MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 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, November 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Denise Kerkhoff, Jim Sandgren, and John T. Buckley were present, constituting a quorum. Council Member Larry Arentson 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.
City Administrator Muetzel requested to add Consent Agenda Item 6B – Approve 1-Day Temporary Liquor License for Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism After Hours Event. A correction is also needed for the title of Agenda Item 9C but there are no changes to the packet information. Agenda Item 9C should state Employee Health Insurance Renewal – Resolution #65.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the agenda with the correction to Agenda Item 9C – Employee Health Insurance Renewal – Resolution #65 and the addition of Consent Agenda Item 6B – Approve 1-Day Temporary Liquor License for Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism After Hours Event. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the October 18, 2022, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda.
1. Liquor Lodge Wine Cooler Repair
2. 1-Day Temporary Liquor License for Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism After Hours Event
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Finance Director Klages introduced Resolution No. 62 of 2022 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts.
Ms. Klages stated City Staff received a request prior to the hearing on October 4, 2022 from the property owner of parcel #88-423-0640 regarding the assessment of $410.08. At that time Council approved the previous Resolution and voted to discuss the assessment for parcel #88-423-0640 at the November 1, 2022 meeting.
Ms. Klages stated the proposed Resolutions are to adopt assessments for delinquent utility accounts and maintenance cost charges that are more than 30 days past due. Similar resolutions are brought to the City Council on a quarterly basis in order to improve the time between the delinquent billing and the ability to disclose the information to new property owners. The delinquent account resolutions will be presented each year at the first meeting in January, April, July, and October.
Ms. Klages further explained the delinquent process. Delinquent letters are first mailed to the utility account holders. Delinquent letters are then mailed to the property owners if not collected from the account holders. Electricity consumed by a tenant is not assessable to the property. Any unpaid balance is then brought to Council to be approved by resolution. Any pending assessments passed by resolution and still outstanding as of November 1st will be charged a $50.00 fee and are then transferred to Redwood County to be assessed on the tax rolls.
No one was present to voice any concerns.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 62 of 2022 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 62 of 2022 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Attorney Trenton Dammann introduced Ordinance No. 82, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Vacating an Alley Located in Block 9 of Watson’s 2nd Addition and Block 1 of Watson’s 4th Addition in the City of Redwood Falls.
Mr. Dammann stated the City received a land use application from David Klabunde requesting to vacate the alley running east and west in Block 9 of Watson’s 2nd Addition and Block 1 of Watson’s 4th Addition with access located between 504 and 508 N. Lincoln St. There are five parcels adjacent to the alley. David and Gina Klabunde own four of the five adjacent parcels. The only other adjacent property owner has been sent a notice of the proposed vacation and City Staff has not received any objection to the request.
Mr. Dammann stated pursuant to Section 12.06 of the Redwood Falls City Charter, Section 7.09 of the Redwood Falls City Code, and Chapter 3, Article 10, of the Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance, the City Council may vacate an alley by ordinance upon petition and public notice. A public hearing was held at the City Council Chambers on October 18, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. to address the proposed vacation of the alley. No objections to the proposed ordinance were received from the public.
Mr. Dammann further stated City Staff is requesting the adjacent property owner, Mr. Klabunde, provide a 20 ft. utility easement in place of the alley, to which he has agreed. Staff recommends approval contingent on the landowner providing a recorded utility easement. Ordinance No. 82 will not be recorded with the County until after the easement has been recorded. Since the first reading of the ordinance on October 18, 2022, City Staff made one change to the first paragraph under the Findings and Purpose to include a complete reference to all applicable City Charter and Ordinance provisions.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Ordinance No. 82, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Vacating an Alley Located in Block 9 of Watson’s 2nd Addition and Block 1 of Watson’s 4th Addition in the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Buckley, Sandgren, Kerkhoff, and Smith,
NO: None
ABSENT: Council Member Arentson
Human Resources Coordinator Sheila Stage was present to introduce Resolution No. 63 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting 2023 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Part-Time & Seasonal Non-Union Employees.
Ms. Stage stated the 2023 Pay Plans for all part-time and seasonal employees, excluding part-time Liquor Store Clerks, will see a .50 cent COLA Increase. This is an increase of .25 cents over years past to try and keep up with competitive pay for employees working many nights and weekends. It has been recommended to increase part-time Liquor Store Clerk Pay Plans by $1.00/hr. for each step in the progression. The 2023 pay changes for this group will be their increase in the step pay plan which they will receive on their anniversary date. It is also recommended to increase cell phone stipends for those using a personal cell phone for work purposes from $9.23 per pay period or $20.00 per month to $18.46 per pay period or $40.00 per month to keep up with the rising costs of cell phones.
Council Member Smith declared a conflict of interest due to his son being employed as a part-time employee and abstained from the vote of Resolution No. 63 of 2022.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 63 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting 2023 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Part-Time & Seasonal Non-Union Employees. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Buckley, Sandgren, and Kerkhoff
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member Smith
ABSENT: Council Member Arentson
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 63 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting 2023 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Part-Time & Seasonal Non-Union Employees. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Buckley, Sandgren, and Kerkhoff
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member Smith
ABSENT: Council Member Arentson
Human Resources Coordinator Stage introduced Resolution No. 64 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting the 2023 Contract Renewal of Group Long Term Disability and Life Insurance and the Employer’s Share of Premium for Long Term Disability and Life Insurance Coverage.
Ms. Stage stated the City participates in a formal bid conducted every five years by National Insurance Services. Based on the bid, Madison National Life Insurance Co. has provided lower rates for the Long-Term Disability Insurance. The Long-Term Disability Insurance has a proposed rate decrease from $.0375 per $100 of covered payroll to $.032 per covered payroll. This decrease in premium will begin January 1, 2023 and will remain for 36 months continuing through December 31, 2026.
Ms. Stage stated following the formal bid by National Insurance Services, MN Life Insurance Co. has also provided lower rates for the group Life Insurance coverage. MN Life has reviewed the City’s group demographics and based on this information our Basic Life Rate or City provided rate will decrease from $.145 to $.130 per $1000 per month. The AD&D will remain unchanged at .02 per $1000 per month. This rate decrease will take effect on January 1, 2023, and Minnesota Life has confirmed that these rates will enter year one on January 1, 2023, of a three-year rate guarantee continuing through December 31, 2026. There are also policy enhancements added for 2023. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Renewal of Life and Long-Term Disability Insurances effective 1/1/2023. Staff sees these changes as beneficial to all involved.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 64 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting the 2023 Contract Renewal of Group Long Term Disability and Life Insurance and the Employer’s Share of Premium for Long Term Disability and Life Insurance Coverage. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 64 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting the 2023 Contract Renewal of Group Long Term Disability and Life Insurance and the Employer’s Share of Premium for Long Term Disability and Life Insurance Coverage. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Human Resources Coordinator Stage introduced Resolution No. 65 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting the 2023 Contract Renewal of Group Health Insurance and the Employer’s Share of Premium for Health Insurance Coverage.
Ms. Stage stated City staff worked with the City’s Insurance Broker, Justin Kroeger, from Gallagher Insurance Consulting to obtain Group Health Insurance proposals for 2023. Two vendors responded to the RFP. Justin renegotiated with the City’s current health insurance provider, Preferred One, integrating with United Healthcare in 2023. Staff recommends accepting the renewal of the current group health plan with United Healthcare in 2023 at an increase of 3.98% in premiums. This proposal maintains the same coverages provided in 2022.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to waive the reading of Resolution No. 65 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting the 2023 Contract Renewal of Group Health Insurance and the Employer’s Share of Premium for Health Insurance Coverage. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 65 of 2022 – Setting and Adopting the 2023 Contract Renewal of Group Health Insurance and the Employer’s Share of Premium for Health Insurance Coverage. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Chuck Heins was present to introduce Resolution No. 66 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute DGR Engineering Task Order 14 Amendment to the Master Agreement for 2023 Distribution Improvements.
