Summary of Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – July 16, 2025
- Ryan Tungseth
- Jul 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Time: 7:00 AM, City Hall
Attendees: Mayor Anthony Hicks, council members (Mark Leighton, Al Kremeier, Mike Mortenson, Scott Rachels, Laurel Kilde, Scott Kvamme, Laura Job; Jim Fish absent), city staff (Andrew Bremseth, Klara Beck, Guy Taylor), guests (Chris Schuelke, Jason Burns), no additional public speakers noted.
This concise summary is tailored for a busy professional, highlighting key outcomes and significant discussions with timestamps, focusing on city business priorities. Name spellings are corrected per your provided list.
Key Items
Stantech Proposal for RTC Tower Reconditioning (0:27–21:04)
Action: Discussed updated Stantech proposal ($61,900 for design/bidding, $8,900 for mold remediation) to rebid RTC stabilization using ~$390,000 state funds, no formal action.
Discussion (21 min):
Klara Beck presented updated proposal including fencing, elevator, HVAC; state may not cover elevator/fencing, pending confirmation (0:53–3:05).
Hicks questioned elevator costs (~$1,000/year maintenance), favored 3D scan; Mortenson challenged $63,000 fee as excessive, suggested in-house bidding or Moore Engineering (3:11–12:40).
Kvamme emphasized cost clarity, prioritizing mold remediation, public access (6:17–7:26).
Bremseth and Rachels supported detailed cost breakdown, direct bidding (e.g., Dakota Fence), questioned scope (12:46–20:03).
Outcome: Directed staff to negotiate with Stantech for lower fees, clarify costs by July 21 meeting (18:25–21:04).
Significance: Balances RTC preservation with fiscal caution.
Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) Update (21:04–38:45)
Action: Received update, no formal action.
Discussion (17 min):
Chris Schuelke outlined HPC’s 1974 formation, advisory/educational role, 13 National Register buildings, Certified Local Government status, and recent activities: George B. Wright statue restoration (2026 centennial, grant-funded), National Preservation Month events, state hospital tours (~95 attendees), historic tax credit advocacy (21:25–28:36).
Mortenson asked about National Register historic district benefits; Schuelke noted marketing value, no legal restrictions, requires 70% owner approval (30:18–33:51).
Kremeier supported RTC incremental development (housing focus), public access via tours (33:51–38:05).
Outcome: Positive feedback, no action required (38:05–38:45).
Significance: Enhances historic preservation, economic appeal.
Residential Garages Ordinance Update (38:45–1:06:30)
Action: Directed City Attorney Rolf Nycklemoe to revise draft ordinance for standalone garages in R1 zones, for Planning Commission review by July 28.
Discussion (18 min):
Beck presented Nycklemoe’s draft, noting it excluded definitions (e.g., tiny homes) per council motion (49:00–50:25).
Kilde suggested aligning height with accessory structures (19 ft or primary structure), removing paved driveway, size limits (30x50 ft or 30% lot); Burns questioned requiring residential materials (50:00–58:44).
Rachels opposed broad changes, favored variance process; Leighton supported flexibility, citing public demand, existing garages (54:27–1:05:01).
Outcome: Directed revisions (height, driveway, size) for Planning Commission (1:05:53–1:06:30).
Significance: Advances property rights, balances neighborhood concerns.
TIF Policy Discussion (38:45–48:46)
Action: Planned work session to draft TIF policy, no formal action.
Discussion (10 min):
Hicks proposed defining TIF criteria (duration, amount, fees); Beck presented draft combining other cities’ policies, business subsidy integration (39:01–42:27).
Mortenson and Kremeier emphasized policy’s role in guiding economic development director, transparency for businesses, residents (42:33–45:20).
Rachels questioned timing (pre/post-director); Hicks favored pre-hiring framework, revisable later (45:27–47:57).
Outcome: Scheduled work session for July 21, 12:30 PM (48:11–48:46).
Significance: Sets economic development foundation.
Surface Water Inlet Protection Plan (SWIP) Update (1:06:30–1:24:21)
Action: Received update, planned approval for August meeting.
Discussion (18 min):
Dan Dubay (MDH) and Guy Taylor detailed 10-year SWIP, covering Otter Tail River to Wright Lake, with 53 measures for spill response, land use, monitoring (1:06:42–1:14:03).
Leighton asked about dam recertification; Dubay noted future risks (1:14:18–1:15:37).
Rachels sought budget integration; Taylor confirmed water fund use (1:15:51–1:17:46).
Hicks raised algae blooms, well conversion costs; Dubay emphasized existing spill response systems (1:18:36–1:24:01).
Outcome: No action, review for August approval (1:24:01–1:24:21).
Significance: Protects water supply, seeks funding.
Announcements (1:24:21–1:28:22)
July 21: 5:30 PM council meeting, Port Authority meeting prior.
July 29: Town hall, posted as council meeting.
July 30: Committee of the Whole.
Significance: Informs public of key dates.
Additional Notes (1:24:21–1:27:59)
Hicks criticized recurring technology failures, proposed budgeting upgrades for 2026 (1:26:46–1:27:53).
Kremeier thanked water treatment staff for ensuring safe water (1:24:27–1:25:15).
Significance: Addresses operational issues, staff appreciation.
Next Steps
RTC: Negotiate Stantech fees, clarify costs by July 21.
TIF Policy: Conduct July 21 work session to draft policy.
Garages: Nycklemoe to revise ordinance, Planning Commission review by July 28.
SWIP: Review for August approval, explore budget integration.
Technology: Discuss upgrades July 21, budget for 2026.
Economic Development: Close director applications July 25, schedule interviews.
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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