M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECOND BY BLAKE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Blake
Passed
- YPilon
- YBlake
- YGreenberg
- YAlders
- YRainville
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Thursday, August 11, 2022 · 7:00 PM
Agenda
Not posted
What was on the agenda.
One-line summary
The Council installed Scott Lehner as City Administrator, approved the amended consent agenda, adopted commercial/industrial architectural standards and a THC products moratorium, discussed code enforcement and parks improvements, and approved an amended per-meeting pay policy.
20 items as recorded in the packet and minutes, each with a plain-English summary of what was at issue.
1Call to Order
Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the amended agenda.
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m., the Pledge was recited, and the Council approved the agenda as amended. The amendments added a volunteer recognition item for Mary Rainville, added a parks update, and moved the per-meeting pay policy from the consent agenda to discussion.
Agenda approved as amended; 2C Volunteer Recognition and 8b Parks Update were added, and 3d was moved to 8c for discussion.
2aOath of Office for Nowthen's First City Administrator Scott Lehner
Oath of office for Nowthen's first City Administrator, Scott Lehner.
Mayor Pilon administered the oath of office to Scott Lehner as Nowthen's first City Administrator, and Interim City Administrator Boyles read the Code of Ethics to those present.
Oath was administered; no motion was recorded.
2bCode of Ethics for Nowthen's First City Administrator Scott Lehner
Reading of the Code of Ethics for City Administrator Scott Lehner.
Mayor Pilon administered the oath of office to Scott Lehner as Nowthen's first City Administrator, and Interim City Administrator Boyles read the Code of Ethics to those present.
Code of Ethics was read; no motion was recorded.
2cVolunteer Recognition for Mary Rainville
Volunteer recognition for Council Member Mary Rainville, added to the agenda as item 2C.
Council Member Blake recognized Council Member Rainville for being named among the top 100 of 700 nominations as a recognized outstanding volunteer for her year-round volunteer work.
Recognition was announced; no motion was recorded.
3aApproval of July 19, 2022 City Council minutes
Approval of July 19, 2022 regular City Council minutes.
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which included the July 19 minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, a Memorial Park concessions sink replacement, the Lakeside Cabinets car show road closure and golf cart use, Chad Sacre's firefighter resignation, hiring Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter subject to screening, and hiring two part-time workers for the records scanning project. The per-meeting pay policy was removed from consent for discussion.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
3bApproval of Claims and Treasurer's Report
Approval of claims for July 20, 2022 to August 11, 2022 and Treasurer's Report.
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which included the July 19 minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, a Memorial Park concessions sink replacement, the Lakeside Cabinets car show road closure and golf cart use, Chad Sacre's firefighter resignation, hiring Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter subject to screening, and hiring two part-time workers for the records scanning project. The per-meeting pay policy was removed from consent for discussion.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
3cReplacement of sink in Memorial Park concessions building
Resolution approving replacement of the sink in the Memorial Park concessions building.
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which included the July 19 minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, a Memorial Park concessions sink replacement, the Lakeside Cabinets car show road closure and golf cart use, Chad Sacre's firefighter resignation, hiring Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter subject to screening, and hiring two part-time workers for the records scanning project. The per-meeting pay policy was removed from consent for discussion.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
3d/8cPer-meeting policy for elected officials and certain representatives
Resolution establishing a per-meeting policy for the Mayor and City Council Members; moved from consent to 8c for discussion.
The Council moved the per-meeting pay policy from consent to discussion, talked about stipends for Council members and residents representing Nowthen on certain committees, and approved the resolution as amended. The discussion changed the proposed stipend from $50 to $40 for certain pre-approved meetings and raised the Planning Commission stipend from $20 to $40.
Moved to 8c and approved as amended after discussion.
3eUse of golf carts and temporary road closure for Ninth Annual Car Show
Approval of use of golf carts and temporary road closure for the Ninth Annual Car Show.
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which included the July 19 minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, a Memorial Park concessions sink replacement, the Lakeside Cabinets car show road closure and golf cart use, Chad Sacre's firefighter resignation, hiring Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter subject to screening, and hiring two part-time workers for the records scanning project. The per-meeting pay policy was removed from consent for discussion.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
3fResignation of Chad Sacre as paid-on-call firefighter
Acceptance of Chad Sacre's resignation as a Nowthen paid-on-call firefighter.
