Northfield City Council Meeting: July 7, 2026 - Skate Park, Charter, and Recycling

The Northfield City Council met on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 6:28 p.m. to 9:03 p.m. (with a brief recess). The meeting included presentations, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, a public hearing on a charter amendment, and discussion on the skate park phase II and organic recycling. All votes were 7-0.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the June 16, 2026 City Council meeting minutes.
• Approved disbursements totaling $3,400,296.39 (Enactment M2026-096).
• Approved Resolution 2026-064 appointing election judges for the 2026 primary and general elections.
• Approved a temporary liquor license for Tanzenwald Brewing Company for August 20, 2026 for the Third Thursday Event (M2026-097).
• Approved temporary liquor licenses for the Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee (M2026-098).
• Approved Resolution 2026-065 granting an off-site gambling permit to the DJJD Committee for September 9, 2026.
• Approved Resolution 2026-066 for fire relief pension benefits.
• Approved a service agreement with EverStrive Solutions for City Administrator performance evaluation facilitation (M2026-099).
• Approved a contract for civil legal services for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) (M2026-100).
• Approved a contract extension for prosecuting city attorney services (M2026-101).
• Approved Resolution 2026-067 accepting public improvements and final payment for the Jefferson Parkway West Mill and Overlay and Mill Towns State Trail Improvements Project.
• Approved Resolution 2026-068 accepting bids and awarding contract for the Northwest Area Water Tower Site.
• Approved a professional services contract with Bolton and Menk, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Pretreatment, Primary and Generator Project (M2026-102).
• Authorized submission of applications for the BRIC and FMA grants for downtown flood improvements (M2026-103).
• Approved Resolution 2026-069 granting a conditional use permit for off-street parking at 212 Division St. S.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Seeberg, President of the Northfield Pickleball Association, thanked the City for new fencing at the pickleball courts.
• David DeLong commented on public comment procedures and the 1st/2nd reading process for ordinances.
• Rich Graves addressed the Council on several unspecified items.
• David DeLong spoke during the public hearing on the Charter amendment (no position recorded in minutes).
• Aziel Mendoza-Garcia spoke in favor of Phase II of the skate park during the regular agenda.

Presentations

• Northfield History Center: Executive Director Sean Allen presented an update on the past year’s work and answered Council questions.
• Police Department Mentorship Program: Chief Jeff Schroepfer, Officer Kenna Eschenbach, and Officer Micaela Vaale presented program expectations and goals, and answered Council questions.

Public Hearing & Action: Charter Amendment Section 4.1

• Mayor Zweifel opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. City Administrator Ben Martig provided background on the proposed ordinance amending Section 4.1 of the City Charter and the amendment timeline. One public comment was heard (David DeLong). The hearing closed at 7:15 p.m. The Council then held the first reading of Ordinance 1095, which passed unanimously. (Note: The minutes refer to this as the first reading; the agenda listed it as the first reading as well.)

Regular Agenda: Skate Park Phase II

• Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett introduced the project. Designer Mark Leski (Wizard Skateparks, LLC) and Tyler Westman (Northside Boards, LLC) described park features, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced areas, and discussed skateboarding trends in Northfield. Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer commented on park rules and City Code. Council members discussed hours, lighting, trash, and shade. A motion to approve the final concept and authorize preparation of plans and specifications passed unanimously (M2026-104).

Regular Agenda: Organic Recycling Discussion

• Sustainability Coordinator Sara Pabich presented three pathways: (1) status quo, (2) phased expansion with additional drop-off sites aligned with Dakota County, and (3) universal composting with a fee for all residents. Rough cost estimates for the universal program were provided. Pabich, City Administrator Martig, and Public Works Director Bennett answered Council questions. The Council extended the meeting (motion passed unanimously) and continued discussion, ultimately giving staff direction to research the pathways further.

Reports from Mayor and Councilmembers

• Council Member Ness: Attended the 911 Joint Powers Board and NAFRS Board meetings, and the Northfield History Center 50th birthday celebration.
• Council Member Peterson White: Reported on an EDA meeting.
• Mayor Zweifel: Attended the EQC meeting, Greenvale Nature Area Community Meeting, Oddfellows Park Open House, and KYMN 4th of July Ice Cream Social.
• Other councilmembers had no reports.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on the consent calendar, public hearing actions, and regular agenda items were unanimous (7-0).
• Charter Amendment (Section 4.1): Public hearing held; first reading of Ordinance 1095 approved. A second reading will be required at a future meeting.
• Skate Park Phase II: Final concept approved; staff authorized to prepare plans and specifications.
• Organic Recycling: Council directed staff to further research the three pathways; no final decision made.
• Meeting timing: Called to order at 6:28 p.m., recessed 7:23–7:28 p.m., adjourned at 9:03 p.m.