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 9th day of January 2024. 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, 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 Scott Riggs, Officer Brian Homeier, Josh Johnson, Jed Johnson, Caleb Langer, Isaiah Thompson, Logan Meyers, Jeremy Eggert, Diane Barrett, Scott Quamme, Todd Greseth, Zach Bubany, Chris Giesen, Ron Zeigler, Brett Reese, Jana Viscomi-Reese, Alex Baraniak
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Goodhue County Commissioner, Todd Greseth, gave an update on what’s happening in the County. The commissioners have a goal session tomorrow night if we want anything added. An ordinance was passed for a transfer station in Goodhue County. This is open to anyone who wants to apply.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Bailey second by Ryan to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75571 through 75675; 4809E through 4835E.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
Fire Chief Wayne Ehrich introduced the new Fire Department members: Josh Johnson, Jed Johnson, Caleb Langer, Isaiah Thompson, and Logan Meyers.
Brett Reese – Rebound Partners – Update on Kenyon Senior Living Project
Brett Reese and Jana Viscomi-Reese of Rebound Partners shared their future vision of the former Sunset Home property. They are looking at having 35-36 new apartments with possible underground parking. The older, original Sunset Home building may be demolished due to the high cost of renovating it.
ENGINEERING
Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvements
Engineer Olinger stated that the electrical subcontractor was able to get some of the electrical service installed along Gates Avenue and Pine Street due to the warmer weather this winter. These costs are included in pay request #3.
Approve Pay Request #3- BCM Construction- $16,078.75
Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to approve pay request No. 3 to BCM Construction in the amount of $16,078.75 for work completed through December. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Infrastructure Projects Update
City Engineer Olinger stated that the LRIP application for 6th Street was submitted in December, but we may not hear back on funding awards until April. Olinger outlined the infrastructure plan for 2025 that includes parts of CSAH 12, Langford Avenue, and 5th Street and the sanitary sewer lining on Forest, Pine, and Pearl Creek.
GIS
Approve GIS Summary
City Engineer Olinger explained how the GIS mapping works and outlined the advantages of using the services provided by Bolton & Menk versus the County. Public Works Director Ehrich recommended switching to this system.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Ryan to approve the proposal from Bolton & Menk for the GIS web application development. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Approve Increase to General Engineering Rates
City Engineer Olinger requested a $10 per hour general engineering rate increase for 2024.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to approve the increase in the general engineering rate.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
2024 Streets Seal Coating
City Engineer Olinger reviewed the proposed street sealing plan for 2024.
Motion by Henke seconded by Ryan to direct the city engineer and staff to solicit quotes for the 2024 street sealing project. Motion carried 5-0-0.
LEGAL
2024 Appointments and Designations
• Library Board – 3 Year Term – Bev Emerson, Cathy Whipple
• Planning Commission – 2 Year Term – Jerry Barrett, Dennis Wickum, John Cambronne
• Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – 3 Year Term – Kevin Anderson
• Park & Recreation – 3 Year Term – Melissa Bartel, Tedd Pederson, Vacant, Vacant
a. Acting Mayor – Mary Bailey
b. Legal Newspaper – Kenyon Leader
c. Depository – Security State Bank of Kenyon, 4M, Northland Securities
d. City Attorney – Scott Riggs, Kennedy & Graven Chartered
e. Prosecuting Attorney – David Jacobsen, Jacobsen Law Firm
f. City Engineer – Derek Olinger, Bolton & Menk
g. City Auditor – Abdo Eich and Meyers
h. Financial Consultant – George Eilertson- Northland Securities
i. Investments – As Allowed Per Minnesota Statutes
j. Deputy Clerk – Holli Gudknecht
k. Weed Inspector – Doug Henke
l. Audit Committee – Doug Henke, Molly Ryan, Mark Vahlsing
m. Personnel Committee – Doug Henke, Molly Ryan, and Mark Vahlsing
n. Liquor Committee – Doug Henke, Lee Sjolander, Mark Vahlsing
o. Kenyon Fire Relief Association – Doug Henke and Mark Vahlsing
Motion by Henke seconded by Helgeson to approve the 2024 committee appointments and designations.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2024-01: Establishing License Fees and Compensation
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the 2024 fee schedule had a few increases from last year.
