Goodhue City Council Work Meeting Minutes
City Hall ~ August 12, 2026 ~ 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Chris Schmit, Council Members Katie Kurtti, Jeannine Nagel, Eric Brandt
Members Absent: Michael Brunkhorst
Others Present: Lisa Redepenning, City Administrator, Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk,
Jason Mandelkow, Public Works Director
Remote: None
Call to Order
Mayor Schmit called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approve or amend Agenda
Motioned to approve agenda made by Brandt, seconded by Kurtti, motion carried 4-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the July 22, 2026, council meeting minutes made by Brandt, seconded by Kurtti, motion
carried 4-0-0.
Approval of Bills
A motion was made to approve the bills by Nagel, seconded by Brandt, motion carried 4-0-0.
Old Business
None
New Business
Personnel Policy Verbiage change on Bereavement Pay
The League of Minnesota Cities template did not include bereavement leave or pay. It is mentioned it in with
the ESST time, which did not pertain to the city, since the city provides more benefits than the ESST plan. After
some discussion the council decided to adjust the wording to include not only the employee, but also the
employee spouse’s immediate family and add siblings to the listing with five days of bereavement time paid as
regular time rather than deducting it from sick time and only additional time over the five hours will apply to
the employee’s available balances as approved by the City Administrator. The new wording will be as follows:
Bereavement Leave: Full-time employees are granted up to five (5) consecutive workdays for the death of an
immediate family member of the employee and the employee’s spouse. Immediate family members include
spouse, parent, sibling, child/stepchild, grandparent, and grandchild. Bereavement time, up to five workdays,
will be considered regular pay and any additional bereavement time requested off may be used as approved by
the City Administrator.
2027 Preliminary Budget
Administrator Redepenning presented the updated budget documents, including a revised ambulance
assessment based on the 2027 per-capita rate. Other changes include lower gambling proceeds, updated health
insurance costs, agricultural credit income, cropland rent and related tax expense and reduced local government
aid.
Payroll budgets include wages, benefits, payroll taxes, retirement contributions, insurance and related
employment costs. They are a forecast rather than exact amounts.
Legal expenses were reviewed, especially the prosecutor contract and the city attorney’s hourly charges. The
council also discussed legal costs for continued efforts to obtain an acceptable emergency shelter or evacuation
plan from the trailer park owner. The owner’s proposed resident waiver was deemed inconsistent with state
requirements. Regarding this matter, the council inquired about the possibility of limiting additional city
attorney costs by requesting that a final notification letter be sent to the park owner, continue to preserve all
documentation, and possibly escalate the matter to state authorities and county emergency management if
possible. Staff will help investigate this request. The council questioned whether the proposed $25,000 legal
budget is realistic and agreed that expenses should be monitored closely.
A bond payment is expected to decrease by approximately $20,000 in 2027 because one debt obligation will be
completed. The council has the option to use the difference for reserves, fire truck funding, additional bond
payments or reducing the levy impact.
Expenses related to office operations, utilities, and technology were moved out of the public works budget to
give more room for projects in the public works budget.
Council member Nagel left the meeting at 7:16 p.m. and returned at 7:18 p.m.
The preliminary levy must be set by September 30. Council members noted that the preliminary amount can be
reduced later but not increased.
Council member Kurtti asked that public works provide a written list and estimated costs for remaining 2026
work and anticipated 2027 projects, including paving, crack sealing, curb and sidewalk repair, parks work and
snow removal, for the next meeting.
Property/Casualty Insurance Renewal
Property and casualty insurance schedules were reviewed; updated vehicle information will be submitted for
renewal.
Resolution 26-11 Approving the Sale of old Dump Truck at Auction
Resolution 26-11, Authorizing the sale of the old dump truck at auction with a $5,000 reserve, will be added to
the consent agenda for the next meeting.
Public Works Report
Well #1 was flushed and it cleaned up good but was high in iron. McCarthy Well and staff recommend
purchasing a pump and motor for back-up on the current well. McCarthy stated they are available to call
anytime for assistance if there is a failure and need emergency service to get the well up and running. It will be
much faster if the pump and motor are available. The council supported obtaining a backup pump and motor for
the operating well, estimated at $11,860 using the water fund. Additional testing of the other well is planned.
The city is awaiting confirmed logistics for the transition from Waste Management to LRS for garbage services.
Residents will need clear instructions regarding garbage can exchange, pickup dates, larger carts, absent
residents, and commercial dumpsters.
Committee Updates
Council member Brunkhorst emailed the Ambulance update: Capital needs for the Zumbrota Area Ambulance
are increasing. Council expects future assessments as equipment costs rise.
Mayor announced that a new Gas Commission member may be considered at the next meeting.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting made at 7:56 p.m. by Council Member Brandt, seconded by Kurtti, motion
carried 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk
