City Council Meeting

What was on the agenda

6 items as recorded in the agenda, 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 approval of agenda.

Mayor Hybben called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, roll call was taken, and the agenda was approved as presented. At the end of the meeting, Council voted to adjourn, and the meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

The meeting was called to order, roll was taken, and the agenda was approved as presented.

meeting administration

Approved

p. 1p. 1

2Consent Agenda

Consent agenda.

Council approved the consent agenda, which included appointing the listed members to the Veterans Memorial Renovation Committee under the prior committee resolutions. The packet stated that non-city staff committee members are eligible for a $40 stipend per meeting attended, paid at the conclusion of the committee.

The consent agenda was approved as presented.

Veterans Memorial Renovation Committee

Approved

p. 1p. 1

2aApprove RCA and Resolution Appointing Members to the Veterans Memorial Committee

Approve request for council action and resolution appointing members to the Veterans Memorial Committee.

This item was included in the consent agenda motion.

Veterans Memorial Renovation Committee

Consent calendar

p. 1p. 2p. 1

3Staff Recommendation for the Front Desk Receptionist Position

Staff recommendation for the Front Desk Receptionist position.

Council discussed staff's recommendation to hire Kim Miller as the part-time front desk receptionist, including concerns about nepotism because she is the Fire Chief's wife. The discussion noted she would report to City Clerk Johnson and would not handle fire department matters. Council approved the hire at $20 per hour, with an increase to $21 per hour after the probationary period.

Council approved hiring Mrs. Miller for the Front Desk Receptionist position.

Kim Miller receptionist hiring

Approved

p. 1p. 3p. 2

4Discussion of Nowthen Recycling Center Weekend Hours

Discussion of Nowthen Recycling Center weekend hours.

Council considered a staff request for a second person at the Recycling Center on Saturdays, with estimated staffing costs discussed in the packet and minutes. After discussing staffing levels, safety, service levels, and budget impact, Council chose not to simply add every-Saturday coverage. Instead, Council kept Tuesday and Thursday hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., changed Saturday service to the first and third Saturdays of the month with both employees working, directed notice to be posted, and planned to revisit holiday cardboard demand in December and the schedule again by April 4, 2026.

Council changed Saturday recycling center service to the first and third Saturdays of the month with both employees working, kept Tuesday and Thursday hours, required public notice, and set the issue for review in December and again by April 4, 2026.

recycling center weekend hours

Approved

p. 1p. 5p. 3

5Adjourn

Adjourn.

The adjournment motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

meeting administration

Approved

p. 1p. 3

Motions and votes

5 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.

M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

Exact transcript text

MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

moved by Rainville, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 1

M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

Exact transcript text

MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

moved by Rainville, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 1p. 1

M3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE HIRING MRS. MILLER FOR THE FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST POSITION.

Exact transcript text

MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE HIRING MRS. MILLER FOR THE FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST POSITION.

moved by Rainville, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 1p. 2

M4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO MAINTAIN TUESDAY AND THURSDAY HOURS OF 11AM-5PM AND CHANGE SATURDAY HOURS TO FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAYS OF THE MONTH WITH BOTH EMPLOYEES WORKING; TO POST THIS INFORMATION AT CITY OFFICES, THE RECYCLING CENTER, WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK; TO HAVE A DISCUSSION IN DECEMBER ABOUT ADDITIONAL HOURS DUE TO CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CARDBOARD VOLUME; AND TO MAINTAIN THESE HOURS UNTIL APRIL 4, 2026 (FIRST SATURDAY IN APRIL) WHEN COUNCIL WOULD REVISIT THE ISSUE.

Exact transcript text

MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO MAINTAIN TUESDAY AND THURSDAY HOURS OF 11AM-5PM AND CHANGE SATURDAY HOURS TO FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAYS OF THE MONTH WITH BOTH EMPLOYEES WORKING; TO POST THIS INFORMATION AT CITY OFFICES, THE RECYCLING CENTER, WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK; TO HAVE A DISCUSSION IN DECEMBER ABOUT ADDITIONAL HOURS DUE TO CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CARDBOARD VOLUME; AND TO MAINTAIN THESE HOURS UNTIL APRIL 4, 2026 (FIRST SATURDAY IN APRIL) WHEN COUNCIL WOULD REVISIT THE ISSUE.

moved by Rainville, seconded by Swenson

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 1p. 3

M5MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN TO ADJOURN.

Exact transcript text

MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN TO ADJOURN.

moved by Glaser, seconded by Breyen

Passed

YHybben
YBreyen
YGlaser
YSwenson
YRainville

p. 1p. 3

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.

$40

Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Passed(FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.)

p. 2p. 1

$20

Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE HIRING MRS. MILLER FOR THE FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST POSITION. Passed(FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.)

p. 3p. 4p. 2

$21

Council voted: MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE HIRING MRS. MILLER FOR THE FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST POSITION. Passed(FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.)

p. 3p. 4p. 2

Prior history on this business

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

On June 10, 2025, the city council approved resolution 2025-64 establishing an ad-hoc committee for the purpose of discussing the renovation of the Nowthen Veterans Memorial.

