Meetings

4aApproval of October 14th, October 21st, and October 30th, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes

Approval of October 14th, October 21st, and October 30th, 2025, City Council meeting minutes.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

consent agenda

Consent calendar

4bApproval of Claims and Treasurer's Report

Approval of claims from October 7 to November 10 and Treasurer's Report for October 2025.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

claims
treasurer report
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4cApproval of Bill's Superette Tobacco License for 2026

Approval of Bill's Superette tobacco license for 2026.

Approved under the amended consent agenda; the minutes note item 4C had two date changes before agenda approval.

tobacco license
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4dService Agreement with CACC for Animal Control

Authorize the City Clerk to sign the service agreement with Companion Animal Care and Control for animal control.

The Council approved the amended consent agenda, which authorized the City Clerk to sign an animal control service agreement with Companion Animal Care and Control; the packet includes monthly retainer and per-call/per-animal fee schedules, but the service option selected is not shown in the excerpt.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

animal control
CACC
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4eRenewal of Contract for Embedded Systems

Renewal of contract with Embedded Systems for tornado siren maintenance.

The Council approved the Embedded Systems renewal on the consent agenda for tornado siren maintenance through 2026, though the packet contains a discrepancy between the RCA rate and the attached renewal letter rate.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

siren maintenance
Embedded Systems
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4fDonation for the Veterans Memorial

Accept donation of $624 for the Veterans Memorial.

The Council accepted donations through the consent agenda, including $624 for the Veterans Memorial, two Elk River Youth Hockey Association quarterly donations, and a third quarter donation from Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

donation
Veterans Memorial
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4gPayment for ADA Compliance Software

Authorize payment for ADA compliance software.

The Council approved the ADA compliance software item on consent, allowing staff to use AudioEye and Alyant under a six-month free period followed by 2026 payments, so staff can begin bringing the city website and documents into ADA compliance before the 2027 deadline.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

ADA software
website accessibility
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4hElk River Youth Hockey Association Donations

Accept second and third quarter donations from Elk River Youth Hockey Association.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

donation
Elk River Youth Hockey Association
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4iAnoka Ramsey Athletic Association Donation

Accept third quarter donation from Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

donation
Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4jResidential Recycle Reporting by Haulers

Receive and file update for residential recycle reporting by haulers.

Received and filed under the amended consent agenda.

recycling
hauler reporting
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4kComcast Third Quarter Report

Receive and file Comcast third quarter report.

The Comcast third quarter report was moved from consent to new business, where the Council received an update that work was progressing but still delayed, and approved a first amendment extending the broadband development period.

Moved to New Business 9G; Council approved a first amendment extending the broadband development period.

Comcast broadband
development agreement

Approved

p. 1p. 1p. 8

4lPlanning and Zoning Monthly Report

Planning and Zoning monthly report.

Received and filed under the amended consent agenda.

planning and zoning
consent agenda

Consent calendar

4mQuote for Culvert Repair on Hillside and Marble

Accept quote for culvert repair on Hillside Trail and Marble Street.

The Council moved the culvert repair item from consent for discussion, talked about the need for better quote-soliciting practices, and approved Resolution 2025-114 accepting the quote because the culvert was failing.

Moved to New Business 9H; Council approved Resolution 2025-114 accepting the repair quote.

culvert repair
Hillside Trail
Marble Street

Approved

p. 1p. 1p. 9

4nClose City Offices for the Holidays

Approve closing Nowthen City Offices for the holidays.

Approved under the amended consent agenda.

holiday hours
consent agenda

Consent calendar

5aRelease Financial Security for Nowthen Pastures

Release financial security for Nowthen Pastures.

The Council released the financial security for Nowthen Pastures after the City Engineer confirmed the required wetland buffer vegetation and signs were completed and recommended waiving the usual two-year warranty because no permanent public infrastructure was involved.

Council approved Resolution 2025-112.

Nowthen Pastures
financial security

Approved

5bAnnual Public Comment on SWPPP Adequacy

Annual opportunity for public comment on the adequacy of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program.

The Council held the annual SWPPP comment opportunity with no public comments, then approved submitting an MS4 petition for reevaluation because 2020 census mapping may remove Nowthen from the required urban-area stormwater permit program, potentially saving about $20,000 per year.

The public comment opportunity was opened and closed with no comments received.

SWPPP
stormwater

No action

p. 1p. 3

5cMS4 Petition for Reevaluation

Approve submittal of MS4 petition for reevaluation.

Council approved submitting the MS4 petition for reevaluation.

MS4
stormwater regulation

Approved

p. 1p. 3

6aFire Department Monthly Report

Fire Department monthly report.

Monthly report was presented; no vote was recorded.

fire department report

Discussion only

p. 1p. 3

6bIncrease Firefighter Benefit Level

Increase benefit level for firefighters vested in the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan.

The Council approved increasing the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan benefit level from $2,500 to $3,500 per year of service after the financial consultant explained the fund was overfunded and could support the higher benefit without additional city contribution.