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which included the July 19 minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, a Memorial Park concessions sink replacement, the Lakeside Cabinets car show road closure and golf cart use, Chad Sacre's firefighter resignation, hiring Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter subject to screening, and hiring two part-time workers for the records scanning project. The per-meeting pay policy was removed from consent for discussion.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
3gHire Jordan Lukanen as paid-on-call firefighter
Approval to hire Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter.
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which included the July 19 minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, a Memorial Park concessions sink replacement, the Lakeside Cabinets car show road closure and golf cart use, Chad Sacre's firefighter resignation, hiring Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter subject to screening, and hiring two part-time workers for the records scanning project. The per-meeting pay policy was removed from consent for discussion.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
3hHire two temporary part-time records-scanning workers
Resolution authorizing the hire of two temporary part-time individuals to complete scanning of paper records.
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which included the July 19 minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, a Memorial Park concessions sink replacement, the Lakeside Cabinets car show road closure and golf cart use, Chad Sacre's firefighter resignation, hiring Jordan Lukanen as a paid-on-call firefighter subject to screening, and hiring two part-time workers for the records scanning project. The per-meeting pay policy was removed from consent for discussion.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
4Floor Items
Floor items, including resident Sam Corns' questions about a potential city code violation notice.
Resident Sam Corns asked about a July 20 potential city code violation notice and how the City uses old aerial photos or enters property for code enforcement. Boyles said the notice was meant to begin a cooperative process to determine whether any violation exists, and Lehner, Boyles, and Stockman were to develop a plan to address the complaint.
Staff were to discuss and formulate a plan; no motion was recorded.
5Sheriff's Report
Sheriff's report for July 2022.
Lieutenant Jacobson reported 119 sheriff calls in July, including incidents involving loose cows, distracted-driving crashes, and motorcycle crashes. The Council also discussed possible County speed-limit reductions and extra patrol on 201st because of detour traffic, and the Mayor thanked the Sheriff's Department and Fire Department for Night to Unite participation.
Report and discussion only; no motion was recorded.
6Fire Department
Fire Department report for July 2022.
Chief Schmidt reported 20 July fire incidents, an average response time of 12 minutes and 4 seconds, and an average of 4.2 firefighters per call. Notable calls included mutual aid for Ramsey and Oak Grove fires, assisting with a pediatric burn patient, and assisting at a death scene; the department also discussed Grass 1 repairs and the expected 2023 tanker delivery.
Report only; no motion was recorded.
7aOrdinance 2022-02 architectural standards for commercial and industrial uses
Ordinance 2022-02 amending City Code architectural standards for commercial and industrial uses.
The Council approved Ordinance 2022-02 amending City Code Sections 11-2, 11-5, and 11-6 on architectural standards for commercial and industrial uses. The motion also stated the City intended to keep working on related business-district improvements, including landscaping and screening requirements.
Approved as amended, with stated intent to continue work on related business-district ordinance changes.
8aOrdinance 2022-03 THC products moratorium
Ordinance 2022-03 establishing a one-year moratorium on sale, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of THC products.
After discussion of THC products and Minnesota law, the Council approved Ordinance 2022-03 prohibiting the sale, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of THC products in Nowthen.
Ordinance 2022-03 approved.
8bParks update from Council Member Greenberg
Parks update from Council Member Greenberg, including disc golf maintenance, poison ivy removal, pickleball courts, and possible disc golf expansion.
Council Member Greenberg reported missing signs, maintenance needs, and poison ivy at the disc golf course, and the Council discussed possible goats for poison ivy, pickleball court locations, and expanding disc golf to 18 holes. A motion was made to allow up to $10,000 for related work and planning, but the minutes do not record whether that motion passed.
Minutes record a motion but do not record whether it carried or failed.
8cResolution 2022-XX per-meeting pay system
Per-meeting pay policy moved from consent item 3d to City Council item 8c.
The Council moved the per-meeting pay policy from consent to discussion, talked about stipends for Council members and residents representing Nowthen on certain committees, and approved the resolution as amended. The discussion changed the proposed stipend from $50 to $40 for certain pre-approved meetings and raised the Planning Commission stipend from $20 to $40.
Approved as amended.
9Adjourn
Adjournment.
