MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2020
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 18, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Jim Sandgren, John T. Buckley, and Denise Kerkhoff were present constituting a quorum. Council Member Larry Arentson was absent.
Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering, City Attorney Trenton Dammann, and Council Secretary Caitlin Kodet. Director of Finance & Administrative Services Melissa Meyer was present via electronic means.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the August 4, 2020, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Chuck Heins was present to introduce Resolution No. 33 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute Work Order No. 2020-4 for the Professional Services for the 101 East Bridge Street Slope Stabilization Project.
Mr. Heins stated Resolution No. 33 Authorizes Work Order No. 2020-4 with Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BMI) to provide Professional services including the following:
• Review of available site data and report prepared by Braun Intertec and supplement with additional field survey as required.
• Analyze and design slope stabilization utilizing micropiles, grade beam, and bin walls as well as road surface restoration and any storm sewer modifications or improvements required.
• Work with sub consultant Itasca Consulting Group to develop a global slope stability analysis that will incorporate the micropiles, grade beam, bin walls and site soil conditions into the geo-structural model.
• Prepare project plans, specifications and bidding documents and provide preliminary opinion of project cost based on final design.
• Prepare bid advertisement, posting of plans, and any required addendums.
• Administer bid opening, bid tabulation, evaluation of bids, and prepare bid recommendation.
• Administer pre-construction meeting, provide shop drawing review, coordinate QC testing, process pay applications, review RFIs and prepare any change orders.
• Provide full time project representation (assumed 40 hours/week for 8 weeks) and provide construction surveying as needed.
• Prepare final punch list, final pay application, process closeout documentation, prepare as-builts and post to existing GIS website.
Mr. Heins stated this project will be in the 2021 Capital Improvement Budget, but work needs to begin now so construction can start next year. The sidehill has been washing away from heavy rain, and a leak in the flume. This is the only access to the City’s Hydro Facility and the Cooper engine at the main power plant. There is no other route to the plant if this road washes out. Preliminary cost estimates for this project are $750,000 to $800,000. The 2021 Capital Improvement Budget has $1,000,000 allocated for the project.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 33 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute Work Order No. 2020-4 for the Professional Services for the 101 East Bridge Street Slope Stabilization Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 33 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute Work Order No. 2020-4 for the Professional Services for the 101 East Bridge Street Slope Stabilization Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 34 of 2020 – Authorizing Execution of Amendment No. 1 to Multifamily Rental Housing Development Note, Series 2007A (Country Village Apartment Project).
Mr. Muetzel stated in 2007, the Country Village Apartments of Redwood Falls Limited Partnership requested the use of tax-exempt financing to finance the purchase and renovation of the Country Village Apartments located at 600 E. Broadway Street in Redwood Falls. Tax-exempt housing financing can be used for housing projects that meet certain eligibility requirements. The City of Redwood Falls held a public hearing and approved the issuance of the tax-exempt bonds. Under this program, the City is the “Issuer” of the bonds, however, the funding is provided to the “Borrower” from a separate “Lender”, which in this case was Bremer Bank. The tax-exempt bonds do not constitute an indebtedness of the City of Redwood Falls.
Mr. Muetzel stated at this time, the City is being asked to approve an amendment to the note between the Borrower and Lender. The amendment reduces the bond interest rate from 6.794% to 3.75%. The amendment also changes the prepayment language of the note. Staff recommends approval of the request.
Council Member Smith declared a conflict of interest related to his business and stated he would abstain from voting on Resolution No. 34 of 2020.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to waive the reading of Resolution No. 34 of 2020 – Authorizing Execution of Amendment No. 1 to Multifamily Rental Housing Development Note, Series 2007A (Country Village Apartment Project). Motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Council Members Sandgren, Buckley, and Kerkhoff
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member Smith
ABSENT: Council Member Arentson
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve Resolution No. 34 of 2020 – Authorizing Execution of Amendment No. 1 to Multifamily Rental Housing Development Note, Series 2007A (Country Village Apartment Project). Motion passed by the following vote:
AYE: Council Members Sandgren, Buckley, and Kerkhoff
NO: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member Smith
ABSENT: Council Member Arentson
Zoning Administrator Tim Hanna was present to introduce the Conditional Use Permit Application for 403 S. Mill Street.
