What happened
- Public hearing on the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements opened 7:17 p.m. and closed 7:37 p.m.; two residents spoke.
- Resolution 2024-24 ordering the improvement and preparation of plans adopted 5-0-0, designating Bolton & Menk as project engineer.
- Bolton & Menk's final design and bidding proposal totaled $246,200, referenced in Resolution 2024-24.
- Pay Application No. 9 to BCM Construction approved for $5,438.75 for work through September 27, 2024.
- Engineer Olinger said BCM was notified that further delays on punch-list items would result in liquidated damage deductions.
- Ordinance 106 adopted, rezoning Traxler parcel PID# 66.680.0460 from I-1 (General Industrial) to C-2 (General Commercial); Planning Commission recommended it October 1 with no public comment.
- Resolution 2024-25 approving publication of Ordinance 106 by title and summary adopted (motion stated 'Resolution 2024-16').
- Resolution 2024-23 appointing 2024 election judges adopted ahead of the November 5 General Election.
- Consent agenda approved payment of check numbers 76463 through 76561 and 5127E through 5180E.
- Mayor Henke reported a verbal agreement from KMU commissioners on a $2 million loan to start a housing development.
- Police Chief Sjoblom reported Officer Mitch Taylor took a job with Apple Valley Police Department, last day October 17.
What was asked 14 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.
Township Fire Contract Meeting: Tuesday, December 3rd @ 6:00 p.m. Truth in Taxation Public Meeting: Tuesday, December 3rd @ 6:30 p.m.
Listed in the schedule of upcoming meetings.
The Truth in Taxation meeting held its December 3 2024 slot at 6:30 p.m. and the levy that came out of that cycle was $1,400,000 for 2025, a 9.55 percent increase. The following year the city certified $1,528,541 for 2026, up 9.18 percent, and set a 2027 preliminary levy of $1,670,115, up 9.26 percent, so Kenyon has raised its levy more than nine percent in each of three consecutive years.
taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json; taxes/levy.html; 12.10.24 Council Packet and Agenda Updated
Mayor Henke stated that he had asked the KMU commission to loan the city $2 million to get a housing development started. He had gotten a verbal agreement from all the commissioners. The details still need to be worked out.
Reported under council and staff general comments as a financing idea for a housing development.
The details were never worked out. Two years later, on September 8 2026, Doug Henke returned as a citizen to tell the council no progress had been made and to ask them to move it forward, and KMU Chairman Jerry Houglum confirmed the commission had been in favor of the loan. Administrator Lehner responded that a preliminary plat and a draft purchase agreement have been done. No written KMU commission action or loan terms document appears anywhere in our record.
9-8-26 Council Packet, Citizen Comment; 11.12.24 Council Packet And Agenda · taken up again 2026-09-08
There is still a punch list of items requiring attention. BCM has been notified that further delays will result in liquidated damage deductions from the final payment.
Discussed with Pay Application 9 after the September 27 contract completion date passed.
At the meetingCouncil approved pay request No. 9 for $5,438.75 for work through September 27, 2024.
No liquidated damages were assessed. By January 14 2025 Engineer Olinger reported most work complete, with delays in minor grading, stabilization and turf establishment on the Barrett property, and recommended setting a completion date in early spring because final restoration results would not be known until the spring thaw. Liquidated damages were suspended over the winter, and Pay Application #11 covering November 2 to December 3 was approved on a Bailey motion seconded by Helgeson.
Council was told further delays would bring liquidated damage deductions, but by January 2025 the engineer had recommended suspending liquidated damages over the winter instead.
1-14-25 council packet; 12.10.24 Council Packet and Agenda Updated engineer letter · taken up again 2025-01-14
Approval would notify the public that the city intends to move forward with the project and authorize the city engineer to complete the final design on the project.
Council ordered the improvement and preparation of plans after the public hearing.
At the meetingResolution 2024-24 adopted 5-0-0.
Resolution 2024-24 was adopted 5-0-0 on a roll call of Bailey, Helgeson, Henke, Ryan and Sjolander, all aye, and the design work followed. The project was bid, all bids rejected once, rebid and awarded, and on May 12 2026 Engineer Olinger reported it would restart the week of April 13 with final completion expected mid-July 2026 and the punch list done by August 30. That puts completion roughly twenty months after the design was authorized.
