Duluth meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

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.