Summary of Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – April 29, 2025

Time: Approximately 7:00 a.m.

Location: City Hall, Fergus Falls, MN

Attendees:

• Mayor: Anthony Hicks

• Council Members: Jim Fish, Scott (Rachels or Kvamme – seconded motions), Laurel Kilde, Laura Job, Mike Mortenson, Al Kremeier (referenced), Mark Leighton (referenced)

• City Staff: City Administrator Andrew Bremseth, Public Works Director Len Taylor, Engineering/Public Works Guy Kollman, Engineer Kyle Meyer (referenced), Lynn (staff support/GIS)

• Guests: Bill Sonmor (presenting DMV item), Joshua Rosset (city projects), Michael Olsen (HRA), Ian Carlstrom (SBDC Regional Director, West Central MN), James (Dr. Leiman – Economic Development Consultant, appearing online)

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. Department of Motor Vehicles License Agreement – Bigwood Event Center

Timestamp: 0:28 – 4:14

Action: Recommendation to approve Amendment No. 2, License No. L486 with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, for a one-year lease renewal of the Fergus Room at Bigwood Event Center at $200/day.

Discussion:

• Bill Sonmor presented the item; the state requested a longer term, but a one-year lease was proposed to allow the city to review Bigwood rental rates comprehensively in coming months.

• The lease is for 2 days per week during daytime hours; no overtime costs for city staff.

• Council discussion touched on whether the state would accept rate increases (not at this time) and the need for an in-depth rate review comparing Bigwood to comparable venues such as Park Event Center in St. Cloud.

• Noted that the levy committee would take up Bigwood rates more formally.

• Motion by Jim Fish; seconded by Scott.

Outcome: Approved unanimously. To be placed on the consent agenda for Monday's Council meeting.

Significance: Preserves a steady revenue stream at Bigwood while positioning the city to revisit rental pricing structure before the next renewal cycle.

2. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Financial Report and Funding Request

Timestamp: 4:14 – 19:43

Action: Recommendation to allocate $15,000 to the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center for economic development services. Motion by Laurel Kilde; seconded by Scott.

Discussion:

• City Administrator Andrew Bremseth explained the $15,000 comes from funds set aside within the existing economic development budget during last year's tax levy.

• Economic Development Consultant Dr. James Leiman (online) noted the allocation represents the remaining budget after his contract and two targeted fall recruitment conferences. The SBA matches the city's investment dollar-for-dollar through federal funding.

• SBDC Regional Director Ian Carlstrom reported that over the past five years, the SBDC has served 105 unique businesses in Fergus Falls, helped access over $3 million in capital, assisted with two ownership transitions, started four businesses, and helped multiple businesses add employees.

• Services are confidential, no-cost to clients, and individualized – ranging from a single consultation to 30+ hours of assistance.

• Dr. Leiman described the SBDC as complementary to his work: he focuses on strategic/large economic development projects while the SBDC handles business plan development, loan readiness, and small business coaching.

• Council Member Mortenson asked about communication pathways for new residents/entrepreneurs and requested improved online visibility for the SBDC through the city website.

• Carlstrom noted the SBDC serves 456 unique clients annually across the nine-county West Central region.

• At $15,000, the contribution covers approximately one consultant's full ongoing support plus potential workshops and cohort programming.

Outcome: Approved unanimously. To be placed on the consent agenda.

Significance: Addresses a gap in small business support services by pairing the city's strategic economic development advisor with a federally backed resource that helps entrepreneurs build loan-ready business plans, with a 2-for-1 leveraging of city dollars through SBA matching.

3. HRA Update – Housing Study and Grant Opportunities

Timestamp: 19:43 – 43:06

Action: Informational update only; no motion required.

Discussion (three sub-items):

A. Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis Update

• HRA's Michael Olsen reported the Board approved the proposal in March; the study is moving forward with Maxfield Research as the selected firm.

