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10-14-2025HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025 CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS (The City Council is provided background information fog° agenda iten2s in advance by city staff, committees and boards. Many decisions regarding agenda iten2s are based upon this information as well as: City policy and practices, inputfi one constituents, and other questions or information that has not yet been presented or discussed regarding an agenda iten2.) 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER — 5:30 P.M. Mayor Gary Forcier called the meeting to order. Members present were Tim Burley, Pat May, and Dave Sebesta. Member absent was Chad Czmowski. Also present were Matt Jaunich, City Administrator and Marc Sebora, City Attorney. (a) Approve the Council agenda and any agenda additions and/or corrections Motion by May, second by Sebesta, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 2. INVOCATION — Cross Point Church (The invocation is a voluntary expression of the private citizen, to andfor the City Council, and is not intended to affiliate the City Council with, or express the City Council's preferencefor, any religious/spiritual organization. The views or beliefs expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the Council or staff) 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. RECOGNITION OF GIFTS, DONATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE CITY (a) Proclamation — Toastmasters Month Mayor Forcier read a proclamation proclaiming October as Toastmasters Month - celebrating the 100'h anniversary of Toastmasters International and the 41" anniversary of the Hutchinson Toastmaster H Club. (b) Resolution No. 15920 — Resolution Accepting $6000.00 Donation from Ruth Torgerson for Swing Set at Fireman's Park Motion by Burley, second by Sebesta, to approve Resolution No. 15920. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS (This is an opportunity {on° members of the public to address the City Council. If the topic you would like to discuss is on the agenda, please ask the Mayor if he will be accepting public comments during the agenda item if not a public hearing. If you have a question, concern or comment, please ask to be recognized by the mayor —state your name and addressfor the record. Please keep comments under 5 minutes. Individuals wishing to speakfor more than five minutes should ask to be included on the agenda in advance of the meeting. All con2n2ents are appreciated, but please refi^ain fi^on2 personal or derogatory attacks on individuals) 5. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL Jill Haas, 3 Main Street/43 Main Street, presented before the Council. Ms. Haas expressed a concern about the homeless population that is in the downtown area and how it is affecting her businesses and other downtown businesses. Ms. Haas inquired of the Council if there is anything that business owners can do. Mr. Jaunich noted that this item will be discussed under the Communications section of the agenda. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (a) Regular Meeting of September 23, 2025 Motion by May, second by Burley, to approve minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA (The iten2s listed fog° consideration will be enacted by one motion unless the Mayor, a member of the City Council or CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 14, 2025 a city staff nieniber requests an item to be removed. Traditionally iten2s are not discussed) 7. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (a) Consideration for Approval of Resolution No. 15918 — Disposal of Surplus Hutchinson Police Department Property (Unclaimed Property and Bicycles) (b) Consideration for Approval of Resolution No. 15919 — Disposal of Surplus Hutchinson Police Department Property (Bicycles) (c) Consideration for Approval of Resolution No. 15921 — Disposal of Surplus Wastewater Department Property (Scrap Materials) (d) Consideration for Approval of Summerset Ponds 46 & 47 Cleaning Project (e) Claims, Appropriations and Contract Payments Item 7(b) was pulled for separate discussion. Motion by May, second by Sebesta, to approve consent agenda with the exception of Item 7(b). Motion carried unanimously. Item 7(b) had further discussion. Council Member Sebesta noted that a knee scooter was listed under the items for disposal and he asked if this could be donated to the DMV. Mr. Sebora noted that the City cannot make donations to charitable organizations. Motion by Sebesta, second by May, to approve Item 7(b). Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS — NONE COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (The purpose of this portion of the agenda is to provide the Council with information necessary to craft wisepolicy. Includes iten2s like monthly or annual reports and coniniunications f on2 other entities.) 