What happened
- Resolution 2019-27 appointed Council Member Doug Henke as Mayor "until the next election" (4-0-0)
- Resolution 2019-26 declared Henke's council seat vacant; two interested parties to meet Council Sept. 4 at 4:30 and 4:45
- Residents Jayne and Erick McLean complained about smoke from the City compost pile burn, including green-treated lumber; compost plan to be discussed in September
- Bolton & Menk authorized to prepare the NPDES/SDS wastewater permit renewal for a fixed $11,000, plus up to $3,000 additional coordination; application due September 2, 2019
- Change Order #2 approved with RAW Construction adjusting substantial completion on the 2nd Street Sanitary Sewer project (final completion still September 13)
- Resolution 2019-25 accepted the Red Wing Avenue feasibility report; public hearing set for September 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm and information meeting September 5, 5-7 pm
- Resolution 2019-24 moved part-time police officers to the PERA Police and Fire Fund, an estimated $641 annual increase
- Wold Architects & Engineers selected at $15,000 for the Gunderson House historic structures study, half covered by a $10,000 CLG grant
- Clifton Larson appointed for the 2019 City, KMU and Liquor Store audits at a quoted $20,950 (2018 cost was $20,225)
- DEED approved the City's BDPI business park grant of $672,096; police building layout in former ambulance building estimated at $75,000
- Sale of 411 Bullis St purchase agreement executed with closing set for August 28, 2019
- Budget work session set for Wednesday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m. ahead of the preliminary levy adoption
What was asked 26 raised · 2 settled
Every question, assignment, pending figure and unsourced claim from this meeting, quoted from the record, each checked against the county, census, listing, bid and budget data we hold.
Kenyon Area Historical Society – Oktoberfest Event– September 14, 2019 Kevin Anderson, representing the Kenyon Area Historical Society, requested approval to hold an Oktoberfest event at the Gunderson House on Saturday September 14, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. KAHS is working with the Muni to coordinate the event.
New business request for a community event at a City property.
At the meetingCouncil approved the KAHS Oktoberfest event on September 14, 2019.
The Oktoberfest became a recurring Historical Society event at the Gunderson House. On August 10, 2021 the council approved the KAHS Oktoberfest for September 18, 2021 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm with alcohol sales, with KAHS coordinating the event with the Muni, and the September 14, 2021 minutes record it as held.
8.10.21_Council_Minutes · taken up again 2021-08-10
This event is scheduled for September 9 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The Police and Fire Departments will also be assisting with this event.
Use of a City building for a school community education event.
At the meetingCouncil approved KW Community Ed's use of the Fire Hall on September 9, 2019.
Fire Hall use by KW Community Ed continued to be handled by case-by-case council approval rather than a standing use agreement. On April 12, 2026 the council approved use of the Fire Hall for a joint fire department and KW Community Ed Summer Safety Event on June 2, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm, with staff noting the fire department is not usually used for public events.
4-12-26_Council_packet_(1) · taken up again 2026-04-12
Update on Police Building Layout – Chief Sjolander Police Chief Sjolander presented a diagram of a possible layout for the police department in the former ambulance building. The preliminary estimate for the project is $75,000.
Update on police building layout in the former ambulance building.
At the meetingChief Sjolander presented a diagram of a possible layout; improvements may be completed in phases if needed.
No written estimate or contractor quote supporting the $75,000 police building figure is in our holdings, and neither the 2019 nor the 2020 budget lines for it are recorded. Council minutes of January 12 2021 show the former police chief office being reassigned to the KMU Supervisor and the front area to the senior citizens, so the department had vacated the old building by then. The 2019 and 2020 building improvement budget lines and any contractor quotes would settle the cost.
1.12.21 Council Minutes · taken up again 2021-01-12
The preliminary levy must by adopted at the September Council meeting, so the budget numbers are needed before this meeting.
Setting a Council work session to review the 2020 budget.
At the meetingCouncil set a work session for Wednesday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m.
