Goodhue City Council Work Meeting Minutes
City Hall ~ September 9, 2026 ~ 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Chris Schmit, Council Members Michael Brunkhorst, Eric Brandt
Members Absent: Katie Kurtti; Members Remote: Jeannine Nagel
Others Present: Lisa Redepenning, City Administrator, Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk, Jason
Mandelkow, Public Works Director
Call to Order
Mayor Schmit called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approve or amend Agenda
Amended the order of new business moving city property pond discussion 2nd to last and budget discussion the
end of new business. Motion to approve amended agenda made by Brandt, seconded by Brunkhorst, motion
carried 4-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the August 26, 2026, council meeting minutes made by Nagel, seconded by Brandt, motion
carried 4-0-0.
Approval of Bills
A motion was made to approve the bills by Brandt, seconded by Brunkhorst, motion carried 4-0-0.
New Business
Approval of utility assessment threshold amount
Council approved a zero-dollar threshold for utility assessments. All accounts with past-due utility balances will
receive a notification of the process, with unpaid assessments subject to the county’s $50 processing fee. This
item will be on the consent agenda for approval at the next regular council meeting.
Dates for work session and regular meetings in November and December
Council discussed holidays and schedules for the two months and decided to have one meeting each month on
the third Wednesday; November 18th and December 16th. The meeting changes will be on the consent agenda
for approval at the next regular council meeting.
Review of Policing Contract
Council reviewed the existing contract and discussed unknown expectations of the upcoming contract, including
a likely requirement that the city provide office space and restroom facilities. Members emphasized the value of
having deputies stationed in the city for breaks, reporting, emergency response and countywide coverage. They
also acknowledged ongoing tension and communication problems that may have led deputies to stop using city
facilities. Council favored rebuilding goodwill and inviting the sheriff’s department to discuss minimum facility
requirements, office access, storage, bathrooms and possible remodeling. An alternative such as a part-time
code enforcement officer was brought up but not pursued.
Approval of Garbage Contract with LRS
Council members noted that the transition is going smoothly and the contract included the 3% increase as
anticipated. The garbage contract with LRS was approved for placement on the consent agenda.
CIP Proposal
Council supported moving forward with the proposed five-year Capital Improvement Plan for a fee of $15,000.
The plan will address streets, parks, water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, lift stations, and other infrastructure,
with costs allocated among appropriate funds. There may be a meeting to discuss additional community needs.
Goodhue Gesundheits 4-H club Pollination Garden/Path at Cranson Park Inquiry
On behalf of the Goodhue Gesundheits 4-H Club, Rebekah Luhman wrote a letter to the City Council
requesting an opportunity for the club to create and help maintain a garden path at Cranson Park. Council was
receptive to the idea and suggested the club members research assistance from the DNR and Prairie
Restorations for donations or ideas and then present the idea with more logistics at the next council meeting.
City Property with Pond Discussion
The city property pond issue was considered resolved as a neighboring-property dispute. Residents may mow
adjacent city property at their own risk, but the city is not obligated to maintain it for them.
2027 Preliminary Budget - set
Council discussed a preliminary budget and agreed to a 10% levy increase for the preliminary submission,
subject to further review and possible reduction. The fire truck replacement reserve was adjusted to $30,000
annually and recommended placement in higher interest account.
Committee Updates
Gas Commission – still no applicants and more advertising on Facebook and billing inserts.
Public Works Report
Public works reported progress on the generator installation, lead service line replacements, hydrant flushing
and the LRS garbage and recycling transition.
City Administrator Update
The pool deficit improved substantially. Changes include private lesson fee management, limiting staff,
concession purchasing, and overall tracking.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 8:28 p.m. by Council Member Brunkhorst, seconded by Brandt,
motion carried 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Luhman, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk
