City of Duluth

This presentation outlines a predesign study for the LSZ Main Building and a park improvement plan for the Park Point Recreation Area. The LSZ Main Building study details the process from feasibility and space needs programming to concept design and future phases including capital campaign planning and construction. The Park Point Recreation Area plan aims to adopt a community-supported strategy focusing on accessibility, diverse recreational opportunities, cultural and natural resource protection, and resilient design for climate change. Key priorities for Park Point include strategic investment, fostering inclusion, enhancing economic development, promoting public participation, bolstering partnerships, and strengthening climate resiliency within the park system.

The special meeting agenda included a review and approval of the agenda, public comments submitted in advance, and reports from the Library Manager, ECRD, and the Friends organization. Old business focused on the update regarding the restoration of services and staffing levels. New business addressed the June board meeting, and ongoing business covered advocacy efforts. Supplementary reports detailed hiring updates, including offers accepted for library technician positions; progress on the organizational culture project guided by Employee Strategies, Inc.; the installation of new artwork at the Mt. Royal branch; the launch of diversity audits for collections and programming; and the finalization of an electronic signing process for the ISD 709 Port Card agreement. Further updates covered summer activity planning in partnership with Parks, evaluation efforts with Colibri, and progress on the Little Library Go van wrap and the delayed Baby's First Books program.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding a proposed 4.5% increase to the sanitary sewer variable rates. Key discussion points during the regular session involved an update on the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) calculation, concluding that the method used did not conform to City code requirements, necessitating a review with the engineering firm. The Commission also addressed a one-time sanitary sewer rate increase and unanimously approved the 2022 utility budget. In new business, resolution 21PUC-006 establishing customer and user charges for wastewater facilities, effective January 1, 2022, was approved. Staff provided updates on wrapping up construction projects, including Decker Road and Woodland Avenue gas projects. Commission members inquired about the use of American Rescue Plan Act funding for stormwater projects, water meter replacement scheduling, the status of the lead pipe corrosion study, and natural gas purchasing strategies.

The Commission meeting involved consideration of multiple matters requiring action. Key discussion items included an application for alteration of interior walls and corridors at 132 E Superior St (Oliver Inn/Old City Hall) and electrical upgrades to the interior of 8131 Congdon Blvd (Lakewood Pump House and/or Surge Valve Building). Other business featured presentations regarding the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge Rehabilitation and Skyline Parkway/Bardon's Peak. During reports, staff provided an update on the Planning Commission liaison role, noting that the Bellanger building project is anticipated soon. Additionally, staff provided an overview of the preliminary draft of the Programmatic Agreement for HUD programs in Minnesota, seeking preliminary review comments from the Commission. The Commission also held an election of officers, electing a President and Vice President, and reviewed and approved the current bylaws without changes. There was also discussion regarding the status of new applications for Commission membership.

The meeting convened but lacked a quorum, thus no previous minutes were approved. Key discussion points included updates on 'Trees in the News,' specifically concerning the benefits of trees, the use of sticky traps for EAB, and new rules affecting farm conservation acres. The Forester's Report detailed a Conciliation Court appearance regarding illegal tree cutting, resulting in a fine and a mandated replacement fee per tree, with the City undecided on an appeal. New business focused on planning for February tree pruning, including practice sessions and best practices for boulevard tree structure. In old business, the Tree Ordinance is slated to be split into two parts, integrating development and replacement sections into the Unified Development Code.