Mayoral and City Council election guide for Detroit Lakes

Matt Brenk - (incumbent)

• Name/Age - Matt Brenk, 67

• Spouse/Children - Married with adult children

• Hometown -

• HS/College -

• Occupation - Broker RE/MAX Lakes Region & Mayor City of Detroit Lakes

• Past political experience - Detroit Lakes City Alderman 18 years, Detroit Lakes Mayor 12 years

1. Is the city moving in the right direction? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe the City is moving in the right direction. Housing in Detroit Lakes continues to grow. Building permits topped $35 million in 2019, the second highest total in the past ten years and included 35 new single-family housing units. Over 200 new homes have been constructed in Detroit Lakes in the past five years. Hundreds of multi-family units have been developed over the same period.

Detroit Lakes continues to remain fiscally sound – and has done so in-spite of the drastic reductions in Local Government Aid over the past 19 years. Typically, over the past few years we have increased our levy modestly to match the cost of operations, but those increases have been mitigated by the increase in the City’s overall tax base due to good solid growth. Job opportunities are abundant in Detroit Lakes.

Detroit Lakes continues to enjoy one of the lowest tax rates in the region including cities like Fergus Falls, East Grand Forks, Bemidji, Thief River Falls and others. And statewide, our City tax rate is significantly lower than the average City rate for all greater Minnesota cities with populations between 5,000 and 10,000.

We continue to expand our park system, our multi-use trail system and other quality of life venues.

Private donations from individuals and businesses have helped the City with new amenities including Detroit Mountain Recreation Area and the new Boys and Girls Club facility. Past private/City community projects include the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center – the most utilized facility in Becker County prior to the pandemic.

We have made tremendous improvements in our downtown sector including building renovations, street improvements and streetscapes, new developments, additional stores and businesses and improved parking.

Overall, quality of life in Detroit Lakes is excellent and we continue to move to an even better level.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing the city currently? What would you do to address them?

One of the first challenges that we face is completion of current projects that are underway including the Detroit Lakes Becker County Airport runway project, the new Wastewater Treatment Facility and the new Police Department facility.

A significant challenge will be West Lake Drive and the beach area redevelopment and what that area will look like in the future? The City Council did commission and adopt a plan for the area but the actual components of the development of the area may or may not be exactly as the plan envisions. The plan is a template designed to provide ideas of what the possibilities are. One of the first improvements that we will likely see in the next couple of years is the reconstruction of West Lake Drive to match the reconstructed areas of Washington Avenue from Highway 34 down to south of the North Shore Drive roundabout.

Another challenge is getting West Lake Drive reconstructed from Legion Road to County 6 including a multi-use trail and we are hoping to complete that project in 2021.

We have some significant City facility challenges including the need for a new Public Works facility, renovation of City Hall and we’re going to need to do something with the Pavilion and with the Washington Ballpark in the future. And of course, the challenge of how do we pay for these projects?

And lastly, we face the challenges created by the pandemic with some of our City owned facilities - most importantly, the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center, which has suffered significant financial losses.

3. How would you continue to develop Detroit Lakes into a larger, small city, while at the same time preserving its historical and environmental character?

I believe that is exactly what has been happening in Detroit Lakes during the last 12 years that I have been Mayor. One area in which we can all be proud of is the fact that Detroit Lakes has 320 acres of park land and each year, we continue to add and expand our multi-use trail system. A new park has just been completed in Quadrant #4 which is the South Shore Drive area of the City. The new park includes a building that can be utilized for gatherings and includes bathrooms, trails, parking and other park amenities to be developed by the Park Board. Our internal trail system now is over 21 miles. Construction has been ongoing this summer on the Heartland Trail between Detroit Lakes and Frazee with significant segments now completed.

In terms of water quality stewardship, this past year, our Public Works Department completed 5,600 miles of street sweeping removing 3,496 yards of debris and pollutants and maintains over 100 stormwater treatment ponds in the City - together preventing harmful pollutants from entering our lakes and waterways. The City Council adopted the Green Steps City Program in August of 2019. Implementation of this program will provide more and better stewardship to our land and waterways and increase energy efficiency along with numerous other benefits.

