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Nowthen City Council Work Session meeting, October 21, 2024

Council Work Session

Monday, October 21, 2024 · 6:00 PM

This meeting on the city's website ↗

Agenda

Open PDF ↗

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

The Council continued work on Phase 2 personnel-policy revisions, amended the agenda to add the project-manager timeline, and voted to keep the project manager through October 30 to finish formatting and agreed changes.

What was on the agenda

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

  1. 1Call to Order / Roll Call / Approve Agenda

    Call to Order, Roll Call, and Approve Agenda.

    The agenda was amended to include a resolution from Administrator Lehner regarding the conclusion of the project manager's timeline, then approved by 4 ayes.

    • meeting-opening
    • amended-agenda
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Agenda (2024-10-21)# 1. Call to Order . Roll Call · Approve Agendap. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-10-21)Mayor Pilon called the session to order at 6:35 p.m. Roll call by Administrator Lehner. Present: Mayor Pilon, Council Members Rainville, Breyen, and Alders. Not Present: Council Member Fladebop. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-10-21)MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
  2. 1AAdded resolution regarding project manager timeline

    Added item on the project manager timeline after the agenda was amended.

    After adding the project-manager timeline item to the agenda, Council first discussed a proposed October 25 end date, then pulled that motion after concern that the project manager had not been given advance notice and needed time to incorporate the night’s changes and format the document. Council then carried a motion to continue the project manager through October 30 to prepare a formatted draft of approved changes and a separate list of remaining items.

    The Council ultimately carried a motion to continue the project manager through October 30 for the agreed changes and formatting, after an earlier motion for an October 25 end date was pulled.

    • project-manager-timeline
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-10-21)Council member Rainville moved to include the resolution from Administrator Lehner in regards to the conclusion of the project manager's timeline2:33:09so we have a motion to uh continue through the 30th and to to make the changes we agreed to tonight and the formatting uh to this point we have a motion to that effect so move counc second that and we have a motion a second any other discussion seeing and hearing none all those in favor they're signified by saying I I …
  3. 2Personnel Phase 2 Continued

    Personnel Phase 2 Continued.

    The Council continued line-by-line work on the draft personnel policy, using League of Minnesota Cities and state-law language as the main source for changes. The discussion covered scope, recruitment and selection, background and credit checks, CDL and drug-testing issues, demotion language, motor-vehicle checks, resignation, layoff language, retirement, attendance, severe weather, PTO rollover, ESST, job-related injury, military and other leave sections, pregnancy and parenting leave, travel reimbursement, and related draft policy line items. The Council stopped before the Conduct section, leaving final attorney review and final policy approval for a later meeting.

    The Council revisited the PTO carryover language and discussed replacing the existing 40-hour rollover language with a 200-hour rollover cap, while preserving administrator flexibility for extenuating circumstances such as snow removal or elections. The transcript records the group settling on 200 hours with an additional 40 hours of rollover allowed in extenuating circumstances, with the understanding that the city should still manage PTO down and may revisit the issue later.

    The Council discussed whether non-DOT employees should be subject to drug and alcohol testing and agreed the section needed more review because state rules had changed and the city needed to define what kind of accident would trigger testing. Administrator Lehner also reported information from the State Patrol that the city’s smaller trucks do not require a CDL unless the vehicle and trailer combination exceeds 26,000 pounds, while larger plow trucks do.

    The Council worked through draft personnel-policy sections and stopped at the Conduct section; final policy approval was not taken at this work session.

    • personnel-policy-phase-2
    Discussion only
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Agenda (2024-10-21)# 2. Personnel Phase 2 Continuedp. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-10-21)Project Manager Hirschboeck will be taking notes and updating the working policy in real time on the presentation. The changes are primarily from the LMC or state. Anything in the draft that is gray - is added to the policy. Anything that is lined through is stricken. The goal is to discuss and not have to go back thro…2:18:45all right the next is on that same page under conduct Mr Mayor it's 9:00 this is a big section I say this is a good stopping point all right all right call it
  4. 3Adjourn

    Adjourn.

