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Summary of Fergus Falls City Council Meeting – January 5, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM

Attendees: Mayor Anthony Hicks, council members (Al Kremeier, Mike Mortenson, Scott Rachels, Laurel Kilde, Jim Fish, Laura Job, Scott Kvamme, Mark Leighton), city staff (Klara Beck, Kyle Meyer), guests (Pastor Kate Bruns, Wayne Cookman, Natasha Evans, Jen Thonus).


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 – Public Comments on Community Issues (2:19–10:15) Action: Council received public input; no formal resolutions taken. Discussion:

    • Wayne Cookman introduced Natasha Evans, who criticized the "Celtic Holiday Hoie" performance at the Center for the Arts for containing skits offensive to Christian values, including mockery of the Biblical Magi and Jesus' lineage; suggested restricting city funds or redirecting to other nonprofits.

    • Jen Thonus raised concerns about Garrett's Grove housing management by DW Jones, including excessive rules (25 pages), lack of tenant autonomy, internet restrictions, improper dog DNA testing attempts, and inadequate accommodations (e.g., elevator outages); council offered follow-up contact. Outcome: No vote; council acknowledged issues and committed to further review/follow-up. Significance: Highlighted community concerns over city-supported arts programming and affordable housing management practices.

  2. Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda (10:22–12:14) Action: Agenda and consent items approved. Discussion:

    • Consent included December 16, 2025 minutes, licenses, 2026 legal publication (Daily Journal), depositories, electronic fund transfer authority, and surplus disposal. Outcome: Approved unanimously via roll call (Kremeier yes, Mortenson yes, Rachels yes, Kilde yes, Fish yes, Job yes, Kvamme yes, Leighton yes). Significance: Established routine administrative and operational frameworks for 2026.

  3. Appointment of 2026 Acting Mayor (12:23–13:26) Action: Mark Leighton appointed as Acting Mayor. Discussion:

    • Mayor Hicks nominated Leighton for continuity. Outcome: Approved verbally (5 ayes shown by hand). Significance: Ensures leadership backup in the Mayor's absence for the year.

  4. Approval of 2026 Mayor's Council Appointments (13:33–17:38) Action: Streamlined appointments approved, removing some (e.g., HRA senior citizens, West Central Initiative) for efficiency. Discussion:

    • Mayor explained goals: quarterly reports from entities, potential EDA formation, ad hoc committees; listed assignments (e.g., Board of Equalization: Fish, Kvamme, Mortenson, Rachels; Port Authority: multiple members). Outcome: Approved unanimously (verbal aye). Significance: Enhances council efficiency and focuses on targeted economic development liaison roles.

  5. Approval of 2026 Board and Commission Appointments (17:44–19:23) Action: Reduced and updated appointments approved. Discussion:

    • Combined committees (e.g., bicycle/pedestrian with parks), removed inactive ones (public safety); noted active boards (library, parks, arts) and new planning commission members. Outcome: Approved unanimously (verbal aye). Significance: Streamlines volunteer commitments and aims for greater board effectiveness.

  6. Resolutions for Transportation Alternatives Grant Sponsorship and Maintenance (19:30–27:36) Action: Sponsorship and perpetual maintenance commitments approved for pedestrian/rail crossings. Discussion:

    • Klara Beck and Kyle Meyer explained applications for crossings (Service Food–Walgreens, library–Magnuson Park, South Union/Sheridan); local share ~$330,000 (20% match + soft costs), projects targeted 2029–2030; linked to dairy property railroad requirements. Outcome: Both resolutions approved unanimously via roll call (all yes). Significance: Positions city to secure grant funding for enhanced pedestrian safety infrastructure.

  7. Change Order Approvals for Utility Projects (27:43–34:58) Action: Change orders approved for Trunk Highway 210 utilities ($58,435.60) and ground storage reservoir decommissioning ($51,175.33). Discussion:

    • Kyle Meyer cited inaccurate as-builts leading to additional sewer/water main work; costs split between funds, within contingencies; discussion on improving future accuracy (e.g., potholing). Outcome: Both approved unanimously via roll call (all yes). Significance: Addresses unforeseen construction issues while maintaining project budgets.

  8. Land Sale Introduction and TIF Consultant Engagement (35:04–38:41) Action: Letter of intent accepted for parcel sale ($78,000 to Northwoods Residential Services LLC); TIF consultant engagement authorized contingent on fees. Discussion:

    • Parcel on Tower Road/Progress Drive; includes development timeline; consultant paid by developer. Outcome: Both resolutions approved unanimously via roll call (all yes). Significance: Advances potential economic development project with tax increment financing analysis.

  9. Ordering Feasibility Reports for Street Improvement Projects (38:49–42:55) Action: Reports ordered for Cavour Ave (Union–Cascade), Cleveland Ave (Friberg–Franklin), Douglas Ave (Calvin–Union). Discussion:

    • Kyle Meyer outlined process: reports next meeting, followed by public hearings/assessments; engineering fees within 15% contract cap. Outcome: All three resolutions approved unanimously via roll call (all yes). Significance: Initiates formal assessment process for neighborhood infrastructure upgrades.

  10. Payment of Claims (43:45–44:29) Action: Claims totaling $2,536,362.88 approved. Discussion:

    • Routine bill payment. Outcome: Approved unanimously via roll call (all yes). Significance: Ensures ongoing city operational payments.

Next Steps

  • Follow up one-on-one with Jen Thonus regarding Garrett's Grove management issues.

  • Review and potentially act on council pay adjustment proposal at future meeting (per charter process).

  • Prepare and present feasibility reports for Cavour, Cleveland, and Douglas Ave projects at next council meeting.

  • Conduct public hearings on street improvement projects following report approval.

  • Submit Transportation Alternatives and Carbon Reduction grant applications by deadline.

  • Draft purchase agreement for Tower Road land sale; return for final approval.

  • Obtain TIF consultant pricing; return contract for council approval.

  • Enforce sidewalk snow clearing ordinance where needed.


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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