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 November 2021. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Mary Bailey, Molly Ryan, Tom Gard, and Dan Rechtzigel
Also, present: Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Engineer Derek Olinger, Attorney Scott Riggs, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Michelle Vlasak reporter for Kenyon Leader, Finance Clerk Kathy Flikke, Todd Greseth
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Todd Greseth, Goodhue County Commissioner, updated the council on what the Commission is doing and issues they are working on.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Gard to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Bailey second by Henke to approve the Consent Agenda and payment of check numbers 72943 through 73027; 3813E through 3829E; and additional checks 73028 through 73034.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/ RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
ENGINEERING
Red Wing Avenue Project Update
Engineer Olinger stated that discussions are continuing with Wencl on liquidated damages on this project.
Discuss Addition of Trondheim Road to Infrastructure Management Plan
Engineer Olinger presented a summary of the effects of the potential Trondheim Road Extension project on the infrastructure management plan, as directed at the October Council meeting. The Council would like to find a way to add this project to the Infrastructure Plan without removing any existing projects from the plan. Olinger and Vahlsing will do more research to check on any outside funding sources that may be available for Infrastructure projects.
Riverside Park FEMA Flood Repairs
Griffin Construction has started work on the project. The work should be completed by mid-November.
LEGAL
Request Approval of Internal Posting for Hiring of Police Officer
Chief Sjoblom requested approval to post the opening for a full-time police officer internally to the current part-time officers. The Personnel Committee agreed with this request when they met on November 3. Attorney Riggs stated that this request is reasonable.
Motion by Ryan second by Henke to authorize the internal posting for the full-time police officer position.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Purchase of Police Vehicle
Police Chief Sjoblom updated the Council on the status of the new F150 Police Truck that was ordered in 2020. Notification was received that the order has been accepted by Ford for production and will hopefully be fulfilled by late spring in 2022.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Purchase of Bobcat “Toolcat” UW56 Vehicle
Public Works Director Ehrich discussed the possible purchase of the Bobcat “Toolcat” vehicle. The Cost would be $69,974. If this vehicle was purchased, the John Deere 1575 Utility vehicle would be sold. The estimated value of the John Deere 1575 is a minimum of $20,000, putting the net price at approximately $50,000. Administrator Vahlsing recommended financing the purchase with a 4-year lease with an estimated annual payment of $13,432 starting April 2023.
Motion by Bailey second by Ryan to authorize the purchase of the quoted Bobcat “Toolcat” UW56 vehicle. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Police Department – New Vehicle Logo
Chief Sjoblom presented a proposed new logo for the police vehicles.
2022 Proposed Agreement for Continuation of our City-County Joint-Powers “Agreement for State Building Code Administration”
Administrator Vahlsing 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, 2022.
Motion by Rechtzigel seconded by Gard to approve the 2022 agreement with Goodhue County for State Building Code Administration. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Update on Kenyon Business Park Lot Sales Price and Marketing Plan
Business Park Lot Sale Price
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the EDA Board set the selling price at .99¢ a square foot for the land in the Business Park. Tax increment financing (TIF) will be used to reduce this actual sale price.
Business Park Marketing Plan
Administrator Vahlsing reviewed a marketing strategy, community profile and a marketing flyer that CEDA and the EDA developed for the Business Park.
Revision to the Rules as Part of the Standard Operating Guidelines – Kenyon Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief Ehrich stated that the Fire Department is recommending that the rules in the Standard Operating Procedures be revised to reflect requirements for attendance by members. The Fire Department membership voted to recommend the rule changes.
Motion by Henke second by Bailey to adopt the revised Fire Department Standard Operation Procedure.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2021-15: Adopting Assessment for Delinquent Utility Bills
Administrator Vahlsing stated that this resolution would authorize delinquent utility bill amounts and other fees to be certified on property taxes.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2021-15 adopting assessment for delinquent utility bills. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, November 16 @ 2:00 p.m.
Township Fire Contract Meeting: Tuesday, December 7th @ 6 p.m.
2022 Budget & Levy Public Meeting: Tuesday, December 7th @ 6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 14 @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTs
Police Chief Sjoblom praised Officer Mitch Taylor on doing a great job with the Pink Patch Project.
Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 p.m. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant Douglas Henke, Mayor
