Loading records…
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
One-line summary
Council approved the 2026 overlay project bid advertisement and assessment hearing date; adopted the county hazard mitigation plan; approved Palomino Estates variance/final plat/development agreement and an interim use permit for cannabis cultivation; appointed Michael Hoium to the Planning & Zoning Commission; amended the 2025 budget; tabled employee step chart/wage changes; and approved a reduced LED lighting proposal not to exceed $16,950.
34 items as recorded in the packet and minutes.
1Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approve agenda
Agenda approved as amended (moved Public Works items 6a and 6b to consent agenda as 3i and 3j).
2Public Forum
No one signed up; forum opened and closed.
3aApproval of March 10 and March 23, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3bApproval of Claims from March 6 to April 8 and Treasurer's Report for March 2026
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3cApproval of Resolution 2026-43 Authorizing the Execution of the Service Agreement with Beck Law for Prosecuting Services
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3dApproval of Summary Publication for Ordinance 2023-04 Regulating Conduct of Lawful Gambling
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3eApproval of Summary Publication for Ordinance 2023-02 Regulating Tetrahydrocannabinol Products
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3fApproval of Summary Publication for Ordinance 2020-05 and Ordinance 2021-05 Pertaining to the Plumbing Code
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3gApproval of Summary Publication for Ordinance 2021-02 Procedures for Certificates of Occupancy
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3hApproval of Summary Publication for Ordinance 2020-04 Amending Chapter 5 on Street Parking
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3iApproval of Resolution 2026-44 Awarding Contract for 2026 Dust Control Application
Moved from Public Works item 6a to consent agenda.
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
3jApproval of Resolution 2026-45 Awarding Contract for 2026 Crack Filling of City Asphalt Roads and Parking Lots
Moved from Public Works item 6b to consent agenda.
Approved as part of consent agenda motion.
4aMeet the Deputies with the Anoka County Sheriff's Department: Monthly Sheriff's Report
Report presented; deputies introduced themselves.
5aApproval of Resolution 2026-46 Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for 2026 Overlay Project
5bApproval of Resolution 2026-47 Calling for the Assessment Hearing for the 2026 Overlay Project
Assessment hearing set for June 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
6aApproval of Resolution 2026-XX Awarding Contract for 2026 Dust Control Application
Moved to consent agenda as 3i and approved there.
Moved to consent agenda and approved as Resolution 2026-44.
6bApproval of Resolution 2026-XX Awarding Contract for 2026 Crack Filling of City Asphalt Roads and Parking Lots
Moved to consent agenda as 3j and approved there.
Moved to consent agenda and approved as Resolution 2026-45.
7aFire Department: Monthly Report
7bApproval of Resolution 2026-48 Adopting the 2025 Anoka County Hazard Mitigation Plan
8aPlanning and Zoning: Monthly Report
Monthly report skipped to proceed with other items.
8bApproval of Resolution 2026-49 Approving Variance for Palomino Estates
8cApproval of Resolution 2026-50 Accepting Final Plat for Palomino Estates
Approved with outstanding items noted in discussion (wetland delineation review and State Highway Department comments).
8dApproval of Resolution 2026-51 Accepting Development Agreement for Palomino Estates
8eApproval of Resolution 2026-52 Approving Interim Use Permit for Cannabis Cultivation at 19420 Rhinestone St NW
8fAppoint a New Planning and Zoning Commissioner to Fill Vacant Seat
Council appointed Michael Hoium (3-2 vote).
9aClerk's Update: Monthly Report
Included discussion of IUP/CUP compliance enforcement and scheduling a work session for May 21.
9bUpdate Regarding Culvert Replacement
Public Works planned to do 218th Avenue culvert replacement in-house; discussion included contractor bids vs. in-house cost estimate.
10aApproval of Resolution 2026-53 Amending the 2025 Budget
Amended 2025 budget by moving $25,000 from administration/contingency to fire department.
10bApproval of Resolution 2026-XX Accepting the Proposed Step Charts and Increasing Employee Wages
Discussion tabled to May 2026 City Council meeting.
10cSecurity Locks for city buildings
Council agreed to treat as routine maintenance; no formal action taken.
10dLED to replace fluorescent lights/bulbs no longer available to purchase
Approved modified proposal not to exceed $16,950 and included Twin Lakes Pavilion lighting from park funds; Public Works to handle shop-area fixture replacement using rental equipment if available.
11aApproval of Resolution 2026-54 Declaring the City of Nowthen's Participation in the State Council on Local Results and Innovation - Performance Measurement Program
Minutes text in this bundle provides discussion but does not show a motion or vote for this item.
11bComcast Update
12Adjourn
Adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project
Council approved Resolution 2026-46 to accept plans/specifications and advertise for bids for the 2026 overlay project, and approved Resolution 2026-47 to set the assessment hearing. The engineer described the project areas and presented estimated construction costs (including an alternate for Jasper Street), and noted bid pricing could come in lower than estimates based on recent asphalt bid trends.
