Tuesday, February 14, 2023 · 6:00 PM
Agenda
Not posted
What was on the agenda.
One-line summary
The council approved consent items, hired Amy Hanson for the recycling center, transferred $60,000 for city building improvements, approved a $180 Threshing Show ad and a truck purchase up to $120,000, and advanced major Comcast and Arvig broadband grant work.
23 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 agenda approval.
The council opened the regular meeting, noted that Council Member Rainville was participating by video and could not vote, amended the agenda to move Amy Hanson's recycling attendant hiring out of consent and pair the Comcast presentation with the broadband item, and approved the agenda as amended.
Agenda was amended to move Consent Item 4D to Administrator's Update and the Comcast presentation to the City Council broadband item.
2Floor Item(s)
Floor items.
Scott Schwartz, representing the St. Francis School District and Bar None facility, asked whether a greenhouse at the facility needs a permit. The response recorded in the minutes was that a permit is required, and the mayor directed him to contact Administrator Lehner.
A speaker asked about a greenhouse permit; no council action was taken.
3Presentation - Comcast
Presentation by Ron Orlando, Vice President of External Affairs from Comcast.
Ron Orlando of Comcast presented a broadband proposal for unserved and underserved parts of Nowthen. The plan relied on a public-private grant package with Comcast, state B2B funds, county ARPA funds, and Nowthen HRA funds; the council authorized use of HRA funds and authorized the mayor to keep working with staff, the county, and Comcast to advance the grant request and project.
The presentation was moved and discussed with the broadband new-business item.
4AApproval of City Council Minutes of Regular Meeting January 10, 2022
Approval of January 10, 2023 regular meeting minutes.
The council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Farmers Market appointments and stipends, Deputy Clerk Johnson training expenses, acceptance of the ERYHA fourth-quarter donation, Council Member Fladebo's LMC training, and the December 2022 financial report.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
4BApproval of Claims January 10 - February 10, 2023, and Treasurer's Report
Approval of claims and treasurer's report.
The council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Farmers Market appointments and stipends, Deputy Clerk Johnson training expenses, acceptance of the ERYHA fourth-quarter donation, Council Member Fladebo's LMC training, and the December 2022 financial report.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
4CAppoint 2023 Nowthen Farmers Market Manager and Coordinator
Appoint 2023 Farmers Market manager and coordinator, authorize stipends, and approve staff support.
The council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Farmers Market appointments and stipends, Deputy Clerk Johnson training expenses, acceptance of the ERYHA fourth-quarter donation, Council Member Fladebo's LMC training, and the December 2022 financial report.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
4DHire Amy Hanson as Second Part-Time Recycle Center Attendant
Hire Amy Hanson as second part-time recycle center attendant.
The council considered the recycling center staffing item separately because Amy Hanson was present. Administrator Lehner explained that Robert Keto could not accept the position for health reasons and recommended Hanson. Hanson introduced herself, and the council approved hiring her as the second part-time recycling attendant.
Moved from consent to Administrator's Update, where it was approved separately.
4EDeputy Clerk Johnson Continuing Education
Approve Deputy Clerk Johnson's IIMC and MCFOA conference expenditures and attendance.
The council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Farmers Market appointments and stipends, Deputy Clerk Johnson training expenses, acceptance of the ERYHA fourth-quarter donation, Council Member Fladebo's LMC training, and the December 2022 financial report.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
4FAccept ERYHA Fourth Quarter Donation
Accept ERYHA fourth-quarter donation.
The council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Farmers Market appointments and stipends, Deputy Clerk Johnson training expenses, acceptance of the ERYHA fourth-quarter donation, Council Member Fladebo's LMC training, and the December 2022 financial report.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
4GFurther Education for Council Member Fladebo
Approve further education for Council Member Fladebo.
The council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Farmers Market appointments and stipends, Deputy Clerk Johnson training expenses, acceptance of the ERYHA fourth-quarter donation, Council Member Fladebo's LMC training, and the December 2022 financial report.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
4HDecember 2022 Financial Report
Approval of December 2022 financial report from Lori Yager, RTY Consulting.
The council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and treasurer's report, Farmers Market appointments and stipends, Deputy Clerk Johnson training expenses, acceptance of the ERYHA fourth-quarter donation, Council Member Fladebo's LMC training, and the December 2022 financial report.
Approved under the amended consent agenda.
5Engineering
Engineering department.
No engineering items were presented.
6Fire Department
Fire Department report.
The Fire Department reported 12 January incidents, an average response time of 11 minutes and 59 seconds, and no fire dollar loss. The report also covered a possible turnout-gear dryer grant requiring an estimated city match, 2022 incident reporting, a school exit-lighting concern, and a future cost increase for a countywide fire records management system.
Monthly report only; no council action.
7Sheriff's Department
Sheriff's Department report.
The Sheriff's Department reported 118 January calls for service, including calls to Bar None, alarms, medicals, and animal complaints. Lt. Jacobson described Bar None incidents involving a resident leaving campus and a stolen vehicle, discussed a gift-card utility scam, and announced a March meet-the-deputy visit.
Monthly report only; no council action.
8Planning & Zoning
Planning and Zoning.
There were no Planning and Zoning items for this meeting.
No Planning and Zoning items were presented.
9APolicy Update
Administrator's policy update.
Administrator Lehner reported that the city had begun reviewing administrative policies that Interim Administrator Boyles had started to update. The mayor, Council Member Breyen, and the administrator reviewed Chapters 1 and 2, and a future workshop was expected after proposed changes were collected.
Council discussed review of Chapters 1 and 2 and a future workshop; no formal action.
9B1Health, Safety and Efficiency Improvements to City Buildings
Health, safety, and efficiency improvements to city buildings, including budget amendment.
The council discussed immediate and ongoing improvements to city offices and other buildings, including work started after Interim Administrator Boyles identified concerns. After confirming funds were available from 2022 excess revenues, the council approved moving $60,000 from the 2022 General Fund to the 2023 Capital Improvement Fund for building improvements, with remaining excess funds rolling forward.
Approved by separate motion.
9CWelcome Packet for New Residents
Welcome packet for new residents.
Staff described an early-stage idea from leadership meetings to send new residents a welcome packet with city contact information, emergency and sheriff dispatch numbers, council and website information, and possible local business materials. The council had no objection to the mayor helping with the packet.
Council had no objection to the mayor helping with the packet; no formal vote.
10AOld Business
Old business.
No old-business action was recorded in the minutes.
10B1Comcast B2B Grant Application for Broadband
Approve Comcast Border-to-Border grant application and related HRA/ARPA funding steps.
Ron Orlando of Comcast presented a broadband proposal for unserved and underserved parts of Nowthen. The plan relied on a public-private grant package with Comcast, state B2B funds, county ARPA funds, and Nowthen HRA funds; the council authorized use of HRA funds and authorized the mayor to keep working with staff, the county, and Comcast to advance the grant request and project.
Approved by motion, including authority for the mayor to keep working with the administrator, county, and Comcast.
10B2Arvig/Tekstar ARPA Funds for Twin Lakes Broadband
Authorize application of Anoka County ARPA funds for the previously approved Arvig broadband project in the Twin Lakes area.
The council discussed the already-approved Arvig/Tekstar B2B broadband project for the Twin Lakes area. The minutes state no new resolution was needed; staff would submit the previously signed resolution to the county to request $150,000 in ARPA funds for that project.
Minutes state a new resolution was not needed and that the prior signed resolution would be submitted to the county.
10B3City Day on the Hill Attendance
Approve City Council members and Administrator Lehner to attend City Day on the Hill.
The council approved Administrator Lehner, the mayor, and interested council members attending City Day on the Hill on March 9, 2023, at $99 per attendee plus mileage and stipend, to support legislative advocacy for city needs such as small-city road funding.
Approved by motion.
11Adjourn
Adjournment.
Adjournment motion made and seconded; the minutes do not record a vote tally for this motion.
Topics that came up without tying to a specific agenda item.
Nowthen Threshing Show advertising
Administrator Lehner brought a late request for the city to continue advertising in the Nowthen Threshing Show brochure and website. The council approved spending $180 and asked staff to improve the ad if possible and to ask the Threshing Show to advertise in the city newsletter.
Motions: M5. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Alders, Council Member Rainville.
MPCA MS4 audit preparation
Administrator Lehner reported that the city had been notified of an MPCA MS4 stormwater audit with a large questionnaire and short deadline. The city team included the engineer, planner, public works, and administrator, with the mayor helping because of prior audit experience; council members supported the mayor's continued involvement and asked for a future update.
Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Mayor Pilon, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Breyen.
2023 Silverado truck purchase
Administrator Lehner reported that one of the city's older trucks was deteriorating and no longer fit the city's needs. After staff located a 2023 Silverado with needed plow and utility features, the council approved moving forward with the purchase, as amended to include a two-yard salter/sander and cap the total at $120,000.
