Red Wing City Council Regular Meeting – August 24, 2026

The Red Wing City Council met on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers and virtually. Council President Janie Farrar presided, with all seven council members present. The meeting included proclamations, a presentation, public comment, approval of a consent agenda, and discussion on rezoning, assessment policy, and the 2027 budget. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Introduction of Fire Personnel: Fire Chief Mike Warner introduced Grady Nelson, who passed probation as Assistant Fire Chief and is tasked as Emergency Manager and Professional Standards, and Brad Pariler, who passed probation as Firefighter/Paramedic assigned to B Shift. Badge pinning followed.

Presentations

• Red Wing Legacy Choir: Liz Magill, Executive Director of Pier 55, and Stephanie Nolting, Choir Director, presented on the dementia-friendly choir funded by a Mayo Health Rural Health Initiative grant. The choir meets in 10-12 week sessions, welcomes anyone who loves to sing, and will perform at Red Wing Arts Concert in the Park on Wednesday, August 26, at 7:45 PM. The choir’s motto is “There’s no wrong in this room.”

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Items:
  • Stephanie Rogers (Ward 1) provided an update on the Anderson Center’s Mississippi Dialogues public art project, fully financed through non-city funds, requesting council approval at the September 14 meeting.
  • Denny Hovde (Neal Street) argued that organizations can host events without city financial support, citing the Bearing Burners car club’s past success.
  • Alex Calle (Red Wing) expressed strong opposition to automated license plate readers (ALPRs) due to privacy concerns, false positives, and potential for stalking.
  • Amma Plank (Ward 4) offered words of affirmation to the council.
  • Mattias Plank (Ward 4) criticized the new rule restricting moments of silence, stating it discourages public participation, and urged the city to engage younger residents through schools and social media.
  • Amber Dawn Plank (Ward 4) argued that caring for people transcends politics, and raised concerns about ALPRs, citing nationwide misuse and privacy violations.
  • Ron Tesdall (Alvina Street) encouraged the council to work with the school district to address educational decline and called for fiscal responsibility, alleging a city spending problem.
  • Alan Muller (West Avenue) agreed with privacy concerns regarding ALPRs and noted residents were not consulted. He provided a document on waste incinerators’ health effects and requested the council read it.
  • Margaret Pearce (virtual, lead artist for Mississippi Dialogues) spoke on the project’s history and requested approval for installation in Colvill Park in October.
  • Beth Breeden (Red Wing) expressed concern that city funding is being distributed without the same level of reporting and receipt tracking previously required.
• Agenda Items: No public comments were made on agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved by roll call vote (7-0). Items included:
  • Approval of bills (Warrants #129483–129704 totaling $921,455.84)
  • Approval of minutes (August 3 workshop and August 10 regular meeting)
  • Finance report
  • Encroachment agreement with Trisha R. Erickson for 308 Washington Street
  • Private Use of Public Property (PUPP) applications for:
    • Red Wing Hispanic Heritage Festival (September 12, Central Park, 12–6 PM)
    • United Lutheran Church Rally Day Kick Off (September 13, 8 AM–1 PM)
    • Eagle Brook Church Fall Kick Off (September 13, 8 AM–2 PM)
    • Red Wing Shoe Employee Picnic (September 12, 11 AM–3 PM)
  • One-day temporary on-sale liquor license for Church of St. Joseph Fall Festival (September 27)
  • Recreation Agreement with Red Wing Amateur Baseball Association for improvements to Red Wing Athletic Field (RWABA to fund and deliver, subject to city review)
  • Actions related to Sturgeon Lake Road Phase 2 Design: Amendment to MnDOT LRIP Grant Agreement, adoption of Resolution No. 8200, approval of LRIP Grant Agreement No. 1064160, and Kimley-Horn Work Order 2026-1.

Discussion Items

• 9A – Rezoning 1808 Chakya Street (AR to R-1): Community Development Director Kyle Klatt presented the request to rezone from Agricultural Residential to Single-Family Residential to allow a new home. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. The council introduced Ordinance No. 241, Fourth Series, by a unanimous vote (7-0). A second reading will follow.
• 9B – Amend Assessment Policy Interest Rate Methodology: Council Administrator Chris Heineman and Finance & Accounting Manager Tony Schultz reviewed the policy. Discussion covered the city’s current 50% assessment rate (which in practice is closer to 25% of total costs), interest rate methodologies using the bond buyer’s index plus 2%, and comparisons with other cities. Council members debated fairness and cost coverage. No motion was made; the policy remains unchanged. Councilmember Norton suggested further study on objectives.
• 9C – 2027 Budget Discussion: Tony Schultz presented options for the preliminary levy to be adopted September 14. The current proposal was a 3.99% increase. Potential additions (CIP projects for Broad Street crossing and riverfront trail, ICRA elimination costs) and reductions (performance pay, capital deferrals) were discussed. Council members expressed varied views: Lambert and Snyder favored setting a higher levy for flexibility; Goggin opposed increases and supported reductions; Norton agreed with flexibility. The council provided direction to staff to prepare a preliminary levy at the higher end (e.g., 3.99% or above) for the September 14 meeting, with final adoption in December.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved 7-0.
• Ordinance No. 241 introduced for rezoning 1808 Chakya Street (first reading) – passed 7-0.
• Assessment Policy Interest Rate Methodology – no changes; policy remains in effect.
• 2027 Budget – direction given to prepare a preliminary levy with flexibility (likely 3.99% or higher) for September 14 approval. Further discussion on ICRA, CIP projects, and other items will occur at the October 5 workshop.

Other Communications

• Housing and Redevelopment Authority Update: HRA Director Kurt Keena reported on Jordan Tower plumbing replacement (mobilization in October), funding for family housing sites, voucher utilization declining to 119 (waitlist at 448), and a Jefferson School RFP for which HRA may submit a proposal (workshop September 3, decision September 8).
• Council Comments: Lambert reported a bicyclist stopped by police on a private road near the trail; she asked for signage. Norton suggested using Safe Routes funding for signage and share-the-road markings. Mayor Iocco highlighted corrections labor trimming parks, Battle of the Badges results, and preliminary MPCA approval for the wastewater treatment plant plan. Farrar reminded that schools start September 1.
• Status Updates: Heineman noted the Mississippi Dialogues project will be on the September 14 agenda. Police Chief Sather addressed ALPR concerns, stating Red Wing uses Axon (not Flock), data is not shared with other entities, a possible future data share with Pierce County would prohibit immigration use, and all searches are audited. He invited council to review the program.