City Council

City Hall City of Northfield 801 Washington Street Northfield, MN 55057 northfieldmn.gov Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chambers Work Session 6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Zweifel called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Present: 6- Council Member Brad Ness, Council Member Kathleen Holmes, Council Member Jessica Peterson White, Council Member Chad Beumer, Council Member Peter Dahlen, and Mayor Erica Zweifel Absent: 1- Council Member Davin Sokup Also present: Library Director Natalie Draper, Finance Director Brenda Angelstad, Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett, Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer, Utilities Manager Justin Wagner, City Administrator Ben Martig and City Clerk Lynette Peterson. REGULAR AGENDA 1. 25-512 Review of Proposed Utility Rates and Related Study. Utilities Manager Justin Wagner introduced Matt Stark from Baker Tilly. Stark detailed the utility rate analysis and recommendations including determining appropriate revenue targets, analysis of utility funds, recommended rate adjustments and impacts on customer bills. Wager added additional information on providing a water fill station at the NCRC building and manganese water testing for residents. Wagner, Stark and Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett answered questions from the Council. Council directed staff on policy questions regarding water rates and the reverse osmosis water fill station at the NCRC. 2. 25-511 2026-2027 Budget Worksession. City Administrator Ben Martig introduced the 2026-2027 Budget including the timeline and key milestones, levy alternative options, Board and Commission and Council policy changes, policy feedback, next steps, and background information. Finance Director Brenda Angelstad added information regarding total expenses of the budget. Martig presented the different levy options. Angelstad highlighted general fund professional services for consultants. Public Works Director/City Engineer David City of Northfield Page 1 Printed on 9/24/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final September 16, 2025 Bennett reviewed the NCRC rent, costs to run the building and lease options. Martig highlighted the Communications Fund and Board and Commission governance proposed changes. Bennett highlighted possible use of the Capital Reserve Fund to fund the implementation of a city-wide local speed limit to 20 or 25 mph. RECESS Council recessed at 7:59 p.m. Council meeting resumed at 8:07 p.m. 2. 25-511 2026-2027 Budget Worksession. City Administrator Ben Martig presented policy questions to the Council regarding the preliminary levy and input on the 50 North lease. Martig, Finance Director Brenda Angelstad and Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett answered questions from the Council. Council gave direction to staff on policy questions including the preliminary levy options, 50 North lease and support for other budget options. EXTEND THE MEETING A motion was made by Council Member Peterson White, seconded by Council Member Beumer, to extend the meeting until business is complete. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and Mayor Zweifel 2. 25-511 2026-2027 Budget Worksession. Council continued discussion on the budget. ADJOURN A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member Holmes, to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and Mayor Zweifel City of Northfield Page 2 Printed on 9/24/2025