City Council Meeting – June 4, 2024

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 4, 2024, 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, 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 Buckley to approve the May 21, 2024, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

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

1. City Assistance with Celebrate Redwood Falls Summer Splash Event
2. Parade Permit for Celebrate Redwood Falls Summer Splash Event
3. Declare Street Equipment Surplus Property and Authorize Sale

Motion passed by unanimous vote.

City Administrator Muetzel introduced Resolution No. 33 of 2024 – Resolution Designating The Port Authority To Implement And Administer A Property Assessed Clean Energy Improvement Financing On Behalf Of The City, And Providing For The Imposition Of Special Assessments As Needed In Connection With That Program.

Mr. Muetzel stated the State of Minnesota offers financing for the construction and installation of energy efficiency and conservation improvements through the Minnesota Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (MinnPACE). For eligible properties to access the funding program, a local municipality must enter into a Joint Powers Agreement authorizing the implementation and administration of the program within the boundaries of the City. The MinnPACE program provides energy efficiency loan funds that are repaid solely from special assessments levied by the City against the benefiting property. Under this repayment arrangement, the City agrees to collect the assessments representing the loan repayments and remit those payments to the lender. The energy efficiency loans do not constitute a liability or indebtedness of the City and the City has no repayment obligation.

Mr. Muetzel stated the developers of the Red Skye Lofts Project (100 Fallwood Road) desire to access funding from the MinnPACE Program and are requesting approval of the Joint Powers Agreement. The adoption of the agreement also makes this funding program available to any other eligible properties in Redwood Falls. City Staff recommends approval of the Joint Powers Agreement.

A motion was made by Council Member Buckley and seconded by Council Member Kerkhoff to waive the reading of Resolution No. 33 of 2024 – Resolution Designating The Port Authority To Implement And Administer A Property Assessed Clean Energy Improvement Financing On Behalf Of The City, And Providing For The Imposition Of Special Assessments As Needed In Connection With That Program. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve Resolution No. 33 of 2024 – Resolution Designating The Port Authority To Implement And Administer A Property Assessed Clean Energy Improvement Financing On Behalf Of The City, And Providing For The Imposition Of Special Assessments As Needed In Connection With That Program. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Finance Director Klages introduced the open Accounts Payable/Payroll Coordinator Position.

Ms. Klages stated the reassignment of Rachel Viergutz creates an Accounts Payable/Payroll Coordinator position vacancy. The vacancy was posted internally, and one application was received. An interview was completed by Finance Director Klages, HR Coordinator Sheila Stage, and City Administrator Muetzel. An offer was made to the applicant, but the offer was declined. The position will be posted publicly to allow for external candidates to apply. No action is currently being requested from Council.

Mayor Quackenbush stated the approved crosswalk on Industrial Drive has been installed. City Administrator Muetzel stated the crosswalk will be operational once the electrical work has been completed. The crosswalk was purchased by Schult Homes and Schult Homes will be reimbursing the City for installation costs. The City will be responsible for any future maintenance.

City Administrator Muetzel stated the City has recently received concerns regarding sign regulations and the City’s sign ordinance regarding political signs. The City’s sign ordinance regulates the location of signs, the size and number of signs, as well as the type of signs. Cities are not generally allowed to regulate the content of signs. In an election year, during a specified time before and after election day, Minnesota Statutes do not allow cities to enforce some sign ordinances restricting the number and size of noncommercial signs.

City Administrator Muetzel stated the Red Skye Lofts, located at 100 Fallwood Road, was issued the Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Official today.

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 Kerkhoff and seconded by Council Member Arentson to adjourn the meeting at 5:20 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.