Summary of Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – May 13, 2025
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Time: Approximately 7:00 AM
Attendees:
Mayor: Anthony Hicks
Council Members: Mark Leighton, Al Kremeier, Mike Mortenson, Laurel Kilde, Jim Fish, Laura Job (others present but not all named individually)
City Staff: City Administrator Andrew Bremseth, Public Works Director/Engineer Guy Kollman, Engineer Kyle Meyer, Community Development Director Klara Beck
Guests: Dan Dude (Minnesota Department of Health, Source Water Protection Planner), Jason Murray (TIF consultant)
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. Wellhead Protection Plan – Public Information Meeting
Timestamp: 0:15 – 6:55
Action: Informational presentation only; no council action required at this time.
Discussion:
Dan Dude (MN Dept. of Health) presented an overview of the groundwater Wellhead Protection Plan update process, required every 10 years under Minnesota Rule 4720.
The city implemented its original plan in 2017 (the 10-year update cycle begins now).
The updated delineation shows a significantly smaller Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWISMA) due to modeling changes, including removal of the surface water contribution area.
Guy Kollman noted this is not a sign of any problem — it reflects updated hydrogeology data and the understanding that the clay layer is "leaky but not a problem."
Next steps include a scoping event, partner notifications (townships, county, SWCD, DNR, MPCA), selection of a plan writer, and eventually a public hearing for council approval.
The process is expected to take approximately one year; the old plan will not expire in the interim.
Outcome: Informational only. No vote taken.
Significance: Initiates the required 10-year update to the city's groundwater protection plan, which protects public health and reduces long-term treatment costs.
2. TIF District 418 Overview – Northwoods Industrial Services
Timestamp: 6:55 – 24:57
Action: Informational presentation in advance of the Monday night (May 18) public hearing; council action will be requested at that meeting.
Discussion:
TIF consultant Jason Murray presented an overview of the proposed TIF District 418, a one-parcel economic development TIF district tied to a new 22,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility adjacent to SCR Solutions.
The project has a total cost of approximately $3.6 million. The developer is requesting $295,000 in TIF assistance at 6% interest, paid on a "pay-as-you-go" basis — 90% of annual increment to the developer, 10% retained by the city for administration.
Murray confirmed the project meets eligibility requirements: it is a qualifying manufacturing use, and the "but for" finding was made (the project would not proceed without TIF assistance).
The debt service coverage ratio was analyzed at 1.3 during a 3-year stabilization and 1.7 over the life of the district — above the bank's required 1.25.
A business subsidy applies (assistance exceeds $150,000); the developer commits to creating 10 new jobs at approximately $30/hour.
The project is expected to generate approximately $2.7 million in new market value. The city's share of the projected $295,000 TIF is approximately $228,000.
Murray clarified: administrative costs (legal, staff time) are NOT eligible for reimbursement under this TIF, consistent with past city practice.
Council Member Leighton asked about job monitoring — Murray confirmed a default clause exists allowing the council to extend or cancel the agreement if job commitments are not met.
Council Member Mortenson praised the project as "solid economic development" and encouraged other businesses to reach out to the city.
Council Member Kilde confirmed the existing SCR parcel is separate and will continue to be taxed normally.
A formal development agreement will be drafted by Marupal Taft Law Firm after the public hearing if council approves.
Outcome: No vote taken; full action expected at the May 18 City Council meeting.
Significance: If approved, this TIF district will support the expansion of an existing industrial employer, add an estimated $2.7 million in market value, and create 10 new manufacturing jobs.
3. RTC Roof Update
Timestamp: 24:57 – 27:46
Action: Informational update; bidding package is being finalized.
Discussion:
Kyle Meyer reported that plans and specs for the RTC (Recreation/Training Center) roof and windows are nearly complete, to be advertised for bids within the coming weeks.
Funding of just under $400,000 is already secured through a grant and must be used or it will be lost.
Council Member Leighton raised the broader question of whether the building itself is worth saving before investing in the roof. Meyer noted the roof contract will not include a structural assessment of the building.
City Administrator Bremseth noted a 2021 structural review found the building to be sound at that time.
Outcome: Informational; bid advertisement expected within the next few weeks.
