Northfield City Council Meeting: August 25, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM on August 25, 2026, by Mayor Erica Zweifel, with all seven council members present. The meeting included an oath of office ceremony, approval of a consent agenda, multiple public comments, and action on several key resolutions including a drinking water quality working group, a professional services contract, and two park improvement plans. The meeting was extended and adjourned at 9:50 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the consent agenda (7-0). Items included:
  • Approval of the August 3, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes
  • Approval of the August 13, 2026, City Council Special Meeting Minutes
  • Approval of the August 18, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes
  • Approval of disbursements totaling $5,888,316.38 (Enactment No. M2026-119)
  • Approval of an outdoor dining permit for Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2242 dba Northfield Eagles #2242 (Enactment No. M2026-120)
  • Approval of 2026 Second Quarter Financial & Investment Updates
  • Adoption of Resolution 2026-084 authorizing participation in the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program
  • Approval of a SaaS agreement with LETAC USA, LLC for Policies360 and Procedures360 (Enactment No. M2026-121)

Public Comments & Testimony

• CC Linstroth expressed support for updated park plans that improve accessibility for all ages.
• David DeLong addressed concerns about expending funds for Cedar Meadows without a development agreement.
• Laurel Quill expressed support for the Sibley Swale park plan.
• Adam Wale addressed the council regarding communications related to water quality.
• Will Schoerer expressed support for the professional service contract with Merchant McIntyre.
• Bret Vukoder and Taylor Quill each expressed support for the Sibley Swale Park improvements.

Discussion Items

• Res. 2026-085 – Drinking Water Quality Working Group: Mayor Zweifel introduced the item, with Glen Castore, Bridgewater Township Supervisor, providing information on the role and scope of the working group. Utilities Manager Justin Wagner and City Administrator Ben Martig also responded to questions. Following public comment, council members discussed the committee’s purpose.
• Res. 2026-086 – Professional Service Contract with Merchant McIntyre: City Administrator Ben Martig introduced representatives Mark McIntyre, Brandon Bookout, and Brent Merchant. They provided background on the firm’s approach, staff, and knowledge of available grant opportunities. Council members discussed the contract.
• 26-440 – Sibley Swale Park Improvement Plan: Streets and Parks Manager Andrew Tussing and Consultant Bruce Jacobson presented the neighborhood park plan, including steps toward implementation, neighborhood objectives, priorities, and concept drawings. The council discussed the plan and ultimately approved it with a directive to rename the park to "Swale Park."
• 26-439 – Oddfellows Park Improvement Plan: Consultant Bruce Jacobson presented proposed pavilion enhancements for Oddfellows Park, including sketches. Jacobson and Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett responded to council questions. The plan was approved.
• 26-442 – Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning RFP – Scope of Services: Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett provided an overview of the SS4A grant program and the RFP for professional engineering and planning services to develop an action plan, which is required to become eligible for federal implementation grants. Bennett and City Administrator Ben Martig responded to questions. No action was taken; the item was for discussion only.

Key Outcomes

• Res. 2026-085 – Drinking Water Quality Working Group: Approved 6-1 (Council Member Holmes opposed) with an added request that staff and committee organizers include a representative from the Northfield Community Action Center, Growing up Healthy, or an individual with public health expertise.
• Res. 2026-086 – Professional Service Contract with Merchant McIntyre: Approved 7-0.
• 26-440 – Sibley Swale Park Improvement Plan: Approved 7-0 (Enactment No. M2026-122), with a directive to rename the park to "Swale Park" and update signage, maps, and all other references.
• 26-439 – Oddfellows Park Improvement Plan: Approved 7-0 (Enactment No. M2026-123).
• Meeting Extension: Approved 7-0 to extend until business was complete.
• Adjournment: Approved 7-0 at 9:50 PM.