Kasson public meetings in 2021

City Council Meeting 12.8.21

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding the annexation of Golden Kernal Farms and the Schuette Property, as well as an easement vacation for Komet Acres. The body is also reviewing the 2022 budget, utility rates, and the 2021 levy collectible in 2022.

• Public hearings for annexation of Golden Kernal Farms and Schuette Property
• Public hearing for Komet Acres easement vacation
• 2022 Budget and Utility Rates Resolution
• Fairgrounds Water Tower project award
• Conference reimbursement for Ron Unger: $178 plus expenses

The Kasson City Council approved the final 2021 tax levy (collectible in 2022) with a 6.58% increase, the 2022 budget, and a resolution setting water, electric, sewer, and storm water rates with increases over the next four years. They also accepted a low bid for library improvements, awarded a water tower bid, and approved a settlement in the Reding litigation. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved final 2021 tax levy, collectible in 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 budget (unanimous)
• Approved utility rate increases for water, electric, sewer, storm water (unanimous)
• Accepted low bid from Equity Builders for library improvements at $338,750 (unanimous)
• Awarded 500,000-gallon water tower bid to Maguire Iron (unanimous)
• Approved settlement agreement with Jesse Reding (unanimous)
• Approved annexation of Golden Kernel Farms and Schuette property (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Amy Handevidt and Tait Carlson (unanimous)

City Council Meeting Before Closed Session 12-1-21

The City Council will consider approving the 2022 budget and the final 2021 tax levy collectible in 2022. Members will also discuss the allocation of ARPA funds and an IBEW contract.

• Resolution approving the Final 2021 Tax Levy, Collectible in 2022
• Approval of 2022 Budget
• ARPA Funds Allocation discussion and resolution
• Declarations of Intent for Watertower, 16th St. Roundabout, and Fire Truck
• Conference expenses for Matt Stradtmann ($125) and Josh Hanson ($750)

The Council approved the 2022 levy and budget, which is a 30% reduction from the preliminary levy, and agreed to include a workers compensation increase. The budget will be updated and return for final approval on December 8. The Council also approved the ARPA funds allocation of $687,092.92 and the IBEW contract. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved the amended agenda, removing the Amusement License for American Legion.
• Approved the consent agenda, including claims of $941,065.04 and various licenses and agreements.
• Approved the 2022 levy and budget, including a 30% reduction and workers comp increase.
• Approved Resolution #12.1-21 for ARPA funds allocation of $687,092.92.
• Approved the IBEW contract.
• Approved the After Hours Service Agreement with People's Energy Cooperative.
• Approved the 2020 and 2021 Electric Annexation Agreements for Blaine's 14 and Komet Acres subdivisions.
• Received an update on Reding litigation in closed session.

City Council

The City Council will discuss rate studies and consider the approval of plans and advertising for the Fairgrounds Water Tower. The body will also review a CEDA contract and a pay request for 10Ave NE & Trail.

• Fairgrounds Water Tower: resolution approving plans, advertising, and construction plans
• Pay Request #1 for 10Ave NE & Trail
• CEDA Contract
• Resolution accepting donation from Kasson Care and Share
• Evaluation for Deputy Clerk Jan Naig at $28.80

The Kasson City Council approved several items, including moving forward with drawings for a new fire station, approving a resolution for a new water tower at the Fairgrounds, and approving a tentative labor agreement with IBEW. The council also agreed to reduce a resident's sewer bill due to a water loss and approved the CEDA contract.

• Approved agenda with additions (all aye)
• Approved consent agenda minus EDA minutes (all aye)
• Approved motion to proceed with fire station drawings (all aye)
• Approved CEDA contract (all aye)
• Approved sewer bill reduction for Troy Tumbleson (all aye)
• Approved Resolution #11.2-21 for Fairgrounds water tower plans (all aye)
• Approved tentative agreement with IBEW (all aye)

City Council Meeting 10-27-21 Before Closed Session

The City Council will hear presentations on a park concept from HKGi and an emergency services concept from ICS. The meeting also includes a review of routine claims and minutes.

• Park Concept presentation by Tim Solomonson (HKGi)
• Emergency Services Concept presentation by ICS
• Byron Youth Football Gambling Permit for Pull Tabs at Events
• Closed Session for Union Negotiations
• Closed Session with Susan Hansen

The Kasson City Council approved the purchase of electric service territory to expand the city's electric utility coverage, using funds already set aside in the Electric Fund. The council also approved a tentative labor agreement with police officers (MNPEA) after a closed session. Other actions included approving the consent agenda with claims and personnel evaluations, and discussing long-range park planning concepts.