— Council Member Mary Rainville

What this is about
Prior council action establishing the ad-hoc Veterans Memorial Renovation Committee.

p. 2

Related history

The records searched show a partial match. A later staff summary in the January 13, 2026 packet lists “Created an ADHOC committee for the Nowthen Veterans Memorial” among 2025 accomplishments, which supports that such a committee had been created. However, the search results provided do not include the June 10, 2025 meeting record, Resolution 2025-64, or a recorded vote establishing the committee. The related project appears again in a March 10, 2026 Veterans Memorial update, which included preliminary renovation costs totaling $47,772 in materials/labor, $7,620 in donations, and a final estimated cost of $41,122.

Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
Mar 10, 2026# NOWTHEN VETERANS MEMORIAL RENOVATION - PRELIMINARY COSTS 3.10.2025 <table> <tr> <th></th> <th>Materials/Labor</th> <th
Mar 10, 2026SHIP TO City Of Nowthen 8188 199th Ave Nw Nowthen MN 55303 <table> <tr> <td>ESTIMATE</td> <td>3680</td> </tr> <tr> <td>D
Jan 13, 2026o Posted the RFP for Attorney Services o Removed one 6 yd dumpster, saving approximately $2000.00 for 2026. o Worked wit
Mar 10, 2026ESTIMATE FALLON CONSTRUCTION SERVICES 19433 Uranium St NW Nowthen, MN 55303-9504 kevin@fallonmn.com +1 (763) 286-3448 ww

As approved in Resolution 2024-97, non-city staff committee members are eligible to receive a $40.00 stipend per meeting attended which will be paid at the conclusion of the committee.

— Council Member Mary Rainville

What this is about
Prior council action on committee member stipends.

p. 2

Related history

The records I searched do not contain Resolution 2024-97 or a prior council decision matching the recollection about a $40 per-meeting stipend for non-city staff committee members. The search results are mostly unrelated 2026 packet excerpts on development approvals and other resolutions. One partial item is the March 10, 2026 consent agenda, which included approval of Resolution 2026-17 “Approving the Planning and Zoning Commission Policy,” but the excerpt does not mention stipends, committee compensation, Resolution 2024-97, or any vote details on that subject.

Mar 10, 20267\. All comments contained within the City Engineer memo from Hakanson Anderson dated February 13, 2026, the memo from C
Mar 10, 2026# RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX ## A RESOLUTION APPROVING PAYMENT FOR THE 2026 SPRING AND FALL NEWSLETTERS. WHEREAS, the city h
Apr 14, 202610\. To the extent that there are differences or conflicts between the Site Plans and this resolution, the terms of this
Mar 24, 2026of lots, outlots, easements, or right of way, in which case the Developer shall revise the Site Plans and Final Plat as
Mar 10, 202611\. To the extent that there are differences or conflicts between the Site Plans and this resolution, the terms of this

Council Member Rainville stated that her past concerns about nepotism were primarily when staff was hired without council knowledge.

— Council Member Rainville

What this is about
Council Member Rainville referred to her previous nepotism concerns in relation to city hiring without council knowledge.

p. 1

Related history

The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching Council Member Rainville’s recollection about nepotism concerns tied to staff being hired without council knowledge. The closest search hits involve appointments or other unrelated council business. For example, at the April 14, 2026 meeting, the Council approved appointing Michael Hoium to the Planning and Zoning Commission on a 3–2 vote, with Council Member Rainville voting yes. That record concerns a commission appointment, not a staff hiring issue, and it does not mention nepotism or hiring without council knowledge.

Feb 10, 2026<figure> CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <table> <tr> <th>Agenda Item:</th> <th>Department:</th>
May 12, 2026MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPOINT MICHAEL HOIUM TO THE PLANNING AND ZON
Apr 14, 2026MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPOINT MICHAEL HOIUM TO THE PLANNING AND ZON
Feb 10, 2026Council Member Mary Rainville informed the Council that due to a medical situation, she might need to excuse herself fro
Apr 14, 2026Council Member Breyen asked if there was a different category for the budget for this expense, rather than the contingen

Council Member Breyen provided background that previously the recycling center was open 4 days a week with one person, but now operates 2 days with 2 people, and the job description doesn't require 2 people at the center.

— Council Member Breyen

What this is about
Council Member Breyen recalled a prior Recycling Center schedule with four days per week and one staff person.

p. 2

Related history

The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching Council Member Breyen’s recollection that the Recycling Center previously operated four days per week with one staff person. The only Recycling Center references in these results concern a Girl Scout flag-retirement receptacle being placed inside the Recycling Center, discussed in the March 10, 2026 minutes and included in the April 14, 2026 packet. Those records do not describe Recycling Center operating days, staffing levels, or a formal vote changing the schedule or job description.

Feb 10, 2026<figure> CITY OF NOWTHEN </figure> ## REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <table> <tr> <th>Agenda Item:</th> <th>Department:</th>
May 12, 2026MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPOINT MICHAEL HOIUM TO THE PLANNING AND ZON
Apr 14, 2026Council Member Glaser asked about the location, and it was confirmed that the receptacle would be placed inside the recy
Apr 14, 2026MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPOINT MICHAEL HOIUM TO THE PLANNING AND ZON
Mar 10, 2026Council Member Glaser asked about the location, and it was confirmed that the receptacle would be placed inside the recy

Meetings

What was on the agenda

Motions and votes

Money the council voted to spend

Prior history on this business

Related history

Related history

Related history

Related history

Where this came up before

Sources