Kenyon/City Hall/Meetings/November 14, 2023
Regular meeting

Kenyon City Council, November 14, 2023

The Kenyon City Council met November 14, 2023 with four members present (Molly Ryan absent) and moved through a full agenda of engineering, legal and administrative items. A public hearing was opened at 7:07 p.m.

13motions
12 unanimous1 split or failed
4present, absent: Molly Ryan
5resolutions
$409,539largest figure
Yesrecording posted

Watch the meeting

Meeting video, from the city's YouTube channel · open on YouTube
right-of-way vacation street improvements sanitary sewer grants charitable gambling municipal liquor store budget elections

What happened

  1. Public hearing on the Huseth Street right-of-way vacation opened at 7:07 p.m. and closed at 7:13 p.m.; Resolution 2023-24 vacating a street was then adopted 4-0-0.
  2. Pay Request No. 2 to BMI Inc. approved for $409,539.24 for 2023 street improvement work completed through November 9.
  3. Pay Request No. 2 to BCM Construction approved for $259,069.04 for Pearl Creek work completed through November 3.
  4. Resolution 2023-28 adopted authorizing pursuit of MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program funding for the 6th Street Reconstruction Project; application due December 8, project must be complete by 2026.
  5. Resolution 2023-25 approved a lawful gambling premises permit for the Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association at the Municipal Liquor Store, 645 2nd Street, on a 3-1-0 vote with Mayor Henke voting no.
  6. Council voted to continue with Precision Signs for the community entrance sign at a projected cost of $19,355.60.
  7. Resolution 2023-26 designated the Fire Hall as the 2024 annual polling place; Resolution 2023-27 adopted assessments for delinquent utility bills.
  8. Approved the 2024 Goodhue County joint-powers agreement for State Building Code Administration, effective January 1, 2024 for one year.
  9. Approved a temporary liquor license and dance permit for the Kenyon Fire Relief Association's November 25 Fireman's Dance (5 p.m. Nov. 25 to 1 a.m. Nov. 26).
  10. Set a work session for Tuesday, November 28 at 5:00 p.m. to review draft 2024 enterprise fund budgets; Minnesota State-Mankato graduate design team to present Depot Park design December 5.
  11. Authorized replacement of the fryer at the Municipal Liquor Store, out of service since summer.
  12. Brett Reese of Rebound Partners was not present for the scheduled Kenyon Senior Living property sale update.

What was asked 20 raised · 10 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.

1 answered from our records9 what happened next8 partly answered1 not a data question1 we hold no data
Unsourced claimfrom the minutes
Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to continue with Precision Signs at the projected cost of $19,355.60. motion carried 4-0-0.

Council motion to continue with Precision Signs for the entrance sign.

Answered from our records

The $19,355.60 figure is confirmed by the bid record, where it is the third of four prices for the community entrance sign. The full field from the September 12 2023 solicitation is Lewiston Monument at $14,500 to $20,500, Schad-Tracy at $16,512.51, Precision Signs at $19,355.60, and Anderson Memorial at $23,873 to $25,653. The written Precision Signs contract is not in anything we hold.

Staff recommended Schad-Tracy at $16,512.51 in September 2023 and the council selected the higher Precision Signs price in November.

KENYON_BIDS.md and 12.12.23 Council Packet

Pendingfrom the minutes
Kenyon Senior Living Property Sale Update – Brett Reese – Rebound Partners Brett Reese of Rebound Partners was not present at the meeting.

Agenda item VI.B was a scheduled update on the sale of the Kenyon Senior Living property.

What happened next

The update was rescheduled and delivered. Brett Reese appears on the January 9 2024 agenda as item VI.A, an update on the Kenyon Senior Living project, with the Kenyon Investor Presentation dated November 9 2023 attached. The thread ran for another two and a half years and ended in city money: $1,855,000 of tax increment 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.

1-9-24 agenda and KENYON_INCENTIVES.md · taken up again 2024-01-09

RequestJeff and Ann Traxler, property ownersfrom the minutes
She had an issue with calling this easement a street in the resolution. In the future, they don't want to be forced to maintain and pay for curb, gutter, paving, etc.

