TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026
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, July 7, 2026, 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 Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the June 16, 2026, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1. Acceptance of DCFC Electric Vehicle Charger
2. Case 580SNWT Backhoe Annual Trade
3. New Holland L320 Skid Loader Annual Trade
4. New Holland L328 Skid Loader Annual Trade
5. New Holland C345 Skid Loader Annual Trade
6. Request to Waive Sanitary Sewer Charge – 206 E. Broadway St.
7. City Assistance with Redwood River Archery Shoot
8. Declare Picnic Table Brackets Surplus Property and Authorize Sale
9. Washington Street Repair Cost
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mayor Quackenbush opened a public hearing at 5:03 p.m. to discuss delinquent utility accounts, maintenance charges, and surcharges.
Finance Director Klages introduced Resolution No. 38 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts, Resolution No. 39 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Maintenance Costs, and Resolution No. 40 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Surcharges.
Ms. Klages stated the proposed Resolutions are to adopt assessments for delinquent utility accounts, maintenance cost charges, 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.
Mayor Quackenbush closed the public hearing at 5:05 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 38 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. 38 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Delinquent Accounts. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 39 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Maintenance Costs. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve Resolution No. 39 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Maintenance Costs. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to waive the reading of Resolution No. 40 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Surcharges. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve Resolution No. 40 of 2026 – Resolution Adopting Assessments for Unpaid Surcharges. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Attorney Dammann introduced Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, 2014 Edition, as Provided in §14.05 of the Redwood Falls City Code, for the Purpose of Amending Permitted Uses in Residential Districts Within the City of Redwood Falls.
Mr. Dammann stated the proposed ordinance was introduced at the June 16, 2026, City Council Meeting. Ordinance No. 105 amends Table 11.1 within the UDO to allow for the use of single family dwellings and duplexes in the R-4, R-M, and R-B zoning districts; the use of single family dwellings – attached – two to four units in the R-2, R-4, R-M, and R-B zoning districts; and the use of single family dwellings – attached – five to eight units in the R-4, R-M, and R-B zoning districts. Currently, none of these uses are permitted in the listed zoning districts. Ordinance No. 105 also amends and allows for nursing homes in the R-B zoning district.
Mr. Dammann stated on June 9, 2026, after published notice in the Redwood Gazette on May 28, 2026, a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission to discuss Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series. After the hearing, the Planning Commission adopted the Findings of Fact found in Section 2 of Ordinance No. 105 and recommended approval of Ordinance No. 105. State law requires that all ordinances adopted be published prior to becoming effective. As Council is aware, Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series is lengthy. However, Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.191, subd. 4, allows publication by title and summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps. Staff have prepared Resolution No. 42 of 2026 and Exhibit A, which contains the summary of Ordinance No. 105 for publication as a separate agenda item.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the second reading of Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, 2014 Edition, as Provided in §14.05 of the Redwood Falls City Code, for the Purpose of Amending Permitted Uses in Residential Districts Within the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to approve Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series – An Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, 2014 Edition, as Provided in §14.05 of the Redwood Falls City Code, for the Purpose of Amending Permitted Uses in Residential Districts Within the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Arentson, Kerkhoff, Smith, Guetter, and Sandgren,
NO: None
City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 41 of 2026 – Resolution Appointing 2026 Election Judges.
Mr. Muetzel stated under Section 204B.21, Subdivision 2 of the Election Laws of the State of Minnesota, the Council of each municipality shall appoint in the manner provided, qualified voters as judges of election with the understanding that amendments can be made by the Election Administrator. The following qualified voters are hereby designated as Judges of Election for the August 11, 2026, Primary Election and November 3, 2026, General Election: Caitlin Kodet, Amy Kerkhoff, Marcee Stromberg, Mary Wetmore, Bruce Tolzmann, Stephanie Klavetter, Wayne Junker, Abby Larson, Mary Walz, Eric Lovett, Julie Faugstad, Daniel Faugstad, Jacalyn Lueck, Mary Bratsch, Dorie Oja, Ernie Fiala, Julie Fiala, Jenifer Manthei, Jan C. Nelson, Julie Rath, Greg Smith, Shannon Wachter, Patricia Stoll, Clara Friese, and Allen Helmstetter.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 41 of 2026 – Resolution Appointing 2026 Election Judges. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve Resolution No. 41 of 2026 – Resolution Appointing 2026 Election Judges. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Attorney Dammann introduced Resolution No. 42 of 2026 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for the Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series, an Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, 2014 Edition, as Provided in §14.05 of the Redwood Falls City Code, for the Purpose of Amending Permitted Uses in Residential Districts Within the City of Redwood Falls.