8. DISCUSSION ON LOITERING CONCERNS Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich noted that there has always been a small homeless population in Hutchinson, however this year it appears that they are more visible in the downtown area. Mr. Jaunich noted that there are currently 27 open cases against various individuals within the homeless population for various ordinance violations and criminal statutory violations and they are going through the court process. Chief Tom Gifferson noted that police have had over 100 calls with members of the homeless population over the summer and many other undocumented contacts. Chief Gifferson noted that the police department has offered multiple times to take these individuals to homeless shelters in other cities, however the individuals refuse services. The individuals receive donations from members of the community. The individuals have been trespassed from various private properties throughout the community as well as the majority of city parks. Members of the public have contacted him and are under the impression that the police can simply detain individuals and take them to another community or some such thing. He noted that many loitering codes/laws have been deemed unconstitutional. Marc Sebora, City Attorney, spoke before the Council. Mr. Sebora spoke about criminal prosecutions that fall under his jurisdiction and how the criminal process works. He also spoke about ordinances that the city 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 14, 2025 currently has in place that address current issues at hand and noted that the individuals subject of this discussion have been cited many times for ordinance violations. Mr. Sebora spoke about personal actions individuals and business owners can take to protect themselves, such as obtaining restraining orders or trespassing individuals from their businesses. Mr. Jaunich noted that although the city doesn't have a specific loitering ordinance, various sections of the city code address the behaviors/actions being discussed. Council Members expressed that they all understand this is viewed as a problem, however there is no easy solution. Chief Gifferson informed the public and business owners that if at any time they do not feel safe, they should contact the police department. Council Members asked business owners and the public to contact them with ideas and solutions on how to address this issue. Council Members also suggested holding a public hearing/workshop where public input can be provided. 9. DISCUSSION ON REGULATING MAILBOX CLUSTERS Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich noted that this topic was brought up at the last Council meeting — specifically location of mailbox clusters within developments. Mr. Jaunich explained that the post office determines the location of mailbox clusters within neighborhoods. He conducted a survey amongst other cities and overall cities do not regulate mailbox clusters. Council Member Burley noted that he had brought up this issue as there have been some issues related to safety features of mailbox clusters — such as clearing of snow, traffic bump outs etc. He requested that staff work with the post office and/or developers on safety features related to cluster mailboxes if possible. Dan Jochum, Planning Director, stated that the City has little control of cluster mailboxes as it falls under the post office jurisdiction. He did state that staff could request developers locate cluster mailboxes on their plans/plats. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10. APPROVE/DENY SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-861 — AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY AT 955 GOLF COURSE ROAD NW Dan Jochum, Planning Director, noted that this action is to rezone from an R-1 to an R-2 for a 20-unit memory care facility. Motion by May, second by Sebesta, to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 25-861. Motion carried unanimously. 11. APPROVE/DENY SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-862 — AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY AT ELK RIDGE ESTATES Dan Jochum, Planning Director, noted that this action is to rezone from an R-1 to an R-3 to allow for a development consisting of single-family homes and duplexes. Motion by Burley, second by Sebesta, to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 25-862. Motion carried unanimously. 12. APPROVE/DENY SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-863 - AN ORDINANCE GRANTING MEDIACOM MINNESOTA LLC A FRANCHISE EXTENSION CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 14, 2025 Marc Sebora, City Attorney, noted that this action is to extend the term of the current franchise agreement in place with Mediacom until the end of 2025 to allow time to negotiate a new franchise agreement. Motion by May, second by Burley, to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 25-863. Motion carried unanimously. 13. APPROVE/DENY SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-864 - AN ORDINANCE GRANTING NEW ULM TELECOM, INC. A FRANCHISE EXTENSION Marc Sebora, City Attorney, noted that this action is to extend the term of the current franchise agreement in place with NuTelecom until the end of 2025 to allow time to negotiate a new franchise agreement. Motion by Burley, second by May, to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 25-864. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS 14. APPROVE/DENY FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-865 — AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO ROBERT HANTGE OF LIBRARY SQUARE EAST LLC TO PLACE A FLAGPOLE ON CITY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 115 lsT AVENUE SOUTHEAST Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, explained that when Hassan Street was reconstructed a private flagpole was removed from the corner of First Avenue SE and Hassan Street. The flagpole was in the crosswalk area and no franchise agreement could be found on file. Upon removal, the owners of the flagpole requested that it be replaced. Staff has found a suitable relocation in the right of way in close proximity that has satisfied both the building owners and the City. A franchise agreement has been drafted and is required due to the flagpole being placed on city property. Motion by May, second by Burley, to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 25-865. Motion carried unanimously. 15. APPROVE/DENY RESOLUTION NO. 15922 — RESOLUTION DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED BY THE CITY IN 2026 Andy Reid, Finance Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Reid explained that the City annually takes this action as it is an IRS requirement if the City wishes to use tax-exempt bond proceeds to reimburse project costs incurred before the bond issuance. This item addresses potential debt for the fire ladder truck and wastewater facility improvements. Both of these projects have been approved by the City Council and progress payments are expected to be made between now and completion in 2026-2027. This action gives the ability to use future bond proceeds to reimburse costs over the next year. Motion by Burley, second by Sebesta, to approve Resolution No. 15922. Motion carried unanimously. 16. APPROVE/DENY RESOLUTION NO. 15923 — RESOLUTION ASSIGNING USE OF THE STATEWIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AID MONEY 11 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 14, 2025 Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich explained that this item was discussed at the last City Council meeting on how to assign the use of the statewide affordable housing aid money. Mr. Jaunich has presented four options for the Council to consider: 1. Give $80,000 to Crow River Habitat for Humanity with the remaining amount going to the HRA; 2. Give all the money to the HRA; 3. Give $40,000 to Crow River Habitat for Humanity with the remaining amount going to the HRA; 4. Leave the dollar amounts blank for another consideration of the Council. Motion by May, second by Forcier, to approve Resolution No. 15923, Option 43. Council Member Burley asked if this is the first time the City has considered giving money to Crow River Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Jaunich explained that generally the City is not allowed to donate to non-profit organizations, however the law allowed for such with this housing aid money. Mayor Forcier noted that he serves on the HRA Board, however has confirmed that it is not a conflict of interest for him to vote on this item. Council Member Sebesta expressed that the HRA serves many homes/families where the Crow River Habitat would be serving one home/family. Motion carried unanimously. 17. APPROVE/DENY SETTING BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2025 Motion by May, second by Sebesta, to set budget workshop (enterprise funds) for 4:00 p.m. on November 12, 2025. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by May, second by Burley, to set workshop to discuss loitering issue for October 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. GOVERNANCE (The purpose of this portion of the agenda is to deal with organizational development issues, includingpolicies, pei orniances, and othermatters that manage the logistics of the organization. May include monitoring reports, po icy development and governance process items.) 18. MINUTES/REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS �a) Library Board Minutes from August 25, 2025 b) Liquor Hutch Quarterly Report for January -September 2025 MISCELLANEOUS 19. STAFF UPDATES Matt Jaunich — Mr. Jaunich noted that leaf vacuuming began October 13 and ends November 21, 2025. A reminder that leaf vacuuming is done the day after garbage pick-up. The rule is that leaves are raked/blown into the streets along the curb, not branches/sticks. He also noted that the Crow River Fountain was installed last week, however will probably come out this week due to winter approaching and then will be put back in in the Spring. He also asked that elected officials respond to the City recognition event. 20. COUNCIL/MAYOR UPDATE Tim Burley — Council Member Burley noted he will be holding town hall meetings on the upcoming budget and gathering ideas for the community. Pat May — Council Member May noted that Bike and Walk to School was held last week and well attended. He also commented on the Evening on Main event that was also held last week and very well attended. Gary Forcier — Mayor Forcier noted that on October 30'h a Fraud Forum is being held at the Event Center and participants are asked to RSVP. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 14, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Motion by May, second by Burley, to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.