MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021
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, June 1, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Jim Sandgren, John T. Buckley, Matt Smith, Larry Arentson, and Denise Kerkhoff were present constituting a quorum.
Also present were City Administrator Keith Muetzel, City Attorney Trenton Dammann, Public Works Project Coordinator Jim Doering, and Council Secretary Caitlin Kodet. Director of Finance & Administrative Services Melissa Meyer was absent.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the agenda. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the May 18, 2021, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the following item on the Consent Agenda.
1. Temporary On-Sale Liquor License – Redwood Co Ag Society
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering introduced the Noise Ordinance Exemption for the Lake Redwood Dredging Project.
Mr. Doering stated the Lake Redwood Dredging project will consist of a 24-hour operation from mid-summer to ice up 2021, through the open water season of 2022, in order to remove the 650,000 cubic yards of sediment. Brennan Industries is the awarded contractor for the project by the Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area (RCRCA) Board. City of Redwood Falls Ordinance, Section 10.14 Noise Violations. Subd. 2(B) states, “Construction activities, No person shall engage in or permit construction activities involving the use of any kind of electric, diesel, or gas-powered equipment, except between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.” In general, a normal conversation is 50- 60 dB and traffic noise can range from 70-80 dB on the trunk highway which is consistent with the area.
Mr. Doering stated Brennan Industries is requesting an exemption from the restrictions on construction activities. Section 1.16, Page 163 of the project specifications for the project sets decibel limits during hours of operation. The noise levels for lake operations shall apply at shoreline and the noise levels for land operations apply at the property line of the nearest residence from the noise source. The proposed project decibel limits include: From 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a duration of 10 minutes or less is 80 dB and two hours or more is 75 dB; From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a duration of 10 minutes or less is 75 dB and two hours or more is 65 dB; and from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for a duration of 10 minutes or less is 65 dB and two hours or more is 65 dB. Staff is in favor of the exemption for the duration of the project. Council agrees residents should be notified of the work and potential for loud noise prior to the project commencing.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Noise Ordinance Exemption for the Lake Redwood Dredging Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Chuck Heins was present to introduce the Plans and Specifications for the Power Plant Road Stabilization Project.
Mr. Heins stated Council approved Task Order No. 4 of 2020, authorizing Bolton and Menk Inc. to put together the advertisement for bids, bid specifications, and plan set for this project. If the request to advertise for bids is approved, the bids will be opened on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. A recommendation to award the bid would be presented at the July 6, 2021 Council meeting. The engineer’s estimate for construction of this project is $1,199,520.00, this includes a 10% contingency. The projected completion of the project is fall 2021.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Buckley to approve the Plans and Specifications for the Power Plant Road Stabilization Project. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mayor Quackenbush requested Staff reach out to MnDOT regarding the current road damage on US-71 and MN Hwy 19 by the Co Hwy 101 intersection.
Mayor Quackenbush gave an update regarding the marketing campaign for the new housing and industrial park developments. The Marketing Team will consist of 18 members from the community. There have been three meetings scheduled for June 17, June 22, and July 14. Following the meetings, Council will be updated on the group’s progress.
City Administrator Muetzel gave an update regarding the Hospital Redevelopment Project. The sale of the building is projected to close on June 30. Staff initially proposed creating Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to assist in the development. However, issues with the estimated market value of the building will not allow for TIF. Staff is now working with Redwood County and the developers to create a Tax Abatement program. The developer has requested an 18-year abatement. The City and County would have a mutual agreement for the abatement agreement. There will be a public hearing for the County and the City on June 15 to vote on the Tax Abatement request.
City Administrator Muetzel discussed the upcoming City Council Work Session on June 29, 2021. Mayor Quackenbush suggested Council discuss the renewal of the Waste Water Permit. Staff and Bolton & Menk, Inc. will prepare a presentation to talk about the permitting process, the City’s limits, renewal process, and how the limits will impact future growth and development. Staff also suggested discussing the proposed dog park. The dog park committee has been having conversations regarding opening a dog park for more than a year. Due to COVID the group has been unable to meet. Last year’s budget included $10,000 to be used as a match for a future dog park. There is a potential donor willing to make a substantial donation, in excess of $10,000. Staff requested Council hear the proposal before the committee proceeds with planning.
City Administrator Muetzel stated the informational sessions with David Drown Associates were completed last week. Thank you to each of the Council members that participated in the process. The draft position profile will be available by June 2 and that profile will be shared with all the Council members for review. The position will be published as soon as the profile is approved.
City Administrator Muetzel stated Building Official Tim Hanna has submitted his resignation effective June 11. The City is required to have a designated licensed Building Official at all times. Mr. Hanna’s last full-time day would be June 11 but he has agreed to work in a part-time capacity starting June 14 until the position is filled and his Building Official license is no longer needed. After a discussion with David Drown Associates (DDA), the fee to include the Building Official position in the search process would be the same as the Finance Director proposal. There wouldn’t be cost savings for including both positions at one time. Council agreed to wait and not utilize DDA’s services right away. Instead, search for a qualified candidate and if that search doesn’t find anyone qualified, Council could request DDA’s services to fill the position.
City Administrator Muetzel requested Council’s feedback regarding Law Enforcement’s attendance at City Council Meetings. Since COVID began there has not been a Law Enforcement Officer attending the meetings. Council requested the topic be discussed at the next City Council Work Session.
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 Smith and seconded by Council Member Buckley to adjourn the meeting at 5:42 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.