City Council

City Hall City of Northfield 801 Washington Street Northfield, MN 55057 ci.northfield.mn.us Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Tuesday, October 12, 2021 6:00 PM Council Chambers Work Session 6:00 PM - REGULAR AGENDA CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:02PM. Present: 7- Council Member Clarice Grabau, Council Member Suzie Nakasian, Council Member Brad Ness, Council Member Jessica Peterson White, Mayor Rhonda Pownell, Council Member Jami Reister, and Council Member George Zuccolotto REGULAR AGENDA 1. 21-573 Update and discussion on Bridge Square Improvements in context of the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan. Community Development Director Mitzi Baker introduced consultants Bob Close and Bruce Jacobson, who were hired to assist with plans related to the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan. Close discussed the improvements and changes planned for Bridge Square and presented four options. Jacobson then expanded on possible construction and design aspects to tie Bridge Square improvements into the Riverwalk and other surrounding areas. The Council was the given the chance to ask questions about specific aspects, timelines, and next steps for the project. Close and Jacobson answered Council questions. City Engineer and Director of Public Works Dave Bennett clarified timelines for the Council. The Council had no further questions. City Administrator Martig discussed plans for continued debate at a later Council meeting. 2. 21-574 Discussion of 2022-2023 Budget & Levy alternatives and including potential Grants in Accordance with City Council Grants Policy. Martig introduced Cathy Osterman from the Northfield Historical Society. She provided background on the NHS and the role they serve for the community. Osterman discussed past service contracts with the City and how the COVID-19 pandemic altered their contracts and plans. She then detailed their 2022 funding request. The Council was then given the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments. Osterman answered Council questions. The Council took a break at 7:15PM. The session resumed at 7:23PM. Martig introduced the portion of the work session by outlining four different levy options - 14.2%, 13.0%, 11.4%, and 10.0%. He explained which budget items are included in the 2022 budget and what items are flexible. He also discussed the use of ARPA funds for one-time budget items and laid out various options regarding use of the funds. The Council was given the chance to ask questions and request clarifications on what had been presented regarding the various options. Martig, Bennett, and Finance Director Brenda Angelstad answered questions from the Council. City of Northfield Page 1 Printed on 10/27/2021 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 12, 2021 Martig continued with the presentation of budget options. He discussed potential grants and other programs that could be available. He also discussed the timeline for budget related items over the next months. The Council was given the opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback. The Council had no additional questions. Martig concluded the presentation by updating the Council on traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle safety processes and planning regarding area schools. ADJOURN A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member Peterson White, to adjourn the meeting at 8:34PM. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- C. Grabau, C. Nakasian, C. Ness, C. Peterson White, Mayor Pownell, C. Reister, and C. Zuccolotto City of Northfield Page 2 Printed on 10/27/2021