Council approved Resolution 2025-113.

firefighter pension
PERA

Approved

p. 1p. 4

6cPurchase Paratech Rescue Tools

Purchase Paratech rescue tools from MacQueen.

The Council approved buying Paratech rescue tools for the Fire Department from MacQueen for $19,987.90, with the financial consultant noting the purchase would put the fire budget over but the general fund was under budget and a later budget adjustment could cover the shortfall.

Council approved Resolution 2025-115.

fire equipment
Paratech rescue tools

Approved

p. 1p. 4

6dPurchase Siren and Installation

Purchase warning siren and installation.

The Council discussed a proposed warning siren at Twin Lakes Park, including the split between buying the siren in 2025 and installing it in 2026, but tabled the item so the Fire Chief could answer questions about location, cost, and warning alternatives.

Council tabled the siren purchase and installation until the Fire Chief could address questions.

warning siren
Twin Lakes Park

Tabled

7aSheriff's Department Monthly Report

Sheriff's Department monthly report.

The Sheriff’s Office reported 134 October calls for service, including nine calls to Bar None, and reviewed notable incidents such as runaway juveniles, mental health crises, storage unit burglaries, a swamp crash, and recovery of a stolen vehicle.

Monthly report was presented; no vote was recorded.

sheriff report
Bar None

Discussion only

8aEmployee Evaluations Update

Employee evaluations update.

The City Clerk reported on employee evaluations, county population signs, upcoming policy and budget discussions, security/access system upgrades, and illegal dumping concerns, with the Sheriff’s Office offering extra patrols in problem areas.

Update only; no vote was recorded.

city clerk update
employee evaluations

Discussion only

8bPopulation Sign Update

Population sign update.

Update only; no vote was recorded.

city clerk update
population signs

Discussion only

8c2026 COLA, Overtime Policy and Paid Leave Policy

2026 COLA, overtime policy and paid leave policy update.

Update only; discussion was referred to the November 26 budget meeting.

city clerk update
COLA
overtime
paid leave

Discussion only

8dCity Security and Access Systems

City security and access systems update.

Update only; no vote was recorded.

city clerk update
security system

Discussion only

9aSafety Glass at the City Office

Purchase and installation of safety glass at the City Office.

The Council reviewed safety glass quotes after an incident with an upset resident, discussed whether thicker glass or polycarbonate would better protect staff, and tabled the item to obtain polycarbonate quotes.

Council tabled the item to obtain quotes for polycarbonate.

safety glass
city office security

Tabled

p. 2p. 6

9bSupport for the Nowthen Heritage Festival

Review request for the City of Nowthen to continue support of the Nowthen Heritage Festival.

The Council approved continuing the City’s support for the 2026 Nowthen Heritage Festival, with the packet request including a $3,000 contribution, about $900 in SCORE Grant recycling outreach funds, and staff assistance.

Council voted to continue city support and staff will prepare Resolution 2025-116 for signature.

Nowthen Heritage Festival

Approved

p. 2p. 6

9cMinnesota State Flag at City Offices

Discussion regarding Minnesota State flag at the Nowthen City Offices.

The Council debated whether to fly the current official Minnesota state flag, no state flag, or the historical state flag; a motion to not fly the Minnesota state flag failed 2-3, and the Mayor confirmed the current state flag should be put back up.

A motion to not fly the Minnesota state flag failed; the Mayor confirmed the state flag should be put back up.

Minnesota state flag

Denied

p. 2p. 7

9dPurchase Street Signage with Nowthen Logo

Purchase street signage with the Nowthen logo.

The Council discussed replacing non-reflective street signs and whether adding the Nowthen logo was worth the added per-sign cost, then tabled the issue to get a clearer count of signs needing replacement and improve budgeting.

Council tabled the item to determine the total number of signs needing replacement for better budgeting.

street signs
Nowthen logo

Tabled

p. 2p. 7

9eAccept Resignation of Public Works Supervisor Joe Glaze

Accept resignation for retirement of Public Works Supervisor Joe Glaze.

The Council accepted Public Works Supervisor Joe Glaze’s resignation for retirement effective January 20, 2026, then approved having Council Members Swenson and Breyen work with the Clerk on a salary range and related details before posting a city maintenance employee position.

Added to the agenda; Council approved Resolution 2025-117 accepting Joe Glaze's resignation for retirement.

public works
retirement

Approved

p. 1p. 8

9fPosting of a City Maintenance Employee

Approve work needed to post a city maintenance employee position.

Added to the agenda; Council approved having Council Members Swenson and Breyen work with the Clerk on the salary range and related posting issues.

public works
maintenance employee

Approved

p. 1p. 8

9gComcast Third Quarter Report and Broadband Agreement Extension

Comcast report and broadband development agreement extension.

Moved from consent item 4K; Council approved the first amendment extending the development period.

