Fergus Falls, MN

2026 Budget Presentation

The City Council is presenting the 2026 preliminary budget with proposed revenues of $59,044,128 and expenditures of $56,510,508. The proposed property tax levy is $9,279,000, an increase of $729,000 (8.53%) from 2025. Key cost drivers include a 24.9% health insurance increase and personnel costs, offset by staff reductions. The council will vote on September 15 to adopt the preliminary levy, which can only decrease after that date.

• Health insurance renewal is a 24.9% increase, adding $502,000 in budgeted expense
• State Electric Generation Transition Aid eliminated in 2026, a $259,000 budget impact
• Eliminated Communications position and restructured Human Resources Department to reduce costs
• Proposed street projects total $8,529,440, including Cavour Ave., Cleveland Ave., and Pebble Lake Road
• Public hearing and final adoption of the 2026 budget and levy scheduled for December 1

TOBACCO LICENSE APPLICATION 2026

This agenda item is a blank tobacco license application form for the 2026 licensing year. No decisions or discussions are scheduled; the document is purely procedural.

• $100.00 fee required
• Requires Minnesota Tax ID and Social Security number per state law
• Workers' compensation insurance compliance required
• Police background check authorization included
• Application must be returned to City of Fergus Falls, 112 West Washington Avenue

Council

The Fergus Falls City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to apply for a $300,000 Minnesota Investment Fund loan for SCR Solutions Inc., with $100,000 forgivable if staffing benchmarks are met. The council will also vote on a development agreement with Wicklund Properties LLC, an EarthCam at Spies Riverfront Park, and several consent agenda items including donations and a grant application. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes, licenses, and claims totaling $1,691,362.33.

• Public hearing and resolution for $300,000 MIF loan for SCR Solutions Inc. expansion
• Resolution authorizing development agreement with Wicklund Properties LLC
• Resolution approving EarthCam system at Spies Riverfront Park
• Resolution accepting $3,930 donation from Ag Country Financial for Fire Department
• Resolution approving $5,000 grant application for Northeast Residential Park planning

2026 Softball play off scores ( )

This agenda lists scores from the Fergus Falls 2026 softball playoffs, including men's lower and upper division games and championship games. It notes that the championship game was a forfeit by Lightning Lickers after the 6th inning due to a roster check and no roster submitted. The document is purely a score report with no policy decisions or discussions.

• Championship game forfeited by Lightning Lickers after 6th inning due to roster check and no roster submitted
• Men's Lower Division playoff scores for August 7 and 14, 2026
• Men's Upper Division playoff scores for August 7 and 14, 2026
• Championship game results for August 14, 2026

COW

The Committee of the Whole recommended the council approve placing an EarthCam at Spies Riverfront Park, with the city covering electricity, internet, and installation costs. The motion carried with one opposition vote. The committee also recommended moving forward with a Wright Park beautification project, and authorized the mayor and city administrator to sign a non-disclosure agreement with GFY Custom Crafts, LLC. A proposed battery storage ordinance was tabled for more information.

• Recommended approval of EarthCam placement at Spies Riverfront Park (motion carried, Leighton opposed).
• Recommended moving forward with Wright Park beautification project to plant 1,000 perennials.
• Recommended authorizing Mayor and City Administrator to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement with GFY Custom Crafts, LLC.
• Tabled first reading of battery storage ordinance until additional information is provided.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss three action items: approving a 5-year EarthCam affiliate agreement for a free 4K camera at Spies Riverfront Park (city provides power and internet), an ordinance adding battery energy storage system regulations to city code, and authorizing a non-disclosure agreement with GFY Custom Crafts L.L.C. A donation discussion for Wright Park and project updates are also on the agenda.

• EarthCam 4K Audio system placement at Spies Riverfront Park — city provides power and internet; $30,000 in hardware/services at no cost
• Ordinance adding Chapter 154.300-154.308 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to city code
• Mutual Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement with GFY Custom Crafts L.L.C.
• Wright Park donation discussion led by Council Member Mortenson

2026 Div II Softball play off scores ( )

This agenda lists scores from the Fergus Falls Div II Church League softball playoffs on August 11, 2026, including the championship game. It is not a government meeting agenda but a sports schedule/results sheet. The document shows game scores for multiple teams, with Bethel II defeating Cornerstone 2 in the championship game.

• Championship game: Cornerstone 2 8 vs Bethel II 16
• Semifinal games at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM
• Scores for all participating teams: Cornerstone 1, Bethel II, Life Church, Home Church Fellowship, Destiny Church, Good Shepherd, Hilltop Celebration, Cornerstone 2
• An 'IF' game was noted as possible if needed

2026 Softball play off scores Div I Church League ( )

This agenda lists scores from the Division I Church League softball playoffs held on August 3 and 10, 2026, including the championship game on August 10. It is purely informational, with no policy decisions or discussions.

• Championship game on August 10, 2026, with an 'if' game to follow if needed
• Playoff scores from August 3, 2026, for Division I Church League
• Multiple games listed at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 PM on August 10

2026 MEN'S LEAGUE LOWER DIVISION Play Off Bracket (Updated )

This agenda is the updated 2026 Men's League Lower Division playoff bracket for Fergus Falls, Minnesota, as of August 10, 2026. It lists scheduled games, teams, and times for the tournament, including the loser's bracket and an 'if' game. No policy decisions or city business are discussed; it is purely a recreational sports schedule.

• Eagles vs. 4 Base Bullies on 8/14 at 8:00 pm
• Pemberton Punishers vs. Conito on 8/14 at 10:00 pm
• Eagles vs. Conito on 8/14 at 9:00 pm (loser's bracket)
• VFW vs. PHE on 8/14 at 9:00 pm (loser's bracket)
• Championship game scheduled for 8/14 at 10:00 pm

2026 DIV I Church League Play Off BRACKET ( )

This agenda is a playoff bracket for the 2026 DIV I Church League, showing game times and locations for August 3 and August 10, 2026. It lists teams such as Stavanger, Bell Bank, Naz 4, Bethel III, and others, with a champion game scheduled for 6:30 PM on August 10. The bracket is procedural and contains no policy decisions or public hearings.

• Champion game at 6:30 PM on 8/10/2026
• Games at Bell Bank, VFW, and Eagles locations
• Loser's bracket and 'IF' game included
• Updated brackets posted on city website; cancellation line 218-332-5800

2026 MEN'S LEAGUE UPPER DIVISION Play Off Bracket (Updated )

This agenda is the updated 2026 Men's League Upper Division playoff bracket for Fergus Falls, Minnesota, showing scheduled games and the loser's bracket. It lists matchups and times for August 7 and August 14, leading to a champion. The document is purely a schedule, with no policy decisions or public hearings.

• Eagles vs. Ride Hard Racing on 8/7 at 7:00 pm
• Bell Bank vs. Above & Beyond Care Services on 8/7 at 7:00 pm
• VFW vs. MN Motors on 8/7 at 8:00 pm
• Conito vs. Wadena Asphalt Dumpers on 8/7 at 7:00 pm
• Champion game scheduled for 8/14 at 8:00 pm

2026 Softball play off scores ( )

This agenda lists scores from the 2026 softball playoffs in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, for men's lower and upper divisions on August 7, 2026. It is purely a score report with no decisions or discussions.

• Men's Lower Division: Titans 2, No Hit Sherlock's 14; Fortunate Run 4, Pemberton Punishers 19; PHE 11, 4 Base Bullies 21; PR 5, Lightning Lickers 15
• Men's Lower Division (10:00 PM): 4 Base Bullies 20, No Hit Sherlock's 11; Fortunate Run 3, PR 14; PHE 30, Titans 2; Lightning Lickers 11, Pemberton Punishers 12
• Men's Upper Division (7:00 PM): Patriot Painting Patriots 2, Ride Hard Racinig 7; Barker Insurance 20, MN Motors 21; Wadena Asphalt Dumpers 0, Eagles 8; Outstate Brewing 10, Above & Beyond Care Services 19
• Men's Upper Division (8:00 PM): MN Motors 11, Ride Hard Racing 12; Outstate Brewinng 18, Wadena Asphalt Dumpers 8; Patriot Painting Patriots 13, Barker Insurance 16; Above & Beyond Care Services 15, Eagles 16

2026 Majors Baseball Playoff Bracket (Updated )

This is a procedural notice of the updated 2026 Majors Baseball Playoff Bracket, revised due to weather. The bracket shows double-elimination games leading to Big Friday, with scores and resumption details for postponed games. No legislative or policy decisions are being made.

• Bracket updated August 5, 2026 due to weather
• Game to resume where it left off on August 7, 2026
• Scores listed: Diamondbacks 9-0, Red Sox 8-3, 6-5, 10-4
• Double-elimination format to Big Friday
• Games at Broadway fields at 2:00, 5:00, and 7:00 PM

2026 DIV II Church League Play Off Bracket (Updated )

This is a tournament bracket for the 2026 DIV II Church League playoffs in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, updated August 5, 2026. It lists game matchups, dates, times, and venues (e.g., Bell Bank, Eagles, VFW, Conito) for both the winner's and loser's brackets, culminating in a champion game. The agenda is purely a sports schedule with no government decisions or public business.

• Champion game scheduled for 8/11/2026 at Bell Bank (8) at 8:30 pm
• Loser's bracket includes an 'IF GAME' on 8/11/2026 at Bell Bank (15) at 9:30 pm
• Games held at multiple venues: Bell Bank, Eagles, VFW, Conito, Cornerstone, Good Shepherd, Destiny Church, Hilltop Celebration, Home Church Fellowship, Life Church
• Updated bracket posted on City of Fergus Falls website; cancellation line: 218-332-5800

2026 DIV I Church League Play Off Bracket (Updated )

This is an updated bracket for the 2026 DIV I Church League play-off tournament, showing matchups and game times from August 3 through August 10, 2026. The bracket includes teams such as Stavanger, Bell Bank, Naz I, Bethel III, Dalton Free Lutheran, VFW, Federated, and Crossroads. The document notes that updated brackets are posted on the City of Fergus Falls website and provides a cancellation line.

• Championship game scheduled for August 10, 2026 at 9:30 PM
• Loser's bracket games on August 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM
• Winner's bracket games on August 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM
• Updated brackets posted at www.fergusfallsmn.gov
• Cancellation line: 218-332-5800

2026 Minors Playoff Bracket (Updated )

The document is a 2026 Minors Playoff Bracket for the City of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, listing game dates, times, locations, and team matchups. It contains no legislative, regulatory, or administrative business. The agenda is purely procedural and recreational.

2026 Div II play off scores ( )

This document lists scores from Division II church league playoff games held on August 4, 2026, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It is a record of results, not a meeting agenda with decisions or discussions.

• Cornerstone 1 vs Bethel II: 4-23
• Life Church vs Home Church Fellowship: 5-11
• Destiny Church vs Good Shepherd: 12-16
• Hilltop Celebration vs Cornerstone 2: 0-20
• Cornerstone 1 vs Life Church: 25-3

2026 D II Toss Play Off Bracket (Updated )

This agenda provides the updated bracket and scores for the D-II Toss Playoffs, including matchups on July 30 and August 4, 2026. The updated bracket will be emailed and posted on the city website. A cancellation line is provided.

• Updated bracket posted for August 4, 2026
• Scores listed: 19-15, 17-14, 21-20, 22-12, 22-8, 20-8
• Matchups include Brewers, Nationals, Rays, Cubs, Pirates, Twins, Diamondbacks, Mariners
• Games at Broadway and Athletic fields at 9:00 am and 10:30 am
• Cancellation line: 218-332-5800

Meeting

The Fergus Falls City Council approved eight engineering task orders with Moore Engineering for 2027 street improvement projects, despite one council member's request to delay until the Tax Levy Committee finalizes the 2027 budget. The council also approved a settlement agreement with Carleton Companies (7-1), removed two parcels from TIF District 4-14, and authorized bidding for the City Hall clock tower cupola reconstruction. All other consent agenda items were approved as a block.

• Approved engineering task orders #6, 16, 18-21, 23, 24 with Moore Engineering (7-1)
• Approved settlement agreement with Carleton Companies (7-1)
• Approved removal of two parcels from TIF District 4-14
• Approved payments and claims totaling $1,166,125.42
• Authorized soliciting bids for City Hall clock tower cupola reconstruction
• Approved consent agenda including licenses, TZD grant, WorkSTEPS contract, and HRA levy request

2026 Div I Play off scores ( )

This document lists final scores from a Division I church league playoff held on August 3, 2026. Nine games were played across three time slots (6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM). No decisions, proposals, or discussions are recorded — only game results.

• 6:30 PM: Federated 2 vs Naz 4 17
• 6:30 PM: Dalton Free Lutheran 20 vs Bethel III 11
• 7:30 PM: Federated 19 vs Bethel III 20
• 8:30 PM: Bethel III 14 vs Crossroads 10
• 8:30 PM: Dalton Free Lutheran 18 vs Naz I 21

2026 D I T Ball Play Off Bracket (Updated )

This document is a D-I T-Ball playoff bracket schedule for the City of Fergus Falls, updated August 3, 2026. It lists game matchups, times, and locations for games on July 29 and August 3, 2026, with the championship scheduled for August 7, 2026 at 9:00 am. The agenda text is a recreation/athletic schedule, not a government business meeting agenda.

• Championship game scheduled for August 7, 2026 at 9:00 am
• Games played at Broadway and Athletic fields
• Scores listed for July 29 games: 25-18, 29-14, 17-13, 23-18, 27-22, 29-28
• Updated brackets will be emailed and posted on city website
• Cancellation line: 218-332-5800

Council

The Fergus Falls City Council will hear a housing study overview from the HRA and an update from Visit Fergus Falls. The consent agenda includes resolutions for police grants, contracts, HRA levy, engineering task orders, and policy amendments. A settlement agreement with Carleton Companies and removal of two parcels from TIF District 4-14 are also on the agenda.

• Resolution authorizing police department as fiscal host for Towards Zero Deaths program and traffic enforcement grant
• Resolution approving 2027 HRA levy request of $285,000
• Resolution approving engineering task orders #6, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 with Moore Engineering
• Resolution approving settlement agreement with Carleton Companies
• Resolution approving removal of two parcels from TIF District 4-14

2026 D II Toss Play Off Bracket BRACKET

This agenda is a youth baseball playoff bracket for the 2026 D-II Toss division, listing game times, locations (Broadway and Athletic fields), team matchups, and scores. It is informational only, with no policy decisions or public hearings. Updated brackets will be emailed and posted on the city website.

• D-II Toss playoff bracket for 2026
• Games at Broadway and Athletic fields on July 30, August 4, and August 7, 2026
• Scores listed, e.g., 21-20, 22-12, 22-8, 20-8, 17-14, 19-15, 16-12
• Teams include Twins, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Mariners, Cubs, Nationals, Rays, Pirates
• Cancellation line: 218-332-5800

2026 D I T Ball Play Off Bracket BRACKET

This agenda is a posted bracket for the 2026 D-I T-Ball Big Friday Playoffs in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, listing game times, scores, and team matchups. It is informational only, with no policy decisions or public hearings; updated brackets are to be emailed and posted on the city website.

