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Nowthen City Council Work Session meeting, December 2, 2024

Council Work Session

Monday, December 2, 2024 · 6:00 PM

This meeting on the city's website ↗

Agenda

Open PDF ↗

What was on the agenda.

Packet

Not on file

The supporting materials the board reviewed.

Minutes

Open PDF ↗

The official record of what happened.

One-line summary

The Council accepted CM Fladebo's resignation, declared a council vacancy and ordered research on filling it, then discussed interim Administrator coverage and authorized Attorney Ruppe to work with Frank Boyle on a possible interim contract.

What was on the agenda

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

  1. 1Call to Order

    Call to order, roll call, and approval of the agenda.

    Mayor Pilon called the work session to order at 6:04 p.m.; Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville, and Breyen were present, while CM Alders and Fladebo were absent. The Council approved the amended agenda and later adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

    The amended agenda was approved after a vacancy-on-council item was added.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Agenda (2024-12-02)1\. Call to Order · Roll Call · Approve Agendap. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Mayor Pilon called the session to order at 6:04 p.m. Roll call by Administrator Lehner. Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO APPROVE AMENDED AGENDA 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  2. 1AAdded item: vacancy on City Council

    Added item concerning the vacancy on the City Council after CM Fladebo's resignation.

    The Council added the council-vacancy topic to the work-session agenda, accepted CM Fladebo's resignation effective 12/2/24, declared a vacancy on the City Council, and directed staff to research how to fill the vacancy, including checking with the Secretary of State and City Attorney Ruppe about requirements, timeline, and cost for a possible special election.

    The Council added the item to the agenda, accepted CM Fladebo's resignation, declared the vacancy, and directed research on filling it.

    • council vacancy
    • special election
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE TO ADD VACANCY ON COUNTIL TO THE AGENDA. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIEDp. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE TO ACCEPT CM FLADEBO'S RESIGNATION EFFECTIVE 12/2/24. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIEDp. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE FOR A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE VACANCY ON CITY COUNCIL. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIEDp. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO RESEARCH OPTIONS FOR FILLING THIS VACANCY. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  3. 2Discuss open Administrator position and interim options

    Discussion of the upcoming open Administrator position and interim options until the position can be filled.

    The Council allowed newly elected officials to join the discussion without voting, reviewed interim options for the upcoming Administrator opening, and authorized Attorney Ruppe to discuss a possible interim City Administrator contract with Frank Boyle. The minutes also note a request for Deputy Clerk Natalie Johnson to serve as Acting Interim City Administrator with additional responsibilities and pay until Mr. Boyle starts, and that the Council would later determine how to proceed with filling the full-time position.

    The Council allowed newly elected officials to participate in the discussion and authorized Attorney Ruppe to discuss an interim administrator contract with Frank Boyle.

    • city administrator vacancy
    • interim administrator
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Agenda (2024-12-02)2\. Discuss the upcoming open Administrator position and interim options until the position can be filled.p. 2Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Review the current job description for the Interim City Administrator while looking to fill the full-time position.p. 2Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO ALLOW ATTORNEY RUPPE TO ENGAGE IN DISUSSIONS WITH FRANK BOYLE REGARDING THE CONTRACT FOR INTERIM CITY ADMISTRATOR. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIEDp. 2Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)· CM Rainville requested Deputy Clerk Natalie Johnson to be Acting Interim City Administrator with additional responsibilities and pay until Mr. Boyle starts. · Determine how to go forward with filling the position once Mr. Boyle starts.
  4. 3Adjourn

    Adjournment.

    Mayor Pilon called the work session to order at 6:04 p.m.; Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville, and Breyen were present, while CM Alders and Fladebo were absent. The Council approved the amended agenda and later adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

    The minutes state that a motion to adjourn was made and that the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Agenda (2024-12-02)3\. Adjournp. 2Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM ALDERS TO ADJOURN. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Motions and votes

8 motions on the record.

