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, January 21, 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 Kerkhoff to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the January 2, 2025, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the following item on the Consent Agenda:
1. AWAIR (A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction) Program Annual Update
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mayor Quackenbush opened a public hearing at 5:02 p.m. for the Liquor License Violation Hearing – American Legion Post #38.
City Attorney Dammann stated on December 22, 2023, the Redwood Falls Police Department conducted an alcohol compliance check at American Legion Post #38 (the “Legion”). The Legion failed the compliance check as an alcoholic beverage was sold to an underage individual cooperating with the Police Department. Upon review of the criminal case in Court File No. 64-CR-24-186, Brittney Rose Melmer, an employee of the Legion pled guilty on July 1, 2024, to Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor in violation of Minn. Stat. 340A.503.2(1) in relation to the incident from December 22, 2023. Furnishing alcohol to a minor is also a violation of Redwood Falls City Ordinance §5.15, subd. 2(A).
City Attorney Dammann stated pursuant to City Code Section 5.02, Subd. 4(F), on December 26, 2024, notice of this hearing before the Council was sent to Jim Mertens, the license holder for the Legion, via certified mail. The written notice stated the time, place and purpose of the hearing. On January 2, 2025, Mr. Mertens acknowledged receipt of the notice during a telephone call with staff and indicated agreement with the proposed recommendations. Due to a typo, notice was resent on January 2, 2025, via certified mail and was received on January 6, 2025.
City Attorney Dammann stated City Staff recommend the liquor license for American Legion Post #38 be suspended for a period of seven (7) days, but that the suspension be stayed on the conditions that the license holder complete the following: (1) no alcohol sale violations for a period of 2 years from the date of the liquor violation order; (2) pay a $500 civil penalty to the City of Redwood Falls pursuant to City Code Section 5.02, Subd. 4(F); and (3) that the license holder show proof to the City Attorney or City Staff that Legion staff and/or management have attended an alcohol-sales continuing education course since the date of the violation.
No one was present to provide comments during the hearing.
Mayor Quackenbush closed the public hearing at 5:09 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the Findings and Order for Liquor Violation with the included conditions for the American Legion Post #38. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mayor Quackenbush opened a public hearing at 5:10 p.m. for the Liquor License Violation Hearing – Duffy’s Riverside Saloon.
City Attorney Dammann stated on December 22, 2023, the Redwood Falls Police Department conducted an alcohol compliance check at Duffy’s Riverside Saloon (“Duffy’s”). Duffy’s failed the compliance check as an alcoholic beverage was sold to an underage individual cooperating with the Police Department. Upon review of the criminal case in Court File No. 64-CR-24-187, Thomas Alan Minkel, an employee of Duffy’s pled guilty on September 9, 2024, to Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor in violation of Minn. Stat. 340A.503.2(1) in relation to the incident from December 22, 2023. Furnishing alcohol to a minor is also a violation of Redwood Falls City Ordinance §5.15, subd. 2(A).
City Attorney Dammann stated pursuant to City Code Section 5.02, Subd. 4(F), on December 26, 2024, notice of this hearing before the Council was sent to Daniel Sandeen, the license holder for Duffy’s, via certified mail. The written notice stated the time, place and purpose of the hearing. On January 15, 2025, Mr. Sandeen acknowledged receipt of the notice during a telephone call with City Staff and also indicated agreement with the proposed recommendations. Mr. Sandeen noted that since receiving the notice, all of Duffy’s staff and management have completed the required alcohol-sales continuing education course.
City Attorney Dammann stated City Staff recommends, following a hearing to allow the license holder an opportunity to be heard, that the liquor license for Duffy’s Riverside Saloon be suspended for a period of seven (7) days, but that the suspension be stayed on the conditions that the license holder complete the following: (1) no alcohol sale violations for a period of 2 years from the date of the liquor violation order; (2) pay a $500 civil penalty to the City of Redwood Falls pursuant to City Code Section 5.02, Subd. 4(F); and (3) that the license holder show proof to the City Attorney or City staff that Duffy’s staff and/or management have attended an alcohol-sales continuing education course since the date of the violation.
No one was present to provide comments during the hearing.
Mayor Quackenbush closed the public hearing at 5:15 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to a approve the Findings and Order for Liquor Violation with the included conditions for Duffy’s Riverside Saloon. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
HR Coordinator Sheila Stage was present to introduce Resolution No. 07 of 2025 – Resolution Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements with the City of Redwood Falls on Behalf of its Fire Department.
