City Council Work Session · MN Public Tools

What was on the agenda

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

1Call to Order, Roll Call, Approve Agenda
Call to Order, Roll Call, and approval of the agenda.
Mayor Pilon opened the work session, Administrator Lehner called roll, all five council members were present, and the council approved the agenda as presented.
The agenda was approved as presented.
- meeting administration
Approved
p. 1p. 1p. 1
2Approve Claims received through 7-22-24
Approval of claims received through July 22, 2024.
The council approved the claims, but amended the action to hold the Mediation & Restoration Services invoice until staff could gather more information about the service and Nowthen resident use. Council Member Rainville also asked staff to determine what percentage of Tool Cat use is for the recycling center so an appropriate share of repairs can be coded to recycling expenses.
Claims were approved, but the Mediation & Restoration Services invoice was held pending more information.
- claims
- Mediation & Restoration Services invoice
- Tool Cat repair coding
Approved with conditions
p. 1p. 1p. 2
31st 2025 Budget and CIP Discussion
First discussion of the 2025 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.
The council held its first 2025 budget and CIP discussion. The packet presented a General Fund levy increase of $340,580, continued use of fund balance, a $50,000 gambling contribution transfer, a $20,000 debt service levy increase, and a $7,500 turnout gear transfer. The minutes say only the CIP was discussed that night and that a later General Fund meeting was set for August 15, with the plan then showing an 18% levy increase and $75,400 of fund balance use after $92,350 from MnDot TAA.
The council discussed road project numbers, the road study and Moore Engineering master service agreement, the effect of road projects on future bonding, and the limits of the levy for annual road work. Finance Consultant Yager warned that without bonding there would be no road projects in 2025, and the council decided to reduce the 2025 road improvement fund amount from $150,000 to $100,000.
During the CIP review, the council moved the $175,000 well project to 2028 and the $120,000 cold storage project to 2025, then left the cold storage item as presented by Finance Consultant Yager after discussion.
The council discussed whether the Parks CIP was too vague and reviewed planned or needed park work, including grills, ash cans, Twin Lakes pavilion roofs, pickleball/basketball court work, and the Historic Town Hall memorial area. Council Member Fladebo was assigned to bring back a design plan for the memorial area, and the council still needed to decide whether to demolish what was currently around it.
The council discussed the Equipment Fund, noting that $6,000 from the 2024 budget had been transferred into it and that future equipment replacements may require bonding unless the levy increases. They also discussed the Tool Cat, future dump truck needs, recycling grants, and replacing the recycling center parking area with concrete or asphalt.
The council discussed the CIP and budget but did not adopt the 2025 budget or levy at this meeting.
- 2025 budget
- capital improvement plan
- roads
- parks
- equipment fund
Discussion only
p. 1p. 2p. 4
4Adjourn
Adjournment.
The minutes record adjournment at 8:47 p.m.; no adjournment motion was recorded.
- meeting administration
No action
p. 1p. 5

Motions and votes

3 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.

M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
Exact transcript text
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville
Passed
- YPilon
- YRainville
- YBreyen
- YFladebo
- YAlders
p. 1p. 1
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE CLAIMS AS PRESENTED.
Exact transcript text
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE THE CLAIMS AS PRESENTED.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders
Passed
- YPilon
- YRainville
- YBreyen
- YFladebo
- YAlders
p. 1p. 1p. 2
M3COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE AMENDED THE ORIGINAL MOTION TO HOLD THE MEDIATION & RESTORATION SERVICES INVOICE UNTIL MORE INFORMATION IS COLLECTED.
Exact transcript text
COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE AMENDED THE ORIGINAL MOTION TO HOLD THE MEDIATION & RESTORATION SERVICES INVOICE UNTIL MORE INFORMATION IS COLLECTED.
moved by Rainville
Passed
- YPilon
- YRainville
- YBreyen
- YFladebo
- YAlders
p. 1p. 2