• Approved purchase of electric service territory (all aye)
• Approved tentative agreement with MNPEA Essential Employees (all aye)
• Approved consent agenda including claims of $780,258.22 and personnel evaluations (all aye)
• Consensus on Option A for park concept with possible mini golf and trails (discussion only)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a transportation plan and a conditional use permit for a Home Federal electronic sign. The meeting includes reviews of a new emergency services building and an annexation agreement with Canisteo.

• Recommendation for CUP for Home Federal electronic sign
• Transportation Plan recommendation from Planning Commission
• ICS – New Emergency Services Building
• Canisteo Orderly Annexation Agreement
• Promotion of Brant Kruger to Lieutenant

The Kasson City Council approved a conditional use permit for an electronic sign at Home Federal, with a condition that the sign be shut off at 11 PM. The council also approved resolutions for a joint purchasing agreement for self-contained breathing apparatus and the Canisteo orderly annexation agreement. Several other items were discussed, including a concept design for the Vail property and plans for a new emergency services building, but no final decisions were made on those topics.

• Approved conditional use permit for electronic sign at Home Federal with 11 PM shutoff condition (all aye)
• Approved resolution authorizing joint agreement for SCBA purchase (all aye)
• Approved Canisteo orderly annexation agreement (all aye)
• Approved consent agenda including claims of $384,409.35 and delinquent claims resolution (all aye)
• Approved promotion of Brant Kruger to Lieutenant in Fire Department (all aye)
• Approved reinstatement of firefighter Kevin Farmer from leave of absence (all aye)

City Council

The City Council will consider the 2022 budget and the 2021 tax levy collectible in 2022. The meeting includes reviews of land use permits and updates on county-related infrastructure projects.

• 2021 Tax Levy Collectible in 2022 and 2022 Budget approval
• Pennington Conditional Use Permit for a fence on the property line
• Horsman Variance to rebuild in the setback
• County projects: Safe Route to School, Fairgrounds Water Tower, and 16th Street NW Extension
• Taser Instructor Course for Matt Stradtmann ($375)

The Kasson City Council approved the purchase of a Rosenbauer fire truck with added light tower, deck gun, and officer SCBA seat, along with air packs, for a total of $845,000. The council also approved a preliminary 2021 tax levy with a 9.38% increase and the preliminary 2022 budget. A variance request for a garage rebuild was tabled until the October 8 meeting pending a survey.

• Approved Rosenbauer fire truck with additions and air packs for $845,000 (all aye)
• Approved preliminary 2021 tax levy with 9.38% increase (all aye)
• Approved preliminary 2022 budget (all aye)
• Approved conditional use permit for fence on property line at 901 5th Ave NW (all aye)
• Tabled Horsman variance for garage rebuild until October 8 meeting
• Approved joint resolution with Dodge County for land and easements (all aye)
• Accepted resignation of Brent Freerksen from Fire Department (all aye)
• Approved consent agenda including $530,105.02 in claims (all aye)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss and potentially approve preliminary 2022 budget and tax levy options. The session also includes personnel changes and legal settlement agreements.

• Discussion of 2022 Preliminary General Fund Operating Budget Levy (Option A and Option B)
• Resolution approving preliminary 2021 tax levy collectible in 2022
• Proposal for architectural services for the Kasson Liquor Store
• Pay increases for Sergeant Jason Peck ($37.86 to $39.09) and SRO Jesse Kasel ($35.39 to $36.54)
• Settlement agreements regarding Heaser and State of MN Steven Kleiber Nelson Auto

The Kasson City Council approved a settlement agreement and release of claims in the Heaser matter, receiving $20,000 for attorney fees, and approved a restatement of an encroachment agreement for a garage. It also approved a settlement in a whistleblower case against Nelson Auto, recovering just over $300 for the City. The Council discussed the 2022 budget levy options (11.62% or 6.33%) and agreed to wait until the next meeting in September to set a target number between those figures. The Council also accepted the resignation of Krista Weigel and held a closed session for union negotiations and potential litigation.

