Tuesday, November 10, 2020 · 7:00 PM
Agenda
Not on file
What was on the agenda.
Packet
Not on file
The supporting materials the board reviewed.
One-line summary
The council approved the amended agenda, consent items, a CUP revocation, snow-removal and plumbing-plan-review ordinances, CARES Act fire-station spending, donation designation, and snowplow staffing, while discussing Bar None, the website, the Historic Town Hall sign, the Recycling Center, and COVID-related operations.
24 items as recorded in the minutes, each with a short summary of what was at issue.
1Call to Order
The meeting was called to order, the agenda was amended to add a city sign discussion, and the amended agenda was approved.
The council amended the agenda to add a discussion of the city sign, moved the donation item for separate discussion, confirmed that the Sonsteby/Swanson planning item would not be heard that night, and approved the amended agenda.
2.aApprove prior council minutes
Approve City Council Special Meeting Minutes of 10-08-2020 and City Council Meeting Minutes of 10-13-2020.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
2.bFinancial report and claims
Approve Treasurer's Report and claims dated October 7, 2020 through November 6, 2020.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
2.c/8.cResolution 2020-56 accepting Elk River Youth Hockey Association donation
Resolution 2020-56 accepting a donation from the Elk River Youth Hockey Association was moved from consent for separate handling, and the funds were designated to the Building Improvement Fund for the Historic Town Hall Update.
After moving the donation item from the consent agenda, the council voted to designate the Elk River Youth Hockey Association donation to the Building Improvement Fund for the Historic Town Hall Update.
Moved from the consent agenda and acted on later in the meeting.
2.dResolution 2020-57 assessment roll
Resolution 2020-57 adopting the assessment roll for 189th Lane, 190th Lane, and Dolomite Street.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
2.eResolution 2020-58 assessment roll
Resolution 2020-58 adopting the assessment roll for Krypton Street, 183rd Avenue, Potassium Street, and Merle's Lane.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
2.fResolution 2020-59 Rogers Lake Area feasibility report and hearing
Resolution 2020-59 receiving a feasibility report and calling for a public hearing on the Rogers Lake Area improvement.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
2.gResolution 2020-60 Ebony and Garnet feasibility report and hearing
Resolution 2020-60 receiving a feasibility report and calling for a public hearing for Ebony and Garnet.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
2.hResolution 2020-61 business subsidy criteria hearing
Resolution 2020-61 calling for a public hearing on proposed business subsidy criteria and a proposed business subsidy agreement.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
2.iResolution 2020-63 certifying local election results
Resolution 2020-63 certifying the results of the November 3, 2020 local election was approved with a correction to Item 2.i.
The council approved the consent agenda, including prior minutes, the financial report and claims, assessment-roll resolutions, feasibility-report hearing resolutions, a business-subsidy hearing resolution, and election-results certification. Rainville questioned a one-vote difference between packet figures and the OSS website for the election results, and Clerk Streich said she would make sure the legal documents were correct.
Approved as part of the consent agenda with a correction to Item 2.i.
3Floor Items
No floor items were taken.
No floor items.
4Sheriff's Report
Commander Heath reported on ongoing issues at Bar None and staff and council discussed next steps, background information, and council involvement.
Commander Heath described serious and worsening problems at Bar None, including overdose calls and lack of control over residents, and said something needed to be done before a tragedy occurred. Council and staff discussed Planner Stockman's work gathering background information, possible applications for the school and greenhouse, involving the Mayor and possibly Blake in future discussions, and using the process to establish enforceable conditions.
No motion was recorded under the Sheriff's Report.
5.aPublic Hearing - Resolution 2020-62 revoking Wagner dog kennel CUP
The council held a public hearing and approved Resolution 2020-62 revoking a 2006 conditional use permit for a commercial dog kennel at 6560 Norris Lake Road.