  • M1MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE TO ADD VACANCY ON COUNTIL TO THE AGENDA.

    moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville

    Passed
    • YPilon
    • YRainville
    • YBreyen
    • ·Alders
    • ·Fladebo
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE TO ADD VACANCY ON COUNTIL TO THE AGENDA. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  • M2MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO APPROVE AMENDED AGENDA.

    Exact transcript text

    MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO APPROVE AMENDED AGENDA

    moved by Pilon, seconded by Breyen

    Passed
    • YPilon
    • YRainville
    • YBreyen
    • ·Alders
    • ·Fladebo
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO APPROVE AMENDED AGENDA 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  • M3MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE TO ACCEPT CM FLADEBO'S RESIGNATION EFFECTIVE 12/2/24.

    moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville

    Passed
    • YPilon
    • YRainville
    • YBreyen
    • ·Alders
    • ·Fladebo
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE TO ACCEPT CM FLADEBO'S RESIGNATION EFFECTIVE 12/2/24. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  • M4MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE FOR A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE VACANCY ON CITY COUNCIL.

    moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville

    Passed
    • YPilon
    • YRainville
    • YBreyen
    • ·Alders
    • ·Fladebo
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE FOR A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE VACANCY ON CITY COUNCIL. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  • M5MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO RESEARCH OPTIONS FOR FILLING THIS VACANCY.

    moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen

    Passed
    • YPilon
    • YRainville
    • YBreyen
    • ·Alders
    • ·Fladebo
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO RESEARCH OPTIONS FOR FILLING THIS VACANCY. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  • M6MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO INCLUDE NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS TO JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION AND UNDERSTANDING THEY MAY NOT BE VOTING.

    moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen

    Passed
    • YPilon
    • YRainville
    • YBreyen
    • ·Alders
    • ·Fladebo
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO INCLUDE NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS TO JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION AND UNDERSTANDING THEY MAY NOT BE VOTING. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  • M7MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO ALLOW ATTORNEY RUPPE TO ENGAGE IN DISUSSIONS WITH FRANK BOYLE REGARDING THE CONTRACT FOR INTERIM CITY ADMISTRATOR.

    moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen

    Passed
    • YPilon
    • YRainville
    • YBreyen
    • ·Alders
    • ·Fladebo
    p. 1Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)Present: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville and Breyen. Absent: CM Alders and Fladebo.p. 2Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO ALLOW ATTORNEY RUPPE TO ENGAGE IN DISUSSIONS WITH FRANK BOYLE REGARDING THE CONTRACT FOR INTERIM CITY ADMISTRATOR. 3 AYES. MOTION CARRIED
  • M8MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM ALDERS TO ADJOURN.

    moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders

    Passed
    p. 2Meeting City Council Work Session — Minutes (2024-12-02)MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM ALDERS TO ADJOURN. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.47:57well then I move to adjourn second I adjourned

Prior history on this business

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

  • I could not find an ordinance do either you Rec um have any recollection of a special election ordinance

    — Deputy Clerk Johnson

    What this is about
    Whether Nowthen already had an ordinance governing special elections for council vacancies.

    5:58I could not find an ordinance do either you Rec um have any recollection of a special election ordinance

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior ordinance or decision matching the recollection of a Nowthen ordinance governing special elections for council vacancies. The only ordinance-related result returned was a draft fee-schedule ordinance in the March 10, 2026 packet, which does not address special elections or council vacancies. The other results relate to unrelated resolutions, public safety reports, prosecuting services, the farmers market, and hazard mitigation.

    • Mar 10, 2026<table> <tr> <th colspan="9">BURGLARIES</th> </tr> <tr> <th>Number</th> <th>Case Number</th> <th>Created On</th> <th>Off
    • May 12, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowth
    • Apr 14, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowth
    • Mar 10, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XX # AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF FEES F
    • May 12, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 ## RESOLUT
  • I think we would have to this is the first time we've had need of a special election

    — Mayor Pilon

    What this is about
    Whether the City had previously needed a special election.

