City Council

City Hall City of Northfield 801 Washington Street Northfield, MN 55057 northfieldmn.gov Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Tuesday, April 11, 2023 6:00 PM Council Chambers Work Session 6:00 PM - REGULAR AGENDA Present: 7- Council Member Brad Ness, Mayor Rhonda Pownell, Council Member Jami Reister, Council Member George Zuccolotto, Council Member Kathleen Holmes, Council Member Davin Sokup, and Council Member Jessica Peterson White CALL TO ORDER Also present: City Attorney Chris Hood, Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett, Community Development Director Jake Reilly, City Clerk Lynette Peterson and Deputy City Clerk/Executive Administrative Assistant Sara Hoffman. Mayor Pownell called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. REGULAR AGENDA 1. 23-1074 Review of Park and Recreation Capital Investment Plan Financing Options. Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett introduced the item giving background information on the Park and Recreation Capital Investment Plan explaining the multi-prong funding approach for park funding to maintain existing parks, Riverfront Park Improvements, Ice Arena Partnership and voter referendum. City Administrator Ben Martig added additional information. The Council discussed the funding options. Martig and Bennett answered questions from the Council. This item will be brought to a Council meeting with additional information for further discussion and direction. Recess Council recessed at 7:31 p.m. Council meeting resumed at 7:38 p.m. 2. 23-1075 Update and discussion on City Council, Board and Commission Governance Effectiveness Review. City Attorney Chris Hood introduced himself giving background information on his position and his firm. City Administrator Ben Martig added additional information about Attorney Hood and his firm. Martig introduced the Board and Commission Governance Effectiveness Review giving background information on the review to focus on standard operating documents, training City of Northfield Page 1 Printed on 5/30/2023 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 11, 2023 and guidance and collaboration for boards/commissions. Martig reviewed changes to the two ordinances Attorney Hood has been working on updating the City Code for Boards and Commissions and the Code of Ethics. Attorney Hood presented information on ex parte communication and quasi-judicial proceedings. The Council discussed ordinance changes. Staff will continue to work on board and commission governance with the possible creation of a review committee of documents from boards/commissions/council/staff. ADJOURN A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member Holmes, to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- C. Ness, Mayor Pownell, C. Reister, C. Zuccolotto, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, and C. Peterson White City of Northfield Page 2 Printed on 5/30/2023