Public hearing and resolution on vacating right of way adjacent to Huseth Street.

At the meetingThe Council adopted Resolution 2023-24, titled "Vacating a Street," 4-0-0 without recorded change to the wording.

What happened next

The wording did not change. After Ann Traxler objected to the easement being called a street, the council adopted Resolution 2023-24, still titled Vacating a Street, on a motion by Bailey seconded by Henke, carried 4-0-0, with no amendment recorded. Whether the Traxlers actually carry street maintenance exposure turns on the recorded easement document, not the resolution title, and that document is not in anything we hold.

The objection to the word street is recorded and the resolution was then adopted under the title Vacating a Street with no change.

12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2023-12-12

Action itemEngineer Derik Olingerfrom the minutes
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 adopted Resolution 2023-28 authorizing pursuit of LRIP funding for 6th Street from Spring Street to Huseth Street.

At the meetingCouncil adopted Resolution 2023-28 authorizing the application, 4-0-0.

What happened next

Resolution 2023-28 authorizing the application was adopted on a motion by Henke seconded by Bailey, but no award ever appears. Two years later the city started over, with an August 12 2025 motion directing Bolton and Menk to prepare a 2025 Local Road Improvement Program application and Resolution 2025-26 authorizing the pursuit on November 12 2025. The August 2025 packet states plainly that the project is not affordable without a grant.

12.12.23, 8.12.25 and 11-12-25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-11-12

Action itemAdministrator Mark Vahlsingfrom the minutes
Update on Depot Park Shelter Improvements Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Minnesota State-Mankato Graduate Design team has completed a draft design for Depot Park. They will be presenting the preferred design at the Special Council meeting on December 5.

Update on Depot Park Shelter Improvements.

What happened next

The team presented. Five Minnesota State Mankato graduate students laid out a cost-effective park improvement plan, told the council the priority should be making the park ADA compliant because most park grants require compliance first, and offered a possible five-year plan. By February 13 2024 the parks board was working from it, naming a walking trail, a paved sports court and ADA improvements to existing facilities.

12.12.23 and 2.13.24 Council Packets · taken up again 2023-12-12

To look upAdministrator Mark Vahlsingfrom the minutes
OLD BUSINESS Community Entrance Sign 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 comparing Schad Tracy and Precision Signs for the community entrance sign.

At the meetingCouncil voted 4-0-0 to continue with Precision Signs anyway.

What happened next

Precision Signs never supplied examples and got the work anyway, at $19,355.60, on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson carried 4-0-0. The final design was later submitted to Precision Sign and MnDOT, and as of January 2024 the city was still waiting on the sign right-of-way permit, with no install date given. Our bid record shows staff had recommended Schad-Tracy at $16,512.51, the vendor that did supply examples.

The council chose the vendor that had produced no examples and cost $2,843.09 more than the vendor staff recommended.

12.12.23 Council Packet, 1-9-24 agenda, KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2024-01-09

PendingEngineer Derik Olingerfrom the minutes
The remainder of the project will be completed next spring. 8 Approve Pay Request #2- BCM Construction- $259,069.04 Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve pay request No. 2 to BCM Construction in the amount of $259,069.04 for work completed through November 3.

Project update on Pearl Creek and Gates Avenue utility improvements.

What happened next

The remainder took two more construction seasons, not one spring. BCM was still being paid in 2024 through pay application 5 at $104,318.56 for work to May 31 and pay application 6 at $112,532.25 to June 28, and by January 14 2025 minor grading, stabilization and turf on the Barrett property were still outstanding, with a completion date to be set in early spring 2025 and liquidated damages suspended over the winter. The contract is $1,241,494.22.

The remainder was said to finish the next spring, but restoration work was still open in January 2025 with liquidated damages suspended over the winter.

7.9.24, 8-20-24 and 1-14-25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-01-14

PendingEngineer Derik Olingerfrom the minutes
ENGINEERING 2023 Street Improvements Project Update Engineer Olinger stated that most of the work is now complete with some small repairs remaining to be finished.