Prior history on this business

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

Mayor Pilon asked if the council directed a master service agreement. Administrator Lehner said with the road study approved, that is the agreement needed to approve $21,000.
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Whether the council had previously directed a master service agreement connected to the road study and Moore Engineering work.
p. 2
Related history
The records provided in this search do not contain a prior council action clearly matching Mayor Pilon’s recollection of directing a master service agreement for Moore Engineering tied to the road study, nor do they show a recorded vote approving a $21,000 agreement for that work. The search results mainly relate to development review fees, subdivision engineering review, and unrelated contracts or proposals. They do show general references to city engineering and consultant costs, but not the specific road study/Moore Engineering master service agreement being discussed.
- Oct 28, 2025<table> <tr> <th>Easement Vacation</th> <th>Application - $250.00 Escrow - * see note below</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Wetland
- Apr 14, 2026less, along said curve, concave to the South, to the West line of said Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter, said
- Mar 24, 2026less, along said curve, concave to the South, to the West line of said Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter, said
- Mar 10, 2026The ACHD Engineering Plan Review process will apply to this site. The following items should be submitted to Camila Aren
- Feb 24, 2026The ACHD Engineering Plan Review process will apply to this site. The following items should be submitted to Camila Aren
The mayor stated he thought it was too vague, even though the spending approved for 2024.
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Prior council approval of 2024 park spending.
p. 2
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior council decision matching the recollection of approved 2024 park spending. The search results include later references to park and trail dedication fees in development matters, such as a $2,500 per-lot fee in the September 23, 2025 packet, but they do not show a 2024 council approval for park spending or a related vote outcome.
- Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
- Sep 23, 2025Option A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable t
- Mar 24, 20265\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the fut
- Apr 14, 20266\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area a
- Mar 10, 2026Council to determine that each lot has two available septic sites for the review and approval of the City's Building Off
Administrator Lehner explained that the grills and ash cans were approved by the council.
— Administrator Lehner
What this is about
Prior council approval of grills and ash cans for parks.
p. 2
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior council decision matching Administrator Lehner’s recollection that grills and ash cans for parks had been approved by the council. The search results that came back refer to unrelated items, such as subdivision approvals, cannabis-related conditions, and development agreement language in 2025–2026 packets. They do not show a meeting date, motion, vote, or dollar amount for approval of park grills or ash cans.
- Feb 10, 2026## CITY & GOVERNMENT CLIENTS - CONTACT INFORMATION <table> <tr> <th>Public Sector Client</th> <th>Prosecution Services</
- Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
- Apr 14, 20266\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area a
- Mar 24, 20265\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the fut
- Feb 24, 2026Council approval, including demonstrating compliance with Section 10-3-5. If the comments from the City Engineer memo ar
The council has not provided a goal list, but he had been told to get quotes for roofing leaking pavilions and come up with a plan to remodel the memorial area by removing trees, brush, plants and replace the rotting sign.
— Administrator Lehner
What this is about
Prior council direction to get quotes for pavilion roofing and a plan for the memorial area.
p. 2
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior council decision or direction matching this recollection about getting quotes for leaking pavilion roofs or preparing a plan to remodel the memorial area by removing trees, brush, plants, and replacing a rotting sign. The search results returned unrelated packet material from 2025–2026, including subdivision conditions, cannabis interim use permit conditions, and employee benefits information, but nothing about pavilion roofing, park pavilion repairs, or memorial-area improvements.
- Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
- Sep 23, 2025Option A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable t
- Apr 14, 20266\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area a
- Mar 24, 20265\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the fut
- Apr 14, 2026DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the City Council approves the Final Plat for Pal
Finance Consultant Yager stated, yes, that was the direction of council to keep the levy low, by doing that, at some point, the levy will need some significant increases to replenish the fund balance and increase other funds such as roads.
— Finance Consultant Yager
What this is about
Past council direction to keep the levy low and its effect on fund balance.
p. 3
Related history
