to tearing down the condemned Kozy building on East First Street. DEDA owns the building, and the Council voted to approve DEDA’s decision to demolish the building that’s sat vacant for nearly a decade. The council voted unanimously, 8-0 with Councilor Russ absent, to demolish the structure. But…

Officials Present New Protective Gear Policy with Police Chief, Community

Policy born out of nearly one year of meetings, and over 30 hours of discussion.

February 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After 10 months of 12 meetings, the Duluth Police Policy Working Group presented its Protective Gear Policy to Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken, with the public having the chance to share their questions and concerns. The Policy Working Group consisted of 20 members from groups including the Duluth Citizen Review Board, Duluth NAACP, Homeless Persons Bill of Rights,…

Duluth City Councilors, Mayor Emily Larson Officially Sworn In

Three fresh faces to the council gave their remarks.

January 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s newly elected City Councilors, and twice-elected Mayor Emily Larson were officially sworn in at the DECC Monday. All eyes were particularly on the three fresh new faces joining the council: Derek Medved, Janet Kennedy, and Roz Randorf. After songs from the Duluth Denfeld Maroon 16 Choir, Duluth’s new councilors took the oath and were sworn in. “…I…

Rally Calls for Council Support to Pass Ban on Conversion Therapy

Council voted 8-0 with Councilor Jay Fosle opposed.

December 16, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Activists, city leaders, and other members of the LGBTQ Community gathered on the ground floor of City Hall for a rally asking the City Council to vote yes on a ban on Conversion Therapy. The council passed the ban 8-0, with Councilor Jay Fosle absent. “Will encourage our state legislature to pass a statewide ban in 2020,” said…

Duluth Council Approves $235 Thousand to Spirit Mountain

Councilors voice disappointment that resort is in this state.

December 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The fate of Spirit Mountain rested in the hands of the Duluth City Council, who voted to grant $235,000 to the resort, to make up for losses after a Thanksgiving blizzard cancelled this past Amsoil Snocross. While the council approved the resolution 8-1 with Jay Fosle opposed, it was not without a tone of disappointment that the resort…

Duluth Council Tables Plastic Bag Ordinance Again to Hear from Dept. of Revenue

Some councilors want questions about taxability to be answered, others say it's time to vote.

November 12, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has once again tabled a plastic bag ordinance that would require businesses to charge customers five center per single-use bag. This time, councilors want to hear back from the Minnesota Department of Revenue, to find out whether or not the fee would need to be taxed. The bag fee has been in front of…

Randorf Reacts To 3rd District City Council Victory

November 6, 2019

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last night Roz Randorf also claimed victory over the 3rd District City Council Seat. The newcomer overtook Threesa O’Hallora-Johnson by a ten percent margin in the race. Randorf says her team also deserves credit for the win, and one of the things she will bring to the city council is an open mind. “For someone to come…

Janet Kennedy Becomes First African American Council Member

History was made Tuesday night during the Duluth Election

November 6, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday night, history was made as Janet Kennedy became the first African American to be elected to the Duluth City Council. The third time was the charm for Kennedy as she had run for the District 5 seat the past two elections. Kennedy tells us, she hopes last night’s win serves as an example for young people. “As…

Anderson, Randorf, Kennedy Elected to Duluth City Council

Districts 3 & 5 get new councilors, District 1 gets incumbent Anderson.

November 5, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On election night, Gary Anderson was voted First District City Councilor, while Roz Randorf was voted Third District, and Janet Kennedy voted Fifth District Councilors. Anderson won 3,630 votes to Becky Hall’s 2,349. Randorf won 1,637 to Theresa O’Halloran Johnson’s 1,356. Kennedy won 2,125 to Jeanne Koneczny’s 1,930 votes. Anderson has been Councilor for the First District for…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Five Cent Bag Ordinance

Councilors site unanswered questions in reason to table.

October 14, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The proposed fee on plastic and paper bags in the City of Duluth has been postponed, as the City Council voted to table the ordinance to allow further discussion. The ordinance would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists and bags for produce and meats. Retailers would keep the five…

Costco Submits Application to Develop in Duluth

The site would include the department store, gas station, and liquor store at Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road

October 10, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- A city spokesperson has confirmed to Fox 21 that Costco has submitted an application with the city to develop in Duluth. The plan would call for a store to be developed at the Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road intersection on a site of about 60 acres. The land borders between Duluth and Hermantown. The site would include…

Duluth Council Packed for 5-Cent Charge Ordinance for Single-Use Bags

Dozens speak in support of the ordinance, no one speaks against.

September 23, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A potential new ordinance in Duluth could mean that for every paper or plastic bag you use from a store, you’re charged an extra five cents. The proposal is got its first read at Monday night’s City Council meeting, with residents sharing how they feel about it during public comments. They could vote on the ordinance at their…

Council Reads Ordinance Charging 5 Cents Per Single-Use Bags

Ordinance is an effort to phase out single-use paper or plastic bags in the City.

September 23, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are one step closer to being charged five cents for every single-use plastic or paper carryout bag used while shopping. The ordinance gets its first read at City Council Monday night. It would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists, and bags for produce and meats. The retailers would keep…

Council Passes Amended Golf Course Resolution, Step Closer to Calling for Development Proposals

Council voted 8-0, with amendment that new property must meet certain requirements.

August 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council voted to pass a resolution that allows the potential sale of 50 acres of Lester Park Golf Course and 10 acres of Enger Park Golf Course to a developer to use for affordable housing. The council passed the resolution 8-0, with Councilor Jay Fosley absent. It comes with an amendment that any proposals for…

Future Of Clean And Safe Team In Property Owners Hands

City Council wants property owners to continue paying a combined total of $400,000 annually, with another $220,000 coming from the city

August 8, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- In the coming weeks, the future of the Duluth’s Clean and Safe Team which works to beautify the downtown area will be decided by the City Council. Right now the council is looking at asking property owners in that area to continue paying a combined total of $400,000 annually, with another $220,000 coming from the city. They are…

Council Candidates Door-Knock Ahead of Primaries

Volunteers take to the doors in their district to talk to voters.

July 22, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth primary elections are less than a month away on August 13th. Early voting has been open since June 28th, so some city council candidates and volunteers took advantage of the cool summer evening to get out and knock on some doors. Volunteers met at the Labor Temple to discuss strategy, scripts and plot which neighborhoods to…

Duluth City Council Approves Changes to Minnesota Power Building

Duluth City Council Approved Monday Night's Vote for Renovations to the Minnesota Power Building

June 10, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Power building in downtown Duluth hasn’t changed much since 1970’s, but company leaders are hoping the Duluth City Council helps clear the way for some renovations by letting them close the entrance to their building from the sky walk. The vote Monday night was approved unanimously, with councilor Arik Forsman abstaining. The main goal includes…

Lakeside Neighborhood’s First Liquor Store Opens

May 22, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something the Duluth Lakeside neighborhood has never seen before — a liquor store now open for business. The Lakeside neighborhood has prohibited alcohol sales since the late 1800s until the Duluth City Council officially legalized those sales in 2016. Permits for two Lakeside liquor stores were approved in 2018 and as of Wednesday, Lakeside Liquors is…

Proposed Plans for Duluth Golf Courses Pass to City Council

Plans propose scaling back and developing Lester Park Golf Course.

May 8, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Golf Courses are now $2.4 million in debt. The city’s recommendations, which the Parks and Recreation Commission passed with a 6-2 vote on Wednesday, would scale back the 27 holes at Lester Park Golf Course to 18 to make way for housing. Plans would also improve the infrastructure at Enger Park Golf Course. Among the proposed…

Duluth City Council

Monday night and going forward, meetings will be hybrid with the public able to view and give feedback through WebEx like before.

At his last council meeting tonight, Medved thanked his fellow councilors and the public for what he called the honor of a lifetime.

Applications will be accepted only through 4:30 p.m. February 14th, Medved's last council meeting.

The Council voted 7-2 on the mandate, with Councilors Roz Randorf and Derek Medved voting against it.

Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have brought the project cost up an additional $4.3 million.

New Council Members will be Sworn in Come January 2022

The resolution allows the Duluth City Council to officially go on record calling on Congress to commission a study and report on the boarding school policy.

Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million dollars for next year before council.

Monday’s Council meeting will remain virtual, according to Forsman, due to the county's recent spike in COVID cases.

The building could be converted into 33 apartment units with a portion demolished for parking space.

More than a dozen citizens spoke out in support of what they call a community crisis response team independent of law enforcement.

Duluth Council gave the go-ahead to begin looking at designs for reconstructing the aging seawall and the surrounding greenspace from the Slip to Bayfront.

The tail end of Lakewalk Reconstruction and new initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic are on the docket.

Councilor Renee Van Nett is set to be elected the first indigenous woman Council President.

Council read an ordinance which would establish the Duluth LGBTQ+ Commission.

The Council's unanimous decision is the ultimate say beyond the Mayor's recommendations for the money allocations.

After a summer spent closed, Spirit Mountain reopened Thanksgiving weekend and was filled with excited guests.

The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to warm up in their cars and no food or beverage is allowed on the snow.

A resolution calling for part of Duluth's CARES Act money for the multi-year warming center/hygiene facility, and one for DEDA's money in case a court orders action on the Kozy.

Resolutions call for money set aside for the Pastoret Terrace, and for CARES Act funding to be used for the city's first permanent warming and hygiene center.

The resolution calls to reallocate FEMA funds to repair the storm damaged shorelines at Brighton Beach and the Marten Trail.

Councilors say the shoreline behind the Ledges and Beacon Pointe is too washed out to try and make changes.

The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter, and tabled a resolution which would cancel work on the Lakewalk by Beacon Pointe.

The proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system, snow-making equipment and alpine coaster over 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

Gaelynn Lea says she feels requiring masks indoors is a logical first step for Duluth.

The adventure park's financial request comes while the city is facing a potential $38 million budget shortfall.

City Council shared their thoughts and questions while the Mayor and her team outlined plans.

An informational meeting was held to discuss the improvements and upgrades to the park.

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

Former owner Eric Ringsred didn't come up with the $50,000 bond court required to keep building up.

Policy born out of nearly one year of meetings, and over 30 hours of discussion.

Three fresh faces to the council gave their remarks.

Council voted 8-0 with Councilor Jay Fosle opposed.

Councilors voice disappointment that resort is in this state.

Some councilors want questions about taxability to be answered, others say it's time to vote.

History was made Tuesday night during the Duluth Election

Districts 3 & 5 get new councilors, District 1 gets incumbent Anderson.

Councilors site unanswered questions in reason to table.

The site would include the department store, gas station, and liquor store at Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road

Dozens speak in support of the ordinance, no one speaks against.

Ordinance is an effort to phase out single-use paper or plastic bags in the City.

Council voted 8-0, with amendment that new property must meet certain requirements.

City Council wants property owners to continue paying a combined total of $400,000 annually, with another $220,000 coming from the city

Volunteers take to the doors in their district to talk to voters.

Duluth City Council Approved Monday Night's Vote for Renovations to the Minnesota Power Building

Plans propose scaling back and developing Lester Park Golf Course.

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