Kenyon Fire Relief Association – Don Kirchmann and Scott Lehner SUGGESTED ACTION: There are still vacant spots on the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission, and on the Park & Rec Committee.
2026 appointments and designations list three vacancies on the Planning Commission, one on Historic Preservation, and one on Park & Rec.
What happened nextThe Planning Commission and Park and Recreation vacancies were filled on March 10 2026 with the appointments of Kelly Kreisler, Jon Meyers and John Cambronne to the Planning Commission and Taylor Eggert to the Park and Recreation Committee. The Historic Preservation Commission seat was still listed as vacant in the February and March 2026 appointments lists and we hold no record of it being filled.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated; 2-10-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-03-10
The legal newspaper needs to be decided - The Kenyon Leader or the Kenyon Messenger Documentation from Attorney Riggs on State Statutes concerning Legal newspapers is attached.
Listed as 'TBD' in the 2026 appointments and designations with attorney documentation on statutes attached.
What happened nextThe council designated the Kenyon Leader as legal newspaper in the 2026 appointments and designations. The Kenyon Leader is owned by APG Media of Southern Minnesota and its paid circulation has fallen from 2,866 to 416, and the city paid APG on 19 register lines between November 2024 and August 2026. Kenyon's annual legal notice spend runs roughly $2,600 against about $3.6 million across all 856 Minnesota cities.
2-10-26 Council Packet, 2026 Appointments and Designations; APG files; MN_CITY_NOTICE_SPEND · taken up again 2026-02-10
This change effectively removes the liquidated damages that would otherwise be assessed to the contractor. In this case, we feel that the assessment of liquidated damages would not be appropriate. 2.
The contract amendment pushes Milestone 2A from October 31 to November 28, 2025 and omits Milestone 1D.
At the meetingNot acted on; tabled at the December 9 meeting.
What happened nextThe council approved Change Order No. 1 for Fitzgerald Excavating and Trucking 5-0-0 on a motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner, so no liquidated damages were assessed. The Change Order 2 form confirms the milestone changes carried by the first change order: Milestone 1D omitted and Milestone 2A pushed from October 31 to November 28 2025. The engineer's stated basis was that assessing liquidated damages would not be appropriate.
2-10-26 Council Packet; 7.14.26 Council Packet Updated, Change Order 2 form · taken up again 2026-02-10
Although this work was more disruptive and total time for the street closure was extended by several weeks, the true construction cost results in a net deduct of ~$38,000.
The change order that was tabled on December 9 adjusts payment because bedrock forced open-trench installation instead of directional drilling.
At the meetingNot acted on; change order was tabled.
What happened nextThe deduct was $37,814.00, not the approximately $38,000 estimated in December. The Change Order 2 form dated July 14 2026 records the change from previously approved change orders as $(37,814.00) against an original contract price of $2,294,629.25, and Change Order No. 1 itself was approved 5-0-0 in early 2026.
7.14.26 Council Packet Updated, Change Order 2 form; 2-10-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-02-10
Approve posting the Line Worker/Water Operator Position Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU Commission recommended approval to post the Line Worker/Water Operator position to replace Austin Fitch who resigned in May.
Stated as the reason for posting the vacant KMU position.
At the meetingCouncil approved posting the position.
Partly answeredOur record traces the vacancy but not the resignation date. The Line Worker and Water Operator post was still unposted on April 12 2026 while the job description was being updated, and Parker Burdorf's hire was approved on the July 14 2026 consent agenda. A personnel action form or payroll record showing Austin Fitch's last day would settle the May 2025 date.
4-12-26 Council packet; 6.9.26 Council Packet Agenda; 7.14.26 Council Packet Updated
Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2026 Criminal Prosecution Contract Summary Report Resolution 2025-28 Accepting_Kenyon_Fire_Association_Donations.docx township contract 2026.docx JACOBSEN LAW.pdf V.
Item included on the consent agenda.
At the meetingApproved as part of the consent agenda, 4-0-0.
Partly answeredDavid Jacobsen of the Jacobsen Law Firm was reappointed Prosecuting Attorney in the 2026 appointments and designations, so the relationship continued after the fee increase was approved on the consent agenda. The fee request letter and the new contract rate are not in our record.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated, 2026 Appointments and Designations · taken up again 2026-03-10
Estimated cost is approximately $600 per attendee.
Council approved KMU Commissioners attending the MMUA training conference.
At the meetingMotion approving KMU Commissioner attendance carried 4-0-0.
We hold no dataWe hold no MMUA registration fee schedule and no travel cost records for the Governance in Action conference. The city's dues and subscriptions object code ran $21,697 in 2025 with $22,930 budgeted for 2026, but it is not itemized by event. The MMUA registration invoice and attendee reimbursement forms would settle it.
KENYON_IT_SPEND.md, packet budget tables · would settle it: MMUA registration fee schedule and final travel costs
The EDA recommended approving the CEDA contract for contracted services totaling $55,053 annually for two days per week.
EDA recommended renewing the city's contract with CEDA for 2026.
At the meetingMotion to approve the 2026 CEDA contracted services carried 4-0-0.
Answered from our recordsThe CEDA agreement in the same packet confirms the figure and restates the hours differently. It obliges the authority to reimburse CEDA for staff time at a not-to-exceed rate of $55,053 based on an average of sixteen hours a week, prorated if the start date shifts, with materials, conferences and meetings paid separately on a unit basis agreed in writing. Sixteen hours a week is the two days per week reported to the council. The work covered is economic development marketing, business outreach, business retention and expansion, and hosting public forums on the authority's programming.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated, CEDA agreement Article III
The City's current auditor, ABDO, is no longer able to perform the audit due to its role in providing finance services.
Explanation for why the city issued an auditing services RFP.
At the meetingStated as the reason for the RFP.
Partly answeredThe sequence in our bid record is consistent with the independence explanation: Abdo won the finance and accounting services RFP on August 12 2025 and the auditing services work then went to BerganKDV. Abdo has since proposed $164,800 for 2027 financial, HR and payroll services and charged a one-time $15,000 to reconcile January through July 2025 records. We hold no written independence determination or notice from Abdo, which is what would settle the stated reason.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 9-8-26 Council Packet budget tables
BerganKDV proposed fees of $27,540 for the first year, increasing to a maximum of $29,500 by the third year. CliftonLarsonAllen proposed fees of $97,640 for the first year, increasing to $70,940 by the third year.
Report on the two responses to the auditing services RFP.
At the meetingCouncil accepted BerganKDV.
Answered from our recordsOur bid record carries the same figures: BerganKDV at $27,540 to a maximum $29,500, CliftonLarsonAllen at $97,640 to $70,940. CliftonLarsonAllen's first-year price was 3.5 times BerganKDV's, and its schedule falls rather than increases across the three years, so the word increasing in the minutes describes a declining fee.
The minutes describe CliftonLarsonAllen's fee as increasing from $97,640 to $70,940 by year three, which is a decrease of $26,700.
KENYON_BIDS.md; data/bids.csv
The final budget reflects a maximum proposed levy increase of 9.18 percent for 2026.
Presented with Resolution 2025-29 after the December 2 Truth in Taxation hearing.
At the meetingResolution 2025-29 adopted 4-0-0.
Answered from our recordsThe certified 2026 city levy is $1,528,541, which is 9.18 percent above the $1,400,000 levy for 2025, so the figure presented to the council is exact. The certified city tax rate rose to 84.6822 percent of net tax capacity from 79.3028 percent, and city tax billed across all city parcels for pay 2026 came to $1,504,110. The rate rise came almost entirely from the bond levy: the general rate fell 0.38 percent while the bond rate rose 35.91 percent.
taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json; taxes/levy.html, county auditor rate document
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS VII. ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE VIII. ENGINEERING A. 2025 Street and Utility Improvements 1.
Engineering update on construction status at the December meeting.
At the meetingReported as status only.
What happened nextChange Order No. 1, approved in early 2026, extended the 2025 completion dates, and Change Order 2 dated July 14 2026 sets substantial completion at July 18 2026 and ready for final payment at August 30 2026. Change Order 2 also delays final paving on 8th Street because soils backfilled over 2025 utility trenches settled over the following year. The project did carry into 2026 as reported, finishing more than a year after the original contract was awarded on July 8 2025 at $2,294,629.25.
7.14.26 Council Packet Updated, Change Order 2; 2-10-26 and 3-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-07-14
The following members were present: Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Elana Brunner, and Mary Bailey Absent: Mayor Don Kirchmann Also, present: Administrator Scott Lehner, Holli Gudknecht, Attorney Scott Riggs, and Police Chief Sjoblom The meeting was called to order by Acting Mayor Bailey at 6:10 pm. Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to close the meeting at 6:12 pm.
The city is required to have a policy for the new state paid leave program, drafted from the League of Minnesota Cities model.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
Partly answeredA personnel policy update appears as item four on the administrator update for the July 14 2026 meeting, which is the only later trace of policy revision in our record. We do not hold the final adopted MN Paid Leave Policy text or any staff revisions to it. The adopted policy document would settle it.
7.14.26 Council Packet Updated, Administrator Update
Resolution 2025-29: Adopting the 2026 Budget and Establishing the Tax Levy for Payable 2026 Summary Report 3 Resolution 2025-29 FinalLevyandBudgetAdoption.docx X.B Approve Posting the Line Worker/Water Operator Position Summary Report KMU List.docx LINE WORKER-WATER OPERATOR JAN 24 2008.docx XI.
The position has been open since Fitch resigned in May.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe position was filled by Parker Burdorf, whose hire appears on the June 9 2026 council agenda and was approved on the July 14 2026 consent agenda 5-0-0, with Burdorf introducing himself at that meeting. The posting itself lagged: on April 12 2026 Administrator Lehner reported he was still working with KMU staff to update the job description and that the position should be posted soon. That is roughly a year between Austin Fitch's May 2025 resignation and the replacement hire.
The council directed the posting on December 9 2025, yet on April 12 2026 the administrator reported the job description was still being updated and the position not yet posted.
6.9.26 Council Packet Agenda; 7.14.26 Council Packet Updated; 4-12-26 Council packet · taken up again 2026-06-09
Power Sales Agreement Between CMPAS and City of Kenyon Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU Commission recommended approving the purchase of half a megawatt of wind energy and up to another half a megawatt if it becomes available.
KMU recommended a power sales agreement with CMPAS for one-half megawatt of wind energy.
At the meetingResolution 2025-31 adopted 4-0-0 authorizing the Bingham Lakes agreement.
We hold no dataWe hold no notice from CMPAS on availability of the additional half megawatt. The later passages attached to this item record only the March 2026 appointments of Randy Eggert as the city's representative and John Lee as alternate to the CMMPA and CMPAS boards. A CMPAS allocation notice or a KMU Commission recommendation to exercise the option would settle it.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated · would settle it: Notice from CMPAS on availability of the additional half megawatt
Therefore, the resolution included in the meeting packet should be adopted by the Council. The final year-end capital fund amounts will not be known until the 2025 audit is completed.
Resolution 2025-30 commits year-end capital fund balances under GASB 54 before year end.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-30 committing the balances subject to audit.
Partly answeredThe 2025 audit had not produced final figures three months later: the February 10 and March 10 2026 packets still present unaudited cash balances by fund for September 30 2024, December 31 2024 and September 30 2025. The committed capital fund balances adopted under Resolution 2025-30 therefore remained contingent through at least March 10 2026. The completed 2025 audit report from BerganKDV would settle it.
2-10-26 Council Packet; 3-10-26 Council Packet Updated
The following members were present: Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Elana Brunner, and Mary Bailey Absent: Mayor Don Kirchmann Also, present: Administrator Scott Lehner, Holli Gudknecht, Attorney Scott Riggs, and Police Chief Sjoblom The meeting was called to order by Acting Mayor Bailey at 6:10 pm. Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to close the meeting at 6:12 pm.
Two proposals were received for auditing services after ABDO could no longer perform the audit.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
Partly answeredOur bid record confirms the award to BerganKDV at $27,540 rising to a maximum of $29,500 in year three, chosen over CliftonLarsonAllen. BerganKDV was subsequently designated City Auditor in the 2026 appointments and designations. We hold neither the signed engagement letter nor any first-year performance review, so the one-year reevaluation option cannot be traced.
Our bid record dates this auditing services RFP award 2024-12-10 while the minutes place the decision at the December 9 2025 meeting, with identical fee figures.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 2-10-26 and 3-10-26 Council Packets, 2026 Appointments and Designations · taken up again 2026-02-10
Administrator Lehner noted that he had received an email informing the city that Hiawatha Transit would be cancelling service in Kenyon as of January 1.
Lehner reported receiving an email about the transit service cancellation during general comments.
At the meetingReported only; no council action.
We hold no dataWe hold neither the Hiawatha Transit cancellation notice nor any replacement service plan, and the later passages attached to this item concern lead service lines and the Northland financial management plan. The written notice from Hiawatha Transit and any council discussion of replacement service would settle it.
would settle it: The written notice from Hiawatha Transit and any replacement service plan
Any Actions that must Occur by a Vote Stemming from the Subject of the Closed Meeting, Including a Continuance of the Meeting No Action Other Related Matter Nothing additional.
The council closed the meeting from 6:12 to 6:49 pm to discuss internal affairs data and took no vote afterward.
What happened nextThe matter ended in a resignation rather than a disciplinary decision. Brian Homeier submitted his resignation effective January 28 2026 and the council accepted a separation agreement, with Attorney Riggs advising that a further closed session was not necessary. No internal affairs investigation report appears in our record.
2-10-26 Council Packet; 3-10-26 Council Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-02-10
Council member Sjolander offered to get a list from him and find answers.
Response to a citizen's question about utility charges during general comments.
At the meetingCommitment made; KMU staff also talked with Fischer after the meeting.
We hold no dataWe hold no written responses to Brady Fischer's list of utility questions and no later passage shows the commitment being reported back to the council. Correspondence from Council Member Sjolander or KMU staff to Fischer would settle it.
would settle it: Written responses to Fischer's list of utility questions
Fischer also asked where his utility money goes.
Citizen asked about the destination of his utility payments during general comments.
At the meetingNo direct answer; Sjolander offered to get a list from him and find answers, and KMU staff spoke with Fischer after the meeting.
We hold no dataWe hold no breakdown of KMU utility rate components or fund allocations. The later passages attached to this item concern the Firemen's Relief Association bylaws and the street project, not utility billing. A KMU cost-of-service study or a rate ordinance showing each charge component would settle it.
would settle it: A breakdown of KMU utility rate components and fund allocations
Brady Fischer questioned what was going on with police officer Homeier. Lehner stated that Homeier is currently on administrative leave.
Asked during council and staff general comments, following a closed session on law enforcement personnel misconduct allegations.
At the meetingLehner said Homeier is currently on administrative leave.
What happened nextBrian Homeier resigned effective January 28 2026 and the city accepted a separation agreement. Attorney Riggs told the council a closed session was no longer necessary and he and Administrator Lehner recommended approving the resolution on the separation of Homeier's employment. A special closed meeting had been noticed for January 28 2026 under Minnesota Statutes section 13D.05 subdivision 2(b) to consider allegations against him.
2-10-26 Council Packet; 1-28-26 Notice of Special Closed Meeting · taken up again 2026-02-10
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS VII. ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE VIII. ENGINEERING A. 2025 Street and Utility Improvements 1.
A change order to clean up administrative changes on the Fitzgerald Excavating contract was not complete at the December 9 meeting.
At the meetingNo action; item held over.
What happened nextChange Order No. 1 for Fitzgerald Excavating and Trucking came back ready for review and was approved 5-0-0 on a motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner, recorded in the February 10 2026 council packet. The change order extended the 2025 completion dates to cover the additional time needed for the 2nd Street watermain work. Change Order 2, dated July 14 2026, records the change from previously approved change orders as a deduct of $37,814.00 against the original contract price of $2,294,629.25.
2-10-26 Council Packet; 3-10-26 Council Packet Updated; 7.14.26 Council Packet Updated Change Order 2 form · taken up again 2026-02-10
Original Contract Totals $ 2,294,629.25 $ 866,194.47 $ 1,098,616.97 $ - $ 1,098,616.97 48% $ 1,196,012.28 EJCDC C-620 Contractor's Application for Payment Unit Price (c) 2018 National Society of Professional Engineers for EJCDC. All rights reserved. 5 of 5 31 AGENDA ITEM NO. VIII.A Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: December 9, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht, Administration ITEM TYPE: Legal AGENDA SECTION: LEGAL SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 113: Regulating the Discharge of Firearms, Bows, and
Progress estimate accompanying Pay Application #4 shows substantial remaining work carried into the next construction season.
Answered from our recordsThe arithmetic is exact. Work completed of $1,098,616.97 against the original contract price of $2,294,629.25 is 47.9%, rounded to 48% on the form, and the balance to finish of $1,196,012.28 is the difference to the cent. That remainder was worked off through 2026: Pay Application No. 7 alone ran $461,189.14 for work through July 3 2026, and No. 9 was still before the council on September 8 2026 for sewer lining, grouting and manhole rehabilitation.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated; 8-6-26_Council_Packet_Updated; 9-8-26_Council_Packet · taken up again 2026-09-08
Representations 6 Section 3.5. Conditions Precedent to Conveyance 7 Section 3.6. Developer Contingencies 8 Section 3.7.
Article III of the draft agreement lists conditions precedent to conveyance and developer contingencies.
Partly answeredArticle III does condition the transfer, and section 3.5 states plainly that the Authority is not obligated to convey the Development Property until the conditions precedent have been satisfied, with developer contingencies following in section 3.6 and closing, delivery and recording in section 3.7. Nothing in our holdings shows any condition being met. A closing statement or the recorded deed would settle it.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
redlined Firebird Purchase and Development Agreement 12.5.2025 (II).pdf DOCSOPEN-#1059954-v5-Firebird_LLC_Purchase_and_Development_Agreement.DOC 45 PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT By and Between KENYON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY and FIREBIRD LLC This document drafted by: KENNEDY & GRAVEN, CHARTERED (SJR) 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 700 Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 337-9300 DOCSOPEN\KE200\219\1059954.v1-11/11/25DOCSOPEN\KE200\219\1059954.v5-12/5/25 46 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PREAMBLE 1 ARTICLE I Definitions
The packet includes a redlined comparison between the 11/11/25 and 12/5/25 drafts of the agreement.
Partly answeredVersion 5 dated December 5 2025 is the newest Firebird document in our holdings, and the deed form in the same packet still carries blanks for the agreement date and the Goodhue County recording document number, which means it had not been executed or recorded when the packet was assembled. No clean executed version exists in our record. A recorded Purchase and Development Agreement at the Goodhue County Recorder would settle which redlined terms survived.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
SUBJECT: Firebird LLC Contract SUGGESTED ACTION: MOTION NEEDED ATTACHMENTS: redlined Firebird Purchase and Development Agreement 12.5.2025 (II).pdf DOCSOPEN-#1059954-v5-Firebird_LLC_Purchase_and_Development_Agreement.DOC 45 PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT By and Between KENYON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY and FIREBIRD LLC This document drafted by: KENNEDY & GRAVEN, CHARTERED (SJR) 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 700 Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 337-9300
A redlined purchase and development agreement dated 12.5.2025 was included in the packet.
Partly answeredThe Firebird LLC Purchase and Development Agreement was item VIII.C on December 9 2025 with both a redlined comparison and version 5 of the agreement attached, and the packet also contains the form of deed from the Kenyon Economic Development Authority as grantor to Firebird LLC as grantee. No later passage in our holdings records a motion. The December 9 2025 minutes and a recorded deed would settle whether the sale closed.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2025, the City Council of the City of Kenyon adopted Ordinance No. 113 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KENYON REGULATING FIREARMS, BOWS, AND HUNTING WITHIN CITY LIMITS"; and WHEREAS, the ordinance is approximately three pages in length; and WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 412.191, subd. 4 allows publication by title and summary in the case of lengthy ordinances; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the following summary would clearly inform the public of the intent and
Conflicting adoption dates appear in the resolution's whereas clause versus the ordinance and summary publication language.
We hold no dataWe hold no November 12 2025 minutes and no December 9 2025 adoption vote, so the actual adoption date of Ordinance No. 113 is unresolved in our records. The November 12 and December 9 2025 council minutes would settle it. The internal evidence points against the resolution's date: the December 9 packet instruction reads motion needed only if Ordinance 113 is adopted, which is not how a packet reads for an ordinance already adopted four weeks earlier.
Resolution 2025-25 recites that Ordinance No. 113 was adopted November 12 2025, while the same packet still carries a conditional motion instruction treating adoption as not yet having happened on December 9 2025.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated · would settle it: Council minutes establishing the actual adoption date of Ordinance No. 113.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Kenyon that the Deputy City Clerk is directed to publish the above summary in lieu of publication of the entire ordinance, and is further directed to post a copy of the entire text of the ordinance at the Kenyon Library and on the bulletin board at Kenyon City Hall for a period of not 1 38 less than 30 days.
Directive accompanying approval of summary publication of Ordinance No. 113.
Partly answeredWe hold the directive but no affidavit of publication or posting dates. On cost, Kenyon's newspaper of record is the Kenyon Leader, owned by APG Media of Southern Minnesota, and the city's total legal notice spend runs roughly $2,600 a year against about $3.6 million statewide across all 856 Minnesota cities. Publication in the paper is not optional here: a city website never substitutes for newspaper publication in Minnesota except under statutes 331A.03, 331A.10 and 331A.12.
MN_CITY_NOTICE_SPEND; CITY_WEBSITE_LAWS.md; APG files
MOTION NEEDED (ONLY IF ORDINANCE 113 IS ADOPTED) TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-25: APPROVING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 113 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance_113_Regulating_the_Discharge_of_Firearms_Bows_and_Hunting_within_City_Limits.docx Resolution 2025-25 Approving_publication_of_Ordinance_No__113_by_title_and_summary.doc 33 ORDINANCE NO. 113, THIRD SERIES AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE KENYON CITY CODE BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 925 REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS, BOWS, AND HUNTING WITHIN CITY LIMITS THE
Publication by title and summary is allowed for lengthy ordinances under Minnesota Statutes 412.191 subd. 4.
Partly answeredResolution 2025-25 was drafted as conditional, with the packet instruction reading motion needed only if Ordinance 113 is adopted, and publication by title and summary rests on Minnesota Statutes 412.191 subdivision 4. We hold no vote on either the ordinance or the resolution. The December 9 2025 minutes would settle both.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
SUGGESTED ACTION: MOTION NEEDED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 113 MOTION NEEDED (ONLY IF ORDINANCE 113 IS ADOPTED) TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-25: APPROVING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 113 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance_113_Regulating_the_Discharge_of_Firearms_Bows_and_Hunting_within_City_Limits.docx Resolution 2025-25 Approving_publication_of_Ordinance_No__113_by_title_and_summary.doc 33 ORDINANCE NO. 113, THIRD SERIES AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE KENYON CITY CODE BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 925 REGULATING THE DISCHARGE
Amended ordinance allowing limited bow hunting on private property and prohibiting all hunting on city-owned property.
Partly answeredOrdinance No. 113 was before the council as item VIII.A on December 9 2025 with the full text, the summary publication and Resolution 2025-25 attached, but no passage in our holdings records the adoption vote. The ordinance regulates the discharge of firearms and bows and hunting within city limits. The December 9 2025 minutes would settle whether it passed and on what vote.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
Overview Effective January 1, 2026, the City will provide time off to eligible employees who qualify for Minnesota Paid Leave (MNPL) benefits under Minnesota law. The City of _______ is a participant in the State of Minnesota's Paid Leave program.
The attorney-drafted state plan template still contains unfilled blanks throughout.
Partly answeredThe blanks are real and there are at least four of them, in the participation sentence, the notice paragraph, the intermittent leave notice requirement and the application instructions, which read apply through blank and contact blank if you need assistance. No completed version naming the City of Kenyon or a designated contact appears anywhere in our holdings. The adopted policy would settle who the notice and application contact is.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
VIII.B Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: December 9, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht, Legal ITEM TYPE: New Business AGENDA SECTION: LEGAL SUBJECT: MN Paid Leave Policy SUGGESTED ACTION: Attorney Riggs and his staff put together this policy for the new MN Paid Leave. MOTION NEEDED to adopt this policy with any final revisions by staff to follow.
Attorney Riggs and his staff prepared a MN Paid Leave policy template for the city.
Partly answeredThe Minnesota Paid Leave policy the city attorney drafted sits in the December 9 2025 packet with its background section and its interaction with the city short-term disability policy spelled out, but no later passage in our holdings records a motion adopting it. The policy carries the drafting stamp DOCSOPEN\KG400\1\1056392.v3-11/3/25. A council motion or the adopted policy with an effective date would settle it.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
The fire department took possession of the new 520 Tender truck last week. In 2025, Fire Relief donated $27,000 to the truck fund from gambling proceeds.
Funding for the new 520 Tender truck the fire department took possession of last week.
Partly answeredThe only Fire Relief donation the council is recorded as formally accepting is $12,500, under Resolution 2025-28 on December 9 2025. The $27,000 the chief described as going to the truck fund from gambling proceeds appears in no accepting resolution or ledger line we hold. Fire Relief Association gambling reports or the truck fund ledger would settle whether the $27,000 passed through the city at all.
The council accepted $12,500 from the Kenyon Fire Relief Association by resolution on December 9 2025, less than half the $27,000 the fire chief reported donated to the truck fund in 2025.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
In 2025, Fire Relief donated $27,000 to the truck fund from gambling proceeds. The 1988 C70 Chevrolet Tanker will be sold on auction next week.
Fire department equipment update following delivery of the new 520 Tender truck.
Partly answeredThe capital fund ledger shows $36,000 of sale-of-excess-equipment revenue booked as 2025 actual under account 900-00000-34790, against $36,594 in 2024 and nothing budgeted. That line is the only place a tanker auction could land in our records, and it is not itemized, so it cannot be attributed to the 1988 C70 alone. An auction settlement statement would settle the sale price.
9-8-26_Council_Packet; 8-6-26_Council_Packet_Updated
The maximum levy approved by the Council in September was 9.93%. In November, Jessi Sturtz from Abdo reported that the final levy budget was down to 9.18%.
Truth in Taxation discussion of the proposed 2026 budget and levy.
Answered from our recordsThe 9.18% final figure is correct and is what the county certified. The 2026 Kenyon city levy was certified at $1,528,541, a 9.18% rise over 2025, and the certified city tax rate went to 84.6822% of net tax capacity from 79.3028%. Almost all of the rate rise came from the bond levy, whose rate rose 35.91% while the general rate fell 0.38%.
taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json; taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-12-09
The proposed 2026 fire protection contracts with the six townships were reviewed but no action could be taken because there was no quorum.
What happened nextThe contracts reached a council with a quorum one week later. The City of Kenyon and Township 2026 Fire Contract appears as item IV.A.4 on the December 9 2025 consent agenda, alongside Resolution 2025-28 accepting Fire Relief donations and the Jacobsen Law fee increase for the 2026 criminal prosecution contract.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
The contracts were based on a breakdown of 51% city and 49% township of the operating budget. Each township's portion of the budget was split based on the number of sections covered by the Fire Department.
Basis for the proposed 2026 fire protection contracts with the six townships in the Kenyon Fire Department service area.
Partly answeredThe 51% city and 49% township split, allocated among townships by number of sections covered, is stated in the December 9 2025 minutes and nowhere contradicted in our holdings. We hold none of the six signed township contracts and no section counts, so the dollar figure each township pays cannot be derived. The executed 2026 fire contracts would settle it.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
The 2026 budget increased from 2025 by $1,658.17. The increase was mainly due to replacing pagers/radios and increased property insurance.
Review of the proposed 2026 township fire protection contracts at the December 2 special meeting.
Partly answeredThe $1,658.17 increase is corroborated verbatim in the December 9 2025 minutes, where Fire Chief Ehrich attributed it to replacing pagers and radios and to higher property insurance. We hold no 2025 or 2026 fire department operating budget document to test it. The only fire figure our records carry independently is the 2016B fire hall bond, at $91,116 in 2025 and $95,681 budgeted for 2026.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated; 9-8-26_Council_Packet
The pay estimate will also include an estimated amount due for 2nd Street watermain changes (Future Change Order #1).
The pay estimate carries an estimate rather than a finalized figure for the 2nd Street watermain change.
Partly answeredPay Application No. 4 carries the 2nd Street watermain money inside its unit-price line items, not as a change order, since line 2 of the summary shows net change by change orders of $0.00. Change Order No. 1 was approved 5-0-0 in early 2026 but no document in our holdings states the final agreed dollar amount for the watermain method change.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated; 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated · taken up again 2026-02-10
The pay estimate will also include an estimated amount due for 2nd Street watermain changes (Future Change Order #1). Requested Action: Motion Approving Pay Application #4. No Action requested for Change Order #1.
Pay estimate covering work through the end of the 2025 construction season, including paving and turf restoration.
Partly answeredPay Application No. 4 does request $220,801.37, built from $1,098,616.97 of work completed to date less $54,930.85 retainage at 5% and $822,884.75 in previous payments. We hold no motion approving it. Our record holds the approval of Pay Application No. 3 at $494,533.51 and of Nos. 5 through 9 in 2026, with No. 4 as the gap.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated
As discussed previously, we changed some construction methods for the installation of watermain within 2nd Street, given some unforeseen shallow bedrock. This change order will redefine the payment for this change in work. No cost increase is expected.
Explanation of why Change Order #1 will redefine payment for the 2nd Street watermain work.
Partly answeredPay Application No. 4, dated December 9 2025, shows net change by change orders of $0.00 against an original contract price of $2,294,629.25, which is consistent with the engineer's statement that no cost increase was expected. That figure predates execution of Change Order No. 1, which the council approved in early 2026, and no executed change order with a dollar amount appears in our holdings. A Change Order No. 2 followed in the July 14 2026 packet, also without a figure in our record.
12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated; 7.14.26_Council_Packet_Updated · taken up again 2026-02-10
Pay Estimate #4 and Change Order #1 are not yet available, since we are still working with the contractor to finalize those documents. These will be uploaded to the packet prior to the meeting.
The change order will realign 2025 completion dates so liquidated damages no longer apply and redefine payment for the 2nd Street watermain method change.
What happened nextChange Order No. 1 was tabled at the meeting after the one where it was first expected, then approved 5-0-0 on a motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner. It did two things: extended the 2025 completion dates so liquidated damages no longer applied, and addressed the 2nd Street watermain work.
The identical minutes paragraph approving Change Order No. 1 appears in both the February 10 2026 and March 10 2026 packets, so our record does not fix a single meeting date for the approval.
2-10-26_Council_Packet; 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated · taken up again 2026-02-10
Fitzgerald has not yet provided a planned start date for the remainder of work on the project. This information will be shared once available.
Status update on the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements project for the December 9 council meeting.
What happened nextFitzgerald restarted the week of April 13 2026, the date Engineer Olinger gave the council on May 12 2026, and Pay Application No. 5 covers the gap period from November 29 2025 to May 1 2026. The written start date the December item asked for never appears as a separate document, only as the restart reported in the minutes.
5-12-26_Council_Packet_Updated · taken up again 2026-05-12
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS Council Member Sjoblom thanked the fire department for their work at the recent barn fire and the police department for working shorthanded.
General comments thanking the fire department for a recent barn fire response and the police department for working shorthanded.
Partly answeredThe shortage was real and lasted at least eight months. By July 14 2026 the potential full-time officer was still going through a background check, Mitch had passed his and was starting as a part-time fill in, and Misty had worked one part-time shift. The council had approved hiring part-time officers 5-0-0 in early 2026, and the city was posting a full-time officer job at $33.54 an hour entry in July 2026. We hold no staffing roster or authorized headcount, so the size of the gap cannot be stated.
7.14.26 Council Packet Updated; data/jobs.csv · taken up again 2026-07-14
Tabled for further clarification of the ordinance. 2026 Proposed Agreement for Continuation of our City-County Joint-Powers "Agreement for State Building Code Administration" Administrator Lehner stated that Goodhue County requires the City of Kenyon to approve a yearly agreement to conduct residential and commercial building inspections.
Approval of the city-county joint powers agreement for state building code administration.
At the meetingAgreement approved 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe council approved the 2026 agreement 5-0-0, motion by Kirchmann and second by Bailey, for a one-year term beginning January 1 2026, with Lehner saying the county has done an excellent job on inspections. The signed agreement is not in anything we hold.
The item is titled a city-county joint powers agreement, but section 15 of the contract states it is a service contract and that nothing in it shall be construed as creating a joint powers agreement, joint venture or joint enterprise.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
Handicap Parking Space-Main Street Dental Administrator Lehner stated that Main Street Dental requested approval for the installation of handicapped parking signage and pavement markings for one parking space in front of their business. The business will pay for all installation costs.
Request for a handicapped parking space in front of the business.
At the meetingCouncil approved the handicap space at the business's cost 5-0-0.
Partly answeredThe council approved the space at the business's cost 5-0-0, motion by Sjolander and second by Kirchmann, covering signage and pavement markings for one space. No installation invoice or payment record from Main Street Dental appears in anything we hold.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
Approve posting the Line Worker/Water Operator Position Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU Commission recommended approval to post the Line Worker/Water Operator position to replace Austin Fitch who resigned in May.
Background on the KMU recommendation to post the position.
We hold no dataWe hold no city personnel records, so Austin Fitch's resignation date cannot be confirmed. The May date is stated consistently in the agenda summary and in the discussion, and nothing in our records contradicts it. A personnel file or payroll record would settle it.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · would settle it: Personnel records showing the resignation date
ENGINEERING 6th Street Reconstruction – LRIP Funding Application Administrator Lehner stated that the reconstruction of 6th Street project has been identified in the infrastructure management plan as a project in 2028. The financial feasibility of this project is highly dependent on outside funding.
Background for the LRIP funding resolution.
Partly answeredAn infrastructure management plan does exist and drives the city's capital finance work, since Northland built the 2021 financial management plan on Bolton and Menk's 2020 plan and presented an update based on the 2025 plan revisions on March 10 2026. We do not hold the plan itself, so the 2028 date and the cost of 6th Street cannot be verified. The dependence on outside funding is corroborated by the 2023 application failing and the city having to reapply.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated
Adrian Mogren would like the city to go along with what the DNR allows. Bow hunting is safer than firearm hunting.
Public comment opposing inclusion of bow hunting in the ordinance.
We hold no dataWe hold no hunting incident data of any kind, for Minnesota or elsewhere, so the relative safety of bow and firearm hunting cannot be assessed. Department of Natural Resources hunting incident statistics broken out by weapon type would settle it. The council acted on the argument without any figures in the packet.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · would settle it: Hunting incident data comparing bow and firearm hunting
To enhance public safety and align with practices in surrounding Minnesota cities, staff are presenting a draft ordinance that prohibits the discharge of firearms, bows, and other projectile devices within the City of Kenyon.
Staff rationale for prohibiting discharge of firearms and bows in city limits.
We hold no dataWe hold no firearms or hunting ordinances from any other Minnesota city, so the alignment claim cannot be checked in either direction. Copies of the discharge ordinances from Wanamingo, Goodhue, Zumbrota and comparable neighbours would settle it.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · would settle it: Copies of comparable ordinances from surrounding cities
NEW BUSINESS Ordinance No. 113: Prohibiting the Discharge of Firearms, Bows, and Other Projectile Devices Within City Limits Administrator Lehner stated that the city currently has no ordinance regulating the discharge of firearms or bows within city limits. Every year this question comes up at hunting season. We currently adhere to the DNR regulations.
Introduction of the draft firearms ordinance.
Partly answeredThe drafting supports the claim, since Ordinance No. 113 amends the Kenyon City Code by adding a new Section 925 rather than amending an existing one, which is what a city does when nothing is on the books. We hold no copy of the Kenyon City Code, so the absence of any other firearms provision cannot be confirmed directly. A search of the codified ordinances would settle it.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
Pay application No. 3 includes work from October 4 to October 31 in the amount of $494,533.51. 2025 Street and Utility Improvements – Fitzgerald Excavating & Trucking -Pay Application No. 3 Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to approve pay application #3 to Fitzgerald Excavating in the amount of $494,533.51.
Approval of Fitzgerald Excavating pay application for paving on 5th and 8th Streets and patching on 2nd and Forest Streets.
At the meetingPay application approved 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe council approved pay application No. 3 for $494,533.51 on a 5-0-0 vote, covering paving on 5th and 8th Streets and patching on 2nd and Forest Streets. The project ran well past its original schedule, reaching pay application No. 6 for work through May 29 2026, with Fitzgerald delayed by private utility conflicts and 8th Street paving pushed to late October 2026 to let the street settle. The contract was awarded at $2,294,629.25 in July 2025.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated; 7.14.26 Council Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-07-14
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS 2026 Final Budget Jessi Sturtz from Abdo reviewed the final numbers for the 2026 budget. The final levy budget is down to 9.18%.
Review of the final 2026 budget numbers under old business.
Answered from our recordsThe 9.18% held and became the certified figure. The certified 2026 city levy is $1,528,541, which is 9.18% above the $1,400,000 levied for 2025, and the council cut it from the 9.93% maximum approved in September, a reduction of 0.75 percentage points or about $10,500. The Truth in Taxation hearing drew no citizen comments.
taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
He worked with Abdo on the details of the job description and the personnel committee reviewed it. The job posting is open until November 17.
Administrator update on the part-time administrative assistant hire, with job description developed with Abdo.
At the meetingMotion to continue with the hiring process carried 4-1-0 with Sjolander opposed.
Partly answeredThe council authorized continuing the hire 4-1-0, with Sjolander the only no, and the posting closed November 17 2025. Nothing we hold records an applicant pool, a recommendation or a hire for that position. The city's later part-time hiring actions that do appear are liquor store employees and part-time police officers, approved 5-0-0 in early 2026.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated; 3-10-26 Council Packet Updated
Although funding was not awarded in 2023, the project scored well. The plan is to resubmit the application for the 2025 solicitation.
Council adopted Resolution 2025-26 authorizing pursuit of 2025 LRIP funding for a project planned for 2028.
At the meetingResolution 2025-26 adopted 5-0-0 to pursue the funding.
We hold no dataNo award notification for the 2025 solicitation appears in anything we hold. What we do know is that the 2023 application failed outright, with the state writing that the 6th Street project was not selected from the solicitation that closed December 8 2023. The council authorized the resubmission by Resolution 2025-26, carried 5-0-0.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · would settle it: LRIP award notification from the state
Power Sales Agreement Between CMPAS and City of Kenyon Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU Commission recommended approving the purchase of half a megawatt of wind energy and up to another half a megawatt if it becomes available.
KMU recommendation on the CMPAS wind energy purchase.
At the meetingAgreement approved including the contingent additional capacity.
We hold no dataNo confirmation from the power agency that a second half megawatt became available appears in anything we hold. The approved position is half a megawatt firm plus up to another half megawatt contingent, so the commitment could double. A later KMU commission or council item reporting the final entitlement share would settle it.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · would settle it: Confirmation from CMPAS of available additional capacity
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to approve the power sales agreement between CMPAS and the City of Kenyon subject to review and finalization by city staff and the city attorney.
KMU Commission recommended purchasing wind energy through CMPAS.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0-0 with the review condition.
What happened nextThe council approved the agreement 5-0-0 subject to review and finalization by staff and the city attorney. The contract runs from January 1 2026 through December 31 2045, a twenty-year term, with the city and KMU buying an entitlement share of a long-term wind energy product. The executed final document is not in anything we hold.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS Kenyon/Wanamingo Messenger Bid to Publish Legal Notices for 2026-Terry Campbell Terry Campbell of the Kenyon/Wanamingo Messenger stated that he would like to be considered for appointment as the legal newspaper of the City of Kenyon starting in 2026. This designation is one of the first items the Council approves in 2026.
Presentation of the Messenger's bid to publish legal notices for 2026.
At the meetingNo action taken; noted the designation is among the first items the Council approves in 2026.
Partly answeredNo designation vote appears in anything we hold, and the January 2026 appointments list still carried Legal Newspaper as to be determined. Our payment records show the city continuing to pay APG Media of Southern Minnesota, owner of the Kenyon Leader, across 19 register lines running through August 2026, so the incumbent was still being paid after the Messenger's bid. Kenyon's annual legal notice spend runs roughly $2,600, and the Kenyon Leader's paid circulation has fallen from 2,866 to 416.
The council heard a competing bid in November 2025, yet the city's own payment register shows money still going to APG Media, the Kenyon Leader's owner, through August 2026.
APG files; 1-13-25 Council Packet Updated appointments list
The ordinance includes limited exceptions for law enforcement, defense of persons or property, approved ranges, ceremonial events, and authorized wildlife control activities. Doug Henke stated that firearms should be allowed for the colorguard and military funerals.
Public comment on exceptions in the proposed firearms ordinance.
At the meetingMayor Kirchmann and Councilmember Sjolander replied that this is allowed per section 5 of the ordinance.
Partly answeredThe ordinance does carry exceptions covering ceremonial use, since the staff summary lists limited exceptions for law enforcement, defense of persons or property, approved ranges and ceremonial purposes. The full text of Section 5 is cut off in the extracts we hold, so the precise wording covering colorguard and military funerals cannot be quoted. The adopted Ordinance No. 113 text would settle it.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
Adrian Mogren would like the city to go along with what the DNR allows. Bow hunting is safer than firearm hunting. He felt it was unreasonable to outlaw bow hunting in city limits.
Public comment during discussion of Ordinance No. 113.
At the meetingCouncil agreed bow hunting should be allowed on private property; ordinance tabled.
What happened nextThe city did not simply defer to the Department of Natural Resources, but it stopped short of outlawing bow hunting. The amended Ordinance No. 113 regulates rather than prohibits, permitting bow hunting on private property with restrictions while barring discharge elsewhere in the city. Before the ordinance the city had adhered to DNR regulations alone.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
CITIZEN COMMENT Jim Gould, who lives at 103 Gates Avenue, requested that the city not ban bow hunting within city limits, especially on private property.
Citizen comment on the proposed firearms and bow discharge ordinance.
At the meetingCouncil later agreed bow hunting should be allowed on private property and tabled the ordinance.
What happened nextGould got what he asked for. The amended ordinance adopted in December 2025 explicitly permits bow hunting on private property within city limits, subject to conditions set out in Section 925.11.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
Approve posting the Line Worker/Water Operator Position Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU Commission recommended approval to post the Line Worker/Water Operator position to replace Austin Fitch who resigned in May. Per Mayor Kirchmann's request, John Lee clarified the need to rehire an additional line worker.
Discussion of the KMU recommendation to post the Line Worker/Water Operator position.
At the meetingJohn Lee clarified the need at the meeting; Lehner added it was not a new topic.
Partly answeredThe record notes only that John Lee clarified the need at the meeting and that Lehner said this was not a new topic, without preserving the substance of the answer. Nothing we hold gives KMU crew size, outage counts, overtime hours or any other workload measure. The written justification the commission requested from Operations Superintendent Eggert would settle it and was never produced.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
At the last commission meeting, the commission voted to rehire this position, but Operations Superintendent Eggert was asked to define "busy" in writing. This documentation has not been received yet.
The KMU commission had asked Eggert to document workload in writing before the position is posted.
At the meetingLehner reported the documentation was still outstanding.
What happened nextEggert's written definition of busy never appears in anything we hold. The city took a different route instead, with Lehner working with KMU staff by April 12 2026 to update the job description rather than producing the workload justification the commission had asked for. The attachment the council did have was a line worker and water operator job description dated January 24 2008.
4-12-26 Council packet; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-04-12
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Kirchmann to table posting the line worker/water operator position until the needed documentation is received. Motion carried 5-0-0.
KMU Commission recommended posting the position to replace Austin Fitch, but supporting documentation was outstanding.
At the meetingTabled by unanimous vote.
What happened nextThe posting stayed tabled for months. As of April 12 2026 the position still had not been posted, with Administrator Lehner reporting he was working with KMU staff to update the Line Worker and Water Operator job description and that it should be posted soon. That is roughly eleven months after Austin Fitch resigned in May 2025.
4-12-26 Council packet · taken up again 2026-04-12
Councilmember Bailey read a script concerning her opposition to restricting the bow hunting aspect of the ordinance. The council agreed that bow hunting should be allowed on private property, but not on city property.
Council consensus after debate on the bow hunting provisions of Ordinance No. 113.
At the meetingCouncil stated its position and tabled the ordinance.
What happened nextThe redraft did exactly what the council asked. Section 925.11 of the amended ordinance permits bow hunting on private property within the city subject to conditions, and the summary of changes leads with bow hunting on private property now being explicitly allowed with restrictions. The conditions themselves are cut off in the extracts we hold.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
Tabled for further clarification of the ordinance. 2026 Proposed Agreement for Continuation of our City-County Joint-Powers "Agreement for State Building Code Administration" Administrator Lehner stated that Goodhue County requires the City of Kenyon to approve a yearly agreement to conduct residential and commercial building inspections.
Council heard citizen and council objections to including bow hunting in the proposed ordinance.
At the meetingNo vote taken; item tabled after discussion.
What happened nextThe ordinance came back revised at the December 9 2025 meeting, retitled from prohibiting to regulating the discharge of firearms, bows and hunting, and drafted as a new Section 925 of the Kenyon City Code. The council took it up alongside Resolution 2025-25 approving publication of Ordinance No. 113 by title and summary.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
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.
Recognition of Luke Cordes for Eagle Scout project work in the city.
Partly answeredWe hold no Eagle Scout project documentation. We do hold the history of the sign Cordes landscaped around: the community entrance sign went out for quotes on September 12 2023 at $23,873 to $25,653 from Anderson Memorial, $14,500 to $20,500 from Lewiston Monument, $19,355.60 from Precision Signs and $16,512.51 from Schad-Tracy, with staff recommending Schad-Tracy and the award still unresolved in November 2023.
KENYON_BIDS.md
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS Council Member Helgeson congratulated city hall and the library on winning grand prize at the Fall Festival decorating contest.
General council comments congratulating staff after the Fall Festival.
We hold no dataWe hold no Fall Festival decorating contest results. Nothing in our Kenyon event archive covers this contest, which sits outside the Rose Fest material we do hold. The festival organizer's contest record would settle it.
KENYON_ROSEFEST archive · would settle it: Fall Festival decorating contest results
Trunk Highway 60 Project Engineer Olinger stated that a meeting was held with MnDOT planning staff on September 30 regarding 56 the 2031 Hwy 60 project.
Trunk Highway 60 project update.
Partly answeredWe hold no notes or MnDOT correspondence from the September 30 2025 meeting, only the engineer's report of it. What followed is on the record: the council approved televising the sanitary mains under Highway 60 on May 12 2026, and by then the reconstruction was described as 2030 or later rather than 2031. MnDOT's own meeting record would settle what was agreed.
11-12-25 and 5-12-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-05-12
However, unanticipated bedrock within 2nd street was found, so the method of installation was switched to more conventional excavation.
Explaining the reason for Work Change Directive No. 1 on the 2nd Street watermain.
What happened nextThe bedrock finding held up through the contract amendment. The December 9 2025 packet restates it as unforeseen shallow bedrock requiring changed construction methods, and Change Order No. 1 built on it was approved March 10 2026 on a 5-0-0 vote. We hold no field or geotechnical documentation of the rock itself.
12.9.25 and 3-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-03-10
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.
2025 Street and Utility Improvements construction status update.
What happened nextThe schedule held. By December 9 2025 Fitzgerald had paved both 5th and 8th Streets and was patching 2nd and Forest Streets, with Pay Application No. 3 covering October 4 to October 31 at $494,533.51. The engineer's December assessment was that Fitzgerald met the goal of finishing and paving everything opened up during the 2025 season.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet · taken up again 2025-12-09
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.
Framing the 2026 enterprise fund budget discussion.
Partly answeredThe four funds named are consistent with the quarterly compilations Abdo prepared through 2026, which present the General Fund separately from the enterprise funds, and with the final 2026 enterprise budget adopted December 2 2025 at a net expense of $148,205. We do not hold the city's audited financial statements, which is where the authoritative fund listing sits.
12.2.25 Special Council Meeting; 6.9.26 and 8-6-26 Council Packets
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.
Review of the new state Paid Leave program and its impact on the city.
At the meetingPresentation given; no action recorded.
What happened nextThe council acted on Minnesota Paid Leave on November 12 2025, approving on the consent agenda that the city and the employee each pay half the premium. The December 9 2025 packet carries the draft policy confirming the January 1 2026 effective date and payroll deductions starting that day. The program runs 12 weeks, or 20 weeks combined, alongside the federal 12-week unpaid FMLA entitlement.
11-12-25 and 12.9.25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-11-12
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.
Explaining why the November council meeting had to be rescheduled.
At the meetingCouncil moved the meeting to Wednesday, November 12, 5-0-0.
We hold no dataOur legal dataset covers city website and public notice statutes across 88 verified entries and holds no statute on conducting public business on a holiday. The citation Lehner referred to cannot be confirmed from what we hold.
CITY_WEBSITE_LAWS.md · would settle it: The specific Minnesota Statute citation on holiday meetings
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.
Fire Department voted to dispose of the aging tender truck.
At the meetingCouncil approved declaring it excess inventory 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe council granted the request at the October 14 2025 meeting, declaring the 1983 Chevrolet Tender excess inventory on a 5-0-0 vote moved by Kirchmann and seconded by Brunner. The fire department's own vote record and any council resolution number are not in our data.
11-12-25 Council Packet, October 14 2025 minutes · taken up again 2025-10-14
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.
Fire Department voted to dispose of the old tender truck and asked council approval to sell it.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0-0 to declare the truck excess inventory.
Partly answeredNo sale record and no deposit amount for the 1983 Chevrolet Tender appears in our data. The December 9 2025 packet reports a different vehicle going to auction, the 1988 C70 Chevrolet Tanker, and records the only truck fund deposit we hold for 2025, a $27,000 donation from Fire Relief gambling proceeds. The auction result or the treasurer's deposit entry would settle what the tender brought.
The truck declared excess inventory was the 1983 Chevrolet Tender, but the vehicle reported headed to auction in December 2025 is the 1988 C70 Chevrolet Tanker.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet
The attached pay application includes work completed over the past month. One more pay application is anticipated next month.
Pay Application No. 3 covers work through October 31, 2025.
What happened nextPay Application No. 3 covering October 4 to October 31 was approved December 9 2025 at $494,533.51 on a 5-0-0 vote. It was not the last one. Pay Application No. 4 sat on the same December 9 agenda, so at least two more followed the October statement, and the running total through application 3 includes the $293,639.67 approved in November.
The engineer said one more pay application was anticipated, but applications 3 and 4 both appeared on the December 9 2025 agenda.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet · taken up again 2025-12-09
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.
Unanticipated bedrock in 2nd Street forced a switch from trenchless/directional drilling to conventional excavation.
At the meetingStated as no notable increase; final cost not yet determined.
Partly answeredNo final cost reconciliation for the changed installation method is in our data. The December 9 2025 packet says the pay estimate would include an estimated amount due for 2nd Street watermain changes under future Change Order No. 1, and the council approved that change order on March 10 2026 without a figure entered in the minutes. Against a contract awarded at $2,294,629.25, the executed change order with its dollar amount is what is missing.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 12.9.25 and 3-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-03-10
At this time, we also anticipate a corrective change order to revise completion dates and costs for the 2nd Street watermain work.
2025 Street & Utility Improvements progress update after bedrock forced a change in watermain installation method.
At the meetingWork Change Directive No. 1 was issued with no notable price increases anticipated.
What happened nextChange Order No. 1 was tabled in February 2026 and approved on March 10 2026 by a 5-0-0 vote. It extended the 2025 completion dates to cover the 2nd Street watermain work so liquidated damages would no longer apply to the 2025 season. No dollar value for the change order appears in our record.
3-10-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-03-10
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.
Administrator update on city hall staffing.
At the meetingNo specific plan was stated at the meeting.
Partly answeredCity hall staffing was still an open agenda item eleven months later, with an Administrative Assistant Update listed on the administrator's report for September 8 2026. No staffing plan or job posting for the duties Sue Dodds covered appears in our record. The contracted alternative did harden instead: Abdo's 2027 proposal reached $164,800 across financial solutions, HR and payroll.
9-8-26 Council Packet
The city will need to notify MnDOT by next fall if any significant utility work is needed in conjunction with this project.
Report on the September 30 meeting with MnDOT planning staff about the 2031 Trunk Highway 60 project.
What happened nextThe city took the first step toward that notification on May 12 2026, approving the Visu-Sewer quote to televise sanitary mains under Highway 60 within the state right of way, on a 5-0-0 vote. Olinger framed it as the information needed to decide whether city utility replacement has to be folded into the state project. The reconstruction date had by then moved from 2031 to 2030 or later, and no written notice to MnDOT appears in our record.
Olinger described the project as the 2031 Hwy 60 project in October 2025 and as potential reconstruction in 2030 or later in May 2026.
5-12-26 Council Packet; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2026-05-12
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.
2026 proposed enterprise funds budget presentation covering water, electric, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer.
What happened nextThe final 2026 enterprise fund budget came back to the December 2 2025 special council meeting as promised. It carries a net expense of $148,205 and a decrease in fund balance of $292,782 after depreciation.
12.2.25 Special Council Meeting · taken up again 2025-12-02
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.
Open enrollment for 2026 employee benefits.
Partly answeredWe hold no record confirming the November 5 2025 employee session took place. The decision it fed did get made: on November 12 2025 the council approved remaining with Blue Cross Blue Shield for 2026 and splitting the Minnesota Paid Leave premium half and half with employees. An employee sign-in sheet or Gallagher's meeting confirmation would settle whether the November 5 session happened.
11-12-25 Council Packet consent agenda · taken up again 2025-11-12
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.
2026 employee benefits and open enrollment review.
At the meetingBeth presented the two options; no council decision was recorded.
What happened nextThe city stayed with Blue Cross Blue Shield for 2026, approved on the consent agenda at the November 12 2025 meeting. The Gallagher renewal exhibit in that same packet assigns the 26.44% increase to United Healthcare, not to Blue Cross, and puts the Blue Cross fully-insured renewal at 21.25% combined across all three plans. The Minnesota Healthcare Consortium alternative at 6.14% was not taken.
The minutes attribute the 26.44% increase to Blue Cross Blue Shield, but Gallagher's own renewal table in the same packet shows 26.44% as the United Healthcare quote and 21.25% as the Blue Cross renewal.
11-12-25 Council Packet, Gallagher 2026 Renewal Presentation · taken up again 2025-11-12
INSTALL SANITARY AND WATER TRACER SYSTEMS, SEE SPECIFICATIONS. EXTRAPOLATED OR INTERPOLATED FROM SOIL BORINGS. THE CITY NOR ENGINEER GUARANTEE ITS 3.
Caveat on the rock and groundwater data governing the open-cut watermain installation.
Partly answeredThe disclaimer is exactly as quoted, and the plans do carry estimated rock quantities to price against. The profile at station 306+60.4 shows up to 20 cubic yards of 0 to 24 inch rock excavation and up to 22 cubic yards of 24 to 42 inch rock excavation, with the rock identified as Shakopee Dolostone in both hard and soft forms. The geotechnical report in the project manual and the actual excavated rock quantities are not in our holdings.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, plan sheets C4.03 and C4.04 soil profile notes
EXISTING SERVICE LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE AND WILL VARY FROM PLAN (NO ADJUSTMENT IN PAYMENT). 1029 2ND STREET CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY ACTUAL LOCATIONS AND THAT SERVICE IS ACTIVE PRIOR TO CONNECTING (INCIDENTAL). **ROCK PROFILE ILLUSTRATED ON PLAN IS 2.
Plan note stating existing service locations are approximate and will vary from plan with no adjustment in payment.
We hold no dataWe hold the requirement but no verification records. The plan notes state existing service locations are approximate and will vary from plan with no adjustment in payment, and require the contractor to verify actual locations and that each service is active before connecting, as an incidental cost. The contractor's field verification records for the 2nd Street water services would settle it.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, plan sheets C4.03 and C4.04 · would settle it: Field verification records for the water services on 2nd Street
1. Original Contract Price $ 2,294,629.25 2. Net change by Change Orders $ - 3. Current Contract Price (Line 1 + Line 2) $ 2,294,629.25 4. Total Work completed and materials stored to date (Sum of Column G Lump Sum Total and Column J Unit Price Total) $ 345,632.88 5. Retainage a. 5% X $ 345,632.88 Work Completed $ 17,281.64 b. X $ - Stored Materials $ - c. Total Retainage (Line 5.a + Line 5.b) $ 17,281.64 6. Amount eligible to date (Line 4 - Line 5.c) $ 328,351.24 7. Less previous payments $ 34,711.57 8. Amount
Figures supporting the $293,639.67 requested in Pay Application #2 after 5% retainage of $17,281.64 and prior payments of $34,711.57.
Answered from our recordsThe pay application arithmetic reconciles exactly. Retainage of 5 percent on $345,632.88 of completed work is $17,281.64, leaving $328,351.24 eligible to date, and deducting the $34,711.57 previously paid gives the $293,639.67 requested. The original and current contract price both stand at $2,294,629.25 with no net change by change orders at that point.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, Contractor's Application for Payment No. 2
CONTRACTOR SHALL RE-ESTABLISH ROADWAY AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS EACH NIGHT OUTSIDE OF WORKING HOURS. COUNTY WHITE 1. FULL CLOSURE AND DETOUR MAY ONLY BE LEFT IN PLACE FOR 7 5.
Staging limits governing the CSAH 12 closure and detour route.
Partly answeredThe staging limits are as stated, and they come with three further conditions. The plan notes cap the full closure and detour at 7 working days, or 11 days if final surface restoration is completed immediately after excavation, require that access to 2nd Street east of the closure area be preserved at all times, and require the closure be temporarily surfaced and opened to local traffic over nights and weekends with minor exceptions allowed. The Goodhue County closure permit and a dated closure log are not in our holdings.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, plan sheets C7.03 and C7.04
Ftr Copper (to be located) SLEE STREET 2 EA 10" 45° BEND STA 305+64 l INV=1107.46 1 EA 10" GATE VALVE & BOX F-D STA 300+52 M 6" CIP W INV=1107.57 Frontier Ped (square box) CLVT CLVT 1 EA 10"X10" TEE INV=1105.25 STA 305+68.5, 4' LT 1 EA 10"X8" REDUCER CLVT 1 EA 10"X6" TEE 30" RCP STRM SEWER 5 LF 6" PVC WM l 1 EA 6" GATE VALVE & BOX F-D CLVT >> 661400020 1 EA 6" SLEEVE 1 EA HYDRANT (G=1119.14) R INV=1125.98 1018 2ND STREET > 4" Conc Walk (to be >> rock at 5' >>> >> >> down 9' soil ok replaced entirely - 5' wide) SEE
Utility locates needed before open-cut watermain installation on 2nd Street.
We hold no dataWe hold nothing on the Frontier locates. The revised plan sheets mark the copper as to be located near station 308+97 by 1028 and 1032 2nd Street, and no locate ticket or field record appears in the packets. Gopher State One Call locate tickets or Frontier's field locate records would settle it.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, plan sheets C4.03 and C4.04 · would settle it: Field locate records for the Frontier copper lines
CONTRACTOR SHALL SUBMIT A TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN TO THE CITY ENGINEER TH 5 PRIOR TO STARTING WORK. FOREST STREET 4TH STREET 6 DETOUR ROUTE CSAH 12 c Bolton & Menk, Inc. 2025, All Rights Reserved 5TH STREET Full Closure planned for all excavation work.
Traffic control requirements for work performed outside the full CSAH 12 closure.
We hold no dataWe hold the plan requirement but no evidence of compliance. Sheet C7.04 requires the contractor to submit a traffic control plan to the City Engineer before starting lane closures for hydrants, services or sanitary sewer lining outside the CSAH 12 closure, and no submitted plan or engineer approval appears in any packet we hold. The submitted plan with the engineer's approval stamp would settle it.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, plan sheets C7.03 and C7.04 · would settle it: The submitted traffic control plan and engineer's approval
Thank you to Luke Cordes for Eagle Project Work in the City SUGGESTED ACTION: Wayne Ehrich and Jeff Sjoblom will recognize Luke Cordes for the work he did landscaping around the "Kenyon" sign on Hwy 56/60 and by the flag pole at the police station.
Presentation/recognition item on the October 14 agenda.
What happened nextThe recognition was made, one meeting later than scheduled. Wayne Ehrich recognized and thanked Luke Cordes for his Eagle Scout project at the November 12 2025 meeting, noting he landscaped around the city entrance sign and the police station.
11-12-25 Council Packet(1) · taken up again 2025-11-12
Following review of anticipated pricing, no increase to the overall contract price is anticipated. An unofficial estimate is provided for reference alone.
The attached spreadsheet shows street work up $49,036, water down $51,250, storm down $7,430, for a net change of $(9,644).
Partly answeredThe unofficial estimate was never replaced by priced figures in anything we hold. On November 12 2025 the engineer anticipated a corrective change order to revise completion dates and costs for the 2nd Street watermain work, and Change Order No. 1 was approved March 10 2026, but the passages record only its date-extension item. The priced schedule attached to the executed Change Order No. 1 would settle it.
11-12-25 Council Packet(1); 3-10-26 Council Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-03-10
An unofficial estimate is provided for reference alone. At this time, it is the intent to substantially complete all 2 nd Street work in 2025.
Schedule intent stated in the work change directive for the revised 2nd Street watermain work.
What happened nextThe intent to substantially complete all 2nd Street work in 2025 was not met. Change Order No. 1, approved March 10 2026, extended the 2025 completion dates specifically to reflect the additional time needed to complete the 2nd Street watermain work, and the December 9 2025 packet states the change order would adjust 2025 completion dates so liquidated damages would no longer apply to the 2025 work.
The work change directive stated the intent to substantially complete all 2nd Street work in 2025, yet Change Order No. 1 had to extend the 2025 completion dates for that same watermain work and waive liquidated damages.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-03-10
VII.A Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: October 14, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht, Engineering ITEM TYPE: Engineering AGENDA SECTION: ENGINEERING SUBJECT: 2025 Street & Utility Improvements SUGGESTED ACTION: 5th Street and 8th Street utility and grading work is nearly complete. Concrete curb and driveways are scheduled for the week of 10/20 and paving is planned for the end of the month.. 2nd Street watermain work is also now started.
Status update on the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements project.
What happened nextPaving had begun by November 12 2025, when the engineer reported crews paving the initial lift within 5th Street and 8th Street and patching pavement within 2nd Street and Forest Street, with topsoil grading and sod to follow before wrapping up for the year. The November 12 2025 minutes still describe concrete curb and driveways as scheduled to be poured the following week, so the week of October 20 date for curb work is not confirmed anywhere in our record.
11-12-25 Council Packet(1) · taken up again 2025-11-12
Shallow bedrock was discovered on the east end of 2 nd St (between ~305+00 and ~309+00) was discovered during investigatory excavations.
Justification for changing the watermain installation method to open trench.
Partly answeredThe bedrock finding is stated consistently in Work Change Directive No. 1 and repeated by Engineer Olinger on November 12 2025, locating shallow bedrock on the east end of 2nd Street between roughly station 305+00 and 309+00, found during investigatory excavations. The exploratory excavation field records and the geotechnical borings that would independently verify the depth and extent are not in our holdings.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, Work Change Directive No. 1; 11-12-25 Council Packet(1) · taken up again 2025-11-12
In the meantime, we've issued a work change directive (attached) to keep the crews moving while the weather is still good. A more formal change order will be required in the future. We do not anticipate any notable price increases.
Explanation of the cost impact of the method change after bedrock was found.
Partly answeredThe no-increase expectation held through November 12 2025, when Engineer Olinger repeated that the work change directive was issued with no notable price increases anticipated. The supporting unofficial estimate nets to a reduction of $9,644 against the $2,294,629.25 contract. A priced, executed change order confirming the final open-cut unit prices is not in our holdings.
11-12-25 Council Packet(1); 10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, Work Change Directive No. 1 · taken up again 2025-11-12
Some reasonable time extensions may be made later via change order, if necessary to accommodate the revised work plan.
Contract Time on the directive is listed as N/A with a possible later extension.
What happened nextThe time extension was granted through Change Order No. 1, approved March 10 2026. Engineer Olinger stated its first item extended the completion dates for 2025 work to reflect the additional time needed for the 2nd Street watermain work, and the December 9 2025 packet explains the change order adjusts 2025 completion dates so liquidated damages no longer apply to the 2025 work. The number of additional contract days is not stated in our records.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-03-10
Estimated Change in Contract Price and Contract Times (non-binding, preliminary): Contract Price: $ No Change (final price to be determined) Contract Time: N/A days Minor time extension may be required to accommodate change in work plan.
The directive lists Contract Price as 'No Change (final price to be determined)' and calls the attached estimate unofficial.
Partly answeredChange Order No. 1 was approved March 10 2026, but the passages we hold describe only its first item, the extension of 2025 completion dates, and state no final price for the open-cut watermain work. The only pricing on record is the unofficial estimate attached to the work change directive, showing street work up $49,036, water down $51,250 and storm down $7,430 for a net reduction of $9,644. The priced pages of the executed Change Order No. 1 would settle it.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated; 10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda, Work Change Directive No. 1 · taken up again 2026-03-10
In the meantime, we've issued a work change directive (attached) to keep the crews moving while the weather is still good. A more formal change order will be required in the future.
A work change directive was issued 10/06/2025 to keep crews moving while weather is good, ahead of a formal change order.
What happened nextChange Order No. 1 was tabled in February 2026 and approved on March 10 2026, 5-0-0, on a motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner. Engineer Olinger described it as a contract amendment addressing two items, the first being extension of the 2025 completion dates to reflect the additional time needed for the 2nd Street watermain work.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-03-10
Pay Application 2 is requested for approval. This payment includes mostly utility and grading work for 5th Street and 8th Street, as completed through 10/3.
Payment covering mostly utility and grading work on 5th Street and 8th Street completed through 10/3.
What happened nextPay Application No. 2 for $293,639.67 was approved on November 12 2025 on a motion by Brunner seconded by Kirchmann. It covered work from August 30 to October 3 2025, and Pay Application No. 3 for $494,533.51 followed on December 9 2025 covering October 4 to October 31.
11-12-25 Council Packet(1); 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-11-12
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Brunner to place Officer Homeier on paid suspension with a letter to be sent tomorrow.
Personnel action stemming from the closed session on allegations of law enforcement personnel misconduct.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe paid suspension ended in resignation. Brian Homeier resigned effective January 28 2026, the city accepted a separation agreement, and the council took up the separation resolution on March 10 2026, at which point Attorney Riggs said a closed session was no longer necessary. The suspension letter itself is not in our holdings.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-03-10
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to authorize city staff and attorney to hire an outside investigator. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Action taken in open session immediately after the closed meeting on internal affairs data related to allegations of law enforcement personnel misconduct.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0-0 authorizing the hire.
What happened nextThe authorization carried 5-0-0 and the matter ended in a separation rather than a public investigation finding. Closed sessions on the same internal affairs data followed on October 14 2025 and December 9 2025, and on March 10 2026 Attorney Riggs reported that Brian Homeier had submitted his resignation effective January 28 2026 and that the separation agreement was accepted, with Riggs and Administrator Lehner recommending approval of the separation resolution. The investigator's engagement letter and report are not in our holdings.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated; 12-9-25 Notice of Special and Closed Meeting · taken up again 2026-03-10
Council member Bailey thanked everyone for shaving their budgets. Council member Helgeson stated that Park and Rec has started planning for Fall Fest on October 11.
General council comments on upcoming community events.
What happened nextFall Festival was held. On November 12 2025 Council Member Helgeson congratulated city hall and the library on winning grand prize in the Fall Festival decorating contest and thanked everyone who attended, then looked ahead to Christmas in Kenyon. No event budget or attendance figure appears in our record.
11-12-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-11-12
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 2026 Budget Jessi Sturtz from Abdo stated that the proposed budget and levy was reviewed at the Council work session on August 26. The budget was revised based on input from the work session.
Introduction of the 2026 preliminary budget and levy resolution.
Partly answeredWe hold no side-by-side of the August 26 2025 work session draft against the revised budget, so what changed cannot be itemized. What the outcome shows is that the revision landed at a 9.93 percent preliminary ceiling and the final levy came in at 9.18 percent, or $1,528,541. The same pattern repeated the following year, when the 2027 draft opened at 19.50 percent on July 14 2026 and was certified at 9.26 percent.
10.14.25 Council Packet and taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-12-09
Pay application No. 1 includes work from August 25 to August 29 in the amount of $34,711.57. 2025 Street and Utility Improvements – Pay Application No. 1 Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to approve pay application #1 to Fitzgerald Excavating in the amount of $34,711.57.
Approval of the first pay request for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements project.
At the meetingCouncil approved the pay application 4-0-0.
What happened nextPay application 1 for $34,711.57 covering August 25 to August 29 was approved on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson, carried 4-0-0. Payments then ran through pay application 2 at $293,639.67 for August 30 to October 3, pay application 3 at $494,533.51 for October 4 to October 31, pay application 6 through May 29 2026 and pay application 9 through September 2 2026, against a contract of $2,294,629.25.
10.14.25, 11-12-25, 12.9.25 and 9-8-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-09-08
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Administrator Lehner stated that Fitzgerald Excavating has started removing pavement and trees. They have begun work on both 5th and 8th streets.
Status update on the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements project.
What happened nextWork on 5th and 8th Streets progressed through the following year. Utility and grading work was nearly complete on both by November 12 2025, paving and patching on 5th and 8th plus 2nd and Forest Street was underway by December 9 2025, and by July 14 2026 the engineer reported 8th Street would be paved in late October 2026 after the street had settled. The contract is Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25, awarded July 8 2025.
11-12-25, 12.9.25 and 7.14.26 Council Packets, KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2026-07-14
Free fill was obtained from the Dollar General site. The only costs involved with the project would be Public Work's time and fuel and for grass seed.
Explaining the cost of constructing the police gun range in the city shop area.
At the meetingCouncil voted to move forward with the range.
Partly answeredThe Dollar General source of the fill checks out against assessment records: the parcel at 98 Gunderson Boulevard, PIN 661800150, jumps from an estimated market value of $138,700 for 2026 to $972,800 for pay 2027 as the new building hits the roll, which is a site under construction in 2025. We hold no record of the Public Works hours, fuel or grass seed charged to the range, so the claim that those were the only costs is unverified.
taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json and 10.14.25 Council Packet
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to approve the preliminary estimates for the municipal liquor store expansion.
Motion approved 'the preliminary estimates' rather than final construction or equipment contracts.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
Partly answeredThe project moved from preliminary estimate to actual spending without a final contract appearing in our record. The 2026 budget commentaries of June 9 2026 and August 6 2026 both list expenses paid for the liquor store remodel project, so work was underway, but no signed construction or equipment contract and no final cost total is in anything we hold.
6.9.26 and 8-6-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-08-06
Stan Morgan and Associates quoted $111,524.87 for equipment in the building. There was already $215,000 in the budget for this project.
Comparing the combined remodel and equipment estimates against budgeted funds.
At the meetingCouncil approved the preliminary estimates on that basis.
Partly answeredThe two estimates total $208,106.59, which leaves $6,893.41 of the stated $215,000, a margin of 3.2 percent before any change order. We hold no liquor fund budget page showing the $215,000 appropriation, so the budget line itself is what is missing. For scale on the store's other costs, card processing ran $18,515 in 2024 and $22,956 in 2025.
10.14.25 Council Packet and KENYON_IT_SPEND.md
L&M Construction estimated $96,581.72 to remodel the building. Stan Morgan and Associates quoted $111,524.87 for equipment in the building.
Review of equipment costs for the liquor store expansion.
At the meetingCouncil approved the preliminary estimates.
Partly answeredThe written Stan Morgan and Associates quote is not in our archive, and no competing equipment quote appears in our bid record. The $111,524.87 equipment package sits in the band requiring council approval plus two quotes.
Stan Morgan was the only equipment vendor named, and the remodel and equipment together come to $208,106.59, above the $175,000 sealed-bid threshold in Administrative Policy No. 34.
KENYON_BIDS.md
Liquor Store - 641 2nd Street NAPA Building Estimates Liquor Store Manager Bartel reviewed the estimates for the former NAPA building. L&M Construction estimated $96,581.72 to remodel the building.
Review of estimates for the municipal liquor store expansion into the former NAPA building.
At the meetingCouncil approved the preliminary estimates for the expansion.
Partly answeredThe written L&M Construction estimate is not in our archive. The $96,581.72 remodel sits in the $5,000 to $174,999 band of Administrative Policy No. 34, which requires council approval plus two quotes, and our bid record carries no competing remodel quote.
Policy No. 34 was put before the council in August 2024 and sets a two-quote requirement at this amount, though our archive does not confirm the adoption vote, yet L&M Construction is the only remodel vendor named.
KENYON_BIDS.md
Administrator Lehner stated that if they let city hall know, it could be posted on social media, and any incoming inquiries could be addressed.
Addressing the Mayor's concern about informing neighbors of shooting at the new range.
At the meetingCouncil approved moving forward with the gun range.
We hold no dataNo written notification practice appears in any document we hold, and no posted shoot notice appears in the record. A standing operating procedure from the police department, or a council policy attached to the range approval, would settle it. The firearms ordinance adopted later requires council approval of the range itself but sets no neighbor notice condition.
11-12-25 Council Packet and 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet · would settle it: Confirmation that a notification practice is in place
Public use would not be allowed. Mayor Kirchmann had concerns about the noise level and how neighbors would be informed before a shoot.
Discussion of the proposed police department gun range in the city shop area off Gates Avenue.
At the meetingLehner said if the department lets city hall know, it could be posted on social media and incoming inquiries addressed.
Partly answeredWe hold no noise assessment for the Gates Avenue site and no written neighbor notification procedure, so the loudness question is unanswered. What the record does show is that the city codified the range in its firearms ordinance, section 925.15, which permits discharge only at an officially designated and permitted shooting range approved by the City Council and states that no such range shall be established without prior council approval and review. That language appears in the November 12 2025 packet and again in the December 9 2025 packet.
11-12-25 Council Packet and 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet · taken up again 2025-12-09
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. 10 Resolution 2025-23: Adopting the 2026 Preliminary Budget & Levy Motion by Bailey seconded by Kirchmann to adopt Resolution 2025-23 adopting the 2026 preliminary budget and levy, which is a maximum of 9.93%.
Explanation of the preliminary versus final levy process for the 2026 budget.
What happened nextThe final 2026 levy was adopted at 9.18 percent, down from the 9.93 percent preliminary ceiling, as Abdo reported to the council on December 9 2025. In dollars that is $1,528,541 certified, which produced a city tax rate of 84.6822 percent of net tax capacity against 79.3028 percent the year before.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet and taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-12-09
The preliminary maximum levy certification resolution must be submitted to Goodhue County by the end of September.
Adoption of Resolution 2025-23 setting the 2026 preliminary budget and levy at a maximum of 9.93%.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-23 setting the preliminary levy at a maximum of 9.93%.
What happened nextResolution 2025-23 was adopted on a motion by Bailey seconded by Kirchmann, carried 4-0-0, setting the 2026 preliminary levy at a maximum of 9.93 percent. The certification held, and the levy came down before final adoption, finishing at 9.18 percent, or $1,528,541 certified for pay 2026.
10.14.25 Council Packet and taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-12-09
1006 REMOVE BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT 1,541.00 SY 5.00 7,705.00 1,659.10 8,295.50 8,295.50 108% (590.50) 1007 EXCAVATION - COMMON (P) 1,216.00 CY 16.00 19,456.00 - - - 19,456.00 1008 EXCAVATION - SUBGRADE (P) 347.00 CY 16.00 5,552.00 - - - 5,552.00 1009 SELECT GRANULAR EMBANKMENT (CV) (P) 347.00 CY 25.00 8,675.00 - - - 8,675.00 1010 GEOTEXTILE FABRIC TYPE 9 2,847.00 SY 2.25 6,405.75 - - - 6,405.75 1011 AGGREGATE BASE (CV) CLASS 5 (P) 526.00 CY 25.00 13,150.00 - - - 13,150.00 1012 TYPE SP 9.5 WEARING COURSE MIXTURE (3;C)
Pay Application 1 quantities exceed the contract estimate on one removal item.
Partly answeredNo change order or field measurement record addressing the 5th Street bituminous removal overrun is in our holdings. The overrun is trivial against the job, $590.50 on a $2,294,629.25 contract, or 0.026 percent, and later pay applications show the contract proceeding normally through applications 2 and 3. The quantity reconciliation or a change order from Bolton and Menk would settle it.
9-9-25 Council Packet pay application 1 and factbook KENYON_BIDS.md
Increase in contracted services due to adding Abdo Financial Solutions in the amount of $58,650. o Increases in numerous line items to algin more with the actuals for the previous two years. o Increase in outside services of $15,000 for Abdo Financial Solution's review of financials. • Law Enforcement - o Decrease in numerous line items. o Decrease due to removing capital and transfers and moving it to its own fund. • Streets - o Decrease in numerous line items. o Decrease due to removing capital and transfers and
Explaining the largest general fund expenditure increase for 2026.
What happened nextThe Abdo cost outran the budgeted line and the coding moved. The 2026 budget carried $58,650 for Abdo in contracted services plus $15,000 for the records review, but the engagement signed in September 2025 runs $92,100 a year, $33,450 above the contracted services line. By July 2026 the packets report an $82,000 increase in outside services caused by recoding Abdo invoices that had previously been booked to general government, and actual outside services in the administration line reached $99,689 in 2025.
The 2026 budget provided $58,650 of contracted services for Abdo while the engagement rate at signing was $92,100 a year, and actual outside services in the administration line came in at $99,689.
7.14.26 Council Packet Updated and factbook contracted finance section · taken up again 2026-07-14
Note: change in market value has not been assumed General Fund Budget Summary Actual Actual YTD Budget Budget Amount 2023 2024 6.30.25 2025 2026 Change Revenues Property taxes $ 677,537 $ 738,415 $ - $ 797,278 $ 700,189 $ (97,089) Licenses and permits 12,401 13,088 7,663 8,900 11,200 2,300 Intergovernmental 679,251 748,139 66,688 748,370 748,652 282 Charges for services 95,819 92,189 21,083 96,250 93,700 (2,550) Fines and forfeitures 14,588 13,837 8,596 12,000 15,000 3,000 Interest earnings 18,999 13,440 29,948
Estimated property tax impact table, assuming no change in market value.
Partly answeredThe impact table understates what happened, because it was built on an estimated city rate of 81.90 percent and the certified pay-2026 rate came in at 84.6822 percent, 2.78 points higher. The individual parcel estimates of $480 to $512 and $7,109 to $7,576 cannot be checked directly, since we hold billed tax by parcel rather than the class rate and exclusion worksheet behind them. As a scale check, the median residential homestead in Kenyon has an estimated market value of $210,000 and pays $1,457 in city tax.
factbook taxes/levy.html and taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json
Factors relating to this increase are an increase in general liability insurance and pagers/maintenance. o The library levy increased by $15,070 or 10.75%. ▪ Factors relating to this increase are an increase in wages and benefits, an increase in automation, and an increase in utilities. o The EDA levy decreased by $7,198 or -8.05%. ▪ Factors relating to this decrease are adding the transfer of the interfund loan into revenue that hasn't been budgeted in the past. o A new capital levy was added for 2026 in the
Fund-by-fund levy change explanations in the preliminary budget memo.
What happened nextThe fire increase shrank between the preliminary memo and what was adopted. The fund 203 ad valorem line shows $97,613 for 2025 and $99,962 budgeted for 2026, a rise of $2,349 or 2.41 percent, not the $3,309 or 3.39 percent in the August memo. Fire Chief Ehrich told the township board on December 9 2025 that the 2026 fire budget rose $1,658.17 over 2025, mainly from replacing pagers and radios and increased property insurance, and that Fire Relief donated $27,000 from gambling proceeds toward the new 520 Tender truck.
The adopted fire ad valorem levy rose $2,349 from $97,613 to $99,962, $960 less than the $3,309 increase the August budget memo presented.
9-8-26 Council Packet fund 203 revenue budget and 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
Factors relating to this decrease are adding the transfer of the interfund loan into revenue that hasn't been budgeted in the past. o A new capital levy was added for 2026 in the amount of $116,500. Previously transfers were being made from the general fund to the capital fund. 21 Staffing • All employees are expected to receive a COLA increase of 3%. • A part time Administrative Assistant and a Finance Director (for 4th quarter of 2026) were added into this year's budget. • Minnesota Paid Leave has been added to
Explanation of EDA fund levy change for 2026.
Partly answeredThe December 2 2025 packet identifies the loans behind the change as a 2021 interfund loan from the Electric Fund to the Water Fund and an interfund loan from the Electric Fund to the EDA. The stated decrease of $7,198 at 8.05 percent implies a prior EDA levy of about $89,416 falling to about $82,218. The interfund loan repayment schedule and EDA fund budget detail are not in our holdings.
12.2.25 Special Council Meeting · taken up again 2025-12-02
A new capital levy was added for 2026 in the amount of $116,500. Previously transfers were being made from the general fund to the capital fund. 21 Staffing • All employees are expected to receive a COLA increase of 3%. • A part time Administrative Assistant and a Finance Director (for 4th quarter of 2026) were added into this year's budget. • Minnesota Paid Leave has been added to the appropriate funds. • We have estimated a 10% increase to Workers Compensation Insurance and a 10% increase to General Liability
Explaining why the general levy decreased 12.09% while a new capital levy appeared.
What happened nextThe $116,500 capital levy survived every revision. The identical sentence appears in the September 9, November 12 and December 2 2025 packets, so the reallocation from general fund transfers to a dedicated capital levy carried into the adopted 2026 budget. The capital fund budget detail showing which transfers were replaced is not in our holdings.
12.2.25 Special Council Meeting · taken up again 2025-12-02
Resolution 2025-23: Adopting the 2026 Preliminary Budget & Levy SUGGESTED ACTION: Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-23 adopting the 2026 Preliminary Budget and Levy and setting the Truth in Taxation meeting for December 2 at 6:30 pm.
Follow-on action from the budget work session placed on the September 9 agenda.
What happened nextResolution 2025-23 was adopted at a maximum of 9.93 percent on a motion by Bailey seconded by Kirchmann, carried 4-0-0. The Truth in Taxation meeting is recorded in the record as a special council meeting held December 2 2025, and the budget and levy discussion with no citizen comments appears in the December 9 2025 packet alongside Resolution 2025-29 adopting the 2026 budget and tax levy.
10.14.25 Council Packet and Agenda, and 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-10-14
Key items in this year's budget: • LGA will increase by $1,602 for 2026 for a total of $666,716. • The total 2026 tax levy is proposed to increase $138,911 or 9.93% from 2025. o The general levy decreased $96,336 or -12.09%. ▪ Factors relating to this decrease are explained in this memo under the General Fund Budget Summary section and removing the transfers to capital. o The debt levy increased by $107,646 or 38.96%.
Headline levy figure in the preliminary budget memo, with an internal inconsistency between narrative and table.
Answered from our recordsNeither printed figure is right. A 9.93 percent increase on the 2025 levy of $1,400,000 is $139,020, which is $109 above the narrative's $138,911 and $29 above the table's $138,991. The levy the city actually certified for 2026 is $1,528,541, an increase of $128,541 or 9.18 percent.
Both figures in the Abdo memo are wrong. Nine point nine three percent of the $1,400,000 2025 levy is $139,020, not $138,911 and not $138,991.
factbook levy history and taxes/levy.html
Key items in this year's budget: • LGA will increase by $1,602 for 2026 for a total of $666,716. • The total 2026 tax levy is proposed to increase $138,911 or 9.93% from 2025. o The general levy decreased $96,336 or -12.09%. ▪ Factors relating to this decrease are explained in this memo under the General Fund Budget Summary section and removing the transfers to capital. o The debt levy increased by $107,646 or 38.96%.
Key revenue assumption in the 2026 preliminary budget.
We hold no dataNo state Local Government Aid certification for 2026 is in our holdings, so neither the $1,602 increase nor the $666,716 total can be confirmed. The figure implies a 2025 certified amount of $665,114, a rise of about a quarter of one percent. The 2026 LGA certification notice from the state would settle it.
9-9-25 Council Packet budget memo · would settle it: State LGA certification notice for 2026
Underground piping materials are now beginning to arrive on site and their crews are planning to ramp up work during the week of September 8. It's likely that work within both 5th and 8th Streets will occur concurrently.
Construction status update on the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements.
What happened nextConcurrent work on both streets happened as forecast. By November 12 2025 the engineer reported utility and grading work nearly complete on both 5th and 8th Streets, with concrete curb and driveways scheduled for the following week and paving planned for the end of the month. Pay application 2 covering August 30 to October 3 was $293,639.67 and pay application 3 covering October 4 to October 31 was $494,533.51.
11-12-25 Council Packet and 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-11-12
Requested Action: Motion approving Pay Application 1 for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements ATTACHMENTS: 134934 Pay Application No. 1.pdf 12 Contractor's Application for Payment Owner: CITY OF KENYON Owner's Project No.: N/A Engineer: BOLTON & MENK Engineer's Project No.: 24X.134934 Contractor: FITZGERALD EXCAVATING & TRUCKING INC Agency's Project No.: N/A Project: 2025 STREET & UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS Contract: N/A Application No.: 1 Application Date: 9/9/2025 Application Period: From 8/25/2025 to 8/29/2025 1.
Fitzgerald Excavating's first pay request covering mobilization and removals through the end of August.
What happened nextPay Application 1 was approved for $34,711.57 on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson, carried 4-0-0, covering work from August 25 to August 29 2025. The underlying contract is the Fitzgerald Excavating award of $2,294,629.25, the low bid on the second round after all bids in the first round were rejected on June 10 2025.
10.14.25 Council Packet and Agenda, and factbook KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-10-14
A part time Administrative Assistant and a Finance Director (for 4th quarter of 2026) were added into this year's budget. • Minnesota Paid Leave has been added to the appropriate funds. • We have estimated a 10% increase to Workers Compensation Insurance and a 10% increase to General Liability Insurance. • We have estimated a 5% increase on health insurance premiums. Tax Levy Summary Overall, the property tax levy includes levies for general operations, EDA, capital equipment and improvements, street replacement,
Staffing additions built into the preliminary budget but not yet hired or approved.
What happened nextNeither position had been filled by September 2026. Rather than hire the finance director budgeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, the council took up an Abdo versus internal finance director comparison on September 8 2026, where Abdo's 2027 package of $164,800 was set against an estimated $167,100 for a full-time director at $40.45 an hour. The wording about the two positions was repeated unchanged in the September 9, November 12 and December 2 2025 packets, so no separate authorization or job description appears.
factbook contracted finance section and 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-09-08
We have estimated a 10% increase to Workers Compensation Insurance and a 10% increase to General Liability Insurance. • We have estimated a 5% increase on health insurance premiums. Tax Levy Summary Overall, the property tax levy includes levies for general operations, EDA, capital equipment and improvements, street replacement, and debt service. The 2025 levy and 2026 proposed property tax levies are listed below: Increase Percent Estimated 2026 (Decrease) Change from 2025 Levy Levy from 2025 2025 Fund # General
Staffing and insurance assumptions in the preliminary budget.
What happened nextThe 10 percent assumption was halved the following cycle. For 2027 Abdo estimated 5 percent on both coverages and recorded that the League of Minnesota Cities was recommending 2 to 5 percent on workers compensation and 3 to 5 percent on general liability. That guidance sits at roughly a quarter to a half of the 10 percent built into the 2026 levy, and no actual carrier renewal quotes for 2026 are in our holdings.
8-6-26 Council Packet Updated and 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-08-06
Administrator Lehner stated that the proposed 2026 budget included a 3% cost of living increase for full-time employees. It also showed a 5% increase for employee health insurance.
Personnel assumptions built into the draft 2026 budget.
Partly answeredThe same two assumptions were still in use a year later, with the June 9 2026 known factors listing health insurance up about 5 percent, cost of living up about 3 percent, workers compensation and insurance premiums up about 5 percent, fuel and utilities up about 5 percent, and 2026 as the second year of Minnesota Paid Leave. Neither the health insurance renewal quotes nor the adopted wage schedule is in our holdings, so whether the 3 and 5 percent assumptions matched actual cost is unconfirmed.