The closest match is the January 13, 2026 budget and property tax hearing. At that meeting, Financial Consultant Yager presented the 2026 budget and levy proposal and said the Council had held four budget meetings between July and November. The record says the levy was reduced by $8,645 from the amount shown in the Truth in Taxation notices, with a proposed final levy of $2,332,787. It also states that the City was “utilizing fund balance to avoid additional levy increases,” with transfers from the general fund planned for equipment, turnout gear, and debt service. That record supports Yager’s recollection that keeping the levy lower was tied to using fund balance, but the search results do not show a separate formal motion or vote specifically directing staff to “keep the levy low.” The May 12, 2026 financial statements also show the City’s fund balances, including a General Fund balance of $1,470,024 and assigned balances for equipment and street renewal, but they do not record a Council decision on levy policy.
- Mar 10, 20261\. The City regularly receives inquiries from property owners, real estate professionals, developers and proposed purch
- Oct 28, 20253\. The City desires to be appropriately responsive to requests for information and applications concerning Land Use Mat
- Jan 13, 2026### 3. PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET AND PROPERTY TAXES Financial Consultant Yager presented the 2026 budget and levy proposa
- May 12, 2026## City of Nowthen Management's Discussion and Analysis ### FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE GOVERNMENT'S FUNDS (CONTINUED) Gov
- May 12, 2026## City of Nowthen Management's Discussion and Analysis ### OVERVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Government-
Council Member Rainville stated she had contacted St. Francis a couple of years ago and the Nowthen price was better than theirs.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
A past price comparison with St. Francis for dust control.
p. 4
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior dust-control price comparison with St. Francis or a prior decision matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection. The search results only show unrelated references, such as law-enforcement reports listing addresses on Saint Francis Blvd and other 2026 council business, but nothing documenting St. Francis dust-control pricing or a comparison to Nowthen’s price.
- 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, 2026<table> <tr> <th>THEFTS</th> <th></th> <th colspan="3"></th> <th colspan="2"></th> <th></th> <th></th> </tr> <tr> <th>Nu
- Mar 10, 2026<td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>ZPD2600121AR</td> <td>26036106</td> <td>Feb 17, 2026, 5:03:47 AM</td> <td>ARREST</td> <td>WARRO
- 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
Questions about why the truck we ordered in 2021 that was received this spring didn't stay at the contract price?
What this is about
Truck order placed in 2021 and delivered in spring 2024 at a higher price.
p. 4
Related history
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection. The results include references to trucks in other contexts, such as delivery vehicles for a business application and public works “truck repairs” noted in a March 10, 2026 clerk update, but they do not show a 2021 truck order, a spring 2024 delivery, a contract price, or a council discussion explaining a price increase.
- Mar 10, 2026<table> <tr> <td>Stereo Receiver</td> <td>$25.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Stereo Console</td> <td>$50.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>
- Apr 28, 2026d) Please describe the type(s) of trucks making deliveries (UPS, box truck, semi- truck, etc) and what is being transpor
- Apr 14, 2026<figure> CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <table> <tr> <th>Agenda</th> <th>Department:</th> <th>R
- May 12, 2026Council Member Glaser confirmed that Mr. Pilon was the primary choice of all planning and zoning commission members. La
- Apr 14, 2026Council Member Ken Glaser confirmed that Mr. Pilon was the primary choice of all planning and zoning commission members.
The Tool Cat was purchased from the recycling grant over 10 years ago and it was used when it was purchased - it is an item to be replaced along with ordering another dump truck.
What this is about
Tool Cat age and original purchase from the recycling grant.
p. 4
Related history
The records searched do not contain a prior decision confirming that the existing Tool Cat was bought used with recycling grant funds more than 10 years ago. The available results only show the recent replacement process, not the original purchase history or funding source. The records do show that replacement of the Tool Cat was brought forward in early 2026. At the January 13, 2026 meeting packet, staff requested approval to buy a 2025 Bobcat Tool Cat from Crawford’s Equipment for $67,914.11, plus rhino lining expected to be less than $1,200. The packet said the City had budgeted for a new Tool Cat in 2026 and compared quotes from Lano and Crawford’s. A February 10, 2026 packet item lists Resolution 2026-09 accepting that purchase, with an extended warranty, and the February 10 minutes also refer to a $267.23 repair to the Tool Cat “that was being traded in.” The excerpts provided do not show a final vote outcome for the original purchase history or confirm the recycling-grant recollection.
- Jan 13, 2026CITY OF NOWTHEN By: SHANE D. HYBBEN Its Mayor ATTEST By: NATALIE JOHNSON Its City Clerk <figure> CITY OF NOWTHEN </figur
- Jan 13, 2026## RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PURCHASE OF THE 2025 BOBCAT TOOLCAT FROM CRAWFORD'S EQUIPMMENT, INC
- Mar 10, 2026COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, AND COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE. MOTION FAILED. h) Approval of Claims from January 8, 2026, to Febr
- Feb 10, 2026COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, AND COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE. MOTION FAILED. h) Approval of Claims from January 8, 2026, to Febr
- Mar 10, 2026Council Member Glaser have met and discussed the options they found with pros and cons, prices, warranty and availabilit

Where this came up before

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

What was on the agenda

Motions and votes

Prior history on this business

Related history

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Where this came up before

Sources