City Council
Regular MeetingNorthfield, MN · December 2, 2025
Minutes
City Hall
City of Northfield 801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
northfieldmn.gov
Meeting Minutes - Final
City Council
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chambers
6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Zweifel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: 7- Council Member Brad Ness, Council Member Kathleen Holmes, Council Member
Davin Sokup, Council Member Jessica Peterson White, Council Member Chad
Beumer, Council Member Peter Dahlen, and Mayor Erica Zweifel
Also present: City Administrator Ben Martig, Finance Director Brenda Angelstad, Public
Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett, Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer and City Clerk
Lynette Peterson. City Attorney Chris Hood appeared remotely for the meeting.
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT
Randy Olson addressed the Council regarding the increase in property taxes.
Council Member Peterson White joined the meeting at 6:02 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Holmes, seconded by Council Member
Beumer, to approve the agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
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, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
1. 25-631 Consider Approval of November 18, 2025 City Council Special
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:
2. 25-632 Consider Approval of November 25, 2025 City Council Special
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025
Meeting Minutes.
3. 25-633 Consider Approving Disbursements totaling $3,686,659.34
Enactment No: M2025-146
4. 25-634 Consider Approval of Mayoral Board and Commission
Appointments.
Enactment No: M2025-147
5. 25-635 Consider Motion Approving Joint Powers Agreement Between Rice
County and the City of Northfield for Absentee Balloting and Election
Services for 2026 Elections
Enactment No: M2025-148
6. 25-636 Consider Approval of Amended 2025-2027 Consultant Service
Agreement with FiftyNorth and Age Friendly Northfield Steering
Committee Related to Age Friendly Northfield (AFN) initiatives.
Enactment No: M2025-149
7. 25-637 Consider approval of Tobacco License Renewals.
Enactment No: M2025-150
8. Res. 2025-119 Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for Fares Ibrahim to
Operate a Cannabis Retail Establishment at 2010 Jefferson Rd.
Suite C.
9. 25-638 Consideration of Amendments to 2025-2028 Strategic Plan
Enactment No: M2025-151
10. Res. 2025-120 Consider Resolution Approving Amendment to Section 4.05 Lunch
and Rest Breaks for the Employee Handbook.
11. 25-639 Consider approval of a new three-year towing agreement between
the City of Northfield and Raider Automotive LLC dba Valley
Autohaus.
Enactment No: M2025-152
12. 25-640 Consider approval of 2026-2030 Residential Waste Hauling Contract
with Dicks Sanitation Inc.
Enactment No: M2025-153
13. 25-641 Consider Approving Application for the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) Planning Grant for Stormwater - Downtown
Floodwall Design.
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025
Enactment No: M2025-154
14. Res. 2025-121 Consider Resolution Restricting Parking on Spring Creek Road from
Jefferson Parkway to Woodley Street.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND RELATED ACTION
15. 25-642 Public Hearing on the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy.
Mayor Zweifel declared the public hearing open at 6:04 p.m.
City Administrator Ben Martig presented an overview of the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy to
include the budget timeline; comprehensive plan 2045; strategic plan 2025-2028; median
home values; tax change by parcel map; total property tax peer cities comparison;
property tax distribution; property tax refunds MN Department of Revenue; peer
comparisons - average levy increases; trended levied amounts - capital maintenance
funds; 5-year cost drivers by type; 5-year staffing changes; city staffing levels through
budgeted 2026; peer comparison 2026 current city property taxes; proposed 2026
citywide levies including levy increase highlights; tax base growth strategies; details of
the 9.9% levy increase; residential total tax rate impact; property tax comparison; key
ratios - peer comparison; city-wide levy; 2026 EDA Fund; 2026 HRA Fund; general fund
revenues; general fund expenditures; 2026 budget highlights; City services; maintaining
quality infrastructure and facilities; enterprise fund; utility rates including water fund,
wastewater fund, stormwater fund and garbage fund and comparable rates; gas and
electric franchise fee and 2026-2030 CIP/CEP.
Council Member Ness commented on property tax statements.
A motion was made by Council Member Holmes, seconded by Council Member
Peterson White, to close the Public Hearing at 6:52 p.m. The motion carried by
the following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
16. Res. 2025-122 Consider Adopting the 2025/Payable 2026 Tax Levy, including the
EDA and HRA.
A motion was made by Council Member Beumer, seconded by Council Member
Ness, to approve Resolution No. 2025-122 Consider Adopting the 2025/Payable
2026 Tax Levy. The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
17. Res. 2025-123 Consider Adopting the Final 2026 Budget.
A motion was made by Council Member Holmes, seconded by Council Member
Ness, to approve Resolution No. 2025-123 Adopting the Final 2026 Budget. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
18. Res. 2025-124 Consider Adopting the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
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A motion was made by Council Member Beumer, seconded by Council Member
Sokup, to approve Resolution No. 2025-124 Adopting the 2026 through 2030
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
19. Res. 2025-125 Consider Approving the 2026-2030 Capital Equipment Plan (CEP).
A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member
Beumer, to approve Resolution No. 2025-125 Adopting the 2026 through 2030
Capital Equipment Plan (CEP). The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
20. 25-643 Public Hearing on Currency Exchange License Renewals for
Northfield Financial, LLC at 650 Professional Drive and Servicios
Latinos Menas LLC at 300 Linden Street S.
