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 12th day of December 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Molly Ryan
Absent: Mary Bailey
Also, present: City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Attorney Scott Riggs, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, City Engineer Derik Olinger, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Finance Director Whitney Kyllo, Police Officer Brian Homeier
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
None
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Ryan second by Henke to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Sjolander to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75474 through 75570; 4780E through 4808E.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
None
ENGINEERING
2023 Street Improvements
Project Update
Engineer Olinger stated that the majority of the work is now complete with some small repairs remaining to be completed.
Approve Pay Request #3 – BMI Inc -$11,450.47
Motion by Ryan second by Helgeson to approve pay request No. 3 to BMI Inc in the amount of $11,450.47 for work completed through November 9, contingent on submittal of closeout documentation.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Pearl Creek & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements Update
Engineer Olinger updated the Council on the Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer project. He stated that BCM was wrapping up work for this year. Water and electrical utilities west of Gates Avenue have been installed. Ellingson Drainage installed forcemain in this area. The remainder of the project will be completed next spring.
LEGAL
No items
OLD BUSINESS
2024 Budget and Levy
Approve Increase $2.00 per hour (plus 3% Cola) Increase for Manager and up to $3.00 per hour for PT Staff.
Motion Ryan, Second Henke to approve $2.00 per hour raise for manager and up to $3.00 per hour for part-time Muni staff. Motion carried 4-0-0 Eliminate Admin Assist Position. (Funding moved to full time officers in 2024 Budget)
Chief Sjoblom requested that the council eliminate the administrative position and move funding to full time police officers in the 2024 budget.
Motion by Henke, second by Ryan to eliminate the full-time administrative position and move funding to full time police officers in the 2024 budget.
Ayes: Henke, Ryan and Helgeson
Nayes: Sjolander
Motion carried 3-1-0
Resolution 2023-29: Adopting the 2024 Budget and Establishing the Tax Levy for Payable 2024
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Truth in Taxation meeting was held on December 5. No public comments were received at the meeting. The final budget shows a maximum proposed levy increase of 8% for 2024.
Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2023-29 adopting the 2024 budget and establishing the tax levy of $1,277,965 payable in 2024. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Purchase of SCBA equipment and Compressor - Fire Department
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Fire Department is seeking approval to purchase SCBA Equipment and Compressor. Based on the attached quotes the SCBA Equipment would cost $116,805. The cost of the compressor would be $39,640. Total cost: $156,445. The fire department is requesting to use half of the Public Safety Aid which is $42,000. and $37,000 in donations toward the purchase. The remaining amount of the purchase price ($77,445) could come out of the FD capital fund which currently has an approximate balance of $255,000.
Motion by Sjolander, second by Ryan to approve the purchase of SCBA equipment and compressor.
Motion carried 4-0-0
Community Entrance Sign Final Design
City Engineer Olinger provided an update on the Community Entrance Sign project. The final design has been submitted to Precision Sign and MNDOT. The City is waiting for final approval of the sign right-of-way permit from MNDOT.
Muni Roof and Flooring Replacement
Administrator Vahlsing stated that he was continuing to get quotes for roofing and flooring replacement for the Muni. He is hoping to have additional quotes for the January Council meeting to approve.
OLD BUSINESS
Resolution 2023-30: A Resolution Committing Capital Fund Balance
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the general accounting standard (GASB 54) requires all public entities to set year end Capital fund balances before the end of the current year contingent on audited final numbers. The final year-end capital fund amounts will not be known until the 2023 audit is completed.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Ryan to adopt Resolution 2023-30 committing capital fund balances.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Approve Transfer of Fire Department Year End Remaining Funds to Capital Fund
Administrator Vahlsing stated that council approval is needed to move the year end Fire Department budget balance to the capital fund. The actual transfer amount will be determined by the auditors as part of the 2023 audit.
Motion by Ryan seconded by Helgeson to approve the transfer of fire department year end remaining funds to capital funds. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Approve Transfer of Street Maintenance Year End Remaining Funds to Capital Fund
Administrator Vahlsing stated that council approval is needed to move the year end Street Maintenance Department budget balance to the capital fund. The actual transfer amount will be determined by the auditors as part of the 2023 audit.
Motion by Ryan seconded by Helgeson to approve the transfer of public works year end remaining funds, including street maintenance, pool, and parks, to capital funds. Motion carried 4-0-0.
2024 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rates
Administrator Vahlsing stated that during the November 28 special council meeting, discussion was held on possible increases to sanitary and storm water rates. After further review, staff would recommend increasing the Sanitary Sewer Fund increase rate from $6.61 per thousand gallons to $7.40 per thousand. The residential sewer base rate would also increase from $23.44 to $26.25 per month. For storm sewer the recommendation would be to increase the maintenance fee from $4.03 per month to $9.00 a month for residential customers. The increases are needed to offset upcoming project costs and reflect recommendations from the utility rate study.
Motion by Sjolander Second by Helgeson to approve recommended sanitary and storm sewer utility rates for 2024. Motion carried 4-0-0
2024 Tobacco License Renewals
Kenyon Market
River Country Co-Op (Speedway)
Kenyon Municipal Liquor Store
Motion by Ryan seconded by Sjolander to approve the 2024 tobacco license renewals.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Jacobson Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2024 Criminal Prosecution Contract
Administrator Vahlsing stated that Prosecuting Attorney Jacobson requested a $250 monthly increase to their contract effective January 1, 2024. The annual cost would increase from $13,800 to $16,800.
Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to approve a rate increase of $100 per month for Jacobson Law effective January 1, 2023.
Motion by Sjolander Second by Henke to approve rate increase for Jacobson Law office effective January 1, 2024. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Adopt State Earned Safe and Sick Time Policy
Administrator Vahlsing updated the Council on a new law requiring sick leave that was passed by the legislature earlier this year. Beginning January 1, 2024, earned sick and safe time is available for full and part time employees that work at least 80 hours in a year for an employer in Minnesota. Employees must accrue at least one hour of earned sick and safe time for every 30 hours they work, up to at least 48 hours in a year. Currently, City of Kenyon / KMU allows a full-time employee to accrue 12 working days during the full year (365 days) of employment. City of Kenyon / KMU’s current sick policy supersedes the law and will not change sick time accrual for full-time employees.
Motion by Ryan, Second by Helgeson to approve Adopt State Earned Safe and Sick Time Policy. Motion Carried 4-0-0
Holiday Office Closings
Administrator Vahlsing requested approval for City Offices/Library to close at noon on Friday, December 22 and for the library to be closed on Saturday, December 23.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Ryan to close the City Office and Library at noon on Friday, December 22 and close the library on Saturday, December 23.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, December 19th @ 4:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 9th @ 7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Administrator Vahlsing thanked everyone for their hard work in making Christmas in Kenyon successful. (Especially Kim and the Park Board)
Mayor Henke stated that this has been an exciting year with many challenges. He thanked everyone for their hard work.
Council member Helgeson thanked everyone involved in Christmas in Kenyon.
Council member Sjolander wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked City Staff for their continued hard work.
Council member Ryan wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Police Chief Sjoblom wished everyone Happy Holidays
Motion by Helgeson second by Ryan to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Mark R. Vahlsing, City Administrator
Douglas Henke, Mayor
