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 May 2026. The meeting was called to order by Acting Mayor Bailey.
The following members were present: Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey, Deanna Gard
Absent: Don Kirchmann
Also, present: City Administrator Scott Lehner, Engineer Derek Olinger, Officer Armani Tucker, Heather Dewitz, Rachel Goven, Police Chief Sjoblom, Doug Henke
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Sjolander to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Sjolander second by Bailey to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes:
Approved Memorial Day Parade for May 25, 2026
Approved Hire of Municipal Swimming Pool Employees
Approved Five-Year Electric Rate Increase Plan
Resolution 2026-16 Termination the Agency Agreement of the Midwest Municipal Gas Agency
Approved Mobile Merchant License Chick-fil-A Tri-State Food Truck
Approved payment of check numbers 78134 through 78228; 7335E through 7375E.
City Council Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2026
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
KMU Job Update
Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU job was posted for three weeks. There were four applicants. Scott will meet with Randy to work on the next steps and prepare interview questions.
Police Department Staffing Update
Police Chief Sjolander stated that the four applicants have interviews6767676767676767 scheduled for Friday. Mitch Taylor will start as a part-time officer in the next few weeks. Misty England took a full-time position in Zumbrota but will work here part-time as needed.
Work Session May 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Administrator Lehner stated that a work session would be held next week on May 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm on the proposed TIF for Rebound.
TIF Update for Sunset Home
Administrator Lehner stated that a work session will be held to review the TIF for the Sunset Home.
ENGINEERING
2025 Street & Utility Project
Engineer Olinger stated that Fitzgerald has most of the watermain installed within Langford Avenue and is now working on the storm sewer. Assuming progress remains on track, the street will be paved in early June, and all work should be completed by the third week in June.
2025 Street and Utility Improvements – Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking -Pay Application No. 5
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Sjolander to approve pay application #5 to Fitzgerald Excavating in the amount of $58,708.58. Motion carried 4-0-0.
LEGAL
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Historical Preservation Training
Administrator Lehner stated that Rachel and he would like to attend the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) 15th biennial FORUM, “Preservation Currents,” to be held in
Minneapolis this July 22-26. NAPC’S FORUM in Minneapolis serves as an annual training event, and every city that is a Certified Local Government (including Kenyon) is required to attend FORUM. Rachel is applying for a scholarship that will help with the costs.
Motion by Helgeson, seconded by Bailey to approve Scott Lehner and Rachel Goven to attend the NAPC FORUM July 22-26. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, May 19th @ 3:00 p.m.
EDA Meeting: Tuesday, May 26th @ 8 a.m.
Planning Commission meeting: Tuesday, June 2nd @ 6:00 pm
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 9th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council Member Helgeson reminded everyone of the pool fundraiser this Saturday from 2-5 pm. Food will be available, as well as yard games. Come and support our pool.
Administrator Lehner commented that the council meeting went well. He thanked Heather and Derek for their help with the electronics. He is getting updates and a plan/idea to update the electronics.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Sjolander to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Deputy Clerk
Mary Bailey, Acting Mayor