Mayor Zweifel declared the public hearing open at 7:08 p.m.
City Clerk Lynette Peterson gave background on the currency exchange license renewals
for Northfield Financial, LLC at 650 Professional Drive and Servicios Latinos Menas LLC
at 300 Linden Street S.
A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member
Beumer, to close the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
21. Res. 2025-126 Consider Recommending Approval to Minnesota Department of
Commerce of 2026 Currency Exchange License Renewals for
Servicios Latinos Menas, LLC at 300 Linden Street S. and Northfield
Financial, LLC at 650 Professional Drive.
A motion was made by Council Member Holmes, seconded by Council Member
Beumer, to approve Resolution No. 2025-126 Recommending Approval to
Minnesota Department of Commerce of Currency Exchange License Renewals.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
22. 25-644 Public Hearing on Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones)
Program and Accepting Public Comment.
Mayor Zweifel declared the public hearing open at 7:11 p.m.
Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer presented on the police unmanned aerial vehicle (drones)
program giving an overview of the program outlining intended uses and benefits,
explaining state legal requirements, highlighting privacy and accountability safeguards,
financial impact, proposed purchase, and implementation timeline. No public comments
were received via email, mail or eComment. One Council Member received a comment in
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025
support of the program. Council commented on the program.
Schroepfer answered questions from the Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Sokup, seconded by Council Member
Ness, to close the Public Hearing at 7:26 p.m. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
23. 25-645 Approval of Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones) Program.
A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member
Beumer, to approve the Police Department’s proposed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- UAV (drone) program, policy and purchase. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
Enactment No: M2025-155
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
24. 25-646 Reports From the Mayor and Council Members.
Council Member Ness - No report.
Council Member Peterson White - EDA Meeting.
Council Member Sokup - No report.
Council Member Holmes - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; Planning Commission
Meeting.
Council Member Dahlen - No report.
Council Member Beumer - No report.
Mayor Zweifel - Mayor's Youth Council.
ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE
25. 25-647 City Administrator's Update.
City Administrator Ben Martig highlighted City items along with the Rice County open
house for County Road 20.
ADJOURN
A motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member
Peterson White, to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Yes: 7- C. Ness, C. Holmes, C. Sokup, C. Peterson White, C. Beumer, C. Dahlen, and
Mayor Zweifel
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Agenda
City of Northfield City Hall
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
northfieldmn.gov
Meeting Agenda
City Council
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chambers
6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor: Zweifel
Councilmembers: Beumer, Dahlen, Holmes, Ness, Peterson White, Sokup
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT
Open Public Comment is intended to receive public comment on matters of City business and/or topics under the
jurisdiction of the City Council. Individuals who would like to have a question addressed may write their question on the
back of the comment card and an appropriate person will follow up with them at another time. If the topic relates to an
item later in the agenda individuals may speak at this time if that is their preference. However, they will be unable to
comment again later on the same agenda item.
Individuals who pre-registered may take one opportunity to address the Council for up to two (2) minutes. After all
individuals on the sign-up list have spoken, other individuals may speak if time permits. Open Public Comment will
conclude by 6:20 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
The proposed consent agenda is included on the agenda and shown on the screens in the Council Chambers. The purpose
of a consent agenda is to allow for routine motions, resolutions, ordinances, and items previously discussed with
consensus made, to be passed with one motion. These items are still important and necessary considerations and full
background memo and materials have been prepared and are publicly available on the website and in the Council
Chambers. City Council Members have had the opportunity to ask questions for clarification of consent agenda items in
advance of the meeting and have had the opportunity to request an item be moved to the regular agenda for further
discussion.
1. 25-631 Consider Approval of November 18, 2025 City Council Special Meeting
Minutes.
Attachments: 1 - 11-18-25 Council Special Meeting Minutes
2. 25-632 Consider Approval of November 25, 2025 City Council Special Meeting
Minutes.
Attachments: 1 - 11-25-25 City Council Special Meeting Minutes
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City Council Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025
3. 25-633 Consider Approving Disbursements totaling $3,686,659.34
Attachments: 1 - Disbursements
2 - Disbursements
3 - Disbursements
4. 25-634 Consider Approval of Mayoral Board and Commission Appointments.
Attachments: 1 - Board Commission Appointment Redacted Applications
5. 25-635 Consider Motion Approving Joint Powers Agreement Between Rice County
and the City of Northfield for Absentee Balloting and Election Services for
2026 Elections
Attachments: 1 - 2026 JPA Northfield Absentee Balloting and Election Services 2026
6. 25-636 Consider Approval of Amended 2025-2027 Consultant Service Agreement
with FiftyNorth and Age Friendly Northfield Steering Committee Related to
Age Friendly Northfield (AFN) initiatives.
Attachments: 1 - 2025-2027 Amended FiftyNorth and AFN Service Contract - REDLINED DRAFT
2 - 2025-2027 Amended FiftyNorth and AFN Service Contract - CLEAN DRAFT
3 - Northfield Senior Citizens dba FiftyNorth Insurance Certificate
7. 25-637 Consider approval of Tobacco License Renewals.
