What happened
- Oath of Office read by Doug Henke, Tom Gard and Molly Ryan; Mary Bailey absent
- Pay request No. 8 to Wencl Construction approved for $118,085.38 for Red Wing Avenue work through December 23
- Pay request No. 3 to A-1 Excavating approved for $243,266.67 for business park/utility extension work
- Change Order #4 approved removing A-1 Excavating's November 30 milestone completion date
- 2021 appointments approved, including Acting Mayor Dan Rechtzigel, Kenyon Leader as legal newspaper and Security State Bank of Kenyon as depository
- Resolution 2021-01 adopted with no license fee or compensation increases for 2021
- Kennedy & Graven 2021 legal rates approved, raising the base hourly rate from $171.50 to $174.00 (about two percent)
- Resolution 2021-03 adopted accepting Savyon, LLC's donation of a 2-acre parcel at 111 Gates Avenue
- Resolution 2021-02 adopted accepting 2020 donations of $21,811.00
- Fire Engine #3-Truck #660 declared excess equipment and authorized for sale; KMU Supervisor authorized to use the former police chief office with senior citizens using the front area via key pad entry
What was asked 18 raised · 5 settled
Every question, assignment, pending figure and unsourced claim from this meeting, quoted from the record, each checked against the county, census, listing, bid and budget data we hold.
Kennedy & Graven 2021 Rates for Legal Services Administrator Vahlsing stated that the proposed rates for legal services have increased approximately two percent for 2021. This increase would raise the hourly base rate from $171.50 to $174.00 an hour.
Council approval of the law firm's 2021 rate schedule.
At the meetingRates approved 4-0-0.
The $174.00 hourly base rate is confirmed: on February 8, 2022 Attorney Riggs reviewed the 2022 rates as raising the hourly base rate from $174.00 to $180.00 an hour. The base rate then rose to $188.00 for 2023 and $196.00 for 2024.
2.8.2022_Council_Packet__Agenda · taken up again 2022-02-08
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Henke to instruct the City Attorney to revise City Ordinance 845.01 Regulating Trees in Public Streets and Public Property to reflect the discussion of the City Council.
Council reviewed draft amendments to the tree ordinance covering permitting of planting/removal and an approved species list.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0; revision to be brought back by the attorney.
The revised ordinance came back and was adopted on March 9, 2021 as Ordinance No. 97 amending Section 845 regarding regulation of trees, grass, and weeds in public streets and public property, on a 5-0-0 vote. Attorney Riggs reported Section 845 was simplified while still giving the city control; the minutes do not state whether a boulevard planting restriction was included. Section 845 was amended again by Ordinance No. 99 in June 2022 to require removal of hazardous trees after Emerald Ash Borer was found in Kenyon, with summary publication approved by Res. 2022-15 on July 12, 2022.
3.9.21_Council_Minutes · taken up again 2021-03-09
Some final topsoil grading, seeding, final layer of pavement, and minor miscellaneous repairs will be finished in the spring.
Project status update; construction is shut down for the winter.
At the meetingReported as information; no specific spring date given.
Wencl Construction resumed the remaining Red Wing Avenue work in April 2021, with a final completion date of June 26, 2021 set for all items. On April 13, 2021 Engineer Olinger reported final paving would be done in May; on June 8, 2021 he reported final paving would be completed that week with the June 26 final completion date standing.
4.13.21_Council_Minutes; 6.8.21_Council_Minutes · taken up again 2021-06-08
Change Order #4 Engineer Olinger stated that A-1's contract contained a completion date of November 30, but since the weather this year allowed them to work past this date, they are requesting that the November 30 milestone completion date be removed from the contract.
Change Order #4 removed the milestone date because favorable weather let the contractor work past it.
At the meetingChange Order #4 approved; no replacement completion date stated in the minutes.
The A-1 Excavating contract was reset to a substantial completion date of July 2, 2021, reported on May 11, 2021, then extended again: on August 10, 2021 the council approved Change Order #6 setting substantial completion at August 13 and final completion at September 10, 2021. The executed Change Order #4 itself is not in our holdings.
8.10.21_Council_Minutes; 5.11.21_Council_Minutes · taken up again 2021-08-10
Kenyon Business Park/Utility Extension Project Status Update Engineer Olinger reported that A-1 Excavating was on site until December 23rd. The storm sewer work between Engel Drive and the new stormwater pond was completed. The majority of the grading work on the site has also been completed.
Kenyon Business Park/Utility Extension project status update.
At the meetingReported as status; pay request #3 approved for $243,266.67.
The Business Park utility extension project ran to completion in 2021 under A-1 Excavating: substantial completion was set for July 2 2021, pay request No. 4 of $104,360.16 was approved June 8 2021, and the council approved final pay request No. 8 of $80,834.72 on October 12 2021 contingent on closeout documentation, with further repairs left to warranty. The engineer's December 2020 field reports and quantity records behind pay request #3 of $243,266.67 are not in our holdings.
10.12.21_Council_Minutes; 6.8.21_Council_Minutes · taken up again 2021-10-12
The Historic Preservation Committee will use the report to rank future improvements. No action was needed from the Council as this was for information only.
Summary of the final historic structures report presented for information only.
At the meetingNo action taken; ranking still to come from the HPC.
No ranked list of Gunderson House improvements from the Historic Preservation Committee is in our holdings. One study recommendation was acted on: on May 11, 2021 the council approved Reliable Heating and Cooling's quote of $4,765.00 for air conditioning at the Gunderson House, paid from the Gunderson House capital fund, because the historic structures study recommended it to preserve the downstairs. The HPC's ranked list with cost estimates is missing.
5.11.21_Council_Minutes; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2021-05-11
City Engineer – Derek Olinger, Bolton & Menk g. City Auditor – CliftonLarsonAllen LLP h. Financial Consultant – Per Project Basis i.
Annual appointments and designations list.
At the meetingApproved as listed 4-0-0.
The city has since used named outside financial advisors on a project basis: Northland Securities produced the tax increment analysis for the Rebound Sunset Home site, recommending $800,000 in assistance against the $1,855,000 the council approved on May 18 2026, and Abdo holds the contracted finance engagement at a 2027 proposal of $164,800. No standing designation of a single named financial consultant appears in the record, so the annual appointment remains project by project.
KENYON_INCENTIVES.md; 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-05-18
Motion by Gard second by Rechtzigel to declare fire engine #3-truck #660 as excess equipment and authorize it to be sold.
Council declared the fire engine excess inventory because repair costs exceed its value.
At the meetingCouncil authorized the sale 4-0-0; no sale method, price, or date given.
No sale listing, bid record, or final price for Fire Engine #3, Truck #660 exists in our holdings. The later fire truck items on file concern different vehicles: a 1936 Ford open-air truck declared excess May 14, 2024, and a 1983 Chevrolet tender declared excess November 12, 2025. A sale advertisement, auction result, or the truck fund receipt entry would answer it.
5-14-24_AGENDA(1); 11-12-25_Council_Packet(1) · would settle it: A sale listing, bid record, or final sale price for truck #660
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS Mayor Henke presented John Mortensen with a gift for his years of service on the City Council. Lee Sjolander will deliver Richard Nielsen's gift to him.
Recognition of outgoing council members; Mortensen received his gift in person, Nielsen was absent.
Nothing in our holdings records delivery of Richard Nielsen's service gift. A later minutes entry or staff note confirming delivery would answer it.
none · would settle it: Confirmation the gift was delivered
KMU Supervisor Utilizing Former Police Chief Office Motion by Henke second by Rechtzigel to authorize the KMU Supervisor to utilize the former police chief office and allow the senior citizens to use the front area of the former police department building utilizing a key pad entry system.
Late agenda addition on reuse of the vacated police department building.
At the meetingAuthorized 4-0-0; no cost or installation date stated.
No quote, invoice, or installation date for a key pad entry system at the former police department building appears in our holdings. The later building items on file concern a fiber/internet cable between city hall and the police department, quotes for which were directed July 12, 2022, not the key pad. A work order or paid claim line for the key pad would answer it.
7.12.22_Council_Minutes · would settle it: A quote or work order for the key pad entry system and an installation date
Savyon, LLC donation of 111 Gates Ave to City Administrator Vahlsing stated that Savyon LLC offered to donate a 2-acre parcel of land located at 111 Gates Avenue to the City.
Land donation requiring a resolution under state statute; a small concrete building remains on the site.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2021-03 accepting the donation 4-0-0.
No recorded deed or environmental site assessment for 111 Gates Avenue is in our holdings. The 2025 environmental assessment and demolition language in the packets concerns the former Sunset Homes site at 127 Gunderson Boulevard, a different property. The recorded deed from Savyon, LLC and any Phase I or Phase II assessment for 111 Gates Avenue would answer it.
1-13-25_Council_Packet_Updated; 2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda · would settle it: The recorded deed and any environmental/site assessment for 111 Gates Ave
Mayor Henke suggested that this may be the time to look at the restriction of trees being planted in the boulevard. Other cities restrict planting boulevard trees due to the annual maintenance and damage caused over time.
Discussion of whether to restrict boulevard tree planting in the revised tree ordinance.
At the meetingNo source or list of cities cited; council directed the attorney to revise the ordinance.
We hold no tree ordinances from other Minnesota cities and no dataset of boulevard planting restrictions, so the mayor's claim cannot be checked. Copies of comparable municipal tree ordinances or a League of Minnesota Cities model ordinance would answer it.
none · would settle it: Comparable tree ordinances from other Minnesota cities
The truck is no longer in active use and the cost of the improvements needed would be more than the value of the truck.
Justification for declaring the fire engine excess equipment.
At the meetingCouncil accepted the statement and authorized sale.
No repair estimate or appraised value for Fire Engine #660 exists in the factbook or in any later council document we hold. The later excess-inventory actions in the record concern different vehicles: the 1936 Ford open-air truck declared excess May 14 2024 and the 1983 Chevrolet tender declared excess November 12 2025, both with proceeds directed to the truck fund. A repair quote and a market appraisal or the eventual sale price for #660 would answer it.
11-12-25_Council_Packet(1); 5-14-24_AGENDA(1) · would settle it: A repair estimate and an appraisal or market value for the truck
NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2021-02: A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of 2020 Donations Motion by Henke second by Rechtzigel to approve Resolution 2021-02 authorizing the acceptance of the 2020 donations of $21,811.00.
Resolution authorizing acceptance of 2020 donations.
At the meetingResolution approved 4-0-0.
The factbook holds no donation records for the City of Kenyon, so the $21,811.00 total for 2020 cannot be verified or broken down. Later packets show only that the city repeated the practice annually, with Resolution 2022-02 for 2021 donations, Resolution 2023-02 for 2022, Resolution 2024-02, and Resolution 2025-02. The itemized donation list attached to Resolution 2021-02 would answer it.
1-11-22_Agenda_packet; 1.10.23_Council_Packet__Agenda · would settle it: The itemized donation list attached to Resolution 2021-02
Resolution 2021-01: Establishing License Fees and Compensation Administrator Vahlsing stated that there were no increases for 2021.
Resolution 2021-01 establishing license fees and compensation.
At the meetingResolution adopted 4-0-0.
No 2020 or 2021 fee schedule is in the factbook, so the claim of no increases for 2021 cannot be checked. The only later statement on fee levels in the record is Administrator Vahlsing's February 13 2024 report that the 2024 fee schedule had a few increases from the prior year, and that resolution was approved with a change to the depot rent fee. Side-by-side 2020 and 2021 schedules attached to Resolution 2021-01 would answer it.
2.13.24__Council_Packet_and_Agenda · would settle it: Side-by-side 2020 and 2021 fee schedules
Savyon has removed their equipment from the former concrete plant site. A small concrete building remains on the property.
Description of the condition of the donated parcel.
At the meetingAccepted as stated; no inspection referenced.
No site inspection report or condition record for 111 Gates Avenue is in the factbook, and the later passages about a vacant building, encroachments and demolition concern the Sunset Home redevelopment site, not the donated Gates Avenue parcel. The factbook's only Gates Avenue entry is the 2023 Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer and Gates Ave contract awarded to BCM Construction at $1,241,494.22. A city site inspection or demolition record for the parcel would answer it.
KENYON_BIDS.md · would settle it: A site inspection report for the parcel
He thanked Wayne Ehrich and his crew for helping them move to the new building. Lee noted that the PD had received their first round of the COVID vaccine.
Staff comments on department status.
At the meetingReported as information only; no date for a second round given.
No vaccination records or scheduled second-dose date for the Kenyon Police Department appear in the factbook or in any later council document we hold. The police material in the factbook is limited to the July 28 2026 full-time officer posting at $33.54 per hour entry, $38.57 at 3-5 years and $42.61 at 5-10 years. A department health or scheduling record would answer it.
data/jobs.csv · would settle it: The scheduled date for the department's second vaccine dose
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings KMU Meeting: Tuesday, January 19th @ 2:00 p.m. EDA Annual Meeting: Tuesday, January 26th @ 9 a.m. at Fire Hall City Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 9th @ 7 p.m.
Schedule of upcoming meetings.
At the meetingListed for information.
The posted agendas for the January 19 2021 KMU meeting, the January 26 2021 EDA annual meeting and the February 9 2021 council meeting are not in our holdings. Later packets confirm only that the same three-meeting pattern recurred, with the EDA annual meeting held January 31 2023 at City Hall, January 30 2024 at Foldcraft and January 21 2025 at Cahill Bistro. The city's meeting notices and agenda archive for January and February 2021 would answer it.
1.10.23_Council_Packet__Agenda; 2.13.24__Council_Packet_and_Agenda; 2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda · would settle it: Posted agendas for each meeting
Decisions 16 motions
Who did what
| Person | At this meeting |
|---|---|
| Doug Henke Mayor | Called the meeting to order, took the Oath of Office, presented John Mortensen a gift, moved several motions and suggested reviewing restrictions on boulevard tree planting |
| Dan Rechtzigel Council Member | Moved approval of the consent agenda, appointments and licenses; named Acting Mayor; congratulated Molly, Tom and Doug on their election |
| Molly Ryan Council Member | Took the Oath of Office and said she was excited to be part of the Council |
| Tom Gard Council Member | Took the Oath of Office, moved the amended agenda and several motions; appointed to Public Utility Commission |
| Mary Bailey Council Member | Absent |
| Mark Vahlsing City Administrator | Presented license fees, legal rates, the Savyon donation, tree ordinance amendments, Policy #32, the Gunderson House report and the excess fire engine request |
| Holli Gudknecht Administrative Assistant / Deputy Clerk | Recorded the minutes and was designated Deputy Clerk |
| Lee Sjolander Police Chief | Welcomed Molly, thanked public works for the move, noted PD received its first round of COVID vaccine, and will deliver Richard Nielsen's gift |
| Derek Olinger City Engineer, Bolton & Menk | Reported on Red Wing Avenue and Kenyon Business Park projects and Change Order #4; designated City Engineer |
| Joe Rhein Engineer | Thanked everyone for everything in general comments |
| Scott Riggs City Attorney, Kennedy & Graven | Advised that a resolution was required to accept the land donation; congratulated departing members |
| Wayne Ehrich Public Works Director | Requested amendments to City Ordinance 845.01 on tree permitting and species list |
| John Mortensen Former Council Member | Received a gift for years of service; appointed to EDA 4-year term |
| Michelle Vlasak Reporter, Kenyon Leader | Attended the meeting |
| Richard Nielsen Former Council Member | Recognized for service; gift to be delivered by Chief Sjolander |
| Jim Malloy Planning Commission appointee | Appointed to a 2-year Planning Commission term |
| David Hjermstad EDA appointee | Appointed to a 4-year EDA term |
| Chris Mallery EDA appointee | Appointed to a 2-year EDA term |
| Ann Traxler Library Board appointee | Appointed to a 3-year Library Board term |