• Approved the agenda as amended, adding a closed session item and removing others.
• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes, claims of $260,642.66, and personnel evaluations.
• Accepted the resignation of Krista Weigel.
• Approved the Settlement Agreement and Release of All Claims (Heaser) and the Restatement of Encroachment Agreement, receiving $20,000 for attorney fees.
• Approved the settlement in the State of MN Steven Kleiber Nelson Auto whistleblower case, recovering just over $300 for the City.
• Held a closed session for union negotiations and potential litigation, then reconvened.
• Decided to delay the budget levy decision until the next meeting in September, aiming for a number between 11.6% and 6.3%.
• Set the November meeting for November 10 and December meetings for December 1 and 8.

City Council

The City Council will review the budget and cash and investment summary. The meeting includes reports on the liquor store remodel and the Masten Creek Flood report.

• Main Street closure request for Am Legion Car Show
• Liquor Store Remodel Project update
• Masten Creek Flood Report
• Highway 57 Public Engagement
• Conference payment for Paul Lindgren: $225

The Kasson City Council approved proceeding with the permitting and funding process for the Masten Creek Flood Mitigation project. They also accepted a resignation, approved the consent agenda including a donation resolution, and discussed the Highway 57 project and budget items. No final decisions were made on the Heaser settlement or union negotiations.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including claims of $594,400.83 and donation resolution (unanimous)
• Approved Main Street closure request for American Legion Car Show on Sept 25 (no vote recorded)
• Approved motion to proceed with permitting and funding for Masten Creek Flood Mitigation (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Karlyn Brewington (unanimous)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will review the proposed 2022 budget and hear from KHP LLC developers regarding the Historic Kasson School. The body will also consider recommendations for a fence ordinance revision and a conditional use permit for Marti.

• Proposed 2022 Budget
• PZ Recommendation for Marti CUP
• PZ Recommendation for Fence Ordinance Revision
• Resolution in support of MN Regional Transportation Planning
• Developer presentation by KHP LLC for the Historic Kasson School

The Kasson City Council approved a conditional use permit allowing Mike Marti to place over 1,000 cubic yards of fill in the flood fringe at 603 3rd St SE, and adopted a revised fence and wall ordinance requiring conditional use permits for property-line fences. The council also approved a resolution supporting Southeast Minnesota regional transportation planning, set December 8 and 15 for levy discussions, and accepted several fire department personnel actions.

• Approved Marti Conditional Use Permit for fill in flood fringe at 603 3rd St SE (all aye)
• Adopted Ordinance #8.1-2021 regarding fences and walls (all aye)
• Approved Resolution #8.3-21 supporting Southeast Minnesota Regional Transportation Planning (all aye)
• Set December 8, 2021 for levy discussion, December 15 as backup, and moved second December meeting to December 15 (all aye)
• Accepted firefighter leave of absence requests for Skogerbo and Mickow (all aye)
• Accepted Lieutenant Alexander's request to step down and approved posting for the position (all aye)
• Approved unpaid leave of absence request (all aye)
• Approved consent agenda including delinquent claims resolution (all aye)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a food truck permit fee schedule and a cemetery budget. The body is also reviewing a resolution to award the NW Trail and 2021 Street Maintenance project.

• Payment of $12,772.99 to Hydro-Klean, LLC for sanitary sewer CCTV inspection
• Resolution to close streets and waive park hours for Festival in the Park
• Recommendation to hire three full-time police officers: James Ime, Jessica Peterson, and Ryan Pecheco
• Proposed food truck policy permit and fee schedule amendment
• Interfund loan resolution for TIF

The Kasson City Council approved hiring three full-time police officers (James Ime, Jessica Peterson, Ryan Pecheco) and accepted the resignation of Officer Matt Norland. It also awarded a bid for N.W. Trail Improvements and 2021 Street Maintenance, and approved a food truck policy, a cemetery operations move to the general fund, and an interfund loan resolution for a TIF district. The council canceled its July 28 meeting and held a closed session for litigation.

• Approved hiring three full-time police officers: James Ime, Jessica Peterson, Ryan Pecheco
• Accepted resignation of full-time officer Matt Norland with thanks
• Awarded bid for N.W. Trail Improvements and 2021 Street Maintenance (Resolution #7.6-21)
• Approved Food Truck Policy, Permit, and Fee Schedule Amendment in its entirety
• Approved incorporating cemetery operations into the General Fund, with remaining fund for capital items
• Approved Interfund Loan Resolution for TIF (Resolution #7.5-21)
• Canceled the July 28 City Council meeting
• Approved consent agenda including claims of $563,848.37 and various resolutions

City Council

The City Council will discuss the Komet Acres final plat and development agreement. The meeting also includes reports on solar, animal/kennel, and sign ordinances, as well as an annexation discussion with Canisteo Township.

