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, April 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Council Members Matt Smith, Denise Kerkhoff, Jim Sandgren, Larry Arentson, and Shannon Guetter were present, constituting a quorum. Mayor Tom Quackenbush was absent.
Council President Larry Arentson presided over the meeting.
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 Guetter and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the March 17, 2026, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
- Approve KLGR Advertising Exchange
- Declare Equipment Surplus Property and Authorize Sale
- Approve City Assistance with Celebrate Redwood Falls - Nightfalls Event
- Ratification of 2025 Fixed Asset Disposal List
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Council President Arentson opened a public hearing at 5:02 p.m. to discuss delinquent utility accounts and unpaid surcharges.
Finance Director Klages introduced Resolution No. 23 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts and Resolution No. 24 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Surcharges.
Ms. Klages stated the proposed Resolutions are to adopt assessments for delinquent utility accounts and surcharges 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 provide comments during the hearing.
Council President Arentson closed the public hearing at 5:04 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 23 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 23 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Smith to waive the reading of Resolution No. 24 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Surcharges. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 24 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Surcharges. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Police Chief Jason Cotner was present to introduce the Authorization to Submit Application for Southwest Health and Human Services Opioid Settlement Grant.
Chief Cotner stated over the last several years the Minnesota Attorney General has been a party to settlement agreements involving multiple opioid distributors and manufacturers. These settlements have resulted in several hundred million dollars being allocated to the State of Minnesota to combat the opioid crisis. The Minnesota Attorney General’s office has worked with Minnesota cities and counties to reach agreements on how to allocate and distribute these funds.
Chief Cotner stated beginning in 2023, Southwest Health and Human Services (SWHHS) began receiving annual installments of settlement money and created an application process whereby requests for these funds could be made to that organization. The latest round of settlement funds have been distributed and applications are now being taken. RFPD would like to submit a request to SWHHS for funding to send Officer Andy Mathwig, who is currently assigned as an Agent to the Brown/Lyon/Redwood/Renville Drug Task Force, to Cellebrite Operator training. Cellebrite is a program owned by RFPD that allows operators to download and analyze cellphones and electronic devices. Once certified, Officer Mathwig would download all Drug Task Force phones thereby freeing up the time of other RFPD Cellebrite operators to focus on other responsibilities.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the Authorization to Submit Application for Southwest Health and Human Services Opioid Settlement Grant. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 25 of 2026 – Resolution for $97,833.00, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Grant Funding Assistance for the Redwood Falls Public Library Meeting Room Renovation Project.
Mr. Doering stated Staff is requesting Council approve the draft (Redwood Falls Public Library Meeting Room Renovation Project) grant agreement of $97,833.00 as it relates to the MDE notice of award dated February 11, 2026, for the Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grant - FY2026. The grant agreement is in draft form, for the MDE to add and approve their portions to the agreement. The resolution certifies funds on hand as of April 7, 2026, and the sources and uses of funds. Approval also authorizes the Mayor to execute the final agreement once routed back from MDE as the listed signatory in the original application.
Mr. Doering stated Staff recommend the approval of Resolution No. 25 that will enable the submission of the draft grant agreement for MDE review and fulfillment. This is a different procedure from other State grant agreement approvals because the agreement template is drafted by the recipient and then forwarded to the State for final additions, revisions, review and execution. The resolution is also a templated version provided by MDE that is formatted differently than the traditional format.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to waive the reading of Resolution No. 25 of 2026 – Resolution for $97,833.00, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Grant Funding Assistance for the Redwood Falls Public Library Meeting Room Renovation Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve Resolution No. 25 of 2026 – Resolution for $97,833.00, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Grant Funding Assistance for the Redwood Falls Public Library Meeting Room Renovation Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 26 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Local Road Improvement Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-020-003, Tied to SAPs 207-590-001 and 207-591-001.
Mr. Doering stated Staff recommend approval of Resolution No. 26 for the Local Road and Bridge Program “Turn Lanes Grant” MnDOT 1062457 known as State Aid Project No. 207-020-003 for $619,608.90. The grant amount is based off bids received and awarded to M.R. Paving and Excavating of New Ulm on March 17, 2026. This grant covers a portion of the total bid amount of $1,397,583,69 as shown in Exhibit A of the sources and uses portion of the grant agreement.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Smith to waive the reading of Resolution No. 26 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Local Road Improvement Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-020-003, Tied to SAPs 207-590-001 and 207-591-001. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 26 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Local Road Improvement Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-020-003, Tied to SAPs 207-590-001 and 207-591-001. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 27 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Safe Routes to School Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-591-001, Tied to SAPs 207-590-001 and 207-020-003.
