Watch the meeting
What happened
- Consent agenda approved payment of check numbers 75254 through 75348 and 4703E through 4755E, 5-0-0
- Pay Request No. 1 to BMI Inc. approved for $20,612.39 for 2023 Street Improvements work through the end of September
- Change Order #1 for BCM Construction approved at $14,800.00 for added grading due to concrete rubble in the hillside
- Pay Request No. 1 to BCM Construction approved at $146,217.91 for Pearl Creek sewer work
- Council directed Bolton & Menk and staff to prepare a MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program grant application; preparation cost estimated at $2,800.00, program funds up to $1.5 million, application due December 8, project to be completed by 2026
- Resolution 2023-23 adopted approving the Boyum lot combination of PIDs 66.160.0330 and 66.160.0400, making one conforming lot
- Park and Rec Board met October 2 on trail planning; next step is forming a trail committee
- Fire Department SCBA, compressor and tank replacement estimated at approximately $150,000, with $41,000 in the proposed 2024 budget from State Public Safety Aid; current gear bought in 2007 with a 15-year lifespan
- Firemen's Relief Association request to run pull tabs at the Muni, currently operated by the Kenyon Snow Drifters, sent to a work session after extended debate
- Community entrance sign decision deferred; updated quotes from Schad Tracy and Precision Signs expected at the November meeting
- Police Chief Sjoblom reported the department now has body cameras
What was asked 24 raised · 14 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.
Approve Change Order #1 Engineer Olinger prepared a change order for the cost to complete additional grading work required due to the presence of concrete rubble in the hillside.
Basis for Change Order #1 with BCM Construction, which Council approved.
At the meetingCouncil approved Change Order #1 for $14,800.00, 5-0-0.
The change order breaks down exactly to the $14,800 and the work was fully performed. It carries two lines, 400 cubic yards to haul and dispose of concrete rubble at $22.00 for $8,800 and 400 cubic yards of import fill replacing the removed rubble at $15.00 for $6,000, both shown at 100 percent complete in the later pay applications.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; 8-20-24 AGENDA change order table
Township Fire Contract Meeting: Tuesday, December 5th @ 6:00 p.m. 2023 Budget & Levy Public Meeting: Tuesday, December 5th @ 6:30 p.m.
Schedule of upcoming meetings.
Both meetings were scheduled for Tuesday December 5, the Township Fire Contract Meeting at 6:00 pm and the budget and levy public meeting at 6:30 pm, and the same pairing appears in both the November 14 and December 12 2023 packets. The published newspaper notices themselves are not in our holdings.
The December 5 2023 hearing is labeled the 2023 Budget & Levy Public Meeting, while the city's own practice elsewhere labels the December hearing by the following year's budget.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; 12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda
He was willing to show the fire fighters how to make money on their bingo nights at the Muni. Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to schedule a work session to further discuss the chartable gambling.
After extended discussion between the Fire Relief Association and the Snow Drifters over who operates pull tabs at the Muni, no final decision was made.
At the meetingCouncil voted to schedule a work session rather than decide.
The work session was held as a special council meeting on October 25 2023 devoted entirely to the charitable gambling request. Each council member stated a position and the council then voted 4-1-0 to authorize the Kenyon Fire Relief Association to take over the charitable gambling and the operation of electronic and paper pull tabs at the Municipal Liquor Store, with Henke the only no.
10.25.23 Special Council Meeting Agenda; 11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda · taken up again 2023-10-25
Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association Gambling Request Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Fire Relief Association requested Council approval to operate electronic and paper pull tabs at the Muni.
The pull tabs at the Muni are currently operated by the Kenyon Snow Drifters Club.
At the meetingNo decision; a work session was scheduled instead.
The request was granted 4-1-0 and took effect. By March 2025 the council record states plainly that the Kenyon Fire Relief Association operates pull tabs at the Kenyon Municipal On and Off Sale Liquor Store in conformance with Minnesota lawful gambling statutes. The written Relief Association request and the terms of the prior Snow Drifters arrangement are not in our holdings.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; 3-11-25 council packet · taken up again 2023-10-25
Approve preparation of LRIP Grant Application Motion by Ryan second by Henke directing Bolton & Menk and Staff to prepare the LRIP grant application.
