Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a City Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 14th day of April 2026. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirchmann.
The following members were present: Mayor Don Kirchmann, Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey, Deanna Gard
Also, present: City Administrator Scott Lehner, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Engineer Derek Olinger, City Attorney Scott Riggs, Officer Armani Tucker, Heather Dewitz, Rachel Goven, John Lee,
Public Works Superintendent Wayne Ehrich
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBER
Resolution 2026-11 Appointing Deanna Gard to serve as Council Member until the next election.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2026-11. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Motion by Kirchmann seconded by Bailey to appoint Deanna Gard to the Planning Commission. Motion carried 5-0-0.
The Oath of Office will be administered by the Mayor for Councilmember Gard
The Oath of Office was administered to Deanna Gard by Mayor Donald Kirchmann.
CITIZEN COMMENT
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes:
On-Sale Liquor License Renewal- Kenyon VFW
2026 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rates
Approval of use of Fire Hall for Community Summer Safety Event – June 2, 2026
Resolution 2026-10: Approving Amendments to the Bylaws of the Kenyon Firemen’s Relief Association
Approve payment of check numbers 78020 through 78133; 7261E through 7334E
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2026
Approve Hire of Donald Traurig, Caleb Beardsley, and Tracy Erlandson Part-Time Liquor Store Employees
Motion carried 5-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
Creative Planning 2025 Audit Review
Dustin Opatz, Audit Director from Creative Planning, presented a summary of the 2025 City and KMU audits and an overview of the overall City financial condition.
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Kirchmann to acknowledge receiving the audit presentation.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Part-time Employee Update
Administrator Lehner reported that the new part-time employees are establishing roles and responsibilities. They are learning fast and contributing to the city’s well-being.
KMU Job Description
Administrator Lehner stated that the job description is complete and will be posted May 15.
Police Department Staffing Update
Administrator Lehner stated that the full-time police officer position has been posted. There is also an opening for one or two part-time officers. Officer Misty England has taken a full-time position with another department but may continue doing some part-time hours in Kenyon.
MN Flag
Administrator Lehner wanted to clarify the city’s options on the State flag choice. Attorney Riggs stated that the City Council can fly the flag they choose, but they cannot regulate what flag is flown throughout the city. This topic was for informational purposes only.
Police Department Data Request
Administrator Lehner stated that he wanted to make the council aware of a data request situation happening at the police department. There is a person who has been a steady data requester. The LMC along with Attorney Riggs have been involved.
ENGINEERING
Hwy 60 Sewer Televising
Engineer Olinger stated that he had previously discussed the need for an infrastructure study for utility mains below Hwy 60 in Kenyon, in preparation for potential reconstruction in 2030 or later. To move forward with this study, televising sanitary mains within the state right-of-way needs to be reviewed. This information will be used to clarify the prioritization of sewer needs in this area, and whether city utility replacement needs to be incorporated into the state’s project. Two televising quotes were received.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to approve the quote from Visu-Sewer to televise under Highway 60. Motion carried 5-0-0.
2025 Street & Utility Project
Engineer Olinger stated that the 2025 street and utility project will be restarted during the week of April 13th. The final completion is expected to be mid-July with the punch list completed by August 30.
LEGAL
Attorney Riggs stated that all four of the following resolutions are related to the Rebound Sunset Home project. The signed resolutions are steps needed to move the process forward to keep the project on schedule.
Resolution 2026-13: Approving the Professional Services Agreement with LHB, Inc.
Resolution 2026-14: Approving the DEED Grant Contract Agreement for the Rebound Real Estate Sunset Homes Project
Resolution 2026-15: Approving the Sub-Grant Contract Agreement for the Rebound Real Estate Sunset Homes Project
Resolution 2026-12: Calling for a Public Hearing by the City Council on the Proposed Establishment of the Development Program for Municipal Development District No. 2 Establishment of TIF District No. 2-1 Therein and Adoption of a TIF Plan Therefor
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2026-12, Resolution 2026-13, Resolution 2026-14, and Resolution 2026-15. Motion carried 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
LMCIT Liability Coverage Waiver
Administrator Lehner stated that the City Council is required to choose either to waive or not to waive the monetary insurance liability limits. State statutes limit a city’s tort liability to a maximum of $500,000 per claimant and $1,500,000 per occurrence. These limits apply whether the claim is against the city, against the individual officer or employee, or against both. Cities can choose to waive the state liability limits. Cities can purchase additional insurance coverage up to $2,000,000 annually.
Motion by Helgeson, seconded by Kirchmann to follow past City precedence to not waive LMCIT State Liability limits. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, March 17th @ 3:00 p.m.
EDA Meeting: Tuesday, March 24th @ 8 a.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 14th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council Member Sjolander thanked city staff for all they do.
Council Member Bailey thanked Engineer Olinger, and everyone involved for the new sidewalk by the school as part of the street project.
Mayor Kirchmann thanked Deanna for joining the council and all the others who showed interest in the position. He encouraged them to consider running in the fall.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0-0.
Donald Kirchmann, Mayor
Holli Gudknecht, Deputy Clerk
