Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – February 26, 2025

Summary of the Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – February 26, 2025

The Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole meeting, held on February 26, 2025, addressed several key community and infrastructure issues. Below is a summary of the agenda items, decisions, and important issues discussed, organized by topic.

1. Agenda Change: TIFF Proposal Deferred

• Decision: The TIFF (Tax Increment Financing) proposal was removed from the agenda due to further developments requiring additional direction before returning to the council.

• Importance: This indicates ongoing deliberation on a potentially significant financial or development project, which may impact future council decisions.

2. Community Festivals

• Presenter: Mr. Len

• Proposal: Declare Summerfest, Shop Move and Groove, and Over the River as community celebrations with a perpetual resolution to avoid annual re-approval.

• Key Points:

  • State statute allows city participation in funding community celebrations.

  • Costs for each event were provided in the council packet, as requested by Mayor Hicks.

  • No overtime is typically involved in city labor for these events; labor is within a 40-hour workweek.

  • A suggestion was made to consider fireworks for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. on July 4, 2025, prompted by a Fourth Ward resident.

  • Concerns were raised about ensuring annual cost reviews to prevent uncontrolled expense increases.

• Discussion:

  • Council members emphasized the need for checks and balances, proposing an annual cost review to monitor expenses.

  • Fireworks funding for Summerfest ($3,500) and Over the River ($1,500) was discussed, with questions about their draw and liability.

  • Summerfest’s event insurance and the contractor’s insurance cover fireworks, with the city contributing but not fully funding.

• Outcome: Motion passed to declare the celebrations as community events with a perpetual resolution, with an annual cost review. The item was added to the March 3, 2025, consent agenda.

• Importance:

  • Establishes a streamlined process for community events while ensuring fiscal oversight.

  • The fireworks discussion highlights community interest in celebrating national milestones, potentially increasing event costs or requiring additional funding.

3. Joint Powers Board for Public Transportation

• Presenters: Kayla Sullivan (Otter Express), John Grutus (Minnesota DOT)

• Proposal: Form a Joint Powers Board to oversee public transit in Fergus Falls, Ottertail County, Wilkin County, and parts of Clay County, with the city as a partner.

• Key Points:

  • Otter Express provided ~64,000 rides in 2024, with ~50,000 in Fergus Falls alone.

  • Operating budget in 2024 was $2.49 million, with a 5% local share; projected 2026 local share may increase to 10–15%.

  • Productive Alternatives, the current provider since 2006, decided in February 2025 to discontinue public transit, necessitating the Joint Powers Board.

  • The board requires at least two governmental partners; Fergus Falls is one of four being approached.

  • The board would provide local control over routes, operations, and expansion.

  • Current service is demand-response (no fixed routes), with potential for fixed routes in the future.

  • Expansion opportunities include extended hours, days, and service to areas like Battle Lake and Pelican Rapids.

• Discussion:

  • Concerns about ensuring service continuity for riders and the city’s role in decision-making.

  • Questions about vehicle ownership (currently with Productive Alternatives, expected to transfer) and potential tax/levy powers (not intended as a taxing authority).

  • Emphasis on Fergus Falls’ significant ridership (50,000/64,000) and the need for elected officials on the board.

  • Demand for same-day rides is accommodated, but public awareness of this service is limited.

• Outcome: Motion passed to join the Joint Powers Board, added to the March 3, 2025, consent agenda.

• Importance:

  • Ensures continuity of critical public transit services, especially for employment access (46 employers served).

  • Positions Fergus Falls to influence transit expansion, addressing regional transportation needs.

  • Highlights the need for public education on available services.

4. Public Art Sculpture Walk

• Presenters: Clara (City Staff), Naomi Schan (Artwalk Manager)

• Proposal: Approve six sculptures for the downtown Sculpture Walk, a grant-funded program.

• Key Points:

  • Fully funded by Vidin Trust and Lake Region Arts Council, managed by the Public Arts Commission.

