The Wykoff City Council held its regular monthly meeting on April 14 at 7 p.m., with all council members and city officials present. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting, joined by City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and council members Barbara Fate, Jeffrey Hare and Jane Baker.
In the first order of business, the council was notified that Councilmember Kaleb Himli had submitted his resignation on April 10. Himli cited personal reasons, saying he no longer felt he could dedicate the time and effort the city deserved. Mayor Breckenridge publicly thanked Himli for his service, recognizing his work on the Park and Recreation Committee, his leadership in restoring the ball field, and his time serving as mayor pro tempore. The council accepted his resignation and officially declared the seat vacant.
Public comment included a written letter opposing the proposed 20% assessment on homeowners. The author argued that the cost of infrastructure should be the city’s responsibility rather than passed down to individuals, particularly when the improvements do not result in an increase in property value. Several residents also voiced frustration over garbage service fees. One resident, who only requires trash pickup once a month, said she should not be required to pay a full monthly fee. Another explained that he is moving out of his home and doesn’t believe he should have to pay for trash service while the property sits unoccupied. A third resident, who hauls his own trash, questioned why he should be charged at all. Mayor Breckenridge and Administrator Schmidt acknowledged that the city’s trash ordinance is outdated and may warrant review, but confirmed that the policy remains in effect until any changes are made.
Rick Whitney reported from the wastewater treatment plant that water testing for PFAS –per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” – showed no detection in Wykoff’s water supply. These chemicals are often used in consumer products like food packaging and non-stick cookware, and are known to linger in the environment and pose health risks. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has mandated that all wastewater treatment facilities applying biosolids must begin PFAS testing by September 2025. Whitney noted that Wykoff has secured the necessary funding and plans to complete water and wastewater testing.
The fire department responded to three calls this month, including a skid loader fire, a cow shed fire north of town, and a controlled burn that was brought under control by the time crews arrived. Nobody from the First Responders was present, but Administrator Schmidt reported that training and education are progressing steadily.
There were no updates from the Personnel or Zoning committees. Street Committee updates included an inventory of city signs, which identified six or seven signs that urgently need replacement. The council approved a motion to replace the damaged signs. Community education had little news to report. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office reported 26 calls for service in Wykoff between January and March, with 47.5 patrol hours logged in January, 35.25 in February, and 32.5 in March.
Park Committee member Jeffrey Hare presented a proposal to launch a long-term tree planting initiative. He suggested creating a visual donation tracker, such as a thermometer, with the goal of planting 100 trees throughout town over time. One resident has already volunteered to donate one or two trees. Hare emphasized that this is not a one-year project, but rather a sustained effort to replenish the town’s tree canopy after several years of losses from storms and harsh winters.
In the mayor’s report, Breckenridge confirmed that the city’s new emergency siren has been successfully tested and can be clearly heard from the school. He also announced that the Lions Club Wagon Train will be passing through Wykoff on April 26 and will stop in town for lunch before continuing on to Spring Valley. Additionally, Dan Schmidt from the Fillmore County Pork Producers has offered to donate 150 pork burgers and 150 cans of pop for the city’s summer picnic.
Brett Grabau of Stantec reported that eight bids had been submitted for the upcoming street and utility improvement project. Griffin Construction submitted the lowest bid at $599,997, and the council voted to award them the contract. Grabau noted that Griffin has already reached out asking when they can begin. Contracts are being finalized now, and construction is expected to begin this spring with the goal of finishing three weeks before Fall Fest. Shop drawings are already underway in anticipation of a quick start.
To finance the project, the council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation water revenue and disposal system bonds, Series 2025A. The total amount will not exceed $860,000, with an interest rate capped at 5.25%. Mike Bubany of David Drown Associates explained that the estimated annual repayment will be $67,000. The proposed bond includes a 20-year term, a call option beginning in 2033, limited disclosure requirements, and a negotiated sale structure.
The city also accepted a $200 donation to the Wykoff Fire Department from Fahy and Barb Schleusner. The donation was approved by roll call vote. A new “snowbird” garbage and recycling credit policy was also introduced. Residents who are gone for three or more months out of the year may apply for a one-time, three-month credit by submitting a form.
The council voted to trade in its existing IX2100 mower for $5,000 toward the purchase of a new ISX2200 model from Hammell Equipment. The total cost of the new mower is $13,000, leaving a remaining balance of $8,000 after the trade-in.
Administrator Schmidt also brought forward a proposal to replace the front door of the community center, which is currently a residential-grade door that often jams or fails to lock properly. The city had originally allocated $20,000 for concrete work, but those funds will now be redirected toward the door replacement. A bid has already been received for $10,228.36, but Schmidt plans to seek additional quotes before proceeding. The concrete work will be deferred until next year.
Stender Enterprises completed a $98 service call at the Jail Haus and once again donated the service fee back to the city. The council acknowledged and thanked Stender for his ongoing generosity.
Citywide garage sales have been scheduled for May 9 and 10. Administrator Schmidt said notices will be posted in the coming weeks.
The final items on the agenda included the approval of a $6,800 bid from O’Connell Excavating. The project includes removing 11 tree stumps along Line Street, cleaning out the stormwater channel, placing riprap around pipe outlets, and finishing with grading, seeding, and straw cover. The council also approved the purchase of 23.5 tons of ball field aggregate from Bryan Rock Products in Shakopee for $1,600 delivered, to improve the condition of the field heading into the season.