Mr. Heins stated during the 2023 construction season staff is moving forward with two projects in a continuing effort to place the electrical system underground. The two projects for the coming year are from Reede Gray Elementary going east to the high school football field and the overhead lines in and south of the County Fairgrounds, from Country Kitchen to McDonalds. Some of this work will be completed by a contractor and some of the work will be completed by the electric department staff. DGR has provided Task Order #14 for the preliminary phase, estimated materials, and construction cost of this project. The cost estimate for this project is $1,507,000. It should be noted that pricing is very volatile, and these costs may increase.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 66 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute DGR Engineering Task Order 14 Amendment to the Master Agreement for 2023 Distribution Improvements. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 66 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute DGR Engineering Task Order 14 Amendment to the Master Agreement for 2023 Distribution Improvements. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 67 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Construction Agreement.
Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 67 of 2022 and the cooperative agreement, number 1035946, is for receiving, operating, and maintaining a DNR fishing pier on Lake Redwood. The agreement outlines the responsibilities and maintenance requested of the City for the DNR Trails and Waterways to provide a forty-foot fishing pier and ten-foot gangway.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 67 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Construction Agreement. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 67 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Construction Agreement. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Zoning Administrator Matt Johnson was present to introduce the Preliminary and Final Plat for Kwik Trip 1203.
Mr. Johnson stated the City received a request from Kwik Trip Inc. for a preliminary and final plat approval for the parcel described as Parcel #88-005-1040. City Staff worked with Kwik Trip’s surveyor to prepare the preliminary and final plats. City Staff reviewed the plats for all required findings including any necessary easements. After review by the Redwood County Highway Engineer, the plat meets County guidelines. Due to the location of the parcel, MnDOT also reviewed the final plat and requested edits from Kwik Trip. The surveyor completed the requested edits and MnDOT was able to review the plat with edits. MnDOT approved the final plat prior to the City Council meeting. Planning Commission recommends approval of the preliminary and final plat.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Preliminary and Final Plat for Kwik Trip 1203. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Police Chief Jason Cotner was present to introduce the Addendum to Law Enforcement Support Offices State Plan of Operation.
Chief Cotner stated in 2021 Officer Mike Monson, as part of his duties with the Brown/Lyon/Redwood/Renville Emergency Response Unit (BLRR/ERU) applied for, and was accepted as a participant in, the United States Department of Defense (DOD) Law Enforcement Support Program (LESO). LESO allows local law enforcement agencies to receive surplus federal government hardware, equipment, and vehicles for official use. Since participation began, Officer Monson has acquired night vision goggles, rifle optics, and medical gear for both the BLRR/ERU and Redwood Falls Police Department. The only costs incurred were for shipping and total a fraction of the costs had RFPD or BLRR/ERU purchased the items from a retail vendor. All shipping costs for BLRR/ERU equipment were paid by the BLRR/ERU and not RFPD.
Chief Cotner stated on October 27, 2022, RFPD received notice that under Presidential Executive Order 14074, Section 12, an addendum to the existing State Plan of Operation had been issued and implemented several new provisions. The most significant and applicable revisions to the City of Redwood Falls include:
1. Prior to requesting or acquiring any controlled property agencies shall provide written notification to their local community of its intent to request controlled property. Controlled property includes armored vehicles, tactical vehicles, and command and control vehicles.
2. Prior to requesting or acquiring any controlled property notification will be provided to the local Civilian Governing Body (CGB).
3. Any use of controlled property during a ‘significant incident’ shall be documented and retained for no less than three years. A significant incident is defined as: Any law enforcement operation or action that involves: 1) a violent encounter among or between civilians and police, 2) a use of force that causes death or serious bodily injury, 3) a demonstration or other public exercise of First Amendment rights, or 4) an event that draws, or could be reasonably expected to draw, a large number of attendees or participants, such as those where advanced planning is needed.
Chief Cotner further stated Officer Monson has recently been tasked with obtaining a second armored vehicle that will be utilized by the BLRR/ERU. Because Officer Monson’s home agency is the Redwood Falls Police Department the addendum must be reviewed and approved by the Redwood Falls City Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the Addendum to Law Enforcement Support Offices State Plan of Operation. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Doering provided Council a map of Lake Redwood showing the depths following the dredging project. The map will be available for the public.
Mr. Doering stated as of the meeting date, 13 deer have been harvested as part of the City Archery Hunt.
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 5:51 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.