Tuesday, May 12, 2026
One-line summary
The Council approved consent items, hired a firefighter, approved $9,205.40 for fire-station garage door safety upgrades, approved prosecution database agreements, heard the 2025 clean audit, adjusted recycling-day tire rules, and tabled city building signage for revised designs.
26 items as recorded in the agenda, packet, and minutes, each with a plain-English summary of what was at issue.
1Call to Order
Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of agenda.
The Council amended the meeting order to hear the Building Safety Month proclamation, stork pinning, Fire Department report, Sheriff's report, prosecuting attorney introduction, and audit presentation in a different sequence. Claims were pulled from consent, and the zoning ordinance extension was set aside for later discussion.
Agenda was approved as amended, including reordered items and pulling claims and the zoning ordinance extension for discussion.
2Public Forum
Public forum.
Tony Howard thanked the Sheriff's Department and Nowthen Fire Department for responding quickly and professionally after he was injured in a construction accident while building a home in Nowthen.
Tony Howard thanked the Sheriff's Department and Fire Department for their response to his construction accident.
3aApproval of April 14, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes
Approval of April 14, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda.
3bClaims from April 9 to May 7 and Treasurer's Report for April 2026
Approval of claims from April 9 to May 7 and Treasurer's Report for April 2026.
Claims were pulled from the consent agenda so Council Member Glaser could ask about cleaning-service payments while the primary contractor was on extended leave. Clerk Johnson explained the business partner was providing the service, and the claims were approved.
Pulled from consent for a question about cleaning services, then approved separately.
3cFarmer's Market Lease with Rademacher Family Limited Partnership
Resolution authorizing the City Clerk to sign the Farmer's Market lease with Rademacher Family Limited Partnership for the 2026 season.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda as Resolution 2026-56.
3dNowthen Farmer's Market Positions and Assistance
Resolution appointing Nowthen Farmer's Market positions and assistance.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda as Resolution 2026-55.
3eLiquor License for Bootleggers Saloon and Eatery
Resolution approving liquor license for Bootleggers Saloon and Eatery.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda as Resolution 2026-57.
3fLiquor License for Northwoods Bar and Grill
Resolution approving liquor license for Northwoods Bar and Grill.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda as Resolution 2026-58.
3gLiquor License for Burns Bottle Shop
Resolution approving liquor license for Burns Bottle Shop.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda as Resolution 2026-59.
3h2026 Mowing Agreement Extension with Cully House
Resolution extending the 2024 mowing agreement with Cully House for three city parcels into the 2026 mowing season.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda as Resolution 2026-60.
3iCity Planner Extension for Zoning Ordinance Project
Request for extension from City Planner regarding zoning ordinance project.
The Council discussed Planner Cindy Nash's request to extend the zoning ordinance first-draft deadline from May 20 to June 30. Members also discussed using the time to review setbacks, accessory buildings, accessory dwelling units, nuisance codes, and road-cost implications, and agreed to schedule a working session with the planner or related participants before or around the draft completion.
Pulled for discussion and then approved separately, extending the first-draft deadline to June 30, 2026.
3j2026 First Quarter Financial Report
Receive and file the 2026 First Quarter Financial Report.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Received and filed as part of the amended consent agenda.
3kPlanning and Zoning Monthly Report
Planning and Zoning Monthly Report.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Received as part of the amended consent agenda.
3lAmended Assessment Resolution for 2026 Overlay Project
Amended resolution declaring costs to be assessed and ordering preparation of proposed assessment and notice of assessment hearing.
The amended consent agenda approved the April 14 minutes, Farmers Market lease and staffing resolutions, three liquor licenses, the Cully House mowing extension, first-quarter financial report, Planning and Zoning monthly report, and the amended assessment resolution for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project.
Approved as part of the amended consent agenda as Resolution 2026-61.
4May 2026 Building Safety Month Proclamation
May 2026 Building Safety Month Proclamation.
Mayor Hybben proclaimed May 2026 as Building Safety Month and recognized the importance of building safety officials, engineers, tradespeople, and city inspection work.
Mayor Hybben presented the proclamation.
5Meet Kevin Beck from Beck Law
Meet Kevin Beck from Beck Law, the City's new prosecuting attorney.
Kevin Beck introduced Beck Law as the city's new prosecuting attorney, raised dog-at-large and barking-dog ordinance handling as a topic for future guidance, and received approval for the BCA Joint Powers Agreement and Court Data Services Subscriber Agreement needed for prosecution database and e-charging access.
Moved later in the meeting; Kevin Beck introduced himself and discussed ordinance enforcement questions.
5aBCA Joint Powers Agreement and Court Data Services Subscriber Agreement
Resolution approving the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Nowthen on behalf of its City Attorney.
Kevin Beck introduced Beck Law as the city's new prosecuting attorney, raised dog-at-large and barking-dog ordinance handling as a topic for future guidance, and received approval for the BCA Joint Powers Agreement and Court Data Services Subscriber Agreement needed for prosecution database and e-charging access.
Approved as Resolution 2026-64 according to the minutes heading.
6Fire Department Stork Pinning
Fire Department Stork Pinning.
The Fire Department honored seven firefighters with pink stork medals for assisting with a March 6 roadside delivery, reported 20 April calls and heavy training activity, hired Zachary Wyttenhove, and approved Dock and Door's $9,205.40 replacement of four fire station overhead garage door openers to address safety issues identified in a mock OSHA inspection.
