Red Wing City Council Regular Meeting - December 8, 2025

The Red Wing City Council met on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:02 PM in the City Council Chambers and virtually. The meeting lasted until 8:57 PM. Key actions included adoption of the 2026 levy at a 3.2% increase, approval of the 2026 budget and Capital Improvement Program with modifications to performance pay, and approval of several consent agenda items, contracts, and appointments. The council also heard public comments regarding racial incidents in schools and received a presentation on the police badge redesign.

Consent Calendar

• Approved as amended: Bills (Warrant #125434–125630, totaling $867,982.55), minutes from November 24, 2025 (Workshop and Regular) and December 1, 2025 (Truth in Taxation) with two corrections (Council President Janie Farrar named as calling the meeting to order, and signature line changed to Melissa Hill).
• Approved: Remaining 2026 license renewals (tobacco, solid waste haulers, small vehicle passenger service, junk dealers, low potency hemp edibles).
• Approved: Professional services contract with NEOO Partners ($246,000) and Northland Public Finance ($28,050) for components of the Office of Energy Transition Grant.
• Approved: Five-year Master Service Agreement with Bolton and Menk for engineering and consulting services.
• Approved: Authorization to apply for an MPCA Climate Resiliency Planning Grant for a water system modeling project.
• Approved: Second reading of Ordinance No. 230, Fourth Series (zoning code reorganization) and Resolution No. 8138 for summary publication.
• Approved: First Amendment to site lease agreement with Alltel Corporation (Verizon Wireless) for space on Charlson Crest Water Tower, renewing for up to 20 years.
• Approved: Board and commission appointments: Beth Breeden to Human Rights Commission (second term to 2028), Kirsten Wert to Sustainability Commission (partial term to 2026), Evan Wert to Arts & Culture Commission (first term to 2028), Maria Haley to Sheldon Theatre Board (first term to 2029), Megan Goodwin to Heritage Preservation Commission (first term to 2028).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tias Plank (Ward 4): Reported that his younger sister was called a racial slur on a school bus. Expressed frustration that his mother's concerns at school board meetings were not heard. Stated that students feel pressured to change their appearance to avoid bullying.
• Amma Plank (Ward 4): Described multiple incidents: a student called her a monkey and made hand gestures while a teacher justified the student's actions; a substitute teacher called the class "gorillas, disgraces, and failures" and asked if a student would stab his hand with scissors; and a bus incident where racial slurs were used. She reported telling the bus driver without action.
• Amber Plank (Ward 4, in two segments): In her first segment, she detailed the December 4, 2025 incidents at Twin Bluff Middle School, noting that the principal placed scissors on a table after a student deconstructed the name "Monica" to sound like a racial slur, asking if the student would stab her daughter. She called for the suspension of the principal pending investigation and criticized the school district's response. In her second segment, she spoke about the importance of diversity education and prevention, urging the council to implement policies addressing diversity and discrimination.

Discussion Items

• Police Department Badge Redesign Presentation: Police Chief Nick Sather presented the new badge design, funded by department-raised funds. The redesign was prompted by the updated state seal and worn-out badges (20–30 years old). Lee Galperin of Smith and Warren Badge Company explained the heraldic elements: oval shield shape (protection), Greek fasces symbols (law and order), an eagle (protection and federal authority), Mississippi River, bluffs, riverboat (commerce), and city landmarks. Badges will have ranks and assigned numbers. Council Member Vicki Jo Lambert praised the design; Mayor Gary Iocco expressed support.
• Public Hearing on Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Finance Manager Tony Schultz presented the 2026–2030 CIP, noting street projects account for the largest share. The public hearing opened at 6:32 PM; no one offered testimony. The hearing closed unanimously.
• 2026 Levy and Budget Materials (Items 9.B.1–9.B.6): Mayor Gary Iocco proposed reducing the levy from the staff-recommended 3.45% to 3.2%, suggesting elimination of Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) and Utility Cities memberships, and delaying hiring. Several council members opposed cuts to coalitions or performance pay. After extensive debate, the council adopted Resolution No. 8139 setting the 2026 collectible tax levy at 3.2%, using $68,120 from the Capital Project Fund (Project 400) to offset the reduction. The vote was 5–2 (Goggin and Kliewer opposed). For the 2026 budget and CIP (Resolution No. 8140), after further discussion about performance pay, the council voted 5–2 to adopt with an amendment to set the maximum performance pay at 4.5% (striking the proposed metric-based chart) and directing reevaluation in the first quarter of 2026. Goggin and Kliewer opposed. Resolutions for the Port Authority and Housing & Redevelopment Authority levies and budgets (Resolutions 8141–8144) were all approved unanimously (7–0).
• Short-Term Extension of Red Wing Ignite Lease: Community Development Director Kyle Klatt recommended a six-month extension (January 1 to June 30, 2026) at $1/year for Ignite's lease in the City Hall Annex, reducing space from ~8,000 to ~6,000 sq ft. Ignite is undergoing strategic planning and has no executive director. Council approved unanimously (7–0).
• Amendments to City's Employee Handbook: HR Manager Alex Saxe outlined changes including updates for ESST, paid family medical leave, Juneteenth holiday, revised hiring language, and city logo wearing policy. Approved unanimously (7–0).
• 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule: City Clerk Melissa Hill presented the schedule with workshops on the second meeting of the month (5:00 PM workshop, 6:30 PM meeting). Council debated start times; Council Member Becky Norton advocated for consistent 6:30 PM starts. Council approved with an amendment changing the June workshop from June 29 to June 1, 2026. Vote 6–1 (one opposed, not specified in minutes but transcript indicates six ayes, no nays—likely a miscount, but motion carried).

Key Outcomes

• 2026 Levy (Resolution 8139) adopted at 3.2% increase, using $68,120 from Capital Project Fund (Project 400) to lower the capital levy. Vote: 5–2.
• 2026 Budget and CIP (Resolution 8140) adopted with performance pay modified to a 4.5% maximum and a directive to reevaluate the program by end of Q1 2026. Vote: 5–2.
• Port Authority and HRA levies and budgets (Resolutions 8141–8144) all approved unanimously.
• Red Wing Ignite lease extension approved for six months through June 30, 2026.
• Employee handbook amendments approved.
• 2026 meeting schedule approved with June workshop moved to June 1.
• Council Member Vicki Jo Lambert requested: (1) public meetings for East End Capital Improvement Project by January 13, 2026; (2) written update on East Avenue on-street parking restoration by end of January; (3) council review of City Code 9.08 regarding street parking for residents without off-street parking.
• Council Administrator Heineman noted upcoming presentations for Fourth Street project (Jan/Feb), East Avenue project may become a workshop item, and a public hearing on wastewater treatment plant on January 8, 2026.
• Fire Chief Mike Warner reported construction of a new fire engine (replacing 1995 model) with delivery expected late January 2026, and that legislation for ambulance services with townships is progressing, with meetings needed before March township budget votes.