Significance: Secures grant-funded infrastructure improvements to the RTC while the long-term future of the facility is still being evaluated.
4. City Project Update – 14 Active Construction Projects
Timestamp: 27:46 – 45:57
Action: Informational update on the 2025 construction season.
Discussion:
Kyle Meyer provided a comprehensive rundown of all 14 active or upcoming city projects, available on the city website's utility projects story map (updated weekly):
Highway 10 Interchange – MnDOT project; interchange now closed for the summer. Bridge over interstate remains open to traffic.
Lake Alice Grit Chamber – Construction starts mid-June; lake level is currently being lowered. Homeowners notified.
Downtown Otter Tail Valley Rail Crossings – Begins Tuesday after Memorial Day; Cascade Street first. Taisac Construction doing road/concrete work; approximately one crossing per week.
Cavour Street – Removals begin approximately May 28. Three north-side parking lots will also be replaced. Otter Tail Power underground utility work is complete.
Cleveland Avenue – Utilities underway; approximately two blocks of utilities already completed. Moving north.
Junius – Mostly complete; minor concrete work and final asphalt lift remaining.
Landfill Cell 3B – Near final elevation; organic material encountered and being removed under contract provisions. Expected life: 8–10 years.
Douglas Avenue – Contract awarded; start expected mid-to-late June. Assessment error on corner lots was corrected; letters sent and staff knocked on doors.
Pebble Lake/Fryberg Overlay – Fully grant-funded; bid opening June 16.
De Lagoon Road – Variances approved; bid opening June 16.
Lead Service Line Replacement – 100% grant funded; state approval expected by June 30, then bid.
Mill and Overlay Projects – Bid opening May 19.
Dair Trail – Contracts recently awarded; pre-construction meeting being scheduled.
Summit Street (Ward 3) – Settlement/drainage issues from a prior project; curb, gutter, and mill-and-overlay repair planned this summer.
Mayor Hicks noted that approximately $34 million will be spent on infrastructure in 2025, with about 74% funded externally by state and federal sources.
Discussion arose about the Cleveland Avenue sidewalk being placed directly against the curb, creating a potential snow removal burden for adjacent residents. Staff indicated a policy discussion is needed; options include working with the school district or city crews for snow removal in that short stretch.
Meyer is following up with MnDOT on whether the Highway 10 trail crossing at the roundabout will be at-grade or via underpass.
Outcome: Informational; no vote taken.
Significance: With 14 concurrent projects and $34 million in investment — 74% externally funded — 2025 represents a major infrastructure improvement year for Fergus Falls.
5. City Hall Cupola/Bell Tower Update
Timestamp: 45:57 – 50:42
Action: Council discussion on bell placement options; submission to SHPO to follow.
Discussion:
Guy Kollman reported that rot was discovered in the City Hall bell tower/cupola in fall 2024, and local HPC member/architect Scott Demardair has drawn up plans for reconstruction.
Two options are designed: (1) reinstall the original 1,514-lb. bell in the cupola, with electronic chimes, or (2) place the bell on display in the City Hall lobby with electronic chimes only.
Kollman noted that Interstate Engineering reviewed the structure and found it can support either option.
Option 2 (bell in lobby) would be significantly cheaper and simpler to construct.
The Historic Preservation Commission favors the lobby display as an interactive historical exhibit.
Council Member Leighton stated strong preference for reinstalling the bell on top of the building: "It belongs on top of the city building."
The ultimate decision rests with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Goal is reconstruction by the Fourth of July, though timeline may be difficult.
Outcome: Council directed staff to submit plans to SHPO and proceed; no formal vote taken.
Significance: Restoring the iconic 1927 City Hall cupola is a visible community landmark project, with final design subject to SHPO approval.
6. Snowmobile Trail Permit Renewal
Timestamp: 50:42 – 56:55
Action: Motion to approve a new snowmobile trail permit with OCTA covering all existing city trails.
Discussion:
City Administrator Bremseth explained the last permit was issued in 1991; OCTA requested an update to ensure all existing trails are properly covered.
The updated permit covers all existing trails plus several corridor segments (highlighted in pink on map) not covered by the 1991 permit.