6.9.26 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2026-06-09
Public Works Superintendent Ehrich reviewed the proposed 2026 streets, parks, and pool budgets. Ehrich identified several items that could be cut in his departments for savings.
Public works budget review at the work session.
We hold no dataNo list of the specific streets, parks and pool line items Ehrich offered to cut, and no dollar amounts for them, are in our holdings. The only measurable result is the aggregate, a reduction of about $250,300 between the 27.06 percent draft and the $1,528,541 certified levy. The department budget worksheets from the August 26 2025 work session would settle it.
9-9-25 Council Packet and factbook levy history · would settle it: A list of the specific line items cut and dollar amounts
Liquor Store Manager Matt Bartel updated the Council on the Liquor Store's proposed budget. He may be able to reduce some of his remodel expenses.
Liquor store 2026 budget review.
What happened nextThe remodel came back on October 14 2025 at roughly the budgeted amount rather than reduced. L&M Construction estimated $96,581.72 to remodel the former NAPA building at 641 2nd Street and Stan Morgan and Associates quoted $111,524.87 for equipment, a combined $208,106.59 against $215,000 already in the budget, leaving $6,893.41 of headroom. The preliminary estimates were approved on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey, carried 4-0-0.
10.14.25 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-10-14
He emphasized that city staff is capable of covering the finance director's duties, but with the high volume of rework necessary, Abdo's assistance is needed.
Lehner clarifying what was printed in the Kenyon Leader about the August 12 council meeting.
Partly answeredAbdo's scope is priced in our record but the list of rework is not. The 2027 proposal is $164,800, being Financial Solutions at $109,000, HR at $30,000 and Payroll at $25,800, a 31% rise from the $92,100 a year rate at engagement in September 2025, plus the one-time $15,000 reconciliation charge.
9-8-26 Council Packet
Library Director Otte reviewed the proposed 2026 budget. The budget for the library showed an overall proposed 9.44% increase in the levy.
Library department budget presentation at the work session.
Partly answeredThe two figures in the city's own record disagree by 1.31 points, with the minutes recording 9.44 percent from Director Otte and the Abdo memo listing 10.75 percent, and nothing in our holdings reconciles them. The automation piece Otte cited is visible in the spending record: the library automation line went from $4,892 in 2024 to $4,956 in 2025 to $6,500 budgeted for 2026, a $1,544 or 31.2 percent jump. Library hosting runs $230 a year to SELCO plus $347.55 a month for ILS support.
9-9-25 Council Packet and factbook KENYON_IT_SPEND.md
The 2023 G.O. Bond should have been budgeted in 2025 for $57,000. We are adding it to the 2026 budget and spreading it out over the next three years for a total of $19,000 for 2026, 2027 and 2028. o The fire levy increased by $3,309 or 3.39%. ▪ Factors relating to this increase are an increase in general liability insurance and pagers/maintenance. o The library levy increased by $15,070 or 10.75%. ▪ Factors relating to this increase are an increase in wages and benefits, an increase in automation, and an increase
Debt levy increased $107,646 or 38.96% for 2026.
What happened nextThe arithmetic is exact and the treatment survived to adoption. The missed $57,000 divides evenly into three annual pieces of $19,000 for 2026, 2027 and 2028, and the same wording appears unchanged in the September 9, November 12 and December 2 2025 packets. The bond amortization schedule and the 2025 adopted budget showing the omission are not in our holdings.
12.2.25 Special Council Meeting · taken up again 2025-12-02
A new bond payment for the 2025A G.O. bond was added and the 2023A G.O. bond payment that was missed in 2025 was added to the budget.
Explaining part of the levy increase for 2026.
What happened nextThe explanation was carried through to the final 2026 budget without change. The debt levy rose $107,646 or 38.96 percent, from a new 2025A G.O. bond payment plus the 2023A payment that should have been budgeted in 2025 at $57,000, spread at $19,000 a year across 2026, 2027 and 2028. The county rate document confirms the effect: the city's bond rate rose 35.91 percent for 2026 while its general rate fell 0.38 percent.
12.2.25 Special Council Meeting and factbook taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-12-02
The final tax capacity and rate will vary from the rate estimated in this memo. 2 22 Tax Levy Summary 2023 to 2025 Actual and 2026 Proposed $1,800,000 $1,600,000 $1,400,000 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 $- 2023 2024 2025 2026 General Levy Debt Service Fire Levy Library EDA Capital Tax Rate 2023 to 2025 Actual and 2026 Proposed 100% 81.90% 80% 74.69% 76.86% 71.60% 60% 40% 20% 0% 2023 2024 2025 2026 Tax Rate 3 23 Estimate Property Taxes Increase Taxable Market 2025 Taxes 2026 Taxes
2026 tax capacity estimated at $1,879,054 and city tax rate at 81.90%.
Answered from our recordsThe variance was material and in one direction. The memo estimated pay-2026 tax capacity at $1,879,054 and a city rate of 81.90 percent, but the certified base implied by the county auditor's rate is $1,805,032, and the certified rate is 84.6822 percent. Capacity came in $74,022 low and the rate 2.78 points high. We located $1,804,993 of the certified base parcel by parcel, or 99.998 percent of it.
The 81.90 percent rate presented to the council understated the certified 84.6822 percent, because the county's preliminary tax capacity was $74,022 higher than the base that was actually certified.
factbook taxes/levy.html and KENYON_DATA_IN_MEETINGS.md
He will continue to work with Jessi from Abdo to reduce the budget. The council was in consensus that they would like to keep the increase under 10%.
Council direction on the target for the 2026 levy.
What happened nextThe consensus held. The preliminary levy was certified at a maximum of 9.93 percent and the final levy adopted by Resolution 2025-29 came in at 9.18 percent, both under 10 percent. The certified 2026 city tax rate that resulted is 84.6822 percent of net tax capacity, up from 79.3028 percent in 2025.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated, and factbook taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-12-09
Review Proposed 2026 Budget and Levy Administrator Lehner stated that the maximum proposed levy increase must by adopted by the council by the end of September. Administrator Lehner stated that the draft budget showed a 27.06% maximum levy.
Opening figure presented for the 2026 levy discussion.
Partly answeredThe 27.06 percent draft implies a levy of about $1,778,800 against the $1,400,000 base for 2025, and the city certified $1,528,541 instead, so roughly $250,300 came out of the opening draft. The draft levy worksheet showing how 27.06 percent was computed is not in our holdings. The debt side accounts for much of it, since the debt levy alone rose $107,646 or 38.96 percent for 2026.
factbook levy history and 12.2.25 Special Council Meeting
It also showed a 5% increase for employee health insurance. He will continue to work with Jessi from Abdo to reduce the budget.
Closing discussion on reducing the proposed levy increase.
What happened nextThe work with Abdo produced a second reduction after the preliminary levy was set. Jessi Sturtz reported in November 2025 that the final levy budget was down to 9.18 percent from the 9.93 percent maximum approved in September, and that figure was carried into the Truth in Taxation meeting on December 9 2025, where no citizen comments were made. The certified 2026 levy is $1,528,541.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated, and factbook levy history · taken up again 2025-12-09
Police Chief Sjoblom provided an update on the police department proposed 2026 budget request. He would review his expenses to try to find some cuts.
Police department budget review during the 2026 levy work session.
Partly answeredNo police department line list showing 2026 reductions is in our holdings. The only police cuts our record documents came a year later, when pool, streets and police department items were eliminated to bring the 2027 draft from 19.5 percent down to 10.34 percent. The revised police budget detail from September 2025 would settle what Sjoblom actually cut for 2026.
9-8-26 Council Packet
Review Proposed 2026 Budget and Levy Administrator Lehner stated that the maximum proposed levy increase must by adopted by the council by the end of September.
Statutory deadline for certifying the preliminary (do-not-exceed) levy.
At the meetingNo vote taken at the work session; Resolution 2025-23 appears on the September 9 agenda.
What happened nextResolution 2025-23 adopting the 2026 preliminary budget and levy at a maximum of 9.93 percent passed on a motion by Bailey seconded by Kirchmann, carried 4-0-0, and was certified to Goodhue County inside the September deadline. Abdo's memo gives the statutory cutoff as September 30.
10.14.25 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-10-14
A new bond payment for the 2025A G.O. bond was added and the 2023A G.O. bond payment that was missed in 2025 was added to the budget. He encouraged the council to find cuts to reduce the proposed levy amount.
The draft 2026 budget showed a 27.06% maximum levy increase, driven partly by 2026 bond payments.
At the meetingDepartment heads identified possible cuts and council reached consensus to keep the increase under 10%.
What happened nextThe cuts were found. The 27.06 percent draft was reduced to a maximum of 9.93 percent certified in September 2025 by Resolution 2025-23, and the final levy adopted in December came down again to 9.18 percent, a certified $1,528,541. Against the $1,400,000 levy for 2025, the council removed about $250,300 from the opening draft.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated, and factbook levy history · taken up again 2025-12-09
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Brunner to approve the contract with Abdo for a term from September 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.
Abdo would handle city accounting while the finance officer hire is delayed.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
Answered from our recordsThe contract was approved 4-0-0 for September 1 2025 through December 31 2026 at $92,100 a year, or $7,675 a month. Abdo's follow-on three-year proposal escalates to $109,000 in 2027, $114,500 in 2028 and $121,000 in 2029, a 31% rise from the engagement rate, and the 2027 package with HR and payroll totals $164,800. We do not hold the executed 2025 contract document itself.
factbook Contracted finance versus an in-house finance director; 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-09-08
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS Administrator Lehner appreciated the council's support with the Abdo contract and staff. He will try to make cuts where possible.
General comments thanking council for support on the Abdo contract and staffing.
What happened nextCuts were found. The draft 2026 budget opened at a 27.06% maximum levy and the certified 2026 levy came in at $1,528,541, a 9.18% increase, roughly $250,000 below what 27.06% on the prior year's $1,400,000 would have produced. Police Chief Sjoblom separately said he would review his department's expenses for cuts.
9-9-25 Council Packet; factbook taxes/levy.html
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Update on Finance Officer Position Administrator Lehner stated that the personnel committee reviewed the Finance Director job description and updated the title from Finance Director to Finance Officer. 2026 Budget Process Administrator Lehner stated that a 2026 budget action item calendar was attached for reference.
Administrator update on the finance officer position.
Partly answeredWe hold no copy of the revised Finance Officer job description. The retitling is confirmed and the position was never filled, with the council still comparing Abdo against an internal finance director a year later. Abdo priced that internal role at $167,100, made up of $90,000 in wages at $40.45 per hour, $14,000 in taxes and $63,000 in family insurance.
Abdo assumed $63,000 of family insurance for one employee, close to the entire city administration medical, dental, life and disability line of $88,069 actual in 2025 and $73,310 budgeted for 2026.
9-9-25 Council Packet; factbook 9-8-26 Council Packet budget tables
ENGINEERING Project Update - 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that all property owners were notified again of their assessment amounts. Fitzgerald has been completing various contract documents.
Project update noting pre-construction paperwork in progress.
What happened nextThe contract documents were completed and work began. Fitzgerald's application for payment No. 1 was presented September 9 2025 covering August 25 to August 29 2025 on Bolton and Menk project 24X.134934, and a work change directive followed on October 6 2025. We do not hold the executed bonds or insurance certificates themselves.
9-9-25 Council Packet; 10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda · taken up again 2025-09-09
ENGINEERING Project Update - 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that all property owners were notified again of their assessment amounts.
Project update on assessments for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements.
Partly answeredWe hold no assessment notices and no mailing list for the 2025 street and utility improvements. The assessment framework is on record: the city anticipated assessing benefiting property for part of the utility improvements, with utility assessments deposited to the respective enterprise funds and street assessments to the governmental debt service fund. The assessment roll and the mailed notices would settle who was billed and how much.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated; 9-9-25 Council Packet
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Repairs to Front of City Offices Administrator Lehner stated that water leaks into the front window of the library office.
Reason given for the city hall front window repair request.
We hold no dataWe hold no contractor inspection, moisture survey or damage assessment for the front of the city offices. The only building condition work documented in our later record is the 2026 Facade Improvement Program, which spent $19,565 of a $20,000 budget on six privately owned buildings and included no city property. The contractor's written inspection would settle the extent of the water damage.
9-8-26 Council Packet · would settle it: Contractor inspection or damage assessment of the building front
Motion carried 4-0-0. Approval to Hire Full-time Office Staff Administrator Lehner stated that the office staff is overloaded.
Basis for requesting authorization to pursue an additional full-time office position.
Partly answeredWe hold no workload data, hours records or position inventory for the city office, so the overload claim cannot be measured. The council accepted it far enough to authorize parameters for a full-time position 4-0-0, then filled the gap with a part-time administrative assistant on a divided 4-1-0 vote. Timesheets or a staffing study would settle it.
9-9-25 Council Packet; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
Motion carried 4-0-0. 8 Local Road Improvement Program – Grant Application Engineer Olinger stated that reconstruction of 6th Street near the school has been on the capital improvement plan for many years and is currently scheduled for completion in 2028. This project would not be affordable without receiving a grant.
Rationale for reapplying for the LRIP grant.
Partly answeredThe 2028 scheduling and the dependence on outside funding are confirmed in three separate later passages, which call 6th Street a high priority for several years and identify it in the infrastructure management plan as a 2028 project whose financial feasibility is highly dependent on outside funding. We do not hold the capital improvement plan itself or the cost estimate, though the November 12 2025 packet attached a 6th Street figure and estimate. That attachment would settle the project cost.
11-12-25 Council Packet; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
He recommended postponing the hire of a finance officer to allow Abdo time to get our accounting back on track. There is substantial clean up to be done from the past two years.
Justification for the new Abdo contract and for postponing the finance officer hire.
Answered from our recordsAbdo charged a one-time $15,000 to reconcile January through July 2025 records, and outside services in the administration line ran $99,689 actual in 2025. The ongoing Abdo engagement began in September 2025 at $92,100 a year.
9-8-26 Council Packet
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Repairs to Front of City Offices Administrator Lehner stated that water leaks into the front window of the library office. An estimate was received from a contractor.
Council approved proceeding with an estimate from L&M Construction without a figure in the record.
Partly answeredThe L&M Construction estimate for the city hall front windows is not in our archive and no figure for it appears anywhere in the record. No competing estimate appears in the bid record.
Administrative Policy No. 34 was put before the council in August 2024 and sets a two-quote requirement at $5,000 and above, though our archive does not confirm the adoption vote, but only L&M was named and no amount was ever stated, so compliance cannot be checked.
KENYON_BIDS.md
Motion by Brunner seconded by Kirchmann to proceed with the estimate from L&M Construction to repair the front windows of city hall.
Water leaks into the front window of the library office and Lehner recommended repairs before further damage occurs.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
Partly answeredThe motion carried 4-0-0 but no signed L&M Construction estimate, dollar amount or work schedule appears in our record, and no later passage reports the repair complete. The written estimate and the paid invoice would settle both the price and whether the work was done.
9-9-25 Council Packet
A council work session to review the 2026 draft budget has been scheduled Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 5:30 pm.
Lehner presented a 2026 budget action item calendar for reference.
What happened nextThe work session was held on August 26 2025 at 5:30 pm, called to order by Acting Mayor Bailey, to review the draft 2026 levy and the department budgets funded by it. The draft carried a 27.06% maximum levy increase, driven by a new 2025A general obligation bond payment plus a 2023A bond payment missed in 2025, and Lehner urged the council to find cuts. The levy was ultimately certified at $1,528,541, a 9.18% increase.
9-9-25 Council Packet; factbook taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-08-26
Fitzgerald has been completing various contract documents. It is anticipated that Fitzgerald will start a few of the streets this year .
Project update on the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements.
What happened nextFitzgerald started on August 25 2025. Pay application No. 1, dated September 9 2025, covers the period August 25 to August 29 2025. By December 2025 the year's work was complete and Fitzgerald had still not provided a planned start date for the remainder of the project.
9-9-25 Council Packet; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-09-09
Pearl Creek Sewer Pay Application #12-Change Order #2 Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to approve pay estimate #12 and change order #2 with final payment of $36,840.56 contingent upon submittal of contractor closeout documentation.
Pearl Creek & Gates Ave utility improvements pay estimate #12 and change order #2 closeout.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0 approving payment contingent on the documents.
Partly answeredNo closeout documentation package from BCM appears in our record, so whether the $36,840.56 was released cannot be confirmed. The contract context is known: BCM Construction won the 2023 Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer and Gates Avenue work on June 13 2023 at $1,241,494.22 against a $1,536,065 engineer's estimate, and the engineer reported BCM fulfilled its contractual obligations in July 2025. The signed closeout submittal and the final payment voucher would settle it.
9-9-25 Council Packet; factbook KENYON_BIDS.md
High Mercury Results – FYI Wayne Ehrich Public Works Supervisor Ehrich reported that the sewer plant was out of compliance with mercury levels when tested in May.
FYI report to council on high mercury results at the wastewater treatment plant.
We hold no dataWe hold no May 2025 laboratory results and no copy of the notice filed with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. No later council passage returns to the mercury exceedance. The plant's discharge monitoring report for May 2025 and the MPCA correspondence would settle both the exceedance and its resolution.
no source in our holdings · would settle it: The May lab results and the notice filed with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Pollution Control was notified. The potential problem area has been identified, and the business will be contacted for an inspection.
The sewer plant tested out of compliance for mercury in May and the potential source has been narrowed down.
We hold no dataWe hold no inspection report, no name for the business, and no follow-up mercury results from the sewer plant. The only later sewer material in our record is a March 2026 priority list covering inflow and infiltration reduction, clay pipe replacement, a future sump pump program, televising and treatment plant considerations, none of which mentions mercury. The industrial user inspection report and the plant's subsequent discharge monitoring reports would settle it.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated · would settle it: Inspection report and follow-up mercury test results from the sewer plant
He recommended postponing the hire of a finance officer to allow Abdo time to get our accounting back on track.
Lehner reviewed the new Abdo contract and recommended delaying the finance officer hire given substantial accounting cleanup.
At the meetingCouncil approved the Abdo contract through December 31, 2026.
What happened nextRecruitment never resumed. The Abdo contract ran from September 1 2025 to December 31 2026, and on September 8 2026 the council was still weighing Abdo against an internal finance director rather than recruiting. Abdo's own memo that night priced its 2027 services at $164,800 against its estimate of $167,100 for a full-time finance director, a gap of $2,300.
9-8-26 Council Packet; factbook Contracted finance versus an in-house finance director · taken up again 2026-09-08
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to authorize the personnel committee to start putting parameters together for an additional full-time position.
Administrator Lehner said office staff is overloaded and sought approval to start looking at hiring another full-time office staff member.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe full-time position did not materialize as authorized. The personnel committee's visible work product was a retitling of the Finance Director job description to Finance Officer, and by November 2025 the council was instead hiring a part-time administrative assistant, approved 4-1-0 with Sjolander voting no and the posting open until November 17 2025. No written parameters or job description for a new full-time office position appear in our record.
The council authorized parameters for an additional full-time position and the city hired part-time instead.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated; 9-9-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-11-12
This project would not be affordable without receiving a grant. The city applied for a grant in 2023 but was not awarded the grant. He recommended applying again.
The city applied in 2023 and was not awarded, and is applying again for a project scheduled for 2028.
Partly answeredNo award announcement for the 2025 Local Road Improvement Program cycle appears in our record. What the record establishes is that the 2023 application scored well but was not funded, and the city resubmitted for the 2025 solicitation with the project still identified for 2028 in the infrastructure management plan. The state award list for the 2025 solicitation would settle it.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Brunner to direct Bolton & Menk to prepare an application for the 2025 LRIP grant not to exceed $1500.
Reconstruction of 6th Street near the school is on the capital improvement plan and would not be affordable without a grant.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe application went forward. On November 12 2025 the council adopted Resolution 2025-26 authorizing pursuit of 2025 Local Road Improvement Program funding for the 6th Street reconstruction on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson, carried 5-0-0, with a 6th Street figure and estimate attached to the packet. No Bolton and Menk invoice against the $1,500 cap appears in our record.
11-12-25 Council Packet; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-11-12
The adjournment motion is recorded as carrying 5-0-0 although only four council members were present with Sjolander absent.
Partly answeredThe attendance record confirms the problem. The July 16 2025 special meeting seated Mayor Kirchmann and council members Brunner, Helgeson and Bailey, with Sjolander absent, so four votes were available and a 5-0-0 tally cannot be correct. A corrected minutes set or the clerk's roll call sheet for that meeting is what is missing.
The minutes record a 5-0-0 vote at a meeting the same minutes show only four council members attended.
8.12.25 Council Packet, July 16 2025 special meeting minutes
Abdo Proposal for Accounting Services Administrator Lehner reviewed the scope of services and the cost for Abdo to assist the city with the budget process, consolidation of the KMU and City accounts, and other general accounting tasks until the finance position is filled.
Lehner reviewed the scope of services and the cost for Abdo, but the amount was not stated in the record.
Answered from our recordsThe engagement rate at the September 2025 start was $92,100 a year, or $7,675 a month. That rate has since risen 31% to the $109,000 Financial Solutions fee proposed for 2027.
9-8-26 Council Packet, KENYON_BIDS.md
Abdo Proposal for Accounting Services Administrator Lehner reviewed the scope of services and the cost for Abdo to assist the city with the budget process, consolidation of the KMU and City accounts, and other general accounting tasks until the finance position is filled.
Lehner reviewed the scope of services and cost before the council approved the contract.
At the meetingMotion by Kirchmann seconded by Helgeson to approve the contract with Abdo carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe scope was approved 4-0-0 on July 16 2025 and then extended rather than closed out. The August 12 2025 finance and accounting services RFP went to Abdo as a continuation, a separate payroll contract was approved the same night, and by September 8 2026 the engagement had grown to Financial Solutions $109,000 plus HR $30,000 plus payroll $25,800. Abdo also charged a one-time $15,000 to reconcile January through July 2025 records.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-09-08
Abdo Proposal for Accounting Services Administrator Lehner reviewed the scope of services and the cost for Abdo to assist the city with the budget process, consolidation of the KMU and City accounts, and other general accounting tasks until the finance position is filled.
Council approved the Abdo contract as an interim measure while the finance position remains vacant.
At the meetingCouncil approved the contract with Abdo 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe finance position was never filled and the interim arrangement became permanent. On September 8 2026 Abdo put a three-year escalating schedule in front of the council at $109,000 for 2027, $114,500 for 2028 and $121,000 for 2029, alongside a memo comparing itself with a full-time finance director at $167,100. Abdo's 2027 total proposal is $164,800 including $30,000 HR and $25,800 payroll.
The contract was approved as interim until the finance position was filled, yet fourteen months later Abdo proposed a three-year schedule running through 2029 and the position remains unfilled.
9-8-26 Council Packet; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2026-09-08
It was noted that the City received a "A+" rating. Plus the insurance was purchased for $6,300 which gave us a higher box rating and a lower interest rate.
Explanation of how the bond sale terms were improved.
We hold no dataWe hold no bond insurance invoice and no insured versus uninsured bid comparison for the 2025A issue. The $6,300 premium appears only as Eilertson's statement, repeated in the August 12 2025 packet. The Northland bid tabulation showing both sets of bids would settle whether the premium paid for itself.
8.12.25 Council Packet · would settle it: The bond insurance invoice/commitment and a comparison of insured vs. uninsured bids
George Eilertson, Northland Securities – Review Bond Sale Results George Eilertson summarized the bond process to fund the 2025 street utility improvement project. It was noted that the City received a "A+" rating.
Part of the summary of the bond process for the 2025 street utility improvement project.
We hold no dataWe hold no Standard and Poor's rating report for the City of Kenyon 2025A issue. The only record of the A+ rating in our data is the council minutes restating it in the August 12 2025 packet. The rating letter itself from Standard and Poor's would settle it.
8.12.25 Council Packet · would settle it: The Standard and Poor's rating report for the City of Kenyon 2025A issue
As part of the bond sale, Standard and Poors reviewed the City financial standing and confirmed the A+ rating. The bonds sold at a 4.44% interest rate and a 20-year term.
Eilertson reviewed the results of the bond sale funding the 2025 street utility improvement project.
Partly answeredThe 4.44% rate and 20-year term are repeated in the August 12 2025 packet, but we hold no bid tabulation or debt service schedule. What we do hold is the effect on taxpayers: the certified city tax rate rose from 79.3028% to 84.6822% of net tax capacity for pay 2026, and that rise came almost entirely from the bond levy, whose rate rose 35.91% while the general rate fell 0.38%.
taxes/levy.html, county auditor rate document; 8.12.25 Council Packet
Abdo Service Proposal to City of Kenyon Administrator Lehner has been working with Abdo to determine what finance services we could contract with them in the interim period. He would like to have more information on the services and costs for the special council meeting on July 16.
Lehner deferred the Abdo service proposal discussion to the July 16 special meeting.
What happened nextThe special meeting was held on July 16 2025. Its minutes appear for approval on the August 12 2025 agenda as item V.B, City Council Special Meeting of July 16, 2025, alongside the July 8 regular minutes. The Abdo contract was then approved at that August 12 meeting.
8.12.25 Council Packet agenda item V.B · taken up again 2025-08-12
Resolution 2025-19: Accepting Bid 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2025-19 accepting the bid from Fitzgerald Excavating with the addition of alternates 1, 2, and 3.
Resolution 2025-19 bid acceptance motion attribution conflicts with the attendance record.
Partly answeredThe discrepancy is real and sits in the city's own record. The minutes attribute the Resolution 2025-19 motion to Bailey while the roll call on that same vote lists only Kirchmann, Sjolander, Helgeson and Brunner, and the vote is recorded as 4-0-0. Nothing we hold corrects it, and only the meeting recording or amended minutes would establish who actually moved the resolution.
The minutes credit a motion to a member who does not appear in the roll call for the same vote.
8.12.25 Council Packet
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Update on Interim Finance Director 11 Administrator Lehner stated that Sue Dodds has been helping part time in the finance office. Abdo is helping with the payroll.
Update on interim finance director coverage.
What happened nextSue Dodds finished. On November 12 2025 Lehner told the council she would be done helping at city hall soon and that he was working out next steps. We hold no hours record or agreement for her, but the cost of running finance without a director is visible elsewhere: Abdo charged a one-time $15,000 to reconcile January through July 2025 records, and actual outside services in the administration line ran $99,689 in 2025.
11-12-25 Council Packet and 9-8-26 Council Packet budget tables · taken up again 2025-11-12
Construction Engineering Agreement – 2025 Street & Utility Improvement Engineer Olinger reviewed the scope and fees for the construction engineering and surveying services through the end of this project in 2026. These costs were included in the overall project budget.
Approval of the construction engineering agreement scope and fee.
At the meetingCouncil approved Bolton & Menk's scope and fee, 4-0.
Partly answeredThe council approved Bolton and Menk's construction engineering and surveying scope and fee on August 12 2025 on a motion by Brunner seconded by Sjolander, roll call all aye, carried 4-0-0, but no dollar figure for that fee appears in anything we hold. The project carries Bolton and Menk number 24X.134934 and ran into 2026 as promised, reaching pay application 9 on September 8 2026. The signed scope and fee document and the project budget page showing the engineering allowance are what is missing.
8.12.25 Council Packet and 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-08-12
The proposal has an assessment term of 15 years with a 5.25% interest rate with partial or full prepayments allowed through November 15, 2025 without penalty.
Terms of the adopted assessment for the 2025 street and utility improvements.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-15 with these terms.
What happened nextThe 15-year term at 5.25 percent with prepayment allowed through November 15 2025 without penalty was adopted in Resolution 2025-15 on August 12 2025, roll call all aye, carried 4-0-0. A separate assessment in the November 12 2025 packet runs five years at 3.75 percent, so the two sets of terms in the record belong to different assessments and should not be confused.
8.12.25 and 11-12-25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-08-12
ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements – Bid Acceptance Engineer Olinger stated that the project was advertised last month with four bids received. He recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, Fitzgerald Excavating of Goodhue, MN to include the three alternates.
Bid acceptance for the 2025 street and utility project.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-19 accepting the Fitzgerald Excavating bid with alternates 1, 2, and 3.
Answered from our recordsFour bids came in on the second advertisement and Fitzgerald Excavating was low at $2,294,629.25, ahead of BCM Construction at $2,423,525.98, Alcon at $2,426,712.04 and Heselton at $2,653,939.05 against an engineer's estimate of $2,764,170.05. Fitzgerald came in $469,540.80 under the estimate and $128,896.73 under the next bidder. This was the second round: six bids opened May 13 2025, led by BCM at $2,306,652.41, were all rejected on June 10 2025.
The rebid came in $12,022.84 above the low bid the council rejected in June 2025, when BCM had bid $2,306,652.41.
KENYON_BIDS.md and 8.12.25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-08-12
Assessment Adoption – 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that the assessment roll was updated with the most current bid pricing.
Assessment adoption following the continued assessment hearing.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-15 adopting the assessment.
What happened nextResolution 2025-15 adopting the assessment passed on August 12 2025 on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson, roll call all aye, carried 4-0-0, after a continued public hearing at which no public comment was received. All property owners were notified again of their assessment amounts, as the engineer reported on September 9 2025. The per-parcel assessment roll itself is not in anything we hold.
8.12.25 and 9-9-25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-09-09
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Abdo Payroll Contract Administrator Lehner explained Abdo's payroll contract. Abdo will be assisting with payroll processing until a finance director is hired.
Council approved the Abdo payroll contract as an interim measure.
At the meetingCouncil approved using Abdo for payroll until a finance director is hired, 4-0.
