Goodhue City Council Meeting Minutes
City Hall ~ July 22, 2026 ~ 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Chris Schmit, Council Members Michael Brunkhorst, Katie Kurtti, Jeannine Nagel, Eric Brandt
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Lisa Redepenning, City Administrator, Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk, Roger Ballstadt, Trevor Sullivan-GCSO
Remote: None
Call to Order
Mayor Schmit called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Approve or amend Agenda
Council member Kurtti requested to amend new business by adding Joint Powers Invoice and lawyer expenditures, with
joint powers listed first. A motion to approve amended agenda made by Brunkhorst, seconded by Brandt, motion carried
5-0-0.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the following:
• bills (Check #040785-040810, totaling $78,048.43 and $4,279.49)
• April 8, 2026, City Council Work Meeting Minutes
Council discussion clarified the tracking and approval process for expenses paid between council meetings, particularly
for payments authorized in advance or outside regular meetings cycles. Emphasis on paper trail and ensuring
disbursements are included in claims list. Motion to approve the consent agenda made by Brandt, seconded by Kurtti,
motion carried 5-0-0.
Old Business
None
New Business
Joint powers invoices for previous and current contract
The city received a bill covering the period from May to the end of the year, but the agreement was not fully executed
until July 17, which raised concern about correct start date for billing which not only affects the percentage amount being
billed, but also the workers compensation refund that will be received. Members discussed the invoice details available
and quickly figured the debated amount to be around $1800. Council agreed to pay the bill as presented to avoid further
complications, recognizing the financial impact.
City road closure request from Lions for Chicken BBQ
Motion made by Nagel to approve road closure for Lions Club to use one block of road from 1st Ave to 2nd Ave on
Broadway St S for the Chicken BBQ event on August 16, 2026, seconded by Brandt, motion carried 5-0-0.
Data practices policy adoption
It was recommended by city attorney to go with the policy that was received from the League of Minnesota Cities.
Council reviewed and confirmed fees of 25 cents per copy and $30/hr. for labor. Motion to approve the Data Practices
Policy made by Nagel, seconded Kurtti, motion carried 5-0-0.
Lawyer Expenditures
Council noted the desire to minimize unnecessary lawyer consultation to stay within budget. Discussion with staff
revealed that 39% of recent legal costs were tied to major ongoing issues with Fire Truck Association, Lions Club, Gas
Commission, and Land sale to school. The rest were general municipal, council meetings, and policy updates. Staff
informed that the legal fees line item also includes the $6,000 expense for Goodhue County Prosecutor fees, they utilize
MemberLink, and the League of Minnesota Cities for resources. Members still suggested implementing a stronger internal
filter for legal inquiries and seeking council leadership or using League of Minnesota Cities before choosing legal
counsel. Treat legal support as a last resort and council will monitor ongoing expenditures closely hoping these fees will
decrease by $5,000.
Committee Updates
Gas Commission informed council that there is a candidate for the vacant see on the commission that is being
interviewed. Commission boundaries were discussed and commended on good inspection. Council requested to see the
Gas Commission budget monthly vs. annually so they could get a better understanding of their financials.
At 6:43 Michael Brunkorst was excused from the meeting.
Council Comments
Council inquired about the call log on complaints and there were no new complaints recorded. Staff was asked last year to introduce ordinance violations with the intent of educating the public or new residents with a visit and copy of the
ordinance to eliminate finger pointing and forcing first time violations. Staff were commended for trying to do this even
though it did not end with positive feedback and suggested sticking with sending a letter. Council discussed the need for
improved safety protocols with audio recording in city offices. Staff will explore adding recording equipment in public
area for staff protection.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 6:55 pm by Council Member Kurtti, seconded by Brandt 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk
