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Summary of Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – June 11, 2025

Time: Morning (exact time not specified), 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, Klara Beck, Bill Sonmor, Len Taylor, Gail Hedstrom), guests (Michaela Hewitt, Jason Burns, John Burns, Jason Greer, unnamed neighbor), 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

  1. 2025 Bond Finance Plan for Junius and Shore View Projects (0:14–11:04)

    • Action: Recommended approving a bonding resolution for $805,000 in general obligation permanent improvement bonds (2025A) for Junius Avenue reconstruction and Shore View paving, for consent agenda.

    • Discussion (11 min):

      • Bill Sonmor outlined financing: cash for utilities ($236,000 sewer, $325,000 water, $18,500 stormwater, $215,000 state aid, $50,000 assessments), bonding for city portion, 15-year assessments per statute 429 (0:31–2:14).

      • Michaela Hewitt (Baker Tilly) detailed competitive bank placement (local/national banks), 15-year term, ~$51,000 annual levy, term sheet by June end, bids by mid-July, recommendation by July 30, award August 1 (2:27–5:00).

      • Fish questioned cash use; Sonmor confirmed amounts. Leighton asked about bonding full $1.5M; Hewitt noted open market viability for larger sums, ~5% interest placeholder (5:05–10:51).

    • Outcome: Unanimous approval via motion (10:57–11:04).

    • Significance: Funds infrastructure, leverages local banks.

  2. Planning Commission Update on Standalone Garages (11:04–31:55)

    • Action: Directed City Attorney Rolf Nycklemoe to draft ordinance amendments allowing standalone garages in residential zones via conditional use permits (CUPs), bypassing Planning Commission.

    • Discussion (21 min):

      • Klara Beck reported Planning Commission’s decision to maintain current code requiring primary structures, based on three meetings, community outreach, and codes from Alexandria, Moorhead (11:18–12:59).

      • Mortenson noted mixed constituent input (one against, two for at meeting); Beck cited 1960s code, few complaints (12:59–15:59).

      • Kilde proposed reconsideration, citing lot constraints, design standards, no mandatory bathroom; public supported CUPs for storage, tax revenue (15:59–30:15).

      • Kvamme and Rachels favored case-by-case CUPs, avoiding broad ordinance changes (21:00–22:03).

    • Outcome: Unanimous approval to draft amendments (31:13–31:55).

    • Significance: Enhances property use flexibility, addresses community needs.

  3. Economic Development and TIF Policy Creation (31:55–46:52)

    • Action: Discussed drafting a TIF policy to guide economic development director hiring, no formal action.

    • Discussion (15 min):

      • Beck presented TIF policy options from other cities (via Baker Tilly), aiming to prioritize projects, guide applicants (34:26–36:08).

      • Hicks sought consensus on guidelines; council reviewed job creation, blight, housing TIFs, equity requirements (15–20%), duration limits (36:14–39:04).

      • Kvamme and Mortenson emphasized policy’s role in clarity, economic growth; Kilde and Job suggested incorporating Wyoming, Jordan, Rosemount policies, owner equity, living wage focus (39:04–45:16).

    • Outcome: Directed staff to draft policy combining common elements for future work session (45:22–46:52).

    • Significance: Sets framework for economic growth, transparency.

  4. Stantech Proposal for RTC Tower Reconditioning (46:52–56:00)

    • Action: Approved Stantech’s $12,200 proposal to rebid RTC tower reconditioning, including elevator, lighting, fencing, cameras, pending state approval, for Monday’s agenda if updated.

    • Discussion (9 min):

      • Beck recommended rebidding 2021 numbers, as Stantech deemed updates unfeasible; $392,000 state funds (for stabilization) must be used by January 14, 2027 (47:00–48:22).

      • Kvamme questioned long-term goals; Leighton added elevator, lighting for accessibility, safety; Mortenson suggested fencing, cameras (48:34–55:11).

      • Beck to confirm state eligibility by Monday (55:00–55:35).

    • Outcome: Unanimous approval via amended motion (55:48–56:00).

    • Significance: Advances RTC preservation, secures state funds.

  5. Pebble Lake Golf Course Lease Agreement Update (56:00–1:06:07)

    • Action: Discussed extending lease, requested quotes for maintenance costs, no formal action.

    • Discussion (10 min):

      • Leighton reviewed course success (4,496 rounds, 8% revenue increase), proposed 10–20-year lease for business planning, sought insurance clarity (56:19–59:54).

      • Kilde noted major expenses; Leighton confirmed board is gathering quotes (59:54–1:01:22).

      • Mortenson asked about marketing; Leighton noted high usage, requested budget comparison (1:01:29–1:02:08).

      • Fish and Guy clarified irrigation repairs, kitchen exhaust fan ($10,000) funding (1:03:01–1:05:06).

    • Outcome: Awaiting quotes before council action (1:05:48–1:06:07).

    • Significance: Supports course viability, clarifies obligations.

  6. Fergus Falls Public Library Update (1:06:07–1:25:06)

    • Action: Received update, no formal action.

    • Discussion (19 min):

      • Gail Hedstrom detailed staff (6 full-time, 11 part-time, 6 summer tutors), Viking Library System, 14,116 users, 200,000+ items circulated, 598 programs, 1,300+ summer reading participants (1:06:18–1:15:34).

      • Highlighted grants, Friends of the Library, digital access (MyHeritage, Value Line), community engagement (1:15:34–1:21:21).

      • Mortenson praised presentation, questioned facility needs; Hedstrom noted parking constraints (1:22:05–1:23:14).

      • Kilde suggested pedestrian light at crosswalk; Job lauded summer reading (1:23:31–1:24:54).

    • Outcome: Positive feedback, no action required (1:24:54–1:25:06).

    • Significance: Showcases library’s community value.

  7. Project Updates (1:25:06–1:37:00)

    • Action: Received update, no formal action.

    • Discussion (12 min):

      • Len Taylor reported Aquatic Center success ($22,000 sales, targeting $31,000), D Lagoon progress (90% complete, opening late July/early August), street repairs, pickleball court completion (1:25:20–1:34:17).

      • Leighton questioned staffing, temperature policy (65°F minimum); Taylor considered lowering to 62°F (1:26:11–1:29:04).

      • Mortenson confirmed concessions, Water Plant Road culvert delay to fall 2025, D Lagoon booking timeline (1:34:51–1:36:41).

    • Outcome: Mortenson requested frequent updates (1:36:47–1:37:00).

    • Significance: Tracks infrastructure progress.

  8. Announcements (1:37:00–1:37:31)

    • June 16: 5:30 PM council meeting.

    • June 19: Juneteenth closure, adjusted garbage/recycling.

    • June 30: 5:00 PM town hall.

    • Significance: Informs public of key dates.

Next Steps

  • June 16 Council Meeting: Approve bond resolution, consider Stantech bid if updated.

  • TIF Policy: Draft combining common elements for work session.

  • Standalone Garages: Nycklemoe to draft CUP ordinance.

  • RTC: Confirm bid additions with state, prepare for rebid.

  • Golf Course: Review maintenance quotes, draft lease extension.

  • Library: Explore pedestrian light, promote summer programs.

  • Projects: Monitor D Lagoon opening, roundabout, culvert timelines.



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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