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Summary of Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting – October 1, 2025

Updated: 11 hours ago

Time: 7:00 AM, City Hall ttendees: Mayor Anthony Hicks, council members (Mark Leighton, Al Kremeier, Mike Mortenson, Scott Rachels, Laurel Kilde, Jim Fish, Scott Kvamme, Laura Job), city staff (Bill Sonmor, Kyle Meyer, Klara Beck, Len Taylor), guest (Lee Smaltz).


Key Items

  1. Downtown Mural Grant Request (0:19–4:54)

    • Action: Recommended authorizing Public Arts Commission to apply for Lake Region Arts Council Legacy grant ($9,600–$12,500) for "Welcome to Fergus Falls" mural on Somplace Safe building (north wall, Union/Lincoln intersection).

    • Discussion (5 min):

      • Smaltz outlined placemaking/economic benefits, local artist focus, property owner approval (0:25–1:37).

      • Kilde questioned visibility over Marketplace sign; Smaltz confirmed lower placement (1:42–2:05).

      • Mortenson clarified grant-only request, future design approval (2:12–3:01).

      • Rachels suggested alternative walls; Smaltz noted grant deadline prioritized current site (3:24–3:49).

    • Outcome: Motion approved unanimously; recommended for consent agenda (4:40–4:54).

    • Significance: Advances public art, boosts downtown vibrancy.

  2. 2026 Engineering Task Orders (5:01–18:25)

    • Action: Recommended approving five task orders: Cavour Avenue ($346,500, More Engineering), Cleveland Avenue ($268,200, More), Douglas Avenue ($21,000, More), D Lagoon Park Road ($72,500, More), TH 210 utilities ($95,147, Interstate).

    • Discussion (13 min):

      • Meyer detailed full-scope agreements (survey to close) for utilities/streets/sidewalks; January/February bidding for 2026 construction (5:20–9:50).

      • Rachels requested Cleveland sidewalk alternates (Beach to Fur, near school) (13:27–13:58).

      • Meyer confirmed resident meetings, potential Cavour narrowing (14:03–14:28).

      • Mortenson questioned historical in-house costs; Bremseth: Lower than past (internal + consultant fees) (11:34–13:00).

      • Job sought 15% of accepted bid vs. average; Meyer: Contract specifies average (16:14–16:48).

      • Kilde noted termination flexibility, but fees accrue (16:53–17:17).

    • Outcome: Motion approved unanimously; recommended for separate resolutions (18:20–18:56).

    • Significance: Enables $3.2M+ infrastructure upgrades, potential savings via outsourcing.

  3. Aquatic Center 2025 Recap (19:35–32:00)

    • Action: Received year-one report; no formal action.

    • Discussion (12 min):

      • Taylor highlighted 19,655 visits (9,317 day passes, 8,762 memberships), $184K revenue ($77K profit vs. $125K subsidy projection); 173 towns/30 states represented (19:41–25:14).

      • Wet summer caused closures (12 days); won "Best Family Entertainment/Summer Fun" (25:47–26:31).

      • Future: Lap swim, lessons, toddler time, later hours; library pass popular (27:35–28:13).

      • Mortenson suggested subsidies (nonprofits, low-income); Taylor noted library pass, family purchases (29:17–30:07).

      • Rachels proposed naming rights/sponsorships; Taylor confirmed banner exploration (30:48–31:15).

      • Kilde sought capacity denials (none, count error); Taylor: One overcount (31:48–32:00).

    • Significance: Validates facility success, informs 2026 enhancements/subsidies.

  4. City Hall Bell Tower Update (32:02–50:18)

    • Action: Received incident report; no formal action.

    • Discussion (18 min):

      • Taylor detailed September 17 Constitution Day inspection revealing unlevel bell; evacuation September 19, removal via crane (Corby/Straight Line) (32:30–40:15).

      • Rotting framing/cupola deteriorated; temporary EPDM/poly seals ensure watertight (40:27–41:01).

      • Mortenson praised response; Taylor: No prior frequent inspections, noted 15–20 year ago reframing (42:33–43:56).

