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, August 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Denise Kerkhoff, Jim Sandgren, Larry Arentson, and Shannon Guetter were present, constituting a quorum.
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 Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the August 5, 2025, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1. Library Door Opener Replacement
2. Request to Waive Water/Sanitary Sewer Charges – 110 S. Front Street
3. Request to Waive Sanitary Sewer Charges – 507 Valley View Drive
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering introduced the Library Expansion Plan Approval and Advertisement for Bids.
Mr. Doering stated Staff recommend approval for the plans and specifications and authorizing the advertisement for bids for the Redwood Falls Library Addition and Renovation Project. The total estimated cost with 5% contingency equates to $4,332,623.00 for the base bid of the addition and renovation portion of the project. There will be an alternate for the multi-purpose room expansion estimated at $518,622.00 that is not reflected in the base bid cost of the addition and main facility renovation. The expansion project will be fully funded from private donations and a state grant. Currently, through the generous support of private donations, the project estimates for the base bid of $4,332,623.00 is fully funded. The determining factor of whether the project alternate would be viable for consideration will be dependent on the outcome of the bidding process and if received bids are below the current estimated cost.
Library Director Connie Lechner was present with members of the Library Staff, Library Commission, and Library Foundation. Ms. Lechner stated over 240 organizations and individuals have donated to the Library Expansion Project. Thank you to all the community members for the monetary donations and the time spent raising funds and planning the expansion.
Mr. Doering stated upon approval the advertisement for bids will be published on August 28th, 2025, with a bid opening of September 25, 2025. Bidders are directed to hold their bids for 60 days where at the latest, the Council will entertain a recommendation to award or deny bids at the regularly scheduled meeting of November 18, 2025.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the Library Expansion Plan Approval and Advertisement for Bids. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner introduced Resolution No. 51 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-6 for Civil Engineering Services for the Redwood Area Community Center Roof Replacement Project.
Mr. Nachreiner stated Resolution No. 51 of 2025 authorizes Task Order No. 2025-6 with Bolton and Menk, Inc. to provide a listed scope of services in the amount not to exceed $39,500.00 (Split 52% Redwood Area School District and 48% City of Redwood Falls) without further Council approval. Completion of all activities listed in the scope are anticipated on or before August 15th, 2026. This task order includes a site visit and kickoff meeting, construction documents, and bidding and construction administration of the re-roofing project of the Redwood Area Community Center.
Mr. Nachreiner stated City Staff have met with school officials, and both agree that with the increase of spots where leaking has occurred and with the Redwood Area Community Center turning 25 years old in December now is the time to complete this project. Both groups have agreed to an estimated roof coverage to be 48% City owned with the remaining 52% being school owned. The City and school will work with Bolton & Menk, Inc to develop one contract that will include Schedule A (City) and Schedule B (School). Both entities will be responsible for their portion of the payments for the re-roof project. Staff recommend approval of the task order 2025-6 utilizing the current master services agreement with Bolton & Menk Inc.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Smith to waive the reading of Resolution No. 51 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-6 for Civil Engineering Services for the Redwood Area Community Center Roof Replacement Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 51 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-6 for Civil Engineering Services for the Redwood Area Community Center Roof Replacement Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced Ordinance No. 97, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting a Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the City of Redwood Falls.
Mr. Muetzel stated as part of the City’s Supplement Service Plan with American Legal Publishing Corporation for the Codification Services Agreement, the Fourteenth Supplement to the Code of Ordinances has been received. Ordinances No. 89-96, Fourth Series, and other amendments have now been incorporated into the code and are ready for adoption.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 97, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting a Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Zoning Administrator Randy Thole was present to introduce the Centennial Woods Addition – Preliminary & Final Plat.
Mr. Thole stated the City received a request from Brian Ertel, owner of the Normandale Mobile Home Park located at 201 Normandale Road (Parcel #88-001-4140) for a preliminary and final plat approval for the Centennial Woods Addition. In June of 2024, the Planning Commission and City Council approved a Planned Unit Development request for Mr. Ertel to reduce the setback requirements on the property. The reduced setbacks were required to widen the street and bring the street and infrastructure up to municipal standards. Mr. Ertel worked with City Staff to prepare a development agreement and is currently in the process of installing the updated sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water infrastructure.
Mr. Thole stated on November 12, 2024, City Council approved the Normandale Mobile Home Park Development Agreement by Resolution No. 71 of 2024. The development agreement states, “due to the anticipated public benefit from the Municipal Improvements, upon completion, Developer plans to dedicate the street and related structures to the City as a public right-of-way.” To complete the street dedication, Mr. Ertel needs to complete a plat of the property to identify the public right-of-way and dedicate all Municipal Improvements located within the public right-of-way to the City as identified on the final plat.
