Nowthen City Council meeting, May 9, 2023

City Council

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 · 6:00 PM

This meeting on the city's website ↗

Agenda

Not on file

What was on the agenda.

Packet

Open PDF ↗

The supporting materials the board reviewed.

Minutes

Open PDF ↗

The official record of what happened.

One-line summary

The council approved the consent agenda, hired recycling and seasonal staff, authorized sale of the 2008 Ford truck and plow, reviewed public safety and road updates, and discussed Fire Protection Council costs and ATV/golf-cart rules.

What was on the agenda

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

1Call to Order
Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the agenda.
Agenda approved as amended to add discussion on ATV, side-by-side, and golf cart vehicles on Nowthen roads.
- agenda approval
- ATV and golf cart regulations
Approved
p. 1p. 1
2Floor Item
Floor items.
No floor items were presented.
- floor items
No action
p. 1p. 1
3Consent Agenda
Approval of consent agenda.
The council accepted the consent agenda as presented, which covered the April 11 minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Lori Yager's first-quarter financial report, and Amy Hanson's resignation letter.
Consent agenda accepted as presented.
- consent agenda
Approved
p. 2p. 1
3.aApproval of April 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of Regular Meeting April 11, 2023.
The council accepted the consent agenda as presented, which covered the April 11 minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Lori Yager's first-quarter financial report, and Amy Hanson's resignation letter.
Approved under the consent agenda.
- minutes approval
- consent agenda
Consent calendar
p. 2p. 1
3.bApproval of Claims and Treasurer's Report
Approval of claims April 12-May 5, 2023, and Treasurer's Report.
The council accepted the consent agenda as presented, which covered the April 11 minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Lori Yager's first-quarter financial report, and Amy Hanson's resignation letter.
Approved under the consent agenda.
- claims
- treasurer report
- consent agenda
Consent calendar
p. 1p. 1
3.cApproval of First Quarter 2023 Financial Report
Approval of First Quarter 2023 Financial Report from RTY Consulting, Lori Yager.
The council accepted the consent agenda as presented, which covered the April 11 minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Lori Yager's first-quarter financial report, and Amy Hanson's resignation letter.
Approved under the consent agenda.
- financial report
- consent agenda
Consent calendar
p. 1p. 1
3.dAccept Amy Hanson's Resignation Letter
Accept Amy Hanson's resignation letter.
The council accepted the consent agenda as presented, which covered the April 11 minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Lori Yager's first-quarter financial report, and Amy Hanson's resignation letter.
Accepted under the consent agenda.
- resignation
- consent agenda
Consent calendar
p. 1p. 18p. 1
4Engineering
Engineering department report.
No engineering department item was presented.
- engineering
No action
p. 2p. 1
5Introduction of Newer City Staff
Introduction of newer city staff.
Administrator Lehner introduced Madeline Greenberg as the regular part-time Administrative Assistant and Donna Ogdahl as the new Front Counter Administrative Assistant replacing Adrienne Christensen.
Madeline Greenberg and Donna Ogdahl were introduced; no action was taken.
- city staff
Discussion only
p. 1
6Fire Department
Fire Department report.
The Fire Department and Sheriff's Department gave April activity reports, including 24 fire incidents, 146 sheriff calls for service, notable emergency calls, Bar None calls, and discussion of speeding, pursuits, and Axon Fleet 3 technology.
Fire Department report was received; no council action was recorded.
- fire department
- public safety
Discussion only
p. 1p. 2
7Sheriff's Department
Sheriff's Department report.
The Fire Department and Sheriff's Department gave April activity reports, including 24 fire incidents, 146 sheriff calls for service, notable emergency calls, Bar None calls, and discussion of speeding, pursuits, and Axon Fleet 3 technology.
Sheriff's Department report was received and discussed; no council action was recorded.
- sheriff
- public safety
Discussion only
p. 1p. 3
8Planning and Zoning
Planning and zoning.
No planning and zoning item was presented.
- planning and zoning
No action
p. 4p. 4
9.aSeasonal Help and Recycling Attendant Update
Seasonal help and recycling attendant update.
After the personnel committee interviewed candidates, the council authorized Administrator Lehner to hire Don Philipps as recycling attendant, Rose Fredell for seasonal parks, and Isaac Schulz for seasonal public works once remaining details were resolved.
Council authorized the administrator to hire the recommended recycling attendant and seasonal staff.
