City Council Meeting – February 1, 2022

MINUTES

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

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, February 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.

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

Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, City Attorney Trenton Dammann, Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering, and AR/Customer Service Coordinator Amy Kerkhoff.  Finance Director Kari Klages was absent.

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

A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the January 18, 2022, minutes as presented.  Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda.

Administrative Hearing Officer Appointment

Airport Commission Appointment

Planning Commission Appointment

Quote for Electric Generation Plant Battery Bank Replacement

Quote for GPS Equipment

Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Police Chief Jason Cotner was present to introduce the final draft of the Redwood Falls Use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) Policy.

Chief Conter stated on December 21, 2021, a draft of RFPD Policy #37, Use of Body-Worn Cameras, was presented for Council review.  The draft was created using a sample policy obtained from the League of Minnesota Cities.  Within the draft were two topics that represented significant policy decisions, the activation of the BWC by officers and the rules for accessing BWC data by RFPD officers.

Chief Cotner stated after review of the draft, Council directed staff to add language to the policy allowing officer discretion for activation of the BWC rather than having the camera record during the officer’s entire shift.  Council also directed staff to add verbiage, which allowed officers access to the BWC data for business purposes unless that data was related to a critical incident.

A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff approving the City of Redwood Falls Use of Body-Worn Camera Policy #37 as presented.  Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner was present to introduce the RFP to replace Legion Park Playground Equipment.

Mr. Nachreiner stated the Parks & Recreation Department budgeted to replace the wooden play structure and swing set at Legion Park in 2022.  The current playground structure was installed in 1984 and staff requests to move forward with the proposed project.  The RFP for the project outlines the location and specifications for the playground with an estimated cost of $110,000.00.  Park & Recreation staff will install the playground equipment and the border.

A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley approving the Legion Park Playground RFP, with an amendment stating preference will be given to ADA accessible play features.  A motion was passed by unanimous vote.

Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 9 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Airport Lease with National Mentor Healthcare, LLC.

Mr. Doering stated Redwood County Economic Development Coordinator Briana Mumme has been working with the Airport to market and showcase vacancies. As a result, an opportunity presented itself with National Mentor Healthcare, LLC of Edina and a tiered 5-year lease agreement was developed.  The lease is for the second floor, Suite 200, which is approximately 2,000 square feet.  The lease is dated from January 1, 2022, through February 28, 2027.

A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 9 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Airport Lease with National Mentor Healthcare, LLC.  Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 9 of 2022 – Authorization to Execute Airport Lease with National Mentor Healthcare, LLC contingent upon receipt of a valid Certificate of Liability Insurance.  Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Mayor Tom Quackenbush proposed creating a sub-committee to discuss traffic control along Bridge Street while the bridge is under construction.  A committee was designated consisting of Mayor Quackenbush, Council Member Smith, Council Member Buckley, City Administrator Muetzel, Public Works Project Coordinator Doering, Police Chief Cotner, Street Superintendent Bowers and the City’s appointed engineer.

City Administrator Keith Muetzel announced the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Program Grant for the Reflection Ridge Business Park was approved in the amount of $1,063.951.00.  Under the authority of Minnesota Statute 116J.431, this award will provide the necessary resources for continued economic growth and enhance employment in the community and surrounding areas.

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 5:30 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

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