Mr. Thole further stated under the provisions of the Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance, the Zoning Administrator may allow a final plat to be submitted concurrent with a request for preliminary plat approval. City Staff has worked with Mr. Ertel and ISG Inc. to prepare the preliminary and final plats. Planning Commission recommends approval of the Centennial Woods preliminary and final plat.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the Centennial Woods Addition – Preliminary & Final Plat. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Zoning Administrator Thole introduced Ordinance No. 98, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Thole stated the City is proposing to rezone from I-1 to B-3 the properties described as 1301, 1303, 1305, 1307, and 1311 E. Bridge Street, 161 N Co. Hwy. 101, and Parcel #88-132-3030. The City received an inquiry from Butch Westman of Westman Group LLC, the property owner of 1303 E. Bridge Street, regarding the current zoning designation of the property. The owner recently purchased the NAPA property with plans to obtain a motor vehicle dealership license with the State of MN to allow for truck sales at that location. The retail sales portion of NAPA would remain, but the owner would like to add commercial truck and commercial truck part sales at that location. The property is zoned industrial (I-1), and vehicles sales are not permitted in industrial districts.
Mr. Thole stated following Mr. Westman’s inquiry, Staff reviewed the zoning designation of that property as well as the adjacent properties and found the current uses in the area do not fit the general provisions of an industrial district. Industrial districts are established to provide locations for industrial land uses engaged in the production, processing, assembly, manufacturing, packaging, wholesaling, warehousing or distribution of goods and materials. All of the requested parcels are currently zoned I-1: Limited Industrial. The businesses include a bank/financial institution, car wash, automobile parts and accessories sales, hotel, and automobile sales (car dealership). Most of the properties are currently operating as legal non-conforming uses because they are either not permitted in industrial districts or only permitted by conditional use.
Mr. Thole stated to better align with the current uses of all seven properties, staff recommend rezoning all of the requested properties to B-3: Auto-Oriented Business District. The purpose of the B-3 District is to provide for and limit the establishment of motor vehicle oriented or dependent commercial and service activities. All of the current businesses/uses are permitted uses in a B-3 district. The zoning amendment will not change the current business operations of any of the requested properties. The request to re-zone the property was presented to the Planning Commission on August 12, 2025. The Planning Commission, along with City staff, recommend approval of the re-zone and Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Thole further stated no action needs to take place at tonight’s meeting, solely discussion of the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. City Staff will provide the required 10-day notice of the Ordinance prior to the final approval of the proposed Ordinance. On September 2, 2025, 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 Guetter and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 98, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 52 of 2025 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Approving the Proposed Planned Unit Development for Lot One/Block One Reflection Prairie Addition.
City Administrator Muetzel stated the City received a request from the Redwood Falls Port Authority for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Lot One, Block One of the Reflection Prairie Addition. The Port Authority has identified a few objectives that the PUD would achieve including:
- Accommodation of the growing demand for housing of all types and for commercial facilities conveniently located to such housing.
- Higher standards of site and building design through the use of trained and experienced land planners, architects and landscape architects.
- An efficient use of land resulting in smaller networks of utilities and streets thereby lowering housing
costs and public investments and the promotion of energy resource conservation.
Mr. Muetzel stated the PUD request will not change the current zoning of the (R-4) Multiple Family Residential District but will allow for modifications to the property configuration with reduced setback requirements (zero lot line between duplexes, front setback to 20’, and side setback to 8’), and street width (50’ right-of-way and 30’ street width). Approval of the PUD will also allow for an exception to Ordinance Standards for R-4 Districts. By design, the proposed PUD requests an exception to allow single- and two-family dwellings in an R-4 District. Allowing single- and two-family dwellings is necessary to achieve the identified objectives. City Staff worked with City Engineer Bolton & Menk to ensure the proposed infrastructure meets the necessary requirements. The proposed PUD is consistent with other PUD districts that have been established in the City.
Mr. Muetzel stated Planning Commission and City Council must incorporate the required findings per Chapter 15.14 of the Unified Development Ordinance with the Planned Unit Development approval. The required findings include:
A. Adequate property control has been established and provided to protect the individual owner’s rights and property values and to define legal responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep.
B. The interior circulation plan and access from and onto public right-of-way does not create congestion or dangers and is adequate for the safety of the project residents and general public.
C. A sufficient amount of usable open space is provided.
D. The arrangement of buildings, structures, and accessory uses does not unreasonably disturb the privacy of surrounding property owners or reduce the value of adjacent properties.
E. The architectural design of the project is compatible with the surrounding area.
F. The project will not place a burden on existing municipal infrastructure, including utility and drainage systems.
G. The development schedule ensures a logical development of the site, protecting the interests of project residents and the general public.