2023 Street Improvements project update.

What happened next

The project closed out over the next two months. Pay request 2 for $409,539.24 through November 9 was approved 4-0-0 on a motion by Sjolander seconded by Henke, and pay request 3 for $11,450.47 was approved on January 9 2024 on a motion by Ryan seconded by Helgeson, expressly contingent on submittal of closeout documentation. The contract is BMI at $450,693.95, awarded June 13 2023 against Crane Creek at $463,585.62, SL Contracting at $535,437.60 and an estimate of $547,705.

12.12.23 Council Packet, 1-9-24 agenda, KENYON_BIDS.md · taken up again 2024-01-09

Action itemfrom the minutes
Set Special Meeting to review draft 2024 Enterprise Fund Budgets (Sanitary, Storm, and Liquor) A work session to review the 2024 enterprise fund budget was set for Tuesday, November 28 at 5:00 pm.

New business item to schedule review of the 2024 enterprise fund budgets.

What happened next

The work session was held. Mayor Henke called it to order at 5:00 p.m. to review the 2024 enterprise funds, and Liquor Store Manager Bartel presented the proposed Muni budget, asking for part-time wage increases, projecting higher on-sale revenue and asking that the extra revenue go to salaries. He named three capital needs at that session: the fryer, the roof and eventually the flooring.

12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda · taken up again 2023-12-12

To look upfrom the minutes
He also noted the passing of Deb Svien a former city employee. Police Chief Sjoblom introduced the new part-time officer, Missy England.

Consent agenda appointment and Police Chief's introduction of the new part-time officer.

What happened next

The correct spelling is Misty, so the consent agenda was right and the introduction in the minutes was the typo. Later packets use Misty consistently: on May 12 2026 Lehner reported that Officer Misty England had taken a full-time position with another department but might continue part-time hours in Kenyon, and on July 14 2026 Chief Sjoblom reported that Misty had worked one part-time shift so far.

The minutes introduce the officer as Missy England while every later city document spells the name Misty.

5-12-26 and 7.14.26 Council Packets · taken up again 2026-05-12

To look upEngineer Derik Olingerfrom the minutes
MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application Engineer Olinger summarized the MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program. This program provides funding up to $1.5 million for eligible road projects.

Grant application for Sixth Street from Spring Street to Huseth Street.

Partly answered

No MnDOT award notification for the 2023 application appears in anything we hold, and the city's own conduct indicates it did not get one: it authorized a fresh Local Road Improvement Program application for the same 6th Street project in August and November 2025. The program caps grants at $1.5 million and is typically funded every two years, and the 2023 terms required completion by 2026. The MnDOT award or denial letter would settle it.

12.12.23, 8.12.25 and 11-12-25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-11-12

Unsourced claimEngineer Derik Olingerfrom the minutes
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.

Discussion of pursuing MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program funding.

Partly answered

No Bolton and Menk fee proposal or invoice for the application appears in anything we hold, so the $2,800 rests on the engineer's statement. The scale is unremarkable, at 0.19 percent of the $1.5 million the grant program can award. The city commissioned the same exercise again in August 2025 without a stated price, and the engineering firm's other work for Kenyon includes the GIS conversion at $14,500 plus $1,260 a year in licensing.

12.12.23 and 8.12.25 Council Packets, KENYON_DATA_IN_MEETINGS.md

Action itemAdministrator Mark Vahlsingfrom the minutes
Replace Fryer - Muni Administrator Vahlsing stated that the fryer at the municipal liquor store had been out since this summer. Motion by Bailey second by Henke to authorize replacement of the fryer at the Municipal Liquor Store.

The fryer at the muni had been out of service since summer.

At the meetingMotion made to authorize replacement; no vote count or cost recorded.

