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 September 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey
Absent: Molly Ryan
Also, present: City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Attorney Scott Riggs, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, City Engineer Derik Olinger, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Whitney Kyllo, Cora Boelman, Beth Giese, Shannon Bode, Robert Kyllo
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Beth Giese, Kenyon-Wanamingo Superintendent, introduced herself. She stated that the school is working hard to increase enrollment. If any projects come up that the school could help with, they would love to collaborate with us.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Henke second by Bailey to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75147 through 75253; 4591E through 4703E.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
Brandi Kyllo – Year-End Pool Update
Brandi Kyllo gave a recap of the 2023 pool season. The job description for the assistant manager is being rewritten for next year. Private lessons were a big hit this year. Rate increases are being looked at for next year.
Cora Boelman – CEDA Update and City Entrance Sign
Cora Boelman stated that a group of Mankato State University students were in town last week to help with some planning at the Depot Park. A public survey is in process to see what features Kenyon residents would like to see at the park. Boelman stated that she has had contact with potential businesses that have expressed interest in the Business Park.
ENGINEERING
2023 Street Improvements
Engineer Olinger reviewed the status of the street maintenance project. The contractor showed up unexpectedly last week to do some preliminary work. The street work should start in a week or two.
Pearl Creek & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements
Engineer Olinger updated the Council on the Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer project. He stated that the contractor has indicated they will start the project on Thursday or Friday this week.
Trail Connection Discussion
Engineer Olinger reviewed the process to begin planning for possible trails in the city. A committee would need to be established to determine the process on how to move forward. There are partial grants available, but they require pre-planning before applying. Establishing a committee will be added to the Park and Rec agenda for October.
Community Entrance Sign
Engineer Olinger reviewed the quotes received for installing a “Kenyon” entrance sign. He stated that approval of resolution 2023-20 was required for MNDOT issuance of right-of-way permit for installation of a highway sign. Vahlsing will bring more information on the actual sign to the October meeting.
Resolution 2023-20: Entering into a Limited Use Agreement with the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2023-20. Motion carried 4-0-0.
LEGAL
None
OLD BUSINESS
City/KMU Compensation Study
Administrator Vahlsing stated that two proposals for compensation studies were received. The quotes received were from Bjorkland Compensation Consulting for $5440 and Abdo and Associates for $18,300 - $19.900. The study would evaluate existing city employment positions and compare pay rates with area and similar sized cities.
Motion by Helgeson second by Henke to approve Bjorkland Compensation Consulting for the compensation study. Motion carried 4-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Lacey’s Kitchen & Cocktails Liquor License Renewal
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to renew Lacey’s Kitchen & Cocktails liquor license including Sunday and outdoor service area sales. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Approve Purchase of 40-foot Steel Storage Container – Public Works Dept.
Public Works Director Ehrich requested Council approval to purchase a 40'x8' storage container. The cost would be $8500.
Motion by Henke second by Bailey to approve the purchase of a 40 ft. storage container for Public Works. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Lot Split Request – CFS
Attorney Riggs stated that CFS had applied for a lot split at 806 2nd Street. The split portion of the property would be sold to Robert Kyllo. He would like to use the new parcel to expand his auto repair business.
Resolution 2023-22 – Authorizing Minor Subdivision and Lot Combination CFS
Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2023-22. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Resolution 2023-21: Adopting the 2024 Preliminary Budget and Levy
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the proposed budget and levy were reviewed at the Council work session on September 6. It was decided to set the maximum levy at 8%. The preliminary maximum levy certification resolution must be submitted to Goodhue County by the end of September. The final levy must be adopted by the end of December. The levy can be lowered between now and the end of the year, but it cannot be increased.
Motion by Henke second by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2032-21 adopting the 2024 preliminary budget and levy, which is a maximum of 8%. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Motion by Sjolander second by Henke to recommend setting the Truth in Taxation meeting for December 5 at 6:30 pm. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Approve Order and Purchase of John Deere 624P Front End Loader
Public Works Superintendent Ehrich requested approval to order a new front-end loader. The state contract bid price of the loader would be $208,873 with trade. The delivery would be in a minimum of five months. The loader would be purchased with a capital equipment lease that would be finalized in 2024 with the first payment due in 2025.
Motion by Bailey second by Henke to approve the order and purchase of a John Deer 624P Front End Leader. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, September 19th @ 4:00 p.m.
City Council Meetings: Tuesday, October 10th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council member Bailey was happy to see we were working on trails.
Mayor Henke commented that Rose Fest went well and thanked everyone for their work to make it happen.
City Administrator Vahlsing welcomed Whitney Kyllo.
Council member Sjolander thanked Wayne and crew for all that they do and is glad a compensation study was being done for employees.
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant Douglas Henke, Mayor