    6:05I think we would have to this is the first time we've had need of a special election

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion showing that the City previously needed or called a special election. The search results did not include any council action scheduling a special election, approving special election costs, or addressing a vacancy or ballot question requiring one. The only election-related item in these results was in the May 5, 2025 City Council packet, which included employee handbook language on voting leave and election judge leave. That does not appear to relate to the City needing a special election.

    • May 12, 2026#### Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assura
    • Mar 24, 2026be stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or t
    • Feb 24, 2026be stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or t
    • Oct 28, 2025<table> <tr> <th>Easement Vacation</th> <th>Application - $250.00 Escrow - * see note below</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Wetland
    • Feb 10, 2026b. Decide whether motions are properly made. C. Decide whether motions are in order. d. Decide whether questions of spec
  • Mr rupe did Supply Frank with a copy of the old contract that he had just for reference

    — Administrator Lehner

    What this is about
    Frank Boyle's prior contract and prior work with the City as a reference for a possible interim-administrator contract.

    30:25Mr rupe did Supply Frank with a copy of the old contract that he had just for reference

    Related history

    The records searched show that Frank Boyles previously served the City as Interim City Administrator. A document included in the March 14, 2023 council packet identifies him as “Interim City Administrator” on City documents adopted April 14, 2022, and another item in the February 14, 2023 packet says Administrator Lehner was briefed by Interim Administrator Frank Boyles on needed city building improvements when Lehner accepted the administrator position. The search results do not include the actual old contract with Frank Boyles or a council action approving its terms, compensation, or duration. They also do not show a formal decision about using that prior contract as the model for a new interim-administrator agreement; they only confirm his prior interim-administrator role and later references to his input/work with the City.

    • May 5, 2025Frank Boyles <table> <tr> <td>From:</td> <td>Mike Humpal &lt;mhumpal@mnscsc.org&gt;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sent:</td> <td>T
    • May 5, 2025<table> <tr> <td>From:</td> <td>Delia Stoeckel</td> </tr> <tr> <td>To:</td> <td>Delia Stoeckel</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Subje
    • Apr 14, 2026## Access Control W/Mobile App Scope of work: Integrated Protection Systems, Inc. to supply and install the Kantech acce
    • Apr 14, 2026## Access Control W/Mobile App Scope of work: Integrated Protection Systems, Inc. to supply and install the Kantech acce
    • Apr 14, 2026<figure> IPS Integrated Protection Systems </figure> <!-- PageHeader="Integrated Protection Systems, Inc. 7165 Boone Ave
  • Mr Bo did serve us well he really um he came in with good experience he helped lay the ground work for different things

    — CM Rainville

    What this is about
    Frank Boyle's prior service to Nowthen as context for considering him again as interim administrator.

    32:52Mr Bo did serve us well he really um he came in with good experience he helped lay the ground work for different things

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching CM Rainville’s recollection of Frank Boyle’s earlier service as interim administrator or administrator for Nowthen. The search results returned unrelated 2026 packet materials, including law-enforcement reports, prosecuting attorney agreements, Farmers Market support, hazard mitigation, festival advertising, and fee-schedule items. Based on these results, I cannot confirm from the provided records when Mr. Boyle previously served, what groundwork he helped lay, or whether Council took a formal action related to his prior appointment.

    • Mar 10, 2026<table> <tr> <th colspan="9">BURGLARIES</th> </tr> <tr> <th>Number</th> <th>Case Number</th> <th>Created On</th> <th>Off
    • Apr 14, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowth
    • May 12, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowth
    • May 12, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 ## RESOLUT
    • Mar 10, 2026## BACKGROUND AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Dear Nowthen City Council, On behalf of the Nowthen Heritage Festival Commit
  • I think the last search company was 20 or $25,000

    — CM Rainville

    What this is about
    The cost of the previous administrator search company, raised while discussing how to proceed with a new search.

