TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 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, September 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated Mayor Tom Quackenbush and Council Members Matt Smith, Jim Sandgren, Larry Arentson, and Shannon Guetter were present, constituting a quorum. Council Member Denise Kerkhoff 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.
City Administrator Muetzel requested the addition of Consent Agenda Item 6A - City Assistance with Redwood Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the agenda with the addition of Consent Agenda Item 6A - City Assistance with Redwood Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Arentson to approve the August 18, 2026, minutes as presented. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the following item on the Consent Agenda:
1. City Assistance with Redwood Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner was present to introduce Resolution No. 48 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City.
Mr. Nachreiner stated Resolution No. 48 of 2026 is to accept a financial donation in the amount of $2,001.95 from C.O.R.E Bungee Fitness owner Gwen Russell. City staff expressed their appreciation to Ms. Russell for the generous donation, which will be used to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a cabinet to house the equipment. The AED cabinet will be installed on an exterior wall of the newer restroom facility located near the campground and pickleball courts in Ramsey Park. Staff requested approval to accept the financial donation from C.O.R.E Bungee Fitness for the purchase and installation of the AED and cabinet.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 48 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Guetter and seconded by Council Member Sandgren to approve Resolution No. 48 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Parks & Recreation Director Ross Nachreiner introduced Resolution No. 49 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City.
Mr. Nachreiner stated Resolution No. 49 of 2026 is to accept a financial donation in the amount of $2,000.00 from the Melvin Daskam Post #38 Redwood Falls American Legion. City staff expressed their appreciation to the members of the American Legion for their generous donation to the Jr. Cardinals Gymnastics program.
Mr. Nachreiner stated the funds will help offset costs of participation meet fees, competition leotards, and equipment purchases needed to improve the skills of the gymnasts. Staff requested approval to accept the financial donation from the Redwood Falls American Legion Melvin Daskam Post #38.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Arentson to waive the reading of Resolution No. 49 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve Resolution No. 49 of 2026 – A Resolution Accepting A Donation To The City. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Public Utilities Superintendent Jason Halvorson was present to introduce the Final Pay Request for the 2025 Electric Distribution Improvement Project.
Mr. Halvorson stated the final contract price for the 2025 Distribution Improvements was $617,037.67. The original contract price was $127,520.08 more than the final but less material and labor were required than the engineers estimated. PUSH, Inc. has submitted all the necessary paperwork, which DGR has approved, and has submitted the final pay request in the amount of $12,340.75.
A motion was made by Council Member Arentson and seconded by Council Member Guetter to approve the Final Pay Request for the 2025 Electric Distribution Improvement Project in the amount of $12,340.75. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Finance Director Klages provided an update on the 2027 Budget Development.
Mayor Quackenbush requested an update on the Library Expansion Project and Trails & Turn Lanes Project.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated the Library Project is going well and staying on schedule. Contractors are working to get the addition completely enclosed and complete the parking lot paving by the end of November. The Trails & Turn Lanes Project is also going well. Paving is on schedule to be finished in September and have the project completed by the October 15th deadline.
Public Works Project Coordinator Doering stated the sealcoat route was done last week and the final sweeping will take place this week to complete the project.
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 Arentson and seconded by Council Member Smith to adjourn the meeting at 5:14 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.