After a public hearing with no public comments, the council approved Resolution 2020-62 revoking the 2006 conditional use permit for the commercial dog kennel on Barry and Vicki Wagner's property at 6560 Norris Lake Road. Wagner also told the council that the November 24, 2020 Planning and Zoning meeting would be his last because he was moving out of town, and the council thanked him for 13 years of service.
6.aSonsteby/Swanson Interim Use Permit and Variance, 5340 199th Ave
The Sonsteby/Swanson interim use permit and variance item for 5340 199th Avenue was removed because Planning and Zoning had continued its meeting.
The council removed the Sonsteby/Swanson interim use permit and variance for 5340 199th Avenue because the Planning and Zoning Commission had continued the matter. Council members discussed public hearing notice, resident comments, prior uses, and the need to enforce interim use permits.
The council did not take up the item because Planning and Zoning continued its meeting.
6.bOrdinance 2020-04 regarding On-Street Parking and Snow Removal
The council approved Ordinance 2020-04 on on-street parking and snow removal as amended, with staff to fine tune an educational letter.
The council debated whether Ordinance 2020-04 was clear enough for residents, especially regarding pushing snow across roads and enforcement. The council approved the ordinance as amended to reorganize snow-removal and snow-emergency sections, while directing Planner Stockman to refine an educational letter with a diagram and explanation for residents.
Approved as amended.
6.cOrdinance 2020-05 authorizing plumbing plan review by municipality
The council approved Ordinance 2020-05 authorizing plumbing plan review by the municipality.
The council approved Ordinance 2020-05 authorizing plumbing plan review by the municipality.
7Website Design
Natalie Streich presented a video introducing the council to the website, and council discussed website functions and related city processes.
Natalie Streich showed the council a short video introducing the new city website, and council members complimented the work. The discussion covered links to Facebook and YouTube, electronic signatures, fillable forms, burning permits, recycling paid stickers, and the possibility of adding online payments.
No motion was recorded.
8.aCARES Act Funding update on purchases
The council authorized Mayor Pilon and Council Member Breyen to work with Consultant Jerry Streich and Clerk Streich to use the remaining CARES Act funds for the fire station.
The council reviewed remaining CARES Act funding and approved allowing Mayor Pilon and Council Member Breyen to work with Consultant Jerry Streich and Clerk Streich to use the remaining funds for the Fire Station. Discussion included storage lockers for turnout gear, reducing the Aspen Mills jumpsuit order from 26 to 20 to stay closer to budget, Arvig project timing, and Anoka County's small business nonprofit grant program.
8.bCity Sign in front of Historic Town Hall
The council discussed removing the sign in front of Historic Town Hall, but the minutes do not record a final vote on the motion.
Mayor Pilon moved to remove the sign in front of the Historic Town Hall, calling it an eyesore that could not be repaired, and Rainville seconded for discussion. The council discussed removing the entire structure, including electrical, checking removal cost, whether to patch the burned-out part, and possibly replacing the whole sign, but the minutes do not record a final vote.
The minutes record a motion and discussion but do not record a vote or 'motion carried' result.
9For the Greater Good - election staff appreciation
Under For the Greater Good, Blake thanked Clerk Streich and Deputy Clerk Lendt for extra work during early voting.
Under For the Greater Good, Blake thanked election staff for early-voting work. Rainville raised snowplow-driver hiring, and after her motion to hire only Dave Hauan and Dana Henjum failed, the council approved Dana Henjum and Dave Hauan as primary supplemental snowplow drivers and Matt Lendt as backup. The council also discussed part-time and seasonal employees, Recycling Center staffing and possible workshop review, and how new Governor's orders could affect city operations.
No motion was recorded for this item.
9.1For the Greater Good - snowplow drivers
The council rejected a motion to hire only Dave Hauan and Dana Henjum as supplemental snowplow drivers, then approved Dana Henjum and Dave Hauan as primary snowplow drivers and Matt Lendt as backup.
