Red Wing City Council Regular Meeting – October 26, 2026

The Red Wing City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers and virtually via Webex. The meeting covered staff introductions, a proclamation, a major presentation on the Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade plans and independent engineering review, public comment on local safety concerns and the sewer project, approval of a consent agenda with 15 items, introduction of two ordinances (fee schedule and zoning text amendment), and two closed sessions for labor negotiations and preliminary consideration of allegations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved en bloc by a 7-0 roll call vote:
  • Bills (Warrant #130441-130613, $1,017,439.98)
  • October 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
  • Finance Report
  • On-sale intoxicating liquor license including Sunday sale for The Bayside LLC at 1516 Old West Main Street
  • Resolution No. 8220 (Lawful Gambling Premise Permit for Red Wing Elks #845 at The Bayside)
  • Resolution No. 8221 (Lawful Gambling Premise Permit for Red Wing Youth Hockey at The Smokin' Oak)
  • One-day food wagon license for Daniel Miller (Norseman Lobster LLC) on November 10, 2026, 4-6:30 p.m.
  • Declaration of Fire Engine 1 as surplus and authorization to sell via Garage
  • Updated City Cemetery Rules and Regulations
  • Hangar lot lease renewal at Red Wing Regional Airport for Mark Weinreich
  • Private Use of Public Property application for Universal Music Center's 3rd Annual Summer Music Festival at Central Park Bandshell on July 24, 2027, 12-4 p.m.
  • Resolution No. 8222 (Joint Powers Agreement with Red Wing Police Department)
  • Resolution No. 8223 (Budget adjustment for donations and expenditures)
  • Authorization for Red Wing Police Department to submit a MN Chiefs of Police Foundation Grant
  • Resolution No. 8224 (Accepting Office of Traffic Safety Grant for Red Wing Police Department)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non‑agenda items:
  • Harlan Heems (Ward 2) expressed concern over public safety claims published in an October 2 article by Representative Pam Altendorf, alleging human feces, open drug use, and rock‑throwing downtown. He urged the city to either warn the public if claims are true or refute them if false, calling inaction a failure of leadership.
  • Amber Plank (Ward 4) spoke about the need for discernment and compassion, rejecting the Altendorf article’s portrayal, and urged that people experiencing homelessness be treated with care rather than criminalized.
  • Carol Overland (Ward 2) stated that downtown Red Wing is not dangerous, called the claims absurd, and urged the city to publicly respond that they are false.
• Agenda item (Wastewater Treatment Plant):
  • A resident (name not given) criticized the apparent desire to delay a nitrogen discharge limit, stating it would reflect poorly on the city to build a facility without nitrogen‑removal capability. He acknowledged potential savings from a different technology (AGS) but cautioned that operating costs matter. He urged intelligent management to minimize the burden on ratepayers.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations and Recognitions:
  • Introduction of Bradley Johnson (Accountant II) and Melanie Corey (Accountant I), who completed their probationary periods. Finance Director noted Mr. Johnson is deaf and taught the council basic American Sign Language for “thank you” and “welcome.”
  • Council President Farrar read a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Manufacturing Month in Red Wing, noting manufacturing accounts for 12% of Minnesota’s economy, $21.8 billion in exports (2025), $26.7 billion in wages (2024), and an average annual wage of $83,280.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Presentation:
  • Consultants from Bolton & Menk (Jake Pickelman, Sean Kershaw, Brian Hillgardner) presented preliminary engineering plans. Key updates:
    • The facility plan was approved by the PCA in August 2026, making the city eligible for Minnesota PFA funding.
    • Phase 1 (main lift station and CIPP lining, ~$7 million) is ranked 108 on the FY27 Priority List and is in the fundable range for low‑interest loans.
    • Phase 2 (treatment plant upgrades, ~$135 million) is on the FY28 list; likely to be sub‑phased over 10‑20 years.
    • The PCA has paused nitrogen rulemaking, pushing any potential nitrogen limit 15+ years out, allowing a more gradual project schedule.
    • Preliminary work completed: topographic/boundary/utility survey, 3D scanning and reality capture, geotechnical evaluation (4 borings, fill to 50‑60 ft depth).
  • Public Works Director Kelsey noted an independent engineering review by Donohue was conducted. Donohue recommended evaluating aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology as a potential alternative to the selected biological aerated filter (BAF). Planning‑level cost comparison: BAF $142 million vs. AGS $106 million. AGS is not yet used in Minnesota but has installations in nearby states. Staff plan to travel to Rockford, Illinois to see a demonstration plant.
  • Council asked about the feasibility of AGS and potential sludge production. Staff confirmed further evaluation is needed.
• Ordinance 243 – Fee Schedule:
  • City staff explained that fee increases were a combination of percentage adjustments (e.g., marina slips) and other factors. The ordinance was introduced on first reading (7‑0 vote).
• Ordinance 244 – Zoning Text Amendment (Trade Shop in MCT District):
  • Planning Director Kyle described the request from England Properties to allow “trade shop” as a conditional use in the Mixed‑Use Commercial Tourism district, to reoccupy the former Bob’s business property at 1981 Old West Main Street. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Council discussed concerns about outdoor storage and screening; the CUP process would allow specific conditions. The ordinance was introduced on first reading (7‑0 vote).
• Closed Sessions:
  • First closed session (11.A): Under Minn. Stat. §13D.03 to discuss labor negotiation strategies and review union proposals. The council gave guidance to the negotiation team. Motion carried 7‑0.
  • Second closed session (13.A): Under Minn. Stat. §13D.05 subd. 2(b) for preliminary consideration of allegations against an individual subject to council authority. The council discussed allegations and potential next steps. Motion carried 7‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (7‑0).
• Ordinance No. 243 (fee schedule) introduced on first reading (7‑0).
• Ordinance No. 244 (trade shop in MCT district) introduced on first reading (7‑0); will return for second reading at the next meeting.
• After the first closed session, the council authorized the negotiation team to proceed with guidance (7‑0).
• After the second closed session, the council authorized the council president to take action discussed in closed session (7‑0).
• The meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified in transcript].