What was on the agenda

33 items as recorded in the packet and minutes, each with a plain-English summary of what was at issue.

1. 1Call to Order

   Call to order, pledge, roll call, and agenda approval.

   The agenda was approved as amended.

   • meeting administration

   Approved
   PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)1. Call to Order · Pledge of Allegiance · Roll Call · Approve Agendap. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Mayor Pilon called the work session to order at 7:01 p.m.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILON TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. 4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL.

2. 2Public Forum

   Public forum for residents to address city governmental topics.

   Resident Jeff Lawrence asked about proposed state legislation that could affect Nowthen. Mayor Pilon said the bills would reduce local control over zoning, lot size, density, and building form, and encouraged residents to contact state senators and legislators.

   Resident Jeff Lawrence asked about proposed state legislation affecting local zoning and housing control; no formal action was taken.

   • housing legislation

   Discussion only
   PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)2. Public Forum The public forum is intended to afford the public an opportunity to address concerns to the City Council.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Resident Jeff Lawrence asked the council to speak about the most recent legislation that will affect Nowthen if it passes.

3. 3aApproval of February 13 and February 28 minutes

   Approval of City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 13, 2024, and Special Session February 28, 2024.

   Council approved the consent agenda as amended, which covered the prior meeting minutes, claims and treasurer report, the 2024 Farmers Market request, and Phase I personnel policy updates. The Nowthen Knights lawn contract was removed for separate discussion.

   Approved under the consent agenda as amended.

   • consent agenda

   Consent calendar
   p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)a. Approval of City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 13, 2024, and Special Session February 28, 2024.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. 4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL.

4. 3bClaims and Treasurer's Report

   Approval of claims for February 10, 2024 through March 9, 2024 and Treasurer's Report for February.

   Council approved the consent agenda as amended, which covered the prior meeting minutes, claims and treasurer report, the 2024 Farmers Market request, and Phase I personnel policy updates. The Nowthen Knights lawn contract was removed for separate discussion.

   Approved under the consent agenda as amended.

   • claims
   • treasurer report
   • consent agenda

   Consent calendar
   p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)b. Approval of Claims February 10, 2024 - March 9th, 2024, and Treasurer's Report for February.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. 4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL.

5. 3c2024 Nowthen Knights Lawn Contract

   Approval of 2024 contract with Nowthen Knights Lawn Contract.

   The Nowthen Knights lawn services agreement was pulled from consent so the council could discuss the automatic renewal language and whether the Knights have exclusive field use. Council then approved the 2024 Lawn Services Agreement with the Nowthen Knights Baseball Team.

   Pulled from consent and approved later under new business.

   • Nowthen Knights lawn services agreement
   • baseball field maintenance

   Approved
   p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)c. Approval of 2024 Contract with Nowthen Knights Lawn Contract.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Mayor Pilon pulled 3C - Approval of Resolution 2024-XX Approving a Contract with Nowthen Knights Lawn Service Contact for the baseball fields.p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE 2024 LAWN SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE NOWTHEN KNIGHTS BASEBALL TEAM. VOTING VIA ROLL CALL. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

6. 3d2024 Farmers Market Request

   Approval of Resolution 2024-XX 2024 Farmers Market Request.

   Council approved the consent agenda as amended, which covered the prior meeting minutes, claims and treasurer report, the 2024 Farmers Market request, and Phase I personnel policy updates. The Nowthen Knights lawn contract was removed for separate discussion.

   Approved under the consent agenda as amended.

   • Farmers Market
   • consent agenda

   Consent calendar
   p. 62↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)2024 Farmers Market Management positions and will provide Administrative and Public Works staff assistance as needed. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was proposed by Council Member and was duly seconded by Council Mep. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. 4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL.

7. 3ePhase I Personnel Policy Updates

   Approval of Phase I updates to the Personnel Policy.

   Council approved the consent agenda as amended, which covered the prior meeting minutes, claims and treasurer report, the 2024 Farmers Market request, and Phase I personnel policy updates. The Nowthen Knights lawn contract was removed for separate discussion.

   Approved under the consent agenda as amended.

