Duluth City Council approves labor contracts, confirms new administrator and OKs $130,000 settlement; development agreement cleared

The Duluth City Council on Tuesday evening approved several items by unanimous votes, including collective bargaining agreements, appointments and a legal settlement.

The council approved the consent agenda, which included a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME covering 2025'227 and the confidential unit contract. The consent agenda passed by a 9-to-0 vote after a motion from Councilor Forsman, seconded by Councilor Mayo. City employees Cindy Faulkner and Sean Eastman spoke during public comment in support of the AFSCME contract; Faulkner called the agreement one that "will support retention" and Eastman said the ratification "recognize[s] the dignity and respect that all workers deserve."

The council confirmed Matthew Staling as city administrator and appointed Marsha Lou as the city's human-rights and equity officer; those confirmations were handled on the consent agenda and approved 9-0. Staling said accepting the appointment was "a great honor" and that he and his family look forward to serving Duluth. Mayor Emily Reiner and other councilors thanked outgoing interim administrator Dave Montgomery for his service; Mayor Reiner praised Montgomery's leadership during transitions and welcomed Staling's experience in Saint Cloud.

The council also approved Resolution 63, authorizing a development agreement between the city and Amity Bluffs LLC for a platted property east of Woodland Avenue and north of Vassar Street. The resolution was moved by Vice President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Swenson, and passed 9-0. Councilor Dirwachter said community concerns had been addressed and thanked developer Kevin Christiansen for modifying the plan after community feedback.

Separately, the council approved Resolution 86, a settlement in the matter captioned Respect Starts Here and Eric Ringerd v. the Duluth Economic Development Authority and the City of Duluth. The resolution authorizes settlement in the total amount of $130,000 pursuant to the settlement agreement and passed 9-0 on a motion by Vice President Nephew, seconded by Councilor Randolph. Councilor Randolph said the settlement "allows this neighborhood to turn the page and move on to a fresh future" and thanked city legal staff for their work.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (includes AFSCME collective bargaining agreement 2025'227 and confidential unit contract): approved 9-0 (mover: Councilor Forsman; seconder: Councilor Mayo). - Resolution 63 (development agreement, Amity Bluffs): approved 9-0 (mover: Vice President Nephew; seconder: Councilor Swenson). - Resolution 86 (settlement: Respect Starts Here et al.): approved 9-0 (mover: Vice President Nephew; seconder: Councilor Randolph). - Confirmations: Matthew Staling, city administrator, and Marsha Lou, human rights and equity officer: approved 9-0 as part of consent agenda.

The council also received public comments on other agenda items, including a resident's concerns about the Incline Village development and a request to review appointment processes for boards and commissions. The meeting adjourned after routine business.