Northfield City Council Meeting - December 2, 2025

The Northfield City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The meeting covered a consent agenda with 14 routine items, public hearings on the 2026 budget and tax levy, currency exchange license renewals, and a police drone program, followed by reports. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the November 18 and November 25, 2025 special meetings.
• Approved disbursements totaling $3,686,659.34.
• Approved mayoral board and commission appointments.
• Approved a Joint Powers Agreement with Rice County for absentee balloting and election services for the 2026 elections.
• Approved an amended 2025-2027 consultant service agreement with FiftyNorth and Age Friendly Northfield Steering Committee.
• Approved tobacco license renewals for 2026.
• Approved a Conditional Use Permit for Fares Ibrahim to operate a cannabis retail establishment at 2010 Jefferson Rd. Suite C.
• Approved amendments to the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan.
• Approved a resolution amending Section 4.05 (Lunch and Rest Breaks) of the Employee Handbook.
• Approved a new three-year towing agreement with Raider Automotive LLC (dba Valley Autohaus).
• Approved a 2026-2030 residential waste hauling contract with Dicks Sanitation Inc.
• Approved an application for a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) planning grant for stormwater/downtown floodwall design.
• Approved a resolution restricting parking on Spring Creek Road from Jefferson Parkway to Woodley Street.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Randy Olson addressed the council regarding the increase in property taxes. No other public comments were made during the open public comment period or during the public hearings.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Budget and Tax Levy (Public Hearing): City Administrator Ben Martig presented a detailed overview of the 2026 budget and tax levy, including the budget timeline, median home values, tax change by parcel, peer city comparisons, property tax refunds, 5-year cost drivers, staffing changes, and the proposed 9.9% levy increase. Council Member Ness commented on property tax statements. The public hearing was opened at 6:04 PM and closed at 6:52 PM.
• Currency Exchange License Renewals (Public Hearing): City Clerk Lynette Peterson provided background on the renewals for Northfield Financial, LLC and Servicios Latinos Menas LLC. The public hearing was opened at 7:08 PM and closed at 7:10 PM with no public comments.
• Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Program (Public Hearing): Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer presented an overview of the proposed program, including intended uses, benefits, state legal requirements, 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 support. Council members discussed the program and asked questions. The public hearing was opened at 7:11 PM and closed at 7:26 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted 2025/Payable 2026 Tax Levy (Resolution 2025-122): Approved unanimously (7-0) including the EDA and HRA levies, reflecting a 9.9% increase.
• Adopted Final 2026 Budget (Resolution 2025-123): Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Adopted 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) (Resolution 2025-124): Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Adopted 2026-2030 Capital Equipment Plan (CEP) (Resolution 2025-125): Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Approved Currency Exchange License Renewals (Resolution 2025-126): Approved unanimously (7-0), recommending approval to the Minnesota Department of Commerce for Servicios Latinos Menas LLC and Northfield Financial LLC.
• Approved Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Program (25-645): Approved unanimously (7-0) the program, policy, and purchase.
• Consent Agenda: All 14 items were approved unanimously (7-0).
• Reports: Council members provided updates on EDA meeting, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning Commission, and Mayor's Youth Council. City Administrator highlighted upcoming items and the Rice County open house for County Road 20.