11.12.24 Council Packet And Agenda; 5-12-26 Council Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-05-12
Police Chief Sjolander reported that Police Officer Mitch Taylor had accepted a job with the Apple Valley Police Department. His last day will be October 17.
Staff comment on department staffing.
Mitch Taylor came back part time. By July 14 2026 Police Chief Sjoblom reported Mitch had passed his background check and would start as a part-time fill-in, Misty had worked one part-time shift, and a potential full-time officer was still in background check. The full-time vacancy was never durably filled: on September 8 2026 the officer position was still posted with no applicants and part-time officers were covering while the chief and the full-time officer were on vacation.
7.14.26 Council Packet Updated; 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-07-14
Diane Barrett listed several issues that had not yet been addressed by BCM. She was disappointed that the work was not getting done.
Raised during discussion of the final pay application for the Pearl Creek and Gates Avenue project.
Diane Barrett's complaints were never itemized in the record and no contractor response appears. The only later trace attached to this item is that Pay Application #11 to BCM Construction remained on the December 10 2024 engineering agenda, so payments continued while her property work was outstanding. Her written list of issues and BCM's response would settle it.
12.10.24 Council Packet and Agenda Updated, engineering agenda
Allan Turner, who lives at 626 8th Street, stated that he doesn't foresee people using a sidewalk if it was installed in the south side of his house. He would rather see the sidewalk put on the Red Wing Avenue side of his house.
Comment at the public hearing on the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements.
At the meetingNo response recorded; council ordered the improvement and final design.
The record does not say where the sidewalk was finally placed. At the June 10 2025 assessment hearing no residents attended, though two contacted Engineer Olinger in advance, one at 10 Slee Street objecting to the assessment amount and one at 608 8th Street opposed to the 8th Street sidewalk. Turner's property at 626 8th Street does not appear in the final assessment roll extract we hold, which lists 717 Forest St, 608, 612 and 616 8th St. The final design plan showing the alignment would settle it.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda, Final Assessment Roll Summary dated 7/2/2025; 6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated
Kirk Hiner, who has a business at 43 Slee Street, was concerned about the additional taxes and his loading docks being shut down during construction.
Comment at the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements public hearing.
At the meetingNo response recorded in the minutes.
Neither concern is resolved in our record. At the June 10 2025 assessment hearing no residents attended, and the only Slee Street contact recorded is the resident at 10 Slee Street who thought his assessment was too high, not Hiner at 43 Slee Street. We hold no assessment figure for his parcel and no construction access or staging plan for the loading docks.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated, Assessment Hearing
City Engineer Olinger stated that this was a Public Hearing on the proposed 2025 Street and Utility Improvement project. A neighborhood meeting was held on October 2. Five residents attended that meeting.
Background presented at the improvement public hearing.
The October 2 2024 neighborhood meeting and its five attendees are recorded only in Engineer Olinger's own statement at the hearing, with no sign-in sheet or notes in our record. Public engagement stayed thin through the project: at the June 10 2025 assessment hearing on the same project no residents attended at all and only two contacted the engineer in advance. The sign-in sheet would settle the attendance count.
11.12.24 Council Packet And Agenda; 6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated
Pearl Creek & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that this pay estimate includes work to restore the yard space around the new lift station. The final completion date of the contract was September 27.
Stated in connection with pay application 9 and possible liquidated damages.
The September 27 2024 final completion date is recorded only in the engineer's statement to the council, and we do not hold the executed BCM contract. The November and December 2024 packets both carry a liquidated damages worksheet with columns for contract completion date, actual completion or cutoff date, number of days over and damages per day, so the city was tracking the overrun against a fixed date. The signed contract would confirm both the substantial and final completion dates.
11.12.24 Council Packet And Agenda; 12.10.24 Council Packet and Agenda Updated, liquidated damages worksheet
Resolution 2024-25: Approving Publication of Ordinance 106 by Title and Summary Motion by Ryan seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2024-16.
Traxler rezoning ordinance and summary publication resolution.
At the meetingBoth items passed 5-0-0 as recorded.
Our record reproduces both errors rather than resolving either. Ordinance 106 is titled as rezoning the Jeffrey and Ann Traxler parcel from I-1 General Industrial to G-2 General Commercial, and the motion recorded under the heading for Resolution 2024-25 is a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-16. Both items passed 5-0-0 on identical roll calls of Bailey, Helgeson, Henke, Ryan and Sjolander. The signed ordinance and resolution, or the zoning code's list of district names, would settle which designations are correct.