  • Six sculptures selected from 17 artists and 30 pieces across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

  • Sculptures will be installed between Lincoln and Cascade, rotating annually, with brass plaques providing artist details and QR codes for more information.

  • Sculptures are for sale, with the city receiving a 20% commission to sustain the program beyond the three-year grant period.

  • Limestone pedestals match existing city infrastructure and are designed for longevity.

• Discussion:

  • Concerns about snow removal and placement to avoid obstructing sidewalks or parking.

  • Clarification that the city does not own the sculptures; artists insure their work against damage.

  • Suggestions for permanent bronze statues (e.g., for police, fire, military) were raised for future consideration.

  • Questions about pedestal durability and suitability for future art sizes were addressed (standard sizes used).

• Outcome: Motion passed to approve the sculptures, added to the March 3, 2025, consent agenda.

• Importance:

  • Enhances downtown vibrancy and attracts visitors, supporting local businesses.

  • Demonstrates a commitment to public art while addressing practical concerns like maintenance and accessibility.

  • Potential for self-sustainability through commissions could extend the program’s lifespan.

5. Ottertail Power Easement and Lighting Upgrade

• Presenter: Nate Cundi (Ottertail Power)

• Proposal: Grant an easement for underground power line installation in the alley behind Lincoln Avenue and replace 35 municipal lights with LED fixtures.

• Key Points:

  • Easement: Convert overhead lines to underground in the alley (Union to past Cascade) to improve grid reliability and safety.

  • Construction starts May 15, 2025, with a proposed cost-shared alley repaving (~$20–25,000 split among five entities, including the city).

  • Lighting: Replace 35 high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights with LED fixtures for better efficiency and reduced glare.

  • Lighting cost: $1,000/month ($12,000/year), impacting the 2026 budget, with savings from removing municipal lights.

  • LED poles use breakaway bases and helical foundations, reducing maintenance and improving safety.

• Discussion:

  • Clarification on the number of fixtures (35 poles and lights) and cost structure.

  • Emphasis on Ottertail Power’s community investment and tax contributions.

  • Comparison to city-managed lighting projects (e.g., $250,000 for 13 lights in 2005) highlights cost-effectiveness.

• Outcome: Motion passed for both the easement and lighting upgrade, added to the March 3, 2025, consent agenda.

• Importance:

  • Modernizes infrastructure, enhancing safety and aesthetics in downtown Fergus Falls.

  • Cost-sharing for alley repaving leverages utility partnerships, reducing city expenses.

  • LED lighting reduces long-term maintenance and energy costs, aligning with sustainability goals.

6. Solar Projects on Municipal Buildings

• Presenters: Griffin Peek, Cedar Walters (West Central Initiative)

• Proposal: Approve participation in a joint RFP for a 50 kW solar array on the West Side liquor store.

• Key Points:

  • Liquor store consumes ~200,000 kWh/year ($25,000), with energy costs at ~7.5¢/kWh; community arena consumes ~1.4M kWh/year ($140,000) at ~5.5¢/kWh.

  • Liquor store array: $137,500 upfront, with incentives (Ottertail Power POP rebate: $70,000; 30% base tax credit: $41,250; 10% Made in America credit; 10% Energy Communities bonus) potentially covering 100% of costs within 6–18 months.

  • Annual savings: ~$4,400; lifetime savings (30 years): ~$149,500 (with Energy Communities bonus) or ~$137,650 (without).

  • Array uses a ballasted system (no roof penetration) on an 18-year-old steel roof.

  • Community arena analysis showed a longer payoff (16 years for a 450 kW array) due to lower energy rates and capped incentives.

• Discussion:

  • Concerns about federal incentive rollbacks (Energy Communities bonus at risk) and Ottertail Power’s POP rebate stability (secure for 1–2 years).

  • Questions about roof integrity, maintenance (~$1,500/year), insurance, and disposal costs (recyclable, but costs TBD).

  • Interest in larger arrays for the arena to reduce user group costs, though less financially viable.

  • West Central Initiative’s lack of completed projects raised questions about track record; Morris, MN, cited as a successful example.

• Outcome: Motion passed to include the liquor store in the RFP, added to the March 3, 2025, consent agenda. No final commitment to solar installation; bids will return for approval in April/May 2025.

• Importance:

  • Offers potential for significant energy savings with minimal upfront cost due to incentives.

  • Addresses constituent concerns about long-term financial and environmental benefits.

  • Requires further scrutiny of contractor bids and incentive reliability to ensure viability.

7. Technology Updates in City Council Chambers

• Presenter: Andrew Bremseth (City Administrator)

• Proposal: Install 10 new 6.5-inch ceiling speakers ($8,395) to improve sound quality in the council chambers, funded by the general government buildings budget.

• Key Points:

  • Complaints about poor audibility in the room and on YouTube/PEG Access broadcasts prompted the proposal.

  • Existing microphones are functional but require close proximity; a new adjustable microphone stand (~$25) will improve public access.

  • Seven speakers will replace 4-inch units, and three new speakers will enhance sound near the dais.

  • A document camera ($7,600) was considered but not recommended due to limited use and space constraints.

  • Bloom (formerly TSI) assessed the system, leveraging state bid pricing for competitive costs.

• Discussion:

  • Concerns about online audibility, especially for staff table remarks, and suggestions to use the podium.

  • Questions about repurposing old speakers for overflow space and consulting PEG Access for broadcast improvements.

  • Existing assistive technologies (repeaters, hearing aid loops) need better public awareness.

  • Request to verify Bloom’s recommendations with other users and ensure cost-effectiveness.

• Outcome: Motion passed to proceed with speaker replacements, added to the March 3, 2025, regular agenda (not consent) for further discussion.

• Importance:

  • Addresses accessibility and transparency concerns for in-person and online audiences.

  • Highlights the need for a holistic review of broadcast technology to ensure public engagement.

  • Balances cost with immediate improvements while leaving room for future upgrades.

Announcements

• March 3, 2025: City Council meeting at 5:30 PM.

• March 12, 2025: Economic Development work session, 7:00–9:00 AM.

• March 17, 2025: City Council meeting.

• March 26, 2025: Additional Economic Development work session (not replacing Committee of the Whole).

Key Issues and Broader Implications

1. Fiscal Oversight and Transparency:

   • Community festivals and public transit discussions emphasized annual cost reviews and local control to prevent unchecked expenses.

   • Solar and lighting proposals require careful evaluation of long-term savings versus upfront costs and incentive reliability.

2. Community Engagement and Accessibility:

   • Public art and festival proposals aim to enhance community vibrancy and attract visitors, supporting local businesses.

   • Technology upgrades and transit expansion address accessibility for diverse groups, including seniors, youth, and online audiences.

3. Infrastructure and Sustainability:

   • Ottertail Power’s easement and lighting upgrades modernize infrastructure, improving safety and efficiency.

   • Solar projects align with sustainability goals but face scrutiny over financial risks and contractor experience.

4. Regional Collaboration:

   • The Joint Powers Board and solar RFP highlight opportunities for regional partnerships, leveraging shared resources and expertise.

5. Public Input and Accountability:

   • Constituent concerns (e.g., fireworks, solar costs, sound quality) shaped discussions, underscoring the council’s responsiveness.

   • Deferring the TIFF proposal and requesting further discussion on technology upgrades reflect a cautious approach to major decisions.

Conclusion

The meeting addressed a range of issues critical to Fergus Falls’ community development, infrastructure, and fiscal management. Decisions balanced immediate needs (e.g., speaker upgrades, festival declarations) with long-term planning (e.g., transit board, solar RFP). Key challenges include ensuring financial accountability, verifying project viability, and enhancing public engagement through better communication and accessibility. Items approved for the March 3, 2025, agenda will require continued scrutiny to align with community priorities and fiscal constraints.

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.