KIESTER CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL/ REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025
THESE ARE APROVED BY THE COUNCIL
The Kiester City Council held a special and regular meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Kiester Community Center.
Mayor Hope Bauman called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Council Members Present: Brandon Hagenson, Jason Kluender; Paul Martin, Marica Dahleen City Clerk: Doris Troll; Members from the public: Jerry Alphs
Agenda: Motion to accept agenda by Jason Kleunder, seconded by Brandon Hagenson, vote 5-0. Motion carried.
Council minutes: Motion to accept minutes from 10-13-2025 and 10-27-2025 as printed by Hope Bauman Hagenson, seconded by Jason Kleunder. Vote 5-0, Motion carried
Claims: Motion by Brandon Hagenson seconded by Jason Kluender approving claims totaling $269, 77.80 vote 5-0, motion carried.
Financials: Motion by Brandon Hagenson seconded by Paul Martin approving financials as presented, Vote 5-0, motion carried.
Past Due Water Billing: Motion to shut off on 10-27-25 if not paid by Brandon Hagenson, seconded by Marcia Dahleen. Vote 5-0, motion carried.
Building permits: these were presented for Kee Kafe, L Fendrich motion to approve by Brandon Hagenson, seconded by Hope Bauman. Vote 5-0, motion carried.
Ambulance: The ambulance feed will be this weekend 11-15-2025 at the Kiester Légion. Gary reported that the master cylinder for the breaks is bad. Krohnberg’s provided a quote for the repair, which will cost approximately $800.00 to $900.00. Gary will let the squad know when it will be going over for repairs so that We will have Wells cover for us. Bricelyn is having us cover one day this week for them.
Fire: The New chassis will be delivered to Luverne between December 4 and the 14, we are still waiting to see what the cost be. When we know more, we will let the city know. The clerk informed the fire department
That if they are cashing in any CD’s the clerk will have to know which ones to set up the paperwork for council approval at the next meeting on December 8, 2025. In the next few years we will have to fo to encrypted radios for all EMS services and the cost of the handheld will be in the range of $5,000.00 and for the rig mounted ones will be in the range of $ 8,000.00 to 12,000.00. there will be 3 new hires going to Fire school starting in January.
Library: The numbers for October were 67 adults and 13 juniors. The guessing of the candy corn was won by Evelyn Garvick. There will be thanksgiving drawing with the gift cards that were donated by Beratellos Pizza and Michele Gurgung The winter adult reading program will start in December and run until March of 2026 We are having talks with author Cary Griffith for next spring.
Eda: Now that the hog buying building is taken down, the questions have been asked if it could be used for truck parking. Should the city keep the lot or sell the lot.
Public Comment: None
Maintenance: Gary is done with the discharging of the ponds until next spring. The fourth quarter water samples have been sent to the state. The hydrant at the park has been repaired. They are planning on black topping at the end of this week. The samples for the lead and cooper issues we had have come back with all ranges, so we are good on that.
Clerk update: the ambulance has a cd that needs to be rolled over. Motion to roll cd 7275 to a 12 month 3.546% rate cd by Brandon Hagenson Seconded by Jason Kluender, vote 4-0 with Hope abstaining motion carries.
There is a layer agreement for Pam Whitemore. She does not do a retainer fee , and her rates are $206.00 per hour billed. The council has asked the clerk with other law firms to see what they could offer.
Budget: Pay raises. 2.5% was decided and Motion by Hope Bauman seconded by Paul Martin, vote 5-0, motion carried.
MN FLMA the council chose to split the cost with the employee. So the city will pay .44% and the employee will pay .44% motion to approve by Brandon Hagenson seconded by Marcia Dahllen. Vote 5-0, motion carried.
Discussions were had as to where we would like the budget to be for next year. The council sail they would like it to stay in the 3 to 4% increase only because of the new water rate structure that will be coming to play in 2026. The ambulance will be asking for a raise in their PERA rates. that will need to me added into the budget. The clerk now has 2 sets of water readings so that she may start to work on the rates for next year. The main concern will be to have the monies to cover the loan payments that will need to be made.
Mayor Update: Trunk or treat went well, Hope would like to see someone come forward to help with the lights in the park.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Brandon Hagenson, seconded by Jaason Kleunder, vote 5-0, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by
Doris Troll
City Clerk/ Treasurer
