Tuesday, December 10, 2024 · 6:00 PM
One-line summary
The Council approved the 2025 budget, consent agenda, cannabis zoning ordinance, liquor-fee increase, and Burns Bottle Shop penalty, but council-vacancy items were not reached after two members left and the meeting lost quorum.
40 items as recorded in the agenda, packet, and minutes, each with a plain-English summary of what was at issue.
openingCall to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Roll Call
Meeting opened, pledge recited, and roll call taken.
approve-agendaApprove Agenda
At agenda approval, CM Rainville moved to table the vacancy-process and appointment items until January, arguing for a transparent process and involvement of the incoming Council; the motion failed 2-2. Later, when item 11b was reached, CM Rainville and CM Alders left the meeting, removing the quorum, so the Council did not act on the proposed appointment process or on Mayor Pilon's proposal to appoint Sheryl Mady-Olson.
A motion to table the council-vacancy items failed 2-2; the agenda was then approved 4-0.
12025 levy and budget public hearing and adoption
Open Public Hearing, Close Public Hearing, and Approve and Adopt the 2025 Levy and Budget
The Council held the Truth in Taxation public hearing, received no public comments, and approved the 2025 budget. The packet and resolution set the total 2025 levy at $2,129,366, with $1,876,095 for the General Fund and $253,271 for Debt Service, and total governmental fund appropriations of $3,616,020.
The public hearing opened and closed with no comments, and the 2025 budget was approved 4-0.
2Public Forum
Public forum for residents to address City governmental topics.
The City held the annual public-input opportunity for the stormwater pollution prevention program required by the MS4 permit. Discussion focused on whether the recycling-center oil tank could be moved or made easier to access, with comments that moving it outside could create runoff and contamination concerns.
Speakers addressed the recycling-center oil tank during the stormwater public-input portion of the meeting; no formal action was recorded for public forum.
3Eagle Scout Lucius Milliman project
Presentation by Eagle Scout Lucius Milliman regarding an Eagle Scout Project.
Lucius Milliman presented his Eagle Scout plan to build bird houses and bat houses at Twin Lakes Park. He told the Council he planned to self-fundraise and did not expect city financial help, and the Council voted to commend and support the project, with public works help available if needed.
Council supported the Eagle Scout bird-house and bat-house project for Twin Lakes Park.
4Alcohol license application price increase public hearing
Public Hearing - Alcohol License Application Price Increase; at the close of the hearing, the council will discuss and decide about the license fee.
After a required public hearing, the Council increased the intoxicating on-sale liquor license fee from $1,500 to $2,500 effective January 1, 2025. Later, for Burns Bottle Shop's failed compliance check, the Council imposed a $500 fine due January 15, 2025, and a one-day license suspension on December 24, 2024.
The on-sale intoxicating liquor license fee increase to $2,500 was approved.
5Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Consent agenda approved as published.
5aNovember 12 regular minutes and November 18 special-session minutes
Approval of November 12th City Council Meeting Minutes, and November 18th Special Session Meeting Minutes.
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
5bClaims and October 2024 Treasurer's Report
Approval of Claims November 7, 2024 to December 5, 2024, and Treasurer's Report for October 2024
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
5cAccept Chad Hayft resignation
Approval of Resolution 2024-XX Accepting Chad Hayft's resignation letter.
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
5dAccept ARAA donation
Approval of Resolution 2024-XX Accepting a donation from the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association. $4,787.51
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
5eCity support for 2025 Nowthen Heritage Festival
Approval of Resolution 2024-XX Donating to the Heritage Festival.
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
5fBill's Superette tobacco license renewal
Approval of Resolution 2024-XX Renewal of Tobacco License for Bills Jan-Dec 2025
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
5g2024 third-quarter financial report
Accept the 3rd Quarter Financial Report prepared by Financial Consultant Lori Yager.
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Accepted under the consent agenda.
5hBegin Veterans Memorial revitalization
Begin revitalization of the Veterans Memorial.
