What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
2026 Overlay Project
The Council held the first public hearing for the 2026 Overlay Project, heard questions and comments from affected residents, then ordered the improvements and approved the reimbursement-bond intent resolution so plans, specifications, and later bidding can proceed.
Agenda: 3, 3a, 3b. Motions: M2, M3. Speakers: Robert Ruppe, Shane Nelson, Roger Yelk, Grant Grundahl, Richard Seawell, Mayor Hybben.
Amended consent agenda
The Council approved the amended consent agenda, including prior minutes, claims and Treasurer's Report, data-practices and AI policy changes, nonprofit newsletter advertising language, the RTY Consulting rate increase, the 2025 budget amendment, and the fourth-quarter financial report; the complaint policy was pulled out for separate discussion.
Agenda: 4. Motions: M4. Speakers: Council Member Rainville, Council Member Breyen.
Fire Department staffing and monthly report
Fire Chief Miller reviewed the December Fire Department activity and 2025 year-end call increase, thanked residents and mutual-aid departments for support during a shelter-in-place law enforcement incident, and the Council conditionally approved four firefighter hires for Fire Academy slots.
Agenda: 5a, 5b. Motions: M5. Speakers: Rob Miller, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Glaser.
Sheriff's Department report and Bar None calls
Lieutenant Bangerter reviewed December law-enforcement activity, including Bar None calls, a DWI arrest, an extended barricade and arson incident, and a theft/damage investigation; Council members also discussed resident communications during active public-safety incidents and whether the City could seek reimbursement or restitution for fire-response costs.
Agenda: 6a. Speakers: Cole Bangerter, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Glaser, Natalie Johnson, Rob Miller.
Planning and Zoning project status
The Planning and Zoning monthly report was included in the packet for information, listing development applications in review, projects awaiting recording or construction, and developments in construction.
Agenda: 7a.
2025 City staff accomplishments
City Clerk Johnson reviewed a long list of 2025 staff and Council accomplishments and said she would bring priorities back in February for Council discussion.
Agenda: 8a. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Rainville.
2026 meeting schedule
The Council approved the 2026 City Council and Planning and Zoning meeting schedule, with the August Council meeting date amended because of the primary election.
Agenda: 9a. Motions: M6. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Council Member Swenson, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Rainville.
Annual appointments
The Council approved the annual appointments resolution after adjusting the Acting Mayor appointment from Council Member Rainville to Council Member Breyen, while noting Council Member Rainville remains accessible even when away from town.
Agenda: 9b. Motions: M7. Speakers: Council Member Glaser, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Breyen, Mayor Hybben.
Judy Herrala memorial
The Council approved a memorial plaque for Judy Herrala, capped at $350, asked Council Member Rainville to work with staff on the wording, and also dedicated the Memorial Park pavilion in her memory.
Agenda: 9c. Motions: M8. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Glaser, Mayor Hybben.
2025 Bobcat Tool Cat purchase
The Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Bobcat Tool Cat from Crawford's Equipment, added a 48-month comprehensive warranty, authorized Rhino lining, and accepted a $17,000 trade-in value for the current equipment.
Agenda: 9d. Motions: M9. Speakers: Council Member Glaser, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Swenson, Council Member Breyen.
DOT drug-testing compliance
The Council approved Northland Occupational Health & DOT Compliance as the City's drug-testing provider to bring CDL-driver testing into compliance, with stated first-year and annual costs.
Agenda: 9e. Motions: M10. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Glaser.
City Maintenance Employee hiring
The Council conditionally approved hiring Matt Fehrman as a City Maintenance Employee at $31 per hour after the interview panel unanimously recommended him based on public-works, grading, plowing, and culvert-replacement experience.
Agenda: 9f. Motions: M11. Speakers: Mayor Hybben, Natalie Johnson, Council Member Swenson, Council Member Rainville.
Roll-off container sale and surplus equipment policy
The Council did not approve the proposed direct sale of an unused roll-off container for $2,000; instead, members agreed to table the item and have Council Member Glaser work with staff on a formal surplus-equipment sale policy.
Agenda: 9g. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Council Member Glaser, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Rainville.
Comcast internet buildout
The Mayor reported that Comcast service is available in most of Nowthen, with ROLT 2 and ROLT 6 still being completed and weather delaying some pole and aerial work, with completion expected around February or March.
Agenda: 9h. Speakers: Mayor Hybben, Council Member Breyen.
City office furnace replacement
After staff reported the City office furnace had failed and repairs would be costly on a roughly 20-year-old unit, the Council approved replacing it with a Trane S9V2-VS 97% furnace or equivalent up to $7,774.86.
Agenda: 9i. Motions: M12. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Glaser, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Breyen.
Complaint policy
The Council approved Resolution 2026-12 adding a formal complaint policy to the Personnel Policy and City Council Policy so complaints about staff, Council members, public works, recycling, or other City personnel can be handled through a consistent procedure.
Agenda: 4d/9j. Motions: M13. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Council Member Glaser.