The Wykoff City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, June 9 at 7 p.m., with Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presiding. Council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker, and Missy Musel were present, along with City Administrator Becky Schmidt. Administrative Assistant Luann Hare was absent.
A local resident addressed the council to express opposition to the city’s new garbage fee. He explained that he has been hauling his own garbage for more than 30 years and sees no reason to pay for a service he does not use. Mayor Breckenridge said the city is reviewing the ordinance but clarified that no changes can be made until the current garbage contract expires, which will be in approximately five years.
Rick Whitney of the wastewater treatment plant reported that one of the facility’s exhaust fans had locked up and will require new bearings. He received approval to bring the motor to Olson’s Motor Repair in Pine Island for repairs. Whitney also noted that a water volume issue at Wykoff Commons has been resolved with the installation of a new two-inch water line.
Mike Lund of the fire department reported one call last month, which came from the Forestville area. First Responders coordinator Cory Bremseth said that all four new members have now completed their training and received state licensure. The unit is currently averaging six calls per month.
Community education efforts are focusing on the creation of a community garden and the development of an internship program to assist elderly residents with small projects.
Council member Jeff Hare, representing the Parks and Recreation Department, reported that a strong turnout of community members helped with planting five new trees. He hopes to replace more trees lost to recent windstorms and is encouraging the city to pursue a “Tree City” designation. Discussion followed about whether damaged trees should be removed entirely or pruned, and whether a dedicated arborist could help the city make those determinations.
Zoning Administrator Matthew Gathje was approved for a $25 per application stipend for work completed on 13 zoning applications since August 2024.
There was no sheriff’s report presented at this meeting.
Mayor Breckenridge said the ongoing street project is progressing very well and noted that St. John’s is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
The council formally accepted the resignation of Kaleb Himli and officially appointed Missy Musel to fill his vacant seat. Musel will serve the remainder of the term through December 31, 2026.
The 2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project, overseen by Griffin Construction, continues to move forward. Sanitary sewer and water main infrastructure work on Bartlett Street has been completed, and the contractor will now begin rebuilding the street. In a letter to the city, Brett Grabau of Stantec reported that the project has been going smoothly. The council approved the first payment to Griffin Construction in the amount of $113,269.57.
Council members approved a proposal to install new electrical service at the city’s baseball field. English Electric of Racine will perform the work at a cost of $3,768. The project includes trenching to the pavilion and installing new outlets, along with mounting the service on a treated structure.
A resolution was approved to accept a $100 donation from Steve Rehm in support of the Wykoff Fire Department.
Council members added a new fee for hall rentals. Use of the kitchen only will cost $50, which covers up to two hours of cleaning. Additional cleaning time will be billed at $35 per hour.
City Administrator Becky Schmidt requested compensation for five additional hours per pay period due to extra responsibilities related to the Jail Haus. The council approved the request. Schmidt also reported she secured a discounted deal on new respirators for the fire department, purchasing three cases of 12 for $52.44. Filters will be purchased separately.
Minnwest Bank approached Schmidt with a proposal to move the city’s funds from its current Public Funds Checking account to an Analysis Public Funds Checking account. The move would help offset fees while allowing the city to deposit excess funds into an Insured Cash Sweep account for higher interest earnings. The council approved the change.
A $150 donation to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation was also approved. The foundation has previously provided grant support to the city, including funding for the community center roof.
Schmidt informed the council that although a previous grant application for a new library and municipal space was initially denied, the city has now received approval for a $133,000 grant. The proposal includes space for city offices, council chambers, a library, and public computer access. The council vote on whether to accept the grant ended in a 2 to 2 tie, with Mayor Breckenridge casting the deciding vote in favor. The project will now move forward.
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