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
5iAppoint Deputy Clerk Johnson as interim City Administrator
Approve Resolution 2024-XX Appointing Deputy Clerk Johnson as interim City Administrator.
The Council approved the consent agenda as published. The consent package included prior minutes, claims and the October Treasurer's Report, Chad Hayft's fire department resignation, acceptance of a $4,787.51 ARAA donation, city support for the 2025 Heritage Festival including a $3,000 contribution and about $900 in SCORE funds, renewal of Bill's Superette's tobacco license, acceptance of the third-quarter financial report, beginning Veterans Memorial revitalization, and appointing Natalie Johnson as acting/interim City Administrator.
Administrator Lehner gave his final update, reporting that new staff were settling in, 2025 council email accounts were ready, open issues had been transferred to staff and consultants, staff reviews were completed, ice rink flooding had started, and he would turn in keys and equipment on December 12. The consent agenda appointed Natalie Johnson to acting/interim City Administrator.
Approved under the consent agenda.
6aHakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rates
Hakanson Anderson Hourly Billing Rate Schedule 2025
Hakanson Anderson's 2025 municipal hourly billing rate schedule was presented as an informational engineering item, effective January 1, 2025. No separate approval vote was recorded for the rate schedule.
Presented as an informational billing-rate schedule; no vote was recorded.
6bAnnual SWPPP public input
Annual Opportunity for Public Input on the SWPPP
The City held the annual public-input opportunity for the stormwater pollution prevention program required by the MS4 permit. Discussion focused on whether the recycling-center oil tank could be moved or made easier to access, with comments that moving it outside could create runoff and contamination concerns.
The required public-input opportunity was held; public comments focused on the recycling-center oil tank and MS4 runoff concerns.
7aFire Department monthly report
Fire Department Monthly Report
The fire report showed 22 calls for service in November 2024 and improved average response time compared with November 2023. The Sheriff's report showed 129 calls for service, including eight to Bar None, 17 medical calls, 11 animal complaints, and a high number of vehicle crashes; no follow-up action was taken at this meeting.
Monthly report reviewed; no formal action recorded.
7bInterim Part-Time Fire Chief recommendation
Interim Part-Time Fire Chief Recommendation
The fire chief hiring item produced conflicting records. The minutes record that a motion to contract with Rob Miller for six months failed 2-2; the transcript shows additional discussion, withdrawal of a special-meeting motion, and then a revised motion to offer the interim position to Robert Miller for six months at the higher posted rate, subject to a contract approved by the City Attorney, carrying 3-1.
The minutes record a 2-2 failed motion to extend a contract to Rob Miller; the transcript later records a revised motion on the same offer carrying 3-1, so the official minutes and transcript conflict.
8aSheriff's Department monthly report
Sheriff's Department Monthly Report
The fire report showed 22 calls for service in November 2024 and improved average response time compared with November 2023. The Sheriff's report showed 129 calls for service, including eight to Bar None, 17 medical calls, 11 animal complaints, and a high number of vehicle crashes; no follow-up action was taken at this meeting.
Monthly report accepted without recorded vote.
9aCannabis ordinance amendment
Discuss and Accept the Cannabis Ordinance Amendment
Planner Nash and Attorney Ruppe explained that state law requires the City to allow cannabis businesses with reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Council adopted the zoning ordinance amendment for cannabis uses and decided to wait for Anoka County's retail-registration framework before deciding whether to delegate registration authority or keep it locally.
Council adopted the zoning ordinance amendment and agreed to wait for Anoka County's work on retail registration before deciding whether to delegate or retain that authority.
10Administrator Update
Administrator Update: turning in equipment and key collection; update regarding new staff; new nowthenmn.net emails; thank you for the opportunity to serve the City of Nowthen.
Administrator Lehner gave his final update, reporting that new staff were settling in, 2025 council email accounts were ready, open issues had been transferred to staff and consultants, staff reviews were completed, ice rink flooding had started, and he would turn in keys and equipment on December 12. The consent agenda appointed Natalie Johnson to acting/interim City Administrator.
During the administrator update, Administrator Lehner and Attorney Ruppe reported that the Mackenzie Hills driveway issue was resolved and the certificate of occupancy had been issued, but Attorney Ruppe was still working with Mr. Gustafson on the developer's agreement and had not yet heard back.
Administrator Lehner updated the Council on new staff, council emails, open issues, staff reviews, ice rinks, and his departure; no formal action recorded beyond consent appointment of Natalie Johnson as interim administrator.
11aBurns Bottle Shop liquor-license violation
Burns Bottle Shop Liquor License Violation
After a required public hearing, the Council increased the intoxicating on-sale liquor license fee from $1,500 to $2,500 effective January 1, 2025. Later, for Burns Bottle Shop's failed compliance check, the Council imposed a $500 fine due January 15, 2025, and a one-day license suspension on December 24, 2024.
Council imposed a $500 fine due January 15, 2025, and a one-day liquor-license suspension on December 24, 2024.
11bAccept Council Member Fladebo resignation and declare vacancy
Resolution accepting Council Member Fladebo's Resignation & Vacancy, with a copy of the resignation letter.
At agenda approval, CM Rainville moved to table the vacancy-process and appointment items until January, arguing for a transparent process and involvement of the incoming Council; the motion failed 2-2. Later, when item 11b was reached, CM Rainville and CM Alders left the meeting, removing the quorum, so the Council did not act on the proposed appointment process or on Mayor Pilon's proposal to appoint Sheryl Mady-Olson.
No further discussion occurred because CM Rainville and Alders left before item 11b(1-2), leaving no quorum.
11b1Resolution establishing process to fill council vacancy
Accept the Resolution establishing a process to appoint to fill a vacancy in council.
At agenda approval, CM Rainville moved to table the vacancy-process and appointment items until January, arguing for a transparent process and involvement of the incoming Council; the motion failed 2-2. Later, when item 11b was reached, CM Rainville and CM Alders left the meeting, removing the quorum, so the Council did not act on the proposed appointment process or on Mayor Pilon's proposal to appoint Sheryl Mady-Olson.
No action due to loss of quorum before the item was reached.
11b2Appoint Sheryl Mady-Olson to fill council vacancy
Motion to appoint Sheryl Mady-Olson to fill the vacancy until the special election held in November of 2026 at the general election.
At agenda approval, CM Rainville moved to table the vacancy-process and appointment items until January, arguing for a transparent process and involvement of the incoming Council; the motion failed 2-2. Later, when item 11b was reached, CM Rainville and CM Alders left the meeting, removing the quorum, so the Council did not act on the proposed appointment process or on Mayor Pilon's proposal to appoint Sheryl Mady-Olson.
No action due to loss of quorum before the item was reached.
old-aOld Business: A&B Welding outlot update
Old Business: update from Mayor Pilon about the outlot A&B Welding is interested in based upon Engineer Nelson's email forwarded to the council.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-bOld Business: EOP update and training
Old Business: EOP update and training with Anoka County.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-cOld Business: consultant access and billing policy
Old Business: third-party consultants/contractors access and associated billing policy placement.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-dOld Business: accessory dwelling units
Old Business: ADUs from Planner Nash.
During the administrator update, Administrator Lehner and Attorney Ruppe reported that the Mackenzie Hills driveway issue was resolved and the certificate of occupancy had been issued, but Attorney Ruppe was still working with Mr. Gustafson on the developer's agreement and had not yet heard back.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-eOld Business: Veterans Memorial landscaping
Old Business: Veterans Memorial landscaping plan and removal from list for January meeting.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum; related revitalization item was approved on the consent agenda.
old-fOld Business: Cannabis Ordinance follow-up
Old Business: Cannabis Ordinance at P&Z; remove from January list.
Planner Nash and Attorney Ruppe explained that state law requires the City to allow cannabis businesses with reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Council adopted the zoning ordinance amendment for cannabis uses and decided to wait for Anoka County's retail-registration framework before deciding whether to delegate registration authority or keep it locally.
The related cannabis ordinance was approved under Planning and Zoning item 9a; old business was not separately reached.
old-gOld Business: SCORE grant contract information
Old Business: SCORE grant contract information completed and removed from list.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-hOld Business: Bar None CUP/IUP compliance
Old Business: Bar None agreement regarding school CUP or IUP and compliance.
The fire report showed 22 calls for service in November 2024 and improved average response time compared with November 2023. The Sheriff's report showed 129 calls for service, including eight to Bar None, 17 medical calls, 11 animal complaints, and a high number of vehicle crashes; no follow-up action was taken at this meeting.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum; Bar None was discussed in the Sheriff's report context.
old-iOld Business: CUP/IUP inspections and escrow policy
Old Business: CUP/IUP annual inspection policy, process, and escrow amount.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-jOld Business: Comcast existing lines
Old Business: Mayor Pilon to check whether existing lines would work for Comcast.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-kOld Business: ball field improvement fund
Old Business: ball field improvement fund resolution for January 14, 2025.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
moved-consentItems moved from consent agenda
Items moved from consent agenda, if needed.
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
No consent items were moved; the consent agenda was approved as published.
12Adjourn
Adjourn
Because CM Rainville and CM Alders left before the council-vacancy discussion, the meeting lost its quorum at about 7:46 p.m. No remaining new-business or old-business items were discussed, and the meeting was closed/adjourned.
Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. after loss of quorum.
15 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M001MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO TABLE ITEMS 11B (1&2).
moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders
M002MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen
4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
M003MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE 2025 BUDGET.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville
4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
M004I move that the council commends and supports Lucius and his efforts to build the bird house and B bird and bat houses for the betterment of Twin Lakes Park.
I move that the council commends and supports Lucius and his efforts to build the bird house and B bird and bat houses for the betterment of Twin Lakes Park
moved by angel
Motion carries.
M005Close the public hearing on alcohol license application price increase.
M006Make a motion to increase the intoxicating on sale liquor license Fe from $1,500 to $2,500.
make a motion to increase the uh intoxicating on sale liquor license Fe from $1,500 to $2,500
moved by Breyen
Motion carries.
M007Motion to approve the consent agenda as published.
motion to approve the consent agenda as published
moved by Breyen
Motion carries.
M012MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE, TO TABLE THIS HIRING RECOMMENDATION AT THIS TIME.
moved by Pilon, seconded by Rainville
MOTION DENIED.
M013MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM ALDERS, TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT TO MR. ROB MILLER FOR THE INTERIM PART-TIME FIRE CHIEF POSITION FOR 6 MONTHS TO START IMMEDIATELY. BASED ON THE POSTED JOB DESCRIPTION AND SIGNING OF THE CONTRACT.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders
M014MOTION BY CM BREYEN TO SET UP A SPECIAL MEETING IN DECEMBER IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO DISCUSS HIRING.
moved by Breyen
M015MOTION WITHDRAWN BY CM BREYEN.
MOTION WITHDRAWN BY CM BREYEN
moved by Breyen
Motion withdrawn.
M016Offering a contract to Mr Miller.
offering a contract to Mr Miller
moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders
2 AYES, 2 NAYS.
M017We direct staff to offer the interm fire chief position to Robert Miller for the period of six months effective with the start date as soon as a contract is available to him and agreed upon by him at the higher rate and that the staff City attorney work towards drafting that contract and that contract is to the approval of the City attorney.
we direct staff to offer the interm fire chief position to Robert Miller for the period of six months effective with the start date as soon as a contract is available to him and agreed upon by him um at the higher rate and that the um staff City attorney work uh towards drafting that contract and that contract is to the approval of the City attorney
moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen
3 AYES, 1 NAY. Motion carries.
M018Make a motion to adopt the ordinance amending the city of nland zon ordinance related to cannabis which would take effect upon publication.
make a motion to adopt the ordinance amending the city of nland zon ordinance related to cannabis which would take effect upon publication
moved by Breyen
Motion carries.