Mr. Dammann stated State law requires that all ordinances adopted be published prior to becoming effective. Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series, is lengthy. However, Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.191, subd. 4, allows publication by title and summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps. Staff prepared Resolution No. 42 of 2026 and Exhibit A, which contains the summary of Ordinance No. 105 for publication.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Guetter to waive the reading of Resolution No. 42 of 2026 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for the Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series, an Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, 2014 Edition, as Provided in §14.05 of the Redwood Falls City Code, for the Purpose of Amending Permitted Uses in Residential Districts Within the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 42 of 2026 – A Resolution of the City of Redwood Falls Providing for the Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 105, Fourth Series, an Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, 2014 Edition, as Provided in §14.05 of the Redwood Falls City Code, for the Purpose of Amending Permitted Uses in Residential Districts Within the City of Redwood Falls. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Attorney Dammann introduced Resolution No. 43 of 2026 – Authorization Approving Purchase of Real Property Located at 516 East Bridge Street.
Mr. Dammann stated on May 18, 2026, at a scheduled meeting, the Redwood Falls Port Authority reviewed a purchase agreement and approved the purchase of real property located at 516 East Bridge Street, Redwood Falls, from SGM Corp. SGM’s agreement includes plans to donate the former Burger King building and lot to the Port Authority. Upon transfer of ownership to the Port Authority, Redwood Falls Industries (RFI) has proposed to the Port Authority to enter into a 3-year lease and redevelopment agreement. During the 3-year period, Redwood Falls Industries will renovate the building and be responsible for all ownership and construction expenses associated with the building. The property is currently zoned B-2, Limited Community Retail Business District, which is commercial in nature. The planned redevelopment would not change the commercial nature of its use. At the end of the 3-year lease period, RFI will purchase the property from the Port Authority.
Mr. Dammann stated pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.356, subd. 2, when a City has a comprehensive municipal plan and a planning commission, the statute requires that no publicly owned interest in real property within the municipality be acquired or disposed of, until after the planning commission has reviewed the proposed disposal and reported in writing to the City Council its findings as to compliance of the proposed disposal with the comprehensive municipal plan. However, a City Council may, by resolution adopted by two-thirds vote dispense with the requirements of that subdivision when in its judgment it finds that the proposed acquisition of real property has no relationship to the comprehensive municipal plan. Given the need to close the purchase agreement in a timely manner and that the proposed redevelopment aligns with the current zoning structure, Staff is recommending that Council adopt the proposed resolution to approve the acquisition and dispense with any requirements found in Minn. Stat. § 462.356, subd. 2.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Guetter to waive the reading of Resolution No. 43 of 2026 – Authorization Approving Purchase of Real Property Located at 516 East Bridge Street. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 43 of 2026 – Authorization Approving Purchase of Real Property Located at 516 East Bridge Street. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Finance Director Klages introduced Resolution No. 44 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting a Donation to the City.
Ms. Klages stated Minnesota Statute Sec. 465.03 gives the city authority to receive donations and requires them to be formally accepted by resolution, adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Council. Resolution No. 44 authorizes the acceptance of a financial contribution in the amount of $4,128 from Reforest Redwood Falls. This donation is for the replacement of trees at Memorial Park, which were removed due to the presence of Emerald Ash Borer. The donation covers the total cost of replacement trees.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Guetter to waive the reading of Resolution No. 44 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting a Donation to the City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 44 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting a Donation to the City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering introduced the Library Expansion Project – Change Order #3.
Mr. Doering stated Staff is recommending the approval of Change Order No. 3 for the addition of extra structural shoring, a credit for changing a standard size toilet to a child size toilet, a credit swap for a change in door types and subsequent addition for change in door frame and hardware. Approval will allow the City Administrator to execute the Change Order. Change orders will be drawn from the 5% contingency allocated in the project budget.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the Library Expansion Project – Change Order #3. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Council Member Smith requested an update on the status of the leak at the aquatic center.
City Administrator Muetzel stated a leak was detected in one of the play features in the children's area. Staff repaired the leak but are still investigating if there are any additional leaks, potentially in an underground pipe. If a larger leak is identified, that repair will need to be completed after the pool season.
Mayor Quackenbush requested an update on the airport construction project.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated the paving has been completed and crews are waiting on a 30-day cure time before the grooving can be completed. The grooving provides the runways with better traction. The rain is impacting construction a little, but everything has remained on track.
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 Kerkhoff to adjourn the meeting at 5:27 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.