• Playoff games scheduled July 29 and August 3, 2026, at 9:00 am and 10:30 am
• Championship game set for August 7, 2026, at 9:00 am
• Teams include Blue Jays, Phillies, Red Sox, Marlins, Astros, Rangers, Rockies, Tigers
• Scores listed, e.g., 29-28, 17-13, 23-18, 22-17, 27-22, 29-14, 25-18
• Cancellation line: 218-332-5800

2026 MEN'S LEAGUE UPPER DIVISION Play Off Bracket

This is a recreational sports playoff bracket, not a government meeting agenda. It lists matchups, dates, times, and venues for the 2026 Men's League Upper Division tournament. No official city business is being decided or discussed.

• Playoff games scheduled August 7 and August 14, 2026
• Venues include Eagles, VFW, Bell Bank, and Conito
• Championship game set for August 14 at 10:00 pm at Bell Bank
• Includes an 'IF' game for potential tiebreaker

Committee of the Whole

The Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole will discuss and make recommendations to the City Council on several items, including authorizing the Police Department to act as fiscal host for the Towards Zero Deaths grant, approving a WorkSTEPS contract for pre-hire physical testing, and approving the 2027 HRA levy. Other discussion items include engineering task orders, a nuisance process update, a water booster policy amendment, and a data practices policy amendment.

• Recommendation to authorize Police Department as fiscal host for Towards Zero Deaths (TZD) grant (Oct 2026–Sep 2027)
• Recommendation to approve WorkSTEPS contract for pre-employment physical agility testing ($185 per test)
• Recommendation to approve 2027 Fergus Falls HRA levy
• Recommendation to approve engineering task orders for 2027 projects
• Recommendation to amend the Water Booster Policy

COW

The Committee of the Whole recommended the council approve a $285,000 tax levy for the Fergus Falls HRA, authorized the police department to act as fiscal host for a Towards Zero Deaths grant, approved a physical agility test contract with WorkSTEPS, and authorized a Joint Powers Agreement for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. They also approved eight engineering task orders totaling over $2 million for street and water main projects, updated the water booster pump reimbursement policy, and approved an amended data practices policy. The airport optimization planning study was also recommended for approval.

• Recommended $285,000 HRA tax levy for 2027 (carried)
• Authorized police department as fiscal host for Towards Zero Deaths grant (carried)
• Approved WorkSTEPS contract for police physical agility tests (carried)
• Authorized Joint Powers Agreement with MN Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (carried)
• Approved eight engineering task orders totaling $2,017,424.04 (carried)
• Updated water booster pump reimbursement policy to $1,800 for new pumps, $1,200 for replacements (carried)
• Approved amended data practices policy (carried)
• Recommended $7,650 city share for airport optimization planning study (carried)

PC

The Fergus Falls Planning Commission will discuss a revised draft ordinance regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The ordinance establishes two tiers: Tier 1 for smaller systems (600 kWh or less) permitted in all zones, and Tier 2 for larger systems permitted in R-A and Industrial districts by Conditional Use Permit. The Commission lacked quorum to take action on the ordinance at the prior meeting but may suggest changes to the draft.

• Discussion of revised Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) ordinance with two tiers
• Tier 1 BESS (≤600 kWh) permitted as accessory use in all zoning districts
• Tier 2 BESS (>600 kWh) conditionally permitted in R-A and Industrial districts
• Draft incorporates fire safety language from 2026 American Clean Power Association model ordinance
• Commissioner Vukonich recused himself due to energy industry work

Council

The Fergus Falls City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on establishing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 4-19 for Wicklund Properties to build a 10,000 sq ft facility for an ambulance remanufacturer. The council will also consider issuing $3,885,000 in general obligation bonds and rezoning a property at 1701 W Lincoln from R-4 to B-2. Other items include a resolution supporting a DEED demolition grant for West Ridge Mall and approving a purchase agreement for portions of two properties on Lakeview Drive.