The LRIP program funds eligible road projects and the application deadline is December 8.
At the meetingMotion carried 5-0-0.
The application was prepared and authorized. Resolution 2023-28 authorizing the pursuit of 2023 Local Road Improvement Program funding for the 6th Street reconstruction was moved by Henke and seconded by Bailey as recorded in the December 12 2023 packet, ahead of the December 8 deadline.
12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2023-12-12
Sixth Street from Spring Street to Huseth Street would meet the program eligibility requirements. The grant application is due by December 8. If approved, the project would have to be completed by 2026.
Council authorized preparing an application for up to $1.5 million in road funding.
Kenyon did not get the grant. The November 2025 record states that funding was not awarded in 2023 although the project still scored well, and the city prepared a resolution to submit again in the 2025 solicitation. The 2026 completion condition therefore never bound.
11-12-25 Council Packet · taken up again 2025-11-12
Precision Signs hasn't supplied any examples yet. Updated quotes from both vendors should be available at the November Council meeting.
Sign examples from Schad Tracy were available but Precision Signs had supplied none yet.
Four vendors were priced for the entrance sign, not two. Anderson Memorial asked $23,873 to $25,653, Lewiston Monument $14,500 to $20,500, Precision Signs $19,355.60 and Schad-Tracy $16,512.51, and staff recommended Schad-Tracy at $16,512.51, still unresolved in November 2023.
Our record shows four priced vendors for the sign, not the two Vahlsing described as outstanding.
KENYON_BIDS.md
OLD BUSINESS Administrator Vahlsing stated that the community entrance sign was discussed at the September Council meeting. Sign examples from Schad Tracy were available. Precision Signs hasn't supplied any examples yet.
Old business item on the community entrance sign.
Precision Signs never supplied examples and still won the work. The December 12 2023 minutes repeat that Precision Signs had not supplied any examples, and the council awarded it the sign the same night at $19,355.60. By that meeting the final design had been submitted to MnDOT as part of the right-of-way permit and Precision Signs said it could install in winter but had provided no install date.
The council awarded the entrance sign to the vendor that had supplied no design examples and quoted $2,843.09 more than the vendor that had.
12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2023-12-12
Establishment of Trail Committee Engineer Olinger reported that the Park and Rec Board had met on October 2 and discussed the overall process and next steps for continued planning on a future trail in Kenyon. The next step would be to form a committee.
The Park and Rec Board discussed the overall process and next steps for trail planning.
At the meetingNo committee members were appointed at this meeting.
The trail committee was established and began meeting, with its first meeting reported for Tuesday February 27 2024. By the March 12 2024 record the park board was prioritizing Depot Park improvements ahead of a funding plan, and residents were asked to watch for engagement activities and to contact City Hall to join the trail committee. No council action naming individual committee members appears in our holdings.
3.12.24 Council Packet & Agenda · taken up again 2024-03-12
The Fire Department is currently fundraising money toward the purchase of the SCBA Equipment which would be approximately $150,000.
Ehrich reviewed quotes for replacement breathing apparatus and related equipment.
The purchase was approved in January 2024 from Alex Air Apparatus at $116,805 for SCBA equipment and $39,640 for the compressor, $156,445 in total. Funding was half the State Public Safety Aid at $42,000, $37,000 in donations, and the remaining $77,445 from the fire department capital fund, which then held roughly $255,000.
1-9-24 agenda; factbook KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2024-01-09
The Fire Department is currently fundraising money toward the purchase of the SCBA Equipment which would be approximately $150,000. There is $41,000 in the proposed 2024 budget for the equipment from a portion of the State Public Safety Aid.
Presentation of replacement quotes for fire department breathing apparatus.
The actual total came in at $156,445, about $6,445 above the roughly $150,000 estimate, and the Public Safety Aid share was $42,000 rather than the $41,000 shown in the draft 2024 budget. The gap was closed with $37,000 in donations and $77,445 from the fire department capital fund rather than with more levy.
