Red Wing City Council Regular Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Red Wing City Council met on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a swearing-in ceremony for new commission members, an awards presentation for the Sturgeon Lake Road Overpass Project, and public comments on a variety of topics. The Council approved the consent agenda with one item tabled, conducted a public hearing on street reconstruction, adopted a sewer reduction policy and approved a specific reduction, modified the perpetual flower program funding, introduced a rezoning ordinance, and voted to limit council liaison appointments to boards of authority. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved bills (Warrant #126547–126767) totaling $1,744,628.67.
• Approved minutes from February 2 and February 9, 2026.
• Appointed Michelle Leise as City representative to the Visitors and Convention Bureau Board.
• Approved the finance report.
• Approved reallocation of $193,600 from the Trickling Filter Roof Replacement to preliminary engineering for Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements.
• Approved Memorandums of Agreement regarding Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave with AFSCME Utilities and AFSCME Clerical Technical unions.
• Rejected all bids for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Slip Line Project due to cost significantly exceeding the estimate; scope will be modified and the project rebid.
• Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the MNPEA Police Officers Unit regarding working out of classification.
• Granted permission and authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for The Prairie Enthusiasts’ Phase II Bluff Prairie and Savanna Restoration Project grant application.
• Authorized submission of a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Health for lead service line replacements and authorized staff to contract with Bolton & Menk for application development.
• Approved Private Use of Public Property (PUPP) applications for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s Elvis in the Park Concert and the Red Wing Memorial Day Observance.
• Approved out-of-state travel for Mayor Iocco to the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Hintz (Ward 1) spoke about the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, requesting a permanent location and reporting that 857 children received toys through 31 volunteers and over 3,400 toys were collected.
• Amma Plank (Ward 4) celebrated Black History Month, encouraged self-love, and asked the Council to correctly pronounce her name.
• Laura Habedank (Ward 2) read a statement about privilege and the importance of not ignoring the struggles of marginalized communities.
• Amber Dawn Plank Warfield (Ward 4) posed multiple rhetorical questions concerning Black History Month representation, ICE enforcement, and Council responsiveness, expressing a lack of trust.
• Matias Plank (Ward 4) criticized certain Council decisions and reactions to public speakers, stating that the only changes made are to silence people.
• Brian Ertel (owner of Grandview Trailer Park) opposed a proposed ordinance, noting he has invested over $1 million in water/sewer infrastructure and that the ordinance would significantly increase tenant costs. He requested collaboration with the Council.
• Alan Muller (Sturtevant Street) supported the lead service line grant funding, stating that Red Wing residents face environmental hazards such as lead, radon, and incinerator pollution, and urged the city to pursue the funding.
• Natasha Yates (Ward 2) advocated for retaining a City Council liaison to the Library Board, emphasizing the library’s role as a community hub and the importance of effective communication between the library and the council.

Discussion Items

• Consent Item 8M – Ordinance No. 228 (Repeal and Replace Chapter 9 of City Code): Council Member Lambert pulled this item, expressing concerns about unauthorized changes and the removal of language regarding parking permits. Staff clarified that the ordinance was reorganized to improve readability and adjust downtown parking enforcement hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with no change to residential parking rules. The Council discussed the 20-hour parking limit and the lack of a permit process for residential streets. A motion to table the item for two weeks to clarify language related to the "approved permit" reference and the 300-foot rule passed unanimously.
• 9A – 2026 Street Reconstruction (E 4th St, E 3rd St, Sanderson St, Green St, Arkin St): Engineering Director Zach Regnier presented the scope, timeline, and assessment details. A public hearing included concerns from Michelle Bjorlin (207 E 4th St) about unexpected costs and from Adrianna Hildebrandt (239 E 4th St) supporting the project but worried about disruption. The Council adopted Resolution No. 8154 ordering improvements and preparation of plans (vote: 7-0).
• 9B – Reduction of Sewer Charges Policy: After removing from the table, Public Works Director Shawn Blaney presented the policy allowing up to 50% reduction for sewer charges when water does not enter the sewer. Council discussed definitions of "significant" cost and "reasonable time frame" for notification. The policy was adopted unanimously. Subsequently, a specific reduction of $224.12 was approved for Terry and Ron Toivanen (596 East 7th Street).
• 9C – Perpetual Flower Program Funding Modification: Staff proposed funding 50% of annual costs from interest earnings and 50% from the General Fund. Council members expressed concerns about long-term administrative complexity but supported the change as the program is expected to become self-sustaining. Motion passed 7-0.
• 9D – Rezoning Seven Parcels to General Business (B-2): Community Development Director Kyle Klatt introduced the Planning Commission’s recommendation to rezone parcels near Highway 61 and Spring Creek Road to align with the comprehensive plan. Council Member Norton noted the need for buffering between commercial and residential zones; staff confirmed buffer requirements exist. The Council voted to introduce Ordinance No. 231 on first reading (vote: 7-0).
• 9E – Changes to City Council Liaison Appointments: Council Administrator Heineman noted prior discussions. Council Members Norton and Lambert spoke in favor of maintaining liaisons on all boards, citing value in communication and advocacy. Staff reported mixed feedback from board liaisons. A motion to keep liaisons only on boards with independent decision-making authority passed 5-2, with Lambert and Norton dissenting.

Key Outcomes

• Swearing-In: Kendal Swanson (Sister Cities Commission) and Jim Ross (Port Authority Board) were sworn in by Mayor Iocco.
• Sturgeon Lake Road Awards: Recognized with APWA Minnesota Chapter Project of the Year and ACEC award; also submitted for a national award.
• Consent Agenda Approved: All items except 8M passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 228 Tabled: Tabled to allow staff to clarify residential parking permit language and the 300-foot moving requirement.
• Street Reconstruction Proceeding: Resolution 8154 adopted, with assessments to be levied in 2027 and first payments due in 2028.
• Sewer Reduction Policy Adopted: Formal policy approved, and $224.12 reduction granted to the Toivanens.
• Perpetual Flower Program Funding Modified: 50-50 split between interest earnings and General Fund approved.
• Rezoning Introduced: First reading of Ordinance 231 for B-2 zoning on seven parcels.
• Liaison Practice Limited: Liaisons will only be appointed to boards of authority.
• Future Agenda Item: Council Member Snyder will submit an agenda item to review the assessment interest rate policy.
• Council Administrator’s Report: Heineman discussed legislative session, funding team for wastewater plant, upcoming League city days, and township meetings for fire services.