Motions: M6. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Alders, Council Member Rainville.
9 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY FLADEBO TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Fladebo
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY FLADEBO TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Fladebo
M3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2023-XX AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AMY HANSON AS THE SECOND PART-TIME RECYCLING ATTENDANT.
moved by Alders, seconded by Breyen
M4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2023-XX AMENDING THE 2023 BUDGET TO MOVE AN EXISTING $60,000 FROM THE 2022 GENERAL FUND TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND WITH THE REMAINING EXCESS FUNDS ROLLING INTO THE 2023 BUDGET.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Alders
M5MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO CONTINUE TO ADVERTISE IN THE NOWTHEN THRESHING SHOW BROCHURE AND WEBSITE WITH CITY STAFF TO REVAMP THE AD IF POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Alders
M6MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN TO APPROVE ADMINISTRATOR LEHNER AND THE MAYOR TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PURCHASE OF THE 2023 SILVERADO TRUCK WITH ALL NEEDED ACCESSORIES, NOT TO EXCEED $110,000. COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS OFFERED AN AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION TO NOT EXCEED $120,000 AND TO INCLUDE A NEW 2 YARD SALTER/SANDER AS WELL. COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN ACCEPTED THE AMENDMENT TO HIS MOTION. COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS SECONDED THE MOTION.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Alders
M7MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS SECONDED BY BREYEN AUTHORIZING THE USE OF HRA FUNDS TO PROVIDE HIGH SPEED INTERNET TO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN UNSERVED AND UNDERSERVED AREAS OF NOWTHEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COMCAST, ANOKA COUNTY AND THE CITY OF NOWTHEN. IN ADDITION TO THIS RESOLUTION, THE COUNCIL AUTHORIZES MAYOR PILON TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR, THE COUNTY, AND COMCAST TO HELP PROGRESS THIS GRANT REQUEST AND PROJECT.
moved by Alders, seconded by Breyen
M8MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2023-XX APPROVING ADMINSTRATOR LEHNER AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ATTEND CITY DAY ON THE HILL ON THURSDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2023 AT A COST OF $99.00, PLUS MILEAGE AND STIPEND PER ATTENDEE.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Alders
M9MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN SECONDED BY ALDERS TO ADJOURN.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Alders
The amounts the council actually voted to approve, each with the vote that approved it. Drawn from the official minutes.
February 2023 claims batch
$72,111
January 2023 auto-pay claims batch
$13,514
January 31 adjusted bank total
$3,662,535
2023 Farmers Market management stipends
$1,000
Farmers Market stipend per position
$500
Farmers Market land lease rent
$1
Amy Hanson recycling attendant hourly wage
$15
Recycling attendant shared weekly hours
$32
Deputy Clerk Johnson IIMC training expenditure
$260
Deputy Clerk Johnson MCFOA conference expenditure
$749
MCFOA registration
$380
MCFOA hotel cost
$369
Council Member Fladebo Plymouth Cohort fee
$350
2022 General Fund actual expenditures
$2,016,299
Nowthen Threshing Show ad
$180
Refundable truck hold deposit
$500
2023 Silverado truck package estimate
$104,513
Truck two-yard salter/sander estimate
$9,100
2023 Silverado truck purchase cap
$120,000
Comcast B2B broadband project total estimate
$8,500,000
Comcast project HRA fund match
$800,000
City Day on the Hill attendee fee
$99
When someone referred back to earlier business, we found the matching prior discussion and tied it in here.
Last month the council approved the hiring of Keto. He was unaware of some medical issues that have come up that has made him unable to accept a position with the City of Nowthen at this time.
— Administrator Lehner
What this is about
Prior approval to hire Robert Keto as a recycling attendant and why Amy Hanson was brought forward instead.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection. The search results provided are for unrelated planning and subdivision matters, and do not show a council action approving the hire of Robert Keto as a recycling attendant or bringing Amy Hanson forward as an alternate hire. Based on these results, I cannot confirm the date, vote, or terms of any prior approval for Mr. Keto, or the stated medical reason for his being unable to accept the position.
While Interim Administrator Boyles was here, he started going through the city policies and recommending changes.
— Administrator Lehner
What this is about
Policy work begun under Interim Administrator Boyles before the current administrator continued it.