M019MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO IMPOSE $500 FINE TO BURNS BOTTLE SHOP DUE BY 1/15/25, AND ONE DAY OF SUSPENSION WILL BE ON 12/24/24.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen
4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
The amounts the council actually voted to approve, each with the vote that approved it. Drawn from the official minutes.
2025 General Fund budget
$2,465,080
2025 Recycling budget
$69,370
2025 Gambling Contribution budget
$50,000
2025 Debt Service budget
$451,720
2025 Turn Out Gear Capital budget
$7,500
2025 Street Renewal Capital budget
$555,400
2025 Equipment Replacement budget
$16,950
2025 total budget appropriations
$3,616,020
2025 street maintenance budget
$100,000
2025 calcium chloride budget
$50,000
2025 street improvements budget
$380,400
October 2024 checking balance
$194,124
October 2024 CD balance
$1,900,050
October 2024 money market balance
$671,314
October 2024 adjusted bank total
$2,755,564
2025 Heritage Festival city contribution
$3,000
2025 Heritage Festival SCORE Grant allocation
$900
Interim fire chief weekly pay at higher rate
$844
When someone referred back to earlier business, we found the matching prior discussion and tied it in here.
We had a discussion at our December 12th meeting um which was only posted to talk about the city administrator but we had a motion moved and I seconded it and I should not have um to accept the resolution of council member flatable
— CM Rainville
What this is about
Council-vacancy procedure and the December 2 discussion about Fladebo's resignation.
The records searched contain only a partial match. They show that at the December 12, 2024 meeting, the Council appointed Natalie Johnson as Interim City Administrator; that action is referenced later in the May 5, 2025 packet, which says the appointment was made “by resolution” and that no wage adjustment accompanied it. The search results do not include a December 2 record discussing Council Member Fladebo’s resignation, a council-vacancy procedure, or a motion to accept a resolution or resignation from Council Member Fladebo. The records provided also do not show a vote outcome for such an action.
about a year and a half ago I believe that we voted that we are going to increase um the alcohol licenses due to the uh surrounding cities uh being significantly higher than now then
— Deputy Clerk Johnson
What this is about
Prior decision or discussion to raise alcohol license fees.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about raising alcohol license fees. The search results returned items from 2025–2026 involving subdivisions, plats, cannabis-related permitting conditions, and employee benefits, but none show a council discussion or vote on alcohol license fee increases or comparisons to surrounding cities.
Thursday we were in Mr layer's office and we had a conversation on it and I believe the conversation ended at this was who Martin mallister recommended and was there any reason not to bring them to council and I said I'd like to bring them to council I don't remember a negative on that
— CM Rainville
What this is about
Fire chief hiring process and recollection of a prior office discussion.
The records searched do not contain a prior council decision or recorded discussion matching CM Rainville’s recollection of an office conversation about the fire chief hiring process, Martin McAllister’s recommendation, or whether to bring a recommended candidate to council. The search results do include fire-related materials, such as a Fire Chief update at the February 10, 2026 meeting and later fire/security monitoring and building security items, but those records concern department operations and equipment/security systems—not the hiring process or the office discussion described.
I was very clear and asked very pointed questions make sure that I was accurately doing what was asked me to do and at 2:15 today these things these questions came out completely undermining what our conversation last week was about
— Administrator Lehner
What this is about
Fire chief hiring process and disagreement over what happened in a prior meeting.
The records searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching this recollection about a fire chief hiring process or a disagreement over instructions from a prior meeting. The closest references are unrelated: the February 10, 2026 packet includes a Fire Chief operational update about January calls, new firefighter onboarding, and training, and the February 10 and April 14, 2026 packets include fire/security monitoring and building security upgrade materials. Those records do not show a formal vote or documented council direction about hiring a fire chief.