Mr. Hanna stated the City received a request from Redwood County for a Conditional Use Permit in order to use the public right of way to operate a drive-up window to the License Center located in the Government Center at 403 South Mill Street, parcel #88-200-2280.
Mr. Hanna stated drive-through facilities are permitted in the B-4: Central Business District, so long as the resulting traffic patterns are safe, easily understood, and provide sufficient stacking space, however due to the use of the public right of way for this specific use, a Conditional Use Permit is required. Traditionally requests for use of the public right of way for private use have been denied. However, in this case, the proposed use is providing a service to the public by a government entity. Similar uses would include the mailboxes in the right of way in front of the post office and also the public utility drop box in the public alley by City Hall.
Mr. Hanna stated a resident from a neighboring property, Jim Curtis, was in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting on August 13, to express concern for safety of traffic entering onto Washington Street. It was indicated to Mr. Curtis that – per the submitted traffic plan – the County would be directing traffic to exit to the south of the property and on to 5th Street. Mr. Curtis still did not feel this was sufficient for safety. He also expressed concerns about the time of transactions, which was also addressed by the number of stacking spaces required for the window. City Ordinance allows for similar uses at banks and other financial institutions and the Planning Commission determined the conditions and submitted plans addressed Mr. Curtis’s concerns.
Mr. Hanna further stated the Planning Commission recommended approval of this request with the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall provide at least six (6) stacking spaces per window and a minimum pavement width of twelve (12) feet, a length of twenty (20) feet per vehicle, and shall be exclusive of any other required aisles or parking spaces, in accordance with Section 9.26 of the zoning ordinance.
2. The applicant must designate and permanently identify the drive up and stacking space.
3. The applicant must direct drivers to exit through the south parking lot and onto Fifth Street, per the submitted plan.
4. If a loudspeaker is used, it should be so directed to avoid the creation of a nuisance for adjacent residential properties.
5. The applicant must develop a sign plan to direct the flow of traffic to be approved by City Staff.
Redwood County Administrator Vicki Knobloch was present.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the Conditional Use Permit Application for 403 S. Mill Street in order to use the public right of way to operate a drive-up window. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Zoning Administrator Tim Hanna was present to introduce the Conditional Use Permit Application for
816 Northwood Drive.
Mr. Hanna stated the City received a request from Duane Paskewitz with Rio Nutrition for a conditional use permit to construct a perimeter electric fence on the properties located at 816 Northwood Drive, parcel #88-132-3006 and parcel #88-132-3009. Under the Unified Development Ordinance, Article 6, Section 7.27, perimeter electric fences are only permitted with a conditional use permit.
Mr. Hanna stated Mr. Paskewitz is requesting the perimeter electric fence to enclose a cattle pasture area for animal testing, which is a permitted use in an I-1 district based on similar permitted uses for an Animal Kennel and for Veterinary Services. For the purposes of City ordinance, an Animal Kennel is defined as an Animal Shelter, Commercial Riding Stable, and Similar. The following specific development standards must be met for the permitted cattle pasture:
1. All buildings occupied by animals and areas used for animal holding, feeding, or exercise shall be located at least one thousand (1,000) feet from any residential, commercial industrial use or district.
2. A minimum lot area of five (5) acres shall be provided.
3. All applicable requirements of the state’s Pollution Control Agency are complied with.
Mr. Hanna stated the Planning Commission recommended approval of this request with the following conditions:
1. The applicant must enter into an Encroachment Agreement with the City of Redwood Falls.
2. The applicant must post electric fence warning signs in accordance with industry standards for similar uses.
Rio Nutrition General Manager and Owner Duane Paskewitz was present. Mr. Paskewitz stated Rio Nutrition plans to have the cows on-site to test the cows’ responses to different types of animal feed.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the Conditional Use Permit Application to install a perimeter electric fence. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Attorney Dammann introduced Resolution No. 35 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute Right of Way Use Agreement for Fence and Pasture with Rio Land and Cattle, LLC.
