Goodhue City Council Meeting Minutes
City Hall ~ January 28, 2026 ~ 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Chris Schmit, Council Members Michael Brunkhorst, Jeannine Nagel, Eric Brandt
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Lisa Redepenning, City Administrator, Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk, Jason Mandelkow, Public
Works Director, Bonnie Strusz, Mike Ayres-GCSO, Sarah Bien, Jeremiah Bien, Pete Grimsrud-News Record, Corey Roper, Jon
Huneke-GCSO
Remote: Bob Vose, City Attorney
Call to Order
Mayor Schmit called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approve or amend Agenda
Motioned to approve agenda by Brunkhorst, seconded by Brandt, motion carried 4-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the January 14, 2026, work meeting minutes made by Brandt, seconded by Nagel, motion carried 4-0
0.
Approval of Bills
Questions were clarified about payments for fire truck charitable fund pass-through, legal fees related to the sale of the
ball field to the school (with costs split between city and school), water line emergency repairs, quarterly building permit
payments, copier contract finance vendor, and scanning project details. Motion was made to approve the bills by
Brunkhorst, seconded by Brandt, motion carried 4-0-0.
Old Business
Ambulance committee appointment
Council is waiting on the ambulance committee to reply with the correct meeting date. Commitment is at least one
meeting per year. Council will wait for date of ambulance committee meeting and then appoint representative at the next
month’s meeting.
EDA appointment/update
No new appointment was needed as Council Member Nagel’s report from the last EDA meeting that it was determined
that the Econimic Development Authority would be better served by the city council, following past precedent. There are
three façade applications in place. Council member Jeannine Nagel announced paying for a membership to join the
Chamber of Commerce and will continue managing the façade applications.
New Business
Joint Powers Fire Truck Association Agreement
Significant debate over governance structure of the fire association took place. City council member Brunkhorst
prefers keeping 20 (2 reps per community) for broader representation. Voting rights and contributions discussed
with large percentage entities having same vote as smaller ones. Legal counsel highlighted a unique governance
structure of smaller entities having equal voting power and the risk of larger contributors being outvoted on major
expenditures exceeding $100,000 without it being a unanimous vote. His example of a new $1M fire truck
purchase and using Goodhue’s portion of approximately 25%, City of Goodhue’s share would be $250,000. (Without Exhibit A being present that showed actual payment amount, approximate percentage was
used for this example. August agreement had Goodhue at 23.5%). Voting formula alternatives were discussed,
but there was no consensus.
Council asked Attorney Vose to send feedback to the Fire Truck Association’s attorney that they prefer to retain
two representatives per community (20 total board members) and amend relevant agreement sections. Tabled
discussion until later in the meeting to move onto next agenda item with community members present.
Bonnie Strusz - Snow ordinance and ticket received while working
Public Comment: Bartender cited for parking during business hours requested enforcement to start after 2AM to support
late-night workers and customers. Council acknowledged the concern and stated that adjustment of ordinance enforcement
is noted in minutes of the previous meeting.
Façade Program Application
A new application was received and approved at the last EDA meeting. Kyle Poncelet will be reopening the hardware
store and has applied for a façade grant for signage and awning improvements to the store front. EDA will continue
processing the application.
Joint Powers Fire Truck Association Agreement - Continued
Legal counsel pointed out the question of how much control you should have when you contribute the most. You
may not vote for it at all, and you would have to pay a quarter whether you wanted it or not. Council stated they
want two members for each community as it was. Overall, council approved of the current terms except for the
representative reductions presented. Council tabled final approval pending these changes and clarification of
missing exhibit A (contribution percentages).
Public Works Comments
Snow storage is adequate for one more storm. A backup plan is in place. Parking enforcement issue is resolved for now.
Council Comments
Council commented that the Fire Chief had expressed interest in serving as city Emergency Management Director, which
is supported due to his proximity and availability. Legal or structural implications were discussed since the Fire Chief is
an association employee now, not a city employee. This can be formalized at the next meeting after reviewing
requirements, possible training needs, and confirming appointment process.
Council member Nagel informed members that she will be absent from the February 11th work meeting and will attend
the February 25th council meeting remotely.
Council member Brandt also asked about the plan for interim mayor appointment. Administrator Redepenning confirmed
that it is on the next meeting agenda so council can make that decision when there is a full council present.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 7:27 p.m. by Council Member Brandt, seconded by Nagel, motion carried
4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk
