KIESTER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, July 14, 2025
THESE ARE APROVED BY THE COUNCIL
The Kiester City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Kiester Community Center.
Mayor (acting) Brandon Hagenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Council Members Present: Jason Kluender, Kurt Grobe. Hope Bauman and Larry Dahleen were absent. City Maintenance: Gary Skartland; City Clerk: Doris Troll; Members from the public: Jason Zinter, Chastin Allen, Jeremy Kinney.
Agenda: Motion to accept agenda. By Jason Kluender, seconded by Kurt Grobe, vote 3-0. Motion carried.
Council minutes: Motion to accept the Regular meeting minutes on June 9, 2025, by Kurt Grobe, seconded by Jason Kluender, vote 3-0, motion carried.
Claims: Motion by Brandon Hagenson seconded by Jason Kluender approving claims totaling $549,499.36.41 vote 3-0, motion carried.
Financials: Motion by Kurt Grobe seconded by Brandon Hagenson approving financials as presented, Vote 3-0, motion carried.
Past Due Water Billing: Motion to shut off on 7-28-25 if not paid by Jason Kluender, seconded by Kurt Grobe. Vote 3-0, motion carried.
Building Permits: Building permits were presented to A. Bauman, J. Bendickson, C. Pellon, B. Hagenson and M. Korn. Motion to approve by Jason Kluender, seconded by Kurt Grobe. Vote 3-0, motion carried.
Northland Securities: Jessica Green was here to tell us about the bond sale. The rate that we were able to secure was 4%, which was the expected rate. We were able to use an AAA bond rating, which is very good, and that was with the help of the PFA (Public Facilities Authority) enhancement program that the city went with.
The clerk had Resolution 2025-18 in the packet for the council’s approval to approve the bond sale. Motion by Jason Kluender seconded by Kurt Grobe, vote 3-0, motion carried.
Bolton & Menk Updates: they will start work on Front Street starting at the main street and working to the east. They continue to address the issues on the back side of the school.
Kiester Liquor Store: Heather and Chastin Allen were here to request a cigarette license from the city council. Brandon Hagenson moved to grant seconded by Kurt Grobe, vote 3-0, motion carried.
Ambulance: the ambulance is out for installation of the new power cot and some engine issues. We have a rental that we will use so we do not have to be out of service.
Fire: none
Library: none
Eda: none
Public Comment: Jeramy Kinney presented the council with a request of where they could place a privacy fence so as not to interfere with the right of way. After the discussion, he was told to make sure he filled out a building permit and gave the plans to the city clerk for final approval.
Maintenance: The fence is up at the park. Gary and Jason will go to Rushford for 2 days this week for water and wastewater treatment classes. The slide at the park has been repaired. The tree pile has been burned down. There was discussion about having another citywide cleanup day. The council had chose to hold it on Friday, September 12, from 4 to 7 pm and then again on Saturday, September 13, from 8 to 12. Gary was to check with Lee Schumann to see if we could use his lot again. There was a discussion about doing curb stop replacement Kapplinger St. after reviewing the quotes for new curb stops and repaving. Gary was told to fix the one curb stop that is in the middle of the yard. And see if the rest are in working order.
Clerk Update: The ambulance agreement for Foster Township needs to be approved. Motion by Brandon Hagenosn seconded by Kurt Grobe to approve, vote 3-0, motion carried. There is a letter in the packet about the timeline for fixing Hwy 22. The state is planning to start as early as summer 2026, though it could happen as late as 2029. Resolution 2025-17 to roll over CD 7145 for the Fire Department. Motion by Jason Kluender seconded by Kurt Grobe, vote 3-0, motion carried. The city, on the advice of the attorney, will have to hold another public hearing regarding the road project. The clerk is holding off on sending out a newsletter to each household as there are water meter installation letters going out to each resident, and she feels that one or both letters would just be overlooked. The clerk then did the second reading of Ordinance 2025-14, Electric Franchise Ordinance. Motion to accept the ordinance by Brandon Hagenson, seconded by Jason Kleunder, vote 3-0, motion carried.
Mayor Update: Hope sent a text that read National Night Out in Kiester will be Tuesday, August 5th. Jean Hagenson and Michelle Alphs are helping with the plans, and Global Innovation is sponsoring the event.
Motion to adjourn made by Jason Kluender and seconded by Kurt Grobe. Vote 4-0, motion carried.
After, the meeting, Kurt Grobe handed in his letter of resignation as he will be moving out of the area.
Respectfully Submitted by
Doris M Troll
City C