1-9-24 agenda; 11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda · taken up again 2024-01-09
He stated that the contractor has half of the lift station driveway installed. Ellingson Drainage will be boring the new forcemain lines later this week.
Project update on the Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer improvements.
The forcemain boring happened as forecast. By the December 2023 and January 2024 updates BCM was wrapping up for the year, water and electrical utilities west of Gates Avenue were installed, Ellingson Drainage had installed the forcemain in that area, and the remainder of the project was carried to the following spring.
12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda; 1-9-24 agenda · taken up again 2023-12-12
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS ENGINEERING 2023 Street Improvements Project Update Engineer Olinger reviewed the status of the street maintenance project. The milling is being done now and they will start laying pavement next week.
Status update on the 2023 Street Improvements project.
Paving proceeded and the project moved to closeout within two months. Pay Request No. 2 to Bituminous Materials for $376,983.60 came to the November 2023 meeting and Pay Request No. 3 for $11,450.47 to the December 2023 meeting, against a contract awarded at $450,693.95.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; 12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda; factbook KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2023-12-12
Council member Helgeson saw the benefits of both sides also but wanted more time to consider the final decision.
Council comments during the charitable gambling discussion.
At the meetingA work session was scheduled to continue the discussion.
Helgeson got the extra time and then moved the decision himself. At the October 25 2023 special meeting each member stated a position, and Helgeson moved, with Bailey seconding, to authorize the Kenyon Fire Relief Association to take over the charitable gambling and pull tab operation at the Muni, carrying 4-1-0.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; 10.25.23 Special Council Meeting Agenda · taken up again 2023-10-25
NEW BUSINESS Fire Department SCBA Quotes Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Ehrich reviewed quotes for SCBA (Breathing apparatus), compressor, tanks and related equipment. The current equipment was purchased in 2007 with a 15-year lifespan.
Justification for replacing the fire department's breathing apparatus.
No 2007 purchase record and no manufacturer service life standard appears in our holdings. On the claim's own terms the equipment reached the end of its 15-year life in 2022, roughly two years before the January 2024 replacement was approved. The original purchase record and the NFPA or manufacturer service life reference would settle it.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda
If approved, the project would have to be completed by 2026. The estimated cost for Bolton and Menk to prepare an application for the program would be $2,800.00.
Cost of preparing the MnDOT LRIP grant application that Council authorized.
The $2,800 appears only as the engineer's verbal estimate, repeated in the November and December 2023 packets, and the council directed preparation of the application without a separate motion on the fee. When the city went back to the same program in August 2025 the requested action was again a motion directing Bolton & Menk to prepare an application, with no fee stated. Bolton & Menk's written scope and fee proposal would settle it.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; 8.12.25 Council Packet & Agenda Updated
MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application Engineer Olinger provided a summary of the MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program. This program provides funding up to $1.5 million for eligible road projects.
Summary of the grant program presented to Council.
The $1.5 million cap and the 6th Street eligibility are the engineer's characterization, repeated across the November 2023, December 2023 and August 2025 packets, the last adding that the program is typically funded every two years and offers grants for surface improvements. Eligibility was at least good enough that the 2023 application scored well without winning. The MnDOT program guidelines would settle the cap and the criteria.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; 8.12.25 Council Packet & Agenda Updated
LEGAL Lot Combination: Nicole Boyum City Attorney Riggs stated that Nicole Boyum had applied for a combination of two adjoining parcels (PID's 66.160.0330 and 66.160.0400) that she owns on Trondheim Road. The smaller lot is non- conforming, so the combination would create one conforming lot.
Basis for Resolution 2023-23 approving the lot combination.
At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2023-23, 5-0-0.
Resolution 2023-23 approving the Boyum lot combination on Trondheim Road carried 5-0-0, but the dimensions of PIDs 66.160.0330 and 66.160.0400 and the applicable zoning minimums are not in our holdings, so the non-conformity claim cannot be checked. The city handles these routinely the same way, including the 2026 Bartel split under Resolution 2026-29 and the Bauer combination under Resolution 2026-30, the latter to fit a septic system.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda; factbook, Development, TIF and land
He thinks switching the gambling operatorship to the fire department would not reduce the city budget and the budget would probably still increase.