    The transcript records an adjournment motion and second, but the final words are garbled.

    • adjournment
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Agenda (2024-10-21)3\. Adjourn2:31:17I I opposed motion carries and then Mr Mayor what I would like to do is provide a policy of everything that has been approved to date in one draft to policy and then a separate document of all remaining items that had did not get a chance to be discussed2:31:25hey to Jour second we journ we need tape we need like 16 don't no way

Motions and votes

3 motions on the record.

  • M1MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA.

    moved by Rainville

    Passed

    4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-10-21)Council member Rainville moved to include the resolution from Administrator Lehner in regards to the conclusion of the project manager's timeline MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.1:31with that Amendment do we have any anything else hearing that all those in favor of the uh agenda as amended sign but signify by saying I I I I opposed motion carries
  • M2Continue through the 30th and to make the changes we agreed to tonight and the formatting to this point.

    Exact transcript text

    continue through the 30th and to to make the changes we agreed to tonight and the formatting uh to this point

    Passed

    I I I opposed motion carries

    2:33:09so we have a motion to uh continue through the 30th and to to make the changes we agreed to tonight and the formatting uh to this point we have a motion to that effect so move counc second that and we have a motion a second any other discussion seeing and hearing none all those in favor they're signified by saying I I …2:32:07no I will pull my motion okay and so we have a motion to uh continue through the 30th and to to make the changes we agreed to tonight and the formatting uh to this point
  • M3Approve the request for Council action which is the staff recommendation and to ensure we don't get ourselves into a situation where we run out of time to end the project manager andl with the city that it would be last day would be Friday October 25th.

    Exact transcript text

    approve the request for Council action which is the staff recommendation and to ensure we don't get ourselves into a situation where we run out of time to end the project manager andl with the city that it would be uh last day would be Friday October 25th

    moved by Rainville

    Withdrawn

    Motion was pulled before a vote.

    2:19:38I would move that we approve the request for Council action which is the staff recommendation and to ensure we don't get ourselves into a situation where we run out of time to end the project manager andl with the city that it would be uh last day would be Friday October 25th second2:31:56so do we having a um so Mary do you want to amend your motion no I will pull my motion

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.

  • Council discussion described finishing the project-manager work at the current $35 per hour rather than later paying a higher outside rate.

    $35

    Motion continue through the 30th and to to make the changes we agreed to tonight and the formatting uh to this point Passed(I I I opposed motion carries)
    2:27:18but if we're gonna pay somebody a couple hundred dollars an hour to do this what we're paying $35 an hour for now we can make that decision too

Prior history on this business

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

  • we had discussed making it more clear that paid on call Firefighters are exempt from this policy

    What this is about
    Prior discussion about whether paid-on-call firefighters should be excluded from the personnel policy and whether their separate policy should be reviewed.

    2:58we had discussed making it more clear that paid on call Firefighters are exempt from this policy um so I would suggest having it be volunteers as one bullet point and then a separate bullet point that says paid on call firefighter

    Related history

    The records searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about exempting paid-on-call firefighters from the personnel policy or reviewing a separate firefighter policy. The only fire-related match in these results is the April 14, 2026 packet, which includes a Fire Chief monthly update about calls, training, staffing, and new firefighters. It does not discuss the personnel policy, paid-on-call firefighter exemptions, or any formal council action on a separate firefighter policy.

    • Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
    • Apr 14, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## Fire Chief Council Update 4.14.2026 Monthly Calls-March 2026 37 total calls 5-Structure Fir
    • 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
    • May 12, 2026required or authorized by law or court rule in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceedi
  • things that were added based on our last discussion which was in August

    What this is about
    Prior August discussion on recruitment and selection language, especially the former Personnel Committee terminology.

