City Council Meeting – May 21, 2024

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 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Jim Sandgren, Larry Arentson, and John T. Buckley were present, constituting a quorum. Council Member Denise Kerkhoff was absent.

Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, Finance Director Kari Klages, City Attorney Trenton Dammann, Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering, and Deputy City Clerk Caitlin Kodet.

A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the May 7, 2024, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Council Member Denise Kerkhoff arrived at 5:02 p.m.

City Attorney Dammann introduced Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Adopting the Unified Development Ordinance with Amendments as Provided in §14.02 of the Redwood Falls City Code.

Mr. Dammann stated the proposed Ordinance was introduced at the April 16, 2024, City Council Meeting. Staff is proposing changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The current UDO was approved in 2014 and recently City Staff has identified a few areas that need to be updated. The first proposed change in Section 7.18 - Residential Accessory Buildings, modifies Table 7.1 and allows for increased accessory structure square footage based on the size of the lot. The setback requirements and total lot coverage requirements will remain the same. With the addition of 1-acre and 1.5-acre lots in the Reflection Prairie subdivision, staff feels it is important to allow for larger accessory buildings where residents have the space available.

Mr. Dammann stated the second proposed change is in Section 7.20 - Private Swimming Pools. The only requested change is to remove the wording, “and have a have a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.” It is difficult for Staff to calculate the total number of gallons a pool can hold based on a site inspection. For better enforcement, Staff is requesting to remove that requirement and allow for enforcement of private pools when they are capable of holding water at a depth of more than 24”. This change also harmonizes the UDO with pool regulations found in the current property maintenance code.

Mr. Dammann stated the final proposed change is to Section 7.24 Solar Energy Systems. Due to changes and advancements with solar energy systems since 2014, and the complexity of the section, Staff is proposing to remove all of Section 7.24 except subdivision (A) and replace it with new language for the entire section. Staff feel the new language and layout of the revised section better fits the current standards for solar energy systems. The most significant change is the removal of the Conditional Use Permit requirement for all rooftop solar systems over 120 sq. ft. All rooftop mounted systems would be allowed so long as they meet the required standards and approval process. All solar energy systems would still require a building permit and approval from the Building Official as well as approval from the Public Utilities Department. A conditional use permit would still be required for ground mounted solar energy systems.

Mr. Dammann stated on April 9, 2024, a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission to discuss Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series. After the hearing, the Planning Commission recommended approval of Ordinance No. 90 with two amendments to Table 7.1, increasing the maximum height allowed from 16 feet to 20 feet for detached accessory structures in R1 and R2 Zones on parcel sizes of 1 acre or greater. The remainder of the text within 7.18 was added to the Ordinance, with renumbering to correct a previous typo. Titles have been added to Sections 1 through 5 for easier use in summary publication, Findings were added in Section 2, and Section 8 was modified to ensure that Chapter 15 remains reserved.

Mr. Dammann further stated State law requires that all ordinances adopted be published prior to becoming effective. Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series is lengthy and authorizes a change to Table 7.1 located in Section 7.18 of the Unified Development Ordinance. However, Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.191, subd. 4, allows publication by title and summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps. Staff has prepared Resolution No. 27 of 2024 and Exhibit A, which contains the summary of Ordinance No. 90 for publication.

A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Adopting the Unified Development Ordinance with Amendments as Provided in §14.02 of the Redwood Falls City Code. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:

AYE: Council Members Smith, Kerkhoff, Sandgren, Smith, Buckley, and Arentson
NO: None

City Administrator Muetzel introduced Ordinance No. 91, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting a Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the City of Redwood Falls.

Mr. Muetzel stated the proposed Ordinance was introduced at the May 7, 2024, City Council Meeting. As part of the City’s Supplement Service Plan with American Legal Publishing Corporation for the Codification Services Agreement, the Thirteenth Supplement to the Code of Ordinances has been received. Ordinances No. 82-89, Fourth Series, and other amendments have now been incorporated into the code and are ready for adoption.

A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Ordinance No. 91, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting a Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:

AYE: Council Members Smith, Kerkhoff, Sandgren, Smith, Buckley, and Arentson
NO: None

City Attorney Dammann introduced Resolution No. 27 of 2024 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for the Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series, An Ordinance Adopting the 2014 Unified Development Ordinance with Amendments as Provided in §14.02 of the Redwood Falls City Code.

Mr. Dammann stated State law requires that all ordinances adopted be published prior to becoming effective. Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series is lengthy and authorizes a change to Table 7.1 located in Section 7.18 of the Unified Development Ordinance. However, Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.191, subd. 4, allows publication by title and summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps. Staff have prepared Resolution No. 27 of 2024 and Exhibit A, which contains the summary of Ordinance No. 90 for publication. Exhibit A was changed since Council received the first version to now include a more detailed description of the proposed changes.

A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 27 of 2024 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for the Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series, An Ordinance Adopting the 2014 Unified Development Ordinance with Amendments as Provided in §14.02 of the Redwood Falls City Code. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 27 of 2024 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for the Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 90, Fourth Series, An Ordinance Adopting the 2014 Unified Development Ordinance with Amendments as Provided in §14.02 of the Redwood Falls City Code. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced the 2024 Solid Waste Collection RFP.

Mr. Doering stated the City of Redwood Falls Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with West Central Sanitation ends on September 22, 2024. By approving this RFP, it will allow the City to receive timely and competitive bids. The RFP would be due on June 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. for the Public Works Committee and Staff to summarize the quotes and present the recommendation to award by July 16, 2024. This will allow time for the awarded hauler to coordinate with the current franchise holder to ensure a smooth transition. This will also allow for an RFP required public informational meeting to be held prior to the transition in order to introduce the awarded hauler and review Chapter 3, Section 3.20 of the Redwood Falls City Code with the residents of Redwood Falls.

Mr. Doering stated City Staff is recommending the approval of the “Residential Solid Waste Collection” RFP to be publicly advertised with direct notification to Olson Sanitation, Waste Management, West Central Sanitation, Southwest Sanitation, and Sweetman Sanitation. The RFP request includes a five-year contract with the option to extend it for another five years. The liability insurance requirements have been increased and the low-volume option has been removed since the last RFP request was made in 2014.

Don Williamson, owner of West Central Sanitation was present to address Council as the current Solid Waste Franchise Agreement holder.

A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the 2024 Solid Waste Collection RFP. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 29 of 2024 – A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Certain Real Property Located in Redwood Falls, MN.

Mr. Muetzel stated the Runnings retail store was developed in 2014. To facilitate the Runnings project, the City of Redwood Falls partnered with MnDOT and Redwood County to develop a 4-way traffic light at the MN Highway 19/71 and County Road 101 intersection. One of the City’s roles was to acquire the public right-of-way needed to develop a 4-way traffic light at this location. This was accomplished by acquiring a portion of the former Eastwood Estates Mobile Home Park property to allow for the construction of Union Drive which is the access road serving Runnings and the former mobile home park. In 2021, Redwood Falls Industries, in partnership with West Lake Properties, acquired the Eastwood Estates Mobile Home Park. In July of 2023, the mobile home park closed, and the ownership group subdivided the property. As a result of the property spilt, Redwood Falls Industries owns the west 3.55 acres of the parcel which aligns with the north and south segments of Union Drive.

Mr. Muetzel stated Redwood Falls Industries is proposing to sell their portion of the property to the City which will allow for the future construction of Union Drive as a through street. The development of Union Drive as a through street accomplishes one of the City of Redwood Falls’ long-term transportation goals and creates development opportunities for the remaining portion of the former mobile home site. The proposed purchase price is $177,500.00 for the 3.55-acre parcel. The proposed purchase price equates to $50,000 per acre which is comparable to a recent land sale in the Ponderosa Business Park and the asking price for land in the Reflection Ridge Business Park. To complete the extension of Union Drive, the City will need to apply for State Aid funds and coordinate with MnDOT for a potential project in 2029.

A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 29 of 2024 – A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Certain Real Property Located in Redwood Falls, MN. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 29 of 2024 – A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Certain Real Property Located in Redwood Falls, MN. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 30 of 2024 – Authorization to Execute Agreement for Services.

Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 30 executes the Firm Gas Service Extension Agreement with Great Plains Natural Gas Co. A Division of Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. This agreement will allow for the extension of natural gas mains and services to Reflection Prairie Addition. This is in accordance with the Firm Gas Service Extension Policy effective date of April 1, 2021. Per the Company’s policy, it has been determined that cost participation is required and calculated to be $298,630.00. Cash funds that have already been designated for the project will be the revenue source used to cover this expense.

A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 30 of 2024 – Authorization to Execute Agreement for Services. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 30 of 2024 – Authorization to Execute Agreement for Services. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

City Administrator Muetzel introduced the open Accountant Position.

Mr. Muetzel stated the City received 10 applications for the advertised Accountant Position. One of the applicants was an internal candidate, current Payroll and AP Coordinator Rachel Viergutz. Interviews were completed by Finance Director Klages, HR Coordinator Sheila Stage, and City Administrator Muetzel. Staff is proposing to move Ms. Viergutz from her current position into the Accountant position as a lateral transfer, with no change to the current pay grade and classification. Ms. Viergutz has the qualifications and meets the requirements to fill the position. The current Payroll and AP Coordinator position will then be posted.

A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the transfer of Rachel Viergutz to the Accountant Position with no changes to the pay grade and classification. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 31 of 2024 – A Resolution Setting and Adopting Updated 2024 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Part-Time & Seasonal Non-Union Employees.

Mr. Muetzel stated on December 6, 2023, when the pay plan was originally approved, the Library employed a custodian as an Independent Contractor. After reviewing the City’s Independent Contractor positions and performing the newly provided Department of Labor analysis on them, Staff is recommending that the Library’s custodian position should no longer be an Independent Contractor and that the position should be filled by an employee. Therefore, it is recommended that the 2024 Non-Union City of Redwood Falls Pay Plan for Part-time and Seasonal employees be adjusted to show an After-Hours Building Custodian with a salary range of $20.00 - $30.00/hourly.

A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 31 of 2024 – A Resolution Setting and Adopting Updated 2024 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Part-Time & Seasonal Non-Union Employees. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 31 of 2024 – A Resolution Setting and Adopting Updated 2024 Pay Plans and Pay Step Structure for Part-Time & Seasonal Non-Union Employees. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Library Director Connie Lechner was present to introduce Resolution No. 32 of 2024 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City.

Ms. Lechner stated Resolution 32 of 2024 is to accept a Donation of $1,168.79 from the Friends of the Library. At the last meeting on May 6, the Friends of the Library unanimously approved funding the purchase of two book carts and microphones for the meeting room. A couple of library carts are not very sturdy, and Staff really become short on carts on delivery days, during book sales, and when children’s events require taking several books to the meeting room or outside. Library Staff have had many requests for a microphone for the meeting room. When the room is near full capacity, those in the back struggle with hearing the presenter in the front of the room. Staff is requesting approval to accept the financial donation from Friends of the Library to purchase book carts, microphones, and stand.

A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 32 of 2024 – 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. 32 of 2024 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated the new fishing pier at Lake Redwood was installed and ready for use on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Mayor Quackenbush stated the Veteran’s Cemetery will be hosting a Memorial Day service on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

City Administrator Muetzel stated the Red Skye Lofts will be hosting an open house on May 23, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to tour newly renovated apartment units.

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 Buckley to adjourn the meeting at 5:58 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.