Partly answered

The minutes record the motion by Bailey seconded by Henke but no vote count and no dollar figure, and nothing later in our record closes either gap. The contrast with the other two Muni items raised the same night is sharp: the roof went out to quotes and was awarded to Chandler Roofing at $40,640 in March 2024, and the flooring was awarded to Hamernick's at $7,480.86 in February 2024 against Picture Perfect at $11,745 and Hiller at $25,364.60. Only the fryer has neither a price nor a vote in the record.

12.12.23 Council Packet and KENYON_BIDS.md

Unsourced claimEngineer Derik Olingerfrom the minutes
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.

Explaining which city project could be submitted for LRIP funding.

Partly answered

We hold no MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program criteria document, so eligibility cannot be verified against the rules. The city restated the claim on its own authority in August 2025, saying the reconstruction of 6th Street fits the program goals and eligibility requirements, that the program is typically funded every two years and offers grants for surface improvements, and that the project is not affordable without a grant. The published program criteria and the submitted application would settle it.

12.12.23 and 8.12.25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-08-12

Unsourced claimEngineer Derik Olingerfrom the minutes
Engineer Olinger gave the background on the original easement and explained that the new easement will be the same as in the past, just moved over.

Public hearing background on the right of way vacation adjacent to the Traxler property.

Partly answered

Nothing in our record contains the original or the new easement legal description, so whether the two areas are identical apart from a 20-foot shift cannot be checked. The property owners described the same thing in their own words at the hearing, saying they just wanted to move the easement area 20 feet with no pavement, curb or gutter needed. The recorded easement documents and the boundary survey held by Goodhue County would settle it.

12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda

Action itemAdministrator Mark Vahlsingfrom the minutes
Council member Helgeson has been working with a local cabinet shop who is donating new cabinets for the kitchen area of the Depot building.

Depot Park shelter improvements update.

Partly answered

The cabinet shop is never named in anything we hold and no donation agreement or installation date appears. The Depot building's funding is otherwise well documented: a $10,000 grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for shelters, a $7,345 transfer into the Depot Park fund approved in February 2024, and a Depot Building donation fund balance of $18,681.46 in April 2024 against a $21,368.00 L and M estimate for replacing the 10 large windows, leaving $2,686.54 to come from the park budget.

12.12.23 and 4.9.24 Council Packets, KENYON_DEPOT_PARK.md · taken up again 2024-04-09

Unsourced claimAdministrator Mark Vahlsingfrom the minutes
Replace Fryer - Muni Administrator Vahlsing stated that the fryer at the municipal liquor store had been out since this summer.

Request to authorize replacement of the muni fryer.

Partly answered

The claim is corroborated within the record but not documented. Liquor Store Manager Bartel independently raised the fryer at the 2024 enterprise fund work session, listing it with the roof and flooring as replacement needs, which places the failure before that November budget review. No maintenance log, repair invoice or service call record for the fryer exists in anything we hold.

12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda

Unsourced claimPolice Chief Jeff Sjoblomfrom the minutes
Police Chief Sjoblom introduced the new part-time officer, Missy England. He stated that the body cameras 10 were up and running.

Staff general comments.

Partly answered

The chief's statement is the only evidence in our record that body cameras were operating, and no deployment date, retention policy or data practices notice appears anywhere. No body camera purchase shows up among the 43 bids and quotes we hold either, though WH Security appears twice for other camera work, at the liquor store in 2021 and for city hall cameras plus panic buttons in June 2024. The department's body camera policy and the purchase record would settle it.

12.12.23 Council Packet and KENYON_BIDS.md

Unsourced claimAdministrator Mark Vahlsingfrom the minutes
NEW BUSINESS 2024 Proposed Agreement for Continuation of our City-County Joint-Powers "Agreement for State Building Code Administration" 9 Administrator Vahlsing stated that Goodhue County requires the City of Kenyon to approve a yearly agreement to conduct residential and commercial building inspections. The County has done an excellent job conducting inspections for the city.

Approving the 2024 city-county joint powers agreement for State Building Code Administration.

At the meetingCouncil approved the 2024 agreement 4-0-0.