   • personnel policy
   • consent agenda

   Consent calendar
   p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)e. Approval of Phase I updates to the Personnel Policy.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. 4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL.

8. 4Engineering

   Engineering report or business.

   No engineering business was reported in the minutes.

   • engineering

   No action
   p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)ENGINEERING None ### 6. FIRE DEPARTMENT Mayor Pilon presented the Fire Department monthly report from Chief Schmidt. The mayor noted that the new RMS reporting is working, adding more detail to calls. This report is in the council packet. Fp. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)5. ENGINEERING None

9. 5aFire Department Monthly Report

   Monthly report.

   No Fire Department report was given because of issues with the new reporting system.

   • fire department

   No action
   PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)5. Fire Department a. Monthly Reportp. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)6. FIRE DEPARTMENT None. The fire department is having issues with the new reporting system.

10. 6aSheriff's Department Monthly Report

    Monthly report.

    Chief Deputy Jacobson reported 125 February calls for service, including six at Bar None, two alarms, fourteen medical calls, and eight animal complaints. He also described several Bar None incidents, a pursuit assist, and warrant arrests, and discussed sheriff's office staffing.

    Chief Deputy Jacobson presented the February Sheriff's report and discussed staffing; no formal action was taken.

    • sheriff report
    • public safety

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)6. Sheriff's Department a. Monthly Reportp. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)7. SHERIFF' REPORT Presented by Chief Deputy Jacobson.p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Sheriff's deputies responded to 125 calls for service.

11. 7aPlanning and Zoning Monthly Report

    Monthly report.

    The planning update covered Sota Solar's IUP continuing to the March Planning Commission meeting, Mackenzie Hills final plat review, Peterson Acres preliminary plat review and March public hearing, preliminary subdivision discussions for Nowthen Acres and A&B Welding Residential, and zoning ordinance cleanup work.

    The monthly planning report was presented; no formal action was taken.

    • planning and zoning
    • development applications

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)Planning and Zoning a. Monthly Report 8\. Administrator Update a. Status of open Fire Chief position. b. Presidential Nominating Primary - Update how the election went at the new location. c. Update on the transition from MnSpect to RRC. d.p. 3↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Planner Nash prepared the Monthly Report and it was presented by Mayor Pilon.

12. 8aStatus of open Fire Chief position

    Status of open Fire Chief position.

    The search or update remained ongoing.

    • Fire Chief position

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)a. Status of open Fire Chief position.p. 3↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)A. Update on the Fire Chief Position - Ongoing.

13. 8bPresidential Nominating Primary update

    Presidential Nominating Primary update and new election location.

    Deputy Clerk Johnson reported that 541 voters participated in the Presidential Nomination Primary and that the new polling location at Nowthen Alliance Church worked well. Staff thanked the church, its staff, and the election judges.

    Deputy Clerk Johnson reported 541 voters and that the Nowthen Alliance Church location was successful.

    • elections
    • Presidential Nomination Primary

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)b. Presidential Nominating Primary - Update how the election went at the new location.p. 3↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)B. Presidential Nomination Primary - Deputy Clerk Johnson report that 541 voters turned out. The new location using the Nowthen Alliance Church was a success.

14. 8cTransition from MnSpect to RRC

    Update on the transition from MnSpect to RRC.

    Staff reported that the building services transition from MnSpect to Rum River Consultants was going well. About 120 permits remained outstanding, and the worst-case cost estimate to close them out was not to exceed $20,000.

    Staff reported the transition was going well and discussed outstanding permits.

    • Rum River Consultants
    • building permits

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)c. Update on the transition from MnSpect to RRC.p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)C. Transition from MnSpect to Rum River Consultants has been going well. City staff and RCC are working together to get new systems in place.

15. 8dRecycling Center Update

    Recycling Center update.

    Council discussed Recycling Center finances, including a lower-than-expected 2023 grant, fund balance concerns, baler repair spending, and efforts to reduce expenses. Later in the meeting, Council approved accepting bicycles at the Recycling Center immediately so bikes can be donated through Bikes4Kids and counted toward SCORE grant activity.