The Council voted to adjourn, and the meeting ended at 9:12 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
7 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECOND BY BLAKE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Blake
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLAKE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED MOVING 3d TO 8c.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLAKE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED MOVING 3d TO 8c.
moved by Blake, seconded by Alders
M3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY GREENBERG TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2022-02 AS AMENDED WITH THE INTENTION OF CONTINUING WORK ON OTHER ORDINANCE CHANGES RELATED TO THE PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE BUSINESS DISTRICTS IN THE CITY, INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY GREENBERG TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2022-02 AS AMENDED WITH THE INTENTION OF CONTINUING WORK ON OTHER ORDINANCE CHANGES RELATED TO THE PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE BUSINESS DISTRICTS IN THE CITY, INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Greenberg
M4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE APPROVE ORDINANCE 2022-03 PROHIBITING THE SALE, TESTING, MANUFACTURING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF THC PRODUCTS.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE APPROVE ORDINANCE 2022-03 PROHIBITING THE SALE, TESTING, MANUFACTURING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF THC PRODUCTS.
moved by Alders, seconded by Rainville
M5MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO GIVE COUNCIL MEMBER GREENBERG APPROVAL TO SPEND UP TO $10,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND OR CIP FUNDS TO REPAIR DISC GOLF COURSE, HIRE GOATS FOR POISON IVY EXTRACTION, AND TO WORK WITH STAFF TO COME UP WITH PLANS FOR EXPAND DISC GOLF & CREATE A PICKLE BALL COURT IN MEMORIAL PARK USING THE BASKETBALL COURT AND VOLLEYBALL COURT.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO GIVE COUNCIL MEMBER GREENBERG APPROVAL TO SPEND UP TO $10,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND OR CIP FUNDS TO REPAIR DISC GOLF COURSE, HIRE GOATS FOR POISON IVY EXTRACTION, AND TO WORK WITH STAFF TO COME UP WITH PLANS FOR EXPAND DISC GOLF & CREATE A PICKLE BALL COURT IN MEMORIAL PARK USING THE BASKETBALL COURT AND VOLLEYBALL COURT.
moved by Alders, seconded by Rainville
M6MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY BLAKE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2022-XX AS AMENDED ESTABLISHING A PER MEETING PAY SYSTEM FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND RESIDENTS REPRESENTING NOWTHEN ON CERTAIN COMMITTEES.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY BLAKE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2022-XX AS AMENDED ESTABLISHING A PER MEETING PAY SYSTEM FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND RESIDENTS REPRESENTING NOWTHEN ON CERTAIN COMMITTEES.
moved by Alders, seconded by Blake
M7MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BLAKE.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Blake
The amounts the council actually voted to approve, each with the vote that approved it. Drawn from the official minutes.
Pine River State Bank checking balance
$198,771
Economic Development Fund balance
$2,489
PMA Financial Network CD balance
$3,117,363
4M money market balance
$1,225,352
Treasurer's Report bank total
$4,543,975
YTD outstanding checks
$73,898
Adjusted bank total
$4,470,078
August 11 claim register total
$127,699
July auto pay total
$10,656
July 21 payroll voucher total
$4,341
Costco sink price
$520
Estimated sink installation labor
$300
Memorial Park sink not-to-exceed amount
$2,000
Approved amended per-meeting stipend amount
$40
Approximate initial training cost per firefighter
$5,000
Records-scanning computer actual cost
$2,000
Records-scanning hiring not-to-exceed cost
$12,250
General Fund disbursements budget
$1,860,915
General Fund YTD disbursements
$786,030
Total City cash and investments 6/30/2022
$4,188,427
When someone referred back to earlier business, we found the matching prior discussion and tied it in here.
In September 2021 Council Member Rainville prepared and presented to the city council the attached RCA. The RCA explains that considerable deterioration has occurred both inside and within the concession building which require repair or replacement for a total estimated cost of $11,000. The city council assigned the staff to work with contractors to upgrade the building.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
Prior 2021 Council action and earlier cost estimate for Memorial Park Pavilion improvements before the sink replacement request.