Planner Nash - ADU's 09/17/24 - City Council to address at another time with more specific information from Planner Nash when she has time to put it together as she has stated she has had many questions and attached, detached ADUs.
What this is about
Old-business memory cue for ADU discussion originally from September 17, 2024.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching this September 17, 2024 recollection about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), attached or detached, or a follow-up request for Planner Nash to bring back more specific information. The search results that mention City Planner Nash are from 2026 planning and zoning items, mainly minor subdivisions, lot line adjustments, and development agreements. Those records do not appear to address ADUs or show a formal council vote on the ADU topic.
Planner Nash was able discuss the Cannabis Ordinance at the October P&Z meeting and hoping to have draft for approval at the December Council meeting.
What this is about
Old-business memory cue for earlier Cannabis Ordinance Planning and Zoning discussion.
The records searched show only a partial match to this recollection. They do not include an October Planning & Zoning meeting record showing Planner Nash’s discussion, nor a December Council meeting record showing approval of a draft cannabis ordinance or a recorded vote. What the records do show is that Nowthen had cannabis-related ordinance action in this period: Ordinance No. 2023-03 imposed an interim moratorium and study on cannabis businesses, and later ordinance text in the 2024 and 2025 ordinance files amended the zoning ordinance to regulate cannabis uses. Those amendments added cannabis business definitions, location buffers of 1,000 feet from schools and 500 feet from daycares/residential treatment facilities/park attractions used by minors, limited retail sales hours to 10 a.m.–9 p.m., and listed cannabis-related uses as interim uses. The 2025 version is labeled Ordinance 2025-07 and added permit-condition language requiring compliance with Minnesota cannabis rules, including security requirements.
Staff directed to establish policy, process, and escrow amount to be collected for annual inspections of CUPs and IUP. 10/25/24 - Need Code Compliance policy to determine costs. 12-10-24 RRC is working on seven (7) complaints using "old" process.
What this is about
Old-business memory cue for prior CUP/IUP annual-inspection and code-compliance direction.
The records searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about staff being directed to establish a CUP/IUP annual-inspection policy, process, or escrow amount, and they do not show the referenced October 25, 2024 or December 10, 2024 code-compliance discussion. The results only show later 2026 permit materials for Interim Use Permit applications, including standard conditions and staff notes about compliance with regulations, parking, septic requirements, dust control, and complaint-related conditions. Those are related to IUP administration generally, but they do not document a formal Council vote or direction on an annual inspection escrow or a new code-compliance cost policy.
## City of Nowthen Elected Officials and Administration December 31, 2025 <table> <tr> <th>Elected Officials</th> <th>Position</th> <th>Term Expires</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Shane Hybben</td> <td>
### 2. Property Taxes The City Council annually adopts a tax levy and certifies it to Anoka County (the "County") in December (levy/assessment date) of each year for collection in the following year.
### RESOLUTION No. 2025-XX #### A RESOLUTION TO ADJUST WAGES FOR ASSUMPTION OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR WHEREAS, On December 12, 2024, the Nowthen City Council appointed Nata
MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY FLADEBO TO AUTHORIZING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO POST FOR PROMOTION TO THE OPEN CAPTAIN -TRAINING POSITION INTERNALLY WITH THE AMENDED JOB DESCRIPTION. 5 AYES. MOTION C
### TITLE OF ISSUE: TEMPORARY WAGE INCREASE FOR INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR BACKGROUND AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: On December 12, 2024, the City Council by resolution appointed Natalie Johnson Inter
Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.
Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-12-10)
Packet · Tuesday, December 10, 2024
167 pages
Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-12-10)
Minutes · Tuesday, December 10, 2024
3 pages
Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda (2024-12-10)
Agenda · Tuesday, December 10, 2024
3 pages
Meeting recording
YouTube
Transcript · 697 segments · 1:46:29
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