    Council discussed the Recycling Center grant, fund balance, expenses, and questions about the baler and tonnage reports.

    • Recycling Center
    • SCORE grant

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)d. Recycling Center Update.p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)D. Recycling Center Update: The 2023 grant was not as much as anticipated as the city did not do the capital improvements as expected for a new bailer and new roll-off.

16. 8ePublic Works meeting with Brady Kreger about grading

    Action item from 2/13/24: coordinate a time for Public Works to meet with Brady Kreger about grading.

    The planned meeting between Public Works staff and Brady Kreger about road grading had to be rescheduled. Mayor Pilon also apologized for not bringing the original meeting request to a council vote.

    The meeting was being rescheduled for later in March.

    • road grading
    • Public Works

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)e. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 - Administrator Lehner to coordinate a time for Public Works to meet with Brady Kreger about grading.p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)E. Action Item from 2/13/24 Meeting: Public Works staff to meet with Brady Kreger regarding road grading. Administrator Lehner stated the original date scheduled didn't work.

17. 8fPhase 2 Personnel Policy work session scheduling

    Action item from 2/13/24: set dates for Phase 2 Personnel Policy work sessions.

    Council discussed the next Phase 2 personnel policy work session and the remaining project list for Project Manager Genevieve Hirschboeck. Council approved extending the Project Manager position for six months at the same rate after the required break, while also discussing the need to transition work back to city staff.

    March 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. was discussed for the next work session.

    • personnel policy

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)f. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 - Administrator Lehner to send a couple of dates to the city council for work session to start working on Phase 2 Personnel Policy. Will March 18th 6:00 work with council?p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)F. Action Item from 2/13/24 Meeting: Set a date for a Work Session to work on Phase 2 of the Personnel Policy. March 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm is brought up to have a meeting.

18. 8gFacility rental form sprinkler update

    Action item from 2/13/24: update rental form for sprinkler damage responsibility.

    Reported as completed.

    • Memorial Park baseball field
    • facility rental form

    No action
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)g. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 - Staff to update rental form to include there are now sprinklers on the baseball fields and any damage caused is the responsibility of the person renting the fields. COMPLETED. The rental form has been updated.p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)G. Action Item from 2/13/24 - Update Facility Rental Form to reflect the sprinkler heads on the field. This has been completed.

19. 8hMCFOA class list for Deputy Clerk Johnson

    Action item from 2/13/24: provide classes Deputy Clerk Johnson will attend at MCFOA.

    Reported as completed.

    • MCFOA training

    No action
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)h. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 - Administrator Lehner to provide council with classes Deputy Clerk Johnson will be attending at the MCFOA. COMPLETED. The class list was emailed to council on February 15, 2024.p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)H. Action Item from 2/13/24 - Provide class list to council for Deputy Clerk Johnson at the MCFOA. This has been completed.

20. 8iNewsletter printing quotes

    Action item from 2/13/24: get quotes for printing the Newsletter and track staff time.

    Reported as completed; Rogers Printing remained the best value.

    • newsletter

    No action
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)i. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 - Staff to get quotes for printing the Newsletter and keep track of time working on the Newsletter. COMPLETED. Staff asked for a quote from another company as suggested by Council Member Breyen. After comparison, Rogers Printing is still the best value for the city newsletter.p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)I. Action Item from 2/13/24 - Staffs to get bids for the Newsletter printing. This has been completed and Rogers Printing is still the best value.

21. 8jTruck and bond update

    Update on Public Works truck and Fire Department truck with regard to the bond and anticipated arrivals.

    Council received vehicle arrival updates; no formal action was taken.

    • Public Works truck
    • Fire Department truck
    • bond

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)j. Update on Public Works Truck and Fire Department Truck with regards to the bond and anticipated arrival of the vehicles.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)J. Update on the arrival of the fire truck and new public works truck with regards to the bond. Administrator Lehner updated council on the anticipated date for the new public works truck should be in April, it will then go to the outfitters and back to the shop by the end of the summer.

22. 8kPopulation signs update

    Update on the population signs.

    Council was told that Anoka County would update all city population signs with the city logo, make them uniform in size, and install them beginning in April at no cost to the city.

    The county will update signs starting in April at no cost to the city.

    • population signs

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)k. Update on the population signs.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)K. Update on the Population Signs: Great news, the county is updating all the city population signs with the city logo, they will be uniform in size and put up by the county starting in April at no cost to the city.

23. 8lCity Council Goals for 2024

    City Council goals for 2024.

    Council members were asked to provide 3-5 goals by March 29 for April discussion.

    • 2024 goals

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)I. City Council Goals for 2024.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)L. 2024 City Council Goals: Administrator Lehner asked the city council to provide 3-5 goals they have for the city staff to be focused on for 2024 by March 29th, he will then compile them, discuss and bring to the April Meeting

24. 8mStorage facilities theft and burglary update

    Update of Storage Facilities steps to decrease theft and burglaries.

    Administrator Lehner and Chief Deputy Jacobson reported that ACSO detectives had met with storage facility owners about theft prevention. Discussion included possible Flock license-plate readers, notifying owners and deputies when locks are cut, and added patrols by reserve officers and CSOs.

    Council discussed ACSO outreach to storage facility owners, possible Flock license-plate readers, and added patrols.

    • storage facility thefts
    • public safety

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)m. Update of Storage Facilities steps to decrease theft and burglaries.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)M. Update on burglaries and thefts from the storage facilities. Both Administrator Lehner and Chief Deputy Jacobson commented on the subject stating ACSO detectives have met with the owners of the storage facility.

25. 9a1Attorney Glaser process for uncompliant properties

    Attorney Glaser process for uncompliant properties.

    Council noted there was still no response from Attorney Glaser on the uncompliant properties process. Administrator Lehner was directed to follow up with Attorney Ruppe, contact the League of Minnesota Cities for recommendations, or contact Glaser's partners.

    No response had been received; Administrator Lehner was directed to follow up.

    • uncompliant properties
    • Attorney Glaser

    Discussion only
    p. 2↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)Attorney Glaser Process for Uncompliant Properties - Attorney Ruppe has contacted him. Still no response. 2\. ATV Ordinance Update. 3\. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 -p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)1. Attorney Glaser process for uncompliant properties. Still no response. ACTION ITEM: Administrator Lehner to reach out to Attorney Ruppe again, contact the LMC to ask for recommendations or contact his partners.

26. 9a2ATV Ordinance Update

    ATV Ordinance Update.

    The ordinance remained in process and a work session still needed to be scheduled.

    • ATV ordinance

    Discussion only
    PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)2. ATV Ordinance Update.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)2. ATV Ordinance Update - Still in process, need to schedule a work session to discuss and update.

27. 9a3Memorial Park sprinkler schematic

    Action item from 2/13/24: Council Member Breyen to get schematic drawing after sprinklers installed at Memorial Park.

    The drawing will be provided after the work is completed.

    • Memorial Park baseball field
    • sprinklers

    No action
    PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)3. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 - Council Member Breyen to get schematic drawing after sprinklers installed at Memorial Park.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)3. Action Item from 2/13/24 - Council Member Breyen to provide schematic drawing after sprinklers are installed at Memorial Park Baseball Fields. This will be completed once the work is completed.

28. 9a4URRWMO budget notification

    Action item from 2/13/24: Council Member Breyen to notify Jamie at URRWMO that the budget is ratified.

    Council Member Breyen reported the notification was completed.

    • URRWMO budget

    No action
    PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)4. ACTION ITEM FROM 2/13/24 - Council Member Breyen to notify Jamie at URRWMO that the budget is ratified.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)4. Action Item from 2/13/24 - Council Member Breyen to notify Jamie at URRWMO that the budget is ratified. CM Breyen stated that this was completed.

29. 9a52023 budget amendment for goats

    Added item: approve resolution to move money for the goats.

    Council added a 2023 budget resolution to the agenda and approved Resolution 2024-31 to amend the 2023 budget for money related to the goats.

    Resolution 2024-31 amending the 2023 budget was approved.

