This transcript has been formatted with the identified speakers based on the context of the Hermantown City Council members, city staff, and the specific topics discussed. ### **Hermantown Townhall Transcript** **[0:00] Wayne Boucher:** We'll call the meeting to order and stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. **[0:26] Wayne Boucher:** Roll call please. **[0:27] Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? **[0:28] John Geissler:** Here. **[0:29] Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? **[0:30] Andy Hjelle:** Here. **[0:31] Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? **[0:32] Brian LeBlanc:** Here. **[0:33] Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? **[0:34] Joe Peterson:** Here. **[0:35] Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **[0:36] Wayne Boucher:** Here. Uh, announcements. Do any councilors have announcements for tonight's meeting? **[0:41] Andy Hjelle:** Uh, I'd like to congratulate Zam Plante and Ty Mangan, both representing our country this year on different teams. So it's cool to see Hermantown, Minnesota on any international roster. **[0:49] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Anything else, Mr. Mulder? **[0:50] John Mulder:** Mayor, I just wanted to give an update because I know that some members of the audience will be interested in this as well. The city did receive a petition that was sent to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) that was then forwarded to us requesting an EAW. We need to respond—typically the deadline is 15 days, but we can also extend it for an additional 15 working days. So we have made that request and they said that was fine. We actually didn't need to make the request; we just needed to tell them we wanted additional 15 days. We are preparing a response for that and at some point in time that'll come back to the city council. We envision that being on November 17th, but we have that petition and we are reviewing that for an appropriate response. **[1:43] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Um, and I have a short statement I'd like to read. As Mayor of the City of Hermantown, I feel the need to address the breach of decorum and order that has recently been displayed at city council meetings and city commission meetings. Outbursts of cheering, jeering, clapping, and the yelling of disparaging comments have disrupted recent meetings. This behavior has also caused some to fear speaking up. The refusal by some speakers to follow our rules of decorum has been discourteous to those waiting to speak and caused some to give up and leave. I would like to apologize to anyone who felt their chance to speak was diminished or taken away by bad behavior. We will be taking action tonight and in the future to ensure that city meetings provide everyone with the chance to express their views in an orderly way. Civility is how we operate in Hermantown. We have a three-minute limit for verbal comments and written comments are always welcome and can be delivered before the end of the meeting. Anyone displaying discordant behavior will be asked to leave. If order is lost to the point where the meeting cannot continue, an emergency recess may be called to restore order. I would ask that you all be courteous so that everyone can speak their peace without being interrupted or delayed. And we will move on to the public hearing for an ordinance amending the fee schedule for licenses, permits, and fees, section 270 of the Hermantown Code of Ordinances. Mr. Mulder? **[3:20] John Mulder:** As we do on an annual basis, we review the proposed fee schedule and we look at that relative to the city's costs and areas that may need to add a fee or something like that. In front of you tonight is the 2025 fee schedule and then the 2026 schedule showing those changes. I'm not going to cover every fee change; most of them are fairly small, but I do want to point out just a couple of items. One is we did add a late fee this year for liquor licenses and tobacco licenses. In the past, we've had problems with licenses being late and we wanted to try to discourage that. So, we did institute a late fee for those applications. There were some cases where we actually reduced the fee, particularly in the area of club licenses for alcohol. We did have a new section for administrative and zoning reviews/environmental reviews. We recently passed an ordinance to that effect and we instituted a fee relative to those as well. And then finally, we did add utility rates where our utility rates for water, sewer and storm water are all increasing by 4.5% or less. I think water was 4.5, sewer was 2.5 and the storm water was 3.5. So, those are the highlights of the recommended changes. **[5:07] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Um, this is a time for public input on the ordinance amending Hermantown code of ordinances fee schedule. Is there anyone that wishes to speak to the council about this? If so, please step forward to the podium and start with your name and address. **[5:32] Rebecca Grandorf:** Rebecca Grandorf, 4198 Solway Road. Um, I would like to ask: why are the sewer rates and the water rates increasing this year? **[5:46] Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mulder? **[5:47] John Mulder:** In large part because we buy our water from the City of Duluth and so that rate has gone up. I want to say it was about 8 to 9% and we're increasing our rates by 4.5%. And then sewer, the rate that is charged by the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District went up as well and so we're passing a portion of those costs on. **[6:04] Rebecca Grandorf:** Does this have anything to do with the upgrade to our sewer related to the data center? **[6:09] John Mulder:** No, this is strictly for operations. **[6:15] Wayne Boucher:** Is there anyone else that has questions or comments about the ordinance amending the fee schedule? Any other questions or comments about the fee schedule? Section 270, Ordinance 2025-18. Hearing none. Do we have a motion for ordinance 2025-18, an ordinance amending Hermantown Code of Ordinances, section 270 fee schedule? Is there a motion? **[6:59] Andy Hjelle:** Make a motion to approve. **[7:02] Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Hjelle. Do we have a second? **[7:04] Joe Peterson:** I'll second. **[7:06] Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor Peterson. Any questions or comments by councilors? Roll call, please. **[7:12] Alissa McClure:** Councilor Hjelle? **[7:13] Andy Hjelle:** Aye. **[7:14] Alissa McClure:** Councilor LeBlanc? **[7:15] Brian LeBlanc:** Aye. **[7:16] Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson? **[7:17] Joe Peterson:** Aye. **[7:18] Alissa McClure:** Councilor Geissler? **[7:19] John Geissler:** Aye. **[7:20] Alissa McClure:** Mayor Boucher? **[7:21] Wayne Boucher:** Aye. Next is presentations. Mr. Mulder, could you give us a synopsis of the three presentations that were made at pre-agenda? **[7:31] John Mulder:** Sure. On a quarterly basis, our Director of Finance and Administration gives us a presentation on where we're doing in terms of the amount of money and where our money is invested. And then we also look at how we're doing on the budget. Our director went through those numbers. So far we are on track. Our expenses right now are going to be a little bit over budget and we explained why that was—particularly in terms of purchasing some additional land along Morris Thomas Road near Johnson Road, and then we also had a new roof put on Public Works, so that was an additional expenditure. Some of that will be covered by additional revenues. We've had a number of maintenance issues in our parks that wasn't budgeted. So we're over, but as a general rule, we're tracking right at about where we thought we would be. Secondly, the Director of Finance and Administration presented the special revenue and enterprise fund budget. Special revenue is when we have revenue specifically for specific purposes, for example, park mitigation, cable TV, the lease for the Essentia Wellness Center. The enterprise funds—water, sewer, storm water, and street light—are where we cover revenue for the sale of items and the expenses related to that. Finally, we had a presentation by Mediacom. In the next month or so, we will be renewing the Mediacom franchise. The agreement is a non-exclusive franchise that allows Mediacom to provide cable TV, but more recently they provide internet and broadband services as well. The franchise agreement allows them to operate in our right of way. Typically those agreements are for about 10 years, so we're renewing one that was renewed 10 years ago. **[10:03] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Um, moving on, we will now start public discussion. This is time for individuals to address the council about any item not on the agenda. We ask that you limit your time to three minutes per person. I have a list of people who have signed up for public discussion. First person is Jonathan Thornton and on deck is Kim Parmter. **[10:46] Jonathan Thornton:** Good evening, mayor and council members. Can you hear me? **[10:49] Wayne Boucher:** Name and address, please. **[10:50] Jonathan Thornton:** My name is Jonathan Thornton. I live at 5869 Hermantown Road. I did not have an opportunity to speak on the 20th of October; I was not in town. I did, however, watch all five hours of the meeting and I listened to over 50 of my neighbors and citizens of Hermantown give compassionate speeches to you all and after that I heard almost no dialogue—and that right there speaks volumes and really is upsetting to me. Now, I'm going to go down my letter here that I wrote back on October 16th. My involvement with the Hermantown community goes back decades. I was born and raised just a short distance from the proposed site of this development—the data center development that we've been speaking of that's been widely known now for only a few weeks. My wife and I have had the opportunity to raise our children next to grandma and grandpa on the same beautiful land that I grew up on. I am passionate about our community. In 2010 through 2012, we formed a group called Advance Hermantown. One of those drivers had to do with this corridor, this southwest corner of the community called Adolph. During that time, we talked about improving that area with commercial development, but also preserving it for its rural character. This was mentioned to my dad back in the day with Elmer Ruth saying this part of Hermantown should stay rural. In 2013, I was invited to participate in the Blandin Community Leadership Program. Mr. Mulder, you were in the cohort with me. One thing that really stuck out was "listening to learn." I'm not seeing that being practiced these last few weeks. In 2014, I was asked to participate in the Adolph small area plan. We talked about the fact that we still wanted it to be rural. If you read that report in detail, you can see that it has nothing to do with what's happening now. **[13:52] Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Thornton, your three minutes is up. **[13:54] Jonathan Thornton:** And that's unfortunate, Mr. Mayor. That's very unfortunate. I've got a lot more to say. **[14:01] Wayne Boucher:** You can give it back in writing if you like at another meeting. **[14:04] Jonathan Thornton:** Thank you. **[14:08] Alissa McClure:** And your name is? **[14:10] Lindsay:** Lindsay. **[14:12] Jonathan Thornton:** I'm going to continue speaking if that's okay. **[14:15] Wayne Boucher:** Okay. You're not on the list here, Lindsay, but we'll write you down. Is it okay to continue, Mayor? **[14:24] Wayne Boucher:** Yes, you have another three minutes. **[14:26] Jonathan Thornton:** So, in 2014, we did the small area plan, and if you read it in detail, you'll see that it has nothing to do with what you guys are proposing now. In 2016, I ran for the Hermantown School Board. During that time, we converted the old middle school into a YMCA. Fast forward, in 2022, I was asked to participate in the steering committee for the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. I was asked to participate in this directly from Mr. Johnson. He clarified it earlier, but it was not in an open format. What he had mentioned back in October 20th was that the community steering committee actually met six different times starting in September of 2022. We were also never invited to review the comprehensive plan. None of the steering committee members except for those that are also on the council were invited to see this. That's deceitful. Five of the 10 members have told me straight that they don't agree with how this all went down. The steering committee, the basis for all of what you've been talking about, was not even invited to review the plan before it went in front of you. This is a flawed process. On October 14th in Solway Town Hall, I had a direct conversation with Mr. Ronchetti. He told me straight to my face that they did not invite the steering committee to that meeting. He also told me that the steering committee was never engaged with after that point. That right there tells me something happened in September of 2024. Something happened and it's not good for our community. **[17:29] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. **[17:31] Jonathan Thornton:** I don't have much more to say. I'm too emotional. Obviously, I'm very upset about this and it has to do with trust. You guys have lost trust. I trusted every one of you. I trusted that you were going to do the right thing with the information on those six meetings that we had. **[17:57] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Thank you for your time. Next is Kim Parmter. And after Kim is Paul Fish. **[18:14] Kim Parmter:** Good evening. Kim Parmter, 5590 Stark Road, Midway Township. I'm the President and CEO of the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce. A little bit about my day today: I shut off my alarm at 5:30 a.m. with music synced from Pandora. I let the dog out in his GPS collar. I sent emails, checked my bank account, and checked where the kids were on Life 360. I streamed a podcast about happiness. At the office, I worked in Canva, pulling photos from the cloud. Over the weekend, I used my debit card at Blackwoods and Super One. Just normal everyday life. Behind every one of those moments—every card swipe, every GPS ping, every photo upload—is a data center. That’s what is powering our modern-day life. There's a lot of "not in my backyard" noise right now. What's unfortunate is that the people who actually live nearby are getting drowned out—our Hermantown residents and neighbors, ones who are supportive and ones who are not. If you care about the environment, there's no better place to build than in Minnesota. If you care about housing, this project opens up land that can finally connect to city water and sewer without burdening our taxpayers because the business will pay for it. We have to look at the opportunities of the future. This data center will be built somewhere. Let's make sure it's built here responsibly, proudly, and with the quality Hermantown is known for. **[21:14] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Paul Fish. And on deck is Jim Klukert. **[21:37] Paul Fish:** My name is Paul Fish. I live at 3935 Solway Road. I've lived in this community most of my life. My three boys graduated from Hermantown High School. My parents are buried in the cemetery here. I attended this meeting last year; I was here from 4:30 to midnight and I want to say, Mayor and the Councilors, I was appalled how disrespectful you were to the citizens of our community when they came up and gave heartfelt, passionate testimony about things they believed in. **[22:12] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Jim, you are next. And on deck is Derek Strum. **[22:21] Jim Klukert:** My name is Jim Klukert. That's K-L-U-K-E-R-T. I reside at 206 North 11th Avenue West in Duluth. I want to first thank the first responders, our police and fire department who are here. This is democracy. This is what it looks like. I am so glad you folks are here to take care of calming things down when people get passionate as they will when they are defending their homes. I am concerned for civility. I believe we want to have a good rational discussion. I am not in favor of disruption, but the disruption most evident to me is that certain people have neglected to follow through with their oath to defend the interests of the people who put them on this board. There's a very famous document that when the government no longer heeds the wishes of the governed, the governed are righteously enabled to stand up and to say no. I have done so before. If I need to take that kind of stand, I'm going to be civil and nonviolent, but I will be disobedient. There's a line beyond which we will not tolerate indifference of our elected officials. Thank you. **[25:26] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Derek Strum and after that is Jeffrey Donoghue. **[25:34] Derek Strum:** Yeah, my name is Derek Strum. 5853 Highway 194. First off, I’d like to say you are being very disrespectful to everybody that's come up here. You keep looking at that clock. Start engaging with your people. **[25:48] Wayne Boucher:** You're out of order, sir. That's a warning. Next time you'll be asked to leave. **[25:52] Derek Strum:** This data center, on average, a large one uses 5 million gallons of water per day. They're expecting this one to be the biggest one. The bad harmonics from this—these things act like wind farms; they disrupt animals. The water cannot be used once this thing is finally complete. Electric bills jump 19%. Minnesota Power was just bought by BlackRock. The fact that we've got NDAs being signed... the fact that it took less than five minutes for you council members to actually approve the rezoning is crazy. I've already proven you a liar earlier when we were talking about storm water. It's time right now that you all look yourself in the mirror. Either resign or guess what? We will find people to take your place. And Mayor, I will start with you. You're up in 2028 and if I have to, I will run against you. **[27:43] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you, sir. Jeffrey Donoghue. And next after that is Noel Donoghue. **[27:54] Jeffrey Donoghue:** Jeffrey Donoghue, 5540 Pine Hill Road. Gentlemen, you do not have the right to build a data center in Hermantown. You do not. If you think you do, I'm removing that permission along with 95% of the population of the Twin Ports. You don't get to decide for 175,000 people that live in the North. You don't get to fill in a watershed, divert a trout stream, or pollute our lake. Lake Superior has 10% of the world's above-ground fresh water. The Russian oligarchs and the Chinese billionaires that own JP Morgan and BlackRock don't care about our lake. We do. Why are you rezoning when 95% of us do not want this project? You hid it. You lied. The circus that was presented last week with stories of jobs and homes—that was all lies. This will not happen here. I'm asking you, back off. **[31:01] Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Next is Noel Donoghue. And after that is Dave Thornton. **[31:10] Noel Donoghue:** Noel Donoghue, 5540 Pine Hill Road. I find you all to be repulsive. Your legacy is something your children will have to live with. I moved here three years ago because of the lack of data centers. Phoenix, Arizona is the second largest section for data centers in the U.S., and it’s uninhabitable. Water is a non-renewable resource. You learn in other parts of the country: "if it's mellow, it's yellow; if it's brown, flush it down." You want to let them have our lake. They're going to take it. I hope you were just naive enough to believe them and that it isn't because you're malicious at heart. By the time you let one in, the next will follow. We're going to be the northern version of Phoenix. **[33:51] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Dave Thornton. And after that is Rebecca Grandorf. **[34:19] Dave Thornton:** Dave Thornton at 5861 Hermantown Road. Been there for 58 years. Fifty years ago, we became a city because we didn't want to incorporate into Duluth. I was promised by leaders of that time, Elmer Ruth and Wally Loberg, we were going to remain a rural area. Now this comprehensive plan puts the whole southwest corner as urban development. That's not what we wanted. Your own advertisement says we're an urban area that respects rural living. **[35:54] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Rebecca Grandorf. And on deck is Pete Taylor. **[36:05] Rebecca Grandorf:** Rebecca Grandorf, 4198 Solway Road. I feel like there are a lot of things still unknown. Will I hear the data center from my farm 2.5 miles away? Why did you write into the zoning code that sound levels related to generators need not be tested? What impacts to air quality can I expect? Regarding the water and sewer extension, utility commission notes said sales tax and private funding would be the source. So why the sales tax increase? Why the $100 million bond if this company is supposed to be paying for it? Where is the development agreement and are we going to see it before you issue a special use permit? We deserve to know if they're actually going to be paying for the waterline or if it's just a promise. **[39:06] Wayne Boucher:** Three minutes. Mr. Mayor, if you'd like to wait around till the end of the meeting, we can answer some of those questions for you. Next is Peter Taylor and after that is Kirk Island. **[39:31] Peter Taylor:** Peter Taylor, 4198 Solway Road. There's been talk about additional data centers. An email from December 5th from city staff mentions "a project similar to Lon with similar NDAs" on parcels near Maple Grove Road. So there appear to be conversations about another hyper-scale data center. How many more are being contemplated? One? Five? 20? City Council needs to discover these. Does Hermantown want to transmogrify into another Northern Virginia or stay as the Hermantown we know? There needs to be transparency and a conversation that includes the public and adjacent governments. **[41:53] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Kirk Island. And on deck is Nick Reinhardt. **[42:01] Kirk Island:** Kirk Island, 3913 North 21st Street, Superior, Wisconsin. I am the VP of Business Development with Lakehead Constructors, and I am here to speak in support of the data center. We employ skilled union tradespeople throughout Northeastern Minnesota—carpenters, laborers, pipefitters, and more. 90% of our workers live within 90 miles of the Twin Ports. Data is now central to all of our lives; it’s critical infrastructure, no different than heat or electricity. This data center will provide years of good-paying construction jobs and a valuable property tax base. Our region should find a way to take advantage of this opportunity. **[44:54] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Nick Reinhardt. After that is Dan Ershan. (Wait, Abby Devetti). **[45:14] Nick Reinhardt:** Nick Reinhardt, 4976 West Arrowhead Road. A lot of us have sent meaningful communications asking questions and we feel we're just being ignored. How many of you have sent emails? (Hands raise). How many have gotten a meaningful response? I understand state statutes protect trade secrets, but look at these people in this room. They're not going to stop coming. Please try to work with us. **[46:46] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Abby Devetti. And on deck is Tom Bates. **[47:04] Abby Devetti:** Abby Devetti, 4958 Greystone Street. I’ve helped design, develop, and build data centers. Regarding electricity rates, the Washington Post had an article this week saying rates are going up across the country because of aging infrastructure. On water use, we are so fortunate to live next to Lake Superior. 50,000 gallons drawn every second would drain the lake in 2,000 years. Data centers are great neighbors; I've slept next to a hyper-scale data center and it is dead silent. **[50:11] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Tom Bates and after that is Bob Kolmire. **[50:23] Tom Bates:** Tom Bates, 5369 Morris Thomas Road. You guys have invested quite heavily in this data center. There could come a time when you decide to back out. If that time comes, remember we got your back. We're not going to turn on you. We'll fight with you. **[51:33] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Bob Kolmire. And on deck is Emma Rickman. **[51:41] Bob Kolmire:** Bob Kolmire, 5757 St. Louis River Road. I had the mayor out to my house on October 19th. My question pertains to the M2 zoning. Why wouldn't M2 comply with Mortonson asking for industrial manufacturing? Light manufacturing allows this type of business to operate in a residential district, which is where I live. If you made it heavy manufacturing to match what Mortonson is saying, you couldn't approve it because it's in a residential district and not allowed because of noise. **[52:09] Wayne Boucher:** Uh, this isn't a question and answer type forum, but if you're still here at the end of the meeting, I can answer questions for you. **[54:54] Wayne Boucher:** Next is Emma Rickman and after that, Sarah Winter. **[55:05] Emma Rickman:** Emma Rickman, 5215 Chris Drive. I live 2.5 miles from the site and I am losing sleep. The buildout will take 8 to 10 years. Mayor Boucher, when you first heard about the 50 full-time jobs, you said "wow." Many of us are saying "wow" to the lack of respect and transparency. Mr. Ronchetti, reading through FOIA documents, it is clear you were chipper at the scale of this project. A lie through omission is still a lie. Why are five additional parcels north of the site subject to NDAs? Why did David Bol share that we can get an additional 600,000 gallons of water per day from Duluth when Mortonson stated they only need 50,000? You have detonated the trust with the people of Hermantown. **[58:08] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Sarah Winter. And after Sarah is Clarissa Act. **[58:17] Sarah Winter:** Sarah Winter, 3658 Birch Road. A couple of years ago, we decided to stay in Hermantown because we love the stars at night and the quiet. Now you risk those things. You want to turn out our stars with light pollution. If you are for this, we fundamentally disagree about what quality living looks like. I can’t see any benefit. These jobs are often not local; a group of construction workers goes around building these. Big companies have the best lawyers to get the lowest tax bill possible. This is a 10-year long, loud construction project. **[1:01:24] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Clarissa Act and on deck is Joanne Bates. **[1:01:38] Clarissa Act:** Clarissa Act, 3505 Solway Road. Since January 2023, Mayor Boucher, you’ve voted on 618 resolutions and voted against three. Councilor Geissler, you voted on 499 resolutions and voted no zero times. Councilor Hjelle, you voted on 522 resolutions and voted no zero times. Councilor Peterson, since 2025 you’ve voted on 88 resolutions and voted against zero. How is it possible that every rezoning and special use permit is good for Hermantown? The answer: it isn’t. This board is weak. You are "yes-men"—a good old boys club—but we continue to say no. **[1:04:19] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next is Joanne Bates. And after that is Carrie Heron. **[1:04:46] Carrie Heron:** Carrie Heron, 374th Street, Proctor. I’m getting involved because this is an egregious wrong. I learned a lesson from MTV’s *Daria*: a school principal gets sponsorship from a soda company and it spirals until there are posters and vending machines everywhere. Every time Daria speaks out, the sleazy soda guy says, "Well, you drink soda, don't you?" That's not the point. It’s not whether you use smartphones; it’s that doing secret deals in the dark matters. I have yet to see one concrete good thing about data centers other than money for Fortune 50 companies. **[1:08:05] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Is there anyone else that wishes to speak that is not on the list? **[1:08:18] Tim Resburg:** Tim Resburg, 3646 Midway Road. What about the people whose wells are going to go dry? Why is this being built under the presumption of light business when it's industrial? Why can't it be built on Highway 53 where there's already zoning and high power lines? The backup generators are loud; I've wired them up as an electrician. What happens if they leak fuel? What about the blasting for the ledge rock? That vibration will affect people's foundations. The Adolph people have already voted down light business several times; they want to keep it rural. **[1:11:34] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. **[1:11:39] Joanne Bates:** I am Joanne Bates, 5369 Morris Thomas Road. I have felt disrespected by the lack of answers. A lot of people talk about tech users as hypocrites, but it’s not a bad thing to want a better life for neighbors while living in the world as it is. I'm looking forward to you answering questions tonight. **[1:13:00] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Is there anyone else? **[1:13:14] Kylie Rous:** Kylie Rous, 6151 4th Avenue East, Superior. I work as a mental health therapist and one of the big pushes is using AI for documentation. I refuse to do that because I know AI uses so much water and is harmful for communities. We are willing to make those kinds of sacrifices for our neighbors. **[1:14:38] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Please start with your name and address. **[1:14:43] Annette Ralph:** Annette Ralph, 5781 St. Louis River Road. They are building data centers in Sparks, Nevada using old batteries; they don't need to tap into power sources or use all that water. They build them out in the middle of nowhere. Do your homework. This is crazy. **[1:16:03] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next. **[1:16:10] Gail Johnny Jack:** Gail Johnny Jack, 5195 Levake Junction Road. You have all broken our trust. How do the cumulative impacts of multiple data centers get analyzed? If you must have them, put them where there's already heavy industrial. I think you've been pulled in by dollar signs and water lines. These big companies always find loopholes. Let's find smaller local businesses to fill job gaps instead. **[1:19:42] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Anyone else? **[1:19:45] Owen Lions:** Owen Lions, 5143 West Arrowhead Road. Have you found a different site yet? **[1:20:00] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Next. **[1:20:03] Josh Sandstrom:** Josh Sandstrom, 3892 Munger Shaw Road. I'm worried about property values. Data centers are taking advantage of easy-to-grab residential land. If a Fortune 50 company comes in, they should be responsible for compensating residents whose property values drop. I'll call it the "Adolph Abomination." **[1:22:56] Wayne Boucher:** Name and address, please. **[1:23:01] Kathy Peterson:** Kathy Peterson, 4601 Etsego, Lakeside. I've seen photos of homes that have almost no value because they have data centers in their backyards. Would you want that? I have hope in my heart that you all can look at us and say, "I have changed my mind." **[1:24:44] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Uh, anyone else? **[1:24:50] Sarah Lovald:** Sarah Lovald, 5502 Hermantown Road. At the October 6th meeting, residents spoke with concern over the quick turnaround to approve the AUAR. Mr. LeBlanc stated that transparency hasn't happened yet. Mr. Wicklund assured residents we are at the beginning of the process. But details on water and energy were already available as a handout. Project Lon has been in the works for much longer than what's considered the "beginning." If residents show up and voice opposition, will you stop the project? Will you listen to your constituents? **[1:30:19] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Is there anyone else? **[1:30:38] James Thornton:** James Thornton, 5784 Road. I went to your comprehensive plan meeting and nothing was said about a data center. Minnesota Power said they were going to harden lines, but nothing was said about a data center. If this thing comes off the rails halfway through, who's going to get stuck with the bill? I hope you have an off-ramp. **[1:32:52] Wayne Boucher:** Thank you. Given that we're at the end of public discussion, we will take a short 5 to 10 minute break and then we'll move back into the consent agenda. *** **[1:33:12] Wayne Boucher:** Okay, we will move back into the regular agenda. Under consent agenda, we have minutes approval or correction of the October 20th, 2025 city council continuation minutes. And we do have a correction: Councilor Geissler was out of town, so those votes will be changed from five ayes to four. Next is accounts payable, general city warrants in the amount of $834,889. Do we have a motion? **[1:34:13] John Geissler:** Motion to approve with the corrections noted. **[1:34:16] Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Geissler. Is there a second? **[1:34:25] Brian LeBlanc:** I'll second. **[1:34:28] Wayne Boucher:** Second by Councilor LeBlanc. Roll call, please. **[1:34:30] Alissa McClure:** (Roll call - All Aye). **[1:34:34] Wayne Boucher:** Next, Ordinance 2025-9, an ordinance amending section 350 accepted and open streets and roads. First reading. Mr. Mulder? **[1:35:10] John Mulder:** This is just updating the list of roads we've accepted over the last couple of years. **[1:35:31] Wayne Boucher:** Is there anyone in the audience that have questions? **[1:35:16] Tom Bates:** Tom Bates, 5369 Morris Thomas Road. I'm wondering about Ugstad Road; it's getting to be like a truck trail. It really does need work. **[1:36:40] Wayne Boucher:** We are aware of the condition of the road and there may be action on that in the future. **[1:37:07] Wayne Boucher:** Resolution 2025-161, final assessment roll for Hermantown Road and Old Midway Road. Do we have a motion? **[1:37:25] Andy Hjelle:** Make a motion to approve. **[1:37:26] Wayne Boucher:** Motion by Councilor Hjelle. Is there a second? **[1:37:27] Joe Peterson:** I'll second. **[1:37:28] John Mulder:** This is the final assessment for Hermantown Road which was reconstructed in 2024. **[1:38:07] Brian LeBlanc:** I think given the potential for tax growth, we should kick this to next year by tabling it and re-evaluating. **[1:38:17] Wayne Boucher:** There is a motion on the table. We will have public discussion. First is Jonathan Thornton. **[1:38:33] Jonathan Thornton:** My name is Jonathan Thornton, 5869 Hermantown Road. This letter serves as my objection to the assessment of $9,400. Based on my 35 years of professional knowledge in real estate, the benefits received from this project do not exceed the assessment. The appraiser even acknowledged that current market conditions prevented him from using the standard direct sales comparison approach. **[1:42:11] Nathan Gilbertson:** Nathan Gilbertson, 5854 Hermantown Road. The person who did the assessment is Sanford Hoff. He is a local developer beholden to the council for his own projects. This is a conflict of interest. **[1:44:05] Derek Strum:** Absolutely. Derek Strum, 5853 Highway 194. You need to listen. You don't care what any of us have to say. **[1:45:05] Tim White:** Tim White, 5467 Hermantown Road. This assessment unfairly burdens homeowners for what should be standard public road improvements. Bullet point 8 in your letter claims tangible improvements to my property, but our custom mailbox was replaced by a cheap version and our privacy trees were taken down. **[1:48:43] Sarah Lovald:** Sarah Lovald, 5502 Hermantown Road. Why did the council not approve partial payments for this assessment? It’s either $9,400 now or $14,000 over 15 years. **[1:50:23] John Mulder:** That has historically been the policy, but we could have a resolution allowing for partial payment at the next meeting. **[1:51:50] Joe Wicklund:** There were five parcels administratively removed from this process today because they were adjacent properties on corners or unbuildable lots. **[1:53:13] Brian LeBlanc:** Regarding Mr. White's request, was that one of the five? **[1:54:11] Joe Wicklund:** It is not. **[1:55:18] Andy Hjelle:** I guess Mr. Mayor, I would just like to say we've been doing this for 5 years and past assessments were higher than $9,400. I will be voting positively. **[1:56:40] Wayne Boucher:** Roll call on 161. **[1:57:10] Alissa McClure:** Councilor Peterson (Aye), Councilor Geissler (Aye), Councilor Hjelle (Aye), Councilor LeBlanc (Nay), Mayor Boucher (Aye). **[1:57:15] Wayne Boucher:** Resolutions 2025-162 through 164 are hardship deferrals. **(Motions made and seconded by council members Geissler, LeBlanc, Peterson, and Hjelle. Resolutions passed unanimously).** **[2:02:10] Wayne Boucher:** Resolution 2025-165, special use permit for grading and filling at 557X Hermantown Road. **[2:02:40] Eric Johnson:** This is a property where Rocky Run Creek runs along the edge. The applicant is building a home with well and septic, required to be 200 feet from the water body. **[2:03:49] Owen Lions:** I own river property and I cannot touch a tree within 150 feet of a trout stream. There should be no grading or filling. **[2:04:47] Allison Holten:** 5971 St. Louis River Road. Is the 200-foot setback from the actual edge of the water or the ordinary high water level? **[2:05:43] Eric Johnson:** It’s from the ordinary high water level established by the DNR. **[2:05:43] Jordan Ernste:** I am the applicant. I asked the city for guidance. The location is already cleared and was a field when I purchased it. I feel this is under scrutiny because of other things happening in this town. **(Resolution passed unanimously).** **[2:11:41] Wayne Boucher:** Resolution 2025-166, accessory structure at 557X Hermantown Road. **[2:13:37] Andy Hjelle:** We've done multiple of these in the past. **(Resolution passed unanimously).** **[2:14:46] Wayne Boucher:** Resolution 2025-167, keeping of livestock at 5053 Morris Thomas Road. **[2:15:38] Eric Johnson:** Three horses and four goats on 10 acres. **[2:16:58] Brian LeBlanc:** If the animals are a nuisance to the neighbors, what then? **[2:17:03] Eric Johnson:** We have the ability to revoke the permit if noise nuisances aren't mitigated. **(Resolution passed unanimously).** **[2:18:41] Wayne Boucher:** Resolution 2025-168, accepting Jenny Farms Lane infrastructure. **(Resolution passed unanimously).** **[2:20:30] Wayne Boucher:** Resolution 2025-169, pay request for Keen Creek Trail segment 4. **(Resolution passed unanimously).** **[2:22:15] Wayne Boucher:** Resolution 2025-170, off-site gambling for Hermantown Amateur Hockey Association. **[2:22:56] Brian LeBlanc:** Asking them to pay for part of the rink, we might as well let them do it. **(Resolution passed unanimously).** **[2:23:37] Wayne Boucher:** Mr. Mulder, is there any need for a closed session? **[2:23:38] John Mulder:** There is not. **[2:23:39] Wayne Boucher:** Motion to recess. **[2:23:42] Brian LeBlanc:** Move to recess. **[2:23:45] Andy Hjelle:** Second. **[2:23:48] Wayne Boucher:** All in favor? (All Aye). Thank you all.