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2024-12-10
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 packet and minutes.
openingCall to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Roll Call
Meeting opened, pledge recited, and roll call taken.
approve-agendaApprove Agenda
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 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.
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.
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.
The on-sale intoxicating liquor license fee increase to $2,500 was approved.
5Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
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.
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
Approved under the consent agenda.
5cAccept Chad Hayft resignation
Approval of Resolution 2024-XX Accepting Chad Hayft's resignation letter.
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
Approved under the consent agenda.
5eCity support for 2025 Nowthen Heritage Festival
Approval of Resolution 2024-XX Donating to the Heritage Festival.
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
Approved under the consent agenda.
5g2024 third-quarter financial report
Accept the 3rd Quarter Financial Report prepared by Financial Consultant Lori Yager.
Accepted under the consent agenda.
5hBegin Veterans Memorial revitalization
Begin revitalization of the Veterans Memorial.
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.
Approved under the consent agenda.
6aHakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rates
Hakanson Anderson Hourly Billing Rate Schedule 2025
Presented as an informational billing-rate schedule; no vote was recorded.
6bAnnual SWPPP public input
Annual Opportunity for Public Input on the SWPPP
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
Monthly report reviewed; no formal action recorded.
7bInterim Part-Time Fire Chief recommendation
Interim Part-Time Fire Chief Recommendation
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
Monthly report accepted without recorded vote.
9aCannabis ordinance amendment
Discuss and Accept the Cannabis Ordinance Amendment
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
old-dOld Business: accessory dwelling units
Old Business: ADUs from Planner Nash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Old business was not reached after loss of quorum.
moved-consentItems moved from consent agenda
Items moved from consent agenda, if needed.
No consent items were moved; the consent agenda was approved as published.
12Adjourn
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. after loss of quorum.
What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
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.
Agenda: 1. Motions: M003. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, CM Breyen, CM Rainville.
Lucius Milliman Eagle Scout project at Twin Lakes Park
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.
Agenda: 3. Motions: M004. Speakers: Lucius Milliman, CM Rainville.
Liquor licensing fees and Burns Bottle Shop 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.
Agenda: 4, 11a. Motions: M006, M019. Speakers: Deputy Clerk Johnson, CM Breyen, CM Rainville.
Consent agenda administration, donations, licenses, and reports
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.
Agenda: 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i. Motions: M007. Speakers: CM Breyen.
Hakanson Anderson 2025 engineering billing rates
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.
Agenda: 6a. Speakers: Mayor Pilon.
Stormwater SWPPP public input and recycling-center oil tank
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.
Agenda: 6b, 2. Speakers: Erica, Christie Wall, Kelly Pearo, CM Rainville, Mayor Pilon.
Monthly fire and sheriff reports, including Bar None calls
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.
Agenda: 7a, 8a, old-h. Speakers: Mayor Pilon.
Interim part-time fire chief hiring
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.
Agenda: 7b. Motions: M012, M013, M014, M015, M016, M017. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, CM Rainville, CM Breyen, CM Alders, Administrator Lehner, Attorney Ruppe.
Cannabis zoning ordinance and retail registration authority
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.
Agenda: 9a, old-f. Motions: M018. Speakers: Planner Nash, Attorney Ruppe, CM Breyen.
City Administrator transition
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.
Agenda: 10, 5i. Motions: M007. Speakers: Administrator Lehner.
Mackenzie Hills and other open administrative issues
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.
Agenda: 10, old-d. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Attorney Ruppe.
Council vacancy after Council Member Fladebo's resignation
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.
Agenda: approve-agenda, 11b, 11b1, 11b2. Motions: M001, M002. Speakers: CM Rainville, CM Alders, Mayor Pilon, CM Breyen, Deputy Clerk Johnson, Ken Glaser, Matt Wesling, Steve Schmidt.
Unfinished old business and adjournment after loss of quorum
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.
Agenda: old-a, old-b, old-c, old-e, old-g, old-i, old-j, old-k, moved-consent, 12. Speakers: CM Rainville, CM Alders.