    4:47okay next item um things that were added based on our last discussion which was in August so the next item is on page 13

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior August discussion or decision matching this recollection about recruitment and selection language or the former “Personnel Committee” terminology. The only August-related item in the results is the January 13, 2026 meeting-date schedule noting that the August 2026 Council meeting date was still to be determined because of the election; it does not address personnel policies or recruitment language. Based on these search results, I cannot confirm what was added after the August discussion or whether Council gave direction on that wording.

    • May 12, 2026required or authorized by law or court rule in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceedi
    • Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
    • Mar 10, 2026Council. Administrative Assistant Stoeckel spoke with Sterling Trophy, which has been used several times within the last
    • Apr 14, 2026### environment that is used only for the storage of regulated products. All regulated cannabis plants and products will
    • Mar 24, 2026### environment that is used only for the storage of regulated products. All regulated cannabis plants and products will
  • we did have somebody plowing for us that maybe didn't have a license at one point and uh we we weren't checking at that time and and they got in an accident

    What this is about
    A past city experience with a plow driver possibly not having a license, used to explain the need for motor-vehicle record checks.

    32:47I think it's reasonable because we we did have somebody plowing for us that maybe didn't have a license at one point and uh we we weren't checking at that time and and they got in an accident

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or incident report matching the recollection of a city plow driver possibly lacking a license and getting into an accident. The closest related records are policy/background materials: the March 10, 2026 packet included sections on driver drug and alcohol testing, including post-accident testing and CDL Clearinghouse reporting, and the May 12, 2026 packet included language about access to Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services data and required transaction logs. Those materials relate to driver compliance and record-checking, but they do not document the specific plowing incident described or a formal council action tied to it.

    • Mar 10, 2026### Controlled Substance Testing. The City will use a "split urine specimen" collection procedure for controlled substan
    • Mar 10, 2026No applicant or driver may refuse to submit to pre-employment, post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion or follow-up
    • Apr 28, 2026system that records activity when motion is detected. A fenced outdoor courtyard is also available, providing a secure s
    • Apr 14, 2026So, on buildings like the bathrooms, I would say it would be unnecessary as you can set the door schedules and see force
    • Mar 10, 2026in writing and signed by the supervisor who made the observations. The record will be retained by the City. The person w
  • we previously agreed to the 00 hours

    What this is about
    Prior Council resolution or agreement setting PTO rollover at 200 hours.

    1:10:13so but we we previously agreed to the 00 hours so so leave it as employees May roll over up to 200 hours 25 days

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior Council resolution or agreement matching the recollection that PTO rollover was set at 200 hours. The search results returned references to development agreements, subdivision conditions, financial securities, wetlands, and related land-use approvals from 2025–2026, but nothing about employee PTO, personnel policy, or a 200-hour rollover cap.

    • 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
    • Mar 10, 20267\. All comments contained within the City Engineer memo from Hakanson Anderson dated February 13, 2026, the memo from C
    • Mar 24, 202621\. The Subject Property shall be final platted in one phase. Prior to the release of the Final Plat for recording, a D
    • Mar 10, 2026Agreement in an effort to prevent, reduce or otherwise mitigate such irreparable harm or safety hazard, provided that th
  • I thought we talked about that too and that we maybe that's something we to BR back then I thought we said uh was it cuz if I send someone to St Cloud they may not make it or when we went down to the clerk's conference in Minneapolis

    What this is about
    Prior weather-related travel experience involving Shanny and whether overnight lodging should be allowed near the Twin Cities or within 75 miles.

    2:08:00I thought we talked about that too and that we maybe that's something we to BR back then I thought we said uh was it cuz if I send someone to St Cloud they may not make it or when we went down to the clerk's conference in Minneapolis

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about weather-related travel, Shanny, St. Cloud, a clerk’s conference in Minneapolis, or allowing overnight lodging near the Twin Cities/within 75 miles. The only search hits mentioning the Twin Cities or Minneapolis were unrelated items in 2026 packets, such as attorney biographies and an application referencing work or service in Minneapolis/Twin Cities. They do not show a council discussion or vote on travel lodging policy.

    • Feb 10, 2026Paul is a strong believer in fairness and equal access to the courts. He is a founder and member of the Board of Directo
    • Apr 14, 2026## EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 3\. Describe your educational background. Organizational Administration degree program at No
    • Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
    • Feb 10, 2026to draft and edit legal documents, negotiate offers, and support trial preparation highlights his preparedness to work c
    • Sep 23, 2025Option A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable t
  • I also know that the PTO is used as an individual short-term disability at least that's what was brought up in the past

    What this is about
    Prior discussion of PTO as an informal short-term disability buffer before short-term disability coverage starts.

    1:12:10I also know that the PTO is used as an individual short-term disability at least that's what was brought up in the past so no but we we offer short-term disability now but in the past that was part of the reason why that was there

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior discussion or decision matching this recollection about PTO being used as an informal short-term disability buffer before short-term disability coverage starts. The search results returned unrelated planning, subdivision, wetland buffer, septic, cannabis, and plat approval materials from 2025–2026, not personnel benefits or leave policy records. Based on these results, I cannot confirm from the provided records that Council previously discussed PTO serving as short-term disability coverage or a waiting-period bridge.

    • 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
    • Apr 14, 2026DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the City Council approves the Final Plat for Pal

Where this came up before

  1. Dec 23, 2025
    City Meeting

    DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the Minor Subdivision subject to the following conditions: 1\.

    DocDECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the Minor Subdivision subject to the following conditions: 1\.
  2. Apr 14, 2026
    City Meeting

    CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## Fire Chief Council Update 4.14.2026 Monthly Calls-March 2026 37 total calls 5-Structure Fires (2-Nowthen and 3 Mutual aid) 5-Fire Alarms 16-Medicals 4-Grass Fires 3-Person

    DocCITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## Fire Chief Council Update 4.14.2026 Monthly Calls-March 2026 37 total calls 5-Structure Fires (2-Nowthen and 3 Mutual aid) 5-Fire Alarms 16-Medicals 4-Grass Fires 3-Personal Injury Accident 1-Explosio
  3. Apr 14, 2026
    City Meeting

    6\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area as shown on the Site Layout. All cultivation shall occur not less than 200

    Doc6\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area as shown on the Site Layout. All cultivation shall occur not less than 200
  4. Mar 24, 2026
    City Meeting

    5\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the future, these activities may not be commenced or undertaken under this Interi

    Doc5\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the future, these activities may not be commenced or undertaken under this Interi
  5. May 12, 2026
    City Meeting

    required or authorized by law or court rule in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any Federal, State, or local court or agency or before any self-regu

    Docrequired or authorized by law or court rule in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any Federal, State, or local court or agency or before any self-regu

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

Show a sample of the transcript (963 segments, 2:31:37 total)
  • 0:00 it picks up really well all right so we'll call this uh work session to order September I'm
  • 0:09 sorry October 21st uh 2024 6:35
  • 0:16 p.m. and this is a uh hopefully a wrap up on the Personnel phase two policy so call the meeting to order and
  • 0:28 please call roll Scott here mayor Pon present council member Angel present council member Alders here council
  • 0:36 member Brian here council member flatable anybody know I don't know the status anyway nothing
  • 0:44 okay uh project manager jenevie hbot here Deputy clerk Natalie Johnson here and your city administrator Scott lner's
  • 0:52 president rooll call is taken sir thank you we approve or amend the agenda we have an addition to it that's
  • 1:07 the addition to there isn't an agenda agenda but I just put together something there to discuss tonight since we want to have discussions with an RCA and I
  • 1:17 put a resolution with it on top of the so I would move that we include the resolution from City administrator laner
  • 1:24 in regards to uh the conclusion of the project manager's timeline the city all right with that Amendment do we
  • 1:35 have any anything else hearing that all those in favor of
  • 1:44 the uh agenda as amended sign but signify by saying I I I
  • 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?