On the agenda: Hermantown City Council Meeting — data center (Oct 20)

CITY OF HERMANTOWN
City Council Meeting
Monday, October 20, 2025
6:30 PM Central
MEETING CONDUCTED IN PERSON & VIA ZOOM
Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Present

Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Present

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Present

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Present

CITY STAFF:

John Mulder, City Administrator; Alissa McClure, City Clerk; Eric
Johnson; Community Development Director; Joe Wicklund, Assistant City
Administrator; Chad Ronchetti, Economic Development Director; Jim
Crace, Director of Public Safety; Zach Graves, Fire Chief; Trish Crego,
Utility & Infrastructure Director; David Bolf, City Engineer; Gunnar
Johnson, City Attorney

VISITORS: > 250
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS
5. PUBLIC HEARING
6. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Correspondence 25-456 through 25-538 placed on file
7. PRESENTATIONS
8. PUBLIC DISCUSSION
9. MOTIONS
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes - Approval or correction of October 6, 2025 City Council Continuation
Minutes
B. Accounts Payable - Approve general city warrants from October 1, 2025 through
October 15, 2025 in the amount of $2,212,130.21

City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
Page | 2

Motion to the approve the Consent Agenda. This motion, made by Councilor Hjelle
and seconded by Councilor Peterson, Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
11. ORDINANCES
A. 2025-17 An Ordinance Amending Title 2 Of The Hermantown City Code By
Amending The Official Zoning Map
Frankie Felegy, 1908 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Spoke about transparency
concerns and the data center project based on comments from the public.
Matt Baumgartner, Duluth Chamber – In favor. Cited community and job benefits.
Katie Hawkins, 3683 Stebner Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Raised concerns
about secrecy, FOIA findings, and alleged backdoor meetings. Urged council to vote
no.
Lynn Bradford, 3525 Solway Rd, Solway, MN – Opposed. Concerned about
environmental impacts and lack of proper study. Asked council to slow down.
Michael Koppy, 5124 Beaver Creek Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Believes the
AUAR is incomplete and an EIS should be done before proceeding.
Eric Palmer, 3712 Linda Rd, Hermantown, MN – In favor. Supports job creation,
tax revenue, and local opportunities.
Nick Rhinehart, 4976 W Arrowhead Rd, Hermantown, MN– Opposed. Worried
about large-scale industrial impact on Hermantown’s character.
Megan Elling, 5969 Morris Thomas Rd, Solway, MN– Opposed. Alleged
manipulation of the process and staff bias. Concerned about property values and
urged a no vote.
Clarissa Ek, 3505 Solway Rd, Solway, MN – Opposed. Cited long-standing
community opposition to development in Adolph. Asked council to represent
residents, not corporations.

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City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
Page | 3

Deb Flynn, 5863 St. Louis River Rd, Hermantown, MN– Opposed. Recently built
home and does not want the project nearby.
Nate Rickard, 4878 Trails End Dr, Hermantown, MN – In favor. Supports rezoning
to grow tax base and wants more public information shared.
Carrie Herron, 37 4th St, Proctor, MN – Opposed. Criticized secrecy and lack of
transparency; raised environmental concerns.
Kirk Elinda, 3913 N 21st St, Superior, WI – In favor. Spoke for Lakehead
Constructors, citing jobs for local tradespeople.
Joann Bates, 5369 Morris Thomas Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Expressed
distrust of promises and urged a no vote.
Mandy McDonald, 3904 Reinke Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Concerned
about deforestation and environmental harm.
Mark Hummel, 5195 Lavaque Junction Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Called
the process secretive; urged postponing the vote for more public input.
Dale Cich, 5195 Lavaque Rd, Canosia, MN – Opposed. Criticized secrecy and
potential environmental and quality-of-life impacts.
David DiPasquale, 5332 Norwood St, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Questioned longterm impacts, energy use, and exit plan if the data center closes.
Andy Pelland, 5831 St. Louis River Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Asked
council to vote no for the good of the community.
Cathy Hannon, 1501 3rd Ave, Proctor, MN – Opposed. Questioned promised job
numbers and suggested water-saving landscaping.
Allison Hafften, 5971 St. Louis River Rd, Solway, MN – Opposed. Objected to the
rezone and SUP process, citing moral and environmental concerns.
Andrea Dingmann, 4204 Ugstad Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Requested more
studies and raised health and safety concerns.
Mickey Pearson, 3231 E 4th St, Duluth, MN – In favor. Represented APEX, said
project brings opportunity and will follow environmental laws.
Amanda, 1116 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN – In favor. APEX representative
supporting job creation and retention of local graduates.
John Soshea, 4095 Reinke Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Cited lack of
transparency and concerns about NDAs.