Agenda: 5a, 5b. Motions: M3, M4. Speakers: Nelson, Hybben, Natalie Johnson.
Public Works 2026 dust control and crack filling contracts
Public Works items for dust control and crack filling were moved to the consent agenda and approved there as Resolutions 2026-44 and 2026-45. The packet materials showed dust control quotes and a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000, and crack filling award language for MP Asphalt at $40,380.00, but the meeting minutes do not include vendor names in the consent motion beyond the resolutions’ titles.
Agenda: 6a, 6b, 3i, 3j. Motions: M2.
2025 Anoka County Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption
Council adopted the county hazard mitigation plan by approving Resolution 2026-48. The fire chief explained the plan supports coordination with county/state/federal resources and is necessary for eligibility for certain federal funds and resources in larger disasters.
Agenda: 7b. Motions: M5. Speakers: Miller.
Palomino Estates (variance, final plat, and development agreement)
Council approved a variance for accessory buildings at Palomino Estates (Resolution 2026-49), accepted the final plat (Resolution 2026-50), and accepted the development agreement (Resolution 2026-51). Discussion noted two outstanding items at the time of final plat approval (wetland delineation review and MnDOT comments), and the development agreement includes a park and trail dedication fee of $7,500 prior to recording.
Agenda: 8b, 8c, 8d. Motions: M6, M7, M8. Speakers: Nash, Roessler, Hybben.
Cannabis cultivation IUP at 19420 Rhinestone St NW (High Horse Farms)
Council approved an interim use permit for cannabis cultivation at 19420 Rhinestone St NW (Resolution 2026-52). The applicant described a small outdoor cultivation area (7,000 square feet), state compliance requirements, security cameras, setbacks, and that there would be no retail sales or public access. Minutes note there was some neighbor opposition during the Planning and Zoning process, but the permit was approved unanimously.
Agenda: 8e. Motions: M9. Speakers: Nash, Matt Paradise, Swenson, Glaser, Breyen, Hybben.
Planning & Zoning Commission vacancy appointment
Council appointed Michael Hoium to fill the Planning and Zoning Commission vacancy (term through December 31, 2026), despite the Planning Commission recommending Jeff Pilon as primary and Hoium as alternate. Council discussed the interview process and weighed prior experience versus bringing in a new perspective; the appointment passed 3-2.
Agenda: 8f. Motions: M10. Speakers: Hybben, Rainville, Glaser, Swenson, Breyen.
2025 budget amendment for fire department (pension revenue/expenditure oversight)
Council approved Resolution 2026-53 amending the 2025 budget by moving $25,000 into the fire department budget and reducing administration and contingency. Minutes describe this as correcting an oversight discovered during audit preparation regarding state pension revenue/expenditure recording for Nowthen firefighters.
Agenda: 10a. Motions: M11. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Yager.
Employee step charts and wage increases
Council discussed a proposed step chart/pay scale system for city employees, including cost impacts and implementation timing, and referenced financial consultant estimates for a July 1 implementation. Council ultimately tabled the item to the May 2026 meeting for more refinement, including clarifying advancement rules and funding sources.
Agenda: 10b. Motions: M12. Speakers: Swenson, Glaser, Rainville, Breyen, Natalie Johnson.
LED lighting replacements for city buildings (and Twin Lakes Pavilion lighting)
Council discussed replacing fluorescent lighting with LED and reviewed analysis of proposals. Council approved proceeding with a modified LED proposal not to exceed $16,950, including Twin Lakes Pavilion lighting from park funds, and directing Public Works to handle shop-area fixture replacement using rental equipment if available.
Agenda: 10d. Motions: M13. Speakers: Natalie Johnson, Paula Coffey, Hybben, Glaser, Breyen, Rainville.
Comcast broadband buildout update (ROLT 6 and subscriber counts)
Council received an update on Comcast expansion, including delays in Route 6 due to coordination with the Baugh Street project and utility pole relocation by Connexus. The Comcast map in the meeting materials reported 1,385 total passings released and 443 homes with active service as of 4/13/26.
Agenda: 11b. Speakers: Hybben, Natalie Johnson.
