Summary of Fergus Falls City Council Meeting – May 18, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM Attendees:

• Mayor: Anthony Hicks

• Council Members: Mark Leighton, Al Kremeier, Mike Mortenson, Scott Rachels, Laurel Kilde, Jim Fish, Scott Kvamme, Laura Job

• City Staff: City Administrator Andrew Bremseth, Community Development Director Klara Beck, City Attorney Rolf Nicklemoe, Engineer Kyle Meyer, Engineering Consultant Josiah Rosta (Moore Engineering)

• Guests: Lisa Workman (Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President), Nicholas Preston (invocation), Police Chief Justin Kaune, multiple residents of West Douglas Avenue

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. Promotional Swearing-In Ceremony – Sergeant Andrew Rener Timestamp: 6:28–12:02

Action: Sergeant Andrew Rener was officially sworn in and promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant.

Discussion:

• Police Chief Justin Kaune administered the oath of office.

• Chief Kaune noted that Rener was one of four applicants for the position and stood out for his dedication to the department's three priorities: officer health and wellness, community engagement, and recruitment and retention.

• Rener had applied for the sergeant position four times total; Chief Kaune praised his perseverance and growth through each rejection.

• Kaune highlighted Rener's community involvement (National Night Out, Summerfest, coaching hockey) and his role as a union steward advocating for improved wages and retention.

• Chief Kaune noted that officers regularly seek Rener's guidance on both professional and personal matters.

Outcome: Ceremonial — no vote required.

Significance: The promotion strengthens departmental leadership and recognizes a long-tenured officer's commitment to the Fergus Falls Police Department.

2. Public Hearing & Assessment – PI 682: 2025 Sidewalk and Driveway Improvements Timestamp: 12:04–14:49

Action: Resolution adopting the final cost assessment for the 2025 Sidewalk and Driveway Improvement Project was approved.

Discussion:

• Total project cost: $25,621.54; amount assessed: $4,495.50.

• Two repairs completed, both initiated by petitioned residents.

• No public comments or appeals were submitted.

Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Significance: Finalizes assessments for petitioned sidewalk repairs completed in 2025.

3. Public Hearing & Assessment – PI 5966: Cavor Avenue Improvement Project Timestamp: 14:49–20:50

Action: Resolution adopting the final cost assessment for the Cavor Avenue Improvement Project was approved.

Discussion:

• Project scope: full utility and street replacement on Cavor Avenue from Union to Cascade, plus Court and Mill Street; alleyways and three city parking lots are included but not assessed.

• Estimated total project cost: $3,295,200. Street portion: $1.5 million; assessed portion: $380,563.32. Utility work (~$1 million) funded through city utility funds.

• Construction begins after Memorial Day; substantial completion expected by end of October; final wear course paving next summer.

• Assessment rate: $121.84 per lineal foot (commercial zone; city covers center 17 feet of street).

• Council member Scott Rachels raised a clarifying question on the appeal process. City Attorney Rolf Nicklemoe clarified that appeals must be submitted either in person at the public hearing or in writing before the close of the meeting.

• No appeals were filed at the hearing.

Outcome: Approved unanimously (roll call: all yes).

Significance: Moves a major downtown infrastructure project into construction, with clear financing and assessment terms established for abutting property owners.

4. Public Hearing & Assessment – PI 5964: Cleveland Avenue Improvement Project Timestamp: 20:56–23:46

Action: Resolution adopting the final cost assessment for the Cleveland Avenue Improvement Project was approved.

Discussion:

• Project scope: full utility and street replacement on Cleveland Avenue from Franklin to Fur.

• Total project cost: $2.5 million; street portion: $1.2 million; assessed portion: $326,991.86; utility work (~$1.2 million) funded through utility funds.

• Assessment rate: $109.70 per lineal foot (residential; city covers center 9 feet from centerline).

• Substantial completion expected end of August; final wear course next year.

• No public comments or appeals.

Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Significance: Advances a significant residential street reconstruction project with assessments set for affected property owners.

5. Public Hearing & Assessment – PI 5967: Douglas Avenue Improvement Project Timestamp: 23:56–53:36

Action: Resolution adopting the final cost assessment for the Douglas Avenue Improvement Project was approved.

Discussion:

• Project scope: full utility and street replacement on Douglas Avenue from Kelvin to Union.

• Total project cost: $1,850,000; street portion: just over $810,000; assessed portion: $346,558.26; utility work (~$1 million) funded through utility funds.

• Construction start: late June/early July; substantial completion end of October; final wear course next summer.

• Assessment rate: $144.58 per lineal foot (5-ton road; city covers center 9 feet). Rate is higher than Cleveland Avenue due to additional 2 inches of bituminous pavement required by geotechnical recommendation and lower traffic volume (per city policy, lower traffic volume means higher resident assessment share).