The factbook confirms the budget calendar Vahlsing described but holds no 2020 preliminary levy figure. Later packets restate the same rule: the maximum levy must be certified by the end of September and can be reduced but not raised before the final December adoption, and the certified levy history we hold begins with the 2025 preliminary levy of $1,400,000, up 9.55%. The missing piece is the September 2019 packet carrying the draft 2020 budget and the preliminary levy resolution.
taxes/levy.html; 9.13.22_Council_Packet__Agenda
While the part-time officers are currently enrolled in the Coordinated fund. All Minnesota public employees, except full-time police and fire, are enrolled in the Coordinated Fund.
Background for the part-time officer PERA fund change.
The city's audit note confirms Kenyon participates in two PERA plans, the General Employees Retirement Fund and the Public Employees Police and Fire Fund, under Minnesota Statutes chapters 353 and 356, covering all full-time and certain part-time employees. It does not state the statewide eligibility rule that everyone except full-time police and fire is in the Coordinated plan. PERA's membership eligibility statute would settle it.
7-11-23_Council_Packet
Wold Architects and Engineers $15,000 Clayburgh Preservation Architects $37,150 Miller Dunwiddie $46,400 LHB Inc. $22.500 MacDonald Mack Architects $28,300
Work session presentation on firms to conduct the Historic Structures Study.
At the meetingCouncil accepted the quote from Wold Architects & Engineers.
Our bid record confirms two of the five quotes and the award. Wold Architects asked $15,000 and LHB asked $22,500, and the council awarded Wold at $15,000.
Only two of the five quotes Vahlsing listed are in our bid record; the MacDonald Mack, Clayburgh and Miller Dunwiddie figures are not.
KENYON_BIDS.md
The grant was approved for $10,000 in June. This funding will cover up to 50% of the cost of a Historical Structures Report Study for the Gunderson House.
Funding for the Gunderson House historic structures report.
At the meetingCouncil accepted the $15,000 Wold quote, with half from capital funds and half from the grant.
At the awarded price of $15,000, a grant covering up to 50% pays $7,500 and the city's capital funds pay $7,500, so the $10,000 Certified Local Government award would not be drawn in full. Wold completed the study and Vahlsing summarized the final Historic Structures Report to the council on January 12, 2021, and its air conditioning recommendation led to a $4,765 Reliable Heating and Cooling award on May 11, 2021. The SHPO grant award letter and agreement terms are not in our holdings.
KENYON_BIDS.md; 1.12.21_Council_Minutes · taken up again 2021-01-12
Clifton Larson has completed the audits since 2016. The overall cost for the 2018 audit was $20,225. The proposed quote for the 2019 audit would be $20,950.
Appointment of an audit firm for the 2019 audits.
At the meetingCouncil appointed Clifton Larson to complete the 2019 audits on Vahlsing's recommendation.
The bid record confirms the 2019 City/KMU/Liquor audit quote of $20,950 from CliftonLarsonAllen and the award to that firm; the $20,225 figure for the 2018 audit does not appear in our records. CLA continued through the 2020 audit, presented July 13, 2021, then lost the work: Abdo Eick & Meyers won the 2021 audit RFP at $26,875 against CLA's $32,130 on September 14, 2021, and BerganKDV won the December 10, 2024 RFP at $27,540 against CLA's $97,640.
KENYON_BIDS.md, data/bids.csv · taken up again 2021-09-14
Part of this money was budgeted for in 2019 and additional money will be in the 2020 budget. The improvements may be completed in phases if needed.
Plan for funding the police department layout in the former ambulance building.
No phasing plan or 2020 budget allocation for the police building appears in our record. What is recorded is that by January 12 2021 the council authorized the KMU Supervisor to use the former police chief office and let senior citizens use the front area of the former police department building with keypad entry, and that PD building flooring and a squad car were added to capital outlay in the proposed 2024 budget. The 2020 adopted budget line and the layout cost estimates are missing.
1.12.21_Council_Minutes; 9.12.23_Council_Packet__Agenda
The pile burns for many days and the smoke goes right through their house. They also stated that non-compost items are being burnt including green-treated lumber.
Citizen comments on smoke and improper materials at the City compost pile.