13 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE AGENDA AS AMENDED. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE
5 AYES
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE
5 AYES
M3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-46 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR 2026 OVERLAY PROJECT. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON
5 AYES
M4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-47 CALLING FOR THE ASSESSMENT HEARING FOR THE 2026 OVERLAY PROJECT. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER
5 AYES
M5MOTION BY MAYOR HYBBEN, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-48 ADOPTING THE 2025 ANOKA COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by MAYOR HYBBEN, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER
5 AYES
M6MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-49 APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR PALOMINO ESTATES. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN
5 AYES
M7MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-50 ACCEPTING A FINAL PLAT FOR PALOMINO ESTATES. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER
5 AYES
M8MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-51 ACCEPTING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR PALOMINO ESTATES. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON
5 AYES
M9MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-52 APPROVING AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION AT 19420 RHINESTONE ST NW. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE
5 AYES
M10MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, TO APPOINT MICHAEL HOIUM TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. 3 AYES- COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON, MAYOR HYBBEN, 2 NAY - COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SWENSON
M11MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY MAYOR HYBBEN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-53 AMENDING THE 2025 BUDGET. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, seconded by MAYOR HYBBEN
5 AYES
M12MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER, TO TABLE DISCUSSION TO THE MAY 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER
5 AYES
M13MOTION BY MAYOR HYBBEN, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL NOT TO EXCEED $16,950 FOR LED LIGHT IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING TWIN LAKES PAVILION LIGHTING FROM PARK FUNDS, WITH PUBLIC WORKS HANDLING THE SHOP AREA FIXTURE REPLACEMENT USING RENTAL EQUIPMENT IF AVAILABLE. 5 AYES. MOTION CARRIED.
moved by MAYOR HYBBEN, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER GLASER
5 AYES
Each figure links back to the document it came from. When the council voted on the amount, the motion is shown.
F1
Fixed monthly retainer for prosecution legal services agreement with Kevin M. Beck Law, LLC.
contract · Beck Law prosecuting services
$3,000
outflow
F2
Quote listed for Central Minnesota Dust Control for 35,000 gallons (DustGard PLUS) used in dust control comparison.
contract · 2026 dust control quotes (comparison) · FY 2026
$47,950
outflow
F3
Resolution for dust control: approve quote from Central Minnesota Dust Control, LLC in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00.
expenditure · 2026 Dust Control Application · FY 2026
$50,000
outflow
F4
Award contract with MP Asphalt to perform 2026 crack-filling for city roads and parking lots (resolution lists $40,380.00).
contract · 2026 crack filling · FY 2026
$40,380
outflow
F5
Overlay project assessment resolution text: portion of costs to be paid by the City declared to be $245,700; portion to be assessed against benefited property owners declared to be $245,700.
assessment · 2026 Overlay Project cost split · FY 2026
$245,700
unknown
F6
Budgeted road repair costs mentioned in overlay project assessment resolution text.
estimate · 2026 Overlay Project - budgeted road repair costs estimate · FY 2026
$128,000
unknown
F7
2025 budget amendment: transfer to GF Fire training for new firefighter training.
budget · 2025 budget amendment transfers · FY 2025
$25,000
transfer
F8
2025 budget amendment: reduction in GF Administration due to reorganization.
budget · 2025 budget amendment transfers · FY 2025
$15,000
transfer
F9
2025 budget amendment: reduction in GF Contingency unspent in 2025.
budget · 2025 budget amendment transfers · FY 2025
$10,000
transfer
F10
Financial consultant analysis: projected additional expenditures for wages & benefits if step increases implemented on July 1, 2026.
estimate · Proposed wage increases · FY 2026
$13,165
outflow
F11
Email from City Clerk: step increases would require an increase of $25,000 for the 2027 budget.
estimate · Proposed wage increases · FY 2027
$25,000
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
F12
Council-approved not-to-exceed amount for LED light improvements (modified proposal).
expenditure · LED improvements (modified proposal) · FY 2026
$16,950
outflow
F13
Palomino Estates development agreement: park and trail dedication fee ($2,500 x 3 new lots) due prior to recording.
fee · Palomino Estates park/trail dedication
$7,500
inflow
F14
Performance measurement program reimbursement rate stated as $0.14 per capita.
revenue · Performance Measurement Program reimbursement
$0.14
inflow
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.
Mayor Hybben recalled there were multiple buildings, with existing structures that had been there long-term and many residents speaking in support during the planning and zoning process.
— Mayor Hybben
What this is about
Mayor’s recollection of prior Planning & Zoning public input supporting existing accessory buildings for the Palomino Estates variance.
The resolver has not run for this cue, or the search did not find a strong match in the corpus.
Council Member Glaser asked about the last time they did culvert work in-house, and Johnson confirmed it had been many years but was a major reason for hiring Matt.
— Council Member Glaser
What this is about
Council attempted to recall prior in-house culvert replacement experience when deciding to do the 218th Avenue culvert work internally.
The resolver has not run for this cue, or the search did not find a strong match in the corpus.
Every document and recording archived for this meeting.
April 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Minutes · 2026-04-14
12 pages
April 14, 2026 Meeting Agenda
Agenda · 2026-04-14
2 pages
Email Correspondence with Lori
Agenda · 2026-04-14
1 pages
April 14, 2026 Meeting Packet
Packet · 2026-04-14
314 pages
Lighting Spreadsheets
Agenda · 2026-04-14
3 pages
Comcast Map
Agenda · 2026-04-14
1 pages
Meeting recording
YouTube
Transcript · 1090 segments · 2:40:22
The structured brief on this page is auto-generated and may need correction. The PDFs and the meeting recording remain the official record.