The minutes head the item Resolution 2024-25 but record a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-16, and give the rezoning target as G-2 where the attorney's description says C-2.
11.12.24 Council Packet And Agenda
General Election: Tuesday, November 5 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 pm City Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 12 @ 7 p.m. Township Fire Contract Meeting: Tuesday, December 3rd @ 6:00 p.m.
Listed in the schedule of upcoming meetings.
The Township Fire Contract Meeting held its December 3 2024 slot at 6:00 p.m. in the schedule carried forward in the December 10 2024 packet, immediately before the Truth in Taxation meeting at 6:30 the same evening. No proposed township fire contract terms and no report from that meeting appear in our record. The township fire service agreements would settle it.
12.10.24 Council Packet and Agenda Updated, Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
SEMAAA is looking for a group of 5-8 people who are interested in researching and helping develop new senior services through the ‘Age Friendly Communities' program sponsored by AARP and the State of Minnesota.
Citizen comment on developing senior services in Kenyon.
At the meetingNo council action recorded.
No Age Friendly Communities start-up committee, volunteer names or AARP grant application appears in our record. The city's later grant activity ran through a different program: in July 2026 it named EDA Coordinator Todd Kieffer fiscal agent for the League of Minnesota Cities Grant Navigator. A council appointment of an Age Friendly committee, or a SEMAAA follow-up report, would settle it.
7.14.26 Council Packet Updated · would settle it: Names of committee volunteers and the AARP/state grant application requirements
SEMAAA is looking for a group of 5-8 people who are interested in researching and helping develop new senior services through the ‘Age Friendly Communities' program sponsored by AARP and the State of Minnesota. A start-up committee would be needed before applying for the grants that are available.
Senior services presentation during citizen comments.
We hold no amounts or deadlines for the AARP and State of Minnesota Age Friendly Communities grants. The two grant programs that do appear in our record are different ones: the DEED Redevelopment Grant Program with semi-annual deadlines of February 1 and August 1 at 4:00 p.m., and the League of Minnesota Cities Grant Navigator at up to $5,000 per city against a $500,000 program cap. The AARP program guidelines would settle it.
2.11.25 Council Packet Agenda; 7.14.26 Council Packet Updated; GRANTS.md · would settle it: The AARP/State of Minnesota grant program details, amounts and deadlines
Decisions 10 motions
Who did what
| Person | At this meeting |
|---|---|
| Doug Henke Mayor | Called the meeting to order, voted aye on all motions, and reported asking KMU commissioners for a $2 million loan for housing development |
| Mary Bailey Council Member | Moved to adopt the agenda, Resolution 2024-24, Pay Application No. 9 and adjournment |
| Kim Helgeson Council Member | Moved the consent agenda, Ordinance 106 and Resolution 2024-23; encouraged attendance at the Fall Festival |
| Molly Ryan Council Member | Attended via Teams; moved to close the public hearing and to adopt the Ordinance 106 summary publication resolution |
| Lee Sjolander Council Member | Arrived at 7:19 pm and voted aye on subsequent motions |
| Frank Boyles Interim Administrator | Attended the meeting |
| Holli Gudknecht Administrative Assistant | Recorded the minutes and prepared agenda item reports |
| Whitney Kyllo Finance Director | Attended the meeting |
| Derek Olinger City Engineer (Bolton & Menk) | Presented the 2025 street and utility project scope at the public hearing and reported on Pearl Creek/Gates Avenue punch-list work |
| Jeff Sjoblom Police Chief | Reported Officer Mitch Taylor's departure for Apple Valley Police Department |
| Dave Vandergon Southeast Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA) | Presented on developing senior services and the 'Age Friendly Communities' program |
| Kirk Hiner Business owner, 43 Slee Street | Raised concerns about additional taxes and loading docks being shut down during construction |
| Allan Turner Resident, 626 8th Street | Opposed a sidewalk on the south side of his house, preferring the Red Wing Avenue side |
| Diane Barrett Resident | Listed several issues not yet addressed by BCM and expressed disappointment |
| Jeffrey Traxler Property owner/applicant | Attended as the council considered rezoning his parcel |
| Ann Traxler Property owner/applicant | Attended as the council considered rezoning the parcel she co-owns |
| Mitch Taylor Police Officer | Accepted a job with Apple Valley Police Department; last day October 17 |
| Sathe Attorney | Reviewed the Traxler rezoning request and Planning Commission recommendation |
Organizations named: Southeast Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA), AARP, State of Minnesota, Bolton & Menk, Inc., BCM Construction, Kenyon Planning Commission, Kenyon Municipal Utilities (KMU), Kenyon Economic Development Authority (EDA), Apple Valley Police Department, Goodhue County, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota DNR
Figures
| Amount | What |
|---|---|
| $5,438.75 | Pay Application No. 9 to BCM Construction for work completed through September 27, 2024 |
| $2 million | Loan Mayor Henke asked the KMU commission to make to the city to start a housing development |
| $246,200 | Bolton & Menk total proposed fee for final design and bidding services on the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements |
| $189,400 | Portion of Bolton & Menk fee for final design, plan preparation and project manual |
| $19,700 | Bolton & Menk project management fee |
| $17,900 | Bolton & Menk fee for assessment process, hearings and meetings |
| $11,000 | Bolton & Menk fee for permits and utility coordination |
| $8,200 | Bolton & Menk bidding services fee |
| $1,256,294.22 | Current contract price for the Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer & Gates Ave Utility Improvements |
| $61,595.28 | Retainage held on the Pearl Creek/Gates Avenue contract |
Said at the meeting
he doesn't foresee people using a sidewalk if it was installed in the south side of his house
Allan Turner, resident, 626 8th Street · minutes, verbatim
BCM has been notified that further delays will result in liquidated damage deductions from the final payment.
Derek Olinger, City Engineer · packet, verbatim
he had asked the KMU commission to loan the city $2 million to get a housing development started
Mayor Doug Henke · minutes, verbatim
Council Member Helgeson encouraged everyone to come out on Saturday to the Fall Festival in town.
Kim Helgeson, Council Member · minutes, verbatim
Approval would notify the public that the city intends to move forward with the project and authorize the city engineer to complete the final design on the project.
Derek Olinger, City Engineer · packet, verbatim
Resolutions and ordinances
- Ordering Improvement and Prep Plans Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2024-24Res. 2024-24
- Approving Publication of Ordinance 106 by Title and Summary Motion by Ryan seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2024-16Res. 2024-25
- Adoption of Election Judges for 2024 Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2024-23: Appointing Election Judges for 2024Res. 2024-23
- Rezoning a Parcel of Land Owned by Jeffrey and Ann Traxler from I-1 (General Industrial) to G-2 (General Commercial) MotiOrd. 106
Agenda
Each item links to where it appears in the packet.
- I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
- II. CITIZEN COMMENTS
- III. ADOPT AGENDA
- III.A Adopt the Agenda
- IV. CONSENT AGENDA
- V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES and APPOINTMENTS
- V.A City Council Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2024
- VI. PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
- VI.A Improvement Hearing
- VII. ENGINEERING
- VII.A Resolution 2024-24: Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans
- VII.B Pay Application 9
- VIII. LEGAL
- VIII.A Rezoning Request – Jeffrey and Ann Traxler
- IX. FINANCIAL
- IX.A September Financials
- X. OLD BUSINESS
- XI. F.Y.I. - Department Updates
- XI.A FYI 10/8/24
- XII. COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
- XIII. ADJOURNMENT
- A. City Council Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2024
- B. VI. PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
- A. Pearl Creek & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements
- A. Rezoning Request – Jeffrey and Ann Traxler
- XI. NEW BUSINESS
- A. Resolution 2024-23: Adoption of Election Judges for 2024
- XII. OTHER BUSINESS
- A. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
Full packet text (183k characters)
The minutes
Official minutes as adopted, from 11.12.24 Council Packet And Agenda; text extracted from the PDF.
Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 8th day of October 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
- Present
- Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Mary Bailey, Lee Sjolander (came at 7:19 pm), and Kim Helgeson Via Teams: Molly Ryan
- Absent
- Also present
- Interim Administrator Frank Boyles, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Finance Director Whitney Kyllo, Engineer Derek Olinger, Officer Brian Homeier, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Don Kirchmann, Todd Greseth, Jeff & Ann Traxler, Diane Barrett, Greg & Isaac Mills, Connie & Allan Turner, Kirk Hiner, Mary Kinseth, Dave Vandergon
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Citizen Comment
Dave Vandergon, Southeast Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA), presented the advantages of developing needed senior services in our community. SEMAAA is looking for a group of 5-8 people who are interested in researching and helping develop new senior services through the ‘Age Friendly Communities' program sponsored by AARP and the State of Minnesota. A start-up committee would be needed before applying for the grants that are available.