At the meetingCouncilman Rechtzigel agreed it would be a good idea to discuss a potential plan for the compost area, to be addressed at the September Council meeting.
We hold nothing on the City compost site, its operating plan, or what materials are burned there. The only later passages mentioning compost are unit-price bid lines for compost material in the 2022 and 2025 street project tabulations, which are unrelated. A written compost site operating plan, the public works burn log, and any MPCA open-burning permit would answer this.
No factbook holding on the compost site · would settle it: A written compost site operating plan and record of what materials are accepted and burned
Councilman Rechtzigel agreed that it would be a good idea to talk about a potential plan for the compost area. This will be addressed at the September Council meeting.
Response to the McLeans' complaint about compost pile burning.
No compost area plan appears in any document we hold, and no later agenda in our holdings shows the September 2019 discussion taking place. The September 2019 council agenda and minutes would show whether the plan item was heard.
No factbook holding on the compost site · would settle it: A drafted compost area plan on the September agenda
The interested parties will meet informally with the council prior to the budget meeting on September 4 at 4:30 and 4:45 respectfully.
Council seat declared vacant after Doug Henke was appointed Mayor.
At the meetingCouncil set informal meetings with the two interested parties on September 4 at 4:30 and 4:45.
We hold no record of who applied for or was appointed to the 2019 council vacancy. The later passages concern a separate 2022 council vacancy and the 2022 appointment of Molly Ryan to the KMU Commission, not this seat. The September or October 2019 minutes with the appointment motion would answer it.
No factbook holding on 2019 council appointments · would settle it: Names of the applicants and a Council resolution of appointment
OLD BUSINESS Update on BDPI Grant – Business Park Project Administrator Vahlsing reviewed the letter received from MN Employment and Economic Development approving the City's grant in the amount of $672,096. DEED is finalizing the grant agreement and related documents.
Update on the Business Development Public Infrastructure grant for the business park project.
At the meetingCouncil was told the grant was approved in the amount of $672,096 and the City is working with CEDA on next steps.
We hold no executed DEED grant agreement for the $672,096 BDPI business park award. The DEED Grant Contract Agreement referenced in 2026 packets is Resolution 2026-14 for the Rebound Real Estate Sunset Homes project, a different grant. The signed BDPI grant contract and CEDA correspondence would answer it.
4-12-26 Council packet; no BDPI agreement in holdings · would settle it: The executed DEED grant agreement
The City is working with CEDA on the next steps in the process. A special EDA meeting will be scheduled in early September to continue the business park development.
Next steps after the BDPI grant approval.
No notice or minutes for a special EDA meeting in September 2019 are in our holdings. The later passages list routine EDA meeting dates in 2025 and 2026. The posted September 2019 EDA meeting notice would answer it.
No factbook holding on 2019 EDA meetings · would settle it: A posted notice with the special EDA meeting date
A preconstruction meeting was held on July 9 with RAW Construction. RAW Construction stated that they would not be able to start the project until late August.
Change Order #2 adjusting the substantial completion date on 2nd Street sanitary sewer improvements.
At the meetingCouncil approved Change Order #2 adjusting the substantial completion date.
We hold no Change Order #2 for the 2nd Street sanitary sewer project and no record of RAW Construction's actual start or completion dates. The later change-order passages cover A-1 Excavating in 2021 and BCM Construction on the 2023 Pearl Creek project. The signed Change Order #2 and the engineer's final pay application would answer it.
No factbook holding on the 2019 2nd Street project · would settle it: The contractor's actual start date and the revised completion dates in Change Order #2
In order to move forward with the project, the Council must approve the feasibility report, set an improvement hearing date, and set a date for a public information meeting.
Council accepted the feasibility report and set hearing dates for Red Wing Avenue.
At the meetingCouncil approved Resolution 2019-25, set the public hearing for September 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm and the information meeting for September 5, 2019 from 5-7 pm at City Hall.
We hold no feasibility report, hearing notice, or minutes for the Red Wing Avenue improvement project of 2019. The later passages describe the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements schedule, with its hearing held October 8 2024, a different project. The September 10 2019 minutes and the published hearing notice would answer it.
No factbook holding on the 2019 Red Wing Avenue project · would settle it: The finalized feasibility report and hearing notices
Additional coordination may be required after the application due date of September 2, 2019 resulting in cost of up to $3,000.
Wastewater NPDES/SDS permit renewal proposal.
At the meetingCouncil authorized Bolton & Menk to proceed at a fixed fee of $11,000 plus additional coordination not to exceed $3,000.
No Bolton & Menk invoices for the NPDES/SDS permit renewal are in our holdings, so we cannot say whether any of the $3,000 additional coordination allowance was used beyond the $11,000 fixed fee. The engineer's invoices for late 2019 and 2020 would answer it.
No factbook holding on 2019 Bolton & Menk invoices · would settle it: Bolton & Menk invoices showing whether additional coordination was needed
The MPCA is requiring the City of Kenyon to provide more information on phosphorus and mercury minimization as part of the 2020 permit renewal.
Explanation of why the permit renewal work is needed.
We hold no MPCA correspondence on phosphorus or mercury minimization and no document showing the wastewater permit expiration date of February 29, 2020. The MPCA permit renewal letter and the current NPDES/SDS permit would answer it.
No factbook holding on the city's NPDES/SDS wastewater permit · would settle it: The MPCA permit renewal requirements letter and current permit expiration date
LEGAL Sale of 411 Bullis St Attorney Riggs stated that the Purchase agreement for 411 Bullis Street has been executed. A closing date is scheduled for August 28, 2019.
Legal update on the executed purchase agreement for 411 Bullis Street.
At the meetingCouncil was informed the purchase agreement has been executed.
We hold nothing on 411 Bullis Street or the August 28, 2019 closing. The follow-up passages concern a 2025 development agreement closing clause, not this sale. A recorded deed or the closing statement in a fall 2019 packet would answer it.
no source in factbook · would settle it: Confirmation the closing occurred and the closing documents
Based on 2018 Part-time police wages the overall annual increase from the Coordinated PERA fund to the Police and Fire fund would be $641.
Resolution 2019-24 revising the PERA contribution formula for part-time officers.
At the meetingCouncil approved Resolution 2019-24.
We hold no PERA employer contribution rate tables and no 2018 part-time police payroll totals, so the 3.25% increase and the $641 annual figure cannot be checked. The later passages record only lump PERA remittances such as $7,175.58 for pay period 12 of 2025, which mix employee and employer shares across all departments. The 2018 part-time police wage detail and PERA's rate schedule would answer it.
6-10-25_COUNCIL_PACKET_Updated · would settle it: PERA contribution rate tables and 2018 part-time police payroll totals
In this fund the City contributes 7.65% toward Medicare/Social security and 7.5% to PERA. With the Coordinated fund 1.45% is contributed toward Medicare and 18.4% toward PERA.
Comparison of PERA fund contribution rates presented with Resolution 2019-24.
We hold no PERA Coordinated or Police and Fire employer contribution rates, so the 7.65%/7.5% versus 1.45%/18.4% comparison cannot be verified. City records show only combined PERA remittance amounts, for example $8,063.35 for pay period 9 of 2025. PERA's published employer rate schedule for 2019 would answer it.
5-13-25_council_packet_updated · would settle it: Official PERA Coordinated and Police & Fire employer contribution rates
Cities Authorized to Set Certain Lower Speed Limits – Update on New law Vahlsing stated that the 2019 Minnesota Legislature has authorized Cities the ability to set speed limits on certain city streets without a MN Dot traffic study. This is for information only and no changes will be made at this time.
Legal update on new state speed limit authority, presented for information only.
At the meetingCouncil took no action.
Nothing in our holdings records any later council action on the 2019 speed limit authority. The follow-up passages concern the annual LMCIT liability limit waiver and do not bear on speed limits. A council resolution establishing speed limits under Minn. Stat. 169.14 subd. 5h, or a street department report, would answer it.
factbook: no entry on speed limits · would settle it: The text of the 2019 statute and any future Council decision to act on it
Currently, two people have expressed interest in the Council position.
Work session and regular meeting discussion of filling the council vacancy.
At the meetingInformal meetings with both were set for September 4.
We hold no letters of interest or work session record from the September 4 2019 meetings with the two interested residents. The only vacancy record we hold is from a later, separate vacancy: on February 8 2022 the council interviewed John Naatz of 405 Trondheim Road and Kimberly Helgeson of 426 4th Street. The 2019 appointment minutes would answer it.
2.8.22_Council_Work_Session_Minutes · would settle it: Letters of interest on file at City Hall
The Foundation aids economic development, early childhood, and community vitality. Early childhood shortages have recently risen to the top of the programs in need.
Presentation on Initiative Foundation activities in economic development, early childhood, and community vitality.
We hold no SMIF program reports or needs assessment data on early childhood. Our SMIF records concern grants only: a $10,000 SMIF grant funded the Depot Park shelters, and the September 8 2026 packet describes a SMIF Taylor Family Farms Rural Development Grant of up to $20,000 with no match for the Depot Park concrete work. SMIF's own program priority documents would answer it.
KENYON_DEPOT_PARK.md; 9-8-26 Council Packet · would settle it: SMIF program reports or needs assessment data
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS Councilman Rechtzigel thanked Henke for accepting the Mayor position. Councilman Mortensen was happy that two new members joined the Park & Rec committee last night.
Council general comments.
We hold no Park & Rec committee roster or 2019 minutes naming the two new members. Later packets record only that Park & Rec seats were still vacant on January 13 and January 14 2025. The August 12 2019 Park & Rec minutes would answer it.
1-13-25_Council_Packet_Updated · would settle it: Park & Rec committee roster or minutes
Additional coordination may be required after the application due date of September 2, 2019 resulting in cost of up to $3,000. The cost of the permit renewal of $1,240 was included in the 2019 budget.
Comparison of budgeted versus actual cost for the NPDES permit renewal.
At the meetingCouncil authorized the $11,000 fee anyway.
We hold no 2019 budget line for wastewater permit renewal and no Bolton & Menk proposal for the NPDES renewal documentation. The follow-up passages address cannabis license and registration fees and do not bear on the permit. The 2019 adopted budget and the engineer's proposal would answer it.
factbook: no wastewater permit entry · would settle it: The 2019 budget line for permit renewal and the Bolton & Menk proposal
Decisions 13 motions
Who did what
| Person | At this meeting |
|---|---|
| Doug Henke Council Member, appointed Mayor | Nominated and appointed Mayor by Resolution 2019-27; said he would need everyone's help |
| Richard Nielsen Acting Mayor, Council Member | Called the work session to order, nominated Henke, moved multiple motions including the mayoral appointment and Resolution 2019-25 |
| Dan Rechtzigel Council Member | Moved the NPDES authorization and Resolution 2019-24; said a Council person should step forward as Mayor and supported a compost area plan |
| John Mortensen Council Member | Moved Resolution 2019-26, the Wold contract, Oktoberfest approval and budget work session date; noted two new Park & Rec committee members |
| Mark Vahlsing City Administrator | Reported on council vacancy interest, new speed limit law, BDPI grant, historic study quotes, audit recommendation and budget schedule |
| Scott Riggs City Attorney | Discussed filling the mayoral vacancy and reported the 411 Bullis St purchase agreement executed with an August 28 closing |
| Joe Rhein City Engineer | Presented the NPDES permit renewal proposal, 2nd Street Change Order #2 and Red Wing Avenue feasibility report |
| Lee Sjolander Police Chief | Presented the police building layout diagram and requested the PERA Police and Fire Fund change for part-time officers |
| Wayne Ehrich Public Works Director/Superintendent | Attended the work session and council meeting |
| Holli Gudknecht Administrative Assistant | Recorded and signed the minutes |
| Jennifer Nelson Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation representative | Updated Council on Foundation activities in economic development, early childhood and community vitality |
| Jayne McLean Resident, 133 Gates Avenue | Raised concerns about smoke and non-compost burning at the City compost pile |
| Erick McLean Resident, 133 Gates Avenue | Raised concerns about smoke and non-compost burning at the City compost pile |
| Kevin Anderson Representing Kenyon Area Historical Society | Requested approval for the Oktoberfest event at the Gunderson House on September 14, 2019 |
Organizations named: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, MPCA, Bolton & Menk, RAW Construction, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), CEDA, PERA, Wold Architects & Engineers, LHB Inc., Clayburgh Preservation Architects, Miller Dunwiddie, MacDonald Mack Architects, Clifton Larson, Kenyon Area Historical Society, Kenyon Historic Preservation Commission, Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, KW School District Community Ed, KMU, MnDOT, Kenyon Muni, Kenyon Park & Rec Committee
Figures
| Amount | What |
|---|---|
| $11,000 | Fixed fee to Bolton & Menk to prepare NPDES/SDS wastewater permit renewal documentation |
| $3,000 | Not-to-exceed additional coordination fees after the September 2, 2019 application due date |
| $1,240 | Cost of the permit renewal included in the 2019 budget |
| $672,096 | DEED BDPI grant approved for the business park project |
| $75,000 | Preliminary estimate for police department layout in the former ambulance building |
| $641 | Estimated annual increase moving part-time police from PERA Coordinated to Police and Fire Fund |
| $15,000 | Wold Architects & Engineers quote for the Gunderson House historic structures study (selected) |
| $22,500 | LHB Inc. quote for the historic structures study |
| $10,000 | Minnesota SHPO Certified Local Government Grant approved in June, covering up to 50% of the study |
| $20,950 | Proposed Clifton Larson quote for the 2019 City, KMU and Liquor Store audits (2018 cost was $20,225) |
Said at the meeting
The pile burns for many days and the smoke goes right through their house.
Jayne and Erick McLean, residents of 133 Gates Avenue · minutes, verbatim
Mayor Henke noted that he accepted the Mayor position because he feels that it is important, but will need everyone's help.
Mayor Doug Henke · minutes, verbatim
Rechtzigel stated that is would be best for a Council person to step forward to be Mayor.
Council Member Dan Rechtzigel · paraphrased
The MPCA is requiring the City of Kenyon to provide more information on phosphorus and mercury minimization as part of the 2020 permit renewal.
City Engineer Joe Rhein · minutes, verbatim
Changing this plan may help attract and retain part-time police officers.
Police Chief Lee Sjolander (on PERA change) · minutes, verbatim
Vahlsing stated that this meeting is intended to provide an informal setting for affected property owners to learn about the project and will also allow more time for discussion.
Administrator Mark Vahlsing · minutes, verbatim
Resolutions and ordinances
- Declaring vacant City Council seat This resolution declared the open council seat of Doug Henke who was appointed to MayorRes. 2019-26
- Accepting the Feasibility report and Setting a Public Hearing on the Red Wing Avenue improvement projectRes. 2019-25
- Part-time Police Officers - Revise PERA Contribution Formula Chief Sjolander requested Council approval of a resolution to change the Part-tiRes. 2019-24
The minutes
Official minutes as adopted, from 8.13.19 City Council Mtg Minutes; text extracted from the PDF.
Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 13th day of August 2019.
- Present
- Acting Mayor Richard Nielsen, Council Members, Dan Rechtzigel, Doug Henke, and John Mortensen
- Also present
- Attorney Scott Riggs, Engineer Joe Rhein, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Lee Sjolander, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich
Appoint Mayor And / Or Council Member
Appoint person to vacant Mayor seat.
Motion by Nielsen second by Mortensen to approve Resolution 2019-27 appointing Doug Henke to serve as Mayor until the next election. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Resolution 2019-26 Declaring vacant City Council seat
This resolution declared the open council seat of Doug Henke who was appointed to Mayor.
Motion by Mortensen second by Nielsen to approve Resolution 2019-26 declaring vacant City Council seat. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Appoint person to vacant City Council seat. Administrator Vahlsing stated that two people have indicated interest in serving on the Council. The interested parties will meet informally with the council prior to the budget meeting on September 4 at 4:30 and 4:45 respectfully.
Citizen Comments
Jayne and Erick McLean, who live at 133 Gates Avenue, stated their concerns about burning the City compost pile. The pile burns for many days and the smoke goes right through their house. They also stated that non-compost items are being burnt including green-treated lumber. Councilman Rechtzigel agreed that it would be a good idea to talk about a potential plan for the compost area. This will be addressed at the September Council meeting.
Adopt Agenda
Motion by Nielsen second by Rechtzigel to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Nielsen seconded by Rechtzigel to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 69931 through 70035; 3296E through 3317E; and additional checks 70060 through 70083.
Motion carried 4-0-0Presentations / Public Hearings
Jennifer Nelson from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation updated the Council on recent activities of the Initiative Foundation. The Foundation aids economic development, early childhood, and community vitality. Early childhood shortages have recently risen to the top of the programs in need.
Engineering
Wastewater NPDES/SDS Permit Renewal
City Engineer Rhein stated that MPCA requires all Cities to carry an NPDES permit to operate their wastewater plants. The permit is renewed on a 5-year cycle with the City's permit expiring on February 29, 2020. The MPCA is requiring the City of Kenyon to provide more information on phosphorus and mercury minimization as part of the 2020 permit renewal. The City Engineering firm has submitted a proposal outlining how they will address these requirements as part of the permit renewal. The total fee to prepare the renewal documentation is $11,000. Additional coordination may be required after the application due date of September 2, 2019 resulting in cost of up to $3,000. The cost of the permit renewal of $1,240 was included in the 2019 budget.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Mortensen to authorize Bolton & Menk to proceed with preparing the renewal documentation for a fixed fee of $11,000 along with authorizing any additional coordination needed with fees not to exceed $3,000. Motion carried 4-0-0.
2nd Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements Change Order #2 Engineer Rhein stated that the public meeting on the 2nd Street improvements was held on July 15. A preconstruction meeting was held on July 9 with RAW Construction. RAW Construction stated that they would not be able to start the project until late August. With the later start date, it is anticipated that the contractor would likely not meet the contract substantial completion date of August 30. The contractor does believe that they can still meet the final completion date of September 13. Change Order #2 adjusting the contract substantial completion date to accommodate the schedule change needs to be approved by the Council.
Motion by Nielsen second by Mortensen to approve Change Order #2 with RAW Construction.
Motion carried 4-0-0Red Wing Avenue
Engineer Rhein stated that the feasibility report has been finalized using the feedback received during the previous Council work sessions. In order to move forward with the project, the Council must approve the feasibility report, set an improvement hearing date, and set a date for a public information meeting. Resolution 2019-25 Accepting the Feasibility report and Setting a Public Hearing on the Red Wing Avenue improvement project.
Motion by Nielsen second by Mortensen to approve Resolution 2019-25 and set the public hearing for September 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Set date for public information meeting. Vahlsing stated that this meeting is intended to provide an informal setting for affected property owners to learn about the project and will also allow more time for discussion.
Motion by Nielsen second by Mortensen to call for the public information meeting to be held on September 5, 2019 from 5-7 pm at City Hall.
Legal
Sale of 411 Bullis St
Attorney Riggs stated that the Purchase agreement for 411 Bullis Street has been executed. A closing date is scheduled for August 28, 2019.
Cities Authorized to Set Certain Lower Speed Limits – Update on New law
Vahlsing stated that the 2019 Minnesota Legislature has authorized Cities the ability to set speed limits on certain city streets without a MN Dot traffic study. This is for information only and no changes will be made at this time.
Old Business
Update on BDPI Grant – Business Park Project
Administrator Vahlsing reviewed the letter received from MN Employment and Economic Development approving the City's grant in the amount of $672,096. DEED is finalizing the grant agreement and related documents. The City is working with CEDA on the next steps in the process. A special EDA meeting will be scheduled in early September to continue the business park development. Update on Police Building Layout – Chief Sjolander Police Chief Sjolander presented a diagram of a possible layout for the police department in the former ambulance building. The preliminary estimate for the project is $75,000. Part of this money was budgeted for in 2019 and additional money will be in the 2020 budget. The improvements may be completed in phases if needed.
