Red Wing City Council Regular Meeting - September 28, 2026

The Red Wing City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM and covered proclamations, presentations, public comments, consent agenda, and several business items including a development agreement, rezoning, dog park relocation, and solar system repairs.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Mayor Iocco read a proclamation declaring October 4–10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week. Fire Marshal Speltz noted the Fire Open House on October 11 at Fire Station 1.

Presentations

• Donation of Snowflake Decorations: Downtown Main Street Executive Director Andrea Hanson reported that 80 new three-foot LED snowflakes were purchased for $31,551. The community raised $16,000, and matching funds came from the DPC (four foundations). The snowflakes are being donated to the City and will be lit for the first time on November 27.
• Annual Stormwater Presentation: Engineering Director Zach Regnier presented the City’s MS4 stormwater permit compliance, covering six control measures. He also provided fall best practices: keep leaves, grass clippings, and fertilizer out of streets; drain pool water onto lawns.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mattias Plank (Ward 4) criticized the practice of cutting off speakers during public comment, stating it undermines trust in the City.
• Amber Dawn Plank (Ward 4) spoke about leadership, courage, and the need to allow all voices to be heard. She also acknowledged the passing of Sam Nordquist.
• Leah Midgarden (Ward 4) read Minnesota Statutes regarding campaign contribution limits.
• Amber Dawn Plank again commented on the treatment of Finance Director Marshall Hallock and the reported job search of City Administrator Heineman, urging examination of leadership stability.
• Allen Mueller (Red Wing) argued that the City should implement at least primary treatment (filtering) of stormwater, which he said is not currently done.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the Consent Agenda (items 8A, 8C–8F) minus item 8B (minutes) by a 7–0 roll call vote. Item 8B was pulled by Council Member Lambert to correct a spelling error ("Carol Overland") in the September 14 regular meeting minutes. The corrected minutes were then approved unanimously.
  • Approved bills totaling $1,177,377.86 (Warrant #129985–130206).
  • Approved finance report, private underground electric service agreement with Red Wing Yacht Club, low-potency hemp edible retailer registration for Lil Kiks Simple Abundance, Inc., and SEH as airport consultant for five years.

Discussion Items

• 9A – Port Authority Enabling Resolution Amendments: Community Development Director Kyle Klatt explained the change from three-year to six-year terms for Port Authority board members to conform with state statute. A public hearing was held with no testimony. The Council adopted Resolution No. 8214 unanimously (7–0).
• 9B – Rezoning Four Properties on Lock and Dam Road (Ordinance No. 242): Klatt presented the request to rezone 4760, 4802, 4810, and 5016 Lock and Dam Road from heavy industrial to agricultural residential (AR). The Planning Commission recommended approval. The Council introduced the ordinance unanimously.
• 9C – Habitat for Humanity Hope Heights Phase 1 Development Agreement: Klatt detailed the 26-lot project (16 townhomes, 10 single-family homes) and the financial impacts. Habitat Executive Director Bob Hawley requested the City waive engineering/attorney fees, park utility fees, and use SAHA funds for sidewalks. He also objected to the required letter of credit of over $900,000. After discussion, the Council adopted Resolution No. 8215 (7–0), amending Section 12 to allow a performance bond, letter of credit, or cash deposit. The City committed to using available SAHA funds (estimated $134,100).
• 9D – Bench Street Dog Park Relocation: Public Works Director Shawn Blaney presented a high-level cost estimate for a 2-acre dog park: site clearing ($6,700), fencing ($58,200), driveway/parking ($157,800), concrete sidewalk ($5,000), and seasonal water service ($2,300). The Dog Park Committee prefers the Pottery Pond site, but staff cited concerns about landfills and historical significance. The Council agreed to have Mayor Iocco and Council Member Lambert meet with the committee.
• 9E – Solar Energy System Repairs (Green Fund Expenditure): The Council voted to remove the item from the table, then approved $34,032.21 from the Green Fund to replace a failed solar inverter at Public Works and repair the solar array at the Solid Waste Campus (7–0). They also approved proposals from Knobelsdorff Electric to complete the repairs (7–0).
• 9F – Private Use of Public Property Application: Removed from the agenda.
• 9G – Update on Negotiations with Finance Director Marshall Hallock: Council President Farrar reported that Hallock informed the ad hoc committee he wishes to continue working for the City indefinitely; no separation agreement is needed.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Fire Prevention Week proclamation and accepted snowflake donation.
• Approved Consent Agenda with minor correction to minutes.
• Adopted Resolution 8214, changing Port Authority board terms to six years.
• Introduced Ordinance 242 for rezoning four properties to AR.
• Adopted Resolution 8215 for Habitat for Humanity development agreement, with amended financial security options and commitment of SAHA funds.
• Directed staff to arrange a meeting with the Dog Park Committee regarding the Bench Street dog park site.
• Approved $34,032.21 Green Fund expenditure and Knobelsdorff Electric proposals for solar repairs.
• Confirmed that Finance Director Marshall Hallock will continue in his role.