Adopt Agenda
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to approve the agenda.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye Motion carried 4-0-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers 76463 through 76561; 5127E through 5180E.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye Motion carried 4-0-0.
Presentations / Public Hearings / Recognitions / Proclamations
2025 Street and Utility Improvements Public Hearing
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to open the public hearing 7:17 pm.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye Motion carried 4-0-0.
City Engineer Olinger stated that this was a Public Hearing on the proposed 2025 Street and Utility Improvement project. A neighborhood meeting was held on October 2. Five residents attended that meeting. Engineer Olinger presented a scope of the project including the affected project area, proposed conditions, project costs and funding, special assessments, and the proposed schedule for the project.
Kirk Hiner, who has a business at 43 Slee Street, was concerned about the additional taxes and his loading docks being shut down during construction.
Allan Turner, who lives at 626 8th Street, stated that he doesn't foresee people using a sidewalk if it was installed in the south side of his house. He would rather see the sidewalk put on the Red Wing Avenue side of his house.
Motion by Ryan seconded by Bailey to close the public hearing at 7:37 pm.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye, Sjolander – Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that the council needs to consider whether or not to order the improvements based on the hearing comments. Approval would notify the public that the city intends to move forward with the project and authorize the city engineer to complete the final design on the project. Resolution 2024-24: Ordering Improvement and Prep Plans
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2024-24.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye, Sjolander – Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0Pearl Creek & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements
Engineer Olinger stated that this pay estimate includes work to restore the yard space around the new lift station. The final completion date of the contract was September 27. There is still a punch list of items requiring attention. BCM has been notified that further delays will result in liquidated damage deductions from the final payment. Diane Barrett listed several issues that had not yet been addressed by BCM. She was disappointed that the work was not getting done. Pay Application #9 to BCM Construction
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve pay request No. 9 to BCM Construction in the amount of $5,438.75 for work completed through September 27, 2024.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye, Sjolander – Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0Legal
Rezoning Request – Jeffrey and Ann Traxler
Attorney Sathe reviewed the request from Jeffrey and Ann Traxler to rezone a parcel (PID# 66.680.0460) they own from I-1 (General Industrial) to C-2 (General Commercial). The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 1, 2024, and recommended the rezoning change. There were no public comments at the hearing.
Ordinance 106: Rezoning a Parcel of Land Owned by Jeffrey and Ann Traxler from I-1 (General Industrial) to G-2 (General Commercial)
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Ryan to adopt Ordinance No.106.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye, Sjolander – Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0Resolution 2024-25: Approving Publication of Ordinance 106 by Title and Summary
Motion by Ryan seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2024-16.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye, Sjolander – Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0Old Business
New Business
Resolution 2024-23: Adoption of Election Judges for 2024
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2024-23: Appointing Election Judges for 2024.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye, Sjolander – Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0Schedule of Upcoming Meetings KMU Meeting: Tuesday, October 15 @ 4 p.m. EDA Meeting: Tuesday, October 22 @ 8 a.m. General Election: Tuesday, November 5 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 pm City Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 12 @ 7 p.m. Township Fire Contract Meeting: Tuesday, December 3rd @ 6:00 p.m. Truth in Taxation Public Meeting: Tuesday, December 3rd @ 6:30 p.m.
Council And Staff General Comments
Council Member Helgeson encouraged everyone to come out on Saturday to the Fall Festival in town. Many activities are planned.
Mayor Henke stated that he had asked the KMU commission to loan the city $2 million to get a housing development started. He had gotten a verbal agreement from all the commissioners. The details still need to be worked out.
Police Chief Sjolander reported that Police Officer Mitch Taylor had accepted a job with the Apple Valley Police Department. His last day will be October 17.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 pm.
Roll Call Vote: Bailey- Aye, Helgeson – Aye, Henke – Aye, Ryan – Aye, Sjolander – Aye
Motion carried 5-0-0Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant Douglas Henke, Mayor
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Special City