    33:23I think the last search company was 20 or $25,000

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about the cost of the previous administrator search company. The results returned were for unrelated items, such as security system quotes, crack sealing, culvert work, and other clerk updates, and did not show a prior administrator search contract or a $20,000–$25,000 search-firm cost.

    • Apr 14, 2026WRIGHT HENNEPIN SECURITY <table> <tr> <th>MEMORIAL PARK PAVILION AND 2 BATHROOMS</th> <th></th> </tr> <tr> <td>Feature</
    • 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 28, 2026CASWELL ENGINEERING CO. ENGINEERS & LAND SURVEYORS ## BIRCHWOOD ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
    • Apr 14, 2026Bertram Asphalt Company P.O. Box 162 Paynesville, MN 56362 Cell: 320-292-1311 Email: bertramasphalt@gmail.com Proposal <
    • Apr 14, 2026## IPS <table> <tr> <th>CITY OFFICE</th> <th></th> <th></th> </tr> <tr> <th>Feature</th> <th>IPS</th> <th>Total Equipmen

Where this came up before

  1. Mar 10, 2026
    City Meeting

    <table> <tr> <th colspan="9">BURGLARIES</th> </tr> <tr> <th>Number</th> <th>Case Number</th> <th>Created On</th> <th>Officer Involvement</th> <th rowspan="2">Violation 609.582.4(a) Burglary - 4

    Doc<table> <tr> <th colspan="9">BURGLARIES</th> </tr> <tr> <th>Number</th> <th>Case Number</th> <th>Created On</th> <th>Officer Involvement</th> <th rowspan="2">Violation 609.582.4(a) Burglary - 4
  2. May 12, 2026
    City Meeting

    CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARY LIESER, MARKET COORD

    DocCITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARY LIESER, MARKET COORDINATOR, SARA JENSON, MARKET MANAGER
  3. Apr 14, 2026
    City Meeting

    CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 # A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT W

    DocCITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 # A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH BECK LAW FOR PROSECUTING SERVI
  4. Mar 10, 2026
    City Meeting

    # CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XX # AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR THE CITY OF NOWTHEN, MINNESOTA WHEREAS, the City Code, Chapter 1

    Doc# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XX # AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR THE CITY OF NOWTHEN, MINNESOTA WHEREAS, the City Code, Chapter 1
  5. May 12, 2026
    City Meeting

    CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 ## RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX ### A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT POWERS A

    DocCITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 ## RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX ### A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITY OF NOWTHE

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

Show a sample of the transcript (322 segments, 48:17 total)
  • 0:21 all right we'll call this work session to order turn on your microphones there please thats and uh call the order of uh
  • 0:32 Mr L would you call roll please mayor Pon present council member Angel present council member alers as we
  • 0:42 just talked about uh council member Brian here and council member flat I think we know what's going on there too
  • 0:50 so uh Deputy clerk Johnson here and your city administrator Scott ler is present roll call is taken sir all right Mr mayor council member
  • 1:00 Brian as long as we're having a work session I would like to add before we talk about the open Administrator position um the um vacancy on
  • 1:09 Council all right and that is the first item we get a motion from Council May Brian second council member rainville all those in favor signify by
  • 1:19 saying I I I was any other uh amendments to the
  • 1:27 agenda saying I'm hearing none well approve the agenda as
  • 1:35 amended those in favor second to motion uh sorry motion by mayor second by council member Brian
  • 1:43 all those in favor signify by saying I I I I opposed motion carries Mr mayor council member Brian um
  • 1:50 the council was given a um email from council member flatable um submitting her
  • 1:58 resignation and um I would uh like to uh make a motion to accept that resignation
  • Showing first 12 segments. Open the YouTube video for the full transcript.

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