Red Wing City Council Regular Meeting - October 12, 2026

The Red Wing City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026. The agenda included proclamations for Chief Red Wing Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, public comments covering immigration enforcement and union rights, the unanimous approval of a consent agenda, public hearings on property assessments, a closely divided vote on an employee health insurance transition, approval of a new police asset, and an update on the Jefferson School redevelopment.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Chief Red Wing Day Proclamation: Mayor Iocco proclaimed October 12, 2026, as Chief Red Wing Day. A member of the Prairie Island Indian community spoke, expressing gratitude for the city's partnership and the display of the Dakota flags, and committed to continued collaboration. The proclamation was read in both English and Dakota.
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Iocco proclaimed October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A resident thanked the council for its support of survivors.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Items:
  • Carol Overland (Ward 2): Expressed appreciation for what she perceived as a positive shift in the council's attitude and collaboration regarding a recent personnel/union issue.
  • Amber Plank Warfield (Ward 4): Delivered two prepared statements. The first was a biblical allegory reimagining the Nativity story within a modern context of immigration enforcement by ICE, criticizing strict enforcement practices. The second statement outlined employee union rights under the National Labor Relations Act and urged the city to recognize the employee union and negotiate a fair contract.
• Agenda Items: No members of the public provided comment on specific agenda items during the general public comment period.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the Consent Agenda unanimously (7-0) without discussion. The agenda included the approval of bills totaling $992,406.29, meeting minutes, appointments to the Sustainability Commission, Resolution 8216 establishing the solid waste market rate, a grant agreement for Medical Treatment in Place, the second reading of Ordinance 242 rezoning properties on Lock and Dam Road, a Trunk or Treat event permit, the addition of the North Service Drive sidewalk to the Snow and Ice Policy, and Resolution 8217 restricting SAHA funds to the Habitat for Humanity Hope Heights project.

Property Assessment Public Hearings (9A & 9B)

• 9A. Miscellaneous Assessments and Delinquent Utility Assessments: No public comment was received. The council unanimously (7-0) adopted Resolution 8218, certifying delinquent accounts for collection with property taxes if not paid within 30 days. Staff reported that extensive communication with property owners had occurred and no residents contested the assessments.
• 9B. 2025 Alley Reconstruction Assessments: No public comment was received. The council unanimously (7-0) adopted Resolution 8219, approving assessments for 24 benefited properties in Block 8 of Charles Betcher's Addition. The assessments are payable over 10 years at 6.75% interest. Staff reported receiving no opposition and two calls from property owners wanting to pay early.

Employee Health Insurance Debate (9C)

• Proposal: Staff requested a motion to direct them to negotiate the termination of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) contracts and transition exempt employees to the city's group Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan.
• Council Discussion: The council was deeply divided. Supporters argued that the ICHRA plan was not meeting the needs of all employees, particularly those with higher medical needs, and that a single group plan would provide more equitable and competitive benefits. Opponents (Councilmembers Snyder, Goggins, Norton, and Joe) expressed serious concerns about the potential financial risk, citing expert testimony that pooling all employees could trigger a significant premium increase in 2028. They noted that the ICHRA plan, combined with a city-funded HSA and the Kavira supplemental benefit, provided a strong option for many employees and warned that reversing the transition in the future might not yield the same savings.
• Key Outcome: The motion to terminate ICHRA contracts failed on a roll-call vote of 2 in favor to 5 opposed. ICHRA will remain the health insurance model for exempt employees.

Electric Police Motorcycles (9D)

• Proposal: A motion to approve the use of $16,000 from the Green Fund to purchase two display-model electric police motorcycles from Zero.
• Council Discussion: The Chief presented the purchase as a significant cost-saving opportunity ($16k for two versus $48k retail) to add a versatile patrol tool with low maintenance costs for parks, trails, and community events, as well as a potential recruiting incentive. Supporters (Councilmembers Joe, Kim, Yakle, and Cleaver) highlighted the tactical and community policing advantages. Critics (Councilmembers Snyder, Lambert, and Norton) viewed it as an unbudgeted "want" rather than a need, expressing discomfort with the sudden nature of the request.
• Key Outcome: The motion passed on a roll-call vote of 4 in favor to 3 opposed. The Chief confirmed this purchase would replace any future request for an ATV.

Port Authority Update & Jefferson School (10A)

• Administrator Heineman updated the council on the Jefferson School redevelopment. The Port Authority voted 6-1 to select Abramson Development of Winona. The proposal includes 14-16 multifamily units in the existing building and relies heavily on historic tax credits (40% of project costs). Notably, the developer is not requesting Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
• A Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement is being drafted. The timeline requires a Letter of Intent to purchase from the school district by October 31, with a closing scheduled for November 30.
• Council member Kim noted the community benefit, stating that approximately half of the property may be retained as a park for the neighborhood.

Council Comments & Upcoming Events

• Mayor Iocco praised the Port Authority's work, thanked the community for participating in recent city events (Red Wing Arts Festival, Shoe Sale), and highlighted the send-off of the 434th Chemical Division.
• Council members thanked the Fire Department for their successful open house and the introduction of a new fire truck.
• President Fair announced the upcoming 25th Annual Amos and a Word presentation (October 22) and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Fall Conference (November 12-13).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved (7-0).
• Resolution 8218 (Misc. Assessments): Adopted (7-0).
• Resolution 8219 (Alley Assessments): Adopted (7-0).
• Motion to Terminate ICHRA: Defeated (2-5).
• Motion for Electric Police Motorcycles: Approved (4-3).
• Jefferson School: Abramson Development selected; negotiations are underway.