Summary of Fergus Falls City Council Meeting – July 7, 2025
- Ryan Tungseth
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Time: 5:30 PM, City Hall 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, Bill Sonmor)
This concise summary is tailored for a busy professional, highlighting key outcomes and significant discussions with timestamps, focusing on city business priorities. Name spellings are corrected per your provided list.
Key Items
Routine Business (0:00–15:13)
Invocation/Pledge: Pastor Eric Uguru led prayer; Pledge followed (0:06–1:01).
Roll Call: Quorum present (1:06–1:19).
Open Forum (1:26–5:34):
Dwayne Cookman asked about Otter Tail Valley Railroad trail progress (Hicks: crossings targeted for 2027), railroad property valuation (Bremseth: state sets values, no city standing), and repurposing Pebble Lake dock for kayak/canoe launch at Stanton (Hicks: referred to Guy Taylor) (1:42–5:27).
Agenda Approval: Approved with items 3, 6, 9–12 pulled for discussion by Mortenson (14:20–15:08).
Significance: Public input drives infrastructure, safety discussions.
Retirement Resolutions (15:13–19:36)
Deborah Zachman (Library Assistant): Acknowledged 12+ years of service, effective July 18, 2025. Zachman thanked council, praised library support (15:22–17:54).
Colleen Connelly Brusven (Police Records Technician): Acknowledged 20 years of service, effective July 5, 2025 (not present) (18:02–19:30).
Outcome: Unanimous approvals via resolutions (16:32–19:30).
Significance: Honors long-serving staff, boosts morale.
Consent Agenda (19:36–21:11)
Items Approved: June 16 minutes, licenses, Center Point plat (1701 West Lincoln), 6-foot porch variance (11222 North Lake), FF Ventures plat (528 Western), Mortenson’s temporary personnel committee appointment for economic development director hiring.
Outcome: Unanimous approval via resolution (20:52–21:11).
Significance: Advances zoning, staffing decisions.
Conditional Use Permit for Car/Truck Service Shop (1701 West Lincoln) (21:11–28:02)
Action: Approved permit for Les Schwab in B2 zone, per Planning Commission.
Discussion (7 min):
Mortenson sought second lot’s intent (market/lease) and access points. Sheri Erenss (Westwood) confirmed south access, shared north access, openness to dual north accesses to avoid landlocking adjacent lot (21:38–27:04).
Kremeier and Hicks welcomed Les Schwab, emphasized economic benefits (27:04–27:35).
Outcome: Unanimous approval via resolution (27:41–27:56).
Significance: Supports major business, ensures lot viability.
Variance for FF Ventures (528 Western) (28:02–34:08)
Action: Approved reducing setbacks to 5 feet (property lines) and 0 feet (between platted lots), per Planning Commission.
Discussion (6 min):
Mortenson questioned second tenant status, access signage. David Carlin (Venture Pass) confirmed primary tenant (not cannabis), second tenant pending, easement adjustments for parking, signage compatibility (28:16–33:29).
Kilde supported project’s economic value (33:42–33:48).
Outcome: Unanimous approval via resolution (33:55–34:02).
Significance: Facilitates development, clarifies tenant plans.
Moore Engineering Task Orders (34:08–53:36)
Actions: Approved task orders 2–5 for 2025 projects (mill/overlay, seal coat, Scenic Drive, others; $64,943 total).
Discussion (19 min):
Mortenson questioned if tasks (e.g., seal coats) should fall under $16,000/month base fee, sought clarity on “administrative services” vs. construction administration (34:34–43:21).
Bremseth and Hyjek clarified project-specific fees (7.5% for administration only, vs. 15% full design), prior in-house staff costs covered similar services (35:31–46:48).
Fish raised manhole leveling; Hyjek proposed concrete collars, noted prior project oversights (46:53–51:34).
Outcome: Unanimous approvals via resolutions (52:03–53:36).
Significance: Clarifies outsourcing costs, addresses infrastructure issues.
Claims Approval (53:36–54:26)
Action: Approved $1,772,154.99 in claims.
Discussion: Fish praised new layout (54:06–54:14).
Outcome: Unanimous approval via resolution (54:14–54:26).
Significance: Supports city operations.
Town Hall Follow-Up (5:34–9:30)
Discussion: Hicks reviewed June 30 meeting: addressed power outlets/EV chargers downtown, opportunity zone redistricting (for EDA), online flyers, welcoming committee, technology upgrades (Teams), RTC 3D scan (6:45–9:02).
Significance: Enhances communication, economic planning.
Bicycle/E-Bike Safety Concerns (9:30–14:14)
Discussion: Kremeier read Ward 3 constituent letter urging no bikes/e-bikes on downtown/Riverfront Park sidewalks, proposing a safety officer, signage, e-bike restrictions (16+ with license), citing near-misses, collisions (10:07–14:08).
Significance: Highlights public safety, prompts ordinance review.
Announcements (54:26–55:18)
July 15: Police chief finalists meet-and-greet, 5:30–6:30 PM, library.
July 16: Committee of the Whole.
July 17: Zachman retirement party, 2–4 PM, library.
July 21: City Council meeting.
July 29: Town hall, chambers.
Significance: Informs public of key events.
Next Steps
Bicycle Safety: Explore signage, e-bike ordinances, safety officer role.
Economic Development: Support Les Schwab, FF Ventures; appoint EDA director.
Infrastructure: Implement manhole fixes, monitor task order costs.
Town Hall (July 29): Address follow-up items (EV chargers, RTC scan).
Police Chief: Engage public at meet-and-greet.
Rail Trail: Pursue crossing agreements, dock repurposing.
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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