Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a City Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 11th day of April 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Kim Helgeson, and Molly Ryan
Absent: Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey
Also, present: City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Attorney Scott Riggs, Police Officer Brian Homeier, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, Cora Boelman, Briana and Joe Jensen and Family, Jeff Traxler, Todd Greseth, Don Kirchmann, and Kyle Flom
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Briana Jensen presented some research information she had been asked to gather on allowing chickens in city limits.
Goodhue County Commissioner, Todd Greseth, gave an update on what’s happening in the County. They are working on the 2024 budget.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Ryan to approve the agenda. Motion carried 3-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ryan second by Henke to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 74673 through 74759; 4478E through 4501E.
Motion carried 3-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
Cora Boelman -CEDA - Update on Economic Development Activities
Cora Boelman updated the EDA members on the projects she has been working on including: park prospect, Regional Development Tour scheduled for late summer, façade improvement plan applications, and various grants that are being applied for.
ENGINEERING
April 2, 2023 Sewer Main Break
Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich stated that Public Works had discovered a broken force main pipe in the ditch along Hwy 60 on Sunday, April 2. The proper authorities were notified and a contractor was able to repair the broken pipe on Monday morning. Further correspondence will likely be received from the MPCA within 60 days.
Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvements
Administrator Vahlsing stated that plans are being finalized for the Pearl Creek Sewer project. The final plans will be ready for council approval in May. The City Attorney has been working on drafting easement agreements.
2023 Street Improvement Summary
Administrator Vahlsing reported that the 2023 street improvement plans are being finalized and will be ready for approval in May.
LEGAL
Jeff and Ann Traxler – Request for City to vacate alley/ROW
Attorney Riggs stated a request was received from Jeff and Ann Traxler asking for the city to vacate a right-of-way area that runs between two separate parcels that they own. They are requesting the area to be vacated to help with a planned expansion of their business. Riggs recommended realigning the location of the alley further to the north since it seems the alley is still needed.
Motion by Ryan second by Helgeson to authorize staff to move ahead on the realignment of the alley right-of-way to the north on the Traxler property at 502 Huseth St. Motion carried 3-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Finance Director Hiring
Administrator Vahlsing stated that five candidates were interviewed with three candidates being interviewed a second time. The committee recommended hiring Kelly Perry. The KMU Commission met today to approve her appointment. Kelly Perry will start as the Finance Director on May 15.
Review Quotes for Payroll Services
Administrator Vahlsing presented updated quotes and revised proposals for contracting payroll processing for the city. This item was tabled until the new Finance Director starts so she can be involved in the decision.
NEW BUSINESS
On-Sale Liquor License Renewal- VFW
Motion by Henke second by Helgeson to renew the VFW’s liquor license.
Motion carried 3-0-0.
Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting – Thursday, April 20, 2023
Mayor Henke stated that the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting will be held by the Goodhue County Assessor’s Office on April 20 in the Council Chambers at 5:00 pm. The purpose of the Board of Appeal is for property owners to appeal their tax valuation. The Assessors office will serve as the Board for at least the next three years.
Request for Chickens within City Limits
Mayor Henke acknowledged the request to allow chickens in residentially zoned areas of the city. Fees, limitations, etc. of housing chickens were discussed. This item was tabled until next month to allow for more research to be done.
Solid Waste Hauler Agreement
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the current agreement for Solid Waste hauling with Flom Disposal expires on June 30, 2023. A letter was received from Flom Disposal asking for a rate increase that would be effective the end of June with the new agreement. The council was in agreement with the increase and a draft agreement will be brought to the May council meeting.
Resolution 2023-06 City Support for SF3087 Amendment for Appropriation, Transportation Management Organization Development
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Southeast League of Municipalities (SEMLM) has been working with area transportation providers including Hiawathaland transit to request State funding to assist with the development of a plan for a regional transit system in SE MN. SEMLM is asking area city councils to pass a resolution of support for state funding for this study.
Motion by Ryan second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2023-06. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Resolution 2023-07 Support of HF1285 to Remove the Income Restrictions for TIF in Non-Metropolitan Counties of Minnesota
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the SE League of Municipalities is requesting that City Councils pass a resolution in support of a Minnesota House Bill that would remove income restrictions for housing TIF districts for areas in greater Minnesota.
Motion by Helgeson second by Ryan to adopt Resolution 2023-07. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Fire Relief Gambling Application – Kenyon Country Club
Resolution 2023-08: Approving the Application for Lawful Gambling of Kenyon Firemen’s Relief Association
Motion by Ryan second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2023-08. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Schedule Solid Waste Spring Clean-up Day
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Park Board requested that the Council look into holding a Spring Clean-up Day in May. Discussion and ideas for the clean-up day were presented. Kyle Flom described his restrictions and would make a list of what they would be able to take.
Motion by Ryan second by Helgeson to approve a spring clean-up day for Saturday, May 20 from 9 am to noon at the pool parking lot for city residents for a fee. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, April 18th @ 2:00 p.m.
Board of Appeal & Equalization: Thursday, April 20th @ 5:00 p.m.
EDA Meeting: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 @ 8:00 a.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, May 9th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Councilors Helgeson and Ryan thanked Wayne for keeping the council informed about the sewer main break.
Administrator Vahlsing and Mayor Henke appreciated all the work Wayne, Randy, and their crews did to assist with the sewer main break.
Motion by Helgeson second by Ryan to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Motion carried 3-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant Douglas Henke, Mayor