Mr. Dammann stated the Council approved the request from Duane Paskewitz with Rio Land and Cattle, LLC, for a conditional use permit to construct a perimeter electric fence on the properties located at 816 Northwood Drive, parcel #88-132-3006 and parcel #88-132-3009. Mr. Paskewitz is requesting the perimeter electric fence to enclose a cattle pasture area for research purposes.
Mr. Dammann stated by fencing in the two separate parcels of property, Mr. Paskewitz’s plan would involve Rio Land and Cattle, LLC encroaching upon an undeveloped portion of Northwood Drive, a City owned Right of Way, by also fencing in the Right of Way and using it as pasture land. With the appropriate terms incorporated into a Right of Way Use Agreement, City Staff does not believe that Mr. Paskewitz’s intended use will materially affect the City’s right to and use of the Right of Way at some future time if so needed. As such, a Right of Way Use Agreement has been drafted for the Council’s review and consideration.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 35 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute Right of Way Use Agreement for Fence and Pasture with Rio Land and Cattle, LLC. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 35 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute Right of Way Use Agreement for Fence and Pasture with Rio Land and Cattle, LLC. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Heins introduced Resolution No. 36 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute for Professional Services for the Installation of EV Charging Station at the RACC.
Mr. Heins stated Resolution No. 36 Authorizes Aid Electric Corporation to perform the following work:
• Furnish and Install 2 – 2.5” conduits between mini-sub and transformer.
• Furnish and Install 1 – 1.25” conduit between mini-sub and L3 Charger.
• Furnish and Install 2 – 1.25” conduits between mini-sub and L2 Chargers.
• Furnish and Install 3 – 2’x2’ concrete pads for L2 and L3 Chargers.
• Furnish and Install 1 – 4’x4’ concrete pad for mini-sub.
• Furnish and Install 6 – 4” concrete filled bollards.
• Furnish and Install 5 parking sign posts.
• Secure/Wire/Terminate Mini-sub on pad.
• Secure/Wire/Terminate L3 charger on pad.
• Secure/Wire/Terminate L2 chargers on pad.
• Install 5 “No Parking Electric Vehicle Charging Only” signs.
• Install 1 “Van Accessible” sign.
Mr. Heins stated Aid Electric Corporation has completed or is in the process of completing all of the EV Charging Stations that were awarded by the MPCA and is also working with many of the SMMPA cities to complete the installation process as quickly as possible. The stated items will be accomplished for a sum of $19,585.00.
Mr. Heins further stated there will be signs posted for the EV charging stations. The stations will also be listed on EV charging applications to allow users to locate the stations and pay for the usage from their phone.
A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Smith to waive the reading of Resolution No. 36 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute for Professional Services for the Installation of EV Charging Station at the RACC. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 36 of 2020 – Authorization to Execute for Professional Services for the Installation of EV Charging Station at the RACC. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel stated the equipment for the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Pedestrian Crosswalk System at MN Hwy 19 and Lincoln Street has been delivered. City staff will work on assembling the equipment and finish the installation in the next two weeks.
Public Utilities Superintendent Heins stated one of the main electric lines to the new hospital site is currently being placed underground on the northeast side of the city. Staff is working to get permanent power to the hospital by early November 2020.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering gave an update regarding the sanitary sewer collapse on Northwood Drive on Friday, July 17. Mr. Doering stated due to heavy rains, Premier was unable to complete the televising of the sewer lines. Premier will return to complete the process and determine if any repairs are needed. The area of Northwood Drive that was repaired will continue to settle over the winter so final resurfacing will take place in the spring.
Director of Finance & Administrative Services Meyer gave an update on the budget process. The preliminary levy is currently being developed. By law, the preliminary levy needs to be completed and approved by September 30. The preliminary levy will be presented to Council on September 15 at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting. The Budget Committee will need to meet and discuss the levy information by September 10 to include it in the preliminary levy on September 15.
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 Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to adjourn the meeting at 5:59 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.