MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2022
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Redwood Falls City Council was called to order in the Municipal Chambers on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Denise Kerkhoff, Larry Arentson and John T. Buckley were present, constituting a quorum. Council Member Jim Sandgren was absent.
Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, Finance Director Kari Klages, City Attorney Trenton Dammann, Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering, and Council Secretary Caitlin Kodet.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the April 19, 2022, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda.
1. 2021 Drinking Water Report
2. Temporary On-Sale Liquor License Application – Lions
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Zoning Administrator Matt Johnson introduced Ordinance No. 76, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Johnson stated the proposed Ordinance was introduced at the April 19, 2022 Council Meeting. The City received a request from the Redwood Falls Port Authority for a rezone of the Reflection Ridge Business Park Addition (Parcel #62-005-4020) from R-R (Rural Residential District) to I-1 (Limited Industrial District). Under the provisions of the Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance, all annexed property is zoned as R-R (Rural Residential District) by default unless otherwise designated at the time of annexation. Specific action was not taken at the time of annexation because the plat for the property was not finalized at that time. The Redwood Falls Port Authority would like to rezone the parcel to better fit the intended use. The request to rezone the property was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 12, 2022. The Planning and Zoning Commission, along with City staff, recommend approval of the rezone and consequently the Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Ordinance No. 76, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Buckley, Kerkhoff, Smith, and Arentson
NO: None
ABSENT: Council Member Sandgren
Zoning Administrator Matt Johnson introduced Ordinance No. 77, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Johnson stated the proposed Ordinance was introduced at the April 19, 2022 Council Meeting. The City received a request from the Redwood Falls Port Authority for a rezone of the Reflection Prairie Addition (Parcel #62-008-2020) Lot 1, Block 1; Lot 1, Block 2; Lot 1, Block 3; and Outlot A from R-R (Rural Residential District) to R-4 (Multiple Family Residential District) and all remaining parcels to R-2 (Single and Two Family Residential). Under the provisions of the Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance, all annexed property is zoned as R-R (Rural Residential District) by default unless otherwise designated at the time of annexation. Specific action was not taken at the time of annexation because the plat for the property was not finalized at that time. The Redwood Falls Port Authority would like to rezone the parcel to better fit the intended use. The request to rezone the property was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 12, 2022. The Planning and Zoning Commission, along with City staff, recommend approval of the rezone and consequently the Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Ordinance No. 77, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Buckley, Kerkhoff, Smith, and Arentson
NO: None
ABSENT: Council Member Sandgren
Public Utilities Superintendent Chuck Heins introduced Resolution No. 34 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Purchase of Transformers.
Mr. Heins stated on March 25, 2022, an advertisement for bids was sent out requesting pricing on single phase transformers that will be used for the ongoing overhead to underground conversion projects and the new housing development in 2023. Sealed bids were due by 1:15 p.m., on April 26, 2022. Companies have been reluctant to bid because of long lead times and cost fluctuations, therefore only one bid was received. Staff does feel that the bid from Irby Utilities is a good bid and recommends that the Council accept the bid in the amount of $327,318.00 for 33 transformers for delivery in 60 weeks.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 34 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Purchase of Transformers. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 34 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Purchase of Transformers. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Shannon Sweeney with David Drown and Associates was present to introduce Resolution No. 35 of 2022 – Resolution Providing for Issuance and Sale of $3,495,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction and Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2022A, Pledging for the Security Thereof Net Revenues and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof.
Mr. Sweeney stated Council previously initiated a competitive sale of bonds to fund project costs associated with the Drew Street Reconstruction Project, 2022A GO Street Reconstruction & Utility Revenue Bond. The $3,495,000 bond is structured over a 20-year term. Bids were received from Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. and Northland Securities, Inc. The credit rating is AA-/Stable and non-bank qualified because of the amount of bonds being issued by the City this year. The low bidder was Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. at 3.7414%. It is recommended to award the sale of the bond to Robert W. Baird & Co.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 35 of 2022 – Resolution Providing for Issuance and Sale of $3,495,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction and Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2022A, Pledging for the Security Thereof Net Revenues and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 35 of 2022 – Resolution Providing for Issuance and Sale of $3,495,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction and Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2022A, Pledging for the Security Thereof Net Revenues and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Shannon Sweeney with David Drown and Associates introduced Resolution No. 36 of 2022 – Resolution Accepting Proposal on the Sale of $8,000,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2022B, Providing for Their Issuance and Pledging for the Security Thereof Net Revenues and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof.