• Written objection submitted before the hearing by the resident at 416 West Douglas Avenue; entered into the record by City Administrator Andrew Bremseth.

• Multiple residents spoke at the public hearing:

  • Molly Stoddard, 520 W. Douglas – Raised concerns about short notice for the January open house meeting, billing amounts changing up to four times, and financial burden on older, lower-income households in the neighborhood. Requested more advance notice for future projects. Confirmed the payment deadline is July 15.

  • Ethan Bjernley, 324 W. Douglas – Stated his combined assessment is approximately $32,530 due to owning more than half a block of property. Filed an appeal. Asked for clarification on how corner-lot assessments work on side streets and whether future projects (Union Street) will bring additional assessments. Requested that a water stub-out be installed on his vacant corner lot during construction; confirmed this is on the project list.

  • Carla Bjornley, 324 W. Douglas – Asked why Douglas Avenue's assessment rate is higher than Cleveland's; received a detailed explanation regarding road design standards, geotechnical requirements, and traffic volume factors.

  • Melissa Anderson, 303 W. Douglas – Asked about protection of GoLock foundation anchor technology buried near her home during utility work by the gas company. Engineering staff clarified the city project will not enter private property and offered to provide contractor contacts for coordination.

  • Ellen Bradburn, 533 W. Douglas – Filed an appeal. Noted confusion over multiple assessment figures received and confirmed interest in understanding the prepayment/financing options. Staff confirmed assessments can be paid off early at any time, with interest accruing only to the date of payment.

• Engineer Kyle Meyer and Josiah Rosta (Moore Engineering) answered technical questions regarding corner-lot assessment methodology, tree removal, utility flags, and the gas main replacement (a separate private utility project).

• Council Member Mark Leighton emphasized using legal property descriptions rather than GIS maps for measurement accuracy.

Outcome: Approved 7–1 (one council member voted No; names not fully distinguishable in transcript).

Significance: This was the most contested of the four assessments, with multiple residents raising procedural, financial, and technical concerns; two formal appeals were filed and will proceed through the appropriate process.

6. Public Hearing – TIF District 418 & Business Subsidy: Northwood Industrial Services LLC Timestamp: 53:41–56:54

Action: Two resolutions approved — (1) establishing TIF District 418 for Northwood Industrial Services LLC, and (2) approving a business subsidy for Northwood Industrial Services LLC.

Discussion:

• An economic development TIF district qualifying under the manufacturing category; single-parcel district; 9-year term.

• Total TIF plan budget (maximum increment collectible): $556,765.

• Business subsidy: up to $295,000 in assistance over the 9-year period.

• Business commitment: 10 jobs at $30/hour, with annual monitoring and reporting to the city.

• Market values were provided by the county assessor.

• No public comments were received.

Outcome: Both resolutions approved unanimously (all yes, roll call).

Significance: Establishes a TIF district to support manufacturing job creation and industrial expansion in Fergus Falls.

7. Public Works Week Proclamation Timestamp: 57:03–59:31

Action: Mayor Anthony Hicks issued a proclamation designating May 18–23, 2026 as National Public Works Week.

Discussion:

• 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association.

• Mayor Hicks and council members recognized the exceptional work of city Public Works staff during the weekend's homecoming celebration for Chris Tungth, specifically citing crowd management, barrier and equipment deployment, and keeping the city operational.

Outcome: Proclamation issued — no vote required.

Significance: Formally recognizes the contributions of public works professionals and staff to community safety and infrastructure.

8. Consent Agenda Timestamp: 59:44–1:01:03

Action: Consent agenda approved unanimously.

Items included:

• Minutes of the May 4, 2026 City Council meeting and May 13, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting.

• Licenses approved.

• Updated trail permit for Otter Tail County Trail Association snowmobile routes throughout the city.

• Temporary lease agreement with Park Construction for a field office/lab trailer on city-owned land at 1960 College Way for the duration of the MnDOT Highway 210 bridge and roundabout construction project.

• Resolution calling for a public hearing on June 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM to consider a Minnesota Investment Fund loan.

Outcome: Approved unanimously.

9. TIF Analysis Services – David Drown and Associates Timestamp: 1:01:04–1:02:15

Action: Resolution authorizing the city to engage David Drown and Associates for TIF analysis and related services for a second prospective business expansion.

Discussion:

• Community Development Director Klara Beck noted a second business owner in town has approached the city about expanding and creating a TIF district; the business owner planned to file an application the following morning.

• David Drown and Associates previously performed this work for the Northwood Industrial (SCR Solutions) TIF district.

Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Significance: Positions the city to evaluate and potentially support a second TIF district for a local business expansion.

10. FAA Entitlement Transfers – Lassu Municipal Airport and Cook Municipal Airport Timestamp: 1:02:16–1:05:44

Action: Two resolutions approved — (1) requesting FAA approval for transfer of entitlements to Lassu Municipal Airport ($188,000), and (2) requesting FAA approval for transfer of entitlements to Cook Municipal Airport ($38,000).