New Business
Resolution 2019-24 Part-time Police Officers - Revise PERA Contribution Formula
Chief Sjolander requested Council approval of a resolution to change the Part-time police officers from the PERA Coordinated Fund to the PERA Police and Fire Fund. All full-time officers are enrolled in the Police and Fire Fund. While the part-time officers are currently enrolled in the Coordinated fund. All Minnesota public employees, except full-time police and fire, are enrolled in the Coordinated Fund. In this fund the City contributes 7.65% toward Medicare/Social security and 7.5% to PERA. With the Coordinated fund 1.45% is contributed toward Medicare and 18.4% toward PERA. Moving the part-time police officers to the Police and Fire Fund would increase the overall City contribution by 3.25%. Based on 2018 Part-time police wages the overall annual increase from the Coordinated PERA fund to the Police and Fire fund would be $641. This increase would come out of the PD Salaries-Regular portion of the City budget. Changing this plan may help attract and retain part-time police officers.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Henke to approve Resolution 2019-24 revising the PERA contribution formula for part-time police officers. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Appoint Firm to Conduct Historic Structures Study – Gunderson House
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the two finalists to conduct the historic structures study, LHB Inc. and Wold Architects & Engineers, had reviewed their proposals at the earlier Council work session. Wold Architects & Engineers quoted $15,000 and LHB Inc. quoted $22,500. The City would pay half of the fee out of capital funds with the other half being covered by a grant that was received.
Motion by Mortensen second by Nielsen to accept the quote from Wold Architects & Engineers to conduct the historic structure study. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Appoint firm for 2020 City and KMU, and Liquor Store Audit
Vahlsing stated that the Council must appoint a firm to complete the City, KMU, and Liquor Store audits in 2019. Clifton Larson has completed the audits since 2016. The overall cost for the 2018 audit was $20,225. The proposed quote for the 2019 audit would be $20,950. Vahlsing recommended continuing with Clifton Larson.
Motion by Nielsen second by Rechtzigel to appoint Clifton Larson to complete the 2019 audits. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Kenyon Area Historical Society – Oktoberfest Event– September 14, 2019
Kevin Anderson, representing the Kenyon Area Historical Society, requested approval to hold an Oktoberfest event at the Gunderson House on Saturday September 14, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. KAHS is working with the Muni to coordinate the event.
Motion by Mortensen second by Nielsen to approve the KAHS Oktoberfest Event on September 14, 2019.
Motion carried 4-0-0Set dates for Council Work session to review 2020 budget. Administrator Vahlsing stated that a Council work session needed to be scheduled soon to review the 2020 budget. The preliminary levy must by adopted at the September Council meeting, so the budget numbers are needed before this meeting.
Motion by Mortensen second by Henke to set a Council work session for Wednesday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m. Motion carried 4-0-0.
KW School District - Community Ed Use of Fire Hall September 9, 2019
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the School District would like Council approval to use the Fire Hall building for a Community Ed ECFE community fair with vehicles. This event is scheduled for September 9 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The Police and Fire Departments will also be assisting with this event.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Mortensen to approve KW Community Ed's use of the Fire Hall on September 9, 2019. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Other Business
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 21st @ 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 10th @ 7 p.m.
Council And Staff General Comments
Councilman Rechtzigel thanked Henke for accepting the Mayor position.
Councilman Mortensen was happy that two new members joined the Park & Rec committee last night.
Mayor Henke noted that he accepted the Mayor position because he feels that it is important, but will need everyone's help.
Councilman Nielsen welcomed Henke as the new Mayor.
Administrator Vahlsing congratulated Mayor Henke. He was glad he stepped up and accepted the position.
Engineer Rhein sent congrats to Mayor Henke and wished the Council good luck on filling the council position.
Attorney Riggs also sent congrats to Mayor Henke.
Motion by Mortensen second by Rechtzigel to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m.