Nowthen City Council Open House meeting, August 23, 2021

What was on the agenda

5 items as recorded in the minutes, each with a short summary of what was at issue.

1. OH-1Open meeting and record attendance

   Meeting opened; attendance was recorded for City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission members, staff, and the planner.

   Procedural opening and attendance only.

   No action
   p. 1↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Meeting Opened at 6:00 Council Members attended: Mayor Pilon, Councilmember Alders, Councilmember Blake, Councilmember Greenberg, Councilmember Rainville Planning & Zoning Commission Members attended: Chairman Dale Ames, Martin Bies, Dan Haapala, Rob Schiller, and Harold Jorgensen Also in attendance: City Clerk/Treasur…

2. OH-2Planner presentation on the Rademacher 181st Avenue and Baugh Street proposal

   Planner Stockman presented the Rademacher concept for a 110-acre parcel, including 100 acres of low-density residential development and 10 acres proposed for commercial use at 181st Avenue and Baugh Street.

   The open house centered on Rademacher Families’ concept for 110 acres at 181st Avenue and Baugh Street: about 100 acres of residential development and 10 acres requested for commercial designation for a Bill’s Superette-related project. Planner Stockman explained that the commercial portion would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment and Met Council approval before rezoning, and she emphasized that the proposal was not a done deal. Residents gave extensive input, with many opposing the commercial portion while some said the residential portion could be acceptable. The meeting ended without council action.

   Residents discussed whether the proposed residential lots were consistent with Nowthen’s rural character, whether averaging could allow lots smaller than five acres, and whether wetlands should count toward parkland or lot-size calculations. Planner Stockman explained that platted lots may go down to 2.5 acres if the overall average is five acres, and residents raised concerns about horse trails, wet areas, park dedication, and whether the lots were large enough for horses.

   Traffic and safety were major concerns. Residents cited existing traffic, stop-sign violations, possible future road work, truck traffic, light and noise, and the need for police coverage. Rademacher said he had studied the traffic at the intersection and was following traffic patterns; residents debated whether future highway work would increase or reduce traffic. Near the end of the meeting, Brandon Ebert asked about the proposed Anoka County Sheriff contract and whether a sheriff squad car could be housed at the proposed facility; Rademacher answered affirmatively.

   The minutes say the proposal was at concept plan review stage and no decision had been made.

   • Rademacher 181st & Baugh concept plan
   • commercial rezoning
   • 2040 Comprehensive Plan

   Discussion only
   p. 1↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Planner Stockman presented the Rademacher proposal. 110 acre parcel is being purchased by Rademacher from Kent Roessler. 100 acres are planned as residential low density, with parks and trails included. 10 acres on the corner of 181st Ave & Baugh St. are proposed to be rezoned commercial for the purpose of building a B…p. 1↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Please NOTE that this is not a "Done Deal" because the Commercial portion of the plan is not moved forward. However, the 100 acres does meet the current Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designation.

3. OH-3Applicant presentation by Grant Rademacher

   Grant Rademacher described the company’s interest in buying the property, developing homes under city zoning regulations, relocating business operations, and building a Bill’s Superette, commissary, warehouse, corporate office/daycare, and liquor store concept.

   The open house centered on Rademacher Families’ concept for 110 acres at 181st Avenue and Baugh Street: about 100 acres of residential development and 10 acres requested for commercial designation for a Bill’s Superette-related project. Planner Stockman explained that the commercial portion would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment and Met Council approval before rezoning, and she emphasized that the proposal was not a done deal. Residents gave extensive input, with many opposing the commercial portion while some said the residential portion could be acceptable. The meeting ended without council action.

   Applicant presentation only; no vote or action was recorded.

   • Rademacher 181st & Baugh concept plan
   • Bill's Superette
   • commercial rezoning

   Discussion only
   p. 2↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Rademacher came back to this project determined to purchase the whole 110 acres. He is not a home builder, but he has friends that are builders and do a nice job. The Company plan is to develop within the City Zoning regulations, but they need to know if they can proceed or if they should look elsewhere.p. 2↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)He showed the Concept Plan with Bill's Superette, the commissary where the food items are made, a warehouse, and a corporate daycare center for their employees.

4. OH-4Resident input and public discussion

   Residents and nearby property owners gave input, with many supporting residential development but opposing the proposed commercial rezoning, citing the Comprehensive Plan, traffic, safety, police coverage, property values, light and noise, wetlands, parkland, trails, and lot sizes.

   The open house centered on Rademacher Families’ concept for 110 acres at 181st Avenue and Baugh Street: about 100 acres of residential development and 10 acres requested for commercial designation for a Bill’s Superette-related project. Planner Stockman explained that the commercial portion would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment and Met Council approval before rezoning, and she emphasized that the proposal was not a done deal. Residents gave extensive input, with many opposing the commercial portion while some said the residential portion could be acceptable. The meeting ended without council action.

   Residents discussed whether the proposed residential lots were consistent with Nowthen’s rural character, whether averaging could allow lots smaller than five acres, and whether wetlands should count toward parkland or lot-size calculations. Planner Stockman explained that platted lots may go down to 2.5 acres if the overall average is five acres, and residents raised concerns about horse trails, wet areas, park dedication, and whether the lots were large enough for horses.

   Traffic and safety were major concerns. Residents cited existing traffic, stop-sign violations, possible future road work, truck traffic, light and noise, and the need for police coverage. Rademacher said he had studied the traffic at the intersection and was following traffic patterns; residents debated whether future highway work would increase or reduce traffic. Near the end of the meeting, Brandon Ebert asked about the proposed Anoka County Sheriff contract and whether a sheriff squad car could be housed at the proposed facility; Rademacher answered affirmatively.

   Public comment was taken; no decision or recommendation was recorded in these minutes.

   • resident input
   • commercial rezoning
   • residential development
   • traffic and public safety

   Discussion only
   p. 1↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Residents were invited to present positive factors and negative aspects as well, and requested to indicate whether they were in favor or against this development proposal - all of it or just part of it, identify concerns, and state what they would like to see in regard to the residential development.p. 2↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Connolly supports Rademacher's business, but he is opposed to this proposal because it goes against the current Comprehensive Plan. He chose his home location based on that and doesn't want another gas station and liquor store. His biggest concern is police coverage.p. 4↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Ebert summarized that he is against the commercial part, and for the residential part if they can keep the trails and park designated areas as part of the tax base.p. 6↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Jerzak also asked about plowing and drainage. Rademacher said they have bonding for those issues and take them into consideration in the site plan. Pilon said most of those concerns are regulated by state law and City Code. The biggest decision is the Comp Plan change at this time.

5. OH-5Clarifications and meeting close

   Planner Stockman and Mayor Pilon reiterated that the proposal was still only a concept review, that no decision had been made, and that council members should not state opinions before all information was presented. The meeting was dismissed at 7:55 PM.

   The open house centered on Rademacher Families’ concept for 110 acres at 181st Avenue and Baugh Street: about 100 acres of residential development and 10 acres requested for commercial designation for a Bill’s Superette-related project. Planner Stockman explained that the commercial portion would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment and Met Council approval before rezoning, and she emphasized that the proposal was not a done deal. Residents gave extensive input, with many opposing the commercial portion while some said the residential portion could be acceptable. The meeting ended without council action.

   Traffic and safety were major concerns. Residents cited existing traffic, stop-sign violations, possible future road work, truck traffic, light and noise, and the need for police coverage. Rademacher said he had studied the traffic at the intersection and was following traffic patterns; residents debated whether future highway work would increase or reduce traffic. Near the end of the meeting, Brandon Ebert asked about the proposed Anoka County Sheriff contract and whether a sheriff squad car could be housed at the proposed facility; Rademacher answered affirmatively.

   The minutes expressly state that no decision had been made and the open house was for input.

   • Rademacher 181st & Baugh concept plan

   No action
   p. 7↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Planner Stockman reiterated that this proposal is still in the Concept Plan Review stage. No decision at all has been made. Resident and City governing body thoughts are just input for the applicant to use in deciding if he will move forward with an application.p. 7↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Mayor Jeff Pilon responded that the purpose this meeting was to collect data, and to ask the Council to weigh in publicly on this proposal was premature. City Attorney instructed the Council that they not express their opinions publicly before all the information has been presented, as his job is to keep the City out o…p. 7↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Appreciation expressed for the participation and comments. Meeting Dismissed at 7:55 PM

Prior history on this business

When someone referred back to earlier business, we found the matching prior discussion and tied it in here.

