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Summary of Fergus Falls City Council Meeting – September 15, 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, Bill Sonmor, Kyle Meyer, Klara Beck, Rolf Nycklemoe), guests (Nicholas Preston, Gail Hedstrom), public speakers (Scott Murray, Robin Foss, Paul Hicks).



Key Items

  1. Invocation and Pledge (0:06–1:15)

    • Action: Nicholas Preston (Life Church) led invocation, praying for unity, wisdom, and community prosperity; Pledge of Allegiance followed.

    • Significance: Sets a collaborative tone for the meeting.

  2. Open Forum (1:38–11:05)

    • Action: Public raised concerns about drainage easement, open meeting law violations, and community event support.

    • Discussion (9 min):

      • Scott Murray reported erosion issues at a drainage easement on Lake View Drive, requesting a site visit (1:44–6:19). Meyer committed to follow-up (5:48–6:13).

      • Robin Foss alleged a council member violated Minnesota Open Meeting Law (Statute 13D) by emailing an audience member during a meeting, citing lack of transparency (6:25–9:53).

      • Paul Hicks thanked city staff and downtown businesses for supporting Dandelion Days, promoting community collaboration (10:04–10:57).

    • Significance: Addresses infrastructure, transparency, and community engagement.

  3. Agenda Approval (11:12–12:01)

    • Action: Approved agenda, moving RTC documentary item to first priority.

    • Discussion (1 min):

      • Hicks moved RTC item to accommodate Bill Adams’ schedule (11:19–11:38).

    • Outcome: Approved unanimously (11:44–11:52).

    • Significance: Prioritizes timely discussion.

  4. RTC Documentary Filming Request (12:01–18:04)

    • Action: Approved filming access for Pioneer Public TV’s documentary based on Susan Foote Durenberger’s The Crusades for Forgotten Souls.

    • Discussion (6 min):

      • Hicks outlined agreement for filming iconic RTC areas, with production company covering cleanup ($50/hour) and chaperoning ($100/hour) costs (12:06–12:50).

      • Mortenson raised mold concerns; Adams confirmed awareness, limited filming to a few hours, and noted Emmy-winning filmmaker’s involvement (13:15–16:03).

      • Kilde mentioned synergy with October 21 poor farm tour (16:20–16:44).

    • Outcome: Motion approved unanimously (17:52–18:04).

    • Significance: Promotes RTC history, ensures safety and cost coverage.

  5. TH 210 Utility Relocation Bid (PI5367) (18:17–24:10)

    • Action: Approved waiving non-collusion form requirement and awarding contract to Flatland Enterprises ($915,489.68).

    • Discussion (6 min):

      • Meyer reported three bids, Flatland’s lowest but $144,000 over estimate due to late-season bidding. MnDOT covers $771,517; city funds remainder via water/sewer funds (18:48–20:14).

      • Mortenson questioned bid gap and non-collusion form omission; Meyer noted late-season impact and form submission post-bid (20:40–23:52).

    • Outcome: Approved 7-1 (Kilde opposed) (24:04–24:10).

    • Significance: Advances critical infrastructure for 2026 roundabout project.

  6. Lincoln Alley and Parking Lot Improvements Bid (PI5855) (24:19–31:16)

    • Action: Rejected single bid ($397,380, $121,000 over estimate) for rebidding with Cavour Avenue in spring.

    • Discussion (7 min):

      • Meyer cited one bidder, late-season costs; recommended gravel maintenance for winter/spring (24:31–26:20).

      • Rachels urged communication with downtown businesses; Mortenson supported delay to save $180,000–$250,000 (26:27–30:02).

    • Outcome: Resolution approved unanimously (30:25–31:09).

    • Significance: Balances cost savings with infrastructure needs.

  7. Police Chief Swearing-In (31:24–36:26)

    • Action: Swore in Justin Paul as police chief; thanked outgoing Chief Kyle for 15+ years.

    • Discussion (5 min):

      • Hicks conducted ceremony; Natalie Paul pinned badge. Justin emphasized community respect; Natalie shared relocation commitment (31:30–36:21).

    • Significance: Marks leadership transition, strengthens public safety.

  8. Constitution Week Proclamation (37:50–39:23)

    • Action: Proclaimed September 17–23 as Constitution Week, noting 238th anniversary and Bells Across America event (September 17, 4 PM).

    • Significance: Honors constitutional heritage, encourages civic engagement.

  9. Consent Agenda (39:43–41:10)

    • Action: Approved minutes (September 2 council, September 10 Committee of the Whole), licenses, railroad signal agreements ($90,582, $110,000 MnDOT), airport maintenance agreement ($142,000), surplus Winstar, SWIP report, and tobacco ordinance draft direction.

    • Outcome: Approved unanimously (40:45–41:03).

    • Significance: Advances routine operations and prior recommendations.

  10. Ordinance Readings (41:10–42:08)

    • Action: Conducted first readings of tobacco (74-8 series) and standalone garages (69-8 series) ordinances; second reading of cannabis ordinance (73-8 series, buffers, two registrations).

    • Outcome: Readings approved unanimously (41:22–42:01).

    • Significance: Progresses regulatory updates.

  11. 2026 Preliminary Budget and Levy (42:08–43:12)

    • Action: Approved $56,510,058 budget and $9,279,000 levy (8.53% increase); set public meeting for December 1, 6 PM.

    • Outcome: Approved unanimously (42:29–43:12).

    • Significance: Sets fiscal framework, targets levy reduction.

  12. Economic Development Contract (43:18–51:57)

    • Action: Approved contract with James Layman (Greenhouse South) starting October 1.

    • Discussion (8 min):

      • Bremseth outlined HR committee’s selection of Layman as contractor (vs. employee) for cost savings and flexibility (43:57–47:54).

      • Mortenson praised Layman’s credentials, goals, and fit for business engagement (48:42–51:02).

    • Outcome: Approved unanimously (51:46–51:51).

    • Significance: Enhances economic development strategy.

  13. Claims Approval (52:03–52:34)

    • Action: Approved claims totaling $1,151,876.01.

    • Outcome: Approved unanimously (52:17–52:28).

    • Significance: Supports city operations.

  14. Announcements (59:50–1:01:42)

    • September 29: Town hall (5:00 PM, quorum may attend).

    • October 1: Committee of the Whole (7:00 AM).

    • October 6: Council meeting (5:30 PM).

    • September 16: Gathering at the River potluck (5:30–7:30 PM, Spece Park).

    • Significance: Promotes community engagement.

Next Steps

  • Drainage Easement: Conduct site visit for Lake View Drive issue, propose solutions.

  • Open Meeting Law: Review policies to ensure compliance with Statute 13D.

  • RTC Documentary: Finalize agreements with production company, ensure safety measures.

  • TH 210 Project: Proceed with Flatland contract, monitor progress.

  • Lincoln Alley Project: Rebid with Cavour in spring, maintain lots with gravel.

  • Police Chief: Support Justin Paul’s transition, engage on cannabis policy.

  • Constitution Week: Promote September 17 event.

  • Ordinances: Conduct second readings for tobacco, garages; finalize cannabis ordinance on October 6.

  • Budget/Levy: Discuss reduction strategies at December 1 meeting.

  • Economic Development: Support Layman’s onboarding, schedule council meetings.

  • Town Hall: Discuss 6:30 PM start time at October 1 Committee of the Whole.


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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