Nowthen City Council Work Session meeting, October 7, 2021

Council Work Session

Thursday, October 7, 2021 · 6:00 PM

This meeting on the city's website ↗

Agenda

Not on file

What was on the agenda.

Packet

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The supporting materials the board reviewed.

Minutes

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The official record of what happened.

One-line summary

Council amended the work-session agenda, reviewed the Cote invoice, accepted City Clerk Lori Streich’s resignation, discussed accessory-building ordinance language, reviewed planning-fee comparisons and development-process checklists, and adjourned at 8:02 PM.

What was on the agenda

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

1Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Approve Agenda
Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the agenda.
The Council amended the work-session agenda before taking up business. Planning and Zoning items 3.a, 3.b, and 3.c were removed from that night’s discussion, item 3.i was moved to the top, and items 3.e and 3.h were also removed for later City Council discussion.
The agenda was amended to remove items 3.a, 3.b, 3.c, 3.e, and 3.h from discussion that night and move item 3.i to the top.
- agenda approval
Approved
p. 1p. 1
2City Clerk Resignation
Discussion and action on City Clerk Lori Streich's resignation.
The Council accepted City Clerk Lori Streich’s resignation and removed the item from the October 12 agenda. The City Attorney explained why he was present, warned Council not to discuss employee-performance details in open session, and advised that Council should begin planning for an interim administrator or hiring process soon.
Council accepted the resignation and removed the item from the October 12 agenda.
- city clerk resignation
Approved
p. 2p. 2
3.aDryden, 6660 and 6700 Viking Boulevard
Dryden, 6660 and 6700 Viking Boulevard: Dryden Acres Plat; CUP for deferral of street paving requirements; variances for lot width and driveway setback to lot line; amended 2001 CUP for updated conditions.
Removed from the work-session discussion and left for the October 12 City Council meeting.
- Dryden Acres
Continued
p. 1p. 1
3.bWard, 6789 Old Viking Blvd, Lot Split
Ward, 6789 Old Viking Blvd, lot split.
Removed from the work-session discussion and left for the October 12 City Council meeting.
- Ward lot split
Continued
p. 1p. 1
3.cJones, 6167 Viking Blvd, Interim Use Permit
Jones, 6167 Viking Blvd, interim use permit.
Removed from the work-session discussion and left for the October 12 City Council meeting.
- Jones Primocraft IUP
Continued
p. 1p. 1
3.dOrdinance 2021-04 Accessory Buildings
Ordinance 2021-04 regarding accessory buildings, with clarification or changes.
Council discussed Ordinance 2021-04 language on allowing a smaller accessory structure in a front yard or corner side yard, including setbacks, matching exterior materials, the 800-square-foot concept, and whether to add a separate allowance for small bus shelters at the end of driveways. No final ordinance action was taken at the work session.
Council discussed revisions, including front-yard accessory structures and bus-shelter language, but took no final ordinance action at this work session.
- accessory buildings ordinance
Discussion only
p. 30p. 3p. 3
3.eOrdinance 2021-05 Plumbing Code Incorporated
Ordinance 2021-05 incorporating plumbing code.
Removed from the work-session discussion and left for a City Council meeting discussion.
- plumbing code ordinance
Continued
p. 1p. 1
3.fPlanning Fees in Similar Communities
Planning fees in similar communities.
Council reviewed planning-fee data prepared by staff, including Nowthen’s recent planning-cost averages and comparisons to similar communities. Members discussed using the information to answer resident concerns that development in Nowthen is too expensive and asked for the population and density data to be updated with current census numbers.
Council reviewed fee comparisons and asked that census-related data be updated; no fee change was adopted.
- planning fees
Discussion only
p. 1p. 3
3.gProcess Diagram and Checklists
Development review process diagram and checklists.
Council reviewed new development-process matrices, application schedules, consultant-fee forms, and checklists meant to help applicants understand the land-use and building-permit process. Members suggested clearer wording about when the 60-day review period starts, adding attorney involvement, identifying tasks applicants can do to manage costs, clarifying that Planning and Zoning makes recommendations while Council decides, and having recent applicants or developers test the materials.
Council reviewed the process materials and suggested edits and outside review by recent applicants or developers.
- development review checklists
Discussion only
p. 1p. 3p. 4
3.hPublic Hearing Process
Public hearing process.
Removed from the work-session discussion and left for a City Council meeting discussion.
- public hearing process
Continued
p. 1p. 1
3.iCote Invoice
Cote invoice.
Council reviewed a proposed $282.50 Cote zoning-application invoice tied to Hakanson Anderson charges. Staff explained which charges had already been paid and which were believed still unpaid, and Council agreed that staff should confirm with Hakanson Anderson that the May 10 and May 11 charges were not double billed before sending the statement.
Council directed staff to confirm with Hakanson Anderson that the charges were not double billed before sending the invoice.
- Cote invoice
Discussion only
p. 76p. 1p. 1
4Adjourn
Adjournment.
The work session adjourned at 8:02 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM.
- adjournment
Approved
p. 1p. 4

Motions and votes

3 motions on the record.