The Mayor's stated reason for favoring leaving the gambling with the Snow Drifters.
No projected gambling proceeds comparison exists in our holdings, so the budget claim cannot be tested directly. The one figure we do hold points the mayor's way on the levy: in 2025 the Fire Relief donated $27,000 from gambling proceeds to the truck fund, a capital use, while the 2026 fire budget still rose $1,658.17 over 2025 on pagers, radios and property insurance. Proceeds went to equipment, not to lowering the levy.
12.9.25 Council Agenda and Packet Updated
Jeremy Kiffmeyer, Wanamingo Fire Relief Gambling Manager, gave an informative explanation of how charitable gambling works in Wanamingo and how they run their gambling. 9 Diane Barrett, Gambling Manager for the Snow Drifters, ran through the gambling numbers for their organization and listed previous organizations that they have donated to.
Testimony during the charitable gambling discussion; specific figures were not recorded in the minutes.
The figures Barrett presented were never recorded and no Snow Drifters receipts, expenses or lawful purpose expenditure reports are in our holdings. What the record does show is where the club went next: by January 2024 the Snow Drifters were applying to the Minnesota Gambling Control Board for a premises permit to conduct lawful charitable gambling at the Kenyon VFW Conrad Osthum Post #141 at 601 2nd Street.
1-9-24 agenda · taken up again 2024-01-09
CITIZEN COMMENT Goodhue County Commissioner, Todd Greseth, stated that the County set their preliminary budget at 5.5%.
Citizen comment update from the County Commissioner.
We hold no Goodhue County levy or budget data and cannot verify the 5.5 percent. Our records cover the city levy only, where the certified increases run 9.55 percent for 2025, 9.18 percent for 2026 and 9.26 percent preliminary for 2027. The county's adopted preliminary budget and levy resolution would settle it.
factbook taxes/levy.html · would settle it: The county's adopted preliminary budget/levy resolution
He also reported on the issues with the Goodhue Police Department resigning and the County Sherrif's department taking over the coverage in Goodhue.
Citizen comment report on regional policing.
We hold nothing on the City of Goodhue's police department or on any coverage agreement with the Sheriff. What our record does show is Kenyon's own contracting with the same Sheriff's Department, a Mobile Data Terminal agreement discussed in November 2024 and a communications subscriber agreement approved 4-0-0 in December 2024. The City of Goodhue and Sheriff's office coverage agreement would settle it.
11.12.24 and 12.10.24 Council Packets · would settle it: The City of Goodhue and Sheriff's office coverage agreement
She felt they had worked hard to get to where they are. They don't get tax money and must fundraise to get their money. The DNR does provide some help.
Argument against transferring the pull tab operation away from the Snow Drifters.
We hold no Snow Drifters financial statements and no DNR grant records, so neither the absence of tax money nor the extent of DNR help can be checked. The club's lawful gambling reports filed with the state and its DNR grant agreements would settle it.
would settle it: The Snow Drifters' financial statements and DNR grant records
He felt the gambling should stay with the Snow Drifters. He was willing to show the fire fighters how to make money on their bingo nights at the Muni.
Offered as an alternative to transferring the pull tab operation to the fire relief association.
No record of any meeting between the mayor and the firefighters about bingo appears in our holdings. What the record does show is that the offer did not change the outcome, since the council voted 4-1-0 to move the pull tabs to the Fire Relief Association with Henke the lone dissent. Confirmation that the bingo meeting took place would have to come from the parties.