| Kevin Anderson Historic Preservation Commission appointee | Appointed to a 3-year HPC term |
| Melissa Bartel Park and Recreation Committee appointee | Appointed to a 3-year Park and Recreation Committee term |
| David Jacobsen Prosecuting Attorney, Hero, Jorstad, Jacobsen Law Firm | Designated Prosecuting Attorney for 2021 |
| Sue Dodds Audit Committee member | Appointed to the Audit Committee |
| Russell Thurmes Liquor Committee member | Appointed to the Liquor Committee |
Organizations named: Wencl Construction, A-1 Excavating, Bolton & Menk, Kennedy & Graven Chartered, Hero, Jorstad, Jacobsen Law Firm, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Security State Bank of Kenyon, Kenyon Leader, Savyon, LLC, Wold Engineering, Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, Waste Management, Flom Disposal Inc., Veit Container Corp, Goodhue County Public Works, Kenyon Ace Hardware, Kenyon VFW Post 141, Mary's Rustic Rose, Che Che's Lunchera, Twice Found, D&S Banner, Taco Express, Kenyon Municipal Utilities (KMU), Kenyon Fire Relief Association, Economic Development Authority (EDA), Historic Preservation Commission
Figures
| Amount | What |
|---|---|
| $118,085.38 | Pay request No. 8 to Wencl Construction for Red Wing Avenue work completed through December 23 |
| $243,266.67 | Pay request No. 3 to A-1 Excavating for Kenyon Business Park/utility extension work through December 23 |
| $171.50 | Kennedy & Graven 2020 hourly base rate for legal services |
| $174.00 | Kennedy & Graven 2021 hourly base rate for legal services (approx. two percent increase) |
| $21,811.00 | 2020 donations accepted by Resolution 2021-02 |
Said at the meeting
Engineer Olinger stated that construction on Red Wing Avenue is completed for the winter.
Engineer Derek Olinger · minutes, verbatim
Administrator Vahlsing stated that there were no increases for 2021.
Administrator Mark Vahlsing · minutes, verbatim
Attorney Riggs stated that by state statute, the City needs to adopt a resolution to accept this donation.
Attorney Scott Riggs · minutes, verbatim
Mayor Henke suggested that this may be the time to look at the restriction of trees being planted in the boulevard.
Mayor Doug Henke · minutes, verbatim
Councilman Ryan stated that she was excited to be a part of the Council.
Council Member Molly Ryan · minutes, verbatim
Lee noted that the PD had received their first round of the COVID vaccine.
Police Chief Lee Sjolander · minutes, verbatim
Resolutions and ordinances
- Accepting Donation Addition: / XI / New Business / D / KMU Supervisor Utilizing Former Police Chief Office Motion by Gard second by RechtzigeRes. 2021-03
- Establishing License Fees and Compensation Administrator Vahlsing stated that there were no increases for 2021Res. 2021-01
- A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of 2020 Donations Motion by Henke second by Rechtzigel to approve Resolution 2021-02 authorizing the acceRes. 2021-02
Full packet text (0k characters)
The minutes
Official minutes as adopted, from 1.12.21 Council Minutes; text extracted from the PDF.
Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 12th day of January 2021. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
- Present
- Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Dan Rechtzigel, Molly Ryan, and Tom Gard
- Absent
- Mary Bailey
- Also present
- Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Lee Sjolander, Engineer Derek Olinger, Engineer Joe Rhein, Attorney Scott Riggs, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, John Mortensen, and Michelle Vlasak reporter for Kenyon Leader
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Oath of Office was read by Doug Henke, Tom Gard, and Molly Ryan.
Citizen Comment
None
Adopt Agenda
Addition: / VIII / Legal / E / 1/ Resolution 2021-03 Accepting Donation
Addition: / XI / New Business / D / KMU Supervisor Utilizing Former Police Chief Office
Motion by Gard second by Rechtzigel to approve the amended agenda.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Consent Agenda
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Henke to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 71779 through 71871; 3640E through 3652E; and additional checks 71872 through 71891.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Presentations / Public Hearings / Recognitions / Prolamations
Mayor Henke presented John Mortensen with a gift for his years of service on the City Council. Lee Sjolander will deliver Richard Nielsen's gift to him.