• This differs from the 2017 concept in several ways - 74+ acres were proposed to be rezoned commercial in comparison with the current proposal to only rezone 10 acres. Only 11 Single family homes with higher density/townhomes were proposed before, compared to 20 at 5-acre density, averaging in the wetlands, in this proposal.

  — Liz Stockman

  What this is about
  Planner Stockman compared the current Rademacher concept to an earlier 2017 concept for the same area.

  p. 1↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)This differs from the 2017 concept in several ways - 74+ acres were proposed to be rezoned commercial in comparison with the current proposal to only rezone 10 acres. Only 11 Single family homes with higher density/townhomes were proposed before, compared to 20 at 5-acre density, averaging in the wetlands, in this prop…

  Related history

  The records searched contain a partial match to Planner Stockman’s comparison. In the March 10, 2026 packet, staff materials for the Rademacher property describe a proposal to reguide the portion of the property west of Highway 47 from Commercial to RRT, with the developer intending a residential subdivision of 14 single-family lots. Those materials identify the property and the proposed land-use change, but they do not include the full 2017 concept comparison Stockman described. The records I searched do not contain the earlier 2017 concept plan or a prior council decision matching the specific figures cited — 74+ acres of commercial rezoning, 11 single-family homes, or higher-density/townhome development. They also do not show a formal vote on that 2017 concept in the results provided.

  • ·Mar 10, 2026Commencing on the north boundary line of said Northeast Quarter of Northwest Quarter (NE 1/4 of NW 1/4) of said Section
  • ·Feb 24, 2026consent from all owners and interested parties of the property subject to the application. 2\. Filing. A lot line adjust
  • ·Mar 10, 2026consent from all owners and interested parties of the property subject to the application. 2\. Filing. A lot line adjust
  • ·Mar 24, 2026Mayor Shane Hybben asked about the size and structures on the existing lot containing the house. Nash indicated it was 2
  • ·Feb 24, 2026Mayor Shane Hybben asked about the size and structures on the existing lot containing the house. Nash indicated it was 2

• Rademacher said that the 2017 proposal created a lot of the resentment and negativity based on the unknown of so many acres that were not determined by Mr. Roessler, as there were a lot of moving parts.

  — Grant Rademacher

  What this is about
  Grant Rademacher recalled that the 2017 proposal had caused resentment because many acres and details were unknown.

  p. 2↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Rademacher said that the 2017 proposal created a lot of the resentment and negativity based on the unknown of so many acres that were not determined by Mr. Roessler, as there were a lot of moving parts.

  Related history

  The records I searched do not contain a prior 2017 proposal or decision matching this recollection about unresolved acreage, resentment, or “moving parts.” The available results are from 2026 and do not document the 2017 discussion described. The closest related records are recent development applications involving Grant Rademacher’s Viking Estates and Kyle Roessler’s Palomino Estates. At the January 13, 2026 packet, both applications were listed as submitted but incomplete. By the February 10, 2026 packet, Viking Estates included requests for a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, preliminary plat, and variance; the March 10, 2026 packet describes Viking Estates as approximately 44.04 acres proposed for 14 lots and one outlot. The April 14, 2026 packet says Palomino Estates’ preliminary plat and flag-lot CUP had been approved by the Council at the March meeting, and that Viking Estates had been reviewed by the Council in March.

  • ·Mar 10, 2026<figure> h Hakanson Anderson </figure> ENGINEERING REVIEW for City of Nowthen by Hakanson Anderson Submitted to: City of
  • ·Feb 24, 2026<figure> h Hakanson Anderson </figure> ENGINEERING REVIEW for City of Nowthen by Hakanson Anderson Submitted to: City of
  • ·Mar 10, 2026#### A RESOLUTION APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT WITHIN A PLAT TO BE KNOWN AS VIKING ESTATES WHEREAS, Rademach
  • ·Apr 14, 2026### Development Applications in Review Palomino Estates -- Kyle Roessler - 20930 St. Francis Blvd. · An application for
  • ·Feb 10, 2026### Development Applications in Review #### K Land Development · This is an application for a minor subdivision adjacent

• When Seacord watched the July 27, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting it seemed like toward the end of the discussion there were some members that were falling all over each other with thinking this is a great idea.

