Northfield City Council Regular Meeting – October 21, 2025

The Northfield City Council convened on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Six council members were present (Ness, Holmes, Sokup, Beumer, Dahlen, Mayor Zweifel); Council Member Peterson White was absent. The meeting covered consent items, annual strategic plan and budget updates, and a city administrator’s update. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the October 7, 2025, City Council meeting minutes (as amended).
• Approved disbursements totaling $3,033,736.70.
• Adopted Resolution 2025-104, setting the schedule for 2026 Board and Commission meetings.
• Adopted Resolution 2025-105, retaining statutory tort limits for 2026.
• Adopted Resolution 2025-106, approving the counting of write-in votes for local elective offices.
• Adopted Resolution 2025-107, expressing support for passenger rail service between the Twin Cities and Kansas City.
• Adopted Resolution 2025-108, approving the Police Department’s selection of Brazos citation software.
• Approved a motion (M2025-136) for permanent and temporary construction and utilities easements with Eugene S. and Elaine G. Lyman for the Jefferson Parkway Extension, Sandstone Street Construction and Utility Improvements Project.
• Adopted Resolution 2025-109, approving a minor subdivision for Outlot C, Gleason Third Addition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Colin Campbell addressed the Council during the Regular Agenda item on the Annual Strategic Plan Report, speaking about housing.
• Colin Campbell also addressed the Council during the 2026-2027 Budget Update, commenting on the increases in the City budget over the past years.

Discussion Items

• Annual Strategic Plan Report (2025-2028): Assistant to the City Administrator Risi Karim and City Administrator Ben Martig presented on the four strategic priorities: improve financial strength, increase housing availability, achieve infrastructure sustainability, and enhance service delivery. They answered questions from the Council.
• 2026-2027 Budget Update: City Administrator Ben Martig provided an update on the budget process, including the Capital Improvement Plan and the Capital Equipment Plan. Finance Director Brenda Angelstad and Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett answered questions. Council members commented on the budget.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items were approved by a 6-0 vote.
• The Council received and discussed the Annual Strategic Plan Report; no formal vote was taken.
• The Council received and discussed the 2026-2027 Budget Update; no formal vote was taken.
• City Administrator Martig reported on the Community Development Director interview process and other City operations.
• The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM by a motion from Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member Beumer, with a 6-0 vote.