    • 2023 budget amendment
    • goats

    Approved
    p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Add: 2023 Budge Resolution under old business #5.p. 5↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)5. Approve Resolution to move money for the goats.p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-31 TO AMEND THE 2023 BUIDGET. VOTE VIA ROLL CALL. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIES.

30. 9b1Project Manager Options

    Options for the Project Manager.

    Council discussed the next Phase 2 personnel policy work session and the remaining project list for Project Manager Genevieve Hirschboeck. Council approved extending the Project Manager position for six months at the same rate after the required break, while also discussing the need to transition work back to city staff.

    Council approved extending the Project Manager position for six months at the same rate, after discussion of the 35-day break and possible contractor option.

    • Project Manager extension

    Approved
    PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)1. Options for the Project Managerp. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)1) Project Manager Options. The six (6) month time period will be up on March 29.p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE PROJECT MANAGER POSITON FOR GENEVIEVE HIRSCHENBACH FOR 6 MONTHS AT THE SAME RATE.

31. 9b2Add bicycles to the Recycling Center

    Add bicycles to the recycling center.

    Council discussed Recycling Center finances, including a lower-than-expected 2023 grant, fund balance concerns, baler repair spending, and efforts to reduce expenses. Later in the meeting, Council approved accepting bicycles at the Recycling Center immediately so bikes can be donated through Bikes4Kids and counted toward SCORE grant activity.

    Council approved accepting bicycles at the Recycling Center immediately.

    • Recycling Center
    • Bikes4Kids

    Approved
    PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)2. Add Bicycles to the recycling centerp. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)2) Approve Accepting Bicycles at the Recycling Center. Council Member Rainville spoke to this stating many of the bikes will be repaired and given to children in need.p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE ACCEPTING BICYCLES AT THE RECYCLING CENTER IMMEDIATLEY. Voting via Roll Call. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

32. 9cItems moved from Consent Agenda

    Items moved from consent agenda, if needed.

    The Nowthen Knights lawn services agreement was pulled from consent so the council could discuss the automatic renewal language and whether the Knights have exclusive field use. Council then approved the 2024 Lawn Services Agreement with the Nowthen Knights Baseball Team.

    The Nowthen Knights lawn services agreement was the item moved from consent and was approved under new business.

    • consent agenda
    • Nowthen Knights lawn services agreement

    Approved
    p. 3↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)c) ITEMS MOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA (IF NEEDED)p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)3) Approval of the Nowthen Knights contract for maintenance of the baseball fields.

33. 10Adjourn

    Adjournment.

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

    • meeting administration

    Approved
    PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)10. Adjournp. 7↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ADJOURN. Meeting Adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

Motions and votes

7 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.

• M-001MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILON TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILON TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

  moved by Breyen, seconded by Pilon

  Passed

  • YPilon
  • YRainville
  • YBreyen
  • YAlders
  • ·Fladebo

  p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILON TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. 4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Present: Mayor Pilon, Council Members Rainville, Breyen, Alders. Council Member Fladebo was excused.

• M-002MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED.

  moved by Breyen, seconded by Piloin

  Passed

  • YPilon
  • YRainville
  • YBreyen
  • YAlders
  • ·Fladebo

  p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. 4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Present: Mayor Pilon, Council Members Rainville, Breyen, Alders. Council Member Fladebo was excused.

• M-003MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-31 TO AMEND THE 2023 BUIDGET.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-31 TO AMEND THE 2023 BUIDGET.

  moved by Breyen, seconded by Alders

  Passed

  • YPilon
  • YRainville
  • YBreyen
  • YAlders
  • ·Fladebo

  p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-31 TO AMEND THE 2023 BUIDGET. VOTE VIA ROLL CALL. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIES.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Present: Mayor Pilon, Council Members Rainville, Breyen, Alders. Council Member Fladebo was excused.