  — Lynn Seacord

  What this is about
  A resident referred to watching the July 27, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting about the proposal.

  p. 2↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)When Seacord watched the July 27, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting it seemed like toward the end of the discussion there were some members that were falling all over each other with thinking this is a great idea.

  Related history

  The records I searched do not contain the July 27, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting or any minutes/transcript matching this recollection about commission members reacting favorably to the proposal. The search results mainly contain 2026 packets and general zoning/subdivision code excerpts, so they do not confirm what was said at that 2021 meeting or whether any formal Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation or vote occurred then.

  • ·Apr 28, 2026APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CARLSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BIES TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. FIVE (5) AYES. M
  • ·Mar 10, 2026##### Viking Estates - Grant Rademacher · An application for a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, preliminary plat,
  • ·Apr 28, 2026CASWELL ENGINEERING CO. ENGINEERS & LAND SURVEYORS ## BIRCHWOOD ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
  • ·Mar 10, 2026Council.(Ordinance #2, adopted November 14, 2006; Ordinance 2013-03, adopted April 9, 2013) 10-9-6: VARIANCE: A. The Cit
  • ·Feb 24, 2026Council.(Ordinance #2, adopted November 14, 2006; Ordinance 2013-03, adopted April 9, 2013) 10-9-6: VARIANCE: A. The Cit

• He spoke in 2017 against the last proposal and still against it at this time.

  — John Lyrenmann

  What this is about
  John Lyrenmann recalled speaking against a prior 2017 proposal for the area.

  p. 3↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Lyrenmann said they are directly across the road from the proposed gas station. He spoke in 2017 against the last proposal and still against it at this time.

  Related history

  The records I searched do not contain a prior 2017 proposal or decision matching John Lyrenmann’s recollection, and they do not show John Lyrenmann speaking against a 2017 proposal for this area. The closest materials in the results are from 2026 and relate to a cannabis cultivation permit discussion, including an April 28, 2026 Planning Commission public hearing where other residents spoke for and against the proposal. Those records do not document the 2017 discussion he referenced.

  • ·Apr 14, 2026262 Thank you. Natalie Johnson City Clerk City of Nowthen 763-441-1347 From: John West II <jwest@ipssec.com> Sent: Monda
  • ·Apr 14, 2026Mayor Hybben asked about the disposal process for collected flags. City Clerk Johnson explained that John Enstrum will t
  • ·Mar 10, 2026Mayor Hybben asked about the disposal process for collected flags. City Clerk Johnson explained that John Enstrum will t
  • ·Feb 10, 2026and counterintelligence agents concerning military, state, and federal criminal investigations. o Cass County State's At
  • ·Apr 14, 2026any obstructions (vehicles, dumpsters, etc) at the scheduled project start date and time. MP Asphalt Maintenance reserve

• If the Council allows the Commercial to move forward, they care nothing about the residents, because this is the 3rd time they are here protesting this.

  — David Johnson

  What this is about
  David Johnson said residents had protested the commercial proposal multiple times before.

  p. 5↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Johnson said that the difference between the Oak Grove plan and this proposal is that people there are buying the houses knowing there will be a Bill's there, as opposed to the Nowthen landowners living here and then adding the Bill's. If the Council allows the Commercial to move forward, they care nothing about the re…

  Related history

  The records searched do not confirm David Johnson’s recollection that residents had protested the same commercial proposal three times before. The closest land-use match is the Viking Estates material: in the February 24, 2026 packet, the subject property was described as partly guided/zoned Commercial/C-1, with a proposal to reguide and rezone the portion west of Highway 47 from Commercial to Rural Residential Transition for a 14-lot single-family subdivision. The March 10, 2026 packet included a resolution for a comprehensive plan amendment for Viking Estates. Those packet materials show a commercial-related zoning history, but the search results provided do not include meeting minutes documenting residents protesting this item multiple times, nor do they show a recorded Council vote outcome on the proposal. The April 14 and May 12, 2026 records also mention a Bar None conditional use permit going to Planning and Zoning “after years of trying,” but they do not document repeated resident protests or a Council decision in the excerpts provided.