• Komet Acres Final Plat and Development Agreement
• Solar, Animal/Kennel, and Sign Ordinances
• Orderly Annexation with Canisteo Township
• School Trail Easement Approval
• Conference funding for Jesse Kasel ($175) and Tim Ibisch ($400)

The Kasson City Council approved revisions to three ordinances: solar energy systems, animals and kennels, and permitted signs. It also approved the Komets Acres final plat and development agreement, a food truck policy, and a school trail easement. The council amended a previous motion regarding the American Legion fence, allowing a 3-foot fence that need not be permanent on the south and west sides.

• Approved revisions to solar ordinance (all aye)
• Approved revisions to animal/kennel ordinance (all aye)
• Approved revisions to sign ordinance (all aye)
• Approved Komets Acres final plat and development agreement (all aye)
• Approved food truck policy (all aye)
• Approved school trail easement (all aye)
• Amended Legion fence motion to 36 inches, non-permanent on south/west (all aye)
• Approved motion to pursue acquisition of Doris Vail Trust property (all aye)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a resolution for ARPA funds and a policy regarding building permit refunds. The body is also reviewing plans and advertising for bids for NW Trail and 2021 street improvements.

• Resolution for ARPA funds
• NW Trail Improvements & 2021 Street Improvements plans and bids
• Policy on Building Permit Refunds
• Temporary liquor licenses for Kasson Fire Relief and American Legion Post 333
• Davidson Variance Appeal

City Council

The City Council will review the final plat and development agreement for Kasson Meadows 7th, including 22nd St NE. The body will also consider personnel hires for the fire and public works departments and a new councilmember appointment.

• Kasson Meadows 7th Final Plat and Development Agreement including 22nd St NE
• Hydro Klean pay request for sanitary sewer CCTV inspection: $5,225.35
• Recommendation to hire firefighters and a full-time Public Works/Streets/Parks worker
• Davidson Variance report
• Canisteo Orderly Annexation Agreement

The Kasson City Council denied a variance for a single-family home on an infill lot in the historic/tradition district, with a 2-3 vote. The council also approved the Kasson Meadows 7th final plat and a development agreement requiring 22nd St NE completion by July 15, 2021, or building permits and certificates of occupancy will be withheld. Additionally, the council declared a vacancy and appointed Ryan Christensen to fill it, and hired four firefighters and a public works worker.

• Denied Davidson variance for infill home in historic district (2-3)
• Approved Kasson Meadows 7th final plat (5-0)
• Approved development agreement with 22nd St NE completion deadline (5-0)
• Declared council vacancy and appointed Ryan Christensen (5-0)
• Hired four firefighters: Chalstrom, Hagedorn, Hofsculte, Patton (5-0)
• Accepted resignation of part-time police officer Chris Purdue (5-0)
• Hired Ben Langan as full-time streets/parks worker (5-0)
• Approved CAS roof maintenance contract with additional option (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the replacement of the Fair Grounds water tower and a draft ZED development agreement. The meeting includes a presentation on the 2021 Street Maintenance Project regarding 22nd ST NE and a trail.

• Fair Grounds Water Tower Replacement engineering agreement
• ZED Development Agreement draft, final plans, and maintenance declaration
• 2021 Street Maintenance Project presentation for 22nd ST NE and trail
• Proposed Food Truck Policy
• Hiring of firefighters

The Kasson City Council approved the development agreement and maintenance declaration for the 2021 Street Maintenance Project, which includes constructing 22nd St NE and a trail, despite resident objections about safety and connectivity. The council also approved an engineering agreement for the Fair Grounds Water Tower Replacement. No other substantive decisions were made; the food truck policy was discussed but deferred.

• Approved 2021 Street Maintenance Project development agreement and maintenance declaration (all aye)
• Approved engineering agreement for Fair Grounds Water Tower Replacement (all aye)
• Approved consent agenda including claims of $278,434.03 (all aye)
• Removed hiring of fire fighters from agenda (all aye)