Comcast broadband
development agreement

Approved

p. 1p. 8

9hCulvert Repair on Hillside and Marble

Culvert repair on Hillside Trail and Marble Street.

Moved from consent item 4M; Council approved Resolution 2025-114.

culvert repair
Hillside Trail
Marble Street

Approved

p. 1p. 9

10aRFP for Attorney Services

Discussion and decision regarding RFP for attorney services.

The Council discussed whether to request proposals for civil and prosecuting attorney services now or delay because of ongoing ordinance work, then voted to send out an RFP for both civil and prosecuting attorneys while keeping the ability to decide each service separately later.

Council approved sending out the RFP for both civil and prosecuting attorney services.

attorney services RFP

Approved

p. 2p. 9

11Adjourn

Adjourn meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

adjournment

Approved

p. 2p. 9

Motions and votes

18 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.

M2025-11-18-01MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPROVE AGENDA AS AMENDED WITH ADDING NEW BUSINESS 9E AND 9F AND MOVING CONSENT ITEMS K AND M TO NEW BUSINESS G AND H.

moved by Rainville, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 1

M2025-11-18-02MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY MAYOR HYBBEN, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-104 AWARDING THE SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND SERIES 2025A IN THE ORIGINAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $1,250,000, FIXING THEIR FORMS AND SPECIFICATIONS, DIRECTING THEIR EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR PAYMENT.

moved by Rainville, seconded by Hybben

PassedSplit vote

YRainville
YHybben
YBreyen
YSwenson
NGlaser

M2025-11-18-03MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED.

moved by Breyen, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

M2025-11-18-04MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-112 RELEASING THE FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR NOWTHEN PASTURES.

moved by Breyen, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

M2025-11-18-05MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE SUBMISSION OF THE MS4 PETITION FOR REEVALUATION.

moved by Swenson, seconded by Rainville

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 3

M2025-11-18-06MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-113 OPTING TO INCREASE THE BENEFIT LEVEL FOR FIREFIGHTERS WHO ARE VESTED IN THE STATEWIDE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER PLAN.

moved by Glaser, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 4

M2025-11-18-07MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-115 APPROVAL TO PURCHASE THE PARATECH RESCUE TOOLS.

moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 4

M2025-11-18-08MOTION BY MAYOR HYBBEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO TABLE THE ITEM.

moved by Hybben, seconded by Glaser

Tabled

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 5

M2025-11-18-09MOTION BY MAYOR HYBBEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO TABLE THE ITEM.

moved by Hybben, seconded by Swenson

Tabled

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 6

M2025-11-18-10MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO CONTINUE THE CITY'S SUPPORT FOR THE HERITAGE FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR.

moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 6

M2025-11-18-11MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO NOT FLY THE MINNESOTA STATE FLAG ON CITY PROPERTY.

Exact transcript text

MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN , SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO NOT FLY THE MINNESOTA STATE FLAG ON CITY PROPERTY.

moved by Breyen, seconded by Glaser

FailedSplit vote

YBreyen
YGlaser
NHybben
NRainville
NSwenson

p. 7

M2025-11-18-12MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN TO TABLE THE ITEM.

moved by Glaser, seconded by Breyen

Tabled

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 7

M2025-11-18-13MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-117 ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION FOR RETIREMENT OF JOE GLAZE.

moved by Rainville, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 8

M2025-11-18-14MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY MAYOR HYBBEN REQUESTING THAT COUNCIL APPROVES HAVING COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON AND COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN HELP CITY CLERK JOHNSON FIGURE OUT A SALARY RANGE AND ANY OTHER ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE RESOLVED SO THAT THE POSITION CAN BE POSTED.

moved by Breyen, seconded by Hybben

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 8

M2025-11-18-15MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE TO EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS TO EXTEND THE DEVELOPMENT PERIOD.

moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 8

M2025-11-18-16MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, SECONDED BY MAYOR HYBBEN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-114 ACCEPTING THE QUOTE FOR REPAIR OF HILLSIDE TRAIL ON MARBLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS CULVERT IS FAILING.

moved by Glaser, seconded by Hybben

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 9

M2025-11-18-17MOTION BY MAYOR HYBBEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO SEND THE RFP FOR ATTORNEY SERVICES OUT FOR BOTH CIVIL AND PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.

moved by Hybben, seconded by Glaser

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 9

M2025-11-18-18MOTION TO ADJOURN BY MAYOR HYBBEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON.

moved by Hybben, seconded by Swenson

Passed

p. 9

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.

2025A estimated debt service reduction

$85,000

Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY MAYOR HYBBEN, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-104 AWARDING THE SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND SERIES 2025A IN THE ORIGINAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $1,250,000, FIXING THEIR FORMS AND SPECIFICATIONS, DIRECTING THEIR EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR PAYMENT. Passed(4 AYES - COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, MAYOR HYBBEN, COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON. 1 NAY- COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER. MOTION CARRIED.)