MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019
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 17, 2019, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Larry Arentson, Jim Sandgren, John T. Buckley, and Denise Kerkhoff were present constituting a quorum.
Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, Director of Finance & Administrative Services Melissa Meyer, City Attorney Amy Busse and Council Secretary Caitlin Kodet. Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering was absent.
City Administrator Muetzel requested the addition of the On-Sale Liquor and On-Sale Sunday Liquor License Renewal Application of Freedom Bar & Grill, LLC to the Consent Agenda item 6A – Business License Renewal Applications.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the agenda with the addition of the On-Sale Liquor and On-Sale Sunday Liquor License Renewal Application of Freedom Bar & Grill, LLC to the Consent Agenda item 6A – Business License Renewal Applications. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member ¬¬¬Buckley to
approve the December 3, 2019, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member ¬¬¬Arentson to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda.
1. Approve Business License Renewal Applications
ON SALE LIQUOR:
Freedom Bar & Grill, LLC.
ON SALE SUNDAY LIQUOR:
Freedom Bar & Grill, LLC.
ON SALE 3.2 MALT LIQUOR:
Bridge Street Cuisine, Inc. d.b.a. Country Kitchen
WINE:
Bridge Street Cuisine, Inc. d.b.a. Country Kitchen
2. Approve KLGR Advertising Exchange
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Parks and Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner was present to introduce Resolution No. 42 of 2019 –
Resolution to Accept Donation of Playground Equipment from Friends of the Park.
Mr. Nachreiner stated City staff worked with a small committee from the Friends of the Park to design and develop an all-inclusive playground within Ramsey Park, near the Zeb Gray Shelter. The Friends of the Park have been fundraising for this project which will cost about $117,116.80, and will be funded by the Friends of the Park. City staff will complete sight preparation and restoration, install cement curb & sidewalk, as well as the playground installation.
Mr. Nachreiner further stated the City will store the equipment until the Friends of the Park can secure all the funding necessary to complete the project. Due to a price increase on January 1st, 2020 the committee would like to purchase the equipment this year and store it until installation. Staff is requesting approval to accept the donation of playground equipment from the Friends of the Park for the playground project at Zeb Gray.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 42 of 2019 – Resolution to Accept Donation of Playground Equipment from Friends of the Park. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 42 of 2019 – Resolution to Accept Donation of Playground Equipment from Friends of the Park. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
Parks and Recreation Director Nachreiner introduced the Community Center Wi-Fi Upgrade.
Mr. Nachreiner stated Parks and Rec staff have struggled with insufficiencies with the wireless internet performance within the conference rooms as well as throughout the Redwood Area Community Center (RACC). It is affecting rentals and everyday activity at the RACC. Thriveon analyzed and diagnosed the problem as low-quality access points and aged equipment that was installed when wireless needs were much different. An entire wireless network infrastructure mapping was completed to appropriately size the necessary wireless functionality of our customer’s needs.
Mr. Nachreiner stated Thriveon prepared a proposal that addresses the insufficiencies and outlines the total scope of the project including updating and adding wireless access points (going from 13 to 18 access points), labor, and software to remotely manage, control, and monitor the access points. Total project cost is $40,814.65. A portion ($10,273.20) of that cost is to upgrade and add access points in the fieldhouse. Staff initiated discussions with school administration and they have agreed to fund $5,136.60 (1/2 the project cost) towards the upgrade in the fieldhouse.
Mr. Nachreiner further stated in order to make this project happen, staff suggested a transfer of surplus dollars from the 2019 pool budget to the Capital Project Fund so this project can be completed in 2020. Staff recommends approval of the wi-fi upgrades as well as a transfer of the funds in the amount of $35,678.05.
Stephen Lien, Technology Director for the Redwood Area School District, was present on behalf of school personnel. Mr. Lien stated he agreed with the recommendations provided by Thriveon.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the Community Center Wi-Fi Upgrade in the amount of $40,814.65 and transfer of $35,678.05 surplus dollars from the 2019 pool budget to the Capital Project Fund. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Library Director Teri Smith was present to introduce the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Grant Application.
