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 8th day of August 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey
Absent: Molly Ryan
Also, present: City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Police Officer Brian Homeier, Attorney Scott Riggs, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, City Engineer Derik Olinger, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Tyler See from Abdo, Tedd and Molly Pederson
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Tedd Pederson, 117 4th St., asked about the status of the Cannabis Ordinances. He was wondering how the local ordinance would fit with the new State laws legalizing Cannabis.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75043 through 75146; 4565E through 4590E.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
Public Hearing – Proposed Interim Ordinance 101 Cannabis
City Attorney Riggs reviewed the proposed Cannabis Ordinance. No public comment received.
Summary of 2022 City Audit – Tyler See, Abdo
Tyler See presented a summary of the 2022 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
Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvements
Engineer Olinger updated the Council on the Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer project. He stated that the contractor has indicated they will start the project in September.
2023 Street Maintenance Improvement Project
Engineer Olinger reviewed the status of the street maintenance project. The contractor has not indicated when they will start.
LEGAL
Review of Ordinance for Cannabis
City Attorney Riggs reviewed the draft interim ordinance authorizing a study and imposing a moratorium of the operation of Cannabis.
Approve Ordinance 101: Authorizing a Study and Imposing a Moratorium on the Operation of Cannabis Businesses within the City of Kenyon
Motion by Bailey, Second by Helgeson to approve Ordinance 101.
Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Resolution 2023-11: Approving Publication of Ordinance No. 101 by Title and Summary
Motion by Sjolander, second by Henke to approve Resolution 2023-11. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
City Attorney Riggs reviewed proposed Ordinance 102 which would prohibit use of Cannabis in public places.
Approve Ordinance 102: Adding a New Chapter to the Kenyon City Code to Prohibit the Use of Cannabis and Hemp in Public Places
Moton by Bailey, Second by Helgeson to approve Ordinance 102.
Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Resolution 2023-19: Approving Publication of Ordinance No. 102 by Title and Summary
Motion by Sjolander, second by Henke to approve Resolution 2023-19. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Sale of Kenyon Sunset Home
Attorney Riggs stated that due to the pending sale of the Sunset Home there were several agreements and covenants that needed to be released by the city.
Resolution 2023-18 Approving Termination of Tax Abatement after Decertification of TIF District No. 4-4 (45).
Moton by Sjolander, second by Henke to approve Resolution 2023-18. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Motion by Bailey and Second by Helgeson to Approve release of: Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement, covenants and the contract for Private Development with the Sunset Home. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Relief Association Request for Approval of Raffle at Fireman’s Dance on November 25, 2023
Administrator Vahlsing stated that Fire Relief Association had requested approval to conduct a raffle on November 25.
Motion Bailey, Second by Helgeson to approve raffle by Fireman’s Relief Association on November 25, 2023. Motion Caried 4-0-0.
Replacement of Library Lights - Michelle Otte- Library Director
Library Director Michelle Otte requested Council approval of a quote by Shea Electric in the amount of $6673 to repair and retrofit the light fixtures in the library. She stated that the condition of the overhead lights in the library is continuing to deteriorate. There are fixtures with broken ballasts that do not function. The replacement cost could come out of building capital or it could also be included in next year’s budget.
Mayor Henke asked if any other quotes were received.
Utility Operations Superintendent Eggert stated that there were rebates available for this type of project this year. But the rebates may not be available next year.
Administrator Vahlsing recommended that due to the poor condition of the lights they should be replaced this year.
Motion by Sjolander, second by Bailey to approve the quote of Shea Electric to repair and retrofit the library light fixtures. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Set Council Work Session to Review 2024 Draft Budget
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to schedule a council work session to review the 2024 draft budget for Wednesday, September 6 at 5:00 pm. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Purchase Motorola Police Body Cameras – Chief Sjoblom
Chief Sjolander requested Council approval to purchase body cameras for the police officers. He stated that the first year’s upfront cost is $16,038. The annual cost over the next four years will be $5488. A donation from the Snow drifters club of $12,600 was received previously. That amount will be applied to the first-year cost of the cameras. The remaining first year cost of $4038 will come out of the current year PD budget. A device is also included that allows video to be uploaded to the squad videos. The upload device costs approximately $4000. The Chief also stated that the PD was not awarded any SRT BWC money from the State. Only two cities in the state were awarded money. He is going to pursue additional grants and donations on an annual basis.
Motion by Bailey, Second by Helgeson to approve the quote of Motorola Solutions for police body cameras at a total cost $37,990. Motion Carried 4-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, August 15th @ 4:00 p.m.
City Council Work Session: Wednesday September 6 @ 5:00 p.m.
City Council Meetings: Tuesday, September 12th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council member Helgeson wanted to also thank the Rose Fest Committee for their work planning this year’s event. She also thanked Public Works Superintendent Wayne Ehrich for finding ways to save money with the sewer plant and parks.
Mayor Henke thanked Liquor Store Manager, PD, Administrator Vahlsing and all those in the office for all of their hard work.
City Administrator Vahlsing thanked Rose Fest committee for all their hard work.
Motion by Bailey second by Henke to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Mark Vahlsing, City Administrator
Douglas Henke, Mayor