Ms. Stage stated the Fire Department desires to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to maintain access to federal data in support of its duties to conduct background checks as provided by law. The purpose of this Joint Powers Agreement is to memorialize the requirements for the Fire Department to obtain access and the limitations that apply to the information that the Fire Department obtains.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to waive the reading of Resolution No. 07 of 2025 – Resolution Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements with the City of Redwood Falls on Behalf of its Fire Department. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 07 of 2025 – Resolution Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements with the City of Redwood Falls on Behalf of its Fire Department. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Jason Halvorson was present to introduce the 2024 Electric Distribution Improvement Project – Final Pay Request.
Mr. Halvorson stated the final contract price for the 2024 Distribution Improvements was $616,308.00. The original contract price was $26,348.00 less than the final but more material and labor were required than the engineers estimated. Castrejon, Inc has submitted all the necessary paperwork, which DGR has approved, and has submitted the final pay request in the amount of $30,815.40.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the 2024 Electric Distribution Improvement Project – Final Pay Request in the amount of $30,815.40. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Halvorson introduced Resolution No. 08 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Award of Contract for 2025 Distribution Improvements DGR Project #421127 with PUSH Incorporated.
Mr. Halvorson stated this project is being completed to bury the overhead distribution system and to enhance reliability to provide power to the existing sections of the City. Six bids for the project were received, publicly opened and read on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. All bidders are qualified to complete this project. DGR had provided a budget estimate of $980,000.00 which was in the 2025 capital budget. DGR reviewed the bids for completeness and mathematical errors and provided City Staff with a bid summary. DGR provided a letter of recommendation that the bid be awarded to PUSH Incorporated of Rice Lake, Wisconsin in the amount of $744,557.75.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 08 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Award of Contract for 2025 Distribution Improvements DGR Project #421127 with PUSH Incorporated. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 08 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Award of Contract for 2025 Distribution Improvements DGR Project #421127 with PUSH Incorporated. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Zoning Administrator Randy Thole was present to introduce the Variance Request – 110 Oakwood Drive.
Applicants Calvin and Heather Paskewitz were present.
Mr. Thole stated the City received a request for a variance from Calvin Paskewitz to reduce the side yard setback at his property from 30’ to 10’ along the northern property line to construct an addition on the current attached garage. The parcel is zoned R-R which has a minimum 30’ side yard setback. Other residential zoning districts in the City such as R-1 and R-2 have a minimum side yard setback of 8’. Mr. Paskewitz stated in his request that the current garage is not large enough to accommodate vehicles, lawn mowers, and yard equipment, resulting in parking challenges and disorganized outdoor storage. The increased storage space will enhance the neighborhood by eliminating outdoor clutter.
Mr. Thole stated Mr. Paskewitz explored the option of purchasing additional land from the neighboring property but due to the placement of the neighbor’s septic system mound in the southeast corner of the lot, the neighbor is not able to sell additional land. There is also a large drainage and utility easement to the south, restricting the placement of an additional garage to the south. At the Planning Commission hearing on Wednesday, January 15th, Mr. Paskewitz’s neighbor along the north property line was present, Charles Bode at 120 Oakwood Drive. Mr. Bode spoke in favor of the variance request.
Mr. Thole further stated the Planning Commission reviewed the request and determined the variance to reduce the side yard setback to construct an addition on the garage meets the required findings as stated in Article 9, Chapter 3.48 of the Unified Development Ordinance. The variance is putting the property to use in a reasonable manner. The circumstances regarding the south property line easement and neighboring property’s septic system mound result in a hardship that was not created by the applicant. The Planning Commission also felt that the building design is consistent with the neighborhood and would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. Planning Commission recommends approval of the variance request.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the Variance Request to reduce the side yard setback from 30’ to 10’ at 110 Oakwood Drive, Parcel #88-257-0080. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Deer Hunt Coordinator Paul Parsons was present to discuss the 2024 Archery Deer Hunt Report. Mr. Parsons summarized the 2024 Deer Hunt as follows: the season coincided with the full Minnesota DNR archery season from September 14, 2024, to December 31, 2024, the hunt was limited to 20 participants, 23 applications were submitted and all 23 qualified this year. A total of 17 deer were harvested with 181 deer being spotted, and hunters spent a total of 427 hours in the stand.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated staff is recommending the deer hunt committee reconvene to further review the results of the hunt, what was learned, and what to change in order to determine if future hunts are warranted. Mr. Parsons announced he would not be returning as the Deer Hunt Coordinator for 2025. Thank you to Paul for 10 years as the Deer Hunt Coordinator. Results of the committee meeting along with a 2025 recommendation will be presented to Council prior to submission to the MN DNR to conduct a 2025 Archery Deer Hunt.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve the 2024 Archery Deer Hunt Report as presented and allow the deer hunt committee to reconvene to discuss a 2025 Archery Deer Hunt. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 09 of 2025 – A Resolution Repealing Resolution No. 85 of 2024 And Approving The Grant Agreement With The Minnesota Department of Education For The Redwood Falls Public Library Addition & Renovation Project.
Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 9 of 2025 repeals Resolution No. 85 of 2024. Resolution No. 85 of 2024 was approved on December 17, 2024, and approved the draft (Redwood Falls Public Library Addition & Renovation Project) grant agreement of $1,000,000.00 from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on July 22, 2024, notice of award, and enabled the submission of the draft grant agreement for MDE review and fulfillment. Upon review, the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB) is requiring the inclusion of the City’s approved bank and investment sources as the source of matching funds. This request can be fulfilled by adding the underlined “Whereas” citing the approved banking and investment source that underwrites the Capital Projects Fund where the Redwood Falls Library Expansion and Renovation Project costs will be expensed to. Staff recommend approval of Resolution No. 9 of 2025 to fix this discrepancy.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to waive the reading of Resolution No. 09 of 2025 – A Resolution Repealing Resolution No. 85 of 2024 and Approving the Grant Agreement With the Minnesota Department of Education for the Redwood Falls Public Library Addition & Renovation Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 09 of 2025 – A Resolution Repealing Resolution No. 85 of 2024 and Approving the Grant Agreement With the Minnesota Department of Education for the Redwood Falls Public Library Addition & Renovation Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 10 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-2 for Engineering Services for the 2025 Seal Coat Project.
Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 10 authorizes Task Order No. 2025-2 with Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BMI) to provide the listed scope of services for 2025 in the amount not to exceed $9,875.00 without further Council approval. This resolution also approves the solicitation of bids once the bid documents and specifications are ready for publishing. Completion of the listed project scope is anticipated for August 2025. The 2025 Seal Coat Improvement Project has a budget of $228,000 including contingency, for streets, alleyways and parking lots.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to waive the reading of Resolution No. 10 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-2 for Engineering Services for the 2025 Seal Coat Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 10 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-2 for Engineering Services for the 2025 Seal Coat Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced Resolution No. 11 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-1 for Engineering Services for 2026 Turn Lanes and Trails Projects.
Mr. Doering stated Resolution No. 11 authorizes Task Order No. 2025-1 with Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BMI) to provide the listed scope of services for State Projects: SRTS-SAP 207-591-001-$171,400.00; ATSAP 207-590-001-$127,000.00; LRIP-SAP 207-020-003-$342,500.00 in the amount not to exceed $640,900.00 without further Council approval. Completion of all projects in the listed scope is anticipated for March 1, 2027.
Mr. Doering stated Task Order 2025-1 encompasses engineering services for three state awarded projects. The Safe Routes to School Project awarded $685,900.00 for construction for the trail leg south from the school trail by Garnette Gardens to the eastern edge of St John’s Lutheran School. The Active Transportation Grant program awarded 508,410.00 for the trail leg from the SRT trail end east past the Hospital and looping back north along the drainage ditch to the School Walk bridge. The LRIP program awarded $1,371,200.00 for the Reflection’s Project turn lanes. Total of the three grants combined yields $2,565,510.00 in new multi modal transportation connecting to the Reflection Prairie and Reflection Ridge Developments. Staff recommend approval of the combined task order. The intent is to bid the three projects at the same time, due to their proximity, to achieve cost savings through economies of scale.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to waive the reading of Resolution No. 11 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-1 for Engineering Services for 2026 Turn Lanes and Trails Projects. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Resolution No. 11 of 2025 – Authorization to Execute Task Order No. 2025-1 for Engineering Services for 2026 Turn Lanes and Trails Projects. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel stated Public Works crews have been removing Ash trees along Industrial Drive that are located within the boulevard. City Staff identified approximately 38 trees along just Industrial Drive that were dead and needed to be removed. Former Council Member Buckley inspected the trees and suspected, without additional testing, that the trees could have been stressed from Emerald Ash Borer. Other Ash trees within the City are deteriorating and showing signs of stress.
City Administrator Muetzel stated Emerald Ash Borer has not been confirmed in Redwood Falls but has been confirmed is neighboring communities. City Staff is suspecting the presence of Emerald Ash Borer and has begun the removal of Ash trees located in the public right-of-way because they are the responsibility of the City. Trees located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. City Staff will prepare a committee to begin discussions on tree removal in response to the spreading Emerald Ash Borer.
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 Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to adjourn the meeting at 6:01 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.