A valid permit provides the city with statutory liability protection from the state.
Council Member Leighton asked about enforcement for snowmobiles on non-designated city streets; Police Chief Kaune confirmed the approach is primarily education, with citations for egregious violations.
Bremseth noted he will revisit with OCTA the question of who is responsible for trail signage maintenance within city limits.
Outcome: Motion by Leighton, seconded by Kilde. Approved unanimously.
Significance: Updates a 34-year-old permit, ensuring the city retains liability protection for all existing snowmobile trails.
7. Land Lease – 1960 Collegeway (MnDOT Contractor)
Timestamp: 1:00:51 – 1:02:18
Action: Motion to approve a temporary land lease with Park Construction.
Discussion:
Guy Kollman presented an add-on agenda item: Park Construction (the contractor for the Highway 10 roundabout/bridge project) requested use of city-owned property at 1960 Collegeway (former roller rink/Royal Tire site) for a job trailer and soil testing lab.
Terms: $1,000/month, not to exceed seven months; property to be returned to current gravel condition.
Existing uses (county recycling containers, disabled veterans storage trailers) will remain undisturbed.
Outcome: Motion by Mortenson (implied), seconded by Fish. Approved unanimously.
Significance: Generates approximately $7,000 in lease revenue from a currently underutilized city property while supporting the MnDOT interchange project.
8. Announcements and Community Events
Timestamp: 1:02:19 – 1:09:34
Discussion:
Law Enforcement Day is taking place today; approximately 400 children expected at the police department. The road in front of City Hall will be blocked from noon onward.
Chris Tungseth Homecoming Parade – May 16; follows the Summerfest parade route from Broadway through downtown to the school, starting at 2:00 PM. Line-up at 1:00 PM staging on Cavour from Collegeway. Registration closes Thursday at 4:00 PM on the city website. Eric Johnson coordinating. Theme: red, white, and blue.
Kirkbride Concert – May 16 at 6:00 PM; free admission. DJ opens, full concert to follow (~1.5 hours). Approximately 4,000 attendees expected. Chairs encouraged. Carpooling strongly advised due to limited Kirkbride parking. Donation opportunities for Chris available.
May 18 – Regular City Council meeting.
May 25 – City offices/facilities closed for Memorial Day. Garbage/recycling pickup moved to Tuesday and Wednesday.
May 27 – Committee of the Whole at 7:00 AM.
Otter Express Transit – A new one-hour express loop is being launched at $1/ride, with 14 stops (clinic, apartment buildings, Walmart, Home Depot, YMCA, etc.) to encourage ridership during the busy construction season.
Pool and Splash Pad – Splash pad opens the Friday before Memorial Day weekend; aquatic center opens June 8 (fully staffed).
Federal Courthouse – Council Member Kremeier raised concern about the ongoing tarp and sandbags on the north steps of the federal courthouse. He proposed a stopgap fix (expanding foam + chain/sign) to improve appearance before the May 16 community events. Guy Kollman asked to coordinate with building department contact Jason.
Next Steps
May 16 – Community events: Chris Tungseth homecoming parade (2:00 PM) and Kirkbride concert (6:00 PM).
May 18 – City Council meeting; TIF District 418 public hearing and expected vote on TIF plan and business subsidy agreement.
May 19 – Mill and overlay project bid opening.
May 19 – Federal courthouse stopgap repairs (expanding foam/chain/sign) to be coordinated by Guy Kollman and Jason (building dept.) before the weekend if possible.
Kyle Meyer to follow up with MnDOT on Highway 10 trail crossing design (at-grade vs. underpass).
Staff to discuss Cleveland Avenue sidewalk snow removal policy and potential solutions (school district contract, city plow route).
RTC roof/window bid advertisement expected within the next two weeks.
Submit City Hall cupola plans to SHPO; await determination on bell placement.
Wellhead Protection Plan: proceed to scoping event with MN Dept. of Health; select plan writer.
City Administrator Bremseth to revisit OCTA snowmobile trail signage responsibilities within city limits.
Bid openings for Pebble Lake/Fryberg Overlay and De Lagoon Road: June 16.
Lead service line replacement: await MN Dept. of Health plan approval by June 30, then bid.
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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