15 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M001MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO TABLE ITEMS 11B (1&2).
moved by CM Rainville, seconded by Alders
M002MOTION BY CM RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY CM BREYEN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
moved by CM Rainville, seconded by CM Breyen
4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
M003MOTION BY CM BREYEN, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE 2025 BUDGET.
moved by CM Breyen, seconded by CM 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
moved by council member angel
Motion carries.
M005Close the public hearing on alcohol license application price increase.
M006make a motion to increase the uh intoxicating on sale liquor license Fe from $1,500 to $2,500
moved by councilman Brian
Motion carries.
M007motion to approve the consent agenda as published
moved by councilman Brian
Motion carries.
M012MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY CM RAINVILLE, TO TABLE THIS HIRING RECOMMENDATION AT THIS TIME.
moved by Mayor Pilon, seconded by CM 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 CM Rainville, seconded by CM Alders
M014MOTION BY CM BREYEN TO SET UP A SPECIAL MEETING IN DECEMBER IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO DISCUSS HIRING.
moved by CM Breyen
M015MOTION WITHDRAWN BY CM BREYEN
moved by CM Breyen
Motion withdrawn.
M016offering a contract to Mr Miller
moved by CM Rainville, seconded by CM 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 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 CM Rainville, seconded by Council Brian
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
moved by Council member Brian
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 CM Rainville, seconded by CM Breyen
4 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
Each figure links back to the document it came from. When the council voted on the amount, the motion is shown.
2025 total tax levy
2025 total tax levy adopted with the 2025 levy and budget.
levy · 2025 total tax levy · FY 2025
$2,129,366
inflow
2025 General Fund levy
General Fund portion of the levy collectible in 2025.
levy · General Fund levy · FY 2025
$1,876,095
inflow
2025 Debt Service levy
Debt Service portion of the levy collectible in 2025.
levy · Debt Service levy · FY 2025
$253,271
inflow
2025 General Fund budget
General Fund appropriation in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
budget · General Fund budget appropriation · FY 2025
$2,465,080
outflow
2025 Recycling budget
Recycling appropriation in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
budget · Recycling budget appropriation · FY 2025
$69,370
outflow
2025 Gambling Contribution budget
Gambling Contribution appropriation in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
budget · Gambling Contribution budget appropriation · FY 2025
$50,000
outflow
2025 Debt Service budget
Debt Service appropriation in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
debt_service · Debt Service budget appropriation · FY 2025
$451,720
outflow
2025 Turn Out Gear Capital budget
Turn Out Gear Capital appropriation in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
capital_project · Turn Out Gear Capital · FY 2025
$7,500
outflow
2025 Street Renewal Capital budget
Street Renewal Capital appropriation in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
capital_project · Street Renewal Capital · FY 2025
$555,400
outflow
2025 Equipment Replacement budget
Equipment Replacement appropriation in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
capital_project · Equipment Replacement · FY 2025
$16,950
outflow
2025 total budget appropriations
Total appropriations in the adopted 2025 budget resolution.
budget · Total governmental funds budget · FY 2025
$3,616,020
outflow
2025 street maintenance budget
Road improvement budget line item for street maintenance.
capital_project · Road Improvement Fund - Street maintenance · FY 2025
$100,000
outflow
2025 calcium chloride budget
Road improvement budget line item for calcium chloride.
capital_project · Road Improvement Fund - Calcium Chloride · FY 2025
$50,000
outflow
2025 street improvements budget
Road improvement budget line item for street improvements.
capital_project · Road Improvement Fund - Street improvements · FY 2025
$380,400
outflow
October 2024 checking balance
Cash balance reported for October 31, 2024.
treasurer_report · October 2024 Treasurer's Report - Pine River State Bank Checking Acct. · FY 2024
$194,124.29
unknown
October 2024 CD balance
Cash/investment balance reported for October 31, 2024.