Not a data question

Whether the county does an excellent job is the council's own judgment on its service provider, and we hold no county inspection counts, turnaround times or performance data to test it. What the record shows is that the sentence is a template: the identical wording appears in the 2024 renewal approved 4-0-0, the 2025 renewal approved 3-0-0 and the 2026 renewal approved 5-0-0, each for a one-year term. Inspection volume and timeliness data from Goodhue County would turn the phrase into a finding.

12.12.23, 12.10.24 and 12.9.25 Council Packets · taken up again 2025-12-09

To look upfrom the minutes
Replace Fryer - Muni Administrator Vahlsing stated that the fryer at the municipal liquor store had been out since this summer. Motion by Bailey second by Henke to authorize replacement of the fryer at the Municipal Liquor Store.

Council authorized replacing the muni fryer without a stated price.

We hold no data

No quote or invoice for the municipal liquor store fryer is in our archive, and the purchase does not appear in the bid record.

KENYON_BIDS.md · would settle it: Vendor quote or invoice for the new fryer

Decisions 13 motions

MotionMoved / secondedVote
Approve the agendaBailey / Helgeson4-0-0
Approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75353 through 75473; 4756E through 4780EBailey / Henke4-0-0
Close the public hearing at 7:13 pm. Kenyon Senior Living Property Sale Update – Brett Reese – Rebound Partners Brett Reese of Rebound Partners was not present at the meeting. ENGINEERING 2023 Street Improvements Project Update Engineer Olinger stated that most of the work is now complete with some small repairs remaining to be finished. Approve Pay Request #2 – BMI Inc -$409,539.24 Motion by SjolHelgeson / Sjolander4-0-0
Approve pay request No. 2 to BCM Construction in the amount of $259,069.04 for work completed through November 3Bailey / Helgeson4-0-0
Adopting Resolution 2023-28Henke / Bailey4-0-0
Adopting Resolution 2023-25. Henke – No, Helgeson – Aye, Bailey – Aye, Sjolander – AyeBailey / Helgeson3-1-0
Adopting Resolution 2023-24Bailey / Henke4-0-0
Approve the 2024 agreement with Goodhue County for State Building Code AdministrationHenke / Helgeson4-0-0
Adopt Resolution 2023-26 designating the Fire Hall as the annual polling place for 2024Helgeson / Bailey5-0-0
Adopt Resolution 2023-27 adopting assessment for delinquent utility billsSjolander / Bailey4-0-0
Approve the Kenyon Fire Relief Association's request for a temporary liquor licenseBailey / Helgeson4-0-0
Approve the Kenyon Fire Relief Association's request for a dance permitHelgeson / Bailey4-0-0
Adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.mBailey / Henke4-0-0

Who did what

PersonAt this meeting
Doug Henke
Mayor
Called the meeting to order, moved to open the public hearing and seconded several motions; voted No on Resolution 2023-25 approving the gambling premises permit
Kim Helgeson
Council Member
Moved to close the public hearing, moved adoption of Resolution 2023-26, and reported working with a local cabinet shop donating new cabinets for the Depot kitchen; reminded everyone of Christmas in Kenyon on December 9
Lee Sjolander
Council Member
Moved approval of the BMI pay request and Resolution 2023-27; thanked department heads and noted the passing of former city employee Deb Svien
Mary Bailey
Council Member
Moved to approve the agenda, consent agenda, BCM pay request, Resolutions 2023-25 and 2023-24, and the temporary liquor license; commented that street patching looked good
Molly Ryan
Council Member
Absent
Mark Vahlsing
City Administrator
Explained the right-of-way vacation hearing requirement, the community entrance sign quotes, the Goodhue County building code agreement, polling place law, delinquent utility assessments, Fire Relief requests and the Muni fryer replacement
Joe Sathe
Attorney
Stated that approval of Resolution 2023-24 would finalize the vacation of the right of way adjacent to the Traxler property
Derik Olinger
City Engineer
Updated Council on the 2023 street improvements and Pearl Creek sanitary sewer project and summarized the MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program
Wayne Ehrich
Public Works Director
Present at the meeting
Holli Gudknecht
Administrative Assistant
Recorded and signed the minutes
Jeff Sjoblom
Police Chief
Introduced new part-time officer Missy England and reported body cameras were up and running
Whitney Kyllo
Finance Director
Present at the meeting
Brian Homeier
Police Officer
Present at the meeting
Misty England
Part-time Police Officer
Appointment listed on the consent agenda; introduced by Chief Sjoblom as "Missy England"
Jeff Traxler
Property owner
Attended and objected to the vacated easement area being called a street
Ann Traxler
Property owner
Stated they did not want a public street with the associated costs of maintenance, curb, gutter and paving
Brett Reese
Rebound Partners
Scheduled to give the Kenyon Senior Living property sale update but was not present

Organizations named: City of Kenyon, Rebound Partners, BMI Inc., BCM Construction, Ellingson Drainage, Bolton & Menk, MnDOT, Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association, Kenyon Fire Relief Association, Kenyon Municipal Liquor Store, Goodhue County, Precision Signs, Schad Tracy, Minnesota State-Mankato Graduate Design team, KMU, Kenyon Snow Drifters Club

Figures

AmountWhat
$409,539.24Pay Request No. 2 to BMI Inc. for 2023 street improvement work completed through November 9
$259,069.04Pay Request No. 2 to BCM Construction for Pearl Creek/Gates Avenue work completed through November 3
$1.5 millionmaximum funding available for eligible road projects under the MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program
$2,800.00estimated cost for Bolton and Menk to prepare the LRIP grant application
$19,355.60projected cost for the community entrance sign from Precision Signs

Said at the meeting

Ann Traxler stated that they didn't want this to be a public street with the costs that come with it.

Ann Traxler · minutes, verbatim

Traxler's stated that they did not want the area that was being moved to be called a "street" in the paperwork.

Jeff and Ann Traxler, property owners · minutes, verbatim

Engineer Olinger gave the background on the original easement and explained that the new easement will be the same as in the past, just moved over.

Derik Olinger, City Engineer · minutes, verbatim

Council member Bailey stated that the patching on the streets looked good.

Mary Bailey, Council Member · packet, verbatim

Council member Sjolander thanked the department heads, Holli and Mark for all they do.

Lee Sjolander, Council Member · packet, verbatim

The County has done an excellent job conducting inspections for the city.

Mark Vahlsing, City Administrator · minutes, verbatim

Resolutions and ordinances

  • Authorizing the Pursuit of 2023 Local Road Improvement Program Funding for the 6th Street Reconstruction Project Motion by Henke second by BaRes. 2023-28
  • Approving the Lawful Gambling Premises Permit Application for the Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association to Conduct Lawful Gambling at the KenyoRes. 2023-25
  • Vacating a Street Motion by Bailey second by Henke adopting Resolution 2023-24Res. 2023-24
  • Designating Annual Polling Place Resolution Administrator Vahlsing noted that State law requires that all City's annually designate a pollingRes. 2023-26
  • Adopting Assessment for Delinquent Utility Bills Administrator Vahlsing stated that this resolution would authorize delinquent utility bill aRes. 2023-27

Agenda

Each item links to where it appears in the packet.

  1. I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
  2. II. CITIZEN COMMENTS
  3. III. ADOPT AGENDA
  4. III.A Adopt Agenda
  5. IV. CONSENT AGENDA
  6. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES and APPOINTMENTS
  7. V.A Approval of Minutes and Appointments
  8. VI. PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
  9. VI.A Public Hearing for Proposed Vacation of Right of Way Adjacent to Huseth Street
  10. VI.B Kenyon Senior Living Property Sale Update – Brett Reese - Rebound Partners
  11. VII. ENGINEERING
  12. VII.B Pearl Creek Sewer & Gates Ave Utility Improvements
  13. VII.C MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application
  14. VIII. LEGAL
  15. VIII.A Vacation of Right of Way Adjacent to Huseth Street
  16. VIII.B Premises Gambling Permit for Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association
  17. IX. FINANCIAL
  18. X. OLD BUSINESS
  19. X.A Community Entrance Sign
  20. X.B Update on Depot Park Shelter Improvements
  21. XI. NEW BUSINESS
  22. XI.A Resolution 2023-26: Designating Annual Polling Place
  23. XI.C Resolution 2023-27: Adopting Assessment for Delinquent Utility Bills
  24. XI.D Kenyon Fire Relief Association Temporary Liquor Permit for November 25, 2023
  25. XI.E Council Work Session to review draft 2024 Enterprise Fund Budgets
  26. XII. F.Y.I. - Department Updates
  27. XIII. COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
  28. XIV. ADJOURNMENT
  29. A. City Council Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2023
  30. B. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2023
  31. C. Appoint Misty England – Part time Police Officer
  32. VI. PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
  33. A. Public Hearing for Proposed Vacation of Right of Way Adjacent to Huseth Street
  34. B. Kenyon Senior Living Property Sale Update– Brett Reese - Rebound partners
  35. B. Pearl Creek Sewer & Gates Ave Utility Improvements
  36. C. MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application
  37. A. Premises Gambling Permit for Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association
  38. B. Vacation of Right of Way Adjacent to Huseth Street
  39. A. Community Entrance Sign
  40. B. Update on Depot Park Shelter Improvements
  41. B. Resolution 2023-26: Designating Annual Polling Place Resolution
  42. C. Resolution 2023-27: Adopting Assessment for Delinquent Utility Bills
  43. D. Kenyon Fire Relief Association Temporary Liquor Permit for November 25, 2023
  44. E. Set Special Meeting to review draft 2024 Enterprise Fund Budgets
  45. XII. OTHER BUSINESS
  46. A. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings

Full packet text (222k characters)

The minutes

Official minutes as adopted, from 12.12.23 Council Packet and Agenda; text extracted from the PDF.

Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 14th day of November 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.

Present
Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey
Absent
Molly Ryan
Also present
City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Attorney Joe Sathe, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, City Engineer Derik Olinger, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Finance Director Whitney Kyllo, Police Officer Brian Homeier, Jeff Traxler, Ann Traxler

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Citizen Comment

Adopt Agenda

Motion

Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Consent Agenda

Motion

Motion by Bailey second by Henke to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers, 75353 through 75473; 4756E through 4780E.

Motion carried 4-0-0

Presentations / Public Hearings / Recognitions / Prolamations

Public Hearing – Proposed Vacation of Right of Way Adjacent to Huseth Street
Motion

Motion by Henke second by Bailey to open the Public Hearing at 7:07 pm.

Motion

Motion by Helgeson, seconded by Sjolander to close the public hearing at 7:13 pm.

Kenyon Senior Living Property Sale Update – Brett Reese – Rebound Partners

Brett Reese of Rebound Partners was not present at the meeting.

Engineering

2023 Street Improvements Project Update Engineer Olinger stated that most of the work is now complete with some small repairs remaining to be finished. Approve Pay Request #2 – BMI Inc -$409,539.24

Motion

Motion by Sjolander second by Henke to approve pay request No. 2 to BMI Inc in the amount of $409,539.24 for work completed through November 9. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Pearl Creek & Gates Avenue Utility Improvements

Project update Engineer Olinger updated the Council on the Pearl Creek Sanitary Sewer project. He stated that BCM was wrapping up work for this year. Water and electrical utilities west of Gates Avenue have been installed. Ellingson Drainage installed forcemain in this area. The remainder of the project will be completed next spring. 8 Approve Pay Request #2- BCM Construction- $259,069.04

Motion

Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve pay request No. 2 to BCM Construction in the amount of $259,069.04 for work completed through November 3. Motion carried 4-0-0.