Under For the Greater Good, Blake thanked election staff for early-voting work. Rainville raised snowplow-driver hiring, and after her motion to hire only Dave Hauan and Dana Henjum failed, the council approved Dana Henjum and Dave Hauan as primary supplemental snowplow drivers and Matt Lendt as backup. The council also discussed part-time and seasonal employees, Recycling Center staffing and possible workshop review, and how new Governor's orders could affect city operations.
A narrower hiring motion failed before the final motion passed.
9.2For the Greater Good - part-time and seasonal employees
The council discussed part-time and seasonal employees, including Natalie Streich and Jeremiah Lendt, and the future staffing and operation of the Recycling Center.
Under For the Greater Good, Blake thanked election staff for early-voting work. Rainville raised snowplow-driver hiring, and after her motion to hire only Dave Hauan and Dana Henjum failed, the council approved Dana Henjum and Dave Hauan as primary supplemental snowplow drivers and Matt Lendt as backup. The council also discussed part-time and seasonal employees, Recycling Center staffing and possible workshop review, and how new Governor's orders could affect city operations.
No motion was recorded.
9.3For the Greater Good - Governor's orders and city operations
The council discussed how the Governor's new orders could affect the city, including who should decide whether to close the city office.
Under For the Greater Good, Blake thanked election staff for early-voting work. Rainville raised snowplow-driver hiring, and after her motion to hire only Dave Hauan and Dana Henjum failed, the council approved Dana Henjum and Dave Hauan as primary supplemental snowplow drivers and Matt Lendt as backup. The council also discussed part-time and seasonal employees, Recycling Center staffing and possible workshop review, and how new Governor's orders could affect city operations.
No motion was recorded.
10Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
11 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M-001MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA
moved by BREYEN, seconded by BLAKE
M-002MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE CORRECTION TO ITEM 2.i.
moved by BREYEN, seconded by PILON
M-003MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2020-62.
MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2020-62
moved by RAINVILLE, seconded by BREYEN
M-004BREYEN Amended his motion to approve Ordinance 2020-04 as amended to have 5.1.3.b become 5.1.3 Snow Removal, and 5.1.3.a becomes 5.1.4 Snow Emergency, and the existing 5.1.4 becomes 5.1.5. This is just for the Ordinance, and the details of the letter are still being worked out.
BREYEN Amended his motion to approve Ordinance 2020-04 as amended to have 5.1.3.b become 5.1.3 Snow Removal, and 5.1.3.a becomes 5.1.4 Snow Emergency, and the existing 5.1.4 becomes 5.1.5. This is just for the Ordinance, and the details of the letter are still being worked out.
moved by BREYEN, seconded by RAINVILLE
M-005MOTION TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE 2020-05.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE 2020-05
moved by BREYEN, seconded by BLAKE
M-008Mayor Pilon made a motion that the Council authorize Council Member Breyen and himself to continue working with Consultant Jerry Streich and Clerk Streich to utilize the rest of that in regard to the Fire Station.
Mayor Pilon made a motion that the Council authorize Council Member Breyen and himself to continue working with Consultant Jerry Streich and Clerk Streich to utilize the rest of that in regard to the Fire Station.
moved by Pilon, seconded by Blake
M-009Pilon made a motion to remove the sign in front of the Historic Town Hall as soon as possible, as it is an eye sore and can't be repaired.
Pilon made a motion to remove the sign in front of the Historic Town Hall as soon as possible, as it is an eye sore and can't be repaired.
moved by Pilon, seconded by Rainville
M-010RAINVILLE MADE THE MOTION THAT THESE FUNDS be designated to go toward the Building Improvement Fund dedicated to the Historic Town Hall Update.
RAINVILLE MADE THE MOTION THAT THESE FUNDS be designated to go toward the Building Improvement Fund dedicated to the Historic Town Hall Update.
moved by RAINVILLE, seconded by BLAKE
M-011RAINVILLE MADE THE MOTION TO HIRE DAVE HAUAN AND DANA HENJUM to supplement Eric Madson and Joe Glaze.