Mr. Sweeney stated Council previously initiated a competitive sale of bonds to fund project costs associated with the utility improvements for the Reflections Projects, 2022B GO Utility Revenue Bonds. The $8,000,000 bond is structured over a 25-year term with the AA-/Stable credit rating and a State of Minnesota Credit Enhancement purchased for $500.00. Bids were received from Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. and Northland Securities, Inc. The low bidder was Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. at 3.7961%. It is recommended to award the sale of the bond to Robert W. Baird & Co.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 36 of 2022 – Providing for the Competitive Negotiated Sale of $3,495,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction and Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2022A. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 36 of 2022 – Providing for the Competitive Negotiated Sale of $3,495,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction and Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2022A. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner introduced Resolution No. 37 of 2022 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City.
Mr. Nachreiner stated Resolution No. 37 of 2022 is accepting a financial donation in the amount of $7,110 from the Redwood Area Hockey Association. The donation will be used to purchase an additional scoreboard in the ice arena to be installed on the east wall. There is currently only one FairPlay scoreboard on the west end. The new scoreboard and score pad will work with the existing scoreboard. The City will be responsible for the purchase of two-conductor shielded cables and the installation of the scoreboard and cables. The additional cable will not exceed $300.00. Staff is requesting approval to accept the financial donation from the Redwood Area Hockey Association to purchase an additional scoreboard.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 37 of 2022 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 37 of 2022 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Proposal to Sell Vacant Residential Lot – 516 E. Elm St.
Mr. Muetzel stated Floyd & Martha Sandgren own a vacant lot located at 516 East Elm Street. The Sandgrens submitted a proposal for the City to acquire the lot for a net price of $15,100 which is the property’s current estimated market value. The land would be purchased and held for future development. The Budget Committee has reviewed the proposal and recommends acceptance.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the purchase of a Vacant Residential Lot at 516 E. Elm St. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 38 of 2022 – Authorization to Approve Purchase Agreements for the “Hazard Mitigation A-HMGP-DR-4442-RDWDFLSCI-022 Grant.”
Mr. Doering stated the flooding disasters from 2010 through 2019 caused widespread property damage, and landslides on Ramsey Creek and the Redwood River. This Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is offered through Homeland Security and Emergency Management to mitigate hazards, preserve life and property, and reduce risk from future disasters.
Mr. Doering stated the City of Redwood Falls approved the grant from the HMGP on March 01, 2022. This is a 75/25 voluntary grant. This grant encompasses the lot described as PID 88-036-3010 which is facing an imminent danger of sliding into Ramsey Creek. The total estimated project cost for acquisition of the lot and demolition of the structures located on the lot is $634,016.00. The federal cost share will provide $475,512.00, leaving a collective match of $158,504.00 to be collected from the Sellers at the time of closing. Staff is recommending the purchase of the listed property for the appraisal amount and prorated property tax at the time of closing.
Mr. Dammann stated additional terms were added to the agreement to address the seller’s responsibility of the snow removal and road repair for Laser Trail once the deed has been delivered. After the home has been demolished, the City will not be responsible for maintaining Laser Trail. The remaining two properties will be responsible for the road maintenance.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 38 of 2022 – Authorization to Approve Purchase Agreements for the “Hazard Mitigation A-HMGP-DR-4442-RDWDFLSCI-022 Grant.” Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 38 of 2022 – Authorization to Approve Purchase Agreements for the “Hazard Mitigation A-HMGP-DR-4442-RDWDFLSCI-022 Grant.” Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced the Quote for Sanitary Sewer Manhole Lining.
Mr. Doering stated Staff recommends Council approve the low quote provided by HIPERLINE of Cokato, MN for the sum of $86,016.00. The maintenance project is included and approved by Council for the 2022 budget. As part of the Northwood Drive sewer lining project of 2021, all manholes on the trunk line were lined by HIPERLINE with their proprietary “Spectra Shield” coating. Staff identified 7 additional manholes that were corroding and in need of lining other than a cement liner of which the current coating is sloughing off. The quote from HIPERLINE is to finish the remaining manholes utilizing the same specifications that were used for the 2021 Northwood Drive project. The Council approved 2022 budget for this project is $90,500.00.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the Quote for Sanitary Sewer Manhole Lining in the amount of $86,016.00. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Attorney Dammann introduced the Guidelines and Procedures for the MN Government Data Practices Act 2022.
