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 14th day of October 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Donald Kirchmann.
The following members were present: Mayor Donald Kirchmann, Council Members Lee Sjolander (here at 8:29 pm), Mary Bailey, Elana Brunner, and Kim Helgeson
Via Zoom: Jessi Sturtz-Abdo, Beth Klimmek-Gallagher, Abby Polzine-Abdo
Also, present: City Administrator Scott Lehner, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Wayne Ehrich,
Randy Eggert, Doug Henke, Luke Cordes, Chris Cordes
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes:
Financials and Payment of check numbers, 77490 through 77623; 6195E through 7026E
Minutes of September 9, 2025 and October 6, 2025
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
Thank you to Luke Cordes for Eagle Project Work in the City
Wayne Ehrich recognized and thanked Luke Cordes for his work on his Eagle Scout project. Luke landscaped around the city entrance sign and the police station.
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Administrator Lehner stated that Sue Dodds will be done helping at city hall soon. He is figuring out what the next steps will be.
ENGINEERING
2025 Street and Utility Improvements
Engineer Olinger stated that Fitzgerald Excavating has utility and grading work nearly complete on both 5th and 8th streets. Concrete curb and driveways are scheduled to be poured next week with paving planned for the end of the month. Pay application No. 2 includes work from August 30 to October 3 in the amount of $293,639.67.
Work Change Directive Form No. 1
Engineer Olinger stated that the 2nd Street watermain work has started. This work was originally planned to be installed using trenchless/directional drilling methods, which was intended to minimize surface disruption. However, unanticipated bedrock within 2nd street was found, so the method of installation was switched to more conventional excavation. A work change directive was issued with no notable price increases anticipated.
2025 Street and Utility Improvements – Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking -Pay Application No. 2
Motion by Brunner seconded by Kirchmann to approve pay application #2 to Fitzgerald Excavating in the amount of $293,639.67. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Trunk Highway 60 Project
Engineer Olinger stated that a meeting was held with MnDOT planning staff on September 30 regarding
the 2031 Hwy 60 project. The city will need to notify MnDOT by next fall if any significant utility work is needed in conjunction with this project.
LEGAL
FINANCIAL
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
MN Paid Leave
Abby Polzine from Abdo reviewed the new MN Paid Leave that the state of MN is implementing on January 1, 2026. The plan would provide partial wage payments and job protection to individuals who have a qualified medical or family situation.
Employee Benefits/Open Enrollment – Beth from Gallagher
Beth from Gallagher reviewed the 2026 benefits. BCBS is increasing rates by 26.44%. An alternative option would be to consider changing to MN Healthcare Consortium, which would be a 6.14% increase. Beth will be at city hall on November 5 to present options to employees.
2026 Proposed Enterprise Funds Budget
Jessi Sturtz from Abdo outlined the key items for consideration in this year’s enterprise fund budget. There are currently four enterprise funds in the city, water, electric, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer. Jessi will review the funds and bring it back to the council meeting in December for final approval.
Declare 1983 Chevrolet Tender Fire Truck as Excess Inventory
Fire Chief Wayne Ehrich stated that the Fire Department voted to dispose of the 1983 Chevrolet Tender Fire Truck. They are requesting council approval to sell the old fire truck. Proceeds would go into the truck fund.
Motion by Kirchmann seconded by Brunner to declare the 1983 Chevrolet Tender fire truck as excess inventory. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Date of November Council Meeting
Administrator Lehner stated that the November council meeting falls on Veterans Day, November 11.
According to Minnesota Statutes, public business cannot be conducted on a holiday.
Motion by Brunner seconded by Bailey to reschedule the November council meeting to Wednesday, November 12. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Schedule for Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st @ 3:00 p.m.
EDA Meeting: Tuesday, October 28th @ 8 a.m.
City Council Meeting: Wednesday, November 12th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council Member Helgeson congratulated city hall and the library on winning grand prize at the Fall Festival decorating contest. She thanked everyone for coming out and attending Fall Festival and is looking forward to Christmas in Kenyon.
Council Member Brunner thanked all staff and the Park & Rec committee for their work on the Fall Festival.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Deputy City Clerk
Donald Kirchmann, Mayor