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City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
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Nathan Barda, Rolling Rd, Esko, MN – Neutral. Shared surrounding communities’
concerns and requested communication.
Richard Hilton, 5502 Hermantown Rd – Opposed. Criticized lack of transparency
and ethics; urged a no vote.
Sarah Lofald, 5502 Hermantown Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Cited family
history in Hermantown; urged preserving rural character and requiring an EIS.
Matthew Murphy, 2210 Cottage Hill Cir, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Concerned about
AI industry instability and long-term economic risk.
Kyle Bukavich, 2284 E Foxboro Rd, Foxboro, WI – In favor. Represented IBEW;
emphasized job creation and local economic benefit.
Dan Olson, 6001 Cumming Ave, Superior, WI – In favor. Stated the project
supports economic growth.
Nicki Norland, 4419 McCulloch St, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Emphasized listening
to residents and protecting community character.
Cathy Colmeyer, 5757 St. Louis River Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed.
Concerned about environmental impacts and long construction disruption.
Jackie Dolentz, 5842 Old Hwy 2, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Criticized secrecy,
loss of trust, and urged preserving rural Hermantown.
Rebecca Grandorf, 4198 Solway Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Criticized
limited public engagement and development transparency.
Mike Ralph, 5781 St. Louis River Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Expressed
frustration with the project and urged a no vote.
Sadie, 925 E 5th St, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Presented petition and questioned job
automation.
Dave Thornton, 5861 Hermantown Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Concerned
about process flaws and transparency.
Tom Bates, 5369 Morris Thomas Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Spoke about
potential water use and pollution from the project.
Jack Carlson, 8482 Swan Lake Rd, Alborn, MN – In favor. Represented Duluth
Construction Trades Council; emphasized local employment benefits.
Donald Smith, 342 E Locust St, Duluth, MN – In favor. Said project brings jobs, tax
revenue, and community investment.

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City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
Page | 5

Kelsey Mack, 3608 Midway Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Lives near the site;
said residents were not properly informed.
Kim Parmeter, 5590 Stark Rd, Midway Township, MN – In favor. Chamber of
Commerce president; promoted thoughtful growth and future investment.
Bill Olson, 408 W Superior St, Duluth, MN – In favor. Highlighted construction,
local business, and economic benefits.
Peter Taylor, 4198 Solway Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Criticized process
transparency and connection between comp plan and project.
Lynette Ralph, 5781 St. Louis River Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Concerned
about noise, wells, and property impacts near her home.
Nick Smith, 2973 Exeter St, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Cited environmental harm,
water use, and loss of community identity.
Bryan Johnson, 4060 Sangstrom Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Raised concerns
about transparency and rate increases.
Amanda Marciniak, 3221 Restormel St, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Environmentalist
citing NDAs and lack of democracy; urged investment in green energy instead.
Bob Kohlmeier, 5757 St. Louis River Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Lives 350
feet from project site; concerned about noise and loss of quality of life.
Tim Resberg, 3646 Midway Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Argued project is
heavy industrial and should be relocated elsewhere.
Emma Rickman, 5215 Chris Dr, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Criticized AUAR,
secrecy, and long-term environmental harm.
Rebecca Gilbertson, 5854 Hermantown Rd – Opposed. Said site violates siting
recommendations for data centers.
Christina Gallop, 1114 Kirby Dr, Duluth, MN – Opposed. UMD professor; raised
sustainability and noise law concerns.
Saul Helgeson, 4006 Five Corners Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Urged a pause
and greater transparency before proceeding.
Rocky Russo, 4884 Midway Rd, Canosia, MN – Opposed. Cited health and
environmental concerns from EMFs and long-term impacts.
Nicole Kearney, 7740 Birch Rd, Canyon, MN – Opposed. Asked to table decision
pending full environmental review.