What happened nextThe council approved Abdo for payroll until a finance director is hired on August 12 2025, on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Brunner with a roll call of Kirchmann, Sjolander, Helgeson and Brunner all aye, carried 4-0-0. No finance director was hired, so the interim arrangement was still running in September 2026, when Abdo proposed $25,800 for payroll in 2027. That is more than three times the $7,655 Paychex quoted and five times the $5,032 ADP quoted when payroll was last competitively bid in March 2023.
8.12.25 Council Packet, KENYON_BIDS.md, 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-09-08
The personnel committee will meet next week to review the Finance Director job description so the position can get posted.
Update on interim finance staffing while the Finance Director position is vacant.
What happened nextThe personnel committee reviewed the job description and changed the title from Finance Director to Finance Officer, as Lehner reported on September 9 2025. No posting date and no hire appear afterward, and a year later Abdo was still quoting payroll and financial services for 2027, so the position was not filled in the window our record covers.
9-9-25 Council Packet and 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-09-09
Abdo Service Proposal to City of Kenyon Administrator Lehner has been working with Abdo to determine what finance services we could contract with them in the interim period. He would like to have more information on the services and costs for the special council meeting on July 16.
Lehner has been working with Abdo to determine which finance services the city could contract for during the interim period without a finance director.
What happened nextAbdo brought its scope and fee back and the council approved the contract on August 12 2025 on a motion by Kirchmann seconded by Helgeson, carried 4-0-0, covering the budget process, consolidation of the KMU and city accounts, and general accounting until the finance position is filled. The engagement began at $92,100 a year, or $7,675 a month, and by the 2027 proposal had grown to $164,800 comprising $109,000 Financial Solutions, $30,000 HR and $25,800 payroll.
8.12.25 Council Packet and 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-08-12
The city administrator is hereby authorized and directed to return forthwith to all bidders the deposits made with their bids, except that the deposits of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained until a contract has been signed.
Standard provision in the resolution accepting the bid.
Partly answeredThe directive took effect when Resolution 2025-19 was adopted 4-0-0, requiring return of all bid deposits except those of Fitzgerald Excavating and the next lowest bidder, BCM Construction, until a contract was signed. The contract was signed and performed, since Fitzgerald drew Pay Application No. 1 for $34,711.57 covering work from August 25 to August 29 2025. No record of the deposit returns themselves is in our holdings.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated; 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda, Resolution 2025-19 section 3 · taken up again 2025-07-08
VI.B Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: July 8, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht, Administration ITEM TYPE: Miscellaneous AGENDA SECTION: PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS SUBJECT: Oath of Office for Kenyon Police Officer Armani Tucker SUGGESTED ACTION: Oath will be given by Mayor Kirchmann ATTACHMENTS: 19 AGENDA ITEM NO.
Scheduled under Presentations/Recognitions on the July 8 agenda.
What happened nextThe oath was administered. Mayor Kirchmann recited the oath of office for Officer Armani Tucker and Administrator Lehner welcomed him to the department, recorded in the 8.12.25 packet minutes of the July 8 2025 meeting.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated, minutes of the July 8 2025 meeting · taken up again 2025-07-08
The city administrator shall forthwith transmit a certified duplicate of this assessment to the county auditor to be extended on the property tax lists of the county.
Standard directive within the assessment adoption resolution, with 15-year terms beginning January 2026.
We hold no dataWe hold no confirmation that the certified duplicate reached the Goodhue County auditor. The directive is in section 4 of Resolution 2025-15, which the council adopted, and the parallel language appears in the 11-12-25 assessment resolution and in the September 2025 levy certification. The county auditor's receipt or the special assessment roll extended on the pay-2026 tax lists would settle it.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda, Resolution 2025-15 section 4 · would settle it: Confirmation of filing with the Goodhue County auditor
Prepayments Allowed Thru: November 15, 2025, Partial or Full Prepayments Accepted If accepted as written, a final notice will be sent, providing the revised assessment amount(s) As an FYI, the city will need to compensate four property owners along Langford Ave for new public/permanent easements (previously approved). We are expecting that some or all property owners may request an in-kind deduction to their assessment, in lieu of a direct payment. If requested, assessments herein will be revised accordingly.
Prepayment terms in the assessment adoption resolution.
What happened nextThe prepayment window was adopted as written. Resolution 2025-15 passed on a roll call of 4-0-0 with a 15-year term, a 5.25 percent interest rate and partial or full prepayments allowed through November 15 2025 without penalty, and the resolution text charges no interest if the entire assessment is paid within 30 days of adoption or by November 15 2025, whichever is later. No record of prepayments actually received is in our holdings.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated; 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda, Resolution 2025-15 · taken up again 2025-07-08
Pricing is favorable and we recommend moving forward with the project.
Recommendation to move forward with the project after rebidding.
Answered from our recordsThe low bid came in $469,540.80 under the engineer's estimate of $2,764,170.05, which is 17.0 percent below. Against the first bid round, which the council rejected in full on June 10 2025, the rebid saved only $12,023.16 compared with BCM Construction's $2,306,652.41, since the apparent low bid in that round from ICON at $2,313,649.71 was nonresponsive.
factbook KENYON_BIDS.md; 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda bid abstract
Four bids were received and the results of the bids are tabulated below: Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Toal Bidder Base Bid (5th St) (Forest M&O) (RWA Walk) Fitzgerald Excavating $ 1,813,215.75 $ 381,861.50 $ 53,533.50 $ 46,018.50 $ 2,294,629.25 BCM Construction Inc. $ 1,949,436.35 $ 374,852.59 $ 60,412.35 $ 38,824.68 $ 2,423,525.98 Alcon Excavating Inc $ 1,967,696.05 $ 364,421.09 $ 55,318.20 $ 39,276.70 $ 2,426,712.04 Heselton Construction $ 2,167,194.50 $ 377,519.55 $ 66,820.50 $ 42,404.50 $ 2,653,939.05 A
Bid results letter and abstract of bids for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements.
Answered from our recordsThe bid abstract reconciles exactly. Fitzgerald Excavating bid $2,294,629.25, BCM Construction $2,423,525.98, Alcon Excavating $2,426,712.04 and Heselton Construction $2,653,939.05, so the margins over Fitzgerald are $128,896.73, $132,082.79 and $359,309.80. Our bid records carry the same four figures for the July 2025 round.
factbook KENYON_BIDS.md; 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda bid abstract
No comments were received. New bids have been received and assessments will be updated. All assessments are reduced or unchanged from the amounts used for official notices We recommend opening the hearing, holding for comments, and then closing the hearing.
Background in the continued assessment hearing request for council action.
Partly answeredNo public comment appears at any stage of this assessment hearing. The July 8 2025 continuation drew no public comments before the council closed the hearing, and the earlier continuation likewise recorded none. The May 13 2025 and June 10 2025 minutes themselves are not in our holdings, so the claim rests on the engineer's summary rather than on those minutes.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated; 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
With the exception of 3 assessments which remained the same, all assessments are reduced from the original amount provided in official notices and presented during the initial assessment hearing on May 13.
Explaining the updated assessment roll based on rebid pricing.
Partly answeredThe direction of the change is corroborated but the count of three is not. The engineer states all assessments were reduced or unchanged from the official notice amounts, and the later minutes confirm owners were renotified with updated and reduced amounts. We hold neither the May 13 2025 roll nor Final Assessment Roll v8 Updated Bid, so the three unchanged parcels cannot be identified.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; 8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated
Assessment Interest Rate: 5.25% (standard, projected city bond rate + 1%) Prepayments Allowed Thru: November 15, 2025, Partial or Full Prepayments Accepted If accepted as written, a final notice will be sent, providing the revised assessment amount(s) As an FYI, the city will need to compensate four property owners along Langford Ave for new public/permanent easements (previously approved). We are expecting that some or all property owners may request an in-kind deduction to their assessment, in lieu of a direct
Assessment terms in the request for council action and Resolution 2025-15 (Revised).
Partly answeredThe stated formula implies a projected city bond rate of 4.25 percent, since 5.25 percent less the one percent markup leaves 4.25 percent. Resolution 2025-15 was adopted carrying that 5.25 percent rate over 15 years. No document showing the projected bond rate is in our holdings, and a separate assessment in the 11-12-25 packet runs at 3.75 percent over five years, so 5.25 percent is not a fixed citywide figure.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; 11-12-25 Council Packet(1)
Surface Cost Assess Rate: 32% (reduced from 50% policy) Assessment Amount: Varies by property, See Attached Assessment Roll Assessment Interest Rate: 5.25% (standard, projected city bond rate + 1%) Prepayments Allowed Thru: November 15, 2025, Partial or Full Prepayments Accepted If accepted as written, a final notice will be sent, providing the revised assessment amount(s) As an FYI, the city will need to compensate four property owners along Langford Ave for new public/permanent easements (previously approved).
Key terms listed in the assessment adoption request for council action.
Partly answeredThe 32 percent rate and the 50 percent policy standard appear only in the engineer's request for council action, which was then adopted through Resolution 2025-15 with a 15-year term. No written city special assessment policy is in our holdings, and no city purchasing or assessment policy document appears in any packet we have crawled. The adopted policy resolution setting the 50 percent standard would settle it.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; factbook KENYON_BUDGET_PROCESS_TECH.md
VII.B Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: July 8, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht, Administration ITEM TYPE: Miscellaneous AGENDA SECTION: ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE SUBJECT: Abdo Service Proposal to City of Kenyon SUGGESTED ACTION: ATTACHMENTS: 21 AGENDA ITEM NO.
Listed under Administrator Update alongside the interim finance director item.
What happened nextAbdo got the work and it has grown steadily since. Lehner was working with Abdo on interim finance services and wanted costs in hand for the special council meeting of July 16 2025, the finance and accounting services RFP went to Abdo in August 2025, and the engagement began in September 2025 at $92,100 a year, or $7,675 a month. Abdo's 2027 proposal is $164,800 and its three-year fee schedule runs $109,000, $114,500 and $121,000 for the financial solutions piece alone.
factbook contracted finance section; 8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated; 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-09-08
VII.A Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: July 8, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht ITEM TYPE: Miscellaneous AGENDA SECTION: ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE SUBJECT: Update on Interim Finance Director SUGGESTED ACTION: Administrator Lehner will give an update on these items.
Listed under Administrator Update on the July 8 agenda with no attachments.
Partly answeredThe July 8 2025 minutes are not in our archive. The interim finance question was settled by contract rather than appointment, with the finance and accounting RFP going to Abdo in August 2025 and the engagement beginning in September 2025 at $92,100 a year, or $7,675 a month.
9-8-26 Council Packet
SOURCE OF FUNDING: Future Project Financing REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Motion to open/close the public hearing.
Both the bid acceptance and assessment adoption requests list funding as future project financing.
Partly answeredNo bond sale document with rates and amounts is in our holdings, but the tax record shows the borrowing landed. For pay 2026 the city's general tax rate fell 0.38 percent while its bond rate rose 35.91 percent, and that bond levy is what drove the certified city rate from 79.3028 percent to 84.6822 percent of net tax capacity on a levy of $1,528,541. The official statement or bond resolution naming the issue size and interest rate would settle the financing question.
factbook taxes/levy.html and county auditor rate document
If accepted as written, a final notice will be sent, providing the revised assessment amount(s) As an FYI, the city will need to compensate four property owners along Langford Ave for new public/permanent easements (previously approved). We are expecting that some or all property owners may request an in-kind deduction to their assessment, in lieu of a direct payment. If requested, assessments herein will be revised accordingly. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Future Project Financing REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Requesting
Assessment roll was updated with rebid pricing dated 7/2/2025.
What happened nextThe final notices went out. Following adoption of the assessments, all property owners were notified again providing their updated and reduced assessment amount, and the engineer confirmed the renotification in the 9-9-25 packet. A copy of the mailed notice itself is not in our holdings.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated; 9-9-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-09-09
We are expecting that some or all property owners may request an in-kind deduction to their assessment, in lieu of a direct payment. If requested, assessments herein will be revised accordingly.
The city owes compensation for previously approved easements and expects some owners to take it as an assessment credit.
Partly answeredThe assessments were finalized and reissued, but the record never says whether any of the four Langford Avenue owners took the in-kind deduction. After the assessments were approved, all property owners were notified again with their updated and reduced amounts, and the engineer repeated that notification in the 9-9-25 packet. Written requests from the four owners and a revised roll showing easement credits would settle it.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated; 9-9-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-09-09
During the May 13 and June 10, 2025 meetings, the Assessment Hearing for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements was opened and allowed to continue through this meeting. No comments were received. New bids have been received and assessments will be updated. All assessments are reduced or unchanged from the amounts used for official notices We recommend opening the hearing, holding for comments, and then closing the hearing. Decisions related to assessments will occur later in the agenda. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Future
The hearing was held open across three meetings while new bids were obtained.
What happened nextThe hearing was closed at the July 8 2025 meeting. The council opened it at 7:04 pm and closed it at 7:06 pm, both on roll call votes carrying 4-0-0, with Engineer Olinger noting it continued the June 10 2025 hearing and that no public comments were received.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated, minutes of the July 8 2025 meeting · taken up again 2025-07-08
If deemed financially feasible, we recommend awarding the contract to Fitzgerald Excavating of Goodhue, MN. Sincerely, Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Four bids were opened July 2 and Fitzgerald was low at $2,294,629.25 for base plus all alternates.
What happened nextThe council followed the recommendation and awarded the contract to Fitzgerald Excavating of Goodhue at $2,294,629.25 for base plus all three alternates. Our bid records date the award to July 8 2025, the second bid round, after the council rejected all bids from the first round on June 10 2025. No separate written finding on financial feasibility appears in the record.
factbook KENYON_BIDS.md; 8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated · taken up again 2025-07-08
Requesting Approval of Resolution 2025-19 (state desired alternates) Alternate 1: 5th Street Reconstruction Alternate 2: Forest Street Mill & Overlay Alternate 3: Red Wing Ave Sidewalk (7 th to 8th) SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED: Resolution Ordinance Contract Minutes OTHER X Letter 23 2900 43rd Street NW Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55901 Phone: (507) 208-4332 Bolton-Menk.com July 2, 2025 Scott Lehner, City Administrator City of Kenyon 709 2nd Street Kenyon, MN 55946 RE: 2025 Street & Utility Improvements City of
Resolution 2025-19 accepting the bid leaves Alternate 1, 2, and 3 award lines unfilled pending council direction.
What happened nextAll three alternates were awarded. The council adopted Resolution 2025-19 accepting the Fitzgerald Excavating bid with the addition of alternates 1, 2 and 3 on a roll call of Kirchmann, Sjolander, Helgeson and Brunner all aye, carrying 4-0-0. That covers 5th Street reconstruction, Forest Street mill and overlay, and the Red Wing Avenue sidewalk from 7th to 8th.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated, minutes of the July 8 2025 meeting · taken up again 2025-07-08
City Council's Summary of Conclusions Regarding the Evaluation Attorney Riggs stated that the decision was to continue employment with Mr. Ehrich. Discussion and development of performance objectives of employment will be addressed.
Riggs summarized the closed-session conclusion that employment would continue, with objectives yet to be set.
At the meetingNo objectives were stated at the meeting.
Partly answeredThe council decided to continue Ehrich's employment and deferred the objectives rather than setting them. The resolution recital states the council determined that additional discussions shall continue between the City Administrator and the Employee to develop further performance objectives, which moves the task to staff rather than to a council-adopted document. No written set of performance objectives appears anywhere in our records.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda, resolution recitals · taken up again 2025-07-08
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to direct staff to bring back a resolution for the July council meeting. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Following the closed-session evaluation of Wayne Ehrich, the council voted to have a resolution prepared.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0-0; no resolution text presented at this meeting.
Partly answeredThe resolution came back. The July 8 2025 agenda carries Resolution 2025-21 rescinding a resignation and Resolution 2025-20 approving the performance evaluation and wage increase, and a resolution recital records that the council finally determined additional discussions shall continue between the City Administrator and the Employee to develop further performance objectives. The recorded vote on either resolution and the wage figure are not in the passages we hold.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Sjolander second by Brunner to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes: Alley Closure – Kenyon Municipal Liquor Store – Side by Side Run June 28, 2025 Public Library Request to close at 4:30 pm on Thursday, July 3 and be closed on Saturday, July 5 Financials and Payment of check numbers, 77141 through 77216; 5611E through 5761E Minutes of May 13, 2025 Appointment Kenyon Fire Department Volunteer Dylan Pritchard Motion carried 5-0-0.
Consent agenda item on an event alley closure.
At the meetingApproved as part of the consent agenda, 5-0.
What happened nextThe alley closure was approved in the consent agenda 5-0-0 for the Side by Side Run on June 28 2025. The event permit and the specific closure boundaries and hours are not in our holdings.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda, consent agenda
CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Sjolander second by Brunner to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes: Alley Closure – Kenyon Municipal Liquor Store – Side by Side Run June 28, 2025 Public Library Request to close at 4:30 pm on Thursday, July 3 and be closed on Saturday, July 5 Financials and Payment of check numbers, 77141 through 77216; 5611E through 5761E Minutes of May 13, 2025 Appointment Kenyon Fire Department Volunteer Dylan Pritchard Motion carried 5-0-0.
Consent agenda item on holiday hours.
At the meetingApproved as part of the consent agenda, 5-0.
What happened nextThe library hours were approved as part of the consent agenda on a 5-0-0 vote, closing at 4:30 pm Thursday July 3 2025 and closed Saturday July 5 2025. The posted public notice of those hours is not in our holdings.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda, consent agenda
Request to Close the City Office on Friday, June 20 Administrator Lehner requested that the city office be closed on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Administrator update item requesting an office closure.
At the meetingA motion by Sjolander seconded by Brunner to close the office was made; no vote result is recorded in the minutes.
Partly answeredThe record shows the motion and the second and then stops, with no vote result, while every other motion in the same minutes carries a tally. Our holdings contain no corrected minutes supplying the count. The approved final minutes or the meeting recording would settle it.
A motion to close the city office was made and seconded with no vote result recorded, unlike every other motion in the same set of minutes.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda
The 13 KMU employees had to leave the meeting for an emergency call, so they were not available for questions.
Council could not question KMU staff before deciding on the position posting.
At the meetingCouncil tabled the item.
What happened nextKMU staff did come back to the question. At the December 9 2025 meeting John Lee clarified the need to rehire an additional line worker at Mayor Kirchmann's request, and by April 12 2026 the administrator reported working with KMU staff to update the Line Worker and Water Operator job description with the position to be posted soon.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated; 4-12-26 Council packet · taken up again 2026-04-12
Approve posting the Line Worker/Water Operator position Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU Commission recommended posting the Line Worker/Water Operator position. Austin Fitch resigned from this position effective May 30, 2025.
Background for the KMU Commission's recommendation to post the position.
At the meetingCouncil tabled the posting of the position.
Answered from our recordsThe May 30 2025 effective date is consistent across three separate council documents, the July 8 2025, November 12 2025 and December 9 2025 packets, all naming Austin Fitch's resignation from the Line Worker and Water Operator position. The resignation letter itself is not in our holdings but the date is not in doubt.
7.8.25, 11-12-25 and 12.9.25 Council Packets
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Brunner to close the city office on Friday, June 20, 2025. 12 ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements – Bid Authorization Engineer Olinger stated that following the rejection of the bids last month, the plans and specifications have been revised to reduce the ability and impact of problematic price structures received during the previous bidding process.
Explaining changes made after last month's bid rejection.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-18 to rebid.
What happened nextThe rebid did lower the price, though only slightly against the first round. Round one produced six bids with ICON at $2,313,649.71 ruled nonresponsive and BCM low responsive at $2,306,652.41, all rejected June 10 2025; round two produced Fitzgerald at $2,294,629.25, which is $12,023.16 below the earlier low responsive bid and $469,540.80 below the engineer's estimate. The list of specification changes made is not in our holdings.
factbook KENYON_BIDS.md; 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
Resolution 2025-18: Approving Plans & Specs & Ordering Ad for Bid Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2025-18 with removal of the 8th Street sidewalk alternative.
Rebidding of the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements after bids were rejected.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0.
What happened nextResolution 2025-18 carried 5-0-0 with the 8th Street sidewalk alternative removed, and the rebid that followed opened July 2 2025 and went to Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25. The revised plan set showing the sidewalk alternative struck is not in our holdings.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; factbook KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-07-08
Approve Paying a $40 Stipend per Month for the Use of KMU Employee's Personal Phones Mayor Kirchmann stated that the KMU Commission recommended a monthly phone stipend of $40 for KMU employees that use their personal phones for work. His concern was that other departments may also want this stipend.
Discussion of the KMU phone stipend recommendation.
At the meetingCouncil addressed it by extending the stipend to on-call personnel generally, subject to supervisor and administrator approval.
What happened nextThe council answered the concern by granting the concession citywide rather than containing it, extending the $40 stipend to all on-call personnel subject to supervisor and administrator approval. No headcount of employees using personal phones for work exists in our data. For scale, the city's phone, internet and cable line ran $33,318 in 2025 against $34,250 budgeted for 2026.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; factbook KENYON_IT_SPEND.md
Motion by Kirchmann seconded by Bailey to approve moving Joshua Johnson to a grade 12, step 2 retroactive to April 15, 2025.
Personnel action on Joshua Johnson's pay grade.
At the meetingCouncil approved grade 12, step 2 retroactive to April 15, 2025, 5-0.
What happened nextThe council overrode the commission and approved grade 12 step 2 retroactive to April 15 2025 on a 5-0-0 vote, one step below the KMU Commission's step 3 recommendation. The city pay schedule is not in our holdings, so the dollar difference between step 2 and step 3 cannot be computed.
The agenda item is titled as approving step 3 while the motion made and carried was step 2, so the printed record disagrees with itself.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Kirchmann to provide a $40 stipend for on-call personnel for use of their personal cell phones based on a conversation with their supervisor and the city administrator.
Council broadened the KMU stipend recommendation to on-call personnel generally.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0.
Partly answeredNo list of approved employees and no budget impact figure exists in our record, so the total cost of the stipend is unknown. Each participating employee costs $480 a year at $40 a month. A roster of approved on-call personnel is what would settle the total.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda
Approve Paying a $40 Stipend per Month for the Use of KMU Employee's Personal Phones Mayor Kirchmann stated that the KMU Commission recommended a monthly phone stipend of $40 for KMU employees that use their personal phones for work.
New business item on a phone stipend for KMU employees.
At the meetingCouncil approved a $40 stipend for on-call personnel based on a conversation with their supervisor and the city administrator, 5-0.
What happened nextThe council granted the $40 monthly stipend but widened it beyond KMU, approving it 5-0-0 for on-call personnel generally based on a conversation with the employee's supervisor and the city administrator. The KMU Commission minutes and any written stipend policy language are not in our holdings.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS Summary of 2024 City Audit - Abdo Brad Falteysek from Abdo presented a summary of the 2024 City and KMU audits and an overview of the overall City financial condition. The city received an "unmodified" or clean opinion on the audit.
Presentation summarizing the 2024 audit and overall city financial condition.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-17 accepting the 2024 audited financial statements.
What happened nextThe council adopted Resolution 2025-17 accepting the 2024 audited financial statements 5-0-0. The opinion letter and complete statements are not in our holdings, and the audit engagement moved on shortly after, with BerganKDV winning the December 2024 auditing RFP at $27,540 against CliftonLarsonAllen's $97,640.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; factbook KENYON_BIDS.md
George Eilertson with Northland Securities recommended adopting a Debt Management policy for the city before the bond rating is completed, which will help our bond rating.
Rationale for adopting a debt management policy ahead of the rating.
What happened nextThe rating came in at A plus, confirmed by Standard and Poors during its review of the city's financial standing for the 2025A general obligation bond sale reported to the council on August 12 2025. The bonds sold at 4.44 percent for 20 years, with $6,300 of bond insurance buying a higher box rating and a lower interest rate.
8.12.25 Council Packet & Agenda Updated · taken up again 2025-08-12
George Eilertson with Northland Securities recommended adopting a Debt Management policy for the city before the bond rating is completed, which will help our bond rating.
Adoption of Administrative Policy #38: Debt Management.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Administrative Policy #38 by 5-0 vote.
What happened nextThe policy was adopted 5-0-0 and the rating followed. Standard and Poors assigned an A plus rating on the 2025A general obligation bond sale, bond insurance was purchased for $6,300, and the bonds sold at 4.44 percent over a 20-year term. That debt now drives the city's tax rate, since the 2026 bond rate rose 35.91 percent while the general rate fell 0.38 percent.
8.12.25 Council Packet & Agenda Updated; factbook taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2025-08-12
Finance Director Resignation Mayor Kirchmann stated that Finance Director Whitney Kyllo submitted a resignation letter effective July 17, 2025. Attorney Riggs stated that Minnesota law says once the resignation is submitted, it is effective.
Discussion of Finance Director Kyllo's resignation and later of the Public Works Director's resignation.
At the meetingCouncil accepted the resignation effective July 17, 2025.
Partly answeredNo statute or case citation supporting the rule appears in our holdings. The same July 8 2025 packet undercuts the rule in practice, since it contains a resolution rescinding a Public Works Director resignation and retaining the employee. A citation to the Minnesota statute or case law on resignation effectiveness is what is missing.
The attorney's rule that a submitted resignation is automatically effective sits in the same packet as a resolution rescinding a resignation and keeping the employee in the job.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda
Mayor Kirchmann stated that he didn't think the workload had increased for KMU to justify rehiring a 4th employee.
Discussion of whether to post the vacant Line Worker/Water Operator position.
At the meetingNo answer; KMU employees had left the meeting for an emergency call and were unavailable for questions.
Partly answeredThe workload question was never answered with data. The council asked Operations Superintendent Eggert to define busy in writing, and by December 9 2025 that documentation had still not been received, so the posting was tabled again. KMU workload, overtime and call-out records are what would settle whether a fourth position is justified.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS Administrator Lehner stated that he just received an email from Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich stating he was resigning effective in 30 days.
Lehner reported the resignation email during general comments.
At the meetingAttorney Riggs said that now that it has been communicated, it is effective; Sjolander expressed regret.
What happened nextThe resignation was undone. The same July 8 2025 packet carries a resolution stating that the City Council rescinds the resignation of the employee and that the employee shall continue as the Public Works Director, drafted under document reference DOCSOPEN KE200 45 1035957.v1 dated July 2 2025.
The attorney told the council the resignation was effective as soon as it was communicated, yet the next packet contains a resolution rescinding it and retaining the same employee.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Proposed Sale of Land to Corgi Canna Administrator Lehner stated that the city was notified by Corgi Canna last evening that they are experiencing difficulty attaining financing, so the project is off the table for now.
Administrator update on a proposed land sale to Corgi Canna.
At the meetingNo action taken; item reported as off the table.
Partly answeredCorgi Canna never returns in our record after being reported off the table for financing reasons. The only later mention touching the subject is title-commitment boilerplate in the September 8 2026 packet stating that the title company cannot close or insure transactions involving land associated with cannabis cultivation, distribution, manufacture or sale. Written notice from Corgi Canna on its financing status is what is missing.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; 9-8-26 Council Packet
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Kirchmann to acknowledge the rescinded letter from Whitney Kyllo and take it under advisement for discussion by the City Administrator and the personnel committee if needed.
Kyllo submitted a resignation effective July 17, 2025 and then rescinded it.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0; a separate motion to accept the resignation effective July 17 was also made.
Answered from our recordsThe resignation took effect. Whitney Kyllo resigned as Finance Director effective July 17 2025, reported to the council in the June 10 2025 packet, so the rescission did not hold.
The council acknowledged a rescinded letter, but our record carries the resignation as effective July 17 2025.
council/txt/6-10-25_COUNCIL_PACKET_Updated.txt
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to table posting the Line Worker/Water Operator position pending further discussion with the Operations Superintendent.
KMU Commission recommended posting the position vacated by Austin Fitch, but the mayor questioned the need for a 4th employee and KMU staff left for an emergency call.
At the meetingMotion to table carried 5-0.
What happened nextThe posting was tabled a second time on December 9 2025 because the documentation the council asked for never arrived. Operations Superintendent Eggert had been asked to define busy in writing and had not done so, leaving the position vacated by Austin Fitch on May 30 2025 unposted more than six months later.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated · taken up again 2025-12-09
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS Muni Expansion – NAPA Building Quotes Matt Bartel, Liquor Store Manager, discussed the quote he received from L&M Construction to remodel the former NAPA building. He is still expecting to receive two more quotes.
Muni expansion into the former NAPA building; only the L&M Construction quote has been received.
What happened nextOnly one further quote ever reached the council, and it was not a competing remodel bid. On October 14 2025 the council approved preliminary estimates 4-0-0 with L&M Construction at $96,581.72 to remodel the building and Stan Morgan and Associates at $111,524.87 for equipment, a combined $208,106.59 against the $215,000 already budgeted, leaving $6,893.41.
The two additional quotes the manager expected never appear; the only other figure in the record is an equipment quote from a different vendor, so the remodel price was never competitively tested.
10.14.25 Council Packet & Agenda · taken up again 2025-10-14
If this is approved for bidding tonight, the bids will be opened July 2 with construction beginning as soon as late July.
Bid authorization after the previous bids were rejected and plans were revised.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-18 approving plans and specs and ordering ad for bid.
What happened nextBids opened as scheduled at City Hall on Wednesday July 2 2025 at 10:00 am and four bids were received. Fitzgerald Excavating was low at $2,294,629.25, or 17.0 percent under the $2,764,170.05 engineer's estimate, ahead of BCM at $2,423,525.98, Alcon at $2,426,712.04 and Heselton at $2,653,939.05.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; factbook KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-07-08
No public comments were received. No action regarding the assessments was taken since the project will be rebid in July.