The records searched show related policy work in early 2026, but they do not contain a clear record tying that work back to Interim Administrator Boyles. In the January 13, 2026 packet, staff reported that while reviewing the City Council Policy they found it referred to a complaint policy, but no such policy had been approved by the Council. Staff then drafted a formal complaint policy, using examples from other cities, to add to both the Personnel Policy and City Council Policy. At the February 10, 2026 meeting, City Clerk Natalie Johnson explained that a recent complaint had revealed the lack of a consistent procedure, and that Administrative Assistant Stoeckel helped research and develop the new policy. The item was listed as approval of Resolution 2026-12 updating the Personnel Policy and City Council Policy with a Complaint Policy. The search results also show other policy materials in 2026, including a Drug and Alcohol Testing for Commercial Drivers Policy in the March 10, 2026 packet. However, the records provided do not confirm that Interim Administrator Boyles initiated the broader policy review.
Interim Administrator Boyles had also begun to address safety concerns to be addressed immediately and other improvements to the city offices to improve efficiency.
— Administrator Lehner
What this is about
Building safety concerns and improvements begun under Interim Administrator Boyles.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about Interim Administrator Boyles beginning work on safety concerns or efficiency improvements at the city offices. The closest results were unrelated: a Building Safety Month proclamation in the May 12, 2026 packet, and standard building-code compliance language in 2026 interim use permit materials. Those records address general building safety or private-property permitting, not safety issues or office improvements at City Hall, and they do not mention Interim Administrator Boyles.
Council Member Rainville stated that with the previous administration had stated to the council that all areas of the storm water plans would be addressed and assigned to the appropriate departments and should be captured in previous records.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
Prior MS4 stormwater plan responsibilities and records from a previous administration.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection about a previous administration assigning responsibilities for all areas of the MS4 stormwater plans to appropriate departments. The search results returned 2026 items involving Council Member Rainville, but they relate to Planning and Zoning appointments, agenda changes, and other unrelated matters, not MS4 or stormwater plan responsibilities.
that a new truck was not in our discussions and that this truck does not replace the new plow truck which was scheduled to be ready in late spring 2023 and is now pushed to later 2024.
— Council Member Rainville
What this is about
Prior discussions and expectations for city truck replacement and a separate future plow truck.
The records I searched do not contain a prior discussion or decision matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection about a truck replacement or a separate plow truck expected in late spring 2023 and later pushed to 2024. The search results returned unrelated packet material from 2025–2026, including subdivision approvals, cannabis-related conditions, and a newsletter payment resolution, but nothing about city truck purchases, replacement schedules, or plow truck delivery timing.
The mayor indicated that he has been working with Mr. Orlando for approximately 5 years trying to get internet into Nowthen as he introduced Mr. Orlando to the council for his presentation.
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Mayor's multi-year work with Comcast on broadband service for Nowthen.
The records I searched do not contain a prior discussion or decision matching the mayor’s recollection of multi-year work with Mr. Orlando or Comcast to bring internet/broadband service to Nowthen. The search results provided are from 2026 packets and relate to unrelated items such as prosecuting services, farmers market support, hazard mitigation, personnel policies, public safety reports, and the Heritage Festival. They do not show a Comcast presentation, broadband agreement, funding action, or formal council vote on internet service for Nowthen.
Previously approved July 25, 2022, but not submitted due to waiting for the grant approval.
What this is about
Previously approved Arvig/Tekstar B2B grant resolution from July 25, 2022.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection. In particular, the search results provided do not include a July 25, 2022 meeting record or any Arvig/Tekstar B2B grant resolution. The available matches are unrelated 2026 packet items, such as performance measurement participation, development agreements, and financial security releases. Based on these results, I cannot confirm from the provided records that the Arvig/Tekstar B2B grant resolution was approved on July 25, 2022 or that it was held pending grant approval.
DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the Minor Subdivision subject to the following conditions: 1\.
Option A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable to the City Attorney recorded prior to the recording of the lot split. A pr
6\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area as shown on the Site Layout. All cultivation shall occur not less than 200
5\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the future, these activities may not be commenced or undertaken under this Interi
Council approval, including demonstrating compliance with Section 10-3-5. If the comments from the City Engineer memo are not satisfactorily addressed, then this recommendation shall be changed to a r
Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.
Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2023-02-14)
Minutes · Tuesday, February 14, 2023
7 pages
Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-02-14)
Packet · Tuesday, February 14, 2023
85 pages
Meeting recording
YouTube
Transcript · 980 segments · 2:40:47
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?