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City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
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Jim Klukkert, 206 N 11th Ave W, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Criticized lack of
representation and corporate influence.
Patrick Mally, 4691 Vaux Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Said too many
questions remain and urged tabling the issue.
Paul Paczynski, 5381 Morris Thomas Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Believes
comp plan was changed to fit project; questioned financial impacts and fairness.
Miranda McKay Chambers, 5744 Jamebard Rd – Opposed. Urged postponement for
more information; said company can wait.
John Grillo, 5317 Split Rail Dr, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Spoke about land
acquisition concerns and urged the council to do the right thing.
Sara Yokel, 3867 Ugstad Rd, Hermantown, MN – Opposed. Linked project
concerns to school funding and community priorities.
Lily Hall, 4516 Pitt St, Duluth, MN – Opposed. Criticized lack of disclosure and
urged sustainable, transparent planning.
(second reading)
(motion, roll call)
Motion to approve 2025-17 An Ordinance Amending Title 2 Of The Hermantown
City Code By Amending The Official Zoning Map. This motion, made by Councilor
Peterson and seconded by Councilor LeBlanc. Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
B. 2025-18 An Ordinance Amending Hermantown Code Of Ordinances Section
270 - Fee Schedule
(first reading)
(motion, roll call)
12. RESOLUTIONS

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City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
Page | 7

A. 2025-155 Resolution Authorizing The City Of Hermantown To Waive
Municipal Consent To The Minnesota Department Of Transportation For The
State Project 6908-68 On Trunk Highway 2 Improvements
(motion, roll call)
Motion to approve 2025-155 Resolution Authorizing The City Of Hermantown To
Waive Municipal Consent To The Minnesota Department Of Transportation For The
State Project 6908-68 On Trunk Highway 2 Improvements. This motion, made by
Councilor Peterson and seconded by Councilor LeBlanc, Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
B. 2025-156 Resolution Approving Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) And
Authorizing And Directing Mayor And City Clerk To Execute And Deliver
MOU With Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 47 (“LELS”)
(motion, roll call)
Motion to approve 2025-156 Resolution Approving Memorandum Of
Understanding (MOU) And Authorizing And Directing Mayor And City Clerk To
Execute And Deliver MOU With Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 47
(“LELS”). This motion, made by Councilor LeBlanc and seconded by Councilor
Hjelle, Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
C. 2025-157 Resolution Authorizing Mayor And City Clerk To Execute A TenYear Multi-Jurisdictional Agreement Between The City Of Hermantown And
The City Of Duluth To Create A Regional Tactical Response Team
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City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
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(motion, roll call)
Motion to approve 2025-157 Resolution Authorizing Mayor And City Clerk To
Execute A Ten-Year Multi-Jurisdictional Agreement Between The City Of
Hermantown And The City Of Duluth To Create A Regional Tactical Response
Team. This motion, made by Councilor Hjelle and seconded by Councilor Peterson,
Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
D. 2025-158 Resolution Approving DEED Contamination Clean-Up And
Investigation Grant Application
(motion, roll call)
Motion to approve 2025-158 Resolution Approving DEED Contamination Clean-Up
And Investigation Grant Application. This motion, made by Councilor Peterson and
seconded by Councilor LeBlanc, Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 5, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
E. 2025-159 Resolution Approving A Consent Related To The Development
Contract Between The Hermantown Economic Development Authority, The
City Of Hermantown And KTJ 360, LLC For The Pillars Of Hermantown
Senior Living Project
(motion, roll call)
Motion to approve 2025-159 Resolution Approving A Consent Related To The
Development Contract Between The Hermantown Economic Development
Authority, The City Of Hermantown And KTJ 360, LLC For The Pillars Of
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City Council Continuation Meeting
October 20, 2025
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Hermantown Senior Living Project. This motion, made by Councilor Hjelle and
seconded by Councilor Peterson, Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
F. 2025-160 Resolution Approving Consent To Assignment Of Development
Agreement Among KTJ 360, LLC, Pillars Of Hermantown, LLC, And City Of
Hermantown, And Authorizing The Mayor And City Clerk To Execute And
Deliver The Agreement On Behalf Of The City Of Hermantown
(motion, roll call)
Motion to approve 2025-160 Resolution Approving Consent To Assignment Of
Development Agreement Among KTJ 360, LLC, Pillars Of Hermantown, LLC, And
City Of Hermantown, And Authorizing The Mayor And City Clerk To Execute And
Deliver The Agreement On Behalf Of The City Of Hermantown. This motion, made
by Councilor Peterson and seconded by Councilor Hjelle, Carried.
Councilor John Geissler:

Absent

Councilor Andy Hjelle:

Yea

Councilor Brian LeBlanc:

Yea

Councilor Joseph Peterson:

Yea

Mayor Wayne Boucher:

Yea

Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
13. CLOSED SESSION
14. RECESS
Meeting adjourned at 11:55 p.m.

ATTEST:
________________________________
Mayor
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October 20, 2025
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___________________________
City Clerk

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