• M-004MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE PROJECT MANAGER POSITON FOR GENEVIEVE HIRSCHENBACH FOR 6 MONTHS AT THE SAME RATE.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE PROJECT MANAGER POSITON FOR GENEVIEVE HIRSCHENBACH FOR 6 MONTHS AT THE SAME RATE.

  moved by Breyen, seconded by Alders

  Passed

  • RPilon
  • YRainville
  • YBreyen
  • YAlders
  • ·Fladebo

  p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE PROJECT MANAGER POSITON FOR GENEVIEVE HIRSCHENBACH FOR 6 MONTHS AT THE SAME RATE.p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Discussion: The mayor explained he will recuse himself from the voting regarding the project manager.p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)VOTING ENSUED VIA ROLL CALL. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

• M-005MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE ACCEPTING BICYCLES AT THE RECYCLING CENTER IMMEDIATLEY.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE ACCEPTING BICYCLES AT THE RECYCLING CENTER IMMEDIATLEY.

  moved by Alders, seconded by Rainville

  Passed

  • YPilon
  • YRainville
  • YBreyen
  • YAlders
  • ·Fladebo

  p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE ACCEPTING BICYCLES AT THE RECYCLING CENTER IMMEDIATLEY. Voting via Roll Call. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Present: Mayor Pilon, Council Members Rainville, Breyen, Alders. Council Member Fladebo was excused.

• M-006MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE 2024 LAWN SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE NOWTHEN KNIGHTS BASEBALL TEAM.

  Exact transcript text

  MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE 2024 LAWN SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE NOWTHEN KNIGHTS BASEBALL TEAM.

  moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville

  Passed

  • YPilon
  • YRainville
  • YBreyen
  • YAlders
  • ·Fladebo

  p. 6↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE 2024 LAWN SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE NOWTHEN KNIGHTS BASEBALL TEAM. VOTING VIA ROLL CALL. 4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Present: Mayor Pilon, Council Members Rainville, Breyen, Alders. Council Member Fladebo was excused.

• M-007MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ADJOURN.

  moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen

  Passed

  p. 7↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ADJOURN. Meeting Adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

Money the council voted to spend

The amounts the council actually voted to approve, each with the vote that approved it. Drawn from the official minutes.

• FF-001

  $500

  Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. Passed(4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL)
  p. 61↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)City Council appoints Mary Lieser, Market Coordinator and Jade Warren, Market Manager and approves stipends of $500.00 for Ms. Lieser and $250.00 for Mr. Warren.

• FF-002

  $250

  Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. Passed(4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL)
  p. 61↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)City Council appoints Mary Lieser, Market Coordinator and Jade Warren, Market Manager and approves stipends of $500.00 for Ms. Lieser and $250.00 for Mr. Warren.

• FF-003

  $750

  Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. Passed(4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL)
  PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)2. City Council authorizes the expenditure of $750.00 stipends for the 2024 Farmers Market Management positions and will provide Administrative and Public Works staff assistance as needed.

• FF-004

  $20,000

  Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. Passed(4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL)
  p. 65↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)The City chooses to offer City paid STD, LTD, and $20,000 Life Insurance with the option for the employee to pay for additional life insurance coverage.

• FF-005

  $140

  Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. Passed(4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL)
  p. 108↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)The City will purchase one (1) approved pair of safety shoes as needed as determined by the City Administrator for an amount not to exceed $140.00 and anything over that amount will be the employee's responsibility.

• FF-006

  $7,500

  Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECOND BY MAYOR PILOIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. Passed(4 AYES VIA ROLL CALL)
  PDF↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)2. Credit cards will carry a card limit of no more than $7.500.00

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 stated she did not recall having a new bailer or roll off or would have followed up on it.

  — Council Member Rainville

  What this is about
  Council Member Rainville was trying to recall whether the council had previously planned Recycling Center capital improvements for a new baler or roll-off.

  p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Council Member Rainville stated she did not recall having a new bailer or roll off or would have followed up on it.

  Related history

  The records I searched do not contain a prior council decision or discussion matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection about Recycling Center capital improvements for a new baler or roll-off. The search results instead relate to unrelated items, including the Minnesota state flag discussion, a Planning and Zoning appointment, a dedication plaque, and a Girl Scout flag retirement receptacle. None of the results show a recorded plan, vote, dollar amount, or follow-up item for a Recycling Center baler or roll-off.

