Red Wing City Council Regular Meeting – April 27, 2026

The Red Wing City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The agenda included proclamations, the police department's annual report, public comment, a consent agenda, introduction of a noise ordinance, easement vacations, an HRA update, and a closed session.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Badge Pinning and Swearing In: Police Chief Nick Sather introduced Officers Nils DeRemee and Dionna Zimmer, who completed their probationary period. Mayor Gary Iocco administered the oath of office, and Chief Sather conducted the badge-pinning ceremony. Officer DeRemee is a graduate of Ely Memorial High School and Saint Mary’s University. Officer Zimmer is a graduate of Minnesota State College Southeast and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary’s University.
• Sexual Assault Awareness & Child Abuse Prevention Month: Mayor Iocco read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month in Red Wing.
• Swearing-In of Commission Member: Mayor Iocco administered the oath of office to Brian Waters for a partial term on the Sustainability Commission expiring December 31, 2026.

Presentations

• Red Wing Police Department 2025 Annual Report: Chief Sather presented the report, highlighting the department's five strategic pillars. The department currently has 32 officers, with nearly 22 percent female (well above the national average of 10-15 percent). The budget is approximately $7.1 million, with close to 80 percent allocated to wages. The department set a record in revenues, bringing in nearly $700,000 through grants, state aids, and training aids. Calls for service increased about 16 percent in 2025, partly due to reaching full staffing. No homicides occurred in 2025. Accomplishments included transitioning to a paperless system, implementing an online complaint procedure, revitalizing the field training program, and implementing computer forensics capabilities in-house. 2026 goals include re-evaluating the department's mission and vision, completing a new evidence audit, implementing an analytics dashboard, expanding License Plate Reader (LPR) technology, and pursuing accreditation. In response to questions, Chief Sather confirmed that the department provides confidential mental health check-ins through Ridgeway Associates and has access to the city’s EAP. He also expressed openness to community engagement on the department's strategic planning.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amber Dawn Plank Warfield (Ward 4): Expressed concern that the $35 fee for the State of the City luncheon is out of touch with community financial hardships and that such updates should be free. She also noted the emotional toll of addressing the council.
• Laura Habedank (Ward 2): Criticized the city’s lack of recognition of Black History Month and the persistence of racism at all levels, citing disparities in housing, healthcare, hiring, and criminal justice. Called on leaders to be actively anti-racist.
• Randy McLaughlin (Ward 3): Described difficulty obtaining an overnight parking pass, noting a lengthy form and fee of $9 rather than the advertised $6, and called for better disclosure.
• Pam Noone (Ward 4): Supported allowing high school students to serve as voting members on advisory commissions, disagreeing that they lack sufficient stake. Also expressed that the East Side community would find meaningful uses for the city parcel at Bluff/4th Street.
• Laurie Bell (Ward 1): Drawing on her experience as a former director at People Incorporated, stated that research does not support criminalizing homelessness and that doing so increases homelessness and costs. Encouraged including unhoused individuals in designing services.
• Alan Mueller (non-agenda): Commented on workshop agenda drafts, arguing that policies fail to include the people they serve. Objected to granting final interpretive authority to the City Council Administrator.
• Wendy Johnson (Ward 2): Expressed disappointment at the lack of city representation at the Hispanic Outreach of Goodhue County appreciation event and noted that 283 families received grocery aid during the ICE surge. Encouraged engagement with the Hispanic community.
• Alan Mueller (agenda): Criticized the council for moving substantial discussions to workshops without public comment. Noted that lead materials exist not only in service lines but also in drainage systems, and encouraged the city to address all sources of lead.
• Sara Kern (Ward 4, Executive Director of Hope Coalition): Thanked the mayor for the proclamation and provided an overview of Hope Coalition's services, including on-site forensic exams in Red Wing. Noted that 125 survivors of sexual assault were served last year, 225 in the kids' count program, and Healthy Kids Day drew over 350 attendees.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent agenda with the substitution of an updated finance report and removal of items 8F, 8O, and 8R for separate discussion. The following items were approved collectively (all passed 7-0):

• Approval of bills (Warrants #127505-127747, totaling $878,102.30)
• Approval of April 13, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Appointment of Peter Haug to the Sustainability Commission (term expiring December 31, 2028)
• Appointment of Jill Rohan to the Sheldon Theatre Board (partial term expiring December 31, 2027)
• Approval of finance report
• One-day temporary liquor license for Anderson Center (AP Award Gala, June 11, 2026)
• Updated Data Practices and Procedures
• Short-term rental approval (Resolution 8162) for Cheri Brinkman at 420 Riedell Court
• Sidewalk café license for Erin Maes, Chatter Nook Bistro
• Private Use of Public Property (PUPP) for Phantom Car Show (June 21, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., expected 1,500 guests)
• Food wagon license for Shua Xiong, Cravangs, LLC
• Amendment to Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) agreement with Northern States Power, adding Xcel's Wilmarth Plant in Mankato as a delivery location
• Stipulation for settlement regarding an ambulance transport under the MN Workers' Compensation Act
• Sidewalk café license for Matthew Odman, Andy's Sports Bar & Grill
• First Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the City and the Red Wing Port Authority (to meet state grant requirements)
• Resolution 8163, approving 2025 encumbrances and budget adjustment 2026-01
• Resolution 8165, approving first quarter donation recognition and budget adjustment 2026-02

Discussion Items

Short-Term Rental Approval (Resolution 8161 – 781 East 7th Street)

Council Member Lambert raised concerns about a lack of public comment at the Advisory Planning Commission hearing, unpermitted work, and city liability. Community Development Director Kyle Klatt clarified that the property cannot be occupied until permits are obtained and inspected. A motion to table failed 3-4. The council then voted 6-1 to adopt the resolution approving the short-term rental with conditions, with Council Member Lambert opposed.

Jordan Court License and Maintenance Agreement

Council Member Lambert expressed concern that the agreement appeared one-sided, with the city performing all maintenance and providing up to 10 free parking ramp passes. Director Klatt explained that the agreement secures 10 ground-level public parking stalls in a high-demand downtown area and that property owners would otherwise privatize the spaces. The agreement is for one year, with an option to extend one year. Following discussion, the council approved the agreement 6-1, with Council Member Lambert opposed.

Lead Service Line Replacement Project (Resolution 8164)

Council Member Lambert praised city staff for their due diligence and acknowledged public comment in favor of the project. The council unanimously (7-0) approved the plans and specifications and authorized advertisement for bids. The project is part of the city's ongoing initiative to replace privately owned lead and galvanized service lines.

Introduction of Noise Ordinance (Ordinance No. 233, Fourth Series)

Police Chief Sather presented the proposed amendments to the city's noise ordinance, which include expanded motor vehicle noise provisions, enhanced enforceability of amplified sound, clarified language on engine braking (replacing "Jake Brake" with more generic terms), an affirmative defense for emergency use, construction hours clarification, and updated penalties. Council members discussed enforcement and coverage of stationary diesel trucks. The council voted 7-0 to introduce the ordinance.

Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation (Charlson Crest 7th Addition)

The owners of Lots 1 and 2, Block 3, Charlson Crest 7th Addition, requested vacation of drainage and utility easements to combine two lots for a new home. Staff supported the request. Council Member Norton asked about a neighboring structure's setback. Director Klatt explained that aerial photos may not be survey-accurate and the easements are four feet. The council unanimously adopted Resolution 8166 (7-0) to dispense with Advisory Planning Commission review and Resolution 8167 (7-0) to vacate the easements.

Housing and Redevelopment Authority Update

HRA Executive Director Kurt Keena reported that the HRA submitted a $3,000,000 grant application for improvements at Jordan Towers 1, with a decision expected in December. The Bring It Home voucher program has launched; the first vouchers will be issued on the Friday after the meeting. The Small Cities program reserves are nearly depleted; a new application will be submitted in April 2027, including a new multifamily housing rehabilitation component. The owner-occupied rehab program (in partnership with Habitat for Humanity) has five pending applications.

Council Member Goggin questioned the cost of the Hill Street property ($175,000 in congressionally directed spending plus $657,000 sought, totaling $832,000 for three units). Director Keena explained the estimates are based on architect and engineer assessments and noted the HRA may consider selling the property after its compliance period ends in 2027.

Council Comments and Administrator's Report

Council Comments: Council Member Lambert read a statement objecting to the "State of the City" luncheon organized by the Chamber of Commerce featuring Mayor Iocco and Administrator Heineman, arguing it oversteps the mayor's and administrator's roles under the city charter. She expressed concerns about out-of-state travel and consolidation of authority. Mayor Iocco responded that the luncheon is a chamber event, his role as ambassador includes speaking to civic groups, and the content reflects actions already taken by the council. Council members Beise and Norton commented: Beise noted the event has been held for many years; Norton suggested renaming it to avoid confusion. Mayor Iocco agreed to ask the chamber about a name change.

Mayor Iocco also announced several community items: a Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking on April 29, the Habitat gala raised over $100,000, the Sheldon Theatre magician performance, need for election judges, the Mayor for a Day essay contest winner (Piper Hanson), and Tootsie Roll sales raised over $2,500 for Special Olympics. He noted that agenda item 9C (use of city logo for a fundraising calendar) was removed following a legal opinion that prohibits the city from conducting such fundraising.

Administrator's Report: Chris Heineman provided additional details on the May 19 luncheon and noted that the Wisconsin DNR wildlife biologist Brenda Kelly would present at the Sustainability Commission workshop. He also mentioned upcoming wastewater treatment plant tours, a unique event at the Sheldon Theatre involving water from the Jordan River, and a request from Goodhue County Sheriff Kelly regarding Mississippi River no-wake zone buoys. The council discussed the buoy replacement cost (approximately $10,000) and agreed to gather more information for consideration during the Capital Improvement Plan process, with a workshop scheduled for June 1. Council Member Norton suggested that any partnership could give the city a voice in setting no-wake zones to address shoreline erosion concerns.

Closed Session

At 9:03 p.m., the council unanimously (7-0) voted to close the meeting for the preliminary consideration of allegations against an individual subject to its authority, citing Minnesota Statute §13D.05, Subdivision 2(b). The council returned to open session at 9:18 p.m. and voted unanimously (7-0) to authorize the Council President to take action discussed during the closed session, noting that the investigation has been completed and is now closed.

Adjournment

Council President Janie Farrar adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m.