M1MOTION BY PILON TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA; 2ND BY RAINVILLE. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by Pilon, seconded by Rainville
Passed
- YPilon
- YBlake
- YGreenberg
- YRainville
- ·Alders
p. 1p. 1
M2RAINVILLE MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF THE CITY CLERK, LORI STREICH, AND IF APPROVED, THEN THE ITEM BE REMOVED FROM THE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021 AGENDA; 2ND BY PILON. ALL IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Pilon
Passed
- YPilon
- YBlake
- YGreenberg
- YRainville
- ·Alders
p. 2p. 1
M3RAINVILLE MADE THE MOTION TO ADJOURN; 2ND BY BLAKE. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:02 PM.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Blake
Passed
- YPilon
- YBlake
- YGreenberg
- YRainville
- ·Alders
p. 4p. 1

Prior history on this business

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

there was a day and years past where we would take tuesday meeting items and discuss them on thursday make adjustments and then vote on them on tuesday two problems with that was one if there were a lot of changes staff had to scramble to get all the changes done before the tuesday meeting get them back to us if there weren't any changes the residents who were there on tuesday said how did you get to that decision because we never heard any of the discussion so we decided not to do that anymore
— Pilon
What this is about
Past practice of discussing regular-meeting Planning and Zoning items at work sessions, and why Council stopped doing that.
0:57
Related history
The records searched do not contain a prior Council decision matching Council Member Pilon’s recollection that the City stopped the practice of discussing regular-meeting Planning and Zoning items at Thursday work sessions and then voting the following Tuesday. There is a related but only partial match in the Planning and Zoning Commission policy included in the February 10, 2026 packet. That policy, noted as adopted by Council on March 11, 2025, emphasizes that agendas serve as the public’s guide to what will be considered and when public comment may be made, and that minutes are the official record of deliberations and votes. Those provisions are consistent with the concern described, but the search results do not show a specific Council discussion, vote, or date when the prior work-session practice was ended.
- Feb 10, 2026### SECTION 11. AGENDA AND DEADLINE FOR AGENDA A. Purpose. The agenda of a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting serves
- Feb 10, 2026## RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX ### A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION POLICY WHEREAS, The Planning and
- Feb 10, 2026Roll Call 3\. Meeting Policy read 4\. Approve/Amend Meeting Agenda 5\. Approve/Amend Meeting Minutes of the Preceding Me
- Feb 10, 2026### SECTION 12. MINUTES A. Purpose. The minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission's meetings represent the official
- Feb 10, 2026C. The applicant (if any) may make a presentation or report on the subject matter for the hearing. d. The presiding offi
The last time the Council was in this situation, the City had to use the services of an interim administrator.
— Ruppe
What this is about
Prior City Clerk vacancy and use of an interim administrator around 2018-2019.
p. 2
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about a City Clerk vacancy in 2018–2019 or the City using an interim administrator at that time. The search results returned recent 2026 materials involving current City Clerk duties, payroll services, wage study/salary data, and attorney/reference documents, but they do not show a 2018–2019 vacancy, appointment, contract, or vote authorizing interim administrator services.
- Apr 14, 2026## Municipal Services and Operations Several operational priorities were discussed: Seasonal Employee Hiring: The counci
- Mar 23, 2026### Municipal Services and Operations Several operational priorities were discussed: Seasonal Employee Hiring: The counc
- Apr 14, 2026## Regional Salary Survey Data Source: MN Local Governments Salary & Benefits Survey (Knowledge Now / Gallagher). Assist
- Mar 10, 2026### F. REVIEW AND NOTIFICATION OF TEST RESULTS #### 1. Notification of Negative Test Results: In the case of job applica
- Feb 10, 2026## CITY & GOVERNMENT CLIENTS - CONTACT INFORMATION <table> <tr> <th>Public Sector Client</th> <th>Prosecution Services</
Pilon explained that last time this happened a few years ago (2018-19), the City engaged the services of an Interim Administrator from a list provided by the League of MN Cities (LMC). A hiring committee was selected to work with the Interim to find a replacement for City Clerk.
— Pilon
What this is about
Prior City Clerk hiring process and committee process from a few years earlier.
p. 2
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior 2018–2019 decision matching this recollection. I did not find minutes or packet material showing the City engaged an interim administrator from a League of Minnesota Cities list, nor a recorded council action appointing a hiring committee to work with that interim administrator on a City Clerk replacement. The search results only show more recent, general staffing-related materials from 2026, such as wage study discussions and hiring policy references, but they do not document the earlier City Clerk hiring process Pilon described.
- Apr 14, 2026## Municipal Services and Operations Several operational priorities were discussed: Seasonal Employee Hiring: The counci
- Mar 23, 2026### Municipal Services and Operations Several operational priorities were discussed: Seasonal Employee Hiring: The counc
- Mar 10, 2026### F. REVIEW AND NOTIFICATION OF TEST RESULTS #### 1. Notification of Negative Test Results: In the case of job applica
- Apr 14, 2026## Regional Salary Survey Data Source: MN Local Governments Salary & Benefits Survey (Knowledge Now / Gallagher). Assist
- Feb 10, 2026### City References: <table> <tr> <th>Natalie Johnson</th> <th>Michelle Peterson</th> <th>Joan Heinen</th> </tr> <tr> <t
