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 March 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mary Bailey.
The following members were present: Council Members Kim Helgeson, Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey, and Elana Brunner
Absent: Mayor Don Kirchmann
Also, present: City Administrator Scott Lehner, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Engineer Derek Olinger, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, Liquor Store Manager Matt Bartel, City Attorney Scott Riggs, Public Works Supervisor Wayne Ehrich, Officer Brian Homeier, John Lee, Josh Johnson, Lizzie Cooper-Kenyon Leader
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Brunner to approve the amended Consent Agenda, which includes:
Payment of check numbers, 76920 through 77013; 5347E through 5382E
Minutes and Appointments
On-Sale Liquor License Renewal- Kenyon Country Club
On-Sale Liquor License Renewal- Cahill Bistro & Bar
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
KMU Process Update: Administrator Lehner stated he is still working on the new KMU process. He has reviewed the contracts and organizational chart with Attorney Riggs. Next, the preliminary process with go to the personnel committee. Then it will be presented to the KMU Commission and employees. The plan is to have the process finalized and back to the council in April.
Audit Update: The auditors were here on February 20 and 21. Everything went well. Lehner is looking at some of the recommendations from the auditors.
House Hunt: Lehner stated that he has made an offer on a house in the area. Hopefully, he will be moving soon.
ENGINEERING
2025 Street and Utility Improvements
Engineer Olinger stated that the design work for the 2025 street and utility project is complete and ready to advertise for bids. Bolton & Menk will be working on getting permit approvals. Conversations have been started with property owners along Langford Avenue regarding easements. The plan is to have bids reviewed in April, the project awarded in May, and construction to begin in June.
Resolution 2025-11: Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids 2025 Street and Utility Improvements
Motion by Bailey seconded by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2025-11. Motion carried 4-0-0.
2025 Chip Seal Project
Engineer Olinger reviewed the city’s preventative maintenance project for 2025. For the last several years, preventative maintenance projects have been intentionally undersized in order to complete a larger chip sealing project this year. The proposed 2025 project is estimated to cost between $80,000-$90,000.
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to direct the City Engineer to collect quotes for the 2025 chip seal project. Motion carried 4-0-0.
LEGAL
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
2025 Agreement with Luis Tellez – Taco Express
Administrator Lehner reviewed the history of Taco Express’s rental of the grassy lot next to the Municipal Liquor Store. He expressed concerns about the perception of the city renting space to a food vendor for a minimal fee when there are several other food businesses in town that own their lots and pay taxes. He noted that the Liquor Store is also considering making some improvements to their patio area that would involve the Taco Express location. He recommended discontinuing the agreement with Luis Tellez to lease a location on city property.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Sjolander to follow staff recommendation to not renew the city agreement with Taco Express. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Resolution 2025-10 Accepting Kenyon Fire Relief Association Donations to the City of Kenyon
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adopt Resolution 2025-10 accepting donations of $10,000.00 from the Kenyon Fire Relief Association to the fire truck fund. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Police Department Update
Hiring Process
Chief Sjolander reported that the full-time police officer position has been posted on the city’s website and on the POST Board hiring page. The closing date is April 1.
Change in Coverage Hours
Chief Sjolander stated that the night patrol hours have been changed. This will be cost savings for the city and provide more coverage with fewer on-call hours.
Liquor Store Update
641 2nd Street – NAPA Building
Manager Bartel stated he is exploring options for the former NAPA building that is owned by the liquor store. He would like to convert it into an off sale with a separate entrance.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to give approval to Manager Bartel to start the process of expansion of the Muni into the NAPA building. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Cannabis Sales
Manager Bartel stated he is considering offering THC drinks and gummies on the off-sale side of the Muni. Many public and private stores are benefiting from the sale of drinks and gummies.
Motion by Brunner seconded by Bailey to authorize Manager Bartel to move forward with registering to sell THC products. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Insulating Office for Sound Control
Administrator Lehner stated that there is no insulation in the internal walls of city hall. Conversations can be heard through the walls even when the doors are closed. He is recommending the walls of the administrator's office, and the conference room would be insulated with spray foam insulation.
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to accept the insulation quote from Reichel Insulation for $2,500.00. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Lot Combination – 1 Langford Avenue
Scot Bowen is seeking approval to combine two lots located on 1 Langford Avenue. The parcels are zoned C-2 General Commercial. The lot combination would qualify as a minor lot combination under the City Code.
Resolution 2025-12: Granting Approval of a Lot Combination for Scot Bowen
Motion by Bailey seconded by Brunner to table this resolution and direct Engineer Olinger to talk to Scot Bowen about easements, etc. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Schedule for Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, March 25th @ 4:00 p.m.
EDA Meeting: Tuesday, March 25th @ 8 a.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 8th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council Member Helgeson wanted residents to be aware of their surroundings with the warmer weather bringing more people out walking and biking.
Council Member Brunner thanked KMU and Public Works for all they did during the snowstorm last week.
Motion by Helgeson seconded by Bailey to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Deputy City Clerk
Mary Bailey, Acting Mayor
