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Summary of Fergus Falls City Council Meeting – June 16, 2025

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, Rolf Nycklemoe, Grant from Bolton & Menk), guest (Pastor Caleb Larson), no public speakers noted.



Key Items

  1. Routine Business (0:00–2:10)

    • Invocation/Pledge: Pastor Caleb Lawson led prayer; Pledge followed (0:10–0:54).

    • Roll Call: Quorum present (1:04–1:13).

    • Open Forum: No speakers (1:19–1:32).

    • Agenda Approval: Approved with item 4 (standalone garages) removed for discussion per Kvamme’s request (1:39–2:10).

    • Significance: Standard meeting start, sets focus on key items.

  2. Bid Awards for Otter Tail Valley Rail Signal Replacement (CP9776) (2:10–6:42)

    • Actions:

      • Approved MnDOT funding agreement ($500,000) covering construction and partial contingency (2:17–5:32).

      • Awarded contract to Toac Concrete LLC ($458,929.66, base bid plus alternates 1–2) (5:32–6:42).

    • Discussion (4 min):

      • Grant (Bolton & Menk) reported low bid under estimate ($511,195.28), MnDOT funding exceeding costs, allowing $25,000 surplus. Alternates covered Summit and Friberg intersections (3:03–6:00).

      • Leighton commended state funding deal (5:04–5:11).

    • Outcome: Unanimous approvals via resolutions (5:17–6:36).

    • Significance: Enhances rail safety, fully funded by MnDOT.

  3. Consent Agenda (6:42–7:27)

    • Items Approved: June 2/11 minutes, licenses, Junius/Shore View bond finance plan ($805,000). Item 4 (standalone garages) removed.

    • Outcome: Unanimous approval via resolution (7:16–7:27).

    • Significance: Routine actions support operations, infrastructure.

  4. Standalone Accessory Structures Ordinance Draft (7:27–15:09)

    • Action: Directed City Attorney Rolf Nycklemoe to draft amendments to city code chapter 154 for standalone garages via conditional use permits (CUPs).

    • Discussion (8 min):

      • Kvamme opposed changes, citing Planning Commission’s recommendation to maintain code, risks to neighborhood character, and potential misuse (e.g., businesses in garages). Suggested variances for case-by-case issues (7:47–10:45).

      • Rachels and Kremeier supported CUPs for flexibility, noting existing garages, tax revenue potential (10:53–12:24).

      • Kilde favored limited changes, citing few infill lots (12:31–12:56).

      • Leighton highlighted undersized lots (e.g., 55 ft vs. 60 ft requirement), public demand, lost investment (e.g., $100,000 garage) (13:41–14:43).

    • Outcome: Approved 6-2 (Kvamme, Rachels opposed) via motion (14:56–15:09).

    • Significance: Advances property use flexibility, debate reflects community concerns.

  5. Ordinance Second Readings (15:09–16:52)

    • Ordinance 678 (Chicken Permits): Removed cap on chicken/quail permits (91.52) (15:14–16:06).

    • Ordinance 688 (Police Department): Shifted emergency management from police to fire (34.02) (16:06–16:52).

    • Discussion: Hicks noted chicken permit demand, past debates (15:27–16:27).

    • Outcome: Unanimous approvals via roll call (15:58–16:52).

    • Significance: Finalizes code updates for resident needs, public safety.

  6. Claims Approval (16:52–17:34)

    • Action: Approved $1,749,468.85 in claims.

    • Outcome: Unanimous approval via resolution (17:14–17:34).

    • Significance: Supports city operations.

  7. Council Comments (17:34–33:16)

    • Kilde: Thanked Guy Taylor for 4th ward cleanup, promoted June 24 benefit for New Live family (lifeguard, police staff) at Augustana Church (18:19–19:30).

    • Fish: Raised Pebble Lake water level concerns (shore erosion); Guy clarified beaver dam, vegetation issues, pending pump repair, DNR/DOT permissions (19:30–21:30).

    • Job: Praised Visit Fergus Falls’ Super Summer Savings Card, website itineraries (21:35–22:30).

    • Kvamme: Highlighted League of Minnesota Cities convention (June 18–20, Duluth), educational value (22:38–24:11).

    • Leighton: Proposed rotating agenda updates (TIF, Lake Alice, ice arena, parks, airport, dairy, Stanton, contracts, public call log, committee duties, Daily Journal) (24:13–26:12).

    • Kremeier: Thanked Summerfest committee, urged property maintenance enforcement for city appeal (26:19–28:11).

    • Hicks: Noted post office, courthouse lawn neglect (28:18–29:07).

    • Mortenson: Requested 5-second silence for slain Minnesota lawmakers, citing Senator Rasmusson, Representative Backer (29:14–31:08).

    • Rachels: Praised Summerfest, echoed safety concerns (31:08–32:02).

    • Moment of Silence: Observed for lawmakers (32:02–33:10).

    • Significance: Reflects community priorities, safety concerns.

  8. Announcements (33:16–34:25)

    • June 19: Juneteenth closure, garbage/recycling on Wednesday.

    • June 30: 5:00 PM town hall, quorum possible.

    • July 4: Independence Day closure, adjusted garbage/recycling.

    • July 7: 5:30 PM council meeting, closed session for 925 Western Avenue real estate (Minn. Stat. 13D.05).

    • Significance: Informs public of key dates, transactions.

Next Steps

  • Standalone Garages: Nycklemoe to draft CUP ordinance for review.

  • TIF Policy: Continue drafting for economic director guidance.

  • Pebble Lake: Install repaired pump, seek DNR/DOT permissions for ditch cleanup.

  • Summerfest/Property Maintenance: Explore enforcement ordinances.

  • Daily Journal: Monitor June 23 pre-trial.

  • Town Hall (June 30): Encourage public participation.

  • Real Estate: Prepare for July 7 closed session.

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