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 11th day of February 2025. 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, and Elana Brunner
Also, present: City Administrator Scott Lehner, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Engineer Derek Olinger, Finance Director Whitney Kyllo, City Attorney Joe Sathe, Officer Brian Homeier, Josh Johnson, Jed Johnson
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Brunner to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Sjolander second by Helgeson to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes:
Payment of check numbers, 75836 through 75919; 5327E through 5346E
Minutes and Appointments
Post Full-Time Police Officer Position
Approve Hire of Manager and Assistant Manager for 2025 Season
Motion carried 5-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day Proclamation
Mayor Kirchmann read the “School Bus Driver Appreciation Day” proclamation that will be presented to Held Bus Service.
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
KMU Process Update: Administrator Lehner stated that no decisions have been made yet concerning the KMU process. The personnel committee reviewed the five City/KMU agreements and the current organizational chart. He will be putting together a recommended organizational chart and revised agreements that will be presented back to the personnel committee and then to the KMU Commission before coming back to the city council.
Audit Update: The auditors will be here working with Whitney on February 20 and 21.
Fundraiser at Fire Hall – April 26: FYI - The Kenyon Fire Department will be holding a benefit for a Kenyon fireman’s family member at the fire hall.
Police Chief Sjoblom will return to work next week.
Audio/visual Equipment: Staff are working to coordinate training with the company that installed the audio/visual equipment in the council chambers.
ENGINEERING
2025 Street and Utility Improvements
Engineer Olinger stated that the design work for the project is nearly complete and should be ready for approval of bidding at the March council meeting. A neighborhood informational meeting was held on January 27th at city hall. Four residents came to the meeting with comments.
LEGAL
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
2025 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rates
Finance Director Kyllo stated that in December 2023, the 2024 sewer rates were increased to reflect additional revenue needed to ensure the Sanitary and Storm Sewer could continue to fund upcoming projects. This was part of a four-year increase plan, which was recommended from the 2021 utility rate study. In 2025, city staff recommend increasing the residential sanitary sewer rate from $7.40 per thousand gallons to $7.77 per thousand. The residential sewer base rate would increase from $26.25 to $27.57 per month. The storm sewer maintenance fee would be increased from $9.00 per month to $13.00 a month for residential customers. Non-residential rates will also be increased.
Motion by Bailey second by Helgeson to approve the recommended sanitary and storm sewer utility rates for 2025. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2025-07: Endorsing Federal Legislation to reimburse Body Armor Costs for All Emergency Responders
Administrator Lehner stated that Rice County was asking that emergency responders that serve their county show their support to get federal legislation to reimburse agencies for protective vests for all emergency responders. The Kenyon First Responders serve 42 sections in Rice County. Council member Sjolander stated that this resolution is just saying we are supporting this legislation, not saying we are going out to buy anything.
Motion by Kirchmann seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2025-07. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Rebound Redevelopment Application
Rebound Real Estate (former Sunset Home) requested that the City council approve a resolution approving their Redevelopment Grant application and committing to a local match and authorizing contract signature. Attorney Sathe explained how this program works. The applicant needs to be the city with a subgrant then to the developer.
Resolution 2025-08: Approve Submission of Redevelopment Grant Application in Connection with 127 Gunderson Boulevard
Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to adopt Resolution 2025-08. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Resolution 2025-09: Commit Local Match for Redevelopment Grant Application and Authorize Contract Signatures in Connection with 127 Gunderson Boulevard
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2025-09. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Schedule for Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, February 18th @ 4:00 p.m.
EDA Annual Meeting: Thursday, February 20th @ 8 a.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 11th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council Member Sjolander appreciates the fire department with the recent fire in town. They went above and beyond to help the residents out without getting paid.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Scott Lehner, City Administrator Donald Kirchmann, Mayor