• The last housing study was approximately six years ago. The new study will forecast housing needs through 2036, covering single-family, multifamily, affordable, senior, and supported housing categories.

• Timeline: approximately three months of data collection (May–July), with results and presentations anticipated in July or August.

• The city of Fergus Falls will not directly fund the study; it will be funded by the HRA and a $5,000 matching grant application to the county (resolution expected at Monday's Council meeting).

• Mayor Hicks expressed skepticism about housing studies as "corporate fluff" without a clear hands-on benefit; Dr. Leiman countered by noting he currently relies on a proprietary developer study (which cannot be publicly shared) and that an independent, current housing study is required by state and federal grant programs (e.g., a June 2nd Minnesota housing developer grant opportunity) to unlock developer financing.

• Council Member Mortenson asked whether the study's commuter data (workers leaving Fergus Falls for Bobcat, Fargo, etc.) could be used to demonstrate available local workforce for manufacturing recruitment – Dr. Leiman confirmed it could, noting manufacturers are continuously requesting larger employment pools.

B. Homeowner Rehab Loan Programs (RLP and ELP)

• Olsen described Minnesota Housing's Rehab Loan Program (RLP): loans up to $37,500, 15-year term at 0%, deferred (forgiven at end of term if home stays in owner's name; balance due upon sale or title transfer including death of owner).

• Emergency Loan Program (ELP) also available.

• Focus areas: health/safety items first (radon, lead paint, smoke alarms, electrical), then structural deferred maintenance (roofing, siding, windows, doors, insulation, mechanical, plumbing).

• Currently approximately 30 homeowners on the waiting list; five to six active projects in the city.

• HRA clips available rebates (e.g., Otter Tail Power) in conjunction with rehab work.

C. Small Cities Development Program Grant (Minnesota DEED)

• No active small cities grant in Fergus Falls for approximately five to six years; HRA plans to apply again.

• Fergus Falls' population is too large for a citywide grant; a neighborhood approach is required via windshield survey.

• HRA is planning a comprehensive application including commercial rehab, rental rehab, and homeowner rehab centered on the downtown business district, potentially worth up to $1.4 million if all eligible activities are included.

• Process: flyers, door-to-door surveys to build a waiting list (goal: ~3 eligible applicants for every planned project, e.g., 60–75 homeowners for 20–25 rehabs).

• Grant cycle: one open grant per city; approximately every two years is feasible (30-month execution window).

• No financial obligation to the city; HRA would administer on the city's behalf if awarded.

• Key challenge: homeowner participation and skepticism; council encouraged outreach and education to help residents understand the program's legitimacy.

Outcome: Informational only; no vote taken.

Significance: Sets the stage for major housing and neighborhood investment tools – an independent study to attract developers and unlock grants, ongoing low-income homeowner repair assistance, and a potential $1.4 million downtown/neighborhood rehabilitation grant.

4. City Projects Update

Timestamp: 43:06 – 1:06:07

Action: Informational update; no vote required. Engineer Joshua Rosset presented a city-wide construction project tracker now publicly available at fergusallsmn.gov (shovel icon on homepage).

Discussion – Project Status Highlights:

• Highway 210 Interchange Replacement (MnDOT project): Barricades up; demolition anticipated to begin the following week; I-94 interchanges to close approximately one week from the meeting date; two-way traffic on Hwy 210 maintained throughout.

• Lake Alice Grit Chambers: Awarded; contractor tentatively mobilizing around June.

• Otter Tail Valley Signal Replacement: Awarded; June mobilization anticipated.

• Cavor Avenue: Awarded to Keeley Underground (also doing Cleveland); contractor plans to reclaim the street in approximately two weeks, blending existing asphalt with aggregate base as temporary surface; full construction to follow Cleveland Avenue.

• Junius Avenue: Prior-year project; punch list and final wearing course remaining; contractor expected back late May/June.

• Landfill Demolition: Awarded last year; no confirmed mobilization date.

