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 13th day of February 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Kim Helgeson, and Lee Sjolander
Absent: Mary Bailey and Molly Ryan
Also, present: City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Engineer Derek Olinger, Finance Clerk Whitney Kyllo, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, City Attorney Joe Sathe, Don Kirchmann, Ron Friedrich, and Stephanie Brezina
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
ADOPT AGENDA
Addition: / X / Old Business / B / Request to amend Zoning Ordinance to allow apartments on the rear ½ of the first floor of buildings in the C-1 district. –Zoning Ordinance Section 515.15 Subd. 3
Motion by Helgeson second by Sjolander to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried 3-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Henke to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75675 through 75791; 4836E through 4861E.
Motion carried 3-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
Police Chief Sjoblom read the “School Bus Driver Appreciation Day” proclamation.
ENGINEERING
2024 Asphalt Rejuvenator Project
Engineer Olinger stated that one quote from Corrective Asphalt Materials was received for the 2024 asphalt rejuvenator project. The quote was lower than the engineer’s estimate.
Motion by Henke second by Helgeson to approve Corrective Asphalt Materials quote of $16,188.30 for the 2024 street rejuvenator project. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Parks Board Discussion – Depot Park
City Engineer Olinger stated that the park board is working on prioritizing the improvements to Depot Park. Once that is completed, a funding plan will be created. A trail committee has been established. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, February 27th.
LEGAL
OLD BUSINESS
Discuss Status of Payroll Processing Service
Finance director Kyllo provided an update on the payroll processing with Paycom. There continue to be issues with their service. Other payroll options are being explored.
Request to amend Zoning Ordinance to allow apartments on the rear ½ of the first floor of buildings in the C-1 district. –Zoning Ordinance Section 515.15 Subd. 3 a) - Stephanie Brezina
Administrator Vahlsing stated that this item was tabled last month. Stephanie Brezina explained the plan for the building she owns. Vahlsing stated the ordinance could be revised to require a conditional use permit which would be issued on a case-by-case basis with a public hearing being held for each case.
Motion by Sjolander, seconded by Helgeson to instruct the city attorney to draft a zoning ordinance to allow apartments in the rear half of first floor buildings. Motion carried 3-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Appoint Election Judges for 2024
Resolution 2024-04: A Resolution of Adoption of Election Judges for 2024
Motion by Henke seconded by Sjolander to adopt Resolution 2024-04: Appointing Election Judges for 2024.
Motion carried 3-0-0.
Schedule Spring Clean-Up Day April 13 or 27
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Park Board requested that the Council check out holding a Spring Clean-up Day in April. Flom Disposal indicated that they would participate in the clean-up day again this year. Kim Helgeson is willing to work that day.
Motion by Helgeson, seconded by Sjolander to approve a spring clean-up day for Saturday, April 27 from 9 am to noon at the pool parking lot for city residents for a fee. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Purchase Lawn Mower – Wayne Ehrich – Public Works Superintendent
Director Ehrich stated that two quotes were received to replace the 72” Cub Cadet mower. The quotes varied in price by approximately $2,500. The mower purchase is on a three-year rotation schedule and was included in the 2024 budget.
Motion by Henke seconded by Helgeson to approve the purchase of the quoted Toro lawn mower from Traxler Equipment. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Review Quotes for replacement of Council Room Sound System
Administrator Vahlsing stated that two quotes were obtained to replace the sound system in the council room. Sim Sound at $17,026.29 and EPA Audio Visual at $23,246.00.
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to accept the Sim Sound quote of $17,026.29 to replace the city council room sound system. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Update Personnel Policy - Grievance Policy
Administrator Vahlsing recommended adopting a new grievance policy. The policy will be reviewed by the personnel committee, then presented at a council work session.
Review 2024 Pool Rates
Administrator Vahlsing stated that he and Pool Manager Brandi Kyllo looked at the pool rates and recommended increases for the upcoming season.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Henke to approve the 2024 pool rates as stated. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Approve Transfer of Park & Rec 5K Run Remaining Funds of $4,594.59 as of January 31, 2024 to Park & Rec Depot Park Fund
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Park and Rec Committee had approved transferring the remaining 5K Run Funds to the Depot Park Fund.
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Henke to approve the transfer of $4,594.59 from the Park and Rec 5K Run Fund to the Park and Rec Depot Park Fund. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Approve Transfer of Park & Rec Carriage & Cutter Remaining Funds of $2,750.41 as of January 31, 2024 to Park & Rec Depot Park Fund
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Park and Rec Committee had approved transferring the remaining Carriage and Cutter Funds to the Depot Park Fund.
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to approve the transfer of $2,750.41 from the park and Rec Carriage and Cutter Fund to the Park and Rec Depot Park Fund. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Fire Relief Association Request for Approval of Raffle at Hall in 2024
Resolution 2024-06: Approving the Lawful Gambling Premises Permit Application for the Kenyon Firemen’s Relief Association to Conduct Lawful Gambling at the Kenyon Fire Hall Located at 620 Centennial Drive, Kenyon, Mn 55946
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2024-06. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Muni Furnace Replacement Quotes
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Liquor Store manager requested council approval to replace the HVAC and Mini Split Systems. Two quotes were received. Action Plumbing and Heating quoted $11,485 for the heating and air conditioning and Luikens quoted $6,995 for the mini split. The 2023 budget included $10,000 for the mini-slit and the 2024 budget included $10,000 for the HVAC.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Sjolander to accept the quote from Action Plumbing and Heating for the heating and air conditioning. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Motion by Henke seconded by Helgeson to accept the quote from Luikens for the mini split.
Motion carried 3-0-0.
Fire Department 2024 Freightliner Chassis Quotes
Attorney Sathe pulled this item from the agenda due to not following the public bidding rule. Mayor Henke tabled this item.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, February 20th @ 4:00 p.m.
Trail Committee – Tuesday February 27, 2024 @ 5:00 pm
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 12th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council Member Sjolander stated that the city has amazing staff. He commended Mr. Ehrich for doing a wonderful job with what he has to work with, thanked Officer Homeier for delivering a message to him, thanked KMU for their work, and thanked Mr. Bartel for doing a good job with pricing and stocking in the Muni.
Council Members Helgeson noted that Park and Rec are sponsoring a “Paint and Sip” on Friday, March 8.
Mayor Henke stated he doesn’t understand the meaning of the new state flag except for the star. He stated that other cities are looking at running the cannabis business in the city, maybe this is something we could look into then we would have control and be making the money.
Motion by Helgeson second by Henke to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Motion carried 3-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant
Douglas Henke, Mayor