Engineering
Red Wing Avenue Project Update
Engineer Olinger stated that construction on Red Wing Avenue is completed for the winter. Some final topsoil grading, seeding, final layer of pavement, and minor miscellaneous repairs will be finished in the spring. Pay Request #8 – Wencl Construction
Motion by Gard second by Rechtzigel to approve pay request No. 8 to Wencl Construction in the amount of $118,085.38 for work completed through December 23.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Kenyon Business Park/Utility Extension Project Status Update
Engineer Olinger reported that A-1 Excavating was on site until December 23rd. The storm sewer work between Engel Drive and the new stormwater pond was completed. The majority of the grading work on the site has also been completed. Pay Request #3 – A-1 Excavating
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Gard to approve pay request No.3 to A-1 Excavating in the amount of $243,266.67 for work completed through December 23.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Change Order #4 Engineer Olinger stated that A-1's contract contained a completion date of November 30, but since the weather this year allowed them to work past this date, they are requesting that the November 30 milestone completion date be removed from the contract.
Motion by Henke second by Ryan to approve Change Order #4 for the A-1 Excavating.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Mortensen – Aye, Gard – Aye, Nielsen - Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0Legal
2021 Appointments and Designations Planning Commission – 2 Year Term – Doug Henke, Jim Malloy Public Utility Commission – 3 Year Term – Tom Gard Economic Development Authority (EDA) – 4 Year Term – David Hjermstad, John Mortensen Economic Development Authority (EDA) – 2 Year Term - Chris Mallery, Doug Henke Library Board – 3 Year Term – Ann Traxler Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – 3 Year Term – Kevin Anderson Park and Recreation Committee – 3 Year Term – Melissa Bartel a. Acting Mayor – Dan Rechtzigel b. Legal Newspaper – Kenyon Leader c. Depository – Security State Bank of Kenyon d. City Attorney – Scott Riggs, Kennedy & Graven Chartered e. Prosecuting Attorney – David Jacobsen, Hero, Jorstad, Jacobsen Law Firm f. City Engineer – Derek Olinger, Bolton & Menk g. City Auditor – CliftonLarsonAllen LLP h. Financial Consultant – Per Project Basis i. Investments – As Allowed Per Minnesota Statutes j. Deputy Clerk – Holli Gudknecht k. Weed Inspector – Doug Henke l. Audit Committee – Doug Henke, Molly Ryan, Sue Dodds, Mark Vahlsing m. Personnel Committee – Dan Rechtzigel, Doug Henke and Mark Vahlsing n. Liquor Committee – Doug Henke, Russell Thurmes, Mark Vahlsing o. Kenyon Fire Relief Association – Doug Henke and Mark Vahlsing
Motion by Rechtzigel seconded by Gard to approve committee appointments and designations.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Resolution 2021-01: Establishing License Fees and Compensation
Administrator Vahlsing stated that there were no increases for 2021.
Motion by Gard second by Ryan to approve Resolution 2020-01.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan – Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Annual Refuse Licenses
Waste Management, Flom Disposal Inc., Veit Container Corp (Commercial, Temporary roll off, dumpster);
Annual Recycling Licenses
Flom Disposal Inc., Goodhue County Public Works, Waste Management (Commercial Recycling).
Annual Sidewalk Obstruction Licenses
Kenyon Ace Hardware, Kenyon VFW Post 141, Mary's Rustic Rose, Che Che's Lunchera, Twice Found, D&S Banner, Taco Express Annual Mobile Merchant License Che Che's Lunchera, Taco Express
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Henke to approve the annual refuse, recycling, sidewalk and mobile merchant licenses.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Kennedy & Graven 2021 Rates for Legal Services
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the proposed rates for legal services have increased approximately two percent for 2021. This increase would raise the hourly base rate from $171.50 to $174.00 an hour.
