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 9th day of September 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Donald Kirchmann.
The following members were present: Mayor Donald Kirchmann, Council Members Lee Sjolander, Mary Bailey, and Kim Helgeson
Absent: Elana Brunner
Via Zoom: Jessi Sturtz-Abdo
Also, present: City Administrator Scott Lehner, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Wayne Ehrich, Matt Bartel, Jeff Sjoblom
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Helgeson second by Bailey to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes:
Financials and Payment of check numbers, 77410 through 77489; 5999E through 6194E
Minutes of August 12, 2025 and August 26, 2025
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
ENGINEERING
2025 Street and Utility Improvements
Administrator Lehner stated that Fitzgerald Excavating has started removing pavement and trees. They have begun work on both 5th and 8th streets. Pay application No. 1 includes work from August 25 to August 29 in the amount of $34,711.57.
2025 Street and Utility Improvements – Pay Application No. 1
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Helgeson to approve pay application #1 to Fitzgerald Excavating in the amount of $34,711.57. Motion carried 4-0-0.
LEGAL
FINANCIAL
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
2026 Budget
Jessi Sturtz from Abdo stated that the proposed budget and levy was reviewed at the Council work session on August 26. The budget was revised based on input from the work session. The levy was set at a maximum of 9.93%. The preliminary maximum levy certification resolution must be submitted to Goodhue County by the end of September. The final levy must be adopted by the end of December. The levy can be lowered between now and the end of the year, but it cannot be increased.
Resolution 2025-23: Adopting the 2026 Preliminary Budget & Levy
Motion by Bailey seconded by Kirchmann to adopt Resolution 2025-23 adopting the 2026 preliminary budget and levy, which is a maximum of 9.93%. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Liquor Store - 641 2nd Street NAPA Building Estimates
Liquor Store Manager Bartel reviewed the estimates for the former NAPA building. L&M Construction estimated $96,581.72 to remodel the building. Stan Morgan and Associates quoted $111,524.87 for equipment in the building. There was already $215,000 in the budget for this project.
Motion by Sjolander seconded by Bailey to approve the preliminary estimates for the municipal liquor store expansion. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Police Department Gun Range
Police Chief Sjoblom informed the council of the gun range training site he is looking at constructing in the city shop area off Gates Avenue. Public Works Superintendent Ehrich and Sjoblom looked at options for setting up the range. Free fill was obtained from the Dollar General site. The only costs involved with the project would be Public Work’s time and fuel and for grass seed. It would be solely for Police Department use. Public use would not be allowed. Mayor Kirchmann had concerns about the noise level and how neighbors would be informed before a shoot. Administrator Lehner stated that if they let city hall know, it could be posted on social media, and any incoming inquiries could be addressed.
Motion by Kirchmann seconded by Helgeson to move forward with the police department gun range.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Schedule for Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Tuesday, September 16th @ 3:00 p.m.
EDA Meeting: Tuesday, September 30th @ 8 a.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th @ 7 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Council member Sjolander thanked city staff who helped with the Karl Haugen funeral.
Council member Bailey thanked everyone for shaving their budgets.
Council member Helgeson stated that Park and Rec has started planning for Fall Fest on October 11.
Mayor Kirchmann was thankful for the budget cuts, everyone helping to make council meetings run smoother, and everyone for their hard work.
Motion by Bailey seconded by Kirchmann to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Deputy City Clerk
Donald Kirchmann, Mayor