• Cleveland Avenue (Active Construction): Keeley Underground on site; gas company replacing mains and services (Franklin to Fur Avenue) – approximately two more weeks needed before contractor can begin full underground work. Gas line runs under existing curb, complicating excavation. Full construction scope: Franklin to Fur Avenue.

• Douglas Avenue: Ryan Contracting awarded; late June/early July start anticipated.

• Pebble Lake Road / Millan Overlay: In state review; bid to follow approval; construction targeted for this summer (roundabout to Lincoln; Pebble Lake Road to Hwy 210).

• Dead Lagoon Park Improvements: Initial state comments received; approval and design/construction targeted for this summer; funded by State Park Road Account funds from ~2022. Council requested improved signage at the park entrance to inform visitors of upcoming road improvements (signage confirmed already in place; council requested clearer messaging).

• Phase 1 Lead Service Line Replacement: In state review; plan certification required by June 30; approximately 22 service lines identified; ~$750,000–$775,000 in grant funding applied for.

• Mill and Overlay / Seal Coat Projects: Plans being finalized; bidding in approximately two weeks with 14–21 day bid period; results to be presented to Council.

Additional discussion:

• Alleys related to downtown businesses: paving not expected until closer to fall; businesses to receive better communication.

• Sheridan/Union Railroad Crossings: Kyle Meyer working with railroad consultant (Benesh); on-site meeting with railroad pending (no response in ~10 days). Agreement in principle: city gets two new dairy property crossings (Broadway and St. Andrews); in return, city improves Sheridan and Union crossings within five years. Dairy trail bid to be awarded Monday night (to Mark's Sand and Gravel); crossing cost still unknown.

• South Union near Adams School: Sewer excavation patched as needed; full work planned with next year's project; hot mix patch coming when plants open.

• Summit Avenue remediation: Joe Riley Construction has not responded to city requests for a remediation plan; city holding retainage. Staff to verify formal notice.

• City projects website: Engineering/GIS team maintains the tracker with weekly photo updates; council requested the city post social media links to the page weekly.

Outcome: Informational only.

Significance: Provides a comprehensive, publicly accessible roadmap of over a dozen concurrent infrastructure projects, improving resident communication and council oversight during the city's most active construction season.

5. Wellhead Protection Plan – Public Hearing Date

Timestamp: 1:06:07 – 1:07:48

Action: Recommendation to set a public hearing for the Wellhead Protection Plan amendment for May 13, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. Motion by Laura Job; seconded by Laurel Kilde.

Discussion:

• Public Works Director Len Taylor explained the current plan was implemented in 2017; state law requires an update every 10 years.

• The Wellhead Protection Plan protects subsurface water (aquifer/well at water plant) from threats such as abandoned wells, septic systems, fertilizer plants, and feedlots – complementing the Surface Water Inlet Protection Plan approved earlier this year.

Outcome: Approved unanimously. To be placed on the consent agenda.

Significance: Initiates the required 10-year update process to safeguard the city's underground drinking water supply ahead of the 2027 deadline.

6. Chris Tungseth Day – Community Festival Declaration (American Idol Hometown Celebration)

Timestamp: 1:07:48 – 1:24:54

Action: Declaration of May 6, 2025 as a Community Festival in connection with the potential American Idol Hometown Hero celebration for local contestant Chris Tungseth. Motion and second from council; approved to be placed on the regular Monday agenda (not consent) so the mayor could encourage the public to vote before Monday evening's result announcement.

Discussion:

• City Administrator Andrew Bremseth reported the city has been working directly with American Idol producers since Chris Tungseth reached the top nine. Producers work with local governments for top-three contestants.

• Tungseth is currently in the top five (first Minnesotan ever in the top 10 of American Idol).

• Results announced ~8:59 p.m. Monday, May 4th; if top three, he travels Tuesday and the hometown event is Wednesday, May 6th.

