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 10th day of March 2026. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirchmann.
The following members were present: Mayor Don Kirchmann, Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey
Absent: Elana Brunner
Also, present: City Administrator Scott Lehner, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Engineer Derek Olinger, City Attorney Scott Riggs, Officer Armani Tucker, Josh Johnson, Aaron Meyer, Sue Dodds, Heather Dewitz, Rachel Goven, Jeff Sjoblom
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Aaron Meyer, who lives at 322 Red Wing Avenue stated that the new light behind the liquor store is so bright that it shines into his house across the alley. He would like to have it toned down or moved so it shines west instead of south. Administrator Lehner said he was aware of this issue and is working to find a satisfactory solution.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes:
Resolution 2026-07: Approving the Lawful Gambling Premises Permit Application for the Kenyon Firemen’s Relief Association to Conduct Lawful Gambling at the Kenyon VFW Conrad Osthum Post #141 Located at 601 2nd Street, Kenyon, Mn 55946
Resolution 2026-09: Making City Appointment to CMMPA and CMPAS Board of Directors
On-Sale Liquor License Renewal- Kenyon Country Club
On-Sale Liquor License Renewal- Cahill Bistro & Bar
Payment of check numbers, 77838 through 78019; 7171E through 7260E
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2026
City Council Special Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026
City Council Special Closed Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026
Approved Hire of Emiley Schindler, Part-Time Liquor Store Employee
Approved Hire of Tate Erlandson, Part-Time Liquor Store Employee
Approved Appointment of Kelly Kreisler, Jon Meyers, and John Cambronne on the Planning Commission
Approved Appointment of Taylor Eggert to Park and Recreation Committee
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Administrator Lehner stated that he has been working with the KMU staff to update the Line worker/Water Operator job description and this position should be posted soon.
ENGINEERING
Capital Finance and Improvement Plan
Engineer Olinger stated that with several large infrastructure projects on the five-to-ten-year outlook and building momentum for some parks/recreation-related projects, they would like to update the costs and priority of the items listed on the capital finance and improvement plan with.
LEGAL
OLD BUSINESS
Administrative Assistant Position
Administrator Lehner requested approval to hire two part-time Administrative Assistants to support both the City Administrator and other staff to help ensure the continuation of operational efficiencies of the City.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to approve the hire of both Rachel Goven and Heather Dewitz as part-time Administrative Assistants at $23.00 per hour. Motion carried 4-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
2025 3rd Quarter Financial Report – Abdo
Jessi Sturtz from Abdo reviewed the third quarter financial report.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Kirchmann to accept the third quarter financial report.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Council Member Brunner Resignation
Administrator Lehner reported that Elana Brunner submitted her resignation effective March 10, 2026. The Council vacancy created by Brunner’s resignation requires an appointment by the Council for the remainder of 2026. The remaining two years of the term will be put on the ballot for the November election.
Resolution 2026-08: Declaring a Vacancy to Exist in the Office of City Council and Providing for the Appointment Thereof
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2026-08 accepting Brunner’s resignation and declaring a vacancy to the city council. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, March 17th @ 3:00 p.m.
EDA Meeting: Tuesday, March 24th @ 8 a.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 14th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Administrator Lehner invited the Council members to the KMU Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 17 to hear the results of the electric rate study. He also thanked Sue Dodds for all her help in the office over the past few months. Her willingness to come out of retirement to help us was appreciated. He also welcomed Rachel and Heather.
Council Member Sjolander thanked Elana Brunner for her time on the council.
Council Member Bailey thanked everyone who does math and takes care of the budget.
Mayor Kirchmann thanked Elana Brunner for her time on the council.
Council Member Helgeson reminded everyone of the Easter Egg Hunt that Park and Rec are sponsoring on April 4.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Deputy Clerk
Donald Kirchmann, Mayor
