Northfield City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

The Northfield City Council met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered presentations, consent items, reports, and several regular agenda items including the appointment of a new Community Development Director, three grant applications for transportation projects, and the immediate suspension of liquor licenses for Froggz due to lapsed insurance. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.

Presentations

• Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF): Aaron Johnson, Philanthropy Director, presented an overview of SMIF's work in Southern Minnesota and Northfield and requested monetary support from the City for 2026.
• Quarterly Police Report, Quarter 3, 2025: Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer presented statistics on calls for service, Group A and Group B crimes, noteworthy events, and a recap of DJJD calls for service. He answered Council questions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the October 21, 2025 City Council meeting minutes.
• Approved disbursements totaling $4,068,126.78 (Enactment M2025-138).
• Received the City Administrator's Biannual Update Summary of Grants Report.
• Approved Resolution 2025-112, the 12.01 Art in Public Places Policy.
• Approved the 2026 budget for the Convention and Visitors Bureau (Enactment M2025-139).
• Approved Resolution 2025-110, amending Section 8.36 Paid Family Parental Leave for the Employee Handbook. All consent items passed on a single motion with a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Reports from the Mayor and Councilmembers

• Council Member Ness reported on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Veterans Appreciation and Recognition event.
• Council Member Beumer and Peterson White reported on recent EDA meetings.
• Mayor Zweifel commented on the State Rail Plan and the State Climate Action Plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Tomczik addressed the Council in opposition to the cost of bike paths included in the Lincoln Parkway project.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2025-111 – Appointment of Scott Wopata as Community Development Director: City Administrator Ben Martig presented Wopata's background and qualifications. Council Member Holmes recused herself due to a conflict of interest. Wopata thanked the Council and shared his vision. The resolution passed 6-0 (Holmes recused).
• Transportation Alternatives (TA) Grant – Lincoln Parkway Walking and Biking Improvement Project: Public Works Director David Bennett introduced the grant. An amendment to exclude certain sections (Cannon Valley Place to Greenvale Avenue and Dresden Avenue to Greenvale Avenue on Spring Street) was proposed by Council Member Ness and seconded by Dahlen. The amendment failed 3-4 (Ness, Beumer, Dahlen in favor; Holmes, Sokup, Peterson White, Mayor Zweifel opposed). The original motion to authorize submittal of the grant application passed 5-2 (Holmes, Sokup, Peterson White, Beumer, Mayor Zweifel in favor; Ness and Dahlen opposed). (Enactment M2025-140)
• Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) Grant – TH 3 Trail: Motion to authorize submittal of the grant application passed unanimously 7-0. (Enactment M2025-141)
• Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Grant – TH 246 & CSAH 1 Roundabout: Motion to authorize submittal of the grant application passed unanimously 7-0. (Enactment M2025-142)
• Resolution 2025-113 – Immediate Suspension of Liquor and Cannabinoid Licenses for Froggz LLC: City Clerk Lynette Peterson reported that on November 3, 2025, the City was notified that Froggz's liquor liability insurance had lapsed, violating state and city codes. The resolution ordered immediate suspension of all licenses until proof of insurance is obtained and confirmed. The motion passed unanimously 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment: Scott Wopata approved as Community Development Director (6-0, 1 recusal).
• Grants authorized: Applications to be submitted for three transportation grants (Lincoln Parkway TA grant passed 5-2, CRP TH 3 Trail and HSIP roundabout passed 7-0).
• License suspension: Froggz LLC's liquor and cannabinoid licenses suspended immediately due to lapsed insurance (unanimous).
• Consent agenda: Approved all items including $4,068,126.78 in disbursements and policy updates.
• Administrator's Update: Skipped due to time constraints and the scheduled work session.
• **Meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM. (unanimous).

Note: The meeting date is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as per the agenda and minutes.