Darrell Kersting

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. New business included a discussion of the Widmer Roel 2019-2020 Audit Report and the 2021-2022 audit update. Under Boards & Committees, an extension was approved for a Renaissance Zone project at 241 Walnut St. The Building Inspector reported on permit numbers and addressed several property code enforcement cases, granting deadline extensions until June 1, 2026, for repairs at 490 Elm St and 440 Elm St. The Council also clarified that downtown businesses are responsible for clearing adjacent sidewalks of snow. Planning & Zoning saw the adoption of a resolution defining east/west addressing in Kindred. Marketing & Beautification involved discussions about the Tree Lighting Event, vandalism at the warming house, and the approval of a $1,050.00 contribution to the community mural. The City Council received updates on new park equipment and the Sheriff's monthly report, noting a change in the main deputy point of contact for January 2026. Engineering items included the approval of Change Order No. 3 for Improvement District No. 2025-2, approval of invoices for Meadow Trails and Elm Street Water Replacement, and the issuance of a letter of acceptance for Norman Acres 1st Addition, contingent upon seeding. The Council adopted the updated Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Policy. Public Works secured approval for up to $50,000.00 to purchase a new snow blower attachment and repair the tractor's PTO. The City Attorney secured approval to update the Floodplain Ordinance. The Consent Calendar covered approvals for previous meeting minutes, various raffle permit applications, delinquent utility accounts, and November 2025 financial reports. Finally, discussions covered updates to the Utility Billing Policy Form, approval to publish requests for bid for the Garbage/Recycling Contract, engagement with HighRoad Partners for an employee handbook, review of the 2026 Fee Schedule draft, and approval of High Point Networks for IT services.

Key discussions during the meeting included the status of the 2021-2022 Audit Report, which was approved along with the 2019-2020 reports. The council approved a large payment application for the Meadow Trails Development, contingent on financing, and authorized a petition to repair and special assess a private sewer service line at 561 Spruce Street. Official depositories for city funds were designated as Kindred State Bank and First Community Credit Union. A resolution for a 2026 property tax exemption on new home construction was approved, and an overview of the 2026 City Election information was provided. The second reading of Ordinance 2025-113 regarding Floodplain Management was approved. Updates to the Utility Billing Policy Form were adopted, including changes to deposits and fees. A new comprehensive 2026 Fee Schedule was approved, establishing new fees such as a $500.00 fee for special meeting requests. The council considered and unanimously approved removing the dangerous building designation for the property at 440 Elm Street after confirming compliance with required repairs. Funds were approved for invoices related to engineering projects, and a final balancing change order was accepted for paving projects. The council agreed to move forward with facilitating the building of a new "Welcome to Kindred" sign, funded by an anonymous donor. Reports were given on recent ice storm response, ongoing engineering projects, and sheriff activity, including a false bomb threat. Under the consent calendar, several items were approved, including previous meeting minutes and financial reports. Council approved budget items for new cabinets and appliances for City Hall, and approved raises for Public Works Superintendent Rich Schock and City Auditor Tabitha Arnaud, among others.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting focused on several items, including tabling a fence permit application for 104 Sheyenne St. pending applicant attendance in the spring. The Commission noted that draft ordinance revisions are still in progress, possibly ready in February or March. The availability of the full Kindred Comprehensive & Transportation Plan 2025 online was reviewed, along with its implementation strategy. A year-end 2025 permit report was reviewed, showing 29 building permits and 7 fence permits. Additions included a review of the 2026 City of Kindred Fee Schedule approved by City Council on January 7, 2026, discussing revisions to fence permit fee language and the relocation of the Excavation Permit fee. The board also discussed changing appointed term expiration dates to June 30th to align with elected officials. Data comparing 2024-2025 lot sales indicated Kindred is a desirable community, with specific lot availability noted for various developments.

The meeting addressed new business concerning potential property improvements at 120 4th Ave S, where the owner discussed options between renovating an existing vacant single-family home or demolishing it to construct a 4-plex townhome structure. Discussion included the need for reduced setbacks to maximize unit square footage and review of current zoning requirements. In old business, there were no items. Fence permit applications were reviewed, specifically for 104 Sheyenne St, where the board noted the owner/applicant was absent and requested their attendance at a future meeting. The update on ordinances indicated that draft revisions are still in progress with a goal of early 2026 completion. A review of the 2026 meeting calendar noted postponements for January and February due to observed holidays.

The agenda for the regular meeting included calling the meeting to order and roll call, new business, old business, and discussion of fence permit applications, specifically a pending application for 104 Sheyenne St. The commission also addressed potential ordinance revisions which are currently in progress, and noted the availability of the Comprehensive Plan document online. The permit report was also scheduled for review.