On January 27, Duluth City Councilors met for the second of their bi-monthly meetings.

One of several pieces on the council’s consent agenda: approving the agreement between AFSCME and the city. AFSCME’s local 66 represents some 500 city workers in Duluth, and negotiations with the city administration had been tense, with the union threatening to strike had a deal not been reached. However, new contract was agreed upon before any work stoppage could occur.

“This is a step forward in recognizing the dignity and respect that all workers deserve,” said Shawn Eastman, a city employee and AFSCME member, “Duluth works because we work. Together, we’ve shown the power of unity and perseverance.”

The contract approval as well as the rest of the consent agenda passed unopposed 9-0.

Also, up for approval was the final settlement concerning the Kozy Building – ending years of legal proceedings for the city that will see the blighted property eventually torn down.

“The building’s structural instability has rendered it really beyond any feasible restoration, leaving demolition as really our only viable solution. It allows this neighborhood to turn the page and move on to a fresh future and a fresh development.” Said Councilor Roz Randorf.

Councilors also voted 9-0 to approve the settlement deal.

Towards the end of the meeting, the Council, as well as Mayor Roger Reinert, took time to bid farewell to David Montgomery, Duluth’s outgoing City Administrator, and welcomed in his replacement, Matthew Staehling, who formerly held the position in St. Cloud.