The City has earmarked funds for the new Becker County Museum to be connected to the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center.

4. Are you in favor of the city’s current special assessment policy to pay for street projects, or would you favor a more city-wide assessment approach to equalize the burden? Why or why not?

There will always be differences of opinion regarding special assessments. The City of Detroit Lakes generally finances capital improvement projects with a combination of funds from the general tax levy, utility funds, special assessments allocated to benefitting properties, and/or grants from local, state, or federal agencies. I believe our current policy is serving the City reasonably well and I do not see a reason to advocate for a change.

5. What made you decide to run for city government? Or for re-election?

I love Detroit Lakes – this has been my home for the past 60 years and I want to continue to help make it the best City that it can be. I enjoy being Mayor and I want to continue to serve and to see the City go to the next level. Seeing what has happened in Detroit Lakes over the past 12 years is particularly rewarding. A specific priority if I am re-elected is to begin some implementation of the West Lake Drive redevelopment plan.

Paul Murray -

• Name/Age - Paul Murray, 57

• Spouse/Children - Son: Sam Murray, Daughter: Marissa Murray

• Hometown - Detroit Lakes

• HS/College - Detroit Lakes high school, graduated. North Dakota State College of Science, graduated in Computer Operations.

• Occupation - I work at the high school as an engineer/maintenance Custodian.

• Past political experience -

1. Is the city moving in the right direction? Why or why not?

I feel the city is not moving in the right direction. I feel We need to bring back tourism. We need to help our small business owners. And we need to bring more industry into town to create better paying jobs.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing the city currently? What would you do to address them?

Due to the current situation with the pandemic, I feel we need to help our citizens with some type of daycare assistance so both parents can work. Like I said in question number one, we need to bring industry into town to create better paying jobs.

3. How would you continue to develop Detroit Lakes into a larger, small city, while at the same time preserving its historical and environmental character?

Developing Detroit Lakes into a small city, with having a beach is awesome. We won’t lose any of our historical history in Detroit Lakes.

4. Are you in favor of the city’s current special assessment policy to pay for street projects, or would you favor a more city-wide assessment approach to equalize the burden? Why or why not?

No, I am not in favor of equalizing the burden.

5. What made you decide to run for city government? Or for re-election?

I feel Detroit Lakes is a great place to raise a family and I have a lot of love and compassion for my hometown, so I’d like to strengthen the community by running for mayor.

Jamie Marks Erickson -

• Name/Age - Jamie Marks Erickson, 57

• Spouse/Children - One daughter attending college

• Hometown - Columbia Heights, Minn.

• HS/College - John Marshall High School, Rochester, Minn. / University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

• Occupation - Development Officer (fund-raising, public relations, administrative)

• Past political experience - 12 yrs., Detroit Lakes City Council

1. Is the city moving in the right direction? Why or why not?

We are the envy of much of the state. While most small cities face population loss and abandoned downtowns, our biggest problem is managing growth.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing the city currently? What would you do to address them?

Coping with the pandemic, the recession and the changes in community policing. I will do what I have been doing—say thank-you in writing and in person, be supportive of decision-makers (who are navigating situations they had not imagined), and advocate when I see the need arise. I supported the first round use of CARES Act funding locally and encouraged more for the most COVID-impacted businesses. I supported police by voting for reasonable improvements in buildings, staffing and equipment. I have seen innovative and courageous approaches to community policing locally and am confident we can handle change.

3. How would you continue to develop Detroit Lakes into a larger, small city, while at the same time preserving its historical and environmental character?

In general, we have several great models here, such as the Highway 10 relocation/redevelopment area, the Graystone Hotel block and the Union Square townhomes on the north side. All of these models had community involvement, involved many partners and are a credit to their neighbors. In Ward 2 I’ve advocated for a project of this type around the Pelican River south of Highway 10. I encourage people to educate themselves, work together, and approach their city representatives, particularly their Ward-based representatives, to advocate for respectful redevelopment in their neighborhood or city-wide.

4. Are you in favor of the city’s current special assessment policy to pay for street projects, or would you favor a more city-wide assessment approach to equalize the burden? Why or why not?

I agree a change is needed in the reconstruction portion of the policy involving the owner’s share of the sewer and water utilities. Although it can be paid over a number of years, property owners are blind-sided by it. The question suggests the solution is a city-wide assessment, which is one idea and there are others. I think we should study this to come up with the right approach.

5. What made you decide to run for city government? Or for re-election?

I see the next two years as a time of transition. I plan to support newer members, take on different roles if needed as more experienced leaders vacate the council, and look for new people who are able and willing to become involved in city government.

Rick G. Johnson -

My name is Rick G. Johnson and I was born in Fargo and graduated from Moorhead State college with honors. We had a cottage on Cormorant so I also spent a lot of time in Detroit Lakes. I am retired now and I want to give back to the community.

I think a common sense approach to all aspects of ideas with an open mind to all. I spent about 12 years in Los Angeles and traveled all over the country. I have lived here the last 20 years. I hope that you will give me a chance to be helpful to the great city of Detroit Lakes.

Dan Josephson - (incumbent)

• Name/Age - Dan Josephson

• Spouse/Children - Nikki Caulfield

• Hometown - Detroit Lakes

• HS/College - Gustavus Adolphus College BA History; Minnesota State University - Moorhead BS Social Studies Education, Minor Coaching

• Occupation - Director of Energy Programs at MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership

• Past political experience - Completing first term on the Detroit Lakes City Council. 12 years on the City of Detroit Lakes Park Board. Member of the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area Board of Directors. Past President of the MN State High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association.

1. Is the city moving in the right direction? Why or why not?

I believe the City is moving in the right direction. We have a vibrant mix of things to do throughout the year from indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities to theater and public art. We have a community that cares about what is going on and is active in building our community up. Our community comes together to support nonprofits advance their missions like in the case of the Boys and Girls Club, Detroit Mountain, and the Becker County Museum. The community supported a Local Option Sales Tax to pay for the new Police Station. We need to continue to care for our aging infrastructure by maintaining our road, buildings, and facilities.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing the city currently? What would you do to address them?

The West Lake Drive Business Corridor Redevelopment from the Pavilion to Legion Road: We need to be forward thinking just like the city leaders were when they moved forward with the creation of the city beach. We need to look at all options to create a vision for the future that draws in new businesses and people to become a bigger and better place to shop, eat, and enjoy Detroit Lakes.

Maintaining and upgrading roads, buildings, and facilities: We have been upgrading roads with new streetscapes that are real enhancements to the community. We need to look at durable designs for the new improvements that will last for many years. With this in mind we also need to make a bigger effort to do the routine maintenance necessary to keep investments functioning the way they were intended for their entire lifespan. We have many aging buildings that need to be upgraded. Buildings that have seen their use and in order to continue to function we need to put some money into them to extend their life.

City planning and zoning: We need to support our businesses by providing more and better housing opportunities for workers looking to relocate to Detroit Lakes. We need to continue to work on our planning and zoning plans to provide developers areas where they can create multi-family buildings, townhomes, and rental units. Over the years, city staff and the city council have worked on development plans and have played a big role in the way our community is growing. We need to continue to look at places for opportunity rather than telling developers we would like you to build in our community but "not right here, it does not fit."

3. How would you continue to develop Detroit Lakes into a larger, small city, while at the same time preserving its historical and environmental character?

The community of Detroit Lakes has been active in the way it has been developing and redeveloping. The new police station is a good example of creating a new building that will have a long lasting impression on the city for years to come. The building has both growth and efficiency in mind to keep this facility current with projections and lasting durable finishes. Redevelopments have captured the historic nature of the buildings being repurposed to bring back some of the past beauty. The private redevelopment of the Norby Flats, the DLCCC and hopefully soon addition of the Becker County Museum. The city needs to continue to provide the base idea and infrastructure to invite the sound and thoughtful private business development.

4. Are you in favor of the city’s current special assessment policy to pay for street projects, or would you favor a more city-wide assessment approach to equalize the burden? Why or why not?

The city's special assessment policy does spread out street reconstruction burden to both the directly impacted adjoining property owners and the rest of the city tax payer. This process does allow for the entire city tax base to help pay for the common good services and impacts of a reconstruction project while placing some of the burden on the directly impacted properties.

5. What made you decide to run for city government? Or for re-election?

I grew up in Detroit Lakes and returned after college and have made my home here. I feel that it is better to be part of the process to continue to make things better for our community and to sit back and let things happen with a say in the process. I have always had the approach of if you want change to happen you need to show up and help make that change. I am wrapping up my first term representing the 3rd Ward of Detroit Lakes. I feel like I have taken my first term as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a voice for our community. Moving forward I would be honored to be able to represent Ward 3 for another 4 years to help our community grow and evolve into the future we can all be proud to call home.

Aaron Colby -

• Name/Age - Aaron Colby, 28

• Spouse/Children - Wife: Amber Colby / Son: Henry Colby

• Hometown - Detroit Lakes, MN

• HS/College - Detroit Lakes High School, 2011 graduate; Minnesota State Community and Technical college: Culinary Arts Degree, Automotive Technician Degree.

• Occupation - Kitchen Manager at Detroit Lakes Zorbaz

• Past political experience - None

1. Is the city moving in the right direction? Why or why not?

Yes, the city is moving in the right direction by collectively deciding on future projects such as schools, roads, and plans to ensure that our community and economy thrives.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing the city currently? What would you do to address them?

The biggest challenges facing Detroit Lakes right now would be the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused hardships for local businesses and restaurants. Schools are also having to face new challenges every day to keep students actively engaged and on the path towards success. I would address this challenge by continually supporting our schools and businesses in every possible way.

3. How would you continue to develop Detroit Lakes into a larger, small city, while at the same time preserving its historical and environmental character?

In order to preserve our city’s historical integrity, I would advocate for unused facilities to be utilized and/or updated for current needs. I would also like to recognize our city’s push towards a greener future. Great examples of this push include the new car charging stations, as well as the community solar garden offered by the utilities office.

4. Are you in favor of the city’s current special assessment policy to pay for street projects, or would you favor a more city-wide assessment approach to equalize the burden? Why or why not?

I am in favor of the city’s current special assessment policy. In my opinion, it makes sense for individual areas to be taxed for the updates that they benefit from.

5. What made you decide to run for city government? Or for re-election?

I decided to run for City Council because I grew up in this area and have truly grown to love this community. I look forward to making a positive impact for current and future generations.

Aaron Dallmann -

• Name/Age - Aaron Dallmann, 51

• Spouse/Children - Spouse: Amy Dallmann, Daughter: Chloe Dallmann-Savig, Daughter: Brielle Dallmann

• Hometown -

• HS/College - Detroit Lakes Class of 1988, Moorhead Technical College

• Occupation - Sales

• Past political experience -

1. Is the city moving in the right direction? Why or why not?

Yes it is.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing the city currently? What would you do to address them?

The Fire Department is looking for more firefighters. Finding ways to attract fire fighters.

3. How would you continue to develop Detroit Lakes into a larger, small city, while at the same time preserving its historical and environmental character?

I don’t see much growth in industries moving in. We should stay the same.

4. Are you in favor of the city’s current special assessment policy to pay for street projects, or would you favor a more city-wide assessment approach to equalize the burden? Why or why not?

We need to keep property taxes low. Look for other ways to pay for future projects.

5. What made you decide to run for city government? Or for re-election?

To have a voice for the community.