  • ·May 12, 2026## 9. Clerk's Update City Clerk Natalie Johnson reported that Miss Riley had returned, and is filling in while another e
  • ·Apr 14, 2026## 9. Clerk's Update City Clerk Natalie Johnson reported that Miss Riley had returned, and is filling in while another e
  • ·Mar 10, 2026### Persons Subject to Testing & Types of Tests All employees are subject to testing who job duties include performing "
  • ·Feb 24, 2026Commencing on the north boundary line of said Northeast Quarter of Northwest Quarter (NE 1/4 of NW 1/4) of said Section
  • ·Feb 24, 2026Commencing on the north boundary line of said Northeast Quarter of Northwest Quarter (NE 1/4 of NW 1/4) of said Section

• Some of the changes that were requested in the last meeting were incorporated in this revised concept.

  — Grant Rademacher

  What this is about
  Grant Rademacher referred to changes requested at the last meeting that were incorporated into the revised concept.

  p. 6↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Some of the changes that were requested in the last meeting were incorporated in this revised concept.

  Related history

  The records show a partial match. Viking Estates, submitted by Grant Rademacher, was before the city in early 2026 for a 44.04-acre subdivision at the southwest quadrant of Hwy. 47 and CSAH 22, proposed as 14 lots and one outlot. The applications included a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, variance for Lot 1, Block 1, and preliminary plat. The March 10, 2026 packet says the Planning Commission reviewed those applications in February and they were on the March City Council agenda. The records searched do not identify the specific “changes requested” at the prior meeting or show the revised concept in detail. Later status updates say that at the April 14, 2026 meeting packet, Viking Estates had been reviewed by the City Council in March, and by the May 12, 2026 packet the comprehensive plan amendment had been approved by the Metropolitan Council, with final plat review expected at the May Planning Commission meeting. No vote outcome or specific list of requested revisions appears in the search results provided.

  • ·Mar 10, 2026<figure> h Hakanson Anderson </figure> ENGINEERING REVIEW for City of Nowthen by Hakanson Anderson Submitted to: City of
  • ·Feb 24, 2026<figure> h Hakanson Anderson </figure> ENGINEERING REVIEW for City of Nowthen by Hakanson Anderson Submitted to: City of
  • ·May 12, 2026Market Coordinator is allowed on the premise between 1:00pm and 7:00pn during the Farmers Market. b. Farmers Market Trai
  • ·Mar 10, 2026## Description of Request Grant Rademacher has submitted several applications related to the development of property for
  • ·Feb 24, 2026### Description of Request Grant Rademacher has submitted several applications related to the development of property fo

• Also, the City of Nowthen has had other Comprehensive Plan Amendments that have been approved by the City Council - she can think of 2 or 3 that have been approved.

  — Liz Stockman

  What this is about
  Planner Stockman recalled prior Comprehensive Plan amendments approved by the City Council.

  p. 7↗Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)Also, the City of Nowthen has had other Comprehensive Plan Amendments that have been approved by the City Council - she can think of 2 or 3 that have been approved.

  Related history

  The records I searched do not contain a prior City Council decision approving a Comprehensive Plan amendment matching Planner Stockman’s recollection. The search results returned 2026 packet excerpts about procedures for minor subdivisions, lot line adjustments, and when those items must be reviewed by the City Council, but they do not identify any past Comprehensive Plan amendment approvals, meeting dates, vote outcomes, or amendment details.

  • ·Mar 10, 2026describes the minor subdivision. The application shall be considered as being officially submitted and complete when the
  • ·Feb 24, 2026describes the minor subdivision. The application shall be considered as being officially submitted and complete when the
  • ·Feb 24, 2026consent from all owners and interested parties of the property subject to the application. 2\. Filing. A lot line adjust
  • ·Mar 10, 2026<table> <tr> <td colspan="2">A. The City Planner shall either approve, defer or deny the application.</td> </tr> <tr> <t
  • ·Feb 24, 2026<table> <tr> <td colspan="2">A. The City Planner shall either approve, defer or deny the application.</td> </tr> <tr> <t

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

• Document

  Meeting City Council Open House — Minutes (2021-08-23)

  Minutes · Monday, August 23, 2021

  7 pages

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