Discussion:

• The Fergus Falls airport receives $150,000 per year in FAA entitlements and can bank up to $600,000. Once the cap is reached, unused funds are forfeited.

• The city is transferring entitlements to two other airports that have current project needs, with a planned return of those entitlements in 2027 for a large anticipated airport project exceeding $600,000.

• The city has done similar exchanges previously (snow blower and large mower purchases).

• Council member asked why these two specific airports; staff explained they have current projects requiring the exact funding gap amounts.

Outcome: Both resolutions approved (first vote: 7–1; second vote: unanimous).

Significance: Preserves FAA entitlement dollars that would otherwise be forfeited and positions the city to access returned funds for a major 2027 airport project.

11. Permanent Access Easement – Northwood Industrial Services LLC Timestamp: 1:05:45–1:08:21

Action: Resolution approving a permanent access easement for Northwood Industrial Services LLC (SCR Solutions / Marc Sikkink) across the city-owned water tower parcel on Progress Drive, connecting to 8 acres owned by the Port Authority and under purchase agreement.

Discussion:

• A temporary easement had previously been granted; this resolution upgrades it to permanent.

• City Attorney Rolf Nicklemoe confirmed the easement is assignable — if the property is sold, the easement transfers to the new owner without returning to the council.

• Easement is conditioned on a successful closing of the purchase agreement.

• Council member Jim Fish commented that the permanent access greatly increases the utility of the lot and is a sensible long-term decision.

Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Significance: Secures permanent access for industrial development and supports job creation tied to the Northwood Industrial TIF district.

12. Claims Approved Timestamp: 1:08:21–1:08:56

Action: Resolution approving claims in the amount of $1,023,289.87.

Outcome: Approved unanimously.

13. Community Beautification Project – 250th Anniversary of America Timestamp: 1:08:56–1:13:17

Action: Resolution authorizing the city to accept donations for the 250th Anniversary of America Community Beautification Project was approved.

Discussion:

• Led by Council Members Al Kremeier and Mike Mortenson.

• Focus on beautifying public spaces including George Wright Park (flower beds around the statue and sign), Main Street tree grates (Council Member Mortenson suggested cleaning and refreshing the tree grates along Main Street), and general neighborhood upkeep (mowing, tidy boulevards, rental property maintenance).

• Both council members noted that major corporate donations are being secured; businesses providing donations will receive recognition placards.

• Residents and employees of large local corporations were encouraged to participate in planting events.

• Momentum tied to the citywide energy and community pride demonstrated during the Chris Tungth homecoming weekend.

Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Significance: Launches a civic beautification initiative ahead of the national America 250th celebration, channeling community pride into tangible public improvements.

14. Land Value Subcommittee Created Timestamp: 1:13:17–1:14:57

Action: Motion approved to create a Land Value Subcommittee to develop a formula and policy for city-owned land disposition.

Discussion:

• The city owns three parcels: the Northern property, the Stanton Avenue property, and the Dairy property.

• Port Authority and economic development staff have been receiving increased inquiries on these parcels and wanted a policy framework in place.

• Subcommittee members: Council Members Scott Kvamme, Scott Rachels, and Al Kremeier, with staff support from City Administrator Andrew Bremseth and Community Development Director Klara Beck.

Outcome: Approved unanimously (voice vote).

Significance: Provides a structured, policy-driven approach to evaluating and pricing city-owned land for potential economic development opportunities.

Next Steps

• Douglas Avenue appeals (filed by Ethan Bjernley and Ellen Bradburn, and written objection from 416 W. Douglas) to proceed through the formal appeal process.

• Cavor and Cleveland Avenue construction to begin after Memorial Day weekend; Douglas Avenue construction to start late June/early July.

• Northwood Industrial Services TIF and easement conditioned on successful property closing; business to begin job reporting compliance.

• Second TIF district application to move forward; David Drown and Associates to conduct TIF analysis and return findings to council.

• FAA entitlement transfers ($188,000 to Lassu; $38,000 to Cook) to be submitted for FAA approval; repayment expected in time for 2027 airport project.

• Minnesota Investment Fund loan public hearing scheduled for June 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

• Community Beautification Project to begin accepting donations; flower planting events to be coordinated with participating businesses and volunteers.

• Land Value Subcommittee (Kvamme, Rachels, Kremeier + staff) to meet and develop a land valuation framework to bring back to full council.

• Memorial Day closures: City Hall closed May 25; garbage/recycling shifts — Monday collection moves to Tuesday (May 26), Tuesday collection moves to Wednesday (May 27).

• Next meetings: Committee of the Whole – May 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM; City Council – June 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

• Closed session to follow the regular meeting to discuss pending litigation (Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3b).

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.