treasurer_report · October 2024 Treasurer's Report - PMA Financial Network CD's Fixed Income · FY 2024
$1,900,050
unknown
October 2024 money market balance
Money Market Fund balance reported for October 31, 2024.
treasurer_report · October 2024 Treasurer's Report - 4M, 4MP & GO Funds · FY 2024
$671,313.73
unknown
October 2024 adjusted bank total
Adjusted bank total in the October 2024 Treasurer's Report.
treasurer_report · October 2024 Treasurer's Report - Adjusted Bank Total · FY 2024
$2,755,564.41
unknown
ARAA 3rd quarter donation
Third-quarter donation accepted from the Anoka Ramsey Athletics Association.
donation · ARAA donation · FY 2024
$4,787.51
inflow
2025 Heritage Festival city contribution
City monetary contribution approved for the 18th annual Nowthen Heritage Festival.
donation · Heritage Festival monetary contribution · FY 2025
$3,000
outflow
2025 Heritage Festival SCORE Grant allocation
Approximate Anoka County Recycling SCORE Grant funds allocated for the Nowthen Heritage Festival.
grant · Heritage Festival SCORE Grant allocation · FY 2025
$900
outflow
2025 tobacco license fee for Bill's Superette
License fee for Rademacher Companies/Bill's Superette tobacco license for 2025.
license · Bill's Superette tobacco license fee · FY 2025
$125
inflow
2025 intoxicating on-sale liquor license fee
Council increased the intoxicating on-sale liquor license fee to $2,500 effective January 1, 2025.
license · Intoxicating on-sale liquor license fee · FY 2025
$2,500
inflow
Burns Bottle Shop liquor violation fine
Fine imposed for Burns Bottle Shop's first liquor compliance violation in three years, due January 15, 2025.
fine · Burns Bottle Shop compliance fine · FY 2025
$500
inflow
Interim fire chief weekly pay at higher rate
The transcript discussion states that the interim fire chief pay increased to $844 per week and the final revised motion approved the higher rate, subject to contract.
salary · Interim part-time fire chief posted weekly pay · FY 2025
$844
outflow
City Engineer reduced hourly rate
City Engineer reduced hourly rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$145
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Principal Engineer standard hourly rate
Principal Engineer Standard Rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$173
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Senior Project Manager / Lead Design Engineer hourly rate
Senior Project Manager / Lead Design Engineer hourly rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$160
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Design Engineer / Project Manager hourly rate low
Low end of Design Engineer / Project Manager hourly range.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$115
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Design Engineer / Project Manager hourly rate high
High end of Design Engineer / Project Manager hourly range.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$152
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Civil Technician hourly rate low
Low end of Civil Technician hourly range.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$100
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Civil Technician hourly rate high
High end of Civil Technician hourly range.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$134
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Principal Land Surveyor hourly rate
Principal Land Surveyor hourly rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$162
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
GPS/Robotic Total Station rate
GPS/Robotic Total Station hourly/equipment rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$40
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Hydrographic Survey Equipment rate
Hydrographic Survey Equipment rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$60
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Senior Construction Observer hourly rate
Senior Construction Observer hourly rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$128
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Senior Environmental Specialist hourly rate
Senior Environmental Specialist hourly rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$143
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Environmental Specialist hourly rate
Environmental Specialist hourly rate.
rate · Hakanson Anderson 2025 hourly billing rate · FY 2025
$125
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
When someone tried to remember earlier business, we cross-reference the corpus and write a short related-history note.
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.
<!-- PageBreak --> <!-- PageNumber="85" --> ## City of Nowthen Elected Officials and Administration December 31, 2025 <table> <tr> <th>Elected Officials</th> <th>Position</th> <th>Term Expires</th> </
### 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
Every document and recording archived for this meeting.
Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda (2024-12-10)
Agenda · 2024-12-10
3 pages
Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2024-12-10)
Minutes · 2024-12-10
3 pages
Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2024-12-10)
Packet · 2024-12-10
167 pages
Meeting recording
YouTube
Transcript · 697 segments · 1:46:29
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