• Tentative event plan: 5:30 p.m. parade (Summerfest route, red/white/blue patriotic theme) and 7:30 p.m. concert behind the Kirkbride/RTC grounds.

• American Idol producers anticipate 10,000+ attendees; filming for the May 11th finale.

• The Community Festival declaration authorizes city services (barricades, garbage, staff time) at no event budget from American Idol.

• Chamber of Commerce (Lisa) serving as fiscal host; taking on financial exposure in hopes of recovering costs through donations, sponsorships, and merchandise.

• Community partners assembled rapidly: Hillcrest College, school district, Chris's church, Uncle Eddie's, Outstate Brewing, Pioneer, media partners, Walk of Flags (Tony Ren), Doe for Joe/Boots on the Ground (motorcycles), volunteer meals (Evan at Toast), law enforcement, EMS.

• American Idol requested a Viking ship float; Pat Schol agreed to build one.

• Parade will be apolitical per American Idol requirements – no elected officials or candidates in the parade.

• Drone filming planned over the community; council and staff encouraged residents to clean up yards, streets, and property for best appearance on camera.

• If Tungseth does not make the top three, event will be rescheduled (preferably a Saturday) after his American Idol obligations conclude.

• I-94 interchange closure timing: City has requested MnDOT/contractor delay closure to May 7th; no firm commitment received. Contingency parking plans being developed to route visitors via Exit 55 (roundabout).

• A proclamation declaring "Chris Tungseth Day" to be presented at Monday's Council meeting regardless of outcome.

• Volunteer sign-up QR code posted on city's Facebook page; float registration also available there.

Outcome: Approved unanimously; to be placed on the regular (non-consent) Monday agenda.

Significance: A once-in-a-generation community event that puts Fergus Falls before a national television audience of millions, with economic development and tourism visibility value far exceeding any city investment, particularly spotlighting the RTC building for potential future redevelopment.

Next Steps

• DMV Lease: Place Amendment No. 2 on Monday Council consent agenda for final approval; begin comprehensive Bigwood Event Center rental rate review in coming months.

• SBDC: Place $15,000 allocation on Monday Council consent agenda; Bremseth and Leiman to coordinate SBDC visibility on city economic development webpage.

• Housing Study: Bring $5,000 county matching grant resolution to Monday Council meeting; Maxfield Research to complete study by July/August 2025.

• Small Cities Grant: HRA to conduct windshield survey and door-to-door outreach in targeted downtown neighborhood; develop eligible waiting list for DEED application.

• City Projects Tracker: Engineering staff to coordinate with communications/social media for weekly project update posts linking to fergusallsmn.gov tracker.

• Railroad Crossings: Kyle Meyer to follow up with railroad for on-site design meeting; request temporary safety improvements at Sheridan crossing.

• Dairy Trail Bid: Present bid award (Mark's Sand and Gravel) at Monday Council meeting.

• Summit Avenue Remediation: Staff to verify formal notice is on record with Joe Riley Construction; confirm retainage status.

• DeLagoon Park Signage: Enhance signage clarity for incoming visitors regarding road improvement timeline.

• Lead Service Line Replacement: Await state plan certification by June 30; prepare to go out for bid.

• Wellhead Protection Plan: Public hearing scheduled for May 13, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

• Chris Tungseth Day: Final logistics meeting to address parking/traffic contingencies for I-94 closure; confirm proclamation for Monday Council meeting; encourage public to vote for Chris Tungseth on American Idol before results on May 4th.

Upcoming Meetings / Events

• April 30, 2025: Board of Equalization – County Building, 9:30 a.m.

• May 4, 2025: City Council Meeting – 5:30 p.m.

• May 6, 2025 (tentative): American Idol Hometown Hero Parade – 5:30 p.m. (downtown); Concert at RTC – 7:30 p.m.

• May 13, 2025: Committee of the Whole – 7:00 a.m.; Wellhead Protection Plan Public Hearing

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.