Ranked-choice decision delayed

Red Wing City Council had planned to hear from members of the city’s Charter Commission Monday on their proposal to overhaul the city’s election system in favor of a ranked-choice voting.

The agenda for Monday’s meeting was hefty, however, and because the matter doesn’t need immediate attention it was pushed back until next year, according to city administration.

In other news:

Changes at Red Wing incinerator

Red Wing Public Works has expanded the days it will take recycling at its Bench Street facility. The facility will now take recycling six days a week — excluding Sunday.

Loan extended to Port Authority

Red Wing City Council granted the Port Authority a one-year extension on a $400,000 loan the economic development agency received from the city in 2005. The loan was used to finance the River Bluffs Development Park.

City reaches extensions with half its unions

Red Wing City Council reached two-year agreements with half its unions Monday night. Under the deal, wages will be held flat in 2011 and will see a 2 percent increase in 2012 for the city’s Public Works, utility, clerical and technical and police clerical employees.

Council went into closed session to discuss the deal. It came out of closed session to approve the contracts.

Council members discuss recent trip to Denver

In a recent trip to Denver for a National League of Cities Conference, Red Wing city officials met with others whose communities host nuclear plants. Council member Lisa Bayley said leaders discussed their mutual concerns regarding the possibility that nuclear waste will remain stored on-site for centuries and not be removed as the federal government has promised.

Bayley said the communities are looking to voice their concerns to President Obama’s Blue Ribbon Commission for America’s Nuclear Future.

• Red Wing City Council approved numerous changes made to the city’s charter, as part of a recent recodification process. The recodification cleaned up outdated language in the charter.

• Red Wing City Council on Monday denied a request to put a four-way stop at Frances and Hallquist avenues.

• Meeting watch: Monday’s Red Wing City Council meeting lasted over three hours. Council member Dean Hove was absent.

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