MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023
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, December 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Council Members Matt Smith, Jim Sandgren, Denise Kerkhoff, Larry Arentson, and John T. Buckley were present, constituting a quorum. Mayor Tom Quackenbush attended remotely via interactive technology.
Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering, Finance Director Kari Klages, and Deputy City Clerk Caitlin Kodet. City Attorney Trenton Dammann was absent.
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 Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the December 5, 2023, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda.
1. 2024 Business License Renewals
2. A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) Program Update
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mayor Quackenbush opened the Truth-in-Taxation public hearing at 6:03 p.m.
Finance Director Klages presented an overview of Resolution No. 77 of 2023 – Resolution Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Year 2024 for the City of Redwood Falls, Resolution No. 78 of 2023 – Resolution Approving 2024 Payments in Lieu of Taxes, and Resolution No. 79 of 2023 – Resolution Approving 2024 Final Budgets.
Ms. Klages stated the 2024 Total City Budget receives 91% of the total budget, or $36,300,571, from non-tax revenue sources. Property taxes fund 9% of the total budget, or $3,525,047. The total 2024 Levy increased by 6.95%.
No public comments were received at the hearing.
Mayor Quackenbush closed the Truth-in-Taxation hearing at 6:21 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 77 of 2023 – A Resolution Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Year 2024 for the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 77 of 2023 – A Resolution Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Year 2024 for the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 78 of 2023 – A Resolution Approving 2024 Payments in Lieu of Taxes. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 78 of 2023 – A Resolution Approving 2024 Payments in Lieu of Taxes. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 79 of 2023 – A Resolution Approving 2024 Final Budgets. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 79 of 2023 – A Resolution Approving 2024 Final Budgets. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Human Resources Coordinator Sheila Stage was present to introduce Resolution No. 80 of 2023 – A Resolution Setting and Adopting the 2024 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Non-Union Employees.
Ms. Stage highlighted the changes to the 2024 Pay Plans. All regular part-time employees will be eligible for a $1.25 base pay increase. Part-time Liquor Store clerks will see an increase to the step pay plan by $1.00 for each step progression which will be received on the employee’s anniversary date. The Liquor Store Clerk step plan was also changed to reduce the top of the pay plan from nine years to six years while also increasing the hourly rate for years of service, as an employee retention incentive. Seasonal employees that are returning will receive a $0.50 per hour increase plus a base pay increase of $1.00 per hour for 2024.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 80 of 2023 – A Resolution Setting and Adopting the 2024 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Non-Union Employees. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 80 of 2023 – A Resolution Setting and Adopting the 2024 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Non-Union Employees. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 81 of 2023 – Authorization to Execute Memorandum of Agreement for Watershed Planning.
Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 81 executes the Memorandum of Agreement for the development of the “One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P)” on the Redwood River. The Memorandum of Agreement lists responsibilities for the Cities involved and outlines basic objectives to be accomplished to prioritize sub-watersheds, target implementation practices and measure improvements. The development of the plan will provide the foundation for accessing implementation dollars to reduce priority pollutants from reaching the Redwood River. Ultimately the reduction of those pollutants will help to improve water quality in Lake Redwood and reduce sedimentation rates that will prolong the success of the recent dredging project.
Mr. Doering stated the fiscal agent for plan development will be the Redwood Cottonwood Rivers Control Area (RCRCA). Planning partners will include Lincoln County and SWCD, Lyon County and SWCD, Murray County, Pipestone County and SWCD, Redwood County and SWCD, Area II Minnesota River Basins Project JPO, City of Marshall, and RCRCA for a total of 13 LGUs. The term for this plan development will start upon execution and is slated to terminate June 30, 2026. The City can opt out at any time upon 30-day notice. There are no costs other than travel and staff time to participate in its development. RCRCA has received a grant and budget of $238,700.00 to complete the planning process.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 81 of 2023 – Authorization to Execute Memorandum of Agreement for Watershed Planning. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 81 of 2023 – Authorization to Execute Memorandum of Agreement for Watershed Planning. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Library Director Connie Lechner was present to introduce Resolution No. 82 of 2023 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City.
Ms. Lechner stated Resolution No. 82 of 2023 accepts two financial donations in the amount of $4,334.31 from the Redwood Area Library Foundation (RALF) and the amount of $2,700 from the Friends of the Library. It was determined by an inspection from Brighter Homes Store that there was not an option to repair the existing carpet in the meeting room. It was causing large air bubbles in high traffic areas causing safety concerns. Because the flooring is considered part of the Expansion Plan, the Library Foundation was willing to pay a portion of the expense, after the Friends of the Library committed to $2,700. The billed total is $7,034.31 of which RALF would pay the balance of $4,334.31.
Ms. Lechner stated due to a last-minute cancellation, the carpet has been installed. Library Staff were assured by Brighter Homes Store that the same carpet will be available for any Expansion carpet needs. Staff is requesting approval to accept the financial donations from the Redwood Area Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library to fund the replacement of the meeting room carpet.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 82 of 2023 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City in the amount of $7,034.31. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 82 of 2023 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City in the amount of $7,034.31. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Housing Development Proposal – Southwest MN Housing Partnership.
Mr. Muetzel stated in April of 2023, the Port Authority requested proposals from housing developers to develop a 12-acre parcel in the Reflection Prairie Addition. The Request for Proposals sought to identify a developer to construct a mix of privately owned, market rate, single-family and multi-family housing units along with the possibility of some light retail space. There were two proposals submitted, one of which was from the Southwest MN Housing Partnership. The Southwest MN Housing Partnership is a non-profit community development corporation serving communities throughout Southwest and South-Central Minnesota. The Mission of the Partnership is to “partner with communities to develop places for people to call home.” The Southwest MN Housing Partnership carries out its mission by supporting and developing high quality housing services and products.
Mr. Muetzel stated the first phase of the proposal submitted by Southwest MN Housing Partnership includes the development of a mix of single-story townhomes (28 units) and single-family homes (4 units) that will be available for sale or rent. Future phases included the possibility of apartment buildings for rental housing. As a non-profit housing developer, the Southwest MN Housing Partnership is requesting the following assistance from the Port Authority to ensure affordability of the proposed project:
1. Transfer of land ownership at no cost for each phase of the project.
2. Provide short-term loan funding to subdivide the property for phase 1 construction.
3. Provide up to $1,000,000 in low interest revolving construction loan funding.
4. Install the necessary infrastructure and assess those costs to each lot that is developed.
5. Consider future financial support for future construction phases.
Mr. Muetzel stated the Port Authority has reviewed and discussed the proposed development and assistance requests. After carefully considering the potential benefits of providing much needed additional housing stock that will be available to households of all ages and size, the Port Authority recommends approval of the proposal.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Housing Development Proposal – Southwest MN Housing Partnership as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 83 of 2023 – Authorization to Execute Master Agreement for Professional Services 2024 City of Redwood Falls and Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 83 executes the Master Service Agreement for 2024. The Master Service Agreement lists responsibilities for both parties and outlines basic services to be provided by Bolton & Menk Inc. as assigned by the City of Redwood Falls. This will be done on a project-by-project basis that is to be outlined by individual “Task Orders” presented to Council for subsequent approval throughout the year. The term for this Master Agreement will have a start of January 1, 2024 and is slated to terminate December 31, 2024 but roll over annually if both parties agree. This does not supersede the Council from formerly appointing Bolton & Menk Inc. Owen Todd P.E. as our City Engineer at their first business meeting of the new year. This Agreement has been reviewed by Bolton & Menk Inc. with no changes suggested and Staff also recommends approval.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 83 of 2023 – Authorization to Execute Master Agreement for Professional Services 2024 City of Redwood Falls and Bolton & Menk, Inc. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 83 of 2023 – Authorization to Execute Master Agreement for Professional Services 2024 City of Redwood Falls and Bolton & Menk, Inc. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Finance Director Klages introduced Resolution No. 84 of 2023 – Resolution Establishing Rates for Purchased Power Avoidance Cost.
Ms. Klages stated Resolution No. 84 of 2023 would enact the electric utility purchased power avoidance cost rates as of Jan 1, 2024. The City of Redwood Falls will reimburse using the Annual All Hours rate of $.03123 per kilowatt hour. Staff recommends approval.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 84 of 2023 – Resolution Establishing Rates for Purchased Power Avoidance Cost. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 84 of 2023 – Resolution Establishing Rates for Purchased Power Avoidance Cost. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Bills and Claims were presented to the 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 Arentson to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.