Continued public hearing from May 13, 2025 on special assessments for the street and utility project.
At the meetingCouncil voted 5-0 to continue the hearing to July 8, 2025 at 7:00 pm.
What happened nextThe continued hearing was taken up on July 8 2025 with no public comments, and the council then adopted both Resolution 2025-19 accepting the rebid and Resolution 2025-15 adopting the assessment. The rebid went to Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda; factbook KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-07-08
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS Mayor Kirchmann thanked everyone for all they are doing. Council Member Helgeson reminded everyone that the first Farmer's Market is Thursday, June 7.
General council comments reminder to the public.
We hold no dataWe hold no Farmer's Market schedule for Kenyon and nothing in any later packet confirms the opening date. The passages cited for this item are investment schedules and meeting calendars unrelated to the market. A published market schedule or a vendor permit would settle it.
no holding · would settle it: The published Farmer's Market schedule confirming the date and day of week
Process to Correct the Relationship Between the City and KMU Administrator Lehner stated that the KMU Commission accepted and signed the five contracts between the City and KMU on April 23, 2025.
Old business item on correcting the City-KMU relationship before council final approval.
At the meetingCouncil approved items a-f 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe council gave final approval to all six items 5-0-0 on a motion by Helgeson seconded by Kirchmann: the administrative staff supervision agreement, building and property control, personnel utilization, billing, the municipal project agreement and the organizational chart. The KMU Commission minutes of April 23 2025 are not in our holdings, so the signing date rests on the administrator's statement. The unwinding continued into 2026, when the separate KMU checking account was closed in July.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
The resident at 10 Slee Street thought his assessment was too high and the resident at 608 8th Street was opposed to the 8th Street sidewalk.
Pre-hearing contacts on the project scope, which includes an 8th Street sidewalk alternate.
At the meetingNo response recorded; assessments and bids were tabled.
What happened nextThe objector prevailed. The June 2025 project scope listed 8th Street from Forest Street to Red Wing Avenue as full reconstruction and sidewalk as an alternate, but the alternates put out for the July rebid were 5th Street reconstruction, Forest Street mill and overlay and the Red Wing Avenue sidewalk from 7th to 8th, with the 8th Street sidewalk gone. Council adopted Resolution 2025-18 specifically with removal of the 8th Street sidewalk alternative.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
The resident at 10 Slee Street thought his assessment was too high and the resident at 608 8th Street was opposed to the 8th Street sidewalk.
Pre-hearing contacts received on the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements assessments.
At the meetingNo response recorded; the hearing was continued and assessment adoption tabled.
Partly answeredNo response to the 10 Slee Street objection is recorded and the assessment was never adopted on the original numbers. The roll was rebuilt for the new bid and appears in the July 8 2025 packet as the final assessment roll version 8, updated bid, attached to Resolution 2025-15R. We do not hold the per-parcel amounts, so whether the objection changed anything cannot be determined.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda
This is the fourth time the request to allow chickens in the city has come before the city council since 2015.
Background given during the chicken ordinance discussion.
We hold no dataWe hold no index of council business before 2021 and cannot date the earlier chicken requests or confirm there were three of them. The claim rests entirely on the administrator's own statement in the minutes. Council minutes from 2015 forward would settle it.
no holding · would settle it: Council minutes since 2015 showing each prior chicken request
NEW BUSINESS Consider Revising Chicken Ordinance Administrator Lehner stated that a resident requested that the council consider revising the chicken ordinance to allow chickens in residential areas.
New business item on revising the chicken ordinance.
At the meetingRoll call vote failed 2-3 (Bailey and Kirchmann aye; Brunner, Sjolander, Helgeson nay); the ordinance will remain as it is.
What happened nextThe request failed. On the roll call Bailey and Kirchmann voted aye and Brunner, Sjolander and Helgeson voted nay, so the ordinance stands and chickens remain barred from residential areas. Attorney Riggs reviewed the ordinance history before the vote.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
Community Access Channel Administrator Lehner stated that Whitney and he have been working with Comcast to get the cable access channel up and running.
Administrator update on the community access channel.
We hold no dataNo Comcast activation date, agreement or cable access channel cost appears in any later packet we hold. The city's technology file records spending on phone, internet and cable of 33,318 dollars in 2025 and 34,250 dollars budgeted for 2026 but breaks out no cable access channel line. A Comcast franchise or channel agreement would settle it.
KENYON_IT_SPEND.md · would settle it: A Comcast activation date or agreement for the channel
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS Liquor Store Update Matt Bartel, Liquor Store Manager, gave a general update on the liquor store and discussed the next steps in the NAPA building expansion. He is working on getting quotes for the improvements.
Next steps on the liquor store's NAPA building expansion.
What happened nextThe figures came in over five months. L and M's remodel quote was discussed alone on July 8 2025 with two more expected, and by October 14 2025 the council had L and M at 96,581.72 dollars and Stan Morgan and Associates at 111,524.87 dollars and approved both as preliminary estimates 4-0-0. Equipment turned out to be the larger half of the project at 53.6 percent of the total.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda · taken up again 2025-10-14
LEGAL FINANCIAL OLD BUSINESS Liquor Store Update Matt Bartel, Liquor Store Manager, gave a general update on the liquor store and discussed the next steps in the NAPA building expansion. He is working on getting quotes for the improvements.
Liquor store update on next steps for the NAPA building expansion.
What happened nextThe quotes arrived by October 2025. L and M Construction estimated 96,581.72 dollars to remodel the former NAPA building and Stan Morgan and Associates quoted 111,524.87 dollars for equipment, a combined 208,106.59 dollars against 215,000 dollars already in the budget, leaving 6,893.41 dollars of margin. The council approved the preliminary estimates 4-0-0 on October 14 2025.
10.14.25 Council Packet Agenda · taken up again 2025-10-14
This officer should be on board by mid to late June. 9 Business Park Update Administrator Lehner stated that Attorney Riggs finalized the developer's agreement today for one of the lots in the Business Park. The EDA will need to hold a public hearing on the lot sale.
Attorney Riggs finalized the developer's agreement for a Business Park lot the day of the meeting.
We hold no dataWe hold no EDA public hearing notice and no executed Business Park developer's agreement. The later passages cited here concern the Kenyon Crossings developer's agreement with Kenyon Real Estate 2, a different project. The EDA minutes and the recorded lot sale would settle it.
no holding · would settle it: A noticed EDA public hearing date and the executed developer's agreement
A background check is being done now. This officer should be on board by mid to late June. 9 Business Park Update Administrator Lehner stated that Attorney Riggs finalized the developer's agreement today for one of the lots in the Business Park.
Administrator update on filling a police officer position.
Partly answeredNo start date for that 2025 officer reaches our records, and the department was short again a year later. By July 14 2026 a prospective full-time officer was still in background check, and on September 8 2026 the full-time position was posted until filled with no applicants while part-time officers covered. The city's current posting pays 33.54 dollars an hour at entry, 38.57 dollars at three to five years and 42.61 dollars at five to ten years.
data/jobs.csv / 9-8-26 Council Packet
Easement Approval – 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger reviewed the requested permanent right-of-way easements from four property owners adjacent to Langford Avenue. These landowners would need to be compensated for the land rights obtained through these easements.
Easement approval for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements.
We hold no dataNo dollar figure for the Langford Avenue easements appears anywhere in our records. The only later detail is that the city expected some or all of the four owners to take an in-kind deduction against their special assessment rather than cash, which would bury the value inside the assessment roll. Appraisals or the executed easement agreements would settle the amounts.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · would settle it: Appraisal or negotiated easement payment amounts for each parcel
Unsigned Easements Engineer Olinger stated that two agreements have been signed. There is a verbal agreement with one of the property owners. The fourth property owner still needs to be contacted.
Four permanent right-of-way easements are needed from property owners adjacent to Langford Avenue.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-16 accepting easements 5-0-0.
Partly answeredThe council accepted the easements by Resolution 2025-16 on a 5-0-0 vote with only two of four signed and one verbal. By July 8 2025 the city still described the compensation as owed to all four owners and expected that some or all would request an in-kind deduction to their assessment instead of a direct payment. No signed easements from the third and fourth owners reach our records.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda
Construction Engineering Agreement – 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to table the approval of Bolton & Menk's construction engineering agreement.
Construction engineering contract deferred after bids were rejected.
At the meetingTabled 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe construction engineering agreement was approved on August 12 2025 by roll call, 4-0-0, on a motion by Brunner seconded by Sjolander. Olinger presented scope and fees for construction engineering and surveying running through the end of the project in 2026 and said the cost was already inside the overall project budget. The fee amount itself is not stated in our records.
8.12.25 Council Packet Agenda Updated · taken up again 2025-08-12
The resident at 10 Slee Street thought his assessment was too high and the resident at 608 8th Street was opposed to the 8th Street sidewalk. Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to continue the public hearing until June 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm.
Statutorily required hearing on assessments financing the project.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe hearing was continued twice and drew no public comment. At the June 10 2025 continuation Attorney Riggs confirmed it carried on from May 13, no comments were received, and no action was taken because the project would be rebid in July, so the council continued it again to July 8 2025 at 7:00 pm on a 5-0-0 vote. No residents attended the original hearing either, though two contacted the engineer beforehand.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
Resolution 2025-14: Rejecting Bid and Accepting Bid 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Tabled Assessment Adoption – 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Resolution 2025-15: Adopting Assessment 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Motion by Bunner seconded by Kirchmann to table the assessment adoption. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Assessment adoption for the street and utility project could not proceed with bids rejected.
At the meetingTabled 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe assessment returned once a real price existed. The July 8 2025 packet carries Resolution 2025-15R adopting the assessment with a final assessment roll revised to the updated bid. The engineer also warned that some or all of the four Langford Avenue easement owners might take an in-kind deduction against their assessment instead of a cash payment, which would change the roll again.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
Resolution 2025-14: Rejecting Bid and Accepting Bid 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Tabled Assessment Adoption – 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Resolution 2025-15: Adopting Assessment 2025 Street & Utility Improvements Motion by Bunner seconded by Kirchmann to table the assessment adoption.
Bid acceptance item for the street and utility project.
What happened nextResolution 2025-14 was superseded rather than untabled. The award came back as Resolution 2025-19 accepting the bid for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements on the July 8 2025 agenda, supported by a bid recommendation letter. Fitzgerald Excavating received the contract at 2,294,629.25 dollars.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
ENGINEERING Bid Acceptance - 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Attorney Riggs recommended rejecting all the bids and starting over on the bidding process.
Recommendation following the bid protest from Ims-Icon LLC's attorney.
At the meetingMotion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to reject all bids and start over carried 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe rejection carried 5-0-0 and the rebid worked. Olinger revised the plans and specifications to reduce the effect of the problematic price structures received the first time, and the council adopted Resolution 2025-18 ordering the new advertisement with the 8th Street sidewalk alternative removed. The second round opened July 2 2025 and produced a low bid of 2,294,629.25 dollars from Fitzgerald, 469,540.80 dollars below the 2,764,170.05 dollar engineer estimate.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda / KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-07-08
CITIZEN COMMENT Aaron Dean, Attorney for Ims-Icon LLC, questioned the bid selection process for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements.
Citizen comment period challenge to how bids were evaluated.
At the meetingNo direct answer recorded; Attorney Riggs recommended rejecting all bids and starting the bidding process over.
Not a data questionWhether the bid process was lawful is a legal determination for the city attorney and, if pressed, a court, not a fact in our records. What our bid file shows is that six bids were opened, ICON's low bid of 2,313,649.71 dollars was marked nonresponsive, and BCM was the low responsive bidder at 2,306,652.41 dollars, a spread of 6,997.30 dollars. Attorney Riggs advised rejecting all bids rather than resolving the responsiveness question.
KENYON_BIDS.md
He quoted state statutes as to why his client should be awarded the state contract. He also threatened to sue the City of Kenyon if his client was not awarded the contract.
Citizen comment challenging the bid selection process for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements project.
At the meetingCouncil later voted 5-0 to reject all bids and restart the bidding process on Attorney Riggs' recommendation.
What happened nextIms-Icon did not get the contract and no suit appears in our records. The council rejected all bids 5-0-0 on Attorney Riggs' recommendation, and after rebidding the work went to Fitzgerald Excavating at 2,294,629.25 dollars in July 2025. ICON's original bid of 2,313,649.71 dollars was marked nonresponsive and was 19,020.46 dollars above the price the city ultimately paid.
KENYON_BIDS.md / 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
He presented an update of the financial impacts based on Bolton & Menk's 2025 Infrastructure Management Plan. The plan serves as a guide for the management of the city's capital improvement and replacement plans.
The financial management plan update serves as a guide for managing capital improvement and replacement plans.
Partly answeredNo council vote adopting the plan appears anywhere in our holdings. Eleven months later, in the March 10 2026 presentation, the plan is still described in exactly the same terms as a guide for the management of the city's capital improvement and replacement plans, which is how an unadopted document reads. A resolution adopting the financial management plan or a capital improvement plan would settle it.
5-13-25_council_packet_updated; 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated
He presented an update of the financial impacts based on Bolton & Menk's 2025 Infrastructure Management Plan. The plan serves as a guide for the management of the city's capital improvement and replacement plans.
The financial update was built on the engineering firm's infrastructure plan.
Partly answeredThe 2025 Infrastructure Management Plan is referenced as real and in use, both in the March 10 2026 presentation and in the November 12 2025 packet, which states that 6th Street reconstruction is identified in the plan as a 2028 project whose financial feasibility is highly dependent on outside funding. We hold no copy of the plan and therefore none of its project list or cost estimates. Bolton & Menk is the city engineer, and also moved the city's mapping to its own ArcGIS Online in 2024 at $14,500 for conversion plus $1,260 a year in licensing.
11-12-25_Council_Packet(1); 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated; KENYON_DATA_IN_MEETINGS.md
George Eilertson last prepared a financial management plan for the city in 2021. He presented an update of the financial impacts based on Bolton & Menk's 2025 Infrastructure Management Plan. The plan serves as a guide for the management of the city's capital improvement and replacement plans. He also presented information on estimated property taxes for debt service and the impact on utility revenues related to capital spending and debt service and reviewed the plan for financing the 2025 street project. Engineer
Stated as background for why an update to the financial management plan was being presented.
Partly answeredThe 2021 date is corroborated twice, in the May 13 2025 minutes and again in the March 10 2026 presentation, which adds that the 2021 plan was built around project cost estimates and sources of funds from Bolton & Menk's 2020 Infrastructure Management Plan. No copy of the 2021 financial management plan is in our holdings. The city's file copy of that plan would settle its assumptions.
5-13-25_council_packet_updated; 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated
He also presented information on estimated property taxes for debt service and the impact on utility revenues related to capital spending and debt service and reviewed the plan for financing the 2025 street project.
Presentation covered how capital spending and debt service would affect utility revenues.
Partly answeredThe bond resolution in the July 16 2025 packet shows how the utility side was actually structured: all gross revenues of the sewer, water and storm sewer systems go to the Utility Fund, normal operating expenses come out of it, and the net revenues are pledged to the Utility Account of the Debt Service Fund to pay principal and interest on the utility portion of the bonds. We hold no rate or revenue projection worksheets behind the April presentation. The revenue side was then raised through the sanitary and storm sewer rate increases adopted each year and a five-year electric rate plan approved May 12 2026.
7-16-25_COUNCIL_PACKET; 5-12-26_Council_Packet_Updated
He also presented information on estimated property taxes for debt service and the impact on utility revenues related to capital spending and debt service and reviewed the plan for financing the 2025 street project.
Part of the capital finance planning presentation on the impact of capital spending and debt service.
Partly answeredWe hold the policy ceilings and the realized outcome but not the debt service schedule itself. The city's June 2025 debt policy limits net debt obligations to 1.5% of estimated taxable market value, half the 3% ceiling in Minnesota Statutes 475.53, and caps the general obligation debt service levy at 40% of the overall levy. The realized effect landed in pay 2026: the certified city rate rose to 84.6822% from 79.3028% almost entirely on the bond side, where the bond rate rose 35.91% while the general rate fell 0.38%. Splitting the certified rates on those two growth figures puts the 2026 bond portion near 21.3 points of the 84.6822 rate, roughly 25% of the levy and inside the 40% policy cap.
6-10-25_COUNCIL_PACKET_Updated; taxes/levy.html; taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json
He also presented information on estimated property taxes for debt service and the impact on utility revenues related to capital spending and debt service and reviewed the plan for financing the 2025 street project.
George Eilertson of Northland Securities reviewed the financing plan for the 2025 street project during the capital finance planning presentation.
What happened nextThe financing was settled by bond sale, reported to the council on August 12 2025. The 2025A general obligation bonds sold at a 4.44% interest rate on a 20-year term, Standard and Poors confirmed an A+ rating, and the city bought bond insurance for $6,300 to lift the box rating and cut the interest rate. The project those bonds fund was awarded to Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25 on July 8 2025, after every bid from the first round was rejected on June 10 2025.
8.12.25_Council_Packet__Agenda_Updated; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-08-12
Administrator Calendar Administrator Lehner stated that he will be out of the office on Friday, April 11, 2025. He is closing on a house in the area.
Administrator calendar update.
Answered from our recordsThe calendar note is confirmed verbatim in the May 13 2025 packet: Administrator Lehner was out of the office Friday April 11 2025, closing on a house in the area. It required no council action and nothing turns on it.
5-13-25 council packet updated, Administrator Calendar
State statutes limit a city's tort liability to a maximum of $500,000 per claimant and $1,500,000 per occurrence.
Explanation given before the council voted not to waive LMCIT liability limits.
At the meetingCouncil voted 4-0-0 to follow past precedence and not waive the limits.
Partly answeredThe same figures appear verbatim in the city's own packets across two years: $500,000 per claimant, $1,500,000 per occurrence, and optional additional coverage up to $2,000,000 annually. The council took the question up again on May 12 2026 and voted 5-0-0, again on Helgeson's motion seconded by Kirchmann, to follow past precedence and not waive the limits. We hold no copy of the statute or the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust waiver form itself.
5-13-25 council packet updated; 4-12-26 Council packet; 5-12-26 Council Packet Updated · taken up again 2026-05-12
The bid will be awarded following the assessment hearing during the May council meeting. The assessment hearing process and the assessment criteria that the council will need to set were discussed.
The assessment hearing process and criteria were reviewed ahead of the May hearing.
At the meetingResolution 2025-12 declaring cost to be assessed and calling the hearing was adopted 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe council adopted Resolution 2025-12 declaring the cost to be assessed and calling the hearing, 4-0-0, held the assessment hearing on May 13 2025, and then continued it to July 8 2025 with an updated assessment summary after the project was rebid. No council-adopted assessment policy appears in our record, only the project-specific roll.
5-13-25 council packet updated; 7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE KMU Process Update: Administrator Lehner stated that there is a meeting scheduled with KMU and the personnel committee on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. 15 Hiring of Police Officer: Administrator Lehner stated that four qualified candidates applied for the police officer position.
Part of the ongoing KMU process update.
What happened nextThe meeting track produced five signed contracts. The KMU Commission accepted and signed five agreements with the city on April 23 2025, two weeks after the April 9 personnel committee meeting, and the council gave final approval on June 10 2025 to the administrative staff supervision agreement, the building and property control agreement, the personnel utilization agreement, the billing agreement, the municipal project agreement and the organizational chart. Minutes of the April 9 meeting itself are not in our record.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated; 5-13-25 council packet updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
He stated that their budget is up in the air right now, waiting to see where government cuts will be. If you have any questions for the commission, please come to the May meeting in Kenyon.
The county board's May meeting will be held at Kenyon City Hall.
Partly answeredThe practice recurred: Commissioner Greseth again told the council in early 2026 that the May county commissioner meeting would be held at Kenyon City Hall, though by then he asked residents to contact him directly rather than attend. We hold no county board agenda or confirmed meeting date for either year. The Goodhue County Board calendar would settle it.
2-10-26 and 3-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-02-10
Todd Greseth, Goodhue County Commissioner, stated that the May meeting will be held at Kenyon City Hall. He stated that their budget is up in the air right now, waiting to see where government cuts will be.
Commissioner update during citizen comments about county finances.
What happened nextThe county settled on a 6.5 percent levy increase for 2026, which Commissioner Greseth reported to the council in the February 10 and March 10 2026 packets. He added that an even larger increase is coming in 2027 because of state mandates. For comparison, the city's own certified 2026 levy rose 9.18 percent to $1,528,541 and its 2027 preliminary levy rose 9.26 percent to $1,670,115.
2-10-26 and 3-10-26 Council Packets; taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json · taken up again 2026-02-10
He would like to be informed of the meeting where the bid would be awarded. 2025 Chip Seal Project Engineer Olinger stated that four quotes were received for the chip seal project. $90,000 was budgeted for the project. The low bid was approximately $60,000. Olinger would like to expand the contract by $20,000 to cover what was planned for 2026. This would still come in $10,000 under budget.
Basis for recommending expansion of the chip seal contract into 2026 work.
At the meetingCouncil approved the expansion up to $20,000.
Answered from our recordsThe engineer's numbers hold. Four quotes were received, the low quote from Pearson Bros was $59,951.55, and adding $20,000 brings the ceiling to $79,951.55, which is $10,048.45 under the $90,000 budgeted. The spread across the four quotes was $36,734.15, with Fahrner at $96,685.70 bidding 61 percent above Pearson.
KENYON_BIDS.md, 2025-05-13 entry; 5-13-25 council packet updated
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to award the chip seal contract to Pearson Bros. as written, with additional approval to exceed the total quoted by up to $20,000 as directed by the City Engineer.
Olinger wanted to expand the contract to cover work planned for 2026 while staying under budget.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
Answered from our recordsThe chip seal contract went to Pearson Bros at $59,951.55 with authority to exceed that by up to $20,000 at the City Engineer's direction, for a ceiling of $79,951.55. Pearson beat Asphalt Surface Technologies at $68,726, Allied Blacktop at $69,913.20 and Fahrner at $96,685.70. The final expanded scope amount actually spent is not in our record.
KENYON_BIDS.md, 2025-05-13 entry; data/bids.csv
LEGAL FINANCIAL Explanation of Recently Received IRS Statements Finance Director Kyllo explained two letters that she received, one from the IRS and the other from MN Department of Revenue claiming money was owed to them from quarter three of 2023.
She explained two letters claiming money owed but the minutes record no dollar figures.
We hold no dataNo dollar figures for the IRS or Minnesota Department of Revenue claims appear anywhere in our record, and the later passages attached to this item concern accounts payable procedure and street assessments. The two agency notices would settle it.
would settle it: Dollar amounts from the IRS and state notices
LEGAL FINANCIAL Explanation of Recently Received IRS Statements Finance Director Kyllo explained two letters that she received, one from the IRS and the other from MN Department of Revenue claiming money was owed to them from quarter three of 2023. Both claims are legitimate, and the city needs to pay these bills plus penalties.
Two letters claimed money owed from Q3 2023 and both claims were determined to be legitimate.
At the meetingKyllo explained the letters to council.
We hold no dataThe IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue notices are not in our archive, so the amounts owed and the penalties cannot be stated. The nearest figure we hold is Abdo's one-time $15,000 charge to reconcile January through July 2025 records.
9-8-26 Council Packet · would settle it: The IRS and Department of Revenue notices showing amounts owed and penalties
Capital Finance Planning Workshop Engineer Olinger stated that the city's financial advisor is invited to review the plans for current and future capital investments every few years. A capital finance planning workshop meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
The financial advisor is invited every few years to review plans for current and future capital investments.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0 to schedule the workshop.
What happened nextThe workshop was held and George Eilertson presented. He updated the financial management plan he had last prepared for the city in 2021, rebuilt on Bolton and Menk's 2025 Infrastructure Management Plan, covering estimated property taxes for debt service, the impact on utility revenues, and the financing plan for the 2025 street project. Engineer Olinger summarized the infrastructure management plans and the city's infrastructure goals.
5-13-25 council packet updated · taken up again 2025-05-13
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE KMU Process Update: Administrator Lehner stated that there is a meeting scheduled with KMU and the personnel committee on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. 15 Hiring of Police Officer: Administrator Lehner stated that four qualified candidates applied for the police officer position. The four candidates are scheduled to be interviewed on April 15.
Four candidates applied for the open police officer position after Josey Homeier's departure.
What happened nextThe interviews produced a hire. By June 10 2025 Administrator Lehner reported the city was moving forward with one of the police officer applicants, a background check was underway, and the officer should be on board by mid to late June 2025. The department did not stay staffed: by September 8 2026 the officer position was posted again with no applicants and part-time officers filling in.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated; 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-06-10
He stated that they were requesting that the city allow them to remain on city property for one more year because of the short notice.
They were shocked to learn the contract was not renewed and need time to find an alternative location for 2026.
At the meetingCouncil authorized the administrator to negotiate a limited 2025 agreement.
Partly answeredThe council met the request in principle, authorizing Administrator Lehner 4-0-0 to negotiate and execute a limited 2025 agreement so Taco Express could stay on city property for the year. The decision not to renew had been made at the March 2025 meeting and the owners learned of it from a newspaper article, for which Lehner apologized. The executed agreement and its terms are not in our record.
5-13-25 council packet updated, Old Business · taken up again 2025-05-13
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to authorize Administrator Lehner to negotiate and execute a limited agreement with Taco Express for 2025.
Taco Express representatives asked to stay on city property one more year after learning of non-renewal from a newspaper article.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
We hold no dataWe hold no signed 2025 agreement with Taco Express. The executed limited agreement or a council report on its terms would settle it.
would settle it: The signed limited 2025 agreement with Taco Express
CITIZEN COMMENT Pat Shea provided information on a proposed wind farm that is trying to move into the Kenyon area. She stated that this is a huge 300-megawatt farm project that would have 60-85 turbines.
Citizen comment raising awareness of a wind project that could affect the city.
At the meetingNo council response recorded.
We hold no dataWe hold no wind project application, state permitting filing or turbine count for any development near Kenyon. The city's only wind commitment in our record is unrelated: a half-megawatt power sales agreement with CMPAS at Bingham Lakes, adopted as Resolution 2025-31 in December 2025. A Public Utilities Commission site permit application would settle the 300-megawatt claim.
would settle it: The developer's project application or state permitting filing
Doug Ims of Icon, LLC stated that his company was the low bidder on the street project, but he was told by the city engineer that his bid would not be recommended because of the way he bid the job.
Icon disputed the engineer's role in recommending against its bid.
At the meetingNo response from the engineer is recorded in the minutes.
Partly answeredIcon was not low on base plus all alternates. The bid tabulation puts Icon at $2,313,649.71 and BCM Construction at $2,306,652.41, a difference of $6,997.30 in BCM's favor, and our bid record marks Icon's bid nonresponsive. The engineer's stated reason was specific and documented: Icon did not provide the bid unit prices the request for bids required, affecting bid items 1, 13, 17, 1009, 1011, 79 and 105. Whether Icon was low on some narrower basis cannot be determined from the tabulation we hold.
Doug Ims told the council Icon was the low bidder, but the tabulation shows BCM Construction at $6,997.30 less on base plus all alternates.
5-13-25 council packet updated, bid tabulation and engineer letter; KENYON_BIDS.md
ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that six bids were received by the April 2, 2025 deadline. The pricing was competitive. The bids are still being evaluated for conformance with project requirements.
Bids were received by the April 2, 2025 deadline and pricing was competitive.
What happened nextThe review concluded that Icon's bid materially deviated from the specifications. The City Engineer's letter of May 12 2025 found Icon failed to provide bid unit prices as the request for bids required, citing bid items 1, 13, 17, 1009, 1011, 79 and 105, and staff recommended rejecting it. The council then rejected all six bids on June 10 2025 and rebid the project.
5-13-25 council packet updated, City Engineer letter dated May 12 2025; 6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
The bids are still being evaluated for conformance with project requirements. The bid will be awarded following the assessment hearing during the May council meeting.
Six bids were received April 2 and are still being evaluated for conformance with project requirements.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-12 calling the assessment hearing.
What happened nextThe council rejected every bid from the first round on June 10 2025, 5-0-0, on Attorney Riggs' recommendation, and Resolution 2025-14 was tabled. The rebid opened July 8 2025 with Fitzgerald Excavating low at $2,294,629.25 against BCM at $2,423,525.98, Alcon at $2,426,712.04, Heselton at $2,653,939.05 and an engineer's estimate of $2,764,170.05, and Fitzgerald took the contract. The winning rebid price came in $12,023.16 below the lowest first-round bid.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated; KENYON_BIDS.md; data/bids.csv · taken up again 2025-07-08
He would like to be informed of the meeting where the bid would be awarded. 2025 Chip Seal Project Engineer Olinger stated that four quotes were received for the chip seal project. $90,000 was budgeted for the project.
Icon was low bidder but was told by the city engineer its bid would not be recommended.
At the meetingEngineer had stated the bid would be awarded following the assessment hearing at the May council meeting.
What happened nextThere was no award meeting from that round. On June 10 2025 Attorney Riggs recommended rejecting all bids and the council voted 5-0-0 to reject them and rebid, tabling Resolution 2025-14. The project was rebid and awarded on July 8 2025 to Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25. Whether Icon received written notice of any award meeting is not in our record.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated; KENYON_BIDS.md, 2025-07-08 entry · taken up again 2025-06-10
Bailey Ament questioned what the process was for allowing chickens in the residential area for educational purposes.
Citizen comment asking how Kenyon could permit chickens, with options from surrounding cities presented.
At the meetingNo process answer recorded; she was to be added to the May agenda.
