Northfield Charter Commission Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Northfield Charter Commission met on July 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:01 PM in the Council Chambers. The commission addressed several items including an update on a proposed charter amendment, approval of policy updates, and a discussion on reviewing the City Charter. All votes were unanimous with 6 members present (Commissioner Katie Rooks absent).

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda (motion by Vice Chair Lance Heisler, seconded by Commissioner Scott Jensen, 6-0).
• Approved the May 14, 2026 meeting minutes (motion by Vice Chair Heisler, seconded by Commissioner Jack Hoschouer, 6-0).
• Excused the absence of Commissioner Katie Rooks (motion by Vice Chair Heisler, seconded by Commissioner Hoschouer, 6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was received.

Discussion Items

• Update on Proposed Amendment to Charter Section 4.1: Chair CC Linstroth reported that the first reading of the amendment passed unanimously by the City Council. The second reading is scheduled for July 14, 2026. If approved, the amendment will be enacted, published, and become effective 90 days later.
• Consider Charter Commission Policies – Duties of Officers Update: Commissioners Hoschouer and Heisler presented condensed language for the secretary's duties. The secretary will collaborate with city staff on creating documents, records, and minutes while retaining primary responsibility and final approval. The commission approved the update unanimously (6-0).
• Consider Charter Commission Policies – Public Comment at Charter Commission Meetings Update: Commissioners discussed the use of the terms "modified" and "full name" in section 8, concluding it was not an issue. Commissioner David DeLong raised a question about e-comments; Chair Linstroth clarified the policy addresses only in-person public comment and that a separate request could be made for an e-comment policy. The commission approved the policy addition unanimously (6-0).
• Review and Discuss City Charter: Chair Linstroth asked commissioners to examine citizens' rights as processes move through city government and whether the Charter Commission has a responsibility to ensure the charter serves community needs. Commissioners individually voiced thoughts on possible areas for further examination. No vote or action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items and policy updates were approved unanimously (6-0).
• The proposed Charter Section 4.1 amendment will proceed to a second reading on July 14, 2026.
• The commission will continue reviewing the City Charter in future meetings.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM.