City Council
Regular MeetingNorthfield, MN · April 2, 2024
Minutes
City Hall
City of Northfield 801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
northfieldmn.gov
Meeting Minutes - Final
City Council
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 6:00 PM Council Chambers
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
Mayor Pownell called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
Also present: Streets and Parks Manager Charlie Fredericks, Public Works
Director/City Engineer David Bennett; City Administrator Ben Martig; Police Chief Mark
Elliott and City Clerk Lynette Peterson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Holmes, seconded by Council Member
Ness, to approve the agenda. 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
PRESENTATIONS
1. 24-225 Presentation of Percent for the Arts Annual Report (2023).
Library Director Natalie Draper presented the 1% for the Arts Annual Report. Draper
highlighted current and upcoming art projects.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member
Sokup, to approve the Consent Agenda. 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
2. 24-226 Consider Approval of March 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes.
A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member
Sokup, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following
vote:
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024
3. 24-227 Consider Approval of March 12, 2024 City Council Closed Meeting
Minutes.
4. 24-228 Consider Approval of March 12, 2024 City Council Work Session
Minutes.
5. 24-229 Consider Approving Disbursements totaling $2,637,586.52
Enactment No: M2024-047
6. 24-230 Consider Approval of Temporary Liquor Licenses for the Defeat of
Jesse James Days Committee.
Enactment No: M2024-048
7. 24-231 Consider Cannabinoid License for Groundwire Coffee Roasters
DBA Little Joy Coffee, at 300 Division Street.
Enactment No: M2024-049
8. 24-232 Approve miscellaneous/concessions license for Northfield Youth
Baseball Association at Sechler Park.
Enactment No: M2024-050
9. Res. 2024-032 Consider Resolution Accepting $899,143 in Public Safety Aid and a
corresponding Budget Amendments increasing Revenue and Police
Salaries in 2023.
10. Res. 2024-033 Consider Resolution Proclaiming the month of April 2024 Fair
Housing Month.
11. Res. 2024-034 Consider Resolution Proclaiming April 27, 2024 as Earth Day in
Northfield.
12. Res. 2024-035 Consider Resolution Proclaiming Less Mow May in the City of
Northfield for 2024.
13. Res. 2024-036 Consider Joint Resolution for Orderly Annexation with Bridgewater
Township for property associated with St. Olaf College.
14. 24-233 Consider Motion approving Construction Agreement with Canadian
Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railroad.
Enactment No: M2024-051
15. Res. 2024-037 Consider Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract - Northfield Transit
Hub Project.
16. Res. 2024-038 Consider Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract - Lincoln Waterway
Box Culvert Improvement Project (STRM2022-K36).
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024
17. 24-234 Consider Approving Professional Service Agreement for the 2025
Reclamation and Overlay Project.
Enactment No: M2024-052
18. Res. 2024-039 Consider Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and
Authorizing Advertisement for Bid for Sanitary Sewer Lining Project.
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
Fred Rogers, 12436 100th Street East, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Darlene Cox, 1517 Waters Edge Circle, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Patricia Owusu, 1712 Humphrey Court, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Jo Franklin, 1001 Freedom Court, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Augustus Lehn, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Jenny Hartley, 12436 100th Street East, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Fatin Abu Al Ardat, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, addressed the Council in support of a
resolution regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Bill McGrath, 420 W. 8th Street, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Maggie Rogers, 12436 100th Street E., addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Angie Erickson, 817 First Street West, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Karine Morales Pined, Carleton College Student, addressed the Council in support of a
resolution regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Tom Bullington, Hastings, addressed the Council in support of a resolution regarding
ceasefire in Gaza.
Hala Shabaita, 300 N. College Street, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Barbara Vaile, 217 S. Water Street, #203, addressed the Council in support of a
resolution regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Jonathan Hill, 1713 Sunset Drive, addressed the Council in support of a resolution
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024
regarding ceasefire in Gaza.
Gina Washburn, 1910 Roosevelt Drive, #34, addressed the Council regarding the
Northcountry Cooperative Foundation proposal.
Brian Nowak, 801 Union Street, Representing Habitat Rice County, addressed the
Council regarding Habitat for Humaity as an alternative for the Northcountry Cooperative
Foundation in the Southbridge area.
Paul Reiland, 404 Nevada Drive, addressed the Council regarding Habitat for Humanity
as an alternative for Northcountry Cooperative Foundation in the Southbridge area.
Vern Koester, 2351 Division Street South, addressed the Council regarding the
Northcountry Cooperative Foundation proposal.
REGULAR AGENDA
19. Res. 2024-040 Consider Resolution Approving the Riverside Lions Park Master
Plan.
Streets and Parks Manager Charlie Fredericks addressed the Council regarding the final
plan for Riverside Lions Park Master Plan. Fredericks introduced Consultant Bruce
Jacobsen who presented additional information on the Riverside Lions Park Master Plan.
Jacobsen and Fredericks answered questions from the Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Holmes, seconded by Council Member
Peterson White, to approve Resolution No. 2024-040 Approving Riverside Lions
Park Master Plan. 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
Recess
Council recessed at 7:38 p.m. Council meeting resumed at 7:46 p.m.
20. Res. 2024-041 Consider Resolution Accepting a Direct Legislative Appropriation of
$300,000.
Community Development Director Jake Reilly introduced the item explaining this is a
direct appropriation from the State for infrastructure for a manufactured home park that is
cooperatively owned. Reilly answered questions from the Council.
Gina Washburn, 1910 Roosevelt Drive, #34, addressed the Council regarding the
appropriation.
A motion was made by Council Member Sokup, seconded by Council Member
Zuccolotto, to approve Resolution No. 2024-041 Accepting a Direct Appropriation
from the Minnesota State Legislature for Deposit to the City's Capital Reserve
Fund. The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 6- C. Ness, C. Reister, C. Zuccolotto, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, and C. Peterson
White
No: 1- Mayor Pownell
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024
21. 24-235 Northcountry Cooperative Foundation (NCF) Update and Request.
Community Development Director Jake Reilly presented background information on the
Northcountry Cooperative Foundation project along with an update on the project. The
Council discussed the project. Reilly and City Administrator Ben Martig answered
questions from the Council.
ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE
22. 24-236 City Administrator's Update.
City Administrator Ben Martig thanked staff and Council for their work on the State of the
City event. Martig indicated federal funding was received for $2.9 million for the design of
the Water Treatment Plant. Martig gave an update on Legislative items and announced
the retirement of Police Chief Mark Elliott on September 27, 2024.
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
C. Sokup - No report.
C. Peterson White - Friends of Downtown Northfield Meeting.
Extend the Meeting
A motion was made by Council Member Peterson White, seconded by Council
Member Holmes, to extend the meeting until business is complete. 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
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
C. Holmes - Park Board Meeting.
C. Zuccolotto - Viking Terrace residence association update.
C. Reister - Age-Friendly Northfield; Hospital Board Quality Assurance Meeting; NAFRS
Meeting; Hospital Board Meeting.
C. Ness - No report.
Mayor Pownell - Update on Community Events; Hospital Board Meeting; State of the City
Event; Park Board Meeting.
ADJOURN
A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member
Peterson White, to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 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
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Agenda
City of Northfield City Hall
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
northfieldmn.gov
Meeting Agenda
City Council
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 6:00 PM Council Chambers
6:00 PM - REGULAR AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor: Pownell
Councilmembers: Holmes, Ness, Peterson White, Reister, Sokup, Zuccolotto
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PRESENTATIONS
1. 24-225 Presentation of Percent for the Arts Annual Report (2023).
Attachments: 1 - 1% for arts report 2023
2 - presentation of 2023 percent for arts report
CONSENT AGENDA
Agenda items below are approved by one motion unless a Council member requests separate action. All items approved by
majority vote unless noted.
2. 24-226 Consider Approval of March 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes.
Attachments: 1 - 03-12-2024 Council Meeting Minutes
3. 24-227 Consider Approval of March 12, 2024 City Council Closed Meeting Minutes.
Attachments: 1 - 03-12-2024 Closed Special Meeting Minutes
4. 24-228 Consider Approval of March 12, 2024 City Council Work Session Minutes.
Attachments: 1 - 03-12-2024 Work Session Minutes
5. 24-229 Consider Approving Disbursements totaling $2,637,586.52
Attachments: 1 - Disbursements
2 - Disbursements
3 - Disbursements
6. 24-230 Consider Approval of Temporary Liquor Licenses for the Defeat of Jesse
James Days Committee.
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City Council Meeting Agenda April 2, 2024
7. 24-231 Consider Cannabinoid License for Groundwire Coffee Roasters DBA Little Joy
Coffee, at 300 Division Street.
Attachments: 1 - City Code Sale of Cannabinoid Products
8. 24-232 Approve miscellaneous/concessions license for Northfield Youth Baseball
Association at Sechler Park.
9. Res. 2024-032 Consider Resolution Accepting $899,143 in Public Safety Aid and a
corresponding Budget Amendments increasing Revenue and Police Salaries in
2023.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution Public Safety Aid 2023
10. Res. 2024-033 Consider Resolution Proclaiming the month of April 2024 Fair Housing Month.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution
1 - Northfield's Fair Housing Statement
11. Res. 2024-034 Consider Resolution Proclaiming April 27, 2024 as Earth Day in Northfield.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution Proclaiming April 27, 2024 as Earth Day in Northfield
12. Res. 2024-035 Consider Resolution Proclaiming Less Mow May in the City of Northfield for
2024.
Attachments: 1 - Less Mow May Resolution 2024
13. Res. 2024-036 Consider Joint Resolution for Orderly Annexation with Bridgewater Township
for property associated with St. Olaf College.
Attachments: 1 - Joint Resolution for Annexation - Bridgewater-St. Olaf v.3 032124
2 - Existing Orderly Annexation 2023-112
3 - Legal survey of area to be annexed
4 - Draft Site Plan
14. 24-233 Consider Motion approving Construction Agreement with Canadian Pacific
Kansas City (CPKC) Railroad.
Attachments: 1 - CPKC-Northfield MN Box Culvert Agmt with ROE License Feb 28 2024 v5 Final
15. Res. 2024-037 Consider Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract - Northfield Transit Hub
Project.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution - Transit Hub
2 - FACL2021-M24 Bid Tab Transit Hub
3 - Transit Hub_Project Process - Current
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City Council Meeting Agenda April 2, 2024
16. Res. 2024-038 Consider Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract - Lincoln Waterway Box
Culvert Improvement Project (STRM2022-K36).
Attachments: 1 - Resolution - Lincoln Waterway Box Culvert
2 - Project Location Map
3 - Bid Tab
4 - Project Process
17. 24-234 Consider Approving Professional Service Agreement for the 2025 Reclamation
and Overlay Project.
Attachments: 1 - Consultant-professional services contract_SEH
2 - 2025 Reclamation and Overlay RFP
3 - SEH Submittal_2025 Reclamation and Overlay Project
4 - Bolton & Menk Submittal_2025 Reclamation and Overlay Project
5 - Project Process
18. Res. 2024-039 Consider Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing
Advertisement for Bid for Sanitary Sewer Lining Project.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution Approving Plans and Spec Sanitary Sewer Lining Project
2 - Sewer Lining Project (Roosevelt and Spruce)
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
Persons may take one opportunity to address the Council for two (2) minutes (not including interpreter’s time) on any
topic, even if on the agenda, with the condition that they may not speak on the same item later in the meeting. No
notification of the Mayor is required. However, speakers are asked to complete a sign up card. Persons wanting a
response to a question must submit the question in writing to the recording secretary. Questions must include name and
information on how to contact. Comments may also be made electronically until 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting
through the eComment (electronic comment) system. Any eComments received for the meeting can be viewed on the City's
website.
REGULAR AGENDA
Persons that wish to speak on a regular agenda item must provide name and address by completing & submitting a sign
up card. Persons may also use the electronic register to speak option on the City’s website or contact the City Clerk no
later than 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting. Persons may also provide comments through the eComment (electronic
comment) system no later than 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting. The Mayor will call up individuals to speak, based
on preregistration and cards submitted, after the staff report on an item. Please be respectful of the public’s and the
Council’s time. Members of the public wishing to speak must adhere to the following guidelines:
• Speak only once for no more than two minutes (not including interpreter’s time) on the topic unless the speaker is
addressed by the Council;
• Identify your relationship to the topic;
• Have a spokesperson or two for your group to present your comments;
• Persons wanting a response to a question must submit the question in writing to the City Clerk, including name and how
you would like to be contacted.
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City Council Meeting Agenda April 2, 2024
19. Res. 2024-040 Consider Resolution Approving the Riverside Lions Park Master Plan.
Attachments: 1 - 2024 City Council Resolution_RiversideLionsParkMasterPlan.docx
2 - Riverside Lions Park Master Plan
3- Riverfront-Enhancement-Action-Plan---Final---Res-2020-125.pdf
20. Res. 2024-041 Consider Resolution Accepting a Direct Legislative Appropriation of $300,000.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution accepting appropriation
2 - 2023 Session Property Tax Law summary
21. 24-235 Northcountry Cooperative Foundation (NCF) Update and Request.
Attachments: 1 - Northfield Housing Report 2021
2 - Housing + Education in Northfield Technical Assistance Assessment Findings
3 - HRA+NCF Memorandum of Understanding
4 - US EPA ZERH Manufactured home website
5 - HUD 2021 Manufactured Home final rule
6 - New Leaf Neighborhood FAQ Booklet
7 - 2023 Housing Underproduction™ in the U.S
8 - NCF Extension to MOU Request
9 - Amendment to MOU
ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE
22. 24-236 City Administrator's Update.
Attachments: 1 - Upcoming Agenda Items (03-29-24)
2 - 2024 State of the City address
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
ADJOURN
Note: The City Council may take a five minute break during the meeting. All regular City
Council meetings end at 9:00 pm unless a simple (4/7) majority of the City Council vote to
extend the time.
SPECIAL NEEDS: If you require special services to attend or participate in a public meeting,
please call the City's Administration Office at (507) 645-3001 or e-mail Lynette Peterson, City
Clerk, at lynette.peterson@ci.northfield.mn.us. TDD users can call (507) 645-3030. Please call at
least 24 hours before the meeting, if possible.
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