MNDOT Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application

Engineer Olinger summarized 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. Resolution 2023-28: Authorizing the Pursuit of 2023 Local Road Improvement Program Funding for the 6th Street Reconstruction Project

Motion

Motion by Henke second by Bailey adopting Resolution 2023-28. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Legal

Premises Gambling Permit for Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association

Approve Resolution 2023-25: Approving the Lawful Gambling Premises Permit Application for the Kenyon Firemen's Relief Association to Conduct Lawful Gambling at the Kenyon Municipal Liquor Store Located at 645 2nd Street, Kenyon, Mn 55946

Motion

Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson adopting Resolution 2023-25. Henke – No, Helgeson – Aye, Bailey – Aye, Sjolander – Aye

Motion carried 3-1-0
Vacation of Right of Way Adjacent to Huseth Street

Attorney Sathe stated that approval of this resolution would finalize the vacation process of vacating the ROW adjacent to the Traxler property. Ann Traxler stated that they didn't want this to be a public street with the costs that come with it. She had an issue with calling this easement a street in the resolution. In the future, they don't want to be forced to maintain and pay for curb, gutter, paving, etc. Resolution 2023-24: Vacating a Street

Motion

Motion by Bailey second by Henke adopting Resolution 2023-24. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Old Business

Community Entrance Sign

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. Answers to questions asked of both companies were reviewed.

Motion

Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to continue with Precision Signs at the projected cost of $19,355.60. motion carried 4-0-0.

Update on Depot Park Shelter Improvements

Administrator Vahlsing stated that the Minnesota State-Mankato Graduate Design team has completed a draft design for Depot Park. They will be presenting the preferred design at the Special Council meeting on December 5. Council member Helgeson has been working with a local cabinet shop who is donating new cabinets for the kitchen area of the Depot building.

New Business

2024 Proposed Agreement for Continuation of our City-County Joint-Powers "Agreement for State Building Code Administration" 9 Administrator Vahlsing stated that Goodhue County requires the City of Kenyon to approve a yearly agreement to conduct residential and commercial building inspections. The County has done an excellent job conducting inspections for the city. The term of the contract would be for one year starting January 1, 2024.

Motion

Motion by Henke seconded by Helgeson to approve the 2024 agreement with Goodhue County for State Building Code Administration. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Resolution 2023-26: Designating Annual Polling Place Resolution

Administrator Vahlsing noted that State law requires that all City's annually designate a polling place by resolution by December 31 and at least 90 days prior to an election. The Fire Hall will remain the polling place in 2024.

Motion

Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2023-26 designating the Fire Hall as the annual polling place for 2024. Motion carried 5-0-0.

Resolution 2023-27: Adopting Assessment for Delinquent Utility Bills

Administrator Vahlsing stated that this resolution would authorize delinquent utility bill amounts to be certified on property taxes.

Motion

Motion by Sjolander second by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2023-27 adopting assessment for delinquent utility bills. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Kenyon Fire Relief Association Requests for November 25, 2023

Vahlsing noted that the annual Fireman's Dance is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 25th from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The period of the Liquor license is 5 p.m. on November 25th to 1 a.m. on November 26th.

Motion

Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to approve the Kenyon Fire Relief Association's request for a temporary liquor license. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Motion

Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to approve the Kenyon Fire Relief Association's request for a dance permit. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Set Special Meeting to review draft 2024 Enterprise Fund Budgets (Sanitary, Storm, and Liquor)

A work session to review the 2024 enterprise fund budget was set for Tuesday, November 28 at 5:00 pm.

Replace Fryer - Muni

Administrator Vahlsing stated that the fryer at the municipal liquor store had been out since this summer.

Motion

Motion by Bailey second by Henke to authorize replacement of the fryer at the Municipal Liquor Store.

Schedule of Upcoming Meetings

KMU Meeting: Tuesday, November 21st @ 4:00 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. City Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 12th @ 7:00 p.m.

Council And Staff General Comments

Council member Bailey stated that the patching on the streets looked good.

Council member Helgeson reminded everyone of Christmas in Kenyon on December 9.

Council member Sjolander thanked the department heads, Holli and Mark for all they do. He also noted the passing of Deb Svien a former city employee.

Police Chief Sjoblom introduced the new part-time officer, Missy England. He stated that the body cameras 10 were up and running.

Motion

Motion by Bailey second by Henke to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Motion carried 4-0-0
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant Douglas Henke, Mayor

Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a special City