      • Rachels questioned OSHA/inspection records (none required); Taylor: 1928 bell (1,600–3,000 lbs), potential lobby/basement fall (44:33–45:01).

      • Bremseth: Insurance claim filed, historic grants ($15K–$20K possible via SHPO); Taylor: Metal rebuild with SHPO approval (45:52–46:47).

      • Kilde suggested sealing; Taylor: Existing EPDM intact (47:01–47:19).

      • Fish/Mortenson urged grants; Bremseth: Sequential (insurance first) (47:47–49:49).

    • Significance: Addresses structural failure, plans historic restoration.

  5. Town Hall Meetings (50:20–1:04:40)

    • Action: Discussed frequency, timing, location, structure; no formal vote.

    • Discussion (14 min):

      • Hicks proposed quarterly/monthly; Leighton: 5 PM too early, suggest 6:30–8 PM at library (50:20–51:56).

      • Kremeier: Every other month, council chambers, no agenda for open dialogue (52:28–54:37).

      • Rachels: Structure needed (staff, minutes, promotion); quarterly/library (6:30 PM) (55:31–58:30).

      • Noah: Monthly, 6:30 PM; opposes restrictions (1:02:48–1:04:34).

      • Mortenson: Wednesdays better; step-wise changes (time first) (1:04:40).

    • Significance: Refines engagement format for better attendance/transparency.

  6. Cannabis Registration Update (1:04:45–1:31:46)

    • Action: Reviewed six applicants; no vote (decisions October 6).

    • Discussion (27 min):

      • Beck detailed August 19 window, alphabetical review (Greenwood Roots/Elevate: B3, compliant; NB2A: B2, needs rezoning/purchase; Red Iris: B6, mall purchase; Sugar High: B3, compliant; SW Miso/Oola: No location, MISO fees paid) (1:06:30–1:18:28).

      • Buffers: 500 ft (grandfathered for Elevate/Sugar High); 1,000 ft schools; potential overlaps (e.g., NB2A/Red Iris) (1:11:52–1:17:40).

      • Mortenson questioned school definition (K-12+); Beck: State standard (1:18:34–1:19:16).

      • Job sought MISO details (retail/manufacturing); Beck: State guidelines, B3 retail-only (1:19:22–1:23:11).

      • Rachels noted Red Iris blight potential, VO withdrawal, IUP revocation (112 E Washington lease non-cannabis) (1:20:25–1:22:33).

      • Hicks: Alphabetical voting October 6, post-two closure resolution; Beck: Separate yes/no, property-tied IUPs (1:24:47–1:30:04).

      • Paul: Responsible use focus amid substance trends (1:27:53–1:28:48).

      • Rachels: Pre-vote state mandate resolution (1:28:56–1:30:59); Kremeier: Unnecessary (1:31:06–1:31:46).

    • Significance: Prepares merit-based decisions, clarifies processes.

  7. Announcements (1:31:53–1:32:00)

    • October 6: City council (5:30 PM).

    • October 15: Committee of the Whole (7:00 AM).

    • October 20: City council (5:30 PM).

    • October 29: Committee of the Whole (7:00 AM).

    • Significance: Informs public of schedules.

Next Steps

  • Mural Grant: Submit Lake Region Arts Council application; return with design for approval.

  • Engineering Tasks: Proceed with five projects; include Cleveland sidewalk alternates, Cavour narrowing; bid January/February 2026.

  • Aquatic Center: Restrict $77K profit for capital maintenance (resolution end-2025); explore subsidies (nonprofits, low-income), later hours, naming rights.

  • Bell Tower: File insurance claim; pursue SHPO grants ($15K–$20K); plan metal rebuild, reinstall 2026.

  • Town Halls: Propose every other month, 6:30–8 PM Wednesdays at council chambers (no agenda); evaluate post-pilot.

  • Cannabis: Review applications (online/unredacted upstairs); prepare October 6 voting (alphabetical, yes/no); seek 112 E Washington IUP revocation; consider mandate resolution.

  • Economic Development: Schedule Layman council meetings.



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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