MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 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, June 7, 2022, at 5:05 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Denise Kerkhoff, Jim Sandgren, Larry Arentson, and John T. Buckley were present, constituting a quorum.
Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, City Attorney Trenton Dammann, Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering, and Council Secretary Caitlin Kodet. Finance Director Kari Klages was absent.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the May 17, 2022, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the following item on the Consent Agenda.
1. Parade Permit – Celebrate Redwood Falls Summer Splash
2. 4-Day Temporary On-Sale Liquor Application – Redwood Co. Ag. Society
3. 1-Day Temporary On-Sale Liquor Application – Redwood Co. Ag Society
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Zoning Administrator Matt Johnson introduced Ordinance No. 78, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Johnson stated the proposed Ordinance was introduced at the May 17, 2022 Council Meeting. The City received a request from CBC Fisher Group on behalf of Redwood Property Holdings, LLC for a re-zone of their property located at 100 Fallwood Road (Parcel #88-106-2175) from R-2 (Single and Two-Family Residential District) to R-4 (Multiple Family Residential District). Redwood Property Holdings, LLC is proposing to renovate the current building from the former use as a hospital to a three-story, multi-family residential building consisting of 57-units. The request to rezone the property was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 10, 2022. The Planning and Zoning Commission, along with City staff, recommend approval of the rezone and consequently the Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Johnson further stated the City has received a building permit application and plans for the project. The plans are currently being reviewed and contractors have started demolition on the interior of the building.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Ordinance No. 78, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Buckley, Sandgren, Kerkhoff, Smith, and Arentson
NO: None
Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner was present to introduce the Legion Park Playground Project.
Mr. Nachreiner stated the Legion Park Playground Request for Proposal process produced six (6) proposals. Park and Rec Staff, as well as a small committee, narrowed it down to three (3) proposals. From there the selected three (3) playground companies were able to make minor changes based on design and quoted price. Once re-submitted Staff
placed them for public display and welcomed comments. Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground submitted a quote in the amount of $112,423.31, Commercial Recreation Specialists submitted a quote in the amount of $110,000, and Flagship Recreation submitted a quote in the amount of $130,305.31. Based on the quotes and the designs, Staff is requesting to move forward with the Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground. The plan includes poured in place rubber surface that is handicap accessible.
Mr. Nachreiner stated this project will be funded by Covid Relief Funds, in the amount of $110,000, that the City has received to encourage outdoor play, and a $500 donation from the Legion Auxiliary, while the remaining portion will be paid through the budget and additional donations if received. The current playground structure was installed around 1984 and is in need of replacement. Parks and Recreation Staff will install the playground as well as the border around the playground. Staff is requesting approval to accept the playground design and bid from Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground.
Mr. Nachreiner further stated, in preparation for the project, trees were removed from around the park as a necessity because of the condition of the trees and new trees will be planted after the new equipment is installed.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the Legion Park Playground Project quote from Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground in the amount of $112,423.31. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner introduced the Celebrate Redwood Falls – Summer Splash 2022 City Assistance Request.
Mr. Nachreiner stated the Celebrate Redwood Falls board will be hosting the annual Summer Splash event Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Memorial Athletic Complex and other various locations throughout the City of Redwood Falls. The board is requesting approval of City assistance and waiver of rental fees for the activities on City property.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Celebrate Redwood Falls – Summer Splash 2022 City Assistance Request. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Chuck Heins was present to introduce the Drew Street Electric Conversion Project – Change Order #1.
Mr. Heins stated DGR worked with the contractor installing the underground utilities for the Drew Street reconstruction project to come up with a price to install the primary feeds for the new industrial park and housing addition for the Reflection’s projects. At this time of year, and with supplies as tight as they are, this was the most reasonable solution to make sure we can get power to the work site the most cost effective and quickest way possible. Public Utilities Staff is recommending approval of “Change Order No. 1” for additional work required to install conduit to the Reflection’s new building sites in the amount of $109,500.00.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the Drew Street Electric Conversion Project – Change Order #1 in the amount of $109,500.00. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 42 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Amended Task Order No. 2021-5 For Engineering Services for the 2021 Reflections Development Project.
Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 42 amends Task Order No. 2021-5 with Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BMI) to add a listed scope of construction services for the 2021 Reflections Development Project in the amount not to exceed $2,100,000.00 without further Council approval. The original Task Order 2021-15 was for $885,000.00 for all services not including construction. The amended amount of $2,100,000.00 includes the original $885,000.00 amount and is not in addition to. The $2,100,000.00 figure of this Amended Task Order was used for the financing package presented and approved by Council. Completion of the project scope is anticipated by January 1, 2025. Upon completion of the specified tasks, additional task orders may be completed for design and bidding of turn lanes of final plans for any future phases of development and construction as listed in the amended Task Order 2021-5.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 42 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Amended Task Order No. 2021-5 For Engineering Services for the 2021 Reflections Development Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 42 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Amended Task Order No. 2021-5 For Engineering Services for the 2021 Reflections Development Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Attorney Trenton Dammann introduced Resolution No. 43 of 2022 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for Authorization Approving Purchase of Real Property Located at 516 East Elm Street.
