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Summary of Fergus Falls City Council Meeting – December 15th, 2025

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Attendees: Mayor Anthony Hicks, council members (Mark Leighton, Al Kremeier, Mike Mortenson, Scott Rachels, Laurel Kilde, Jim Fish, Scott Kvamme, Laura Job), city staff (Andrew Bremseth, Klara Beck, Bill Sonmor, Rolf Nicklemoe, Greta Nelson), guests (Lisa Workman, Lori Mullen, Trevor Oliver, Islam Al Nai, Justin Kaune).


"This concise summary is generated by AI, it is used only for reference purposes. Use the timestamps to view the section of the meeting on YouTube to verify actual meeting information."


Key Items

  1. Open Forum and Community Thanks (3:04–7:32) Action: Public comments praising city staff and community support for the Over the River Festival.

    Discussion:

    • Lisa Workman thanked city staff, public works, Klara Beck, and Guy Kollman for event support; highlighted $215,000 spent locally in holiday shopping spree.

    • Lori Mullen echoed thanks for festivals creating community memories, including Belgian horses and public safety support.

    • Mayor noted strong attendance despite cold and successful fireworks. Outcome: No formal vote; appreciative acknowledgment. Significance: Reinforced community unity and economic impact of local events and shopping.

  2. Public Hearing: Tobacco License for Smoke and Cloud (8:11–37:14) Action: Denial of 2026 tobacco license renewal.


    Discussion:

    • Applicant representative Trevor Oliver and owner Islam Al Nai addressed prior payment issue (check on closed account, paid online October 30) and zoning setback (1,000 ft from youth facilities like Lincoln School).

    • Staff (Klara Beck, Andrew Bremseth, Rolf Nicklemoe) clarified application was for 2026, subject to current ordinance prohibiting renewals within setback; no grandfathering for tobacco licenses.

    • Council questions on payment, account closure, building permits, and criminal investigation caution. Outcome: Denied 8–0 (No: Leighton, Kremeier, Mortenson, Rachels, Kilde, Fish, Kvamme, Job). Significance: Upheld ordinance protecting youth-oriented areas and emphasized license as privilege, not right.

  3. Consent Agenda (37:30–38:39) Action: Approval of minutes, licenses, land sale, surplus equipment, budget adjustments, grant applications. Discussion: Brief; item 8 (deductible increase) removed for separate discussion.

    Outcome: Approved unanimously. Significance: Routine administrative actions supporting city operations and grants.

  4. Property/Liability Insurance Deductible Increase (38:46–45:23) Action: Increase deductible from $10,000/$20,000 to $25,000/$50,000. Discussion: Mark Leighton supported for premium savings; no opposition noted. Outcome: Approved unanimously. Significance: Reduced insurance premiums while managing risk.

  5. Levy Committee Authority for Insurance Property Review (45:28–1:00:57) Action: Proposal to authorize levy committee to remove low-value properties from coverage. Discussion:

    • Leighton advocated for savings (~$8,000–$20,000) by self-insuring minor items.

    • Bill Sonmor noted conservative approach, combined deductibles, potential risks (e.g., park losses).

    • Council debated timing, risk vs. reward, and fund balance use. Outcome: Failed 3–5 (Yes: Leighton, Kremeier, Mortenson; No: Rachels, Kilde, Fish, Kvamme, Job). Significance: Maintained full coverage to prioritize risk management over minor savings.

  6. Ordinance Second Reading: Street Vacation (1:01:04–1:01:23) Action: Vacation of Main Street and Oakland Avenue. Discussion: None. Outcome: Approved unanimously. Significance: Facilitated property adjustments.

  7. Fund Balance Policy (1:01:31–1:02:02) Action: Maintain $100,000 or 200% of deductible. Discussion: Brief. Outcome: Approved unanimously. Significance: Ensured financial reserve for deductibles.

  8. Claims Payment (1:02:08–1:02:41) Action: Approval of $1,846,889.30 in claims. Discussion: None. Outcome: Approved unanimously. Significance: Authorized routine expenditures.

  9. Shop with a Hero Program Update (1:02:47–1:08:48) Action: Presentation by Police Chief Justin Kaune. Discussion:

    • Events at Fleet Farm/Walmart; ~$9,000 spent, high officer participation (17/23).

    • Emphasized wellness, community engagement; thanks to donors, organizer Shannon Wrigle, SRO Dustin Kitsman. Outcome: No vote; positive feedback. Significance: Highlighted successful community-police partnership boosting holiday support.

  10. Visit Fergus Falls Contract Extension (1:08:55–1:29:11) Action: 60-day extension of agreement. Discussion:

    • Mayor Hicks and Laura Job updated on negotiations for stronger marketing (Bigwood, conventions, events).

    • Concerns on reserve (~$240,000 unrestricted), spending, accountability; public comments supporting continuation. Outcome: Approved 7–1 (Yes: Kremeier, Mortenson, Rachels, Kilde, Fish, Kvamme, Job; No: Leighton). Significance: Allowed time for revised agreement focusing on tourism/convention promotion and accountability.

Next Steps

  • Levy committee and staff to monitor insurance; potential January adjustments if needed.

  • Visit Fergus Falls working group to draft revised agreement within ~60 days for council review.

  • Quarterly Visit Fergus Falls updates to council.

  • Residents to clear snow from fire hydrants.

  • Applications for committee vacancies via city website.

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.

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