RAINVILLE MADE THE MOTION TO HIRE DAVE HAUAN AND DANA HENJUM to supplement Eric Madson and Joe Glaze.
moved by RAINVILLE, seconded by PILON
M-012BREYEN MADE A MOTION TO HAVE DANA HENJUM AND DAVE HAUAN BE THE PRIMARY SNOW PLOW DRIVERS TO HELP JOE GLAZE & ERIC MADSON, AND MATT LENDT BE THE BACKUP SNOW PLOW DRIVER.
BREYEN MADE A MOTION TO HAVE DANA HENJUM AND DAVE HAUAN BE THE PRIMARY SNOW PLOW DRIVERS TO HELP JOE GLAZE & ERIC MADSON, AND MATT LENDT BE THE BACKUP SNOW PLOW DRIVER.
moved by BREYEN, seconded by BLAKE
M-013MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 9:37 PM.
MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 9:37 PM
moved by BLAKE, seconded by RAINVILLE
Amounts named in or tied to a motion that passed, each shown with the motion. A motion can approve an amount, cap it, or remove it from a list, so read the motion text. These links are AI-extracted, and the minutes control.
CARES remaining funds for Fire Station use
$6,642
When someone referred back to earlier business, we found the matching prior discussion and tied it in here.
Rainville said that she believed that the Council has already provided the Mayor the ability to work with staff, the Sheriff's office, and VOA numerous times, and she is surprised that he was not involved in these conversations, because Council has given him the authority to do that numerous times.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
Prior council discussions and authority regarding Mayor Pilon's involvement with Bar None discussions.
The records searched show repeated Council packet material about Bar None, mainly Sheriff’s Office monthly reports and later land-use/licensing information, but they do not show a prior Council decision specifically authorizing Mayor Pilon to work with staff, the Sheriff’s Office, and VOA on Bar None discussions. For example, at the January 13, 2026 meeting packet, the Sheriff’s report noted 116 Bar None calls for service in 2025 and included data showing 119 Bar None arrests in 2025; later packets in February, March, April, and May 2026 continued listing monthly Bar None calls and incidents. The closest related record is the April 28, 2026 packet material on Bar None’s amended conditional use permit and DHS licensing, which describes the facility’s programs and licensed capacity of 40 residents. However, the search results provided do not include minutes or resolutions showing Council gave Mayor Pilon formal authority “numerous times” to participate in or lead conversations with staff, the Sheriff’s Office, or VOA.
Pilon said he would like some clarification, partly because he has been involved with this for 12 years and has heard the VOA directors, etc. Programs change.
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Mayor Pilon's long history with Bar None and prior VOA discussions.
The records searched provide a partial match to Mayor Pilon’s recollection. They do show a long-running history for Bar None and support the point that programs have changed over time: in the April 28, 2026 packet, staff noted the applicant said Bar None had operated a state-licensed residential treatment center on the property for more than 70 years, but staff could not locate an original city or county land-use approval for that use. The same packet cites an October 3, 1984 Anoka County Board of Adjustment action amending a conditional use permit to allow a dormitory, when the property was described as “a facility for autistic children.” The April 28, 2026 packet also states the use had changed to programs for residential treatment and support for children and adolescents experiencing mental-health crises or complex behavioral-health challenges. It notes a DHS license effective July 1, 2005, last renewed or updated January 1, 2026, with a licensed capacity of 40 residents. The 2026 sheriff’s reports in the January 13, February 10, April 14, and May 12 packets also show ongoing Bar None-related calls for service. However, the search results do not include a specific prior council discussion with VOA directors, nor do they show a formal council vote tied to Mayor Pilon’s 12-year recollection. The records found are therefore a partial match: they document Bar None’s history and program changes, but not the specific earlier VOA conversations he referenced.
Rainville said that when they were discussing this back in February they were looking for were looking for something that had bullet points, more easily read & understood.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
Prior February council discussion about what the snow-removal ordinance should look like.