Mr. Dammann stated the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) is a series of State laws that attempt to balance the public's right to know what their government is doing, with an individual's right to privacy in government data created and maintained about them, and the government's need to function responsibly and efficiently. All cities must comply with the MGDPA. The MGDPA regulates how cities manage government data. The presented guidelines and procedures address each of the requirements that the City must comply with when persons are requesting any type of data whether it be classified as public, private, or confidential. The guidelines and procedures also have forms for the City to use when a person is requesting information. The guidelines and procedures originated in 2014 and were last updated in 2016.
Mr. Dammann stated amendments made to the guidelines and procedures include updated statute references, updated Tennessen warnings and release forms, updated names of data designees, and the addition of Body Worn Camera Data in the Data Inventory.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Guidelines and Procedures for the MN Government Data Practices Act 2022. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Reflection Prairie Lot Pricing and Terms.
Mr. Muetzel stated the Housing Committee for the Reflection Prairie Addition developed lot purchase information for the Reflection Prairie Addition. The lot information includes single-family lot prices, home construction schedule, lot sale procedures, restrictive covenants, and a buy-back option. Phase 1 of the Reflection Prairie Addition includes 20 single-family residential lots and seven (7) estate lots. All Phase 1 lots are available for immediate sale. The 20 residential lots are listed for sale at $34,900 and range from .28 to .35 acres. The seven estate lots are 1.0 acre and 1.5 acres, listed for sale at $54,900 and $74,900 respectively. The Housing Committee is also proposing that a buyer be eligible for an early buyer discount of $5,000 for any of the 20 residential lots (.28 to .35 acres) if the Redwood Falls Port Authority receives a signed purchase agreement and earnest money in full on or before December 31, 2022.
Mr. Muetzel further stated the lots are provided for immediate construction of new homes. Lot purchasers will have 12 months from the lot closing to secure a building permit for the construction of a new home and another 12 months to complete home construction and obtain a certificate of occupancy. The City of Redwood Falls Port Authority will begin accepting agreements at an initial offering to be held in the City Council Chambers on June 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. All lots in the Reflection Prairie Addition will be subject to the restrictive covenants presented. The restrictive covenants are intended to ensure that the nature of construction is consistent and meets minimum design standards.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the Reflection Prairie Lot Pricing and Terms, and Restrictive Covenants as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Declare Fire Department Ladder Truck Surplus Property and Authorize Sale.
Mr. Muetzel stated City Staff would like to begin the process of declaring the ladder truck surplus property and authorize staff to advertise for bids. The minimum bid is set at $30,000. The new truck is scheduled for delivery in July of 2022. The deadline for bid submission is July 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to Declare Fire Department Ladder Truck Surplus Property and Authorize Sale. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 39 of 2022 – Resolution Amending Resolution No. 44 of 2021- Setting Fee Schedule for 2022.
Mr. Muetzel stated the current City fee schedule includes a $75 fee to cover a portion of the cost incurred from the fire department’s response to a false building system alarm call. The fee schedule includes higher fees for additional false alarm responses. The purpose of the fee is to encourage building owners to properly maintain their alarm system. Recently, the City received two false fire alarm calls that were triggered as a result of interference with utility or phone lines. These calls were not a result of improper building alarm system maintenance and the building owners have contested the charges. To account for these unique variables, staff is proposing to eliminate the charge for the first false alarm in a rolling 12-month period and to charge $100 for each additional false alarm within the same 12-month period.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 39 of 2022 – Resolution Amending Resolution No. 44 of 2021- Setting Fee Schedule for 2022. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 39 of 2022 – Resolution Amending Resolution No. 44 of 2021- Setting Fee Schedule for 2022. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Council Member Kerkhoff stated the fence installation at the dog park has started. Mr. Muetzel estimated the project is approximately 80% complete. Mr. Doering stated the water lines need to be run to the park.
Council Member Buckley stated the Lake Redwood dredging is operating at full capacity. Mr. Doering reminded Council of the tentative completion date of September 2022.
Mayor Quackenbush stated he has received some concerns regarding the speed bumps for motorcycles and low-profile vehicles. Mr. Quackenbush requested an evaluation of the traffic controls that were put into place in and around the park and wanted to discuss the traffic controls again following the upcoming NightFalls event.
Bills and Claims were presented to Council for informational purposes. No questions, comments, or concerns were raised.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to adjourn the meeting at 6:36 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.