TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 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, June 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Denise Kerkhoff, Jim Sandgren, and Larry Arentson were present, constituting a quorum. Council Member Shannon Guetter was absent.
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 Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Sandgren 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 19, 2026, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
1. City Assistance with Celebrate Redwood Falls – Summer Splash
2. Celebrate Redwood Falls – Summer Splash Parade Permit
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mayor Quackenbush presented Sgt. Brady Stough and Officer Lucas Hodges with the Police Chief’s Commendation Award.
Mayor Quackenbush stated on March 20, 2026, Sgt. Brady Stough and Officer Lucas Hodges responded to a medical emergency involving a Redwood Falls resident experiencing a heart attack. Officers found the patient unresponsive and not breathing and began CPR and use of an AED. After several minutes of life saving efforts Centra Care Ambulance arrived on scene to take over. Centra Care Ambulance later reported the patient survived and credited his survival directly to the actions of the on-scene RFPD personnel.
Police Chief Jason Cotner was present to introduce Agenda Item 9B – Police Officer Position.
Chief Cotner stated in March of 2026, a hiring process was initiated to fill a vacant police officer position. Applications were taken and an interview panel consisting of City Administrator Keith Muetzel, Police Chief Jason Cotner, and Assistant Police Chief Steve Schroeder met with several candidates. At the conclusion of that process Seth
Olson from Dalbo, Minnesota, was identified as the best candidate.
Chief Cotner stated since then, Mr. Olson has successfully passed a physical exam and a psychological examination, and background check. In addition, he was scheduled to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) test on Friday, May 29, 2026. City Staff received confirmation prior to the Council Meeting that Mr. Olson passed the POST test and is now eligible to begin work at Redwood Falls Police Department. Staff recommend Council approve hiring Seth Olson to fill the vacant police officer position.
A motion was made by Council Member Sandgren and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Police Officer Position Offer to Seth Olson. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel introduced the Business Recruitment Incentive Policy.
Mr. Muetzel stated on March 31, 2026, City Council held a work session to discuss marketing activity for the Reflection Ridge Business Park. One of the meeting outcomes was a suggestion to develop an incentive program to encourage business recruitment efforts. A draft policy was reviewed by Council on May 5 and reviewed by the Port Authority on May 18. A final draft was submitted for City Council review and approval. The policy provides for a one-time $5,000 cash incentive to an eligible individual who directly and demonstrably facilitates the successful location of a new qualifying business within the City of Redwood Falls.
A motion was made by Council Member Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Smith to approve the Business Recruitment Incentive Policy. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
City Administrator Muetzel stated the Ramsey Park Zoo added Scottish Highlander cattle, including a recently born Highlander calf. The recent additions have been a popular attraction.
Mayor Quackenbush requested an update on the kayak rental station at Lake Redwood.
City Administrator Muetzel stated Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner reported at least 18 rentals as of last week with no concerns regarding the rentals reported to staff.
City Administrator Muetzel stated the initial paving for the pickleball courts was completed and additional paving is scheduled for this week.
Mayor Quackenbush requested an update on the airport construction project.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated the airport project, hangar taxi lane pavement maintenance & lighting replacement, is progressing well. The project is ahead of schedule as of today, but a final completion date will still depend on the weather.
Council Member Kerkhoff requested an update on the library project as well as the trails and turn lanes project.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated work has started on the trails and is going well. Cutting of the trail and preparation for gravel has started from Sunrise Blvd. to the ditch and from Sunrise Blvd. to St. John’s school. Construction is also progressing well at the library. The footings and foundation have been poured, and plumbing is currently being completed. Contractors will then start on the floor prior to constructing the walls.
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 5:13 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.