  • ·Feb 10, 2026<figure> CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <table> <tr> <th>Agenda Item:</th> <th>Department:</th>
  • ·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
  • ·Feb 10, 2026Council Member Mary Rainville informed the Council that due to a medical situation, she might need to excuse herself fro
  • ·Apr 14, 2026Council Member Breyen asked if there was a different category for the budget for this expense, rather than the contingen

• The city has fought this for five (5) years running, For the past six (6) years Nowthen has been exempt from the Met-Council and a portion of Oak Grove.

  — Mayor Pilon

  What this is about
  Mayor Pilon referred to past years of city opposition to state housing legislation and prior Met Council exemptions for Nowthen.

  p. 1↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)The city has fought this for five (5) years running, For the past six (6) years Nowthen has been exempt from the Met-Council and a portion of Oak Grove.

  Related history

  The records searched do not contain a prior Nowthen City Council decision or discussion matching Mayor Pilon’s recollection that the city has opposed state housing legislation for five years, or that Nowthen has been exempt from the Metropolitan Council for the past six years. The closest matches are indirect: the April 14, 2026 meeting packet includes Oak Grove 2050 Comprehensive Plan survey materials that ask about housing, development, and “expanding housing options & affordability,” but those records relate to Oak Grove planning outreach and do not document a Nowthen vote, position, exemption, or formal action. Other results reference Jeff Pilon’s prior city experience, but not the Met Council exemption or state housing legislation history.

  • ·Jan 13, 2026### A RESOLUTION MAKING ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS WHEREAS, The Nowthen City Council makes its annual appointments to fill cert
  • ·Apr 14, 2026## Questions from Oak Grove's Recent 2050 Comp Plan Survey 1\. What connection do you have to the City of Oak Grove? Sel
  • ·Apr 28, 2026emphasizing the need to understand each situation thoroughly. Martell affirmed his belief in preserving wetlands and woo
  • ·Apr 14, 20265\. If applicable, select any of the following factors that influenced your decision to live in or around Oak Grove. Sel
  • ·Apr 14, 2026· 0-5 miles · 6-10 miles · 11-15 miles · 15+ miles 16\. How Important is it for the City to attract new businesses and j

• Mayor Pilon stated he wanted to apologize to the council for not taking this meeting to a vote.

  — Mayor Pilon

  What this is about
  Mayor Pilon referred back to a prior meeting process issue about not taking the Brady Kreger road-grading meeting request to a vote.

  p. 4↗Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)Mayor Pilon stated he wanted to apologize to the council for not taking this meeting to a vote.

  Related history

  The records searched do not contain a prior council decision matching Mayor Pilon’s recollection about a Brady Kreger road-grading meeting request that was not taken to a vote. The only Brady Kreger item found was at the February 10, 2026 meeting, where Mr. Kreger spoke during Public Forum about the new Minnesota state flag and asked that it be taken down. The minutes do not show a road-grading request or any formal council vote on Mr. Kreger’s comments.

  • ·Mar 10, 2026MAYOR HYBBEN. MOTION CARRIED. ## 2. Public Forum Mayor Hybben opened the Public Forum. Brady Kreger 6XXX 207th Avenue NW
  • ·Feb 10, 2026MAYOR HYBBEN. MOTION CARRIED. ## 2. Public Forum Mayor Hybben opened the Public Forum. Brady Kreger 6XXX 207th Avenue NW
  • ·Jan 13, 2026### A RESOLUTION MAKING ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS WHEREAS, The Nowthen City Council makes its annual appointments to fill cert
  • ·Apr 28, 2026emphasizing the need to understand each situation thoroughly. Martell affirmed his belief in preserving wetlands and woo
  • ·Apr 28, 2026MOTION BY CHAIRMAN HAAPALA, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LEWIS, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE FINAL PLAT AS WRITTEN. SIX (6) AY

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

• Document

  Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-03-12)

  Packet · Tuesday, March 12, 2024

  149 pages

  ↗
• Document

  Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-03-12)

  Minutes · Tuesday, March 12, 2024

  7 pages

  ↗