Summary of Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – December 10, 2025

Summary of Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – December 10, 2025

Time: 7:00 AM

Attendees: Mayor Anthony Hicks, council members (Mark Leighton, Al Kremeier, Mike Mortenson, Scott Rachels, Laurel Kilde, Jim Fish, Scott Kvamme), city staff (Andrew Bremseth, Klara Beck, Bill Sonmor), guests (Terry Hess, Tarm Carlson, Trudy Denmore, Steve).

"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. Hess Family Easement Request (0:25–16:47) Action: Council received petition requesting reinstatement of vacated 2005 easement or just compensation; matter referred for legal review. Discussion:

   • Terry Hess, representing mother Darlas Hess and late father Jerry Hess, explained property at 20561 County Highway 29 on Pebble Lake became landlocked after 2005 easement vacation; no reasonable access exists due to Lakes Country Trail restrictions and wetlands/native prairie.

   • Family cited Minnesota law prohibiting vacation depriving reasonable access; provided maps showing original easement via Pebble Shores Drive and current condition.

   • Council questions focused on legality of 2005 vacation, notice, alternative access (denied trail crossing), annexation requirements, utilities, and parcel division.

   • Mayor Hicks noted need for city attorney input; no decision possible today. Outcome: No vote; referred to city attorney for opinion; family to be notified of future agenda placement. Significance: Addresses potential landlocked property issue and compliance with state law on access rights.
     

2. Transportation Alternatives Program Grants (16:53–31:50) Action: Authorized staff to prepare/submit applications to Transportation Alternatives and Carbon Reduction Programs for pedestrian safety improvements. Discussion:

   • Mayor Hicks and Klara Beck outlined four proposed crossings: South Union, Sheridan (obligated for dairy site access), Magneson Park/library (yellow flashing lights), Walgreens/Service Food (Hawkeye high-intensity activated crosswalks).

   • 80/20 grant match; application due January 9; further council review planned January 5 with refined budgets/designs.

   • Concerns raised on tree impacts in Wright Park, existing crossings, and long-term flexibility; staff emphasized public safety needs and grant competitiveness.
     

     Outcome: Approved unanimously (voice vote: all "Aye," no opposition). Significance: Secures potential 80% funding for required and safety-enhancing pedestrian crossings, reducing city costs.
     

3. Heritage Preservation Commission Grant Request (31:56–44:06) Action: Authorized Heritage Preservation Commission to pursue Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant and submit letter of intent for Community Ideas Grant Program to fund RTC reuse summit. Discussion:

   • Klara Beck proposed hosting targeted national/international developer summit for Regional Treatment Center reuse; no city match required.

   • Mayor Hicks emphasized leveraging external dollars for broader outreach beyond past local efforts; potential to clarify redevelopment viability.

   • Council discussed involving economic development director, Traverse City redevelopment team, Veterans Affairs; skepticism expressed on RTC value vs. ongoing maintenance costs. Outcome: Approved unanimously (voice vote: all "Aye," no opposition). Significance: Enables grant-funded proactive outreach to assess RTC redevelopment potential before further taxpayer burden.
     

4. Insurance Deductible Renewal (44:31–1:04:59) Action: Increased property/liability deductible from $10,000 per occurrence/$20,000 aggregate to $25,000 per occurrence/$50,000 aggregate; approved policy to maintain $100,000 (200% of deductible) fund balance using contingency reserve/dividends. Discussion:

   • Bill Sonmor presented estimated 14% savings on property/liability premiums, 12% on auto/mobile; reserve currently ~$229,000.

   • Council discussed self-insuring smaller items, historical claims, dividend impacts, maintenance deductibles ($1,000 post-aggregate).

   • Mark Leighton advocated deeper review of insuring low-value/open property (e.g., fences, bleachers under deductible). Outcome: Both motions approved unanimously (voice votes: all "Aye," no opposition); staff directed to gather more data on removing low-value items for future decision. Significance: Reduces annual premiums by ~$55,000 while maintaining reserve for claims, enhancing fiscal efficiency.

Next Steps

• City attorney to review Hess easement legality and options; notify family of agenda placement.

• Staff (with Moore Engineering) to refine Transportation Alternatives grant application; present updated budgets/designs January 5 for final council approval.

• Heritage Preservation Commission/staff to prepare/submit RTC summit grant proposals.

• Bill Sonmor/Mark Leighton to analyze claims data and low-value property schedules; report back to council on potential insurance adjustments.

• Residents reminded to clear sidewalks per ordinance.

• Place approved items on upcoming council consent agendas.

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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3tmuB_Yy8g. This content is provided by Growth Forge Studio (formerly 4t Creative), dedicated to helping businesses grow.