- recycling center
- seasonal hiring
- public works
- parks
Approved
p. 1p. 5
9.bAuthorization to Sell the 2008 Ford 1-ton with Plow
Authorization to sell the 2008 Ford 1-ton with plow.
The council declared the 2008 Ford 1-ton truck and plow excess inventory and authorized Administrator Lehner to post them for sale together, with price to be determined by Kelly Blue Book.
Council declared the truck and plow excess inventory and authorized posting them for sale as a package deal.
- truck sale
- public works equipment
Approved
p. 1p. 5
9.cCapital Improvement Meeting Update, Schedule a Work Session
Capital improvement meeting update and scheduling of a work session.
Staff reported that a preliminary capital improvement plan had been prepared and that Bergen KDV had begun the annual city audit, with audit results expected at the June council meeting.
A meeting was to be scheduled to refine the preliminary CIP before a recommendation is brought back to council.
- capital improvement plan
Discussion only
p. 1p. 5
9.dAnnual Audit Started Monday, May 8
Annual audit started Monday, May 8.
Staff reported that a preliminary capital improvement plan had been prepared and that Bergen KDV had begun the annual city audit, with audit results expected at the June council meeting.
Audit work had started and results were expected at the June council meeting.
- audit
Discussion only
p. 1p. 5
9.eNew Position Update
New position update.
This item was covered during the earlier staffing discussion.
- staffing
Discussion only
p. 4p. 5
9.fUpdate on Crack Sealing Roads
Update on crack sealing roads.
Staff reported that crack sealing had started in the Rogers Lake area, pothole work had begun internally, and dust-control work would cover 10 of the city's 25 miles of dirt roads based on traffic, speed, and road type.
Staff reported crack sealing had started in the Rogers Lake area and explained how roads were selected.
- road maintenance
- crack sealing
Discussion only
p. 1p. 5
9.gUpdate on Dust Control for Specific Gravel Roads
Update on dust control for specific gravel roads.
Staff reported that crack sealing had started in the Rogers Lake area, pothole work had begun internally, and dust-control work would cover 10 of the city's 25 miles of dirt roads based on traffic, speed, and road type.
Staff explained the dust-control plan and the basis for selecting gravel roads.
- road maintenance
- dust control
Discussion only
p. 1p. 6
9.hUpdate Regarding Culvert on Xenon Street
Update regarding culvert on Xenon Street.
Staff reported multiple bids for replacing the deteriorated Xenon Street culvert, with steel and concrete options and estimated costs ranging from $50,000 to $93,000; staff was also looking into whether two culverts could qualify as a bridge for possible county grants.
Staff reported bids had been received and more information was being gathered before returning to council.
- Xenon Street culvert
- capital project
Discussion only
p. 1p. 6
9.iRecycling Day - May 20
Recycling Day on May 20.
Staff reminded the council that Spring Recycling Day would be held May 20 and invited council members to attend and meet residents and staff.
Staff invited council members to participate in the May 20 Spring Recycling Day.
- recycling day
Discussion only
p. 5p. 6
10.aOld Business
Old business.
No old business was presented.
- old business
No action
p. 1p. 6
10.b.1Anoka County Fire Protection Council Update
Anoka County Fire Protection Council update.
Mayor Pilon reported that the Anoka County Fire Protection Council approved a different cost allocation for a Public Data System, causing much larger increases for smaller cities, and he asked for elected officials to have a role in finance recommendations and for earlier delivery of budget materials.
Mayor Pilon reported on the Fire Protection Council vote and cost-allocation concerns; no city council action was recorded.
- Anoka County Fire Protection Council
- public safety data system
Discussion only
p. 1p. 6
10.b.2ATV / Golf Cart Regulations in the City of Nowthen
Discussion added by amendment on ATV, side-by-side, and golf cart vehicles on Nowthen roads.
After residents contacted Council Members Alders and Fladebo, the council discussed local rules for golf carts and ATVs on roads and directed staff to review the ordinance, state law information, and accident data before returning with any recommended changes.
Staff was directed to review the ordinance and related information and bring back a recommendation if changes are needed.
- ATV and golf cart regulations
- city ordinance
Discussion only
p. 1p. 6
10.cItems Moved from Consent Agenda
Items moved from consent agenda, if needed.
No items were moved from the consent agenda.
- consent agenda
No action
p. 1p. 1
11Adjourn
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:57 pm.
- adjournment
Approved
p. 1p. 7

Motions and votes

5 motions on the record.

M-1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
moved by BREYEN, seconded by RAINVILLE
Passed
- YPilon
- YRainville
- YBreyen
- YFladebo
- YAlders
p. 1p. 1
M-2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
Exact transcript text
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
moved by RAINVILLE, seconded by BREYEN
Passed
- YPilon
- YRainville
- YBreyen
- YFladebo
- YAlders
p. 1p. 1
M-3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO AUTHORIZE ADMINISTRATOR LEHNER TO HIRE DON PHILIPPS AS THE NEWEST RECYCLING ATTENDANT, ROSE FREDELL, AS SEASONAL PARKS AND ISAAC SCHULZ AS SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS ONCE DETAILS ARE WORKED OUT TO START AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Exact transcript text
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO AUTHORIZE ADMINISTRATOR LEHNER TO HIRE DON PHILIPPS AS THE NEWEST RECYCLING ATTENDANT, ROSE FREDELL, AS SEASONAL PARKS AND ISAAC SCHULZ AS SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS ONCE DETAILS ARE WORKED OUT TO START AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
moved by BREYEN, seconded by ALDERS
Passed
- YPilon
- YRainville
- YBreyen
- YFladebo
- YAlders
p. 1p. 5
M-4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO DECLARE THE 2008 FORD 1-TON TRUCK AND PLOW AS EXCESS INVENTORY AND AUTHORIZE ADMINISTRATOR LEHNER TO POST THE TRUCK AND PLOW FOR SALE AS A PACKAGE DEAL, PRICE WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE KELLY BLUE BOOK.
Exact transcript text
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO DECLARE THE 2008 FORD 1-TON TRUCK AND PLOW AS EXCESS INVENTORY AND AUTHORIZE ADMINISTRATOR LEHNER TO POST THE TRUCK AND PLOW FOR SALE AS A PACKAGE DEAL, PRICE WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE KELLY BLUE BOOK.
moved by RAINVILLE, seconded by ALDERS
Passed
- YPilon
- YRainville
- YBreyen
- YFladebo
- YAlders
p. 1p. 5
M-5MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO ADJOURN.
moved by BREYEN, seconded by RAINVILLE
Outcome unrecorded
p. 7

Dollar amounts in motions

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.

FIN-3
$399,679
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 8
FIN-4
$2,132,595
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 8
FIN-6
-$203,690
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 8
FIN-7
$3,281,888
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 14
FIN-8
$1,077,190
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 14
FIN-10
$22,118
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 15
FIN-11
-$18,459
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 15
FIN-12
$20,661
Motion MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(5 AYES)
p. 15

Prior history on this business

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

Council Member Rainville also reminded everyone that our city engineer has stated it is important to maintain the newer roads in order to prolong the life of the road.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
Prior guidance from the city engineer on maintaining newer roads through crack sealing.
p. 5
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior discussion or decision matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection about the city engineer advising that newer roads should be maintained with crack sealing to prolong their life. The results only show unrelated items involving Council Member Rainville and meeting attendance records noting Engineer Nelson was present at some meetings; they do not include the road-maintenance guidance or any related vote.
- May 12, 2026MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPOINT MICHAEL HOIUM TO THE PLANNING AND ZON
- Apr 14, 2026MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPOINT MICHAEL HOIUM TO THE PLANNING AND ZON
- Apr 14, 2026Council Member Breyen asked if there was a different category for the budget for this expense, rather than the contingen
- Mar 10, 2026Council Member Breyen asked if there was a different category for the budget for this expense, rather than the contingen
- May 12, 2026## 1. Call To Order Mayor Hybben called the session to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in
Speeds tend to go up in the rural areas and have continued to be a major issue since the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Lt. Jacobson
What this is about
Longstanding speeding concerns in rural areas since the Covid-19 pandemic.
p. 4
Related history
The records show this same concern was discussed at the May 9, 2023 City Council meeting during the Sheriff’s Office report. Lt. Jacobson discussed speeding and high-speed chases, explaining that speeding can be fatal and that deputies may end a chase if the danger to the public is too great, while still using other methods such as drones, State Patrol helicopters, and other tools to identify suspects. The minutes also record his statement that residents should call 911 when they see dangerous drivers and try to get a plate if they can. He specifically noted that speeds “tend to go up in the rural areas” and had “continued to be a major issue since the Covid-19 pandemic.” No formal council vote or action on speeding was recorded in that discussion.
- Jun 13, 2023able to stop and struck the Malibu. The driver of the F150 was cited. The Lieutenant explained the laws regarding the us
- May 9, 2023able to stop and struck the Malibu. The driver of the F150 was cited. The Lieutenant explained the laws regarding the us
- Jun 8, 2021# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2021-23 # A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE CORONAVIRUS LOC
- Aug 10, 2021TITLE OF ISSUE: Firefighter COVID-19 Reimbursement #### BACKGROUND AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: The Nowthen Fire Depart
- Jul 13, 2021## Plymouth remains strong despite COVID-19 impacts While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges, the City
The Mayor and Chief Schmidt did oppose this before the vote and wanted to use the super formula once again, however, they were outvoted.
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Prior Fire Protection Council cost-allocation practice using the super formula.
p. 6
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior Fire Protection Council decision matching this recollection about using the “super formula,” nor do they show a vote where the Mayor and Chief Schmidt opposed the outcome and were outvoted. The only related item found is that at the January 13, 2026 meeting, the City listed Fire Chief Rob Miller as the Anoka County Fire Protection Council representative and Council Member Dan Breyen as alternate; that record does not discuss cost allocation or any “super formula” vote.
- 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
- Jan 13, 2026<table> <tr> <th>Planner:</th> <th>Collaborative Planning LLC</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Prosecuting Attorney:</td> <td>Berglun
- 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
The existing culvert has been there over 30 years and has deteriorated dramatically.
— Administrator Lehner
What this is about
History of the Xenon Street culvert before the proposed replacement.
p. 6
Related history
The records searched do not contain a prior decision specifically about a Xenon Street culvert or a finding that an existing culvert had been in place for more than 30 years and had deteriorated. The closest match is the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project, which included 218th Avenue “from Xenon Street to its terminus.” At the January 13, 2026 meeting, Engineer Nelson presented the feasibility report for that overlay project and described the included roads as about 20 years old with normal pavement degradation; the discussion was about bituminous overlay and repair/patching costs, not a culvert replacement. Later records show the council continued that road project: at the April 14, 2026 meeting, the packet included resolutions approving plans/specifications, ordering advertisement for bids, and setting proposed assessments; a May 12, 2026 amended assessment resolution listed total estimated project costs of $462,800, with $227,840 proposed to be paid by the City, $227,840 assessed to benefited properties, and $81,710 in budgeted road repair costs. Those records relate to road overlay work near Xenon Street, but they do not document the prior history or condition of the Xenon Street culvert itself.
- May 12, 2026## CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX ## AMENDED RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE
- Apr 14, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED A
- Jan 13, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE 20
- Apr 14, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
- Jan 13, 2026NOWTHEN AS FOLLOWS: 1\. The City proposes to undertake the improvements for the 2026 Overlay Project for improvements to

Where this came up before

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

Show a sample of the transcript (761 segments, 1:58:50 total)

0:00 yeah yeah thank you
0:44 anymore who did that mean yeah
1:46 [Music] are you clear there yes yeah
2:08 we're good being in order the
2:19 regular council meeting for the city of malvin May 9 2023 7 pm would you please join us in Pledge of
2:28 Allegiance is
2:51 thank you Mr later would you please call roll you do mayor Pilon present councilmember rain
3:01 Bell president councilmember Elders here Councilman Ryan here and council member Lieutenant Jacobson yes sir
3:12 Chief Dave Schmidt here Deputy clerk Natalie Johnson is here and your team admission
3:22 amen thank you well we'll accept a motion to amend or
3:29 approve the agenda as presented Nancy Lambert oh
3:41 Jason can we have uh the current Baseline foreign all right
Showing first 12 segments. Open the YouTube video for the full transcript.

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?

What was on the agenda

Motions and votes

Dollar amounts in motions

Prior history on this business

Related history

Related history

Related history

Related history

Where this came up before

Sources