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 16th day of November 2022. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Dan Rechtzigel, Mary Bailey, Molly Ryan, and Kim Helgeson
Also present: Engineer Derek Olinger, Attorney Scott Riggs, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Police Officer Mitch Taylor, Lee Sjolander, and KW 7-12 Principal Matt Ryan
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Matt Ryan, Kenyon-Wanamingo 7-12 Principal, updated the Council on the happenings at the Middle/High School in Kenyon.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Bailey, second by Ryan to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Rechtzigel, second by Henke to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers 74217 through 74310; 4258E through 4307E and the Fire Department appointments.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
ENGINEERING
Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvements
City Engineer Olinger stated that the additional survey work for the Pearl Creek sanitary sewer project has been completed. The project layout and determination of rough construction limits will be finalized in late November or early December.
2023 Street Improvements Project Scope
City Engineer Olinger stated that the proposal for the design of the 2023 street project will be completed immediately after the Pearl Creek project. More information will be coming next month.
North Street Drainage Improvements
City Engineer Olinger stated that DeCook has completed the North Street Drainage Project.
Approve of Pay Application #2
Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to approve pay application No. 2 to DeCook Drainage in the amount of $1052.35. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Downtown/Hwy 60 Parking
City Engineer Olinger updated the Council on the angled parking request from Barney Nesseth. After a meeting with MnDOT, they submitted a possible option of adding angled parking to one side of one block along with the possible side effects this would cause. The EDA Committee discussed the parking situation at their November meeting. They would like to see off-street parking looked at as the first option including parking in the alleys behind commercial buildings. This will be discussed further at the December Council meeting.
LEGAL
Nuisance Property Violation – 1 Langford Avenue Update
Attorney Riggs updated the Council on the 1 Langford Avenue cleanup. Riggs stated that a different approach will be used to get this property into compliance. Some things have been moved, but it is happening too slowly. The owner has had plenty of time to get this taken care of.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Canvass 2022 Election Returns and Declare Results
The Council met as the Canvassing Board to canvass the results of November 8, 2022 General Election.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Ryan to approve and declare all 2022 canvassed election results.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
2023 Proposed Agreement for Continuation of our City-County Joint-Powers “Agreement for State Building Code Administration”
Attorney Riggs stated that Goodhue County requires the City of Kenyon to approve a yearly agreement to conduct residential and commercial building inspections. The County has done an excellent job conducting inspections for the City. The term of the contract would be for one year starting January 1, 2023.
Motion by Ryan seconded by Bailey to approve the 2023 agreement with Goodhue County for State Building Code Administration. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2022-21: Approving the Decertification of Tax Increment Financing District No. 4-4 (45) of the City of Kenyon
Attorney Riggs stated that Tax Increment Financing District No. 4-4 (45), which was originally created for the Sunset Home Assisted Living and clinic areas, is now completed. The city is required to decertify the district.
Motion by Henke second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2022-21 approving the decertification of Tax Increment Financing District No. 4-4 (45) of the City of Kenyon. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2022-22: Adopting Assessment for Delinquent Utility Bills
Attorney Riggs stated that this resolution would authorize delinquent utility bill amounts to be certified on property taxes.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Ryan to adopt Resolution 2022-22 adopting assessment for delinquent utility bills. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2022-23: Designating Annual Polling Place
Attorney Riggs noted that State law requires that all City’s annually designate a polling place by resolution by December 31 and at least 90 days prior to an election. The Fire Hall will remain the polling place in 2023.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2022-23 designating the Fire Hall as the annual polling place for 2023. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 13 @ 5:30 p.m.
Township Fire Contract Meeting: Tuesday, December 6th @ 6 p.m.
2023 Budget & Levy Public Meeting: Tuesday, December 6th @ 6:30 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Attorney Riggs hoped everyone would have a nice holiday.
Council members Ryan, Bailey, and Rechtzigel and Mayor Henke congratulated the newly elected council members and mayor.
Council member Helgeson stated that Christmas in Kenyon will be Saturday, December 3.
Council member Bailey appreciated the work that Park and Rec put into the Trunk or Treat event. They are doing great work.
Motion by Ryan second by Henke to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant
Douglas Henke, Mayor