• Public hearing and resolution to establish TIF District 4-19 for Wicklund Properties, with a $100,000 site improvement cost and $115,777 interfund loan at 7% interest.
• Second reading of Ordinance 80, Eighth Series, rezoning 1701 W Lincoln from R-4 to B-2.
• Resolution to issue and sell $3,885,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A, for special assessments and tax levy.
• Resolution authorizing a purchase agreement with Dale and Claudia Trosvig and Scott and Elizabeth Murray for portions of 2410 and 2406 Lakeview Drive.
• Resolution of support for a DEED Demolition grant application by Otter Tail County for the West Ridge Mall.

Port Authority Packet Public

The Fergus Falls Port Authority will consider a resolution authorizing a $128,000 payment to the DNR for release of a conservation easement on a specific property. The board will also discuss planning for the Norgren site and adjourn to a closed session to review a Letter of Intent to purchase approximately 20 acres of that property. A prior meeting included updates on housing projects, including a recommendation for 40 starter homes on Stanton Avenue and potential development on the Norgren property and the Regional Treatment Center site.

• Resolution authorizing $128,000 payment to DNR for conservation easement release on PID 71003500011005
• Closed session to discuss Letter of Intent to Purchase approximately 20 acres of the Norgren Property
• Housing subcommittee recommends constructing 40 units of starter or modular homes on Stanton Avenue
• Agreement with Interstate Engineering for Northeast Residential Park Conceptual Layout, estimated at $18,000
• Plans for a Developer Day to tour potential housing sites and discuss incentive programs

Work Session CIP

The Fergus Falls City Council held a work session to review five proposed 2027 Capital Improvement Projects. City engineers presented four city-funded projects and one federally funded project, with total estimated costs ranging from $1.59 million to $3.61 million. The council discussed extending two projects, replacing utilities before resurfacing on Channing, and asked staff to study the sewer pipe above the river. Finance Director Bill Sonmor estimated the city's portion of the 2027 projects at $3,710,000, which would increase the property tax levy by 3.41%.

• Project 1: Sheridan, Arlington, Bancroft streets — $2,787,850 for water, sewer, and street reconstruction
• Project 2: Union Street — $2,092,872; council proposed extending to Vernon Avenue with wider lanes and Adams School drop-off/pickup
• Project 3: West Seventh Avenue — $1,587,900; council proposed extending one block to Union Avenue
• Project 4: West Seventh, Maple, First, Buse streets — $3,606,300 for full utility and street replacement
• Project 5: E Channing and Springen — $1,200,000 federal STIP plus $629,000 state aid for mill/overlay; council prefers to fix water main ($2,000,000 unfunded) first

Meeting

The Fergus Falls City Council approved the sale of $3.6 million in general obligation bonds for street improvements, with a 7-1 vote. They also established TIF District 4-19 for Wicklund Properties, adopted a rezoning at 1701 W Lincoln Avenue, and authorized a property purchase to address stormwater issues. Several resolutions were passed under the consent agenda, including support for a demolition grant and an agreement with MnDOT.

• Adopted Resolution #164-2026 establishing TIF District 4-19 for Wicklund Properties
• Adopted Resolution #165-2026 acknowledging Jill Hanson's retirement
• Adopted Resolution #166-2026 approving consent agenda items (minutes, licenses, grant support, MnDOT agreement)
• Adopted Ordinance 80, Eighth Series rezoning 1701 W Lincoln Avenue from R-4 to B-2
• Adopted Resolution #169-2026 issuing $3.6M General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A (7-1, Leighton opposed)
• Adopted Resolution #170-2026 authorizing purchase of property at 2410 and 2406 Lakeview Drive for stormwater fix (Leighton and Mortenson opposed)
• Adopted resolution authorizing payments and claims of $1,601,503.21