The records I searched do not contain a prior February discussion or decision matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection about the snow-removal ordinance being reformatted into bullet points or made easier to read. The only February-related item in the results is that the February 10, 2026 City Council minutes were approved on the consent agenda at the March 10, 2026 meeting. The search results shown do not include the substance of those February 10 minutes or any snow-removal ordinance discussion.
Rainville said that she remembers that Council had talked about the enforcement procedure, and unless she is missing it, that is not included in the Ordinance.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
Prior council discussion of snow-removal ordinance enforcement procedure.
The records I searched do not contain a prior council discussion or decision matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection about a snow-removal ordinance enforcement procedure. The search results primarily show 2026 fee-schedule ordinance materials and unrelated cannabis/permit enforcement language, not snow removal. Based on these results, I do not see a recorded prior vote or ordinance language establishing a snow-removal enforcement process.
Pilon summarized what he got from the residents was that Burns Auto was operating under an IUP with a single owner, and now the proposed IUP would come in with two dozen owners.
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Past operations and enforcement issues under the Burns Auto interim use permit.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or enforcement history matching the recollection about “Burns Auto” operating under an interim use permit with a single owner. I also did not find records in these results describing past enforcement issues tied to a Burns Auto IUP. The closest matches are unrelated or only partial: at the October 28, 2025 Planning and Zoning meeting packet, “Burns Bottle Shop” sought an interim use permit and variance to sell lower-potency hemp edibles near Nowthen Memorial Park, with conditions including compliance with state rules, limited hours, City compliance review/enforcement authority, revocation for violations, and reimbursement of City enforcement costs. Separate 2026 packet pages include standard IUP conditions for another proposed use, including expiration on April 14, 2031, termination upon violations or permit lapse, and possible revocation after notice and hearing, but those excerpts do not identify Burns Auto or document prior enforcement problems.
Mary asked when the City started issuing 30 day burning permits and said that was something that would've been nice to know.
— Mary
What this is about
Administrative decision to begin issuing 30-day burning permits.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching the recollection that the City began issuing 30-day burning permits. None of the returned packet materials mention burning permits, a change to burn-permit duration, or a council action approving that practice. The closest results are general administrative updates and permitting/process changes from 2025–2026, such as updates to the fee schedule, code enforcement, septic compliance, and other office procedures, but they do not identify when or why 30-day burning permits started.
Rainville said in October it was discussed to have Dana Henjum come back to do the plowing, with the assumption that he would come back, and give permission to post for the position if he could not help.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
October discussion about bringing Dana Henjum back for snowplowing and whether to post the position.
The records I searched do not contain a prior October discussion or formal decision matching this recollection about bringing Dana Henjum back for snowplowing or authorizing staff to post the position if he could not help. The only search result mentioning Dana Henjum is an April 14, 2026 meeting packet where he appears as a personal reference on a form, not in connection with snowplowing or employment. The October 28, 2025 result is a Planning and Zoning packet about a hemp-edibles interim use permit and variance, and does not appear related to snowplowing.
<figure> NOWTHEN ARRESTS 2025 Bar None Arrests Non Bar None Arrests 25% 75% </figure> Data was taken from our Arrest module with a custom time period between January 1st, 2025 and Decem
New Firefighters Dan Bixby, Avery Mortenson, Brittni Nelson, Luke Oberleitner This page was left intentionally blank. <!-- PageHeader="Nowthen Cou
CITY OF NOWTHEN By: SHANE D. HYBBEN Its Mayor ATTEST By: NATALIE JOHNSON Its City Clerk Opening Mr. Mayor, members of the C
Opening Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council, City Staff, and Citizens of Nowthen. The following is the Sheriff's Office repor
This page was left intentionally blank. <!-- PageNumber="201" --
Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.
The summary on this page is AI-extracted and may need correction. The PDFs and the meeting recording are the official record. What do the trust labels mean?