Moved earlier in the meeting and held before the Fire Department report.
7BerganKDV Final Audit Information
Presentation by BerganKDV with final audit information.
Auditor Andy Grice presented a clean, unmodified 2025 audit opinion, no Minnesota legal compliance findings, and one material weakness for lack of segregation of accounting duties. The Council discussed documenting existing review controls to potentially reduce the finding in future years, and reviewed revenue, expenditure, budget-to-actual, fund balance, and net-position trends.
Moved later in the meeting; auditor presented the 2025 audit results.
8aSheriff's Department Monthly Report
Sheriff's Department monthly report.
Lieutenant Bangerter reported 123 April calls for service, including Bar None assaults, trespassing, and a DWI with a firearm charge. The Council also discussed scheduling a future public presentation on flock cameras and the first-responder drone program.
Moved earlier in the meeting; Lieutenant Bangerter gave the report and discussed a future flock camera/drone presentation.
9aFire Department Monthly Report
Fire Department monthly report.
The Fire Department honored seven firefighters with pink stork medals for assisting with a March 6 roadside delivery, reported 20 April calls and heavy training activity, hired Zachary Wyttenhove, and approved Dock and Door's $9,205.40 replacement of four fire station overhead garage door openers to address safety issues identified in a mock OSHA inspection.
Moved earlier in the meeting and presented after the stork pinning.
9bHiring Zachary Wyttenhove to Nowthen Fire Department
Resolution authorizing the hiring of Zachary Wyttenhove to the Nowthen Fire Department.
The Fire Department honored seven firefighters with pink stork medals for assisting with a March 6 roadside delivery, reported 20 April calls and heavy training activity, hired Zachary Wyttenhove, and approved Dock and Door's $9,205.40 replacement of four fire station overhead garage door openers to address safety issues identified in a mock OSHA inspection.
Approved as Resolution 2026-62.
9cFire Station Overhead Garage Door Openers
Added item: replacement of overhead garage door openers at the Fire Station.
The Fire Department honored seven firefighters with pink stork medals for assisting with a March 6 roadside delivery, reported 20 April calls and heavy training activity, hired Zachary Wyttenhove, and approved Dock and Door's $9,205.40 replacement of four fire station overhead garage door openers to address safety issues identified in a mock OSHA inspection.
Added to the agenda under the Fire Department and approved as Resolution 2026-63 in the packet addition.
10aClerk's Monthly Update
Clerk's Update monthly report.
The Clerk reported the server rebuild savings, staff training, park water testing, MCFOA meeting registration, and recycling day logistics. After discussion of the previously advertised two-tire limit, the Council voted to allow up to ten off-rim passenger tires per household for the current recycling event and to advertise the change on Facebook.
The Clerk gave updates; one motion was passed to increase the passenger-tire limit for recycling day.
11aDiscussion Regarding Signage on City Buildings
Discussion of Request for Council Action regarding signage on city buildings.
The Council reviewed Extreme Graphics and FASTSIGNS proposals for exterior building signs. Members wanted clearer building names, addresses where useful for emergency response, and possible fire department logo inclusion. No vote was taken; staff was directed to bring revised designs and check how dispatch can distinguish buildings sharing an address.
Staff was directed to return with revised design proposals and to check 911 building-address routing options.
12Adjourn
Adjournment.
The Council adjourned the regular meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
9 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY MAYOR HYBBEN, TO APPROVE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Hybben
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Glaser
M3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-62 AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ZACHARY WYTTENHOVE TO THE NOWTHEN FIRE DEPARTMENT.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen
M4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR OPENERS AT THE FIRE STATION USING DOCK AND DOOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,205.40.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville
M5MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO APPROVE THE BCA JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT AND THE COURT DATA SERVICES SUBSCRIBER AGREEMENT.
moved by Swenson, seconded by Glaser
M6MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN TO APPROVE THE CLAIMS.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen
M7MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO ACCEPT PASSENGER TIRES OFF RIM UP TO 10 PER HOUSEHOLD AND TO ADVERTIZE THE UPDATED LIMIT ON FACEBOOK.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Swenson
M8MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR EXTENSION.
moved by Glaser, seconded by Breyen
M9MOTION TO BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO ADJOURN.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Swenson
The amounts the council actually voted to approve, each with the vote that approved it. Drawn from the official minutes.
F1
$205,943
F2
$1,867,000
F3
$235,739
F4
$2,308,681
F5
$7,411
F6
$2,301,270
F7
$1
F8
$500
F9
$250
F11
$4,206,000
F12
$2,564,000
F13
$830,000
F14
$3,375,000
F15
$1,800
F16
$11,500
F17
$6,000
F18
$72,000
F21
$2,505,765
F22
$464,393
F27
$462,800
F28
$227,840
F29
$81,710
F31
$780
F53
$9,205
Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.
May 12, 2026 Packet
Packet · Tuesday, May 12, 2026
212 pages
May 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Minutes · Tuesday, May 12, 2026
14 pages
Fire Garage Door Packet Addition
Packet · Tuesday, May 12, 2026
5 pages
May 12, 2026 Agenda
Agenda · Tuesday, May 12, 2026
2 pages
Meeting recording
YouTube
Transcript · 686 segments · 1:41:12
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