Northfield Charter Commission Meeting - January 8, 2026

The Northfield Charter Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Chair Heisler called the meeting to order with six commissioners present. The meeting covered approval of routine items, election of officers for 2026, a postponed discussion on a charter amendment, adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule, and approval of the 2025 annual report. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda (Item 26-017): Motion by Commissioner Jensen, seconded by Commissioner Hoschouer, to approve the January 8, 2026 meeting agenda. Carried 6-0.
• Commission Absences (Item 26-019): Motion by Commissioner DeLong, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, to excuse the absence of Commissioner Linstroth. Carried 6-0.
• Approval of Minutes (Item 26-018): Motion by Commissioner DeLong, seconded by Commissioner Hoschouer, to approve the November 13, 2025 Charter Commission meeting minutes. Carried 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was received.

Discussion Items

• Election of 2026 Officers (Item 26-022): Chair Heisler nominated Commissioner Linstroth as Chair for 2026. A motion by Commissioner Jensen, seconded by Commissioner Hoschouer, elected Linstroth as Chair, carried 6-0. Commissioner Jensen then nominated Heisler as Vice Chair for 2026. A motion by Commissioner Gernon, seconded by Commissioner Hoschouer, elected Heisler as Vice Chair, carried 6-0.
• Old Business – Proposed Amendment to Charter Section 4.1 (Item 26-021): Chair Heisler postponed discussion on the proposed amendment to the March 2026 Charter Commission meeting. No action was taken.
• Approval of 2026 Meeting Schedule: Chair Heisler explained the Commission has developed a pattern of meeting on the second Thursday of odd-numbered months but is not limited to that day. A motion by Commissioner Jensen, seconded by Commissioner Hoschouer, approved continuing the Charter Commission meeting schedule as set. Carried 6-0.
• Review and Approval of 2025 Annual Report (Item 26-023): Chair Heisler presented the 2025 Charter Commission Annual Report. A motion by Commissioner Jensen, seconded by Commissioner Gernon, approved the report. Carried 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• All motions passed unanimously (6-0).
• Officers for 2026: Commissioner Linstroth elected as Chair, Chair Heisler elected as Vice Chair.
• Proposed amendment to Charter Section 4.1 postponed to March 2026.
• 2026 meeting schedule confirmed: second Thursday of odd-numbered months (with flexibility for additional meetings).
• 2025 Annual Report approved.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:22 PM.