Planner Stockman stated that at some point in the past the intention was to allow a smaller accessory structure closer to the road.
— Stockman
What this is about
Prior intent behind accessory-building ordinance language allowing smaller structures closer to the road.
p. 3
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior discussion or decision matching this recollection about accessory-building ordinance language allowing smaller structures closer to the road. The search results returned 2026 packet materials about lot line adjustments, lot consolidations, and minor subdivisions, including City Planner review procedures, but they do not address accessory structures, setbacks from roads, or the intent behind any accessory-building size distinction.
- 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 10, 2026D. The lot line adjustment shall result in lots that meet the minimum dimensional requirements for the zoning district i
- Feb 24, 2026D. The lot line adjustment shall result in lots that meet the minimum dimensional requirements for the zoning district i
- Mar 10, 2026<table> <tr> <td colspan="2">A. The City Planner shall either approve, defer or deny the application.</td> </tr> <tr> <t
when we were codifying the ordinances previously we were looking at if you find yourself getting variance requests regularly you should go back and look at your ordinances and say why
— Pilon
What this is about
Past ordinance-codification practice of revisiting standards that produce repeated variance requests.
1:01:12
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching the recollection that, during ordinance codification, the City adopted or discussed a practice of revisiting ordinance standards when the same type of variance request keeps coming up. There is a partial related match in the February 24, 2026 packet: it quotes the City Code’s variance review criteria in Section 11-11-2.C, including the “practical difficulties” standard and the required findings for approving a variance. That record shows how variances are evaluated, but it does not document a broader codification discussion or a formal policy directing the City to amend ordinances when repeated variances occur.
- May 12, 2026# City of Nowthen Financial Analysis The following pages provide graphic representation of select data pertaining to the
- Apr 14, 2026plans to park at the back of a building area to be demolished. The equipment would include nine machines and two trailer
- Mar 10, 2026plans to park at the back of a building area to be demolished. The equipment would include nine machines and two trailer
- Feb 10, 2026## MEET THE TEAM WHO WILL SERVE THE CITY Our Attorneys Kurt B. Glaser. Kurt serves as the Lead Prosecutor for Nowthen, H
- Feb 10, 2026Scott lives in Ramsey and is a graduate of Anoka High School where he met his wife of 33 years. They have three children
you had asked if cities have a checklist because liz was putting together a checklist you were requiring her to create a checklist
— Lorensen
What this is about
Prior Council direction to create development-review checklists.
1:10:59
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior Council decision or direction matching the recollection that Liz was required to create development-review checklists, or that Council formally asked staff to prepare such checklists. The search results do show several recent development-review items with detailed conditions of approval, including minor subdivisions and plats at the September 23, 2025, December 23, 2025, March 10, 2026, March 24, 2026, and April 14, 2026 meetings. Those records include required items such as septic review, wetland buffers, engineer/planner comments, developer agreements, fees, and recording conditions, but they do not show a recorded vote or Council direction specifically establishing a checklist process.
- Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
- Sep 23, 2025Option A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable t
- Apr 14, 20266\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area a
- Mar 24, 20265\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the fut
- Mar 10, 2026### 3. Septic Review Timing A full soils investigation and septic testing report has already been completed by a certifi

Where this came up before

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

Show a sample of the transcript (774 segments, 2:02:47 total)

0:01 i pledge allegiance to the flag from the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands one nation
0:10 under god indivisible with liberty and justice for all and lisa would you uh call roll please
0:25 present [Music]
0:39 all right so as uh as i talked with uh planner stockman earlier and i just
0:47 talked with with lisa the items that are on the agenda for tonight that are pnz items
0:57 3.3 a 3b and 3c there was a day and years past where we would take tuesday meeting items
1:07 and discuss them on thursday make adjustments and then vote on them on tuesday two problems with that was one if there were a lot of changes staff had
1:16 to scramble to get all the changes done before the tuesday meeting get them back to us if there weren't any changes the residents who were there on tuesday said how did you get to that decision because we never heard any of the
1:26 discussion so we decided not to do that anymore and stick to items that
1:37 we have been trying to get to that take a little longer and tie up the council meeting so work sessions are typically that technically this is a
1:46 a council meeting work sessions are council meetings so voting is allowed but we typically have tried to keep these this year to
1:55 items that need uh more attention we have a work session coming up in november i believe it's the fifth and then we'll be
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What was on the agenda

Motions and votes

Prior history on this business

Related history

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Related history

Related history

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Where this came up before

Sources