Motion by Henke seconded by Gard to approve 2021 rates for legal services.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Savyon, LLC donation of 111 Gates Ave to City
Administrator Vahlsing stated that Savyon LLC offered to donate a 2-acre parcel of land located at 111 Gates Avenue to the City. Savyon has removed their equipment from the former concrete plant site. A small concrete building remains on the property. Attorney Riggs stated that by state statute, the City needs to adopt a resolution to accept this donation.
Motion by Henke second by Gard to adopt Resolution 2021-03 accepting donation.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Review Draft Amendments to Ordinance Section 845.01 Regulation of Trees
Administrator Vahlsing stated that Public Works Director Ehrich requested that two sections of the City Ordinance 845.01 be amended. The changes would deal with the permitting of planting and removing trees and adopting a list of tree species suitable for the boulevard and yards. This would give residents a guideline on the types and sizes of trees allowed and the distances required to be planted from curbs, sidewalks, etc. Mayor Henke suggested that this may be the time to look at the restriction of trees being planted in the boulevard. Other cities restrict planting boulevard trees due to the annual maintenance and damage caused over time.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Henke to instruct the City Attorney to revise City Ordinance 845.01 Regulating Trees in Public Streets and Public Property to reflect the discussion of the City Council.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Old Business
Discuss Adoption of Administrative Policy 32 – Covering City Council issued iPads. Administrator Vahlsing presented the revised Administrative Police #32 covering the use of City Council issued iPad. This policy was discussed at the December Council meeting.
Motion by Gard second by Ryan to adopt Administrative Policy #32 covering City Council issued iPads.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0New Business
Resolution 2021-02: A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of 2020 Donations
Motion by Henke second by Rechtzigel to approve Resolution 2021-02 authorizing the acceptance of the 2020 donations of $21,811.00.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Gunderson House -Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office-Summary of Final Historic Structures Report - Wold Engineering Administrator Vahlsing summarized the historic structures report that was completed last year by Wold Engineering on the Gunderson House. The study reviewed the overall conditions of the Gunderson House and provided recommendations. The Historic Preservation Committee will use the report to rank future improvements. No action was needed from the Council as this was for information only.
Declare Fire Engine #3-Truck #660 as Excess Equipment
Administrator Vahlsing requested that the council declare Fire Engine #660 as excess inventory and authorize it to be sold. The truck is no longer in active use and the cost of the improvements needed would be more than the value of the truck.
Motion by Gard second by Rechtzigel to declare fire engine #3-truck #660 as excess equipment and authorize it to be sold.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0KMU Supervisor Utilizing Former Police Chief Office
Motion by Henke second by Rechtzigel to authorize the KMU Supervisor to utilize the former police chief office and allow the senior citizens to use the front area of the former police department building utilizing a key pad entry system.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, January 19th @ 2:00 p.m. EDA Annual Meeting: Tuesday, January 26th @ 9 a.m. at Fire Hall City Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 9th @ 7 p.m.
Council And Staff General Comments
Administrator Vahlsing thanked Richard and John for their service to the City. He also noted he had appreciated working with Joe Rhein over the years.
Councilman Rechtzigel congratulated Molly, Tom, and Doug on their election to the Council
Councilman Ryan stated that she was excited to be a part of the Council.
Chief Sjolander welcomed Molly. He thanked Wayne Ehrich and his crew for helping them move to the new building. Lee noted that the PD had received their first round of the COVID vaccine.
Mayor Henke stated that the first meeting of the year went well and was happy to see Molly at her first meeting. He wished everyone a happy new year.
Councilman Gard welcomed Molly.
Attorney Riggs stated he was glad to see Molly on the Council and congratulated John and Richard on their years of service on the Council. Engineer Rhein thanked everyone for everything.
Engineer Olinger stated he appreciates the opportunity to work with the Council
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Gard to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: Henke- Aye, Rechtzigel – Aye, Gard – Aye, Ryan - Aye
Motion carried 4-0-0