Council Member Sandgren declared a conflict of interest due to being related to the property owners of 516 East Elm Street. Council Member Sandgren did not participate in the discussion nor vote on the purchase.
Mr. Dammann stated Floyd & Martha Sandgren own a vacant lot located at 516 East Elm Street. On April 7, 2022, 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 Budget Committee reviewed the proposal and recommended acceptance. The purpose of the land purchase is to hold the land for future development. On May 3, 2022, at a regularly scheduled Council meeting, Council authorized acquisition of the property for $15,100. The purchase agreement between the City and Sellers was finalized on May 18, 2022. City Staff believes it is in the best interests of the City for the Redwood Falls Port Authority to now assume the role of Buyer in the purchase agreement to execute and close the Purchase Agreement.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 43 of 2022 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for Authorization Approving Purchase of Real Property Located at 516 East Elm Street. Motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Council Members Smith, Arentson, Buckley, and Kerkhoff
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member Sandgren
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 43 of 2022 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for Authorization Approving Purchase of Real Property Located at 516 East Elm Street. Motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Council Members Smith, Arentson, Buckley, and Kerkhoff
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member Sandgren
City Attorney Trenton Dammann introduced Ordinance No. 79, Fourth Series – Authorization to Approve the Sale of Real Property Located at 511 Dekalb Street.
Mr. Dammann stated the City of Redwood Falls owns the land upon which Garnette Gardens is built, 511 Dekalb Street. When Garnette Gardens was developed the City purchased the building site from the School District for $60,000 and entered into a ground lease granting Garnette Gardens lease access to the land. The land lease was utilized to minimize the upfront development costs incurred by Garnette Gardens. Garnette Gardens is in the process of refinancing with a HUD insured loan which requires the borrower to own the land that is occupied by the facility being refinanced. The existing land lease includes a provision that states if Garnette Gardens is sold to a third party, the lease agreement terminates, and the third party shall be required to purchase the land from the City of Redwood Falls for a predetermined purchase price of $120,000.
Mr. Dammann stated on February 4, 2022, Vista Prairie at Garnette Gardens, LLC, submitted a purchase proposal for the real property located at 511 Dekalb Street. Pursuant to the purchase proposal, on March 1, 2022, City Council agreed to exclusive negotiations with Buyer. As of March 10, a draft Purchase Agreement has been finalized between the Parties. On March 15, 2022 at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, the Council approved the purchase agreement by Resolution No. 23 of 2022. Pursuant to Section 12.05 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, as amended December 5, 1978, no real property of the City shall be disposed of except by Ordinance.
Mr. Dammann further stated no action needs to take place at tonight’s meeting, solely discussion of the proposed Ordinance. City Staff will provide the required 10-day notice of the Ordinance prior to the final approval of the proposed Ordinance. On June 21, 2022, City staff will request Council approve the proposed Ordinance by roll call vote in accordance with Chapter 4 of the City Charter and Chapter 3 of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 79, Fourth Series – Authorization to Approve the Sale of Real Property Located at 511 Dekalb Street. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Ordinance No. 80, Fourth Series – Sanitary Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program Update.
Mr. Doering stated on November 5, 2019 the City Council of the City of Redwood Falls, Minnesota passed and adopted Ordinance No. 66, Fourth Series, to address the issue of prohibited discharge of clear water drainage into the City’s sanitary sewer system. Prohibited discharge of clear water drainage includes not only unauthorized inflow but also the infiltration of clear water drainage into compromised sanitary sewer service lines. To make the City’s planned inspection process inclusive of all kinds of prohibited discharge of clear water drainage, including infiltration of compromised sanitary sewer service lines, City staff believes amendment of Ordinance No. 66, Subdivision 3, is necessary to add sanitary sewer service lines to the list of facilities to be inspected.
City Attorney Dammann stated no action needs to take place at tonight’s meeting, solely discussion of the proposed Ordinance. City Staff will provide the required 10-day notice of the Ordinance prior to the final approval of the proposed Ordinance. On June 21, 2022, City staff will request Council approve the proposed Ordinance by roll call vote in accordance with Chapter 4 of the City Charter.
Mr. Doering stated by Ordinance the owner/seller of a property, not in the designated zone, is responsible for having the sump pump and sanitary sewer inspections completed at the time of sale. The owner needs to make corrections or receive a certificate of completion from the City. Homes located in designated zones and homes listed for sale qualify for the City’s loan program. Homeowners that do not fall into those categories do not qualify for the loan program. Council Member Sandgren requested City Staff explore the option to allow homeowners that are requesting to repair issues with their sanitary sewer line be eligible for the loan program.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 80, Fourth Series – Sanitary Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program Update. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel gave an update on the Small Cities Development Program. There are currently seven commercial projects, two are complete and three are out for bid. There are also 11 residential applications for projects. One project can proceed and 10 are still waiting for bids. The project grants need to be dispersed by September 2023.
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 Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to adjourn the meeting at 5:58 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.