Attachments: 1 - Tobacco license list 2026.Council
2 - Hyperlink City Code Tobacco
3 - Hyperlink to Sec. 50-89 Drug Paraphernalia
8. Res. 2025-119 Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for Fares Ibrahim to Operate a
Cannabis Retail Establishment at 2010 Jefferson Rd. Suite C.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution
2 - Location Map
3 - PC Resolution 2025-011
4 - Staff Presentation
9. 25-638 Consideration of Amendments to 2025-2028 Strategic Plan
Attachments: 1 - Summary Page Redline Amendment Proposed: Strategic Plan Report_2025-2028
2 - Strategic Plan 2025 Annual Update FINAL
3 - October 21, 2025 City Council Meeting Video Link
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City Council Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025
10. Res. 2025-120 Consider Resolution Approving Amendment to Section 4.05 Lunch and Rest
Breaks for the Employee Handbook.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution Approving Lunch and Rest Breaks
2 - 4.05 lunch and rest breaks tracked changes
3 - 4.05 lunch and rest breaks accepted changes
4 - State of MN Department of Labor and Industry webpage
11. 25-639 Consider approval of a new three-year towing agreement between the City of
Northfield and Raider Automotive LLC dba Valley Autohaus.
Attachments: 1 - 2026 Towing Contract Signed
12. 25-640 Consider approval of 2026-2030 Residential Waste Hauling Contract with
Dicks Sanitation Inc.
Attachments: 1 - RFP Summary
2 - Northfield DSI Signed Contract
13. 25-641 Consider Approving Application for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) Planning Grant for Stormwater - Downtown Floodwall Design.
Attachments: 1 - Planning_Grants_for_SWC_Resilience_Application_Final
14. Res. 2025-121 Consider Resolution Restricting Parking on Spring Creek Road from Jefferson
Parkway to Woodley Street.
Attachments: 1 - Spring Creek Road Parking Prohibition Resolution
2 - Spring Creek Road No Parking Location Map
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND RELATED ACTION
The public will have an opportunity to address the City Council on any public hearings. Individuals who pre-registered
may take one opportunity to address the Council for up to two (2) minutes. After all individuals on the sign-up list have
spoken, other individuals may speak. Persons must give their name and address and if representing a business must give
the name of the business or corporation. If an attorney or consultant is representing a client, the client must be identified
for the record.
The intent of the public hearing is to receive information from the public. Individuals who would like to have a question
addressed may write their question on the back of the comment card and an appropriate person will follow up with them
at another time.
15. 25-642 Public Hearing on the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy.
Attachments: 1 - Budget Presentation (Long Version Background)
2 - POST MTG - 2026 Budget PPT Presented at 12/2 meeting
16. Res. 2025-122 Consider Adopting the 2025/Payable 2026 Tax Levy, including the EDA and
HRA.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution 2025 Adopt 2026 City Levy - 9.9%
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City Council Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025
17. Res. 2025-123 Consider Adopting the Final 2026 Budget.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution 2025 - Adopt the 2026 Budget
18. Res. 2025-124 Consider Adopting the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Attachments: 1 - Resolution 2025 Adopt 2026-2030 CIP
2 - 251202 2026-2030 Final CIP
3 - 2023-2027 CIP Street Map 09162022
4 - Projects in Devlopment
19. Res. 2025-125 Consider Approving the 2026-2030 Capital Equipment Plan (CEP).
Attachments: 1 - Resolution 2025 Adopt 2026-2030 CEP
2 - 251202 Final CEP
20. 25-643 Public Hearing on Currency Exchange License Renewals for Northfield
Financial, LLC at 650 Professional Drive and Servicios Latinos Menas LLC at
300 Linden Street S.
Attachments: 1 - Minnesota Statutes 53A.03 Currency Exchange
2 - Public Hearing Notice 2026 Renewals
21. Res. 2025-126 Consider Recommending Approval to Minnesota Department of Commerce of
2026 Currency Exchange License Renewals for Servicios Latinos Menas, LLC
at 300 Linden Street S. and Northfield Financial, LLC at 650 Professional
Drive.
Attachments: 1 - Res. Currency Exchange Renewals 2025
2 - Northfield-Northfield Financial, LLC Renewal
3 - Northfield-Servicios Latinos Menas LLC Renewal
22. 25-644 Public Hearing on Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones) Program and
Accepting Public Comment.
Attachments: 1 - Northfield_PD_Policy_606
2 - Police UAV statute
3 - Drone powerpoint council
4 - Drone quote
23. 25-645 Approval of Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones) Program.
Attachments: 1 - Northfield_PD_Policy_606
2 - Police UAV statute
3 - Drone quote
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City Council Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
24. 25-646 Reports From the Mayor and Council Members.
ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE
25. 25-647 City Administrator's Update.
Attachments: 1 - Upcoming Council Meeting (11-26-25)
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@northfieldmn.gov. TDD users can call (507) 645-3030. Please call at
least 24 hours before the meeting, if possible.
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