11.14.23 Council Packet & Agenda · would settle it: Confirmation that the meeting between the Mayor and firefighters took place
Decisions 8 motions
Who did what
| Person | At this meeting |
|---|---|
| Doug Henke Mayor | Called the meeting to order; seconded the LRIP motion and moved approval of Change Order #1; said gambling should stay with the Snow Drifters and offered to show firefighters how to make money on bingo nights at the Muni |
| Kim Helgeson Council Member | Moved approval of the BMI pay request; wanted more time before deciding on the gambling request; noted the Depot looked great, Trunk or Treat October 29 and Christmas in Kenyon December 9 |
| Lee Sjolander Council Member | Spoke on both sides of the gambling question, citing Snow Drifters donations and fire department equipment needs; thanked city staff |
| Mary Bailey Council Member | Moved approval of the consent agenda and Resolution 2023-23; called the gambling decision hard; thanked Depot painting volunteers and noted the farmer's market season closed |
| Molly Ryan Council Member | Moved adoption of the agenda, the BCM pay request, the LRIP application, and the motion to schedule a gambling work session |
| Mark Vahlsing City Administrator | Reported on entrance sign quotes from Schad Tracy and Precision Signs and presented the Relief Association gambling request; thanked Depot volunteers |
| Scott Riggs City Attorney | Presented the Boyum lot combination and discussed the laws and regulations of gambling |
| Derik Olinger City Engineer | Updated Council on the 2023 street project and Pearl Creek sewer, prepared Change Order #1, reported on trail committee planning and summarized the LRIP grant program |
| Wayne Ehrich Public Works Director / Assistant Fire Chief | Reviewed SCBA, compressor and tank quotes and explained the Fire Department's capital equipment needs in support of the gambling request |
| Jeff Sjoblom Police Chief | Reported that the department now has body cameras |
| Holli Gudknecht Administrative Assistant | Recorded the minutes and prepared agenda item reports |
| Todd Greseth Goodhue County Commissioner | Reported the County's 5.5% preliminary budget and the Goodhue Police Department resignations |
| Jeremy Kiffmeyer Wanamingo Fire Relief Gambling Manager | Explained how charitable gambling works in Wanamingo |
| Diane Barrett Gambling Manager for the Snow Drifters | Presented the Snow Drifters' gambling numbers and past donation recipients |
| Nicole Boyum Property owner / applicant | Applied for combination of two adjoining parcels on Trondheim Road, approved by Resolution 2023-23 |
Organizations named: City of Kenyon, Goodhue County, Goodhue Police Department, Goodhue County Sheriff's Department, Bolton & Menk, BMI Inc. (Bituminous Materials, Inc.), BCM Construction, Ellingson Drainage, MnDOT, Kenyon Park and Rec Board, Kenyon Fire Department, Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association, Kenyon Snow Drifters Club, Wanamingo Fire Relief, Schad Tracy, Precision Signs, Minnesota DNR, KMU, Kenyon EDA
Figures
| Amount | What |
|---|---|
| $20,612.39 | Pay Request No. 1 to BMI Inc. for 2023 Street Improvements work completed through the end of September |
| $14,800.00 | Change Order #1 for BCM Construction for additional grading due to concrete rubble in the hillside |
| $146,217.91 | Pay Request No. 1 to BCM Construction, Pearl Creek Sewer & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements |
| $1.5 million | Maximum funding available per project under the MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program |
| $2,800.00 | Estimated cost for Bolton & Menk to prepare the LRIP grant application |
| $150,000 | Approximate cost of new Fire Department SCBA equipment being fundraised for |
| $41,000 | Amount in the proposed 2024 budget for SCBA equipment from a portion of State Public Safety Aid |
| $450,693.95 | Original contract price for the 2023 Street Improvements project (BMI Inc.) |
| $1,084.86 | Retainage (5%) withheld on BMI Inc. work completed to date |
Said at the meeting
the County set their preliminary budget at 5.5%.
Todd Greseth, Goodhue County Commissioner · minutes, verbatim
Council member Bailey stated it was a hard decision to make.
Council member Mary Bailey · minutes, verbatim
Council member Sjolander stated that when he was the police chief, he had benefited from many donations from the Snow Drifters.
Council member Lee Sjolander · minutes, verbatim
He thinks switching the gambling operatorship to the fire department would not reduce the city budget and the budget would probably still increase.
Mayor Doug Henke · minutes, verbatim
They don't get tax money and must fundraise to get their money.