Mr. Doering stated Staff recommend approval of Resolution No. 27 for the Safe Routes to School “Trail Grant” MnDOT 1062470 known as State Aid Project No. 207-591-001 for $497,205.39. The grant amount is based off bids received and awarded to M.R. Paving and Excavating of New Ulm on March 17, 2026. This grant covers a portion of the total bid amount of $1,397,583,69 as shown in Exhibit A of the sources and uses portion of the grant agreement.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 27 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Safe Routes to School Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-591-001, Tied to SAPs 207-590-001 and 207-020-003. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 27 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Safe Routes to School Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-591-001, Tied to SAPs 207-590-001 and 207-020-003. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 28 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Active Transportation Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-590-001, Tied to SAPs 207-591-001 and 207-020-003.
Mr. Doering stated Staff recommend approval of Resolution No. 28 for the Active Transportation “Trail Grant” MnDOT 1062471 known as State Aid Project No. 207-590-001 for $279,028.79. The grant amount is based off bids received and awarded to M.R. Paving and Excavating of New Ulm on March 17, 2026. This grant covers a portion of the total bid amount of $1,397,583,69 as shown in Exhibit A of the sources and uses portion of the grant agreement.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to waive the reading of Resolution No. 28 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Active Transportation Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-590-001, Tied to SAPs 207-591-001 and 207-020-003. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 28 of 2026 – Resolution Approving Active Transportation Program Grant Agreement Grant Terms and Conditions SAP No. 207-590-001, Tied to SAPs 207-591-001 and 207-020-003. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Water/Wastewater Foreman Position.
Mr. Muetzel stated last year’s internal transfer of Pete Albu from the water department to the street department created a vacancy for the water/wastewater foreman position. The vacancy was posted internally, two applications were received, and the applicants were interviewed on March 31. The hiring committee recommend the selection of Zach Jahnz. Zach has worked in the water department for one year and has served on the fire department for over eight years. Staff recommend approval of an employment offer to Zach Jahnz at Pay Grade 6, Step 1.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the Water/Wastewater Foreman Position to Zach Jahnz. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Police Chief Jason Cotner was present to introduce the Police Department Pepperball Policy.
Chief Cotner stated during the February 26, 2026, Council meeting, Council accepted a donation of $17,000 from the PROTECTS non-profit organization for the purchase of Pepperball non-lethal launchers. Since then, the department received the donation as well as all the launchers and ancillary equipment from the manufacturer. In addition, two officers attended the train-the-trainer class and are ready to train all RFPD officers on the correct use of Pepperball launchers.
Chief Cotner stated before the launchers can be deployed for patrol use a policy is required. The manufacturer does not have a suggested policy, however, they did provide several samples of policies from law enforcement agencies throughout the country which have already deployed the Pepperball launchers. Police Chief Cotner reviewed all these policies and in consultation with the Pepperball instructors and RFPD supervisory staff developed a draft Pepperball policy. The policy outlines, among other items; training requirements, use of force levels, decontamination procedures, supervisor authorizations, care and maintenance, and reporting.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the Police Department Pepperball Policy. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Council Member Kerkhoff commended City Staff for the work being done to qualify for and receive grant funding for numerous City projects.
City Administrator Muetzel agreed and stated Staff are motivated to obtain grant funding.
Council Member Arentson requested an update on the Library Expansion Project.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated the Library Expansion construction is currently on schedule. A temporary wall to the expansion area has been constructed. The contractor is waiting for spring road restrictions to be removed to start bringing in additional equipment and begin work on the parking lot.
Council Member Smith requested an update on the RACC Roof Replacement Project.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated there haven’t been any surprises and construction is progressing according to the schedule. Crews will be starting on the ice arena and move towards the school portion, working around any inclement weather and school traffic.
Council Member Kerkhoff requested an update on the proposed projects in Ramsey Park, including the installation of the new pickleball courts.
City Administrator Muetzel stated M.R. Paving & Excavating, Inc. is the General Contractor on the project and they would like to start as soon as possible. Spring road restrictions are affecting the construction start date, but the Parks Department is ready for them to start anytime.
Council Member Arentson requested more information regarding plumbing work being completed near the Ziggi’s Coffee project site on North Lincoln Street.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated a new water service line for Ziggi’s Coffee needed to be installed at the main, which is located in the street. The construction project required the installation of a new two-inch water line.
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 Guetter and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to adjourn the meeting at 5:36 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.