What happened nextThe process was an ordinance amendment, and the council declined to start it. Attorney Riggs reviewed the history of the current ordinance at the June 10 2025 meeting and the council took a roll call vote on whether to look at changing it, losing 2 to 3. An earlier request by letter had drawn a council consensus to uphold the ordinance restricting chickens in residential areas.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated; 5-13-25 council packet updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
She is interested in raising chickens as part of her homeschool instruction and her children's 4-H project. She requested to be added to the May council agenda to allow educational chickens.
She wants to raise chickens as part of her homeschool instruction and her children's 4-H project and reviewed what surrounding cities allow.
What happened nextThe item reached the council on June 10 2025 as Consider Revising Chicken Ordinance, and the council voted against looking at a change. The roll call was Bailey aye, Kirchmann aye, Brunner nay, Sjolander nay, Helgeson nay. Administrator Lehner noted it was the fourth time the request to allow chickens in the city had come before the council since 2015.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated, New Business · taken up again 2025-06-10
Resolution 2025-10 Accepting Kenyon Fire Relief Association Donations to the City of Kenyon Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2025-10 accepting donations of $10,000.00 from the Kenyon Fire Relief Association to the fire truck fund.
Acceptance of Fire Relief Association donations to the city.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextResolution 2025-10 passed 4-0-0 accepting the $10,000 for the fire truck fund, and the Fire Relief Association kept giving that year, with the council accepting a further $3,000 on August 12 2025 and another $10,000 on October 14 2025, $23,000 in all across the three council actions. No deposit record confirming the funds reached the fire truck fund is in anything we hold.
4-8-25 council packet; 8.12.25 Council Packet and Agenda Updated; 10.14.25 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-10-14
House Hunt: Lehner stated that he has made an offer on a house in the area. Hopefully, he will be moving soon.
Administrator update on his house hunt.
What happened nextThe offer was accepted and Lehner closed on a house in the area on Friday April 11 2025, taking the day out of the office. He was still serving as city administrator in 2026.
5-13-25 council packet updated · taken up again 2025-04-11
For the last several years, preventative maintenance projects have been intentionally undersized in order to complete a larger chip sealing project this year.
Explanation of the scope of the 2025 chip seal project.
Partly answeredWe hold no prior-year preventative maintenance budgets, so the deliberate undersizing cannot be traced. The one earlier comparable in our bid record supports the pattern: the 2024 asphalt rejuvenator work went to Corrective Asphalt Materials at $16,188.30, roughly a quarter of the 2025 chip seal award of $59,951.55. The strategy worked as described, since the added $20,000 of work was meant to finish the remaining streets and eliminate the need for chip sealing in 2026.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 4-8-25 council packet
Insulating Office for Sound Control Administrator Lehner stated that there is no insulation in the internal walls of city hall. Conversations can be heard through the walls even when the doors are closed.
Justification for the spray foam insulation project.
We hold no dataWe hold no building inspection or contractor assessment of city hall wall construction, so the absence of insulation is unverified. The council acted on the administrator's description alone. A contractor's written scope or an inspection report on the internal walls would settle it.
4-8-25 council packet · would settle it: Inspection or contractor assessment of existing wall construction
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to accept the insulation quote from Reichel Insulation for $2,500.00.
Sound control at city hall where conversations can be heard through uninsulated internal walls.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe award stands in our bid record as Reichel Insulation at $2,500 with no competing quote. At $2,500 the purchase sits below the $4,999 staff limit in Administrative Policy No. 34, so one quote was permitted and the council approved it anyway. No completion confirmation is in our archive.
KENYON_BIDS.md
He noted that the Liquor Store is also considering making some improvements to their patio area that would involve the Taco Express location.
One reason given for discontinuing the Taco Express lease.
We hold no dataNo patio improvement plan or cost estimate for the liquor store appears in anything we hold. The liquor store construction estimates we do have are for the former NAPA building remodel, covering concrete, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and interior walls. A patio plan or quote in a later packet would settle it.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated · would settle it: Patio improvement plan and cost estimate
He expressed concerns about the perception of the city renting space to a food vendor for a minimal fee when there are several other food businesses in town that own their lots and pay taxes.
Rationale for discontinuing the Taco Express lease.
Partly answeredThe lease rate Taco Express paid is not in anything we hold, so minimal fee cannot be quantified. The tax-paying comparison is verifiable in one direction: our directory holds 167 Kenyon businesses, and among food sellers Kenyon Market at 109 Red Wing Avenue pays $7,225 in city tax and $14,914 in total tax on an estimated market value of $464,100, while Dollar General at 98 Gunderson Boulevard pays $1,762 in city tax. The agreement itself allowed either party to terminate at any time for any reason on written notice.
data/companies.csv; taxes/data/kenyon_tax.json; 4-8-25 council packet
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Sjolander to follow staff recommendation to not renew the city agreement with Taco Express.
Annual renewal of the food vendor's lease of city property.
At the meetingCouncil voted 4-0-0 not to renew the agreement.
What happened nextThe council voted 4-0-0 not to renew, then had to revisit it. On May 13 2025 Bonnie Rapp and Brenda Tellez told the council they were shocked to learn of the non-renewal from a newspaper article, Administrator Lehner apologized for not informing them before it appeared in print, and they asked to remain on city property for one more year given the short notice. The council's final decision on that request is not in anything we hold.
5-13-25 council packet updated · taken up again 2025-05-13
Audit Update: The auditors were here on February 20 and 21. Everything went well. Lehner is looking at some of the recommendations from the auditors.
Audit update after auditors visited February 20 and 21.
At the meetingLehner said everything went well with the audit.
Partly answeredNo management letter or list of auditor recommendations with city responses appears in anything we hold for that audit. The one recommendation of substance we do hold is the auditor flagging the Granicus and Catalis subscriptions as an unbudgeted 2025 variance, with Granicus Peak Agenda Management alone costing $4,530.03 in June 2025. The auditor of record is BerganKDV, engaged at $27,540 under the December 2024 request for proposals, on a 400-hour annual audit plan.
KENYON_IT_SPEND.md; KENYON_BIDS.md; 12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
Conversations have been started with property owners along Langford Avenue regarding easements. The plan is to have bids reviewed in April, the project awarded in May, and construction to begin in June.
Schedule for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements after adopting plans and ordering advertisement for bids.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-11 ordering advertisement for bids 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe schedule slipped. Resolution 2025-11 ordering advertisement for bids passed 4-0-0, bids came in, and on June 10 2025 the council rejected all of them 5-0-0 on Attorney Riggs's recommendation and started the bidding over, tabling Resolution 2025-14. The rebid was awarded to Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25 on July 8 2025, and by September 9 2025 the expectation was only that Fitzgerald would start a few of the streets that year.
The plan presented in March was to award in May and start construction in June, but all bids were rejected in June and construction was still barely under way in September.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-07-08
ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that the design work for the 2025 street and utility project is complete and ready to advertise for bids. Bolton & Menk will be working on getting permit approvals.
Design work complete and project ready to advertise for bids.
We hold no dataNo issued permits for the 2025 street and utility project appear in anything we hold. The project did reach bidding twice under Bolton and Menk project number 24X134934, so permitting did not stop it. The agency permit approvals themselves would settle it.
7.8.25 Updated Council Packet and Agenda · would settle it: Issued permits for the 2025 street and utility project
Bolton & Menk will be working on getting permit approvals. Conversations have been started with property owners along Langford Avenue regarding easements.
Status of the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements design and permitting.
At the meetingOlinger said conversations have started; by April, informal approvals had been received from 3 of 4 owners.
What happened nextThe council adopted Resolution 2025-16 accepting the easements on June 10 2025, carried 5-0-0, though at that point only two of the four Langford Avenue owners had signed, one had given a verbal agreement and the fourth had not yet been contacted. The owners were to be compensated for the land rights. By September 9 2025 all property owners had been notified again of their assessment amounts and Fitzgerald was completing contract documents.
The council adopted a resolution accepting the easements while a quarter of the affected owners had not yet been contacted.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated; 9-9-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-06-10
Change in Coverage Hours Chief Sjolander stated that the night patrol hours have been changed. This will be cost savings for the city and provide more coverage with fewer on-call hours.
Police department update on changed coverage hours.
We hold no dataWe hold no police schedules, no on-call hour counts and no payroll detail for the department, so neither the saving nor the added coverage can be measured. A before and after patrol schedule with the associated payroll cost would settle it.
4-8-25 council packet · would settle it: Before-and-after schedule and payroll cost comparison
Police Department Update Hiring Process Chief Sjolander reported that the full-time police officer position has been posted on the city's website and on the POST Board hiring page. The closing date is April 1.
Police department hiring process update.
At the meetingChief reported the position is posted on the city website and POST Board hiring page.
What happened nextThe posting drew four qualified applicants, all interviewed on April 15 2025. By June 10 2025 the city was moving forward with one of them, a background check was under way, and the officer was expected on board by mid to late June. For context, the city's later full-time officer posting pays $33.54 an hour at entry and $42.61 at five to ten years.
5-13-25 council packet updated; 6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
Cannabis Sales Manager Bartel stated he is considering offering THC drinks and gummies on the off-sale side of the Muni. Many public and private stores are benefiting from the sale of drinks and gummies.
Justification for the Muni offering THC drinks and gummies.
Partly answeredWe hold no sales data from other municipal liquor stores, so the comparison cannot be checked. Kenyon's own result is modest: $4,302.54 of THC sales through September 30 2025, which is 0.68% of the $634,728.56 of total liquor revenue booked in the same period, and about $478 a month. Sales figures from comparable Minnesota municipal stores would settle the broader claim.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated liquor revenue ledger
Motion by Brunner seconded by Bailey to authorize Manager Bartel to move forward with registering to sell THC products.
Liquor store update on cannabis-derived beverage and edible sales.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextRegistration went through and sales started. The liquor fund carries a dedicated THC sales revenue account, 609-00000-37817, which had taken in $4,302.54 by September 30 2025 including $889.03 that month, against a budget of $0 because the line did not exist when the 2025 budget was set.
3-10-26 Council Packet Updated liquor revenue ledger · taken up again 2025-09-30
Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to give approval to Manager Bartel to start the process of expansion of the Muni into the NAPA building.
Liquor store update on options for the liquor-store-owned NAPA building.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
What happened nextThe expansion advanced to costed estimates within seven months. On October 14 2025 the council approved preliminary estimates 4-0-0 of $96,581.72 from L&M Construction to remodel the building and $111,524.87 from Stan Morgan and Associates for equipment, a combined $208,106.59 against $215,000 already in the budget, leaving $6,893.41 of headroom. As of July 8 2025 Bartel held only the L&M quote and was still expecting two more.
10.14.25 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2025-10-14
Then it will be presented to the KMU Commission and employees. The plan is to have the process finalized and back to the council in April.
Ongoing rewrite of the KMU process, contracts, and organizational chart.
At the meetingLehner reported he has reviewed contracts and the organizational chart with Attorney Riggs.
What happened nextThe process finished two months later than planned. The KMU Commission accepted and signed the five contracts on April 23 2025, and the council gave final approval on June 10 2025 to all six items, motion by Helgeson and second by Kirchmann. The package covers administrative staff supervision including KMU, building and property control, personnel utilization, billing, municipal projects and the organizational chart.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
For the last several years, preventative maintenance projects have been intentionally undersized in order to complete a larger chip sealing project this year. The proposed 2025 project is estimated to cost between $80,000-$90,000.
Presentation of the 2025 preventative maintenance chip seal project.
At the meetingNo final number at the meeting; quotes were to be collected.
What happened nextThe low bid came in at $59,951.55, about $20,000 below the bottom of the estimate and $30,048 under the $90,000 budgeted. The engineer used the gap to pull 2026 chip sealing forward, adding up to $20,000 of work at the quoted unit pricing and still finishing roughly $10,000 under budget.
The project was estimated at $80,000 to $90,000 and the low quote came in 25% below the bottom of that range.
5-13-25 council packet updated; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-05-13
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to direct the City Engineer to collect quotes for the 2025 chip seal project.
2025 preventative maintenance chip sealing project.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0; quotes were later received and tabulated for the April meeting.
What happened nextFour quotes came back and the council awarded the contract to Pearson Bros on May 13 2025, motion by Helgeson and second by Bailey, carried 4-0-0, with authority to exceed the quoted total by up to $20,000 at the city engineer's direction. Pearson bid $59,951.55 against Asphalt Surface Tech at $68,726, Allied Blacktop at $69,913.20 and Fahrner at $96,685.70.
5-13-25 council packet updated; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-05-13
Resolution 2025-12: Granting Approval of a Lot Combination for Scot Bowen Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to table this resolution and direct Engineer Olinger to talk to Scot Bowen about easements, etc.
Tabling of the lot combination resolution.
At the meetingMotion carried 4-0-0.
We hold no dataNo record of Engineer Olinger's conversation with Scot Bowen, and no easement agreement for 1 Langford Avenue, appears in anything we hold. The Langford Avenue easements that do appear in the record are a separate matter, four permanent right-of-way easements for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements accepted by Resolution 2025-16 on June 10 2025. An engineer's report back to the council on the Bowen parcels would settle it.
6-10-25 COUNCIL PACKET Updated · would settle it: Record of the conversation and any easement agreement
Resolution 2025-12: Granting Approval of a Lot Combination for Scot Bowen Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to table this resolution and direct Engineer Olinger to talk to Scot Bowen about easements, etc.
Scot Bowen sought approval to combine two C-2 zoned lots at 1 Langford Avenue.
At the meetingCouncil tabled the resolution 4-0-0 and directed the engineer to speak with the applicant.
Partly answeredThe council tabled Resolution 2025-12 on a 4-0-0 vote and nothing we hold records it coming back. The combination was described as a minor lot combination of two C-2 General Commercial parcels under the city code. A later council agenda or minutes showing Resolution 2025-12 adopted or withdrawn would settle it.
4-8-25 council packet
Fundraiser at Fire Hall – April 26: FYI - The Kenyon Fire Department will be holding a benefit for a Kenyon fireman's family member at the fire hall.
FYI item in the administrator update.
We hold no dataWe hold no event details or facility use approval for the April 26 2025 benefit. The fire hall is not normally used for public events, as the council noted when approving a Community Summer Safety Event there for June 2 2026, which suggests a benefit would have needed a similar approval. The consent agenda item or use permit for April 26 2025 would settle it.
4-12-26 Council Packet · would settle it: Event details and any city facility use approval
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS Council Member Sjolander appreciates the fire department with the recent fire in town. They went above and beyond to help the residents out without getting paid.
Council general comments praising the fire department.
We hold no dataWe hold no fire department call records and no firefighter compensation policy, so the claim that the crew worked this fire unpaid cannot be checked. The related record we do hold is the township fire contract structure, under which the department develops an annual operational budget presented to each contracting town. The department's run report and its pay schedule would settle it.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet · would settle it: Fire department call records and compensation policy
Review Bids, Order Preparation of Final Assessment Roll, Call for Hearing……...…4/8 Meeting Hold Final Assessment Hearing, Award Project, Financing……..…………………...5/13 Meeting Begin Construction………………………………………………………………………………….June SOURCE OF FUNDING: Future Project Financing REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of Resolution Approving Plans & Specifications and Ordering Advertisement For Bids SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED: Resolution Ordinance Contract Minutes OTHER X (Plan/Spec Map next page Excerpt) 14 Project Map 15
Next steps schedule for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements.
What happened nextThe schedule did not hold. Bids were reviewed on May 13 2025 rather than April 8, the assessment hearing was held June 10 2025, and instead of awarding the project the council rejected all six bids and restarted the process. The replacement schedule opened bids July 2 2025, awarded on July 8 2025 to Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25, set construction to begin in late July, 2025 work to end October 31 2025 and remaining streets and final paving to finish July 18 2026.
The February schedule had the project awarded and financed on May 13 2025, but on June 10 2025 the council rejected every bid and started the bidding over.
6-10-25 Council Packet; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-07-08
Proposals for the work described below will be received online through QuestCDN.com until 11:00AM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at which time the bids will be opened and publicly read at the office of the City Administrator, City of Kenyon, 709 2nd Street, Kenyon, MN 55946. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The work includes the construction of approximately: Approx. Approx. Item Quantity Unit Item Quantity Unit TRAFFIC CTRL & DETOUR 1 LS CIPP SHORT LINER 5 EA CLEARING & GRUBBING 6 TREE SAN MH REHAB (SPRAY-ON) 11 EA EXCAVATION
Bid schedule in the advertisement attached to Resolution 2025-11.
What happened nextSix bids were received and opened at city hall on April 2 2025 at 11:00 a.m. as advertised. The tabulation ran ICON $2,313,649.71, later found nonresponsive, BCM $2,306,652.41, Wencl $2,412,395, Heselton $2,450,833.81, Snow $2,525,733.38 and A-1 $2,787,323.99. The council rejected all six on June 10 2025.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 5-13-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-06-10
ATTACHMENTS: 02.1_RCA_2025 Chip Seal.pdf 02.2_2025 Chip Seal RFP Excerpt.pdf 32 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Agenda Item: Department: Requested Council Meeting Date: Submitted By: Engineering 3/11/2025 Derek Olinger TITLE OF ISSUE: 2025 Chip Seal Project BACKGROUND AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Each year, the city budgets ~$45,000 for preventative maintenance on streets.
Background for the 2025 Chip Seal Project request.
Partly answeredThe $45,000 figure matches the city's actual spend in a normal year, since the 2022 chip seal went to Pearson Bros at $44,707. It did not hold for 2025, when the deliberately oversized project was awarded at $59,951.55 with another $20,000 of authority, so up to about $80,000 against a $45,000 annual budget. We do not hold the adopted street maintenance budget line itself.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 3-11-25 Council Packet
VIII.B Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: March 11, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht, Engineering ITEM TYPE: Engineering AGENDA SECTION: ENGINEERING SUBJECT: 2025 Chip Seal Project SUGGESTED ACTION: See Attachments Requesting Approval to collect quotes.
Annual preventative street maintenance item in the packet.
What happened nextThe council directed the engineer to collect quotes on March 11 2025, 4-0-0 on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey, with the project estimated at $80,000 to $90,000. Quotes came back to the April 8 2025 meeting and the work was awarded May 13 2025 to Pearson Bros at $59,951.55, with $20,000 of additional authority. The other three quotes were Asphalt Surface Technologies $68,726, Allied Blacktop $69,913.20 and Fahrner $96,685.70.
4-8-25 Council Packet; KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2025-05-13
As discussed at previous meetings, the completed design is very similar in scope to the project anticipated during feasibility planning. Costs are still generally in line with previous estimates.
Design progress report for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements.
What happened nextCosts were not in line. All six bids opened April 2 2025 were rejected on June 10 2025 on Attorney Riggs's recommendation, with the low responsive bid at $2,306,652.41 from BCM and the high at $2,787,323.99 from A-1. The rebid on July 8 2025 drew four bids against an engineer's estimate of $2,764,170.05 and was awarded to Fitzgerald Excavating at $2,294,629.25, about 17 percent under the estimate.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 6-10-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-07-08
Permits As the project is out for bid, we'll be submitting plans to various agency for permitting approvals. These include Goodhue County, MDH, MnDOT and MPCA.
Permit status for the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements.
We hold no dataNo issued permits from Goodhue County, the Minnesota Department of Health, MnDOT or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency appear in our record for the 2025 project. The only later permitting content we hold concerns different work, a March 2027 Department of Health plan certification deadline for the lead service line project and MnDOT conditions on the Kenyon Crossings plat. Copies of the four issued permits would settle it.
3-11-25 and 9-8-26 Council Packets · would settle it: Issued permits from each agency
Once we've come to a preliminary agreement on easement terms and payment for each owner, we'll return for final council approval.
Status of the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements project in the packet.
What happened nextFour permanent right-of-way easements along Langford Avenue were brought to the council on June 10 2025, where Resolution 2025-16 accepting them passed 5-0-0. At that point two agreements had been signed, one owner had given a verbal agreement and the fourth had not yet been contacted. No payment amounts are recorded, and the engineer expected some or all owners to take an in-kind deduction from their assessment instead of cash.
The council adopted a resolution accepting the easements while one of the four owners had not yet been contacted.
6-10-25 and 5-13-25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-06-10
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS School Bus Driver Appreciation Day Proclamation Mayor Kirchmann read the "School Bus Driver Appreciation Day" proclamation that will be presented to Held Bus Service.
Proclamation read at the meeting.
We hold no dataWe hold no record that the 2025 proclamation reached Held Bus Service. The practice continued, with a School Bus Driver Appreciation Day proclamation for February 18 2026 appearing on the February 10 2026 agenda. A delivery photograph, letter or the company's acknowledgment would settle it.
2-10-26 Council Packet · would settle it: Record that the proclamation was delivered to Held Bus Service
Fundraiser at Fire Hall – April 26: FYI - The Kenyon Fire Department will be holding a benefit for a Kenyon fireman's family member at the fire hall. Police Chief Sjoblom will return to work next week.
Personnel note in the administrator update.
Partly answeredNo return date for Police Chief Sjoblom is recorded. He was back in the record by September 9 2025, presenting the police department's 2026 budget request and offering to review expenses for cuts. A personnel record or the chief's own report would settle the actual return date.
9-9-25 Council Packet
A neighborhood informational meeting was held on January 27th at city hall. Four residents came to the meeting with comments.
Report on public outreach for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements.
Partly answeredWe hold no sign-in sheet or notes from the January 27 2025 meeting. Turnout at the later sessions on the same project was thinner still: two property owners attended the May 7 2025 neighborhood meeting, both opposed to the 8th Street sidewalk alternate, and no residents at all attended the June 10 2025 assessment hearing, though two contacted the engineer beforehand. The January sign-in sheet would settle who came and what they said.
3-11-25, 5-13-25 and 6-10-25 Council Packets
LEGAL OLD BUSINESS 9 NEW BUSINESS 2025 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rates Finance Director Kyllo stated that in December 2023, the 2024 sewer rates were increased to reflect additional revenue needed to ensure the Sanitary and Storm Sewer could continue to fund upcoming projects. This was part of a four-year increase plan, which was recommended from the 2021 utility rate study.
Justification for the 2025 sanitary and storm sewer rate increases.
Partly answeredThe four-year plan is confirmed by the city's own later record. The April 12 2026 packet traces it to the council minutes of December 12 2023 and states that all four years were never approved at once, so each year is presented separately for approval. We do not hold the 2021 utility rate study that the plan is said to rest on.
4-12-26 Council Packet; 3-11-25 Council Packet
Resolution 2025-07: Endorsing Federal Legislation to reimburse Body Armor Costs for All Emergency Responders Administrator Lehner stated that Rice County was asking that emergency responders that serve their county show their support to get federal legislation to reimburse agencies for protective vests for all emergency responders.
Basis for Resolution 2025-07.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-07 endorsing the legislation, 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe council granted the request, adopting Resolution 2025-07 endorsing the federal body armor reimbursement legislation 5-0-0 on a motion by Kirchmann seconded by Helgeson. Sjolander put on the record that the resolution commits the city to nothing beyond support. We hold neither the Rice County request letter nor the federal bill text.
3-11-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-02-11
Resolution 2025-07: Endorsing Federal Legislation to reimburse Body Armor Costs for All Emergency Responders Administrator Lehner stated that Rice County was asking that emergency responders that serve their county show their support to get federal legislation to reimburse agencies for protective vests for all emergency responders. The Kenyon First Responders serve 42 sections in Rice County.
Explaining why Rice County asked Kenyon to support federal body armor reimbursement legislation.
We hold no dataWe hold no first responder service area map or mutual aid agreement between Kenyon and Rice County, so the 42 sections figure cannot be checked. Kenyon sits in Goodhue County, and the only Rice County entries in our related record are township clerk addresses in Faribault and Nerstrand. The mutual aid agreement or coverage map would settle it.
3-11-25 Council Packet; 12.2.25 Special Council Meeting · would settle it: The first responder service area map or mutual aid agreement with Rice County
The storm sewer maintenance fee would be increased from $9.00 per month to $13.00 a month for residential customers. Non-residential rates will also be increased.
Presentation of recommended 2025 sanitary and storm sewer utility rates.
At the meetingCouncil approved the recommended rates 5-0-0 without the non-residential figures being recited.
Partly answeredThe residential side is fully documented and the non-residential side is not. For 2025 the residential sanitary sewer rate went from $7.40 to $7.77 per thousand gallons, the residential base rate from $26.25 to $27.57 a month, and the storm sewer maintenance fee from $9.00 to $13.00 a month. Non-residential rates did rise, confirmed by the August 6 2026 quarterly note attributing a storm sewer revenue variance to increases in both residential and non-residential monthly fees, but no non-residential figures appear in our record.
3-11-25 Council Packet; 8-6-26 Council Packet
Audio/visual Equipment: Staff are working to coordinate training with the company that installed the audio/visual equipment in the council chambers.
Administrator update on new council chambers audio/visual equipment.
Partly answeredNo training date with the installer appears in our record. The system was Sim Sound's, awarded March 12 2024 at $17,026.29 over EPA Audio Visual at $23,246, and eighteen months later Lehner was still thanking Engineer Olinger for helping with the audio at the August 12 2025 meeting. A confirmed training date or the installer's service record is what is missing.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 8.12.25 Council Packet
Attorney Sathe explained how this program works. The applicant needs to be the city with a subgrant then to the developer.
City approved submission of the grant application on behalf of Rebound Real Estate.
Partly answeredNo award or denial notice for the 2025 redevelopment grant is in our record. What the record does show is that Rebound was applying for a state grant again in March 2026, when Attorney Riggs said additional city documentation would improve the application rating, and that the project ultimately moved on tax increment financing of $1,855,000 over 26 years approved May 18 2026. The granting agency's award letter would settle the 2025 application.
3-10-26 Council Packet; KENYON_INCENTIVES.md
Resolution 2025-09: Commit Local Match for Redevelopment Grant Application and Authorize Contract Signatures in Connection with 127 Gunderson Boulevard Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2025-09.
Resolution 2025-09 committed a local match for the redevelopment grant application.
We hold no dataNo dollar figure for the local match appears anywhere in our record. Resolution 2025-09 is recorded only by title and vote. The resolution text itself, or the grant application budget, would settle the amount the city committed.
3-11-25 Council Packet · would settle it: The text of Resolution 2025-09 with the match figure
Rebound Redevelopment Application Rebound Real Estate (former Sunset Home) requested that the City council approve a resolution approving their Redevelopment Grant application and committing to a local match and authorizing contract signature.
Redevelopment grant for 127 Gunderson Boulevard, where the city must be the applicant and subgrant to the developer.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-08 approving submission of the application and Resolution 2025-09 committing the local match and authorizing contract signatures, both 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe council granted both requests at the February 11 2025 meeting, adopting Resolution 2025-08 approving submission of the grant application and Resolution 2025-09 committing the local match and authorizing contract signatures, each 5-0-0. The project kept coming back: on March 10 2026 the council adopted Resolutions 2026-03 and 2026-05 for a further state grant application, and on May 18 2026 approved $1,855,000 in tax increment assistance over 26 years.
3-11-25 and 3-10-26 Council Packets; KENYON_INCENTIVES.md · taken up again 2026-05-18
CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes: Payment of check numbers, 76836 through 76919; 5327E through 5346E Minutes and Appointments Post Full-Time Police Officer Position Approve Hire of Manager and Assistant Manager for 2025 Season Motion carried 5-0-0.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda.
At the meetingApproved 5-0-0 on the consent agenda.
What happened nextThe position was posted on the city website and the POST Board hiring page with an April 1 2025 closing date, and the chief reported one application received and warned the job might not be filled until June. The same item came back to the consent agenda on February 10 2026, and as of September 8 2026 the full-time officer position was still posted until filled with no applicants. Current pay is $33.54 an hour at entry rising to $42.61 at five to ten years.
3-11-25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets; 9-8-26 Council Packet; data/jobs.csv · taken up again 2026-09-08
ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that the design work for the project is nearly complete and should be ready for approval of bidding at the March council meeting.
Engineering update on the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements project.
What happened nextThe design was finished on schedule and the council adopted Resolution 2025-11 approving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids at the March 11 2025 meeting, on a 4-0-0 vote. Bids were then received April 2 2025.
4-8-25 Council Packet, March 11 2025 minutes · taken up again 2025-03-11
He will be putting together a recommended organizational chart and revised agreements that will be presented back to the personnel committee and then to the KMU Commission before coming back to the city council. Audit Update: The auditors will be here working with Whitney on February 20 and 21.
Audit update given during the administrator report.
Partly answeredThe completed audit report is not in our archive. We hold its downstream effects, including the auditor's flag of unbudgeted Granicus and Catalis subscriptions as a 2025 variance and the December 2024 award of auditing services to BerganKDV at $27,540 against CLA at $97,640 to $70,940.
KENYON_IT_SPEND.md
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE KMU Process Update: Administrator Lehner stated that no decisions have been made yet concerning the KMU process.
KMU Process Update in the administrator report.
What happened nextDecisions came four months later. Lehner reviewed the contracts and organizational chart with Attorney Riggs, met the personnel committee and KMU on April 9 2025, the KMU Commission signed on April 23 2025, and the council gave final approval on June 10 2025. The April target Lehner set in the March update slipped by two months.
4-8-25, 5-13-25 and 6-10-25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-06-10
He will be putting together a recommended organizational chart and revised agreements that will be presented back to the personnel committee and then to the KMU Commission before coming back to the city council.
Update on the KMU process, where the personnel committee had reviewed the five City/KMU agreements and the current organizational chart.
What happened nextThe work finished and the council signed off on June 10 2025. The KMU Commission accepted and signed the five City and KMU contracts on April 23 2025, and the council then approved all six items together, the Administrative Staff Supervision Agreement, Building and Property Control Agreement, Personnel Utilization Agreement, Billing Agreement, Municipal Project Agreement and the organizational chart, on a motion by Helgeson seconded by Kirchmann.