Ms. Smith stated the Redwood Falls Public Library requests Council approval to apply for a grant for a Fitbit Kit of twenty Fitbits (estimated value of $3,000) for the Redwood Falls Public Library. The Fitbits would be used for a series of programs focused on healthy lifestyles. The programs would allow participants to borrow
the Fitbit for the duration of the program. Each program would last six to eight weeks, with an introduction to the Fitbit, exercise advice, and healthy eating tips. Participants would be encouraged to meet at the library to walk or exercise together. There would be an initial meeting, a midpoint meeting, and a final meeting for each program. If the library is awarded the grant, the library plans to have several programs per year.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Grant Application. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Airport 7-Bay Hangar Project – Final Payment Request.
Mr. Muetzel stated the final contract price totals $1,296,031.46. This action will set the final acceptance date of December 17, 2019 and set the 1-year maintenance period until December 17, 2020. Bolton & Menk, Inc. submitted a letter of recommendation and all supporting documentation required for final payment.
Mr. Muetzel stated there is a $7,638.19 deduction to correct previously invoiced bituminous quantities that were in error. Staff is recommending approval of the corrected final payment to Everstrong Construction in the amount of $28,151.12.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the Airport 7-Bay Hangar Project – Final Payment Request in the amount of $28,151.12. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 46 of 2019 – Resolution of Support for the Airport Bonding Request.
Mr. Muetzel stated Resolution No. 46 is a resolution of support for the State of Minnesota Capital Budget request for $2,128,473.00 in 2020 general obligation bonds for the Redwood Falls Municipal Airport runways, lighting replacement and stormwater project. The request is for $2,128,473.00 to be used in conjunction with $3,049,200.00 in the federal airport improvement plan (AIP) funding to complete the entire scope of the project. The reconstruction by in place reclamation of runways 12/30 along with taxiway areas; would increase operational safety, attract transient aircraft to the airfield and the increased activity would improve fuel sales, hangar rentals and overall operations.
Mr. Muetzel stated staff was contacted by Minnesota Management and Budget to provide a resolution of support by December 18, 2019 to accompany the previously submitted application. Presentations on the project have been made to both the House and Senate Bonding Committees. Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 46 in support of the reconstruction of the 12/30 runways and taxi lanes, replacement of runway lighting system and installation of a storm water management system for recently completed and future projects outlined in the current airport layout plan (ALP).
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 46 of 2019 – Resolution of Support for the Airport Bonding Request. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 46 of 2019 – Resolution of Support for the Airport Bonding Request. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel gave an update on the Small Cities Development Program Application designed to provide funding for single-family home renovations and commercial rehabilitation. The City’s application passed the first round with the State of Minnesota and we are being invited to submit a full application. The full application is due by February 28, 2020 and requires a public hearing before the full application is submitted.
City Administrator Muetzel gave an update on the pedestrian crossing at Lincoln Street and Bridge Street. Mr. Muetzel stated the existing business sign located in the southwest corner of the intersection is in conflict with the location of the crosswalk system. The owners of the property located at that intersection are open to moving the sign to a different location on the property at the City’s expense. City staff has the equipment and capability to move the sign without hiring an outside company.
Director of Finance & Administrative Services Meyer presented an overview of the 2020 Property Tax Levy, Payments In Lieu of Taxes, and 2020 payable budget.
Ms. Meyer stated the 2020 Total City Budget receives $26,934,378, 90.49%, from non-tax revenue sources. Property taxes fund 9.51% of the total budget, $2,829,369.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 43 of 2019 – Resolution Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Year 2020. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 43 of 2019 – Resolution Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Year 2020. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 44 of 2019 – Resolution Approving 2020 Payments in Lieu of Taxes. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 44 of 2019 – Resolution Approving 2020 Payments in Lieu of Taxes. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 45 of 2019 – Resolution Approving 2020 Final Budgets. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 45 of 2019 – Resolution Approving 2020 Final Budgets. Motion was carried by unanimous vote.
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 Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.