One of the most prominent topics was the public hearing on the proposed abatement of diseased trees for 2024. Public Works Director Sean King outlined the annual procedure of identifying and removing diseased and dead trees throughout the city. Mary Lee, a resident of Kent Street, raised concerns about the financial burden of tree removal, specifically questioning the $1,050 cost. As a senior citizen on a fixed income, Lee inquired if these costs could be spread out over time through property taxes. City staff confirmed that assessments over $250 could indeed be spread over five years and highlighted a senior deferral program available for some assessments. Following these discussions, the council approved the abatement plan.

The council also addressed the preliminary plat for a project named “The Port on Little Detroit Lake,” located on West Lake Drive, where an old bowling alley stands. Deb Kard, association manager for the Detroit Lakes Bowling Association, voiced concerns about losing the facility, emphasizing its importance to the community. Kard highlighted programs for youth, seniors, and adaptive bowling, urging the city to support efforts to find a new investor or location for the bowling alley. Despite these concerns, the council approved the preliminary plat and moved forward with a conditional use permit for the planned 14-unit development.

A contentious moment arose when the council revisited discussions about potentially re-zoning a neighborhood for a new development project proposed by Brent Kean. During a previous public hearing, a resident had expressed support for the project, but it was later revealed that the individual had connections to the developer. This revelation raised questions about the integrity of the process. One council member raised concerns about the implications of this relationship, suggesting it reflected poorly on the council’s decision-making and called for the resignation of the Planning Commission Chairman, Sean Carlson, due to a perceived conflict of interest. Carlson defended his family’s right to express their opinions at public meetings, emphasizing that their comments were purely supportive of the need for housing and not intended to be underhanded. The debate underscored tensions regarding transparency and trust in the council’s deliberations.

The council also discussed the upcoming Beardly races scheduled for September 7, 2024, focusing on two proposed marathon routes. The council favored Option B, which would see runners turning at Phy Street, considering potential construction impacts on Frezy Street. The special event application for the race was approved without opposition.

In finance matters, the council revisited a resolution concerning the financing plan for two new airport hangers. Initially, the plan involved a 7% interest rate through a local bank, but further discussions led to a preference for internal financing, which would be more favorable. The motion to rescind the previous resolution passed without opposition.

The Public Utilities Commission introduced a construction management services agreement with Apex Engineering for the new water tower project, set at approximately $543,000. This agreement was approved by the council.

Other discussions included a resolution to adopt the assessment roll for the L Boulevard project, which would cost each homeowner $4,400, and authorization for a preliminary engineering report for Forest Street reconstruction. The council also received updates on several ongoing construction projects from the city engineer, including the rehabilitation of Northshore Drive and an archaeological investigation causing delays at the water tower site.

During the public comment segment, a local veteran expressed concerns about perceived threats to individual rights stemming from legislative actions, specifically mentioning Nancy Pelosi’s influence on democratic processes. The veteran requested that the mayor sign a mandate to clarify the definition of democracy taught in local schools, but the mayor declined while acknowledging the comments.

The council also discussed the need to appoint a member to the Becker County Cy board for upcoming elections, with one member volunteering. Patty Lavar’s resignation from the Arts and Culture Commission led to a recommendation for a replacement.