Planning Commission Meeting – January 15, 2026

The Northfield Planning Commission met on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 6:03 PM to 6:55 PM in the Council Chambers. The commission held a public hearing on a zoning map amendment for 304 2nd St. W., received one public comment, and unanimously approved the amendment. Staff updates were also provided.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved by a unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Buckheit, second by Commissioner Schmidt).
• The December 18, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as amended to remove Commissioner Holmes from the vote tally due to her absence (motion by Commissioner Holmes, second by Commissioner Nowak, unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deacon Mickey Redfearn expressed concern about additional traffic passing by St. Dominic's church if 2nd Street closes.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing for Zoning Map Amendment at 304 2nd St. W. Associate Planner Mathias Hughey presented the request to rezone the property from R1-B (Low Density Residential) to C1-B (Downtown). He reviewed the location, timeline, criteria for approval, and noted that the change is supported by city staff.
• Consideration of Resolution PC Res. 2026-001 The commission discussed and voted on the resolution approving the zoning map amendment.
• Board Member and Commissioner Reports Commissioner Holmes announced that starting in May, a City Council liaison will serve on the Planning Commission rather than a voting member from the council.
• Staff Updates City Planner Mikayla Schmidt introduced the new Community Development Director, Scott Wopata; reported that a zoning code update contract was approved with a kickoff meeting on January 16; provided updates on park and trail dedication fees; noted that City Administrator Martig is extending the tax increment financing for the Archer project; and confirmed that the Cedar Meadows project is still moving forward.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Map Amendment Approved: The commission unanimously approved PC Res. 2026-001, rezoning 304 2nd St. W. from R1-B to C1-B, on a motion by Commissioner Schroeer, second by Commissioner Buckheit. All six present members voted yes.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM by unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Buckheit, second by Commissioner Holmes).

Note: The raw transcript for this meeting was empty; the summary is based solely on the agenda and approved minutes.