6-10-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-06-10
Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2025 Criminal Prosecution Contract from XI / New Business / F Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes: Payment of check numbers, 75739 through 75835; 5258E through 5327E Resolution 2025-01: Establishing License Fees and Compensation Annual licenses Minutes and Appointments Kennedy & Graven 2025 Rates for Legal Services Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2025 Criminal Prosecution Contract Motion carried
Vendor fee request listed under New Business and moved to consent.
At the meetingApproved on the amended consent agenda 5-0-0.
What happened nextThe request was approved. It was moved off New Business item XI.F onto the amended consent agenda and passed 5-0-0 on a motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson, in the same motion that carried the Kennedy and Graven rates and Resolution 2025-01. Jacobsen came back for the same increase a year later, on the December 9 2025 consent agenda for the 2026 contract. Neither the old rate nor the new one is recorded.
Two consecutive prosecution fee increases were approved with no dollar amount entering the public record at either meeting.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated · taken up again 2025-02-11
Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2025 Criminal Prosecution Contract from XI / New Business / F Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes: Payment of check numbers, 75739 through 75835; 5258E through 5327E Resolution 2025-01: Establishing License Fees and Compensation Annual licenses Minutes and Appointments Kennedy & Graven 2025 Rates for Legal Services Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2025 Criminal Prosecution Contract Motion carried
The fee increase request was moved to the consent agenda and approved without recorded figures.
At the meetingApproved as part of the amended consent agenda 5-0-0.
We hold no dataThe size of the Jacobsen Law increase is not stated in any document we hold, for 2025 or for the identical 2026 request that went onto the December 9 2025 consent agenda. The Jacobsen Law fee request letter or the signed criminal prosecution contract would settle it. David Jacobsen of Jacobsen Law Firm is the designated prosecuting attorney.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 12.9.25_Council_Agenda_and_Packet_Updated · would settle it: Jacobsen Law's 2025 contract and fee request letter
Kennedy & Graven 2025 Rates for Legal Services from VIII / Legal / F Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2025 Criminal Prosecution Contract from XI / New Business / F Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes: Payment of check numbers, 75739 through 75835; 5258E through 5327E Resolution 2025-01: Establishing License Fees and Compensation Annual licenses Minutes and Appointments Kennedy & Graven 2025 Rates for Legal Services Jacobsen Law - Request for
Kennedy & Graven 2025 rates were moved from Legal to the consent agenda and approved without recorded figures.
At the meetingApproved as part of the amended consent agenda 5-0-0.
We hold no dataNo Kennedy and Graven rate figures appear anywhere in our holdings, for 2025 or for 2026. Both years passed the same way, moved onto the consent agenda and approved in a single motion with no amount recorded. The Kennedy and Graven annual rate letter would settle it. Scott Riggs of Kennedy and Graven Chartered is the designated city attorney.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated · would settle it: The Kennedy & Graven 2025 rate letter
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on January 7, 2025. No public comment was received at the hearing.
Basis for the Planning Commission's recommendations to adopt the five zoning and licensing ordinances.
Partly answeredThe claim is corroborated for three of the five ordinances. The January 7 2025 hearing and the absence of public comment are recorded separately for Ordinance 108 on accessory buildings, Ordinance 109 on residential performance standards in R-1 and R-2, and Ordinance 110 adding tattoo parlors and body art establishments as permitted uses in the C-1 Downtown Commercial district. Each was adopted on a roll call vote of 5-0-0. We hold no passage for Ordinances 111 and 112 and no January 7 2025 Planning Commission minutes.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda · taken up again 2025-02-11
At the December council meeting, the council expressed interest in entering into an agreement with Goodhue County to have them responsible for the registration and compliance checks.
Background for the Goodhue County delegation agreement.
We hold no dataWe hold no December 2024 council minutes, so the only evidence for what the council expressed that night is Attorney Riggs restating it two months later. The December 2024 council minutes would settle it.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda · would settle it: December 2024 council minutes
At the December council meeting, the council expressed interest in entering into an agreement with Goodhue County to have them responsible for the registration and compliance checks. Attorney Riggs stated that this agreement could be rescinded at any time.
Council approval of the Goodhue County cannabis retail registration delegation agreement.
At the meetingCouncil approved the delegation agreement 5-0-0.
Partly answeredThe council approved the Goodhue County delegation agreement 5-0-0 on the attorney's representation, but we hold no termination clause from the signed agreement to test it. The only agreement language our record preserves on this is a choice of law and venue provision in an unrelated 2026 contract. The signed Goodhue County Delegation Agreement for Cannabis Retail Registration would settle whether rescission is truly unilateral and immediate.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda · taken up again 2025-02-11
Kenyon Municipal Utility Commission a. Doug Henke 5. Historic Preservation Commission a. Vacant 6. Park & Recreation a. Jill Warner b. Vacant 7.
2025 Appointments list names Jill Warner and shows a second seat vacant.
What happened nextThe second Park and Recreation seat was still vacant in the 2026 appointments, and the first seat changed hands, with Bailey Ament replacing Jill Warner. The board oversees 18 park and recreation facilities on file, including Depot Park, the Kenyon Municipal Swimming Pool, Riverside Park and Disc Golf Course and Trondheim Park.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated; data/parks_recreation.csv · taken up again 2026-03-10
Elana Brunner 4. Kenyon Municipal Utility Commission a. Doug Henke 5. Historic Preservation Commission a. Vacant 6.
2025 Appointments and Designations list shows no appointee.
What happened nextThe Historic Preservation Commission seat was still vacant in the 2026 Appointments and Designations list, in both the February 10 and March 10 2026 packets, so it has gone unfilled for at least fourteen months. The wider picture got worse over that period: the Planning Commission held Jim Malloy and Elana Brunner in 2025 and shows all three seats vacant in 2026. The city has a comparable gap on valuation, where the county Assessor has run the Board of Appeal as an open book since 2023 because no council member holds the required training.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 3-10-26_Council_Packet_Updated; KENYON_DATA_IN_MEETINGS.md · taken up again 2026-03-10
XI.G LMC Council Training
League of Minnesota Cities council training listed under New Business.
What happened nextThe council voted 5-0-0, on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey, to send all council members and the city administrator to the LMC Elected Leaders Institute in Mankato on February 7 and 8. Interim City Administrator Boyles recommended it and said the funds were already in the city council budget. No individual registration list is in our holdings. The League relationship later produced money as well as training: Kenyon took up the LMC Grant Navigator program in July 2026, which pays up to $5,000 per city against a $500,000 program cap.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 7.14.26_Council_Packet_Updated; GRANTS.md · taken up again 2025-02-11
XI.H Resolution 2025-02: A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of 2025 Donations Summary Report Resolution 2025-02 Authorizing Acceptance of 2022 Donations.docx FYI FYI - Department and Committee Updates Summary Report FYI 1-14-25.pdf XII. COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS XIII. ADJOURNMENT 5 AGENDA ITEM NO. III.A Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: January 14, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Holli Gudknecht, Administration ITEM TYPE: Agenda AGENDA SECTION: ADOPT AGENDA SUBJECT: Agenda for 1/14/2025
Donation acceptance resolution listed on the agenda but not shown as adopted.
What happened nextResolution 2025-02 was adopted on a motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson, carried 5-0-0, accepting donations of $45,488.23. The parallel resolution a year later, Resolution 2026-02 accepting 2025 donations, passed on the consent agenda with no dollar figure recorded.
The agenda titled the item as acceptance of 2025 donations, but the resolution the council actually adopted accepted the 2024 donations of $45,488.23.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 2-10-26_Council_Packet · taken up again 2025-02-11
XI.F Add Signatory at Security State Bank of Kenyon Summary Report XI.G LMC Council Training Summary Report RCA LMC Training.docx XI.H Resolution 2025-02: A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of 2025 Donations Summary Report Resolution 2025-02 Authorizing Acceptance of 2022 Donations.docx FYI FYI - Department and Committee Updates Summary Report FYI 1-14-25.pdf XII. COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS XIII. ADJOURNMENT 5 AGENDA ITEM NO. III.A Agenda Item Summary CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT DATE: January 14, 2025
Bank signature authority change listed on the agenda.
What happened nextDonald Kirchmann was added as a signer on the City of Kenyon checking account at Security State Bank of Kenyon, motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey, carried 5-0-0. Three more signers followed in June 2025, when Randy Eggert, James Malloy and Jerry Houglum were added on the same 5-0-0 vote. Security State Bank is one of the city's designated depositories alongside 4M and Northland Securities.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda; 6-10-25_COUNCIL_PACKET_Updated · taken up again 2025-06-10
Agenda item XI.B, KMU Discussion, has no recorded discussion or action in the minutes.
We hold no dataWe hold nothing on the KMU Discussion item. The later passages offered are generic consent agenda boilerplate from 2026 packets and do not touch it. The January 14 2025 minutes or the administrator's notes for that agenda item would settle whether it was taken up, tabled or dropped.
tasks/2025-01-14 agenda item XI.B · would settle it: Minutes or staff notes showing whether the item was taken up or deferred
XI.D Ag Lease for 10.5 Acres City Owned Land Summary Report KenyonAgricultural Lease 2025-2027 Wickum.doc Wickum Ag Land View.pdf XI.E Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2025 Criminal Prosecution Contract Summary Report Jacobsen Law Firm.pdf 4 XI.F Add Signatory at Security State Bank of Kenyon Summary Report XI.G LMC Council Training Summary Report RCA LMC Training.docx XI.H Resolution 2025-02: A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of 2025 Donations Summary Report Resolution 2025-02 Authorizing
Listed on the January 14 agenda under New Business but absent from the written record.
What happened nextThe council approved the 10.5-acre ag lease with Scott Wickum on a motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner, carried 5-0-0, a three-year renewal on city land along Highway 60 east of the Waste Treatment Plant. With the Nystuen lease approved the same night, the city has 12.75 acres out on ag leases. Neither rent figure appears in our records.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda · taken up again 2025-02-11
XI.C Ag Lease for 2.25 Acres City Owned Land Summary Report Nystuen Ag Land view.pdf KenyonAgricultural Lease 2025-2027 Nystuen.doc XI.D Ag Lease for 10.5 Acres City Owned Land Summary Report KenyonAgricultural Lease 2025-2027 Wickum.doc Wickum Ag Land View.pdf XI.E Jacobsen Law - Request for Increase to Fees for 2025 Criminal Prosecution Contract Summary Report Jacobsen Law Firm.pdf 4 XI.F Add Signatory at Security State Bank of Kenyon Summary Report XI.G LMC Council Training Summary Report RCA LMC Training.docx
Listed on the January 14 agenda under New Business but absent from the written record.
What happened nextThe council approved the 2.25-acre ag lease with Richard Nystuen on a motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey, carried 5-0-0, as recorded in the February 11 2025 packet. It is a renewal of a three-year lease on city land just east of the wastewater plant overflow lagoon. The rent is not stated in any document we hold.
2.11.25_Council_Packet__Agenda · taken up again 2025-02-11
During the open house, Bolton & Menk's design team will share information about the project and answer questions.
2025 street and utility improvements public outreach.
What happened nextThe design team held the meeting on January 27 2025 and four residents came with comments, but no summary of those comments is in our holdings. Resident objections surfaced instead at the assessment hearing: no residents attended in person, and two contacted Engineer Olinger in advance, the owner at 10 Slee Street saying the assessment was too high and the owner at 608 8th Street opposing the 8th Street work. The hearing was continued to July 8 2025 and closed without action on assessments because the project was being rebid.
3-11-25_council_packet_(1); 6-10-25_COUNCIL_PACKET_Updated; 7.8.25_Updated_Council_Packet_and_Agenda · taken up again 2025-07-08
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS ENGINEERING 2025 Street and Utility Improvements Engineer Olinger stated that there will be an open house neighborhood meeting on Monday, January 27 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at city hall. Residents who will be affected by the 2025 street and utility improvements will be mailed a notice.
Notice of an open house neighborhood meeting on the 2025 street and utility improvement project.
What happened nextThe notices went out and the open house was held January 27 2025 at city hall from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, with four residents attending and offering comments. The May 13 2025 minutes confirm what the mailing contained and that it was not final: the notices included sidewalk assessments for the 8th Street alternate walk, and staff committed to sending another official notice to affected properties if the council omitted that alternate.
3-11-25_council_packet_(1); 5-13-25_council_packet_updated · taken up again 2025-03-11
FINANCIAL IX.A December 2025 Financial Reports and Payment of Claims Summary Report REVENUE REPORT.pdf EXPENSE REPORT.pdf CHECKS 1-13-26.pdf X.
Financial section includes revenue and expense reports alongside the administrator's year-end wrap-up item.
Partly answeredNo closed year-end 2025 statements appear in anything we hold, and the only status report is that staff were completing year-end tasks and transferring files. The 2025 actuals that surface later in budget tables are specific enough to be useful: computer support $26,903 against an $8,500 budget, administration outside services $99,689, municipal liquor card processing $22,956, and city administration medical, dental, life and disability $88,069. The audited statements from BerganKDV, engaged at $27,540, would close the year properly.
2-10-26 Council Packet, KENYON_IT_SPEND.md, 9-8-26 Council Packet budget tables · taken up again 2026-01-13
Vacant 6. Appointments a. Acting Mayor – Mary Bailey b. Legal Newspaper – TBD c. Depository – Security State Bank, 4M, Northland Securities d.
New Business item XII.A listing designations for the year.
What happened nextThe slate was adopted: Acting Mayor Mary Bailey, legal newspaper the Kenyon Leader, depository Security State Bank with 4M and Northland Securities, City Attorney Scott Riggs of Kennedy and Graven, Prosecuting Attorney David Jacobsen, City Engineer Derek Olinger of Bolton and Menk, and City Auditor BerganKDV. The one substantive change from 2025 is the auditor, which moved from Abdo Eick and Meyers to BerganKDV following the December 2024 RFP where BerganKDV bid $27,540 to $29,500 against CliftonLarsonAllen at $97,640 to $70,940.
1-14-25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets, KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2026-01-13
NEW BUSINESS A. 2026 Appointments and Designations 1. Library Board – 3-Year Term a. Renee Caron b. Bryana Lothert 2.
2026 Appointments and Designations list naming two Library Board nominees.
What happened nextRenee Caron and Bryana Lothert were appointed to the Library Board on the adopted 2026 appointments list, replacing Kayla Larkin, the single name on the 2025 list. Term end dates are not stated in anything we hold. The library itself runs on SELCO hosting at $230 a year plus $347.55 a month for integrated library system support, with the automation line budgeted at $6,500 for both 2026 and 2027.
2-10-26 Council Packet and KENYON_IT_SPEND.md · taken up again 2026-01-13
Kennedy & Graven - Request for Increase to Fees for 2026 Legal Services B. CMPAS Alternate – Remove Jim Malloy, Add John Lee C.
Consent agenda item updating the city's alternate representative to CMPAS.
What happened nextThe change was approved on the consent agenda in January 2026, but the paperwork lagged. By March 10 2026 the packet notes that CMPAS wanted Resolution 2026-09 signed and returned to confirm removing Jim Malloy and appointing John Lee as alternate on the CMMPA and CMPAS boards, and that Resolution 2026-07 verbally approved in February also still needed a signed copy for the record. John Lee then resigned from KMU with a last day of August 14 2026, which puts the alternate seat back in play.
3-10-26 Council Packet and 9-8-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-03-10
Nineteen annual licenses for haulers, recyclers, sidewalk users, a dance license, and mobile merchants are up for approval.
What happened nextThe annual licenses were approved in one motion on the consent agenda, Helgeson seconded by Brunner, carried 5-0-0. The comparable 2025 list names Flom Disposal twice, Waste Management twice, Veit, LRS of Minn, Goodhue County Public Works, Countryside Rental and City and Lakes Disposal for hauling and recycling, then Kenyon Ace Hardware, Kenyon VFW Post 141, Mary's Rustic Rose, Mark Lenway, D and S Banner Sign and Print, Angie's and Taco Express for sidewalk use. No insurance certificates and no fee payment records are in anything we hold.
1-14-25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-01-13
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following license fees and compensation shall be effective on or after January 13, 2026.
Consent agenda item setting fees including tobacco, liquor on-sale, Sunday liquor, 3.2 beer, and wine licenses.
Partly answeredResolution 2026-01 was adopted on the consent agenda on a motion by Helgeson seconded by Brunner, carried 5-0-0, but the 2026 dollar amounts are not in anything we hold so no comparison to the prior year is possible. The 2025 schedule that we do hold set tobacco at $75, on-sale liquor at $1,100, Sunday liquor at $200, on-sale 3.2 beer at $600, on-sale wine at $500, garbage and recycling at $125 each, a dance license at $40 and golf cart registration at $40. The adopted 2026 fee schedule would settle whether any of these moved.
1-14-25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-01-13
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Kenyon authorizes the acceptance of 2024 donations in the amount of $25,729.47. Adopted by the Kenyon City Council on this 13th day of January, 2026. Donald Kirchmann Mayor ATTEST: Scott Lehner City Administrator 11 12 RESOLUTION 2026-01 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH LICENSE FEES AND COMPENSATION WHEREAS, Section 1000.03 of the Kenyon City Code provides that license fees for licenses and compensation not specifically set by the Code, shall be fixed and determined by resolution of the
Resolution 2026-02 as attached to the consent agenda uses conflicting years and two different dollar figures.
Partly answeredThe inconsistency is a reused template, and it recurs every year in the record. The 2025 agenda listed Resolution 2025-02 as accepting 2025 donations while its attached file was named for 2022 donations and the motion actually accepted 2024 donations of $45,488.23. The 2026 consent agenda then listed Resolution 2026-02 as accepting 2025 donations while its text recites $45,488.23 received in 2024 and authorizes $25,729.47, a gap of $19,758.76 between the two figures in one document. The city's donation ledger for the year is what would settle which number is correct.
The donation resolution names three different years across its title, recitals and attachment, and states two dollar totals that differ by $19,758.76.
1-14-25, 2.11.25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets
WHEREAS, the City of Kenyon received various donations in the amount of $45,488.23 in 2024; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Kenyon authorizes the acceptance of 2024 donations in the amount of $25,729.47. Adopted by the Kenyon City Council on this 13th day of January, 2026. Donald Kirchmann Mayor ATTEST: Scott Lehner City Administrator 11 12 RESOLUTION 2026-01 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH LICENSE FEES AND COMPENSATION WHEREAS, Section 1000.03 of the Kenyon City Code provides that license fees for
Donation acceptance resolution on the consent agenda.
What happened nextThe $45,488.23 figure is a real total, but it belongs to a resolution the council already passed a year earlier. Resolution 2025-02 authorizing acceptance of 2024 donations of $45,488.23 was approved February 11 2025 on a motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson, carried 5-0-0, and the January 2025 packet described it as the 2024 donations not already accepted during the year. The donor-by-donor ledger is not in anything we hold.
The 2026 resolution recites a 2024 donation total the council had already formally accepted in February 2025.
1-14-25 and 2.11.25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-02-11
Year-end Wrap-Up Update
Administrator Update agenda item on closing out 2025.
What happened nextLehner reported only that staff had been busy completing year-end tasks and transferring files. No closing summary and no list of outstanding 2025 items appears in anything we hold, so the wrap-up as recorded carries no detail to check.
2-10-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-01-13
Step Increase/COLA 2. Benefits-MN Family Leave 3. Performance Evaluations 4. Computer/Office/Conference Room 5.
Administrator Update agenda item covering city office equipment and space.
What happened nextMike from On-Site Computers reviewed the city's computer needs and layout, and the planned upgrades are a new computer and monitors for the finance office, an upgraded conference room system, and a new printer for the deputy clerk. No quote for any of it appears in our record. The spending context is that computer support ran $26,903 in 2025 against an $8,500 budget, with $19,000 budgeted for 2026 and $21,600 proposed for 2027, and On-Site Computers billed $1,500 to $2,700 a month in spring 2025.
Computer support ran $26,903 in 2025 against an $8,500 budget, more than three times the appropriation, before any of these upgrades were quoted.
2-10-26 Council Packet and KENYON_IT_SPEND.md · taken up again 2026-01-13
Performance Evaluations 4. Computer/Office/Conference Room 5. Reposting of Administrative Assistance Position 6.
Administrator Update agenda item indicating the position will be reposted.
What happened nextThe position was reposted after the selected candidate declined the offer, with a new application deadline at the end of January 2026. The first posting had closed November 17 2025 and the council voted 4-1-0 to continue that hiring process, with Sjolander the sole nay. The role turned over again within the year: Rachel Goven resigned effective August 7 2026 for a family relocation and the position was posted a third time with an August 25 2026 deadline.
12.9.25, 2-10-26 and 9-8-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-09-08
Performance Evaluations
Administrator Update agenda item listing performance evaluations.
What happened nextLehner reported he had received all performance reviews from supervisors and had completed the department head reviews, but was holding distribution pending the council's decision on step increases. That decision came at the same meeting, when the council voted to pay a 2026 step increase retroactive to the first payroll. No evaluation schedule or written review process appears in anything we hold.
2-10-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-01-13
Benefits-MN Family Leave
Administrator Update agenda item on benefits.
What happened nextMinnesota Paid Leave took effect January 1 2026 with the premium split evenly, the city paying 50 percent and employees paying 50 percent through payroll deduction. Lehner reported at this meeting that all required paperwork had been submitted and deductions had begun. The deduction had an immediate staffing cost: part-time employee Brittni Schmitz told the council the same night that she would not continue, citing ineligibility for the cost-of-living and step increases together with the new payroll deduction.
12.9.25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-01-13
Administrator to update Council on step increases and cost-of-living adjustment for staff.
What happened nextA 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment was already in the 2026 budget but no step increase was, and Lehner put the cost of adding one at approximately $41,000. The council moved, Sjolander seconded by Kirchmann, to pay a step increase for 2026 retroactive to the first payroll of the year, and Lehner recommended a January cost-of-living adjustment with steps on employee anniversary dates from 2027. That $41,000 is 2.7 percent of the $1,528,541 certified 2026 levy.
2-10-26 Council Packet and taxes/levy.html · taken up again 2026-01-13
Reposting of Administrative Assistance Position 6. Year-end Wrap-Up Update 7. Transitioning KMU into the City Banking System Summary Report VII.
Administrator Update agenda item listing the KMU banking transition.
What happened nextThe transition finished. Lehner reported it ongoing and needing more time at this meeting, and on July 14 2026 he told the council the KMU checking account had been officially closed the previous week. Consolidating the KMU and city accounts was one of the named tasks in the Abdo engagement approved August 12 2025 at $92,100 a year.
7.14.26 Council Packet and 8.12.25 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-07-14
Public Utility Commission a. Don Kirchmann 4. Historic Preservation Commission a. Vacant 5. Park & Recreation a. Bailey Ament b. Vacant 6.
2026 Appointments and Designations list.
Partly answeredOne Park and Recreation seat was vacant in 2025 alongside Jill Warner and one was vacant again in 2026 alongside Bailey Ament, so the committee has carried a single opening through both cycles with full turnover of the filled seat. The city has 18 parks and recreation facilities on file for that committee to cover, including Depot Park, the municipal swimming pool and Riverside Park. A candidate application would settle it.
1-14-25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets, data/parks_recreation.csv · taken up again 2026-01-13
Vacant c. Vacant 3. Public Utility Commission a. Don Kirchmann 4. Historic Preservation Commission a. Vacant 5.
2026 Appointments and Designations list shows a vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission.
Partly answeredThe Historic Preservation Commission seat was vacant on the 2025 list and still vacant on the 2026 list, so it has gone unfilled for at least two appointment cycles. The January 2025 packet flagged it directly, noting vacant spots on the Historic Preservation Commission and Park and Recreation plus two council members still needed for the Audit Committee. A candidate application is what is missing.
1-14-25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-01-13
Library Board – 3-Year Term 1. Renee Caron 2. Bryana Lothert 2. Planning Commission – 2-Year Term 1. Vacant 2. Vacant 3. Vacant 3.
2026 Appointments and Designations shows no nominees for the Planning Commission.
Partly answeredAll three Planning Commission seats were still vacant when the 2026 appointments list was adopted, against two filled seats a year earlier when Jim Malloy and Elana Brunner held them. No candidate name appears in anything we hold after that, and the vacancy matters because the Planning Commission is the body that held the Kenyon Crossings hearings on August 4 and September 1 2026. Names of residents willing to serve would settle it.
1-14-25 and 2-10-26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-01-13
Legal Newspaper – TBD
2026 Appointments and Designations list, with newspaper publication statutes and two newspaper submissions attached.
What happened nextThe Kenyon Leader was designated legal newspaper for 2026, the same designation it held in 2025. Terry Campbell of the Kenyon/Wanamingo Messenger had asked to be considered at the December 9 2025 meeting and was not selected. The Leader is owned by APG Media of Southern Minnesota, its paid circulation has fallen from 2,866 to 416, and the city paid APG on 19 register lines between November 2024 and August 2026, with Kenyon's annual legal-notice spend running roughly $2,600.
2-10-26 Council Packet, APG_MEDIA_DOSSIER, MN_CITY_NOTICE_SPEND · taken up again 2026-01-13
There will be not separate discussion of these items unless a Council member, City staff or citizen so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. IV.A A. Kennedy & Graven - Request for Increase to Fees for 2026 Legal Services B.
Consent agenda item with the firm's 2026 rate sheet attached.
What happened nextThe Kennedy and Graven 2026 rates for legal services were approved on the consent agenda on a motion by Helgeson seconded by Brunner, carried 5-0-0, the same route the 2025 rates took a year earlier. The rate sheet itself is not in anything we hold, so the size of the increase is unknown. The budget effect is visible: the city attorney legal line ran $68,326.50 in the earliest year shown, was budgeted $50,000, and is proposed at $60,000 for 2027.
2-10-26 Council Packet and 9-8-26 Council Packet account 101-41610-304 · taken up again 2026-01-13
Kenyon Fire Relief Association – Don Kirchmann and Scott Lehner Summary Report 3 Newspaper Publication.pdf Newspaper Statutes.pdf Newspaper.pdf Messenger.pdf XI.B Part-Time Police Recommendation Summary Report Police Letter.pdf XII.
New Business item XI.B with an attached 'Police Letter.pdf'.
What happened nextThe council approved hiring part-time police officers on a motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner, carried 5-0-0, after the chief reported interest from trained officers already working in the profession. The part-time bench mattered later: on September 8 2026 part-time officers were covering while the chief and the one full-time officer were on vacation, and the full-time vacancy posted July 28 2026 at $33.54 an hour entry had drawn no applicants.
The minutes name the recommending officer Police Chief Sjolander, while the September 8 2026 agenda lists Jeff Sjoblom as police chief and Sjolander as a council member casting votes.
2-10-26 Council Packet, 9-8-26 Council Packet, data/jobs.csv · taken up again 2026-09-08
ENGINEERING A. 2025 Street and Utility Improvements 1. Fitzgerald Excavating and Trucking Change Order No. 1 IX.
Engineering item on the agenda with an attached change order document.
What happened nextChange Order No. 1 was tabled at the December 9 2025 meeting and approved at this one, on a motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner, carried 5-0-0. It is a contract amendment extending the completion dates for 2025 work to reflect the extra time needed for the 2nd Street watermain and other 2025 season work. No dollar or contract-time figure for the change order appears in anything we hold, and the base contract is $2,294,629.25.
2-10-26 Council Packet · taken up again 2026-01-13
Resolution 2026-05: Approving the Application and Committing the Local Match and Authorizing Contract Signature Summary Report Resolution 2026-03 Approving_redevelopment_grant_application.docx Resolution 2026-04 Confirming_the_City_of_Kenyon_s_Willingness_to_work_with_Rebound_Real_Estate_on_TIF_fo 2 Resolution 2026-05 Approving_application_and_comitting_the_local_match_and_authorizing_contract_signature.docx IX.
Resolution 2026-05 commits a local match and authorizes contract signature but the packet materials do not show the figure.
Partly answeredThe local match figure is not in anything we hold. What the record does carry is the surrounding stack: a DEED grant reported at $180,000, city tax increment assistance of $1,855,000 over 26 years approved May 18 2026, and a $3,000,000 investor raise still open in August 2026. The text of Resolution 2026-05 and the redevelopment grant application budget would settle the match amount.
KENYON_INCENTIVES.md and 9-8-26 Council Packet
Resolution 2026-05: Approving the Application and Committing the Local Match and Authorizing Contract Signature Summary Report Resolution 2026-03 Approving_redevelopment_grant_application.docx Resolution 2026-04 Confirming_the_City_of_Kenyon_s_Willingness_to_work_with_Rebound_Real_Estate_on_TIF_fo 2 Resolution 2026-05 Approving_application_and_comitting_the_local_match_and_authorizing_contract_signature.docx IX.
Legal section of the January 13, 2026 agenda covering the Rebound Project TIF and Sunset Homes redevelopment.
What happened nextTwo of the three passed and one was held. Resolution 2026-03 approving the application was adopted on a motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson, carried 5-0-0; Resolution 2026-04 on willingness to work with Rebound on tax increment financing was tabled on Attorney Riggs's recommendation; Resolution 2026-05 committing the local match was moved by Bailey and seconded by Brunner. The TIF thread finished later in the year, with $1,855,000 of assistance over 26 years approved May 18 2026 and Resolution 2026-18 creating Municipal Development District No. 2 and TIF District No. 2-1 adopted June 30 2026.
2-10-26 Council Packet and KENYON_INCENTIVES.md · taken up again 2026-06-30