The records I searched do not contain a September 2021 council action or RCA matching this recollection about Memorial Park Pavilion concession building repairs, the $11,000 estimate, or a motion assigning staff to work with contractors on upgrades. The search results do show later Memorial Park Pavilion-related items, but they are not the same action: at the January 13, 2026 meeting, Council approved purchasing a memorial plaque and dedicating the Memorial Park Pavilion in Judy Herrala’s memory, with the plaque cost not to exceed $350; and 2026 packet materials include later discussion of pavilion access/security costs. These records do not confirm the recalled 2021 repair estimate or direction to staff.
After eight years the process seems to be well vetted.
— Interim City Administrator
What this is about
History of the Lakeside Cabinets car show and prior years' road closure and golf cart process.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching the recollection about the Lakeside Cabinets car show, road closures, or a golf cart process over prior years. The only search result that mentions Lakeside Cabinets is a January 13, 2026 packet item noting a donation from Lakeside Cabinets for new workspace at the Nowthen Fire Station. That does not appear related to the car show, road closures, or golf cart procedures.
At the July 19, 2022, meeting the city council authorized the hiring of one temporary part time individual to complete our record scanning project at a total cost of $9000.
— Interim City Administrator
What this is about
A prior July 19, 2022 Council action authorizing one temporary records-scanning worker before this meeting considered hiring two workers.
The records I searched do not contain a prior City Council decision matching this recollection. In particular, the search results did not include July 19, 2022 minutes or packet material showing authorization to hire one temporary part-time records-scanning worker at a total cost of $9,000. The available results were unrelated items, mostly later payment registers and packets, and they do not confirm the July 19, 2022 action or any vote outcome.
After devoting months to a painstaking review of architectural standards the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on July 26, 2022, to allow the general public, residents and business owners to comment on the proposed changes.
— Liz Stockman
What this is about
Prior Planning and Zoning Commission work and public hearing on architectural standards before Council approval.
The records I searched do not contain a prior Planning and Zoning Commission discussion, public hearing, or City Council approval matching this recollection about architectural standards in July 2022. The search results mainly include 2026 Planning and Zoning materials about commission appointments, subdivision/variance procedures, and specific development applications. They do not show the July 26, 2022 public hearing or the later Council action on architectural standards.
Grass 1 is in for repair. Boyer thinks they have found the long-standing electrical problem.
— Chief Schmidt
What this is about
Fire Department report referencing an ongoing electrical problem with Grass 1.
The records I searched do not contain a prior Fire Department report specifically mentioning Grass 1, Boyer, or a long-standing electrical problem with that vehicle. There are Fire Department-related materials in the recent packets, including a Fire Chief update at the February 10, 2026 meeting and fire/security system information in the February 10 and April 14, 2026 packets, but those appear to concern department operations, alarms/security, staffing, and facilities—not repairs to Grass 1.
Planning Commission is currently receiving $20.00 a meeting.
What this is about
Parks discussion recalled the current Planning Commission stipend amount before discussing an increase.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or policy confirming that Planning Commission members receive $20 per meeting, nor do they show a formal vote setting that stipend amount. The closest related records are Planning and Zoning Commission policy items in the February 10, 2026 packet and a proposed Planning Commission ordinance update in the March 10, 2026 packet, but those materials address commission procedures, membership eligibility, and interview process—not compensation or stipends.
Council Member Glaser suggested considering naming the pavilion at Memorial Park after Judy given her extensive work with Park and Recreation. MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, SECONDED BY MAYOR
WRIGHT HENNEPIN SECURITY <table> <tr> <th>MEMORIAL PARK PAVILION AND 2 BATHROOMS</th> <th></th> </tr> <tr> <td>Feature</td> <td>Wright Hennepin</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Equipment Upfront Cost</td> <td>$4,6
CITY OF NOWTHEN By: SHANE D. HYBBEN Its Mayor ATTEST By: NATALIE JOHNSON Its City Clerk <figure> CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> # REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <table> <tr> <th>Agenda Item:</t
<figure> CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <table> <tr> <th>Agenda Item:</th> <th>Department:</th> <th rowspan="2">Requested Council Meeting Date: November 18, 2025
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. 5 AYES VIA ROLL CALL, COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SWENSON, GLASER, RAINVILLE, AND MAYOR HYBB
Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.
The structured brief on this page is auto-generated and may need correction. The PDFs and the meeting recording remain the official record. What do the trust labels mean?