Northfield Economic Development Authority Meeting – January 26, 2026

The Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA) met Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Northfield City Hall, 801 Washington Street, Northfield, MN. Treasurer Enoch Blazis called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and adjourned it at 6:55 p.m. The minutes list Enoch Blazis, Sean Allen, and Chad Beumer as present; Randy Yoder and Donald Stager as absent. Staff present included City Administrator Ben Martig, Community Development Director Scott Wopata, Community Development Program Associate Emery John, Meeting Associate Matt Bailey, and non-voting Youth Representative Owen Jacobi. Agenda items included a Northfield Arts Guild capital funding request, approval of a Rebound Phoenix LLC loan extension, the December 2025 loan and financial report, support for local businesses during ICE enforcement, retreat planning, and staff updates. No board or commissioner reports were submitted.

Consent Calendar

• The EDA approved the agenda by motion of Allen, seconded by Beumer.
• The EDA approved the November 24, 2025 EDA meeting minutes by motion of Beumer, seconded by Allen.
• The minutes record both approvals as carried with four yes votes: Blazis, Peterson-White, Allen, and Beumer.

Presentations

• Michael Johnson, Executive Director of the Northfield Arts Guild, presented on the organization and requested financial assistance from the EDA for its planned capital project. Johnson answered EDA questions; no formal action was taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received during the open public comment period.
• During the ICE discussion, Alma Flores of the Latino Economic Development Center provided public comment on the center's work supporting families and businesses.

Discussion Items

• December 2025 Loan and Financial Report: Community Development Program Associate Emery John presented the report and answered EDA questions.
• Supporting the business community during ICE's continued presence: Community Development Director Scott Wopata summarized impacts on local businesses from increased federal immigration enforcement by ICE. Emery John added context from her meetings with local business owners. The EDA discussed the issue and solicited advice on how to proceed.
• Upcoming retreat: Emery John reminded the EDA that the retreat is scheduled for February 23, 2026, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Buntrock Commons, St. Olaf campus.

Staff Updates

• Emery John provided staff updates from City staff and answered EDA questions.

Key Outcomes

• The EDA approved Resolution 2026-001, the Loan Agreement and Extension of a Loan Agreement with Rebound Phoenix LLC for the refinancing of the 618 Division St. Building, affirming the EDA Loan Committee's December 11, 2025 decision. The motion by Allen, seconded by Beumer, carried with four recorded yes votes (Blazis, Peterson-White, Allen, Beumer).
• No formal decision was recorded on the Northfield Arts Guild funding request.
• The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Note on Meeting Records

• The official minutes list only Blazis, Allen, and Beumer as present, with Yoder and Stager absent, but the recorded votes on the agenda, minutes, and Rebound Phoenix resolution include Board Member Peterson-White as a fourth yes vote. This inconsistency appears in the minutes; the summary above reports the votes as recorded.