Northfield Charter Commission Meeting - March 12, 2026

The Northfield Charter Commission met on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Chair CC Linstroth. Commissioners present: Scott Jensen, CC Linstroth, Jack Hoschouer (arrived late), Amy Gernon, David DeLong, and Katie Rooks. Vice Chair Lance Heisler was absent (excused). Assistant City Attorney David Assaf, City Administrator Ben Martig, and Meeting Associate Kirsten Fjeld Zillmer were also present. The agenda was amended to move discussion on Charter Section 4.1 to the first item.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the amended agenda (5-0, Hoschouer not present).
• Approval of the January 8, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0).
• Excusal of Commissioner Lance Heisler's absence (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was received.

Discussion Items

• Charter Amendment Approval Process (Item 5): Chair Linstroth presented a timeline for approving the proposed amendment to Charter Section 4.1, noting that a vote in March would allow the amendment to be in place by August for the next election, while a vote in May would push effectivity to October, and a vote in July would push to December.
• Proposed Amendment to Charter Section 4.1 (Item 6, discussed first): Assistant City Attorney David Assaf explained that the amendment would clarify ambiguous language regarding the end of term for outgoing city council members and the process for swearing in and seating new council members. Commissioners Katie Rooks and Amy Gernon stated they were prepared to vote on the amendment that evening. Commissioner David DeLong questioned the origin of the proposal and expressed concerns about compliance with Minnesota Statute 205.07 (1a) and other charter sections, noting that the issue dates back to a 2003 charter change. He requested a written opinion from the city attorney confirming harmony with other statutes and charter sections. Chair Linstroth requested that Attorney Assaf provide such written information by the next meeting. Commissioner DeLong indicated he had continued concerns and was not satisfied with the proposed movement forward. After a point of order and appeal (which was withdrawn), the discussion concluded without a vote. The commission will revisit the amendment after receiving the attorney's written analysis.
• Review of Charter Commission Policies - Duties of Officers (Item 3): Chair Linstroth reviewed the current Duties of Officers. It was noted that the duties of the Secretary need updating to reflect current administrative support. The newly elected secretary will work with city staff to revise the duties before the next meeting.
• Discussion on Open Public Comment Response Process (Item 4): Chair Linstroth proposed a process: public comments received would be placed on the next meeting's agenda. If a motion and second are made, the commission would discuss the issue. If no motion is made, a response would be issued that the commission will not take up the issue at that time. This proposal will be on the May agenda for formal action.
• Election of Officer - Secretary (Item 2): Commissioner Scott Jensen nominated Commissioner Jack Hoschouer, seconded by Commissioner Katie Rooks. The motion passed (5-0, Hoschouer recused). Commissioner Hoschouer will serve as secretary and will work with staff to update the duties of the secretary.

Key Outcomes

• No vote taken on the Charter Section 4.1 amendment. The commission directed Assistant City Attorney Assaf to provide a written opinion on compliance with state statute and charter harmony for the next meeting.
• Commissioner Jack Hoschouer elected Secretary (5-0).
• Open Public Comment Response Process will be formally considered at the May meeting.
• Duties of the Secretary will be revised by the new secretary with staff assistance.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.