H. The planned unit development is in reasonable compliance with the intent and purpose of the Land Use Plan.
Mr. Muetzel stated Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval of the Planned Unit Development with the findings of fact and conditions as outlined in Resolution No. 52 and with the exception to Ordinance Standards to allow single- and two-family dwellings in an R-4 District.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 52 of 2025 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Approving the Proposed Planned Unit Development for Lot One/Block One Reflection Prairie Addition. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 52 of 2025 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Approving the Proposed Planned Unit Development for Lot One/Block One Reflection Prairie Addition. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Reflection Cove Addition – Preliminary & Final Plat.
Mr. Muetzel stated the City received a request from the Redwood Falls Port Authority for preliminary and final plat approval for the property described as the Reflection Cove Addition (Parcel #88-733-0020). The submitted plats have been designed to reflect the Planned Unit Development and proposed setbacks. Under the provisions of the Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance, the Zoning Administrator may allow a final plat to be submitted concurrent with a request for preliminary plat approval. The Port Authority and City Staff have worked with the City Engineer, Bolton & Menk Inc., to prepare the preliminary and final plats. Planning Commission recommends approval of the Reflection Cove Addition preliminary and final plats.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the Reflection Cove Addition – Preliminary & Final Plat. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering introduced the Wetland Credits for Safe Routes to School Trail Project.
Mr. Doering stated the Safe Routes to School portion of the trail will impact 0.17 acres of a 0.77-acre Type 2 – Fresh (wet) Meadow delineated wetland. This application is to withdraw 0.34 acres of the available balance of 5.1859 acres in the City’s current wetland bank. The Wetland Conservation Act requires a 2:1 replacement ratio which requires (0.17 acres x 2) 0.34 acres to be removed from the wetland bank.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the Wetland Credits for Safe Routes to School Trail Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Finance Director Klages introduced the Employee Recognition Program.
Ms. Klages stated in early 2024, City Staff worked with DDA Human Resources, Inc. to complete an Employee Classification and Compensation Study. The results of that study were adopted by City Council in December 2024. Throughout that process, a recurring comment heard from employees was that the City still lacked a formal way to recognize long-term staff contributions. The City currently does not have a formal employee recognition policy in place. State Statute does give cities the authority to establish and operate an employee recognition program, and to provide necessary staff, equipment, and facilities, and to expend funds as necessary to achieve the objectives of that program.
Ms. Klages stated in spring of 2025, an employee recognition committee was formed. The employee recognition committee consisted of ten employees from various City departments. The committee worked to determine the objectives of the employee recognition policy, and to create a program that meets those objectives. The City believes a formal employee recognition program is an important component of the City’s overall benefit package and employee retention efforts. The cost of the program for 2026 is approximately $9,500. Staff recommend approval of the proposed Employee Recognition Policy, effective January 1, 2026.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the Employee Recognition Program. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Liquor Store Manager Position.
Mr. Muetzel stated the hiring committee completed the selection process for the Liquor Store Manager position. The committee interviewed nine applicants and recommends approval of an employment offer to Nanette Serbus. Nanette currently serves as the manager of the Olivia municipal liquor store where she has demonstrated sales growth through innovative product selection, placement, and marketing. Ms. Serbus’s anticipated start date is September 22, 2025.
Mr. Muetzel stated as part of the hiring process, Staff reviewed the criteria used from last year’s compensation study to set the Liquor Store Manager position as a pay grade 6. Upon reviewing the comparable data, Staff concluded that the position more accurately reflects the responsibilities of a pay grade 7. For context, the range of position pay grades is from 1 to 14. As part of the hiring approval, Staff request the reclassification of the position to a grade 7 as reflected in the offer letter to Ms. Serbus, starting at grade 7, step 7.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Liquor Store Manager Position Employment Offer to Nanette Serbus. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mayor Quackenbush stated the Annual Redwood Area Chamber Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mayor Quackenbush requested volunteers from Council to help staff the booth during the event.
City Administrator Muetzel stated the Port Authority finalized the sale of the vacant lot at 315 E. Bridge Street to a developer that has also purchased 321 E. Bridge St. The developer is prepared to start the demolition process of the home at 321 E. Bridge St. and begin construction of a Ziggi’s Coffee.
Mayor Quackenbush stated he reached out to a representative of CentraCare following the recent news of organization-wide layoffs at CentraCare. Staff at CentraCare stated the layoffs were difficult but necessary due to financial difficulties, including increased operational costs and reimbursement rates that do not cover the true cost of care.
Mayor Quackenbush stated an open house date has been set for the newly constructed Redwood Valley Elementary School. The community open house will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, with a brief program to include ribbon cutting and time capsule reading and placement to start at 9:30 am in the new gymnasium.
Finance Director Kari Klages stated in preparation for the 2026 budget, Staff received quotes from the City’s health insurance provider, UnitedHealthcare (UHC). The health insurance renewal from UnitedHealthcare came in at a 5.4% increase. The preliminary budget will be presented at the City Council Meeting on September 16th, 2025.
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 Arentson and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to adjourn the meeting at 5:47 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.