Northfield City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Northfield City Council met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations on the 2025 Police Annual Report and Q1 financial updates, approval of a consent agenda with multiple routine items, a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance to vacate a drainage and utility easement, approval of a charter amendment resolution, second reading of an ordinance adjusting council member salaries for 2027-2028 (passed 5-2), and discussions on naming the Cannon River Regional Park and early voting administration. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.

Presentations

• Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer presented the 2025 Annual Statistics for the Northfield Police Department, including calls for service, traffic stops, citations, accidents, and staffing updates. He answered council questions.
• Finance Director Brenda Angelstad presented the 2026 First Quarter Financial and Investment Reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lee Runzheimer addressed the Council regarding business expansion in Northfield.
• During the public hearing on the drainage and utility easement vacation, Paul Reiland (GM2 Properties) addressed the Council regarding the vacation.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the following consent agenda items (all votes 7-0):

• Approval of the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting minutes.
• Disbursements totaling $3,776,032.45 (Enactment No. M2026-080).
• Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County for post-election review (M2026-081).
• Temporary liquor license for Loon Liquors LLC for the July 16, 2026 Third Thursday event (M2026-082).
• Lower-potency hemp edible retailer applications for Ziggy’s LLC (109 Water St N) and Posh Puff LLC (2010 Jefferson Rd, Suite D) (M2026-083, M2026-084).
• Stormwater maintenance agreements with Carleton College and St. Olaf College (M2026-085, M2026-086).
• Temporary construction easement with JB Dudley for the Mill Towns State Trail by Waterford Bridge (M2026-087).

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing for Ordinance 1094 (Vacating a drainage and utility easement at 2420 Bridgewater Ln): The public hearing was opened at 6:34 PM and closed at 6:42 PM. Following the hearing, the Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1094 vacating the easement (7-0 vote).
• Resolution 2026-056 (Charter Amendment to Section 4.1): City Administrator Ben Martig and Charter Commission Chair CC Linstroth presented the proposed amendment. The Council unanimously approved the resolution to receive the charter amendment and call for a public hearing (7-0).
• Second Reading of Ordinance 1093 (Council Compensation 2027-2028): Council Member Dahlen moved to amend the motion to keep mayor and council salaries at current rates with no increase. This amendment failed 2-5 (Ness and Dahlen in favor; Holmes, Sokup, Peterson White, Beumer, Mayor Zweifel against). The original motion approving the compensation as proposed passed 5-2 (Holmes, Sokup, Peterson White, Beumer, Mayor Zweifel in favor; Ness and Dahlen against). Subsequently, summary publication of the ordinance was approved unanimously (7-0).
• Naming of Cannon River Regional Park: Consultant Bruce Jacobson presented a preliminary application for designation with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, including a drone video. Council discussed the proposal.
• Early Voting Administration: City Clerk Lynette Peterson reported on new state legislation changing early voting from 46 days to 18 days. The Council expressed support for maintaining the 46-day early voting period for the upcoming election and reviewing the 18-day option for the 2028 elections.

Reports from Mayor and Councilmembers

Councilmembers reported on various committee meetings and community events, including the Planning Commission, Council Employment Policy Committee, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Memorial Day Picnic, Pride in the Park (June 6), Northfield Hospital and Clinic meetings, intergovernmental meetings, and the Memorial Day Ceremony.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• First reading of Ordinance 1094 (easement vacation) approved 7-0.
• Resolution 2026-056 (charter amendment hearing) approved 7-0.
• Ordinance 1093 (council salaries) approved on second reading 5-2, after amendment to freeze salaries failed 2-5; summary publication approved 7-0.
• Council supported keeping 46-day early voting for the current election, with future review.