Kenyon City Council Meeting - August 15, 2022

Posted

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 15th day of August 2022. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.

The following members were present:  Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Dan Rechtzigel, Kim Helgeson, and Mary Bailey (late)

Absent: Molly Ryan

Also, present:  Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Engineer Derek Olinger, Finance Clerk Kathy Flikke, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, Don Kirchmann, Michelle Vlasak reporter for Kenyon Leader, Tyler See from Abdo Solutions

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

CITIZEN COMMENT

ADOPT AGENDA

Motion by Rechtzigel, second by Helgeson to approve the agenda and fire department appointments.

Motion carried 3-0-0.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Henke, second by Rechtzigel to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers 73913 through 74006; 4083E through 4163E.

Motion carried 3-0-0.

PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS

2021 City Audit Summary Presentation – Tyler See, CPA, Abdo Solutions

Tyler See presented a summary of the 2021 City and KMU audits and an overview of the overall City financial condition. The city received an “Unmodified” or clean opinion on the audit.

ENGINEERING

North Street Drainage Improvements Updates

City Engineer Olinger stated that DeCook Drainage has cleared the trees for the new storm sewer extension and will begin installing pipe this week.

2022 Chip Seal Project Update

City Engineer Olinger reported that Pearson Brothers completed the chip sealing project in late July.  Public Works will be borrowing some pavement maintenance equipment to complete some additional repairs later this summer.

Downtown Angled Parking Request Update

City Engineer Olinger stated that city staff and he had met with MN Dot to discuss the possibility of angled parking in the downtown area. Findings will be reported back to the council at the October meeting.

Pearl Creek and Forest Street Sanitary Improvement Project Report

City Engineer Olinger summarized the Pearl Creek and Forest Street sanitary improvement study and presented recommendations for future improvements. The Pearl Creek mains are in very poor condition and improvements should be made as soon as possible.

Review Possible Revisions to the Infrastructure Management/Capital Improvement Plan

City Engineer Olinger stated that the City’s infrastructure management plan and capital improvement plan are being updated. A work session needs to be scheduled to revise the infrastructure management plan.

Motion by Rechtzigel second by Helgeson to schedule a work session to look at infrastructure management and capital improvements for Tuesday, August 30 at 5:00 pm. Motion carried 3-0-0.

LEGAL

Nuisance Property Violation – 1 Langford Avenue

Administrator Vahlsing stated that there are only a few days left on the 31-day notice for the owner of 1 Langford Avenue. So far, no contact has been received from the owner and no cleanup has been done.

Motion by Helgeson second by Rechtzigel to authorize Attorney Riggs to start the court proceedings to enforce the ordinance to clean up 1 Langford Avenue. Motion carried 3-0-0.          

OLD BUSINESS

MetroNet Utility Cabinet Easement – Fire Hall Property

Administrator Vahlsing recommended approving the easement for MetroNet to install a utility cabinet on the fire hall property.

Motion by Rechtzigel second by Henke to approve the MetroNet utility cabinet easement on fire hall property pending city attorney updates to the easement. Motion carried 3-0-0.

Fire Relief Bingo Application

Resolution 2022-14: Approving the Application for Lawful Gambling of Kenyon Firemen’s Relief Association

Fireman Don Kirchmann stated that this resolution was previously approved with restrictions listed.  The State would not approve the request with restrictions attached.

Motion by Rechtzigel second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2022-14 with the restrictions removed.

Motion carried 3-0-0.

Update on 2022 Ford Explorer Accident Repair/Replacement

Administrator Vahlsing gave an update on the 2022 Ford Explorer status.  The vehicle is at Peterson Ford. There are some problems with parts availability. Vahlsing will work with Peterson Ford to get a more accurate quote and time frame for repair.

NEW BUSINESS

Set Council Work Session to Review 2023 Draft Budget

Motion by Rechtzigel second by Helgeson to schedule a council work session to review the 2023 draft budget for Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 pm. Motion carried 3-0-0.

Discussion on Future of Depot Park Shelter

Public Works Superintendent Wayne Ehrich discussed improvements needed to the Depot Park Shelter.  Options for repairs and replacement of the shelter were presented.  Vahlsing will look into possible funding and grants for a park shelter. This item will be passed to the Park and Recreation committee.

Discuss possible changes to City Brush Dump – Wayne Ehrich- Public Works Superintendent

Wayne Ehrich discussed some issues at the City brush dump and the possibility of restricting the use of the brush dump to residents of the City.  No action was taken at this time.

Purchase of 2016 Peterbilt Dump Truck

Approve Purchase

Public Works Superintendent Ehrich requested final approval to purchase a 2016 Peterbilt 567 dump truck. The purchase price is $154,110.

Motion by Henke second by Rechtzigel to approve the purchase of the 2016 Peterbilt dump truck.

Motion carried 3-0-0.

Resolution 2022-18 Approve Lease Financing

Motion by Rechtzigel second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2022-18 approving lease financing through Kinetic Leasing for the 2016 Peterbilt dump truck for a term of 6 years at an interest rate of 3.76%. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Schedule of Upcoming Meetings

KMU Meeting:  Tuesday, August 16th @ 2:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting: Monday, August 29th @ 6:00 p.m.

City Council Work Session: Tuesday, August 30th @ 5:00 p.m.

City Council Budget Work Session: Wednesday, September 7 @ 5:00 p.m.

COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS

Councilman Rechtzigel stated that the Rose Fest celebration is this weekend and conveyed his thanks to all the staff who make it happen.

Councilman Helgeson is looking forward to Rose Fest as well and hopes everyone comes out to the events.

Motion by Bailey second by Henke to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m.

Motion carried 4-0-0.

Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant

Douglas Henke, Mayor