Summary of the Fergus Falls City Council Meeting (April 7, 2025)

Summary of the Fergus Falls City Council Meeting (April 7, 2025)

The Fergus Falls City Council Meeting on April 7, 2025, addressed infrastructure projects, tourism updates, library policy amendments, regulatory changes, and the significant withdrawal of an economic development proposal. The meeting included public input on city updates and prioritization of infrastructure, reflecting community engagement and fiscal considerations.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Open Forum (2:31–3:42):

   • Dwayne Cookman requested regular updates on city projects like the golf course, RTC, and Bigwood Event Center, suggesting a weekly updated website to track progress. No formal action was taken, but the council acknowledged the need for improved communication.

2. Withdrawal of North Point Professionals’ Economic Development Proposal (4:27–7:07):

   • North Point Professionals (Dan and Lisa Molstrom) withdrew their proposal to facilitate a community vision and strategy for economic development, announced just before the meeting via a letter. They cited two reasons: an aggressive spring timeline with natural obstacles, compounded by council contention and strained relations with Greater Fergus Falls, making planning suboptimal; and a lack of unity among council members, with some pursuing independent paths, which conflicted with their process requiring a unified pursuit. The withdrawal was significant because it disrupted anticipated progress on economic development, a council priority, and highlighted internal divisions, necessitating a reevaluation of strategy. The council moved to discuss next steps at the next Committee of the Whole, reflecting the urgency to address this setback.

3. Public Hearing: Junius Avenue Reconstruction (7:57–18:50):

   • Alex from Interstate Engineering and City Administrator Bill presented the final cost hearing for City Project 5961, a Junius Avenue reconstruction (Union to Cascade) involving water, sewer, storm sewer, curb, gutter, and street replacement. Total cost: $1,596,667.53, with city costs at $561,424.53, special assessments at $153,867.60, and utility funds covering the rest. The council approved four resolutions: adopting assessments, awarding CNL Excavating a $1,041,493.95 contract (vs. $1.4 million estimate), accepting an Ottertail Power lighting agreement, and approving Interstate Engineering’s $153,460 construction administration contract. Ruth Heistad from First Lutheran Church inquired about assessment costs ($16,038 total) and lead service line replacements, which are property owner responsibilities.

4. Visit Fergus Falls Update (29:20–43:30):

   • Rolando updated Visit Fergus Falls, highlighting a new website events platform, strategic sessions with North Point Professionals, and expanded marketing to nearby towns. Short-term goals include targeting influencers, marketing to I-94 travelers, and developing half-day tours (e.g., “Granny Pampering Weekend”). Long-term goals address the convention center gap and unique events like a film festival. New Google campaigns promote summer activities and the Bigwood Event Center. No action was requested, but the council discussed collaboration needs.

5. Consent Agenda Approvals (46:02–46:44):

   • The council approved the consent agenda, excluding items 4 (library art policy) and 11 (Lincoln Avenue project), including landfill demolition cell contracts, mill and overlay/seal coat projects, and routine items. Passed with minimal discussion.

6. Library Art Policy Amendment (46:44–1:00:10):

   • Councilmember Kwame proposed amending the library art policy to remove lines referencing “equitable access,” “diverse perspectives,” and “diverse art collection,” citing redundancy and DEI concerns. Library board president Matthew Lee defended the policy, emphasizing community representation in art selections. The amendment failed, with only Kwame voting yes. The council approved the original policy, trusting the library board’s process.

7. Lincoln Avenue Alleyway and Parking Lot Project (1:00:38–1:16:09):

   • The council debated initiating Public Improvement 5855 for Lincoln Avenue alleyway reconstruction and parking lot improvements, with a $74,900 Interstate Engineering design contract. Councilmembers Morton and Leighton opposed including three parking lots, prioritizing Kavour Avenue’s poor condition (targeted for 2029). The council approved designing the alleyway with parking lot improvements as alternates, allowing future cost evaluations without immediate commitment.

8. Ordinances and Resolutions (1:16:16–1:22:42):

   • Pylon Sign Ordinance: The council approved amending the sign ordinance to allow pylon signs in B2 and B3 districts via conditional use permits. Councilmember Morton abstained due to his sign business. Passed unanimously otherwise.

   • Cannabis Event Fee: The council approved a $350/day fee (up to 4 days) for temporary cannabis events on private property, clarifying state licensing and fee limits (half of the state’s $750 fee). Passed unanimously after addressing procedural concerns.

9. Presentation of Claims (1:22:48–1:24:01):

   • The council approved claims totaling $1,256,895.35, a routine item with no discussion.

10. Miscellaneous Announcements and New Business (1:24:07–1:29:54):

11. The council noted upcoming meetings (April 16 Committee of the Whole, April 21 City Council) and Good Friday closures (April 18), with adjusted garbage pickup schedules. A fraudulent survey text was flagged as not city-originated.

12. Councilmember Morton proposed an all-employee satisfaction survey for the next Committee of the Whole, to be prioritized by the new HR manager, citing past surveys. The council agreed to discuss it.

13. Morton sought clarification on adding items to the Committee of the Whole agenda, expressing frustration over slow progress. The mayor emphasized prioritizing agenda items for efficiency.

Why the Meeting May Have Deviated from Typical Expectations:

The meeting deviated significantly due to the last-minute withdrawal of North Point Professionals’ economic development proposal, which disrupted a key council priority and necessitated urgent planning for alternative strategies. Extended debates on the library art policy, driven by DEI concerns, and the Lincoln Avenue project, reflecting competing infrastructure priorities, added complexity. Public input on assessments, tourism, and downtown revitalization further deepened discussions, highlighting community engagement.

What They Spent the Most Time On:

The Lincoln Avenue Alleyway and Parking Lot Project (approximately 15 minutes) consumed the most time, with intense debate over prioritizing Kavour Avenue’s reconstruction over parking lot repairs. Councilmembers Morton and Leighton’s concerns about constituent perceptions and road conditions, countered by arguments for downtown revitalization, led to a compromise for alternate bids.

The Library Art Policy Amendment (approximately 13 minutes) also took significant time, as Kwame’s proposed deletions sparked debate over DEI language and library board authority. Public input from the board president and council members’ personal perspectives extended the discussion, resulting in approval of the original policy.

Disclaimer: This summary was generated by an AI system without added opinions. No claims of accuracy are made, though timestamps are included for reference. For the full context, please view the meeting video on YouTube: [YouTube Video Link Here]. This content is provided by Growth Forge Studio (formerly 4t Creative), dedicated to helping businesses grow.