Motion by Bailey second by Ryan to approve Resolution 2024-01 with change in the fee for depot rent.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
Annual Refuse Licenses
Flom Disposal Inc., Waste Management, Veit Container Corp, LRS of Minn (Commercial, Temporary roll off, dumpster)
Annual Recycling Licenses
Flom Disposal Inc., Goodhue County Public Works, Waste Management (Commercial Recycling).
Annual Sidewalk Obstruction Licenses
Kenyon Ace Hardware, Kenyon VFW Post 141, Mary’s Rustic Rose, Twice Found, D&S Banner, Taco Express, Angie’s
Annual Dance License
Kenyon VFW Post 141
Annual Mobile Merchant License
Che Che’s Lunchera, Taco Express
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to approve the annual refuse, recycling, sidewalk, dance, and mobile merchant licenses. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Kennedy & Graven 2024 Rates for Legal Services
Attorney Riggs reviewed the rates for legal services for 2024. This increase would raise the hourly base rate for general civil and prosecution matters from $188.00 to $196.00 an hour.
Motion by Henke seconded by Helgeson to approve the 2024 rates for legal services. Motion carried 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Muni Roof and Flooring Replacement Quotes
Administrator Vahlsing stated that two quotes were received for commercial flooring in the Muni. He recommended accepting the quote from Hamernick’s. He is still waiting for a second quote on the roof.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Ryan to accept the quote for flooring in the Muni from Hamernick’s.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2024-02: A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of 2023 Donations
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to approve Resolution 2024-02 authorizing the acceptance of the
2023 donations of $78,672.57. Motion carried 5-0-0.
CEDA Contract Services
City Administrator Vahlsing stated that the contract with CEDA needs to be renewed. The council members stated that they would like to receive quarterly reports on CEDA’s projects and services.
Motion by Ryan seconded by Bailey to approve the 2024 CEDA contracted services. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Premises Gambling Permit for Kenyon Snowdrifters
Resolution 2024-03: Approving the Lawful Gambling Premises Permit Application for the Kenyon Snowdrifters to Conduct Lawful Gambling at the Kenyon VFW Conrad Osthum Post #141 Located at 601 2nd Street, Kenyon, Mn 55946
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Ryan to adopt Resolution 2024-03. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Set Council Work Session Date to Review Salary Compensation Study
Motion by Ryan seconded by Helgeson to set a council work session for 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 30 with Bjorklund to review the salary compensation study. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2024-04 Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Plat Sunrise 2nd Addition.
City Engineer Olinger stated that the Planning Commission had held a public hearing on the preliminary and final plat of Sunrise 2nd addition and recommended approval.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Ryan to adopt Resolution 2024-04. Motion carried 5-0-0.
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 Stephanie Brezina had made a request to the Planning Commission to allow apartments in the rear half of first floor buildings in the C-1 district. Currently, apartments are only allowed on the second floor in the C-1 district. The Planning Commission recommended the change. The council discussed the pros and cons and options to allowing apartments in the rear half of the first floor. This was tabled until February.
Update Administrative Policy 23 – Fund Balance Policy
Finance Director Kyllo stated that Policy #23 Fund Balance was vague and incomplete. She proposed an updated policy that was approved by our auditors.
Motion by Ryan seconded by Bailey to approve the updated Administrative Policy #23.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, January 16th @ 4:00 p.m.
EDA Annual Meeting: Tuesday, January 30th @ 9 a.m. at Foldcraft
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 13th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council Member Sjolander thanked the Fire Department members for all they do.
Council Members Bailey welcomed the new Firefighters and thanked Whitney Kyllo for all her work.
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant
Douglas Henke, Mayor