Diane Barrett, Gambling Manager for the Snow Drifters · minutes, verbatim
Mayor Henke commented that there had been some good discussions tonight.
Mayor Doug Henke · packet, verbatim
Resolutions and ordinances
- Approving Lot Combination (Boyum) Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2023-23 approving the lot combination for BoyumRes. 2023-23
Agenda
Each item links to where it appears in the packet.
- I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
- II. CITIZEN COMMENTS
- III. ADOPT AGENDA
- III.A Agenda
- IV. CONSENT AGENDA
- V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES and APPOINTMENTS
- V.A Minutes and Appointments
- VI. PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
- VII. ENGINEERING
- VII.B Establishment of Trail Committee
- VIII. LEGAL
- VIII.A Lot Combination: Nicole Boyum
- IX. FINANCIAL
- X. OLD BUSINESS
- X.A Community Entrance Sign
- XI. NEW BUSINESS
- XI.A Fire Department SCBA Quotes
- XI.B Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association Gambling Request
- XI.C Pearl Creek Sewer & Gates Ave Utility Improvements
- XII. F.Y.I. - Department Updates
- XIII. COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
- XIV. ADJOURNMENT
- A. City Council Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2023
- B. Approve Hire of Katlyn Barsness, Part-Time Liquor Store Employee
- B. Pearl Creek Sewer & Gates Ave Utility Improvements
- C. Establishment of Trail Committee
- D. MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application
- A. Lot Combination: Nicole Boyum
- A. Community Entrance Sign
- A. Fire Department SCBA Quotes
- B. Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association Gambling Request
- XII. OTHER BUSINESS
- A. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
Full packet text (143k characters)
The minutes
Official minutes as adopted, from 11.14.23 Council Packet Agenda; text extracted from the PDF.
Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 10th day of October 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
- Present
- Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey, and Molly Ryan
- Also present
- City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Attorney Scott Riggs, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, City Engineer Derik Olinger, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Dylan Craig, Don Kirchmann, Jen Smith, John Smith, Bob Klahr, John Lee, Todd Greseth, Jeremy Kiffmeyer, Lee Skillestad, Justin Peterson, Diane Barrett, Adam Schuster, Kelly Kreisler, Ryan Lund
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Citizen Comment
Goodhue County Commissioner, Todd Greseth, stated that the County set their preliminary budget at 5.5%. He also reported on the issues with the Goodhue Police Department resigning and the County Sherrif's department taking over the coverage in Goodhue.
Adopt Agenda
Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75254 through 75348; 4703E through 4755E.
Motion carried 5-0-0Presentations / Public Hearings / Recognitions / Prolamations
Engineering
2023 Street Improvements Project Update Engineer Olinger reviewed the status of the street maintenance project. The milling is being done now and they will start laying pavement next week.
Approve Pay Request #1 – BMI Inc -$20,612.39
Motion by Helgeson second by Ryan to approve pay request No. 1 to BMI Inc in the amount of $20,612.39 for work completed through the end of September. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Pearl Creek & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements
Project update Engineer Olinger updated the Council on the Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer project. He stated that the contractor has half of the lift station driveway installed. Ellingson Drainage will be boring the new forcemain lines later this week.
Approve Change Order #1
Engineer Olinger prepared a change order for the cost to complete additional grading work required due to the presence of concrete rubble in the hillside.
Motion by Henke second by Helgeson to approve Change Order #1 for BCM Construction in the amount of $14,800.00. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Approve Pay Request #1- BCM Construction- $146,217.91
Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to approve pay request No. 1 to BCM Construction in the amount of 8 $146,217.91. Motion carried 5-0-0. Establishment of Trail Committee Engineer Olinger reported that the Park and Rec Board had met on October 2 and discussed the overall process and next steps for continued planning on a future trail in Kenyon. The next step would be to form a committee. Once formed, the committee would figure out committee involvement and initial outreach to the community.
MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application
Engineer Olinger provided a summary of the MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program. This program provides funding up to $1.5 million for eligible road projects. Sixth Street from Spring Street to Huseth Street would meet the program eligibility requirements. The grant application is due by December 8. If approved, the project would have to be completed by 2026. The estimated cost for Bolton and Menk to prepare an application for the program would be $2,800.00.
Approve preparation of LRIP Grant Application
Motion by Ryan second by Henke directing Bolton & Menk and Staff to prepare the LRIP grant application. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Legal
Lot Combination: Nicole Boyum
City Attorney Riggs stated that Nicole Boyum had applied for a combination of two adjoining parcels (PID's 66.160.0330 and 66.160.0400) that she owns on Trondheim Road. The smaller lot is non- conforming, so the combination would create one conforming lot. Resolution 2023-23: Approving Lot Combination (Boyum)
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2023-23 approving the lot combination for Boyum. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Old Business
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the community entrance sign was discussed at the September Council meeting. Sign examples from Schad Tracy were available. Precision Signs hasn't supplied any examples yet. Updated quotes from both vendors should be available at the November Council meeting.
New Business
Fire Department SCBA Quotes
Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Ehrich reviewed quotes for SCBA (Breathing apparatus), compressor, tanks and related equipment. The current equipment was purchased in 2007 with a 15-year lifespan. The new versions are greatly improved and meet current standards. The Fire Department is currently fundraising money toward the purchase of the SCBA Equipment which would be approximately $150,000. There is $41,000 in the proposed 2024 budget for the equipment from a portion of the State Public Safety Aid.
Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association Gambling Request
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Fire Relief Association requested Council approval to operate electronic and paper pull tabs at the Muni. The pull tabs are currently operated by the Kenyon Snow Drifters Club. City Attorney Riggs discussed the laws and regulations of gambling. Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Ehrich explained their need to replace expensive capital equipment at the Fire Department. The benefits of hosting the pull-tabs and e-tabs would help the city save money towards these expenses and reduce the burden on taxpayers. Jeremy Kiffmeyer, Wanamingo Fire Relief Gambling Manager, gave an informative explanation of how charitable gambling works in Wanamingo and how they run their gambling. 9 Diane Barrett, Gambling Manager for the Snow Drifters, ran through the gambling numbers for their organization and listed previous organizations that they have donated to. She felt they had worked hard to get to where they are. They don't get tax money and must fundraise to get their money. The DNR does provide some help. After much discussion, the council members were asked for their comments. Council member Bailey stated it was a hard decision to make. Council member Sjolander stated that when he was the police chief, he had benefited from many donations from the Snow Drifters. He has also worked side by side with the fire department and first responders and felt they should have needed equipment. He saw the pros of both sides. Council member Helgeson saw the benefits of both sides also but wanted more time to consider the final decision. Council member Ryan stated that the Snow Drifters have done a great job, but also sees the needs of the Fire Department. Mayor Henke stated that he has always supported the fire department as a council member. He thinks switching the gambling operatorship to the fire department would not reduce the city budget and the budget would probably still increase. He felt the gambling should stay with the Snow Drifters. He was willing to show the fire fighters how to make money on their bingo nights at the Muni.
Motion by Ryan second by Bailey to schedule a work session to further discuss the chartable gambling.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, October 17th @ 4:00 p.m. EDA Meeting: Tuesday, October 31st @ 8:00 a.m. City Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 14th @ 7:00 p.m. Township Fire Contract Meeting: Tuesday, December 5th @ 6:00 p.m. 2023 Budget & Levy Public Meeting: Tuesday, December 5th @ 6:30 p.m.
Council And Staff General Comments
Council member Bailey thanked all the volunteers who helped paint the Depot and stated that a second successful year of the farmer's market had come to a close.
Mayor Henke commented that there had been some good discussions tonight.
City Administrator Vahlsing thanked all the volunteers who helped with painting the Depot.
Council member Sjolander thanked all city staff for all they do. They are not recognized enough.
Council member Helgeson noted that the Depot looked great, Trunk or Treat will be held October 29, and Christmas in Kenyon will be December 9.
Police Chief Sjoblom stated that they now have their body cameras.
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0-0Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant Douglas Henke, Mayor
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a City