Goodhue City Council Work Meeting Minutes
City Hall ~ April 8, 2026 ~ 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Chris Schmit, Council Members Michael Brunkhorst, Eric Brandt, Katie Kurtti (arrived at
6:19 p.m.)
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Lisa Redepenning, City Administrator, Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk, Jason
Mandelkow, Public Works Director, Earl Merchlewitz-Goodhue County Emergency Management Director, Reese
Sudtelgte-Engineer (ISG)
Remote: Jeannine Nagel
Call to Order
Mayor Schmit called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approve or amend Agenda
Council agreed to adjust the agenda as needed for Red Wing Computers to present after Council Member Kurtti
arrives. Motioned to approve flexible agenda made by Brunkhorst, seconded by Brandt, motion carried 4-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the March 25, 2026, work meeting minutes made by Nagel seconded by Brunkhorst, motion
carried 4-0-0.
Approval of Bills
After clarification on Office 365 renewal, Goodhue County billing, and Public Works truck door replacement, a
motion to approve the bills made by Nagel, seconded by Brunkhorst, motion carried 4-0-0.
New Business
Codification of Ordinances Proposal
A proposal was received from the League of Minnesota Cities along with their codification consultant
American Legal Publishing to assist in codifying and updating city ordinances, using MBC (Minnesota Basic
Code) as a base for $7,900 (approx. 660 pages) with additional optional services such as searchable formats and
online access. Concerns were about relevant ordinances, replaced by state law, or unique to Goodhue.
Council requested clarification on what is included for the $7,900 such as potential legal fees,
copyright/ownership and online searchability for staff and residents before committing. Council member
Brunkhorst found where the City would own the copyright but grants the publisher rights to reproduce and host
ordinances online.
Council requested that Administrator Redepenning request detailed breakdown of what you get for the $7,900
and what additional fees may be incurred and try to arrange a presentation from the codification company.
Council member Kurtti inquired if the company can add bookmarks so we could mark certain chapters for easy
reference.
Recording of meetings
Reviewed pros and cons of recording meetings (YouTube, Teams audio recordings) for transparency and
accessibility. Discussed privacy and subpoena risks when using personal devices, closed captioning/ADA
accessibility, and retention policies for transcripts. Encouraged use of Teams transcription for official record.
Red Wing Computers confirmed that they provide 3 hours/month after hours and unlimited during business
hours. Thoughts of recording were shared. Decision was to continue recording and use Teams transcription.
Staff were directed to investigate YouTube for closed captioning and monitor transcript retention.
Red Wing Computers manages the Facebook page for the City of Goodhue and the Goodhue Pool. Public
Works Director can post on the city Facebook page, but most are sent to Red Wing Computers to add and
monitor.
Emergency Operation Plan
Earl Merchlewitz spoke about the Emergency Operation Plan updates and what they had originally suggested
for changes to the plan, especially contacts and titles instead of individuals’ names. Discussed mutual aid
agreements and the need to update fire/ambulance service listings. Coverage is determined by their type of
coverage area and when an ALS rig is out, then the next mutual aid ALS rig is dispatched. Council thought
there should be more mutual aid agreements than those listed in the plan so staff will confirm items listed on
page 19 of the plan with Fire Chief Weckerling. Biggest change on our behalf was Police Department to
Goodhue County Sheriff Office. Council members found some items for staff to update and will add
Emergency Operation Plan to the consent agenda for approval at the next meeting.
Countryside Manor Concerns
Both the Goodhue County’s Emergency Management Director, Earl Merchlewitz and city staff recognize the
need for safety for the residents of Countryside Manor. The trailer court was established before 1988, and they
are responsible for having a compliant plan. The state statute is very clear and specific on mobile home parks.
Countryside Manor is unique in that manner. It comes down to the manager and how much engagement they
have there. Merchlewitz states that the emergency shelter needs to be accessible within a timely manner
according to the state statute. Shelters are supposed to be open 27/7. The council’s consent is to have staff send
a quarterly reminder to Countryside Manor management requesting a compliant safety plan so we can show the
city is trying its due diligence to get Countryside Manor to implement a compliant plan.
Asset management plan for sewer and water facilities
The City Engineer, Reese Sudtelgte, of ISG presented to council a detailed update on the North Zumbro
Sanitary Sewer District project history, timeline, funding, and city’s proportionate share of approximately 11%.
He also stated that Goodhue cannot expand until the new plant is online as there is a state moratorium in place
due to maxed capacity. If the city were to build its own new plant, it would cost around 18 million dollars.
Connecting to the sanitary district, the Goodhue share is around 11% or 11-12 million of the total project. Pros
and cons of the shared plant were discussed. He also reviewed need for ongoing sewer/water rate increases to
match future costs. The new plant is to be bid in early 2027.
Reese also discussed the need for a capital improvement/asset management plan covering 5-10 years for
infrastructure, equipment, and future projects. He presented a sample plan from another city and discussed formation of a committee to get started. Staff will finish up mapping assets. Creation of Capital Planning
Committee to be added to next meeting agenda.
Moving funds to higher interest accounts
Council asked staff to explore moving city funds to higher-yield savings/CDs to maximize interest while
retaining liquidity for emergencies. Council confirmed they wanted to consult with their local bank about the
best investment options and to continue with the regular monthly fund balance reporting.
Committee Updates
Council member Brunkhorst updated council on the discussion from the fire meeting held April 6th. The
ongoing revisions were voting thresholds, signature lines and consistency across versions. City needs to clarify
appointees who sign/vote on agreement. Consensus was Brunkhorst and Schmit as appointed for Fire Truck
Association assignments. Council now waits for revised agreement to be brought to council for approval at next
opportunity.
Council Comments
Council member Kurtti alerted that there was interest from Dollar General that they questioned if we allowed
chain retail. Council asked staff to review the ordinance and if needed prepare an amendment to the ordinance
on chain businesses.
Mayor Comments
Mayor briefly commented about council member representation and recommending city logo apparel. Question
was, should it be self- or city-funded, and it was decided to choose and pay individually if such apparel was
desired. Mayor also asked about reimbursement for councilmembers’ internet, if required for city issued
devices. Item referred to staff to research.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 9:36 p.m. by Council Member Kurtti, seconded by Brandt 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk
