Public Meetings - Northfield, Minnesota

The Northfield Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 801 Washington Street, Northfield, Minnesota. The board held a public hearing and unanimously approved ZBA Resolution 2026-002, granting a variance to exceed the maximum height limit in the C1-B Downtown District by 13 feet at 212 Division St. S. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Agenda Approval - Chair Bill Kuhlmann called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. - Present: Commissioners Betsey Buckheit, Philip Holleran, Steven Schmidt, Aaron Lauer, Bill Kuhlmann, and Julia Menard. Absent: Commissioner Brian Nowak. - Also present: Associate Planner Mathias Hughey, City Planner Mikayla Schmidt, Community Development Director Scott Wopata, Administrative Associate Kari Bonde, and youth representatives Abby Pape and Eli Podracky. - A motion by Commissioner Buckheit, seconded by Commissioner Schmidt, to approve the agenda carried 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Public Hearing: Variance Request at 212 Division St. S. - The public hearing was opened at 6:04 PM. - Associate Planner Mathias Hughey presented a PowerPoint covering the variance process, the location, and the findings. He also reviewed the project timeline and noted that the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) approved the Certificate of Appropriateness earlier in June 2026. - Matt Ganter of Rebound Enterprises reviewed the project timeline and showed renderings from different street levels, describing the proposed project at 212 Division St. S. - A motion by Commissioner Holleran, seconded by Commissioner Menard, to close the public hearing carried 6-0. Discussion and Resolution: ZBA Resolution 2026-002 - The board considered ZBA Resolution 2026-002, titled "Consideration of a Variance to Exceed the Maximum Height Limit in the C1-B: Downtown District by 13 Feet." - Commissioner Buckheit moved to approve the resolution, and Commissioner Schmidt seconded the motion. Key Outcomes - ZBA Resolution 2026-002 was approved unanimously, 6-0, granting a variance to exceed the maximum building height limit in the C1-B Downtown District by 13 feet at 212 Division St. S. - The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM following a motion by Commissioner Schmidt, seconded by Commissioner Holleran, which carried 6-0.

The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) of Northfield, Minnesota, met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 801 Washington Street. Chair Rob Hanson called the meeting to order. Four commissioners were present—Janet Petri, Susannah Shmurak, Rob Hanson, and Kimberly Haroldson—with three absent; voting Youth Representative Alex Halverson brought voting strength to five. Also present were Mayor Erica Zweifel, City Administrator Ben Martig, Sustainability Coordinator Sara Pabich, and Meeting Associate Matt Bailey. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. The supplied raw transcript was fragmentary and did not provide usable meeting content; this summary relies on the agenda and adopted minutes. Consent Calendar - The meeting agenda was approved by a 5–0 vote, on a motion by Commissioner Shmurak seconded by Commissioner Petri. - The consent agenda, including the May 20, 2026 EQC meeting minutes (item 26-315), was approved by a 5–0 vote, on a motion by Commissioner Petri seconded by Commissioner Shmurak. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was received. Discussion Items - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Update through Regional Indicators (26-316): Sustainability Coordinator Sara Pabich introduced Mackenzie Thelen, Maureen Colburn, and Becky Alexander of LHB, Inc., who presented via Zoom updated Regional Indicators Initiative data for the City of Northfield through 2024. The presenters responded to questions and comments from the EQC. - Organics Recycling Pathway (26-317): Pabich presented an overview of organic recycling options in Northfield and asked the EQC to consider recommending a pathway for organics recycling. She and City Administrator Ben Martig responded to commissioner questions and comments. The commission discussed options and ultimately considered proposed Pathway C, a universal organics recycling program. - 2026-2027 Work Plan and Commission Priorities (26-318): Pabich provided background on the priorities for and evolution of the EQC’s 2026-2027 Work Plan and future activities, then responded to questions and comments. Commissioner Petri requested an update on the schedule and coverage for tabling at Riverwalk Market Fair; Pabich responded that a table is scheduled for July 18, 2026, with a possible additional date in August. - Staff Updates (26-319): Pabich and Mayor Zweifel provided updates from City staff. Key Outcomes - Unanimous 5–0 approval of the agenda and consent calendar. - Unanimous 5–0 approval of a motion to extend the meeting. - Unanimous 5–0 approval of a recommendation to the City Council to consider adopting Pathway C, a universal organics recycling program, on a motion by Commissioner Haroldson seconded by Commissioner Shmurak. - The EQC received the greenhouse gas emissions update and continued its 2026-2027 work plan discussion; Riverwalk Market Fair tabling is scheduled for July 18, 2026, with a possible August date. - Unanimous 5–0 vote to adjourn at 8:06 p.m.

The Northfield City Council met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6:01 PM. Councilmember Peter Dahlen was absent. The meeting included a presentation from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, approval of the consent agenda, resolutions for street reconstruction bonds and downtown parking modifications, and a denied citizen petition for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Harvest Hills Second Addition development. All votes were 6-0 in favor of staff recommendations. Consent Calendar - Approved June 2, 2026 and June 9, 2026 meeting minutes. - Approved disbursements totaling $1,891,261.80 (Enactment M2026-089). - Accepted the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2025 (M2026-090). - Approved mayoral youth appointments (M2026-091) and board/commission appointments (M2026-092). - Adopted Resolution 2026-057 naming Cannon River Regional Park and Resolution 2026-063 authorizing an application for designation as a Greater MN Regional Park. - Adopted Resolution 2026-058 supporting communication and outreach with Hiawathaland Transit. - Approved ice rental agreement with Northfield Public Schools (M2026-093). - Adopted Resolution 2026-059 accepting public improvements and approving final payment for the Honeylocust Drive East Cannon River Trail Connection Improvements Project. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the open public comment period. - During the Harvest Hills EAW item, petitioner Jason Hill presented on behalf of 107 signatories. He argued that the 60% increase in traffic from the planned 71 housing units (adding to 121 existing units) and proximity to Northfield Middle School and Bridgewater Elementary School warranted an EAW. He also contended that Fillmore Street is misclassified as a minor collector in city documents but is actually a local road per MnDOT, which should trigger additional review. Discussion Items 1. Convention and Visitors Bureau Presentation (26-303): Jane Bartho, CVB President, and Rachel Trnka, Director of Engagement, presented the annual report and 2026-28 strategic priorities. Key financial data: approximately $50,000 in checking, $45,000 in savings, $11,000 in a CD; $4,000 grant from Explore Minnesota and $12,000 match for the Governor’s Pheasant Opener. Annual expenses include over $100,000 in direct advertising (including consultant fees), $67,000 in salaries/benefits, and $15,000 rent. Digital campaigns achieved 2 million impressions; 853 visitors tracked from Star Tribune ads (73 to lodging, 780 to shops/restaurants). The CVB also highlighted AI optimization efforts and an event amplifier program for eight local events. Councilmember Holmes requested more specific, measurable strategic goals. Councilmember Peterson White questioned the accuracy of workforce wage estimates (generated by AI, later acknowledged to need better sourcing) and expressed concern about the draft logo being AI-generated, urging authenticity and use of local designers. Bartho confirmed the logo was a placeholder and that the CVB intends to hire local talent. 2. General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2026B (Res. 2026-060): Public Works Director David Bennett explained the proposed $3,350,000 bond issuance for street projects (Jefferson Parkway overlay, Millen overlay, Spring Street closure, Freedemo Avenue medians). The amount was reduced from an earlier $4.75M estimate due to favorable construction bids ($700,000 below estimate) and leveraging state bonding. The bonds are structured as 15-year levy repayment with an estimated interest cost of 3.74%; annual debt service at 105% is approximately $312,000. The city’s statutory debt limit is $72.8 million (3% of estimated market value), with current outstanding debt of $47.6 million, leaving $21 million in capacity. Council voted 6-0 to approve the resolution, authorizing a competitive sale on July 21, 2026, and closing on August 13, 2026. 3. Central Business District Short-Term and Handicap Parking Modifications (Res. 2026-061): Bennett and Community Development Director Scott Wopata presented revisions from the May 12 discussion. Proposed changes: increase 20-minute short-term stalls from 7 to 10 on the west side (angled) and add 2 on the east side (parallel), for a net increase of 5. Handicap accessible stalls: increase from 7 to 10 on west side, and from 2 to 5 on east side, for a net increase of 6. One additional stall was added on the 6th Street block per supplemental memo. Wopata reported feedback from 17 downtown businesses: overwhelmingly positive for predictability and consistency, but concerns about enforcement (especially after loss of the CSO position) and desire for utilization data on accessible stalls. Council voted 6-0 to approve. 4. Citizen Petition for EAW – Harvest Hills Second Addition (Res. 2026-062): Wopata outlined the legal framework: the petition, validated by the Environmental Quality Board with 100+ signatures, requires the council to decide whether to require an EAW based on material evidence. The project (71 units, workforce/affordable housing) does not meet mandatory EAW thresholds (100-150 units) or MnDOT’s recommended traffic impact study trigger (250 peak-hour trips or 2,500 daily trips). Petitioner Jason Hill argued that the 60% traffic increase and road misclassification (Fillmore as local vs collector) justified an EAW. Staff countered that traffic counts (710 vehicles per day currently) are well below collector road capacities (e.g., 7th Street at 2,100 vpd, St. Olaf at 2,100 vpd) and that a right-sized traffic study was already underway, with results expected in July. Council members Sokup, Beumer, Holmes, and Peterson White spoke in favor of denial, citing adequate existing data, the need to avoid unnecessary impediments to affordable housing, and the cost of an EAW (estimated at $32,000 plus staff time). Councilmember Beamer noted that many petition signers had expressed opposition to rental townhomes, not safety concerns. Council voted 6-0 to approve the resolution denying the EAW. Reports from Mayor and Councilmembers - Councilmember Ness: attended 911 meeting (center move delayed 3 months due to phone equipment), Chamber morning mingle, CVB board meeting, History Center’s 50th birthday party (June 22). - Councilmember Peterson White: noted free Hiawathaland Transit rides to the pool for kids (pilot program, five days/week from four locations). - Councilmember Sokup: provided update on Mill Towns Trail (no quorum at meeting; Dakota County right-of-way discussions; next meeting in September). - Councilmember Beumer: observed worm races at Bridge Square. - Councilmember Holmes: announced upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission hearings on the Archer building (variance request and conditional use permit) and the Third Thursday event. - Mayor Zweifel: participated in the library’s Summer Reading Program kickoff worm race (her worm “Lowly” lost to librarian’s worm). Administrator’s Update - City Administrator Ben Martig reported on the first Investment Committee meeting, which included three citizen appointees and Finance Director Brenda Angelstad. The committee set an agenda and will reconvene after gathering additional information. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda and all routine items. - Approved Resolution 2026-060 for the issuance and sale of $3,350,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2026B. - Approved Resolution 2026-061 modifying Central Business District short-term and handicap accessible parking. - Approved Resolution 2026-062 denying the citizen petition for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Harvest Hills Second Addition Development. - Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

The Northfield City Council held a work session on June 9, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 801 Washington Street. Mayor Erica Zweifel presided. Present were Council Members Brad Ness, Kathleen Holmes, Davin Sokup, Jessica Peterson White, and Peter Dahlen; Council Member Chad Beumer was absent. Council Member Peterson White arrived at 6:02 PM. Staff present included City Administrator Ben Martig, Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett, Utilities Manager Justin Wagner, Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer, Library Director Natalie Draper, and Deputy City Clerk Sara Hoffman. No formal policy votes were taken; the meeting served as a review and discussion session. 26-299 - Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Year Ended December 31, 2025 - Tom Olinger, Governmental Service Partner from Abdo, presented the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2025, summarizing audit results, findings, expenses, revenues, fund balances, and debt service. - Olinger congratulated the City on again receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. - City Administrator Ben Martig provided additional information, and Olinger answered Council questions. 26-300 - Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2027-2031 - Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett introduced the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan, outlining utility rates, upcoming utility projects, and proposed street projects from 2027 to 2031. - Bennett, City Administrator Ben Martig, and Utilities Manager Justin Wagner answered Council questions; Council provided feedback on specific areas as requested by staff. - After a recess from 7:22 PM to 7:31 PM, the Council resumed the CIP discussion with park improvements and facility improvements. - Library Director Natalie Draper discussed library projects, including work related to a recent grant the library received. - Bennett detailed the facilities fund and discussed $3 million in state bonding funding received for the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) building. - Bennett, Martig, and Finance Director Brenda Angelstad answered additional Council questions. 26-301 - Five-Year Capital Equipment Plan (CEP) - Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett reviewed the draft Capital Equipment Plan, focusing on fleet vehicle replacements. - Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer noted that the Police Department is exploring leasing squad cars. - Bennett and Schroepfer answered Council questions. Key Outcomes - The Council took no formal action on the audit, CIP, or CEP during this work session; the items were for review, discussion, and staff feedback. - A motion by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member Sokup, to adjourn the meeting carried 6-0, with Council Member Beumer absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.

The Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Northfield City Hall, 801 Washington Street, Northfield, MN. Chair Sarah Beimers called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Six commissioners were present: Baird Jarman, Clifford Clark, Robert Stangler, Sarah Beimers, Aaron Street, and Larry Tolle. Commissioner Amy Machacek Shonka was absent. Staff present included Associate Planner Mathias Hughey, Meeting Associate Matt Bailey, and Youth Representative Astrid White. The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Street; 6-0). - The May 6, 2026 HPC meeting minutes (item 26-297) were approved as amended to correct the titles of members in votes after the election (motion by Commissioner Street, seconded by Commissioner Clark; 6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was received. Discussion Items - HPC Res. 2026-005 – Certificate of Appropriateness, Window and Door Replacement at 411–413 Division Street S. (the Hamre Building): Associate Planner Mathias Hughey presented the application. A representative of the applicant, REO Properties LLC, responded to HPC questions regarding materials and placement of the windows. - HPC Res. 2026-006 – Certificate of Appropriateness, New Construction at 212 Division Street S. (the Archer House Redevelopment): Associate Planner Hughey presented the application and an overview of the project's history and City-set requirements. Scott Quiring, Partner at Amcon Construction, presented updated renderings. Hughey, City Planner Mikayla Schmidt, Community Development Director Scott Wopata, and Quiring responded to HPC questions about the facade setback and variations, brick color, the riverside (rear) facade and patio, on-street parking, and the visual verticality of the facade. Molly Maguire, Associate Director at New History (design consultants), provided background on the historical appropriateness of the design and on agreements reached by City staff, the HPC subcommittee, and New History. - The HPC held extended deliberations on the Archer House application (extending the meeting by 30 minutes, then to 8:30 p.m., then to the conclusion of business) before approving the certificate with four conditions. Key Outcomes - Hamre Building (2026-005): Approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for window and door replacement (motion by Commissioner Jarman, seconded by Commissioner Stangler; 6-0). - Archer House (2026-006): Approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction as amended to include four conditions (motion by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Stangler; 5-0 with Commissioner Street abstaining). The approved conditions, each carried 5-0 with Commissioner Street abstaining, were: (1) matte finish paint on the rooftop mechanical enclosures to reduce reflection (motion by Clark, seconded by Stangler); (2) exterior red brick with a consistent shade and minimal variegation to better match the historic district (motion by Stangler, seconded by Clark); (3) round-top windows added back to the top level of the west (river-facing) facade (motion by Stangler, seconded by Clark); and (4) differentiation of the color of the ground-floor rusticated stone to extend the building's verticality and visually break up its large horizontal mass (motion by Clark, seconded by Stangler). - Note: The minutes attribute the motion to extend the meeting until the conclusion of business to "Chair Jarman," which appears to be a typographical error, as Chair Beimers presided and Commissioner Jarman was a voting member present. Staff Updates - Associate Planner Hughey provided staff updates (item 26-298). Adjournment - Chair Beimers adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.

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.

The Northfield Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Six commissioners were present (Nowak, Holleran, Schmidt, Kuhlmann, Lauer, Menard) and one was absent (Buckheit). The meeting lasted approximately 67 minutes, adjourning at 7:07 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: A motion by Commissioner Holleran, seconded by Commissioner Schmidt, passed unanimously (6-0) to approve the agenda. - Approval of Minutes: A motion by Commissioner Schmidt, seconded by Commissioner Holleran, passed unanimously (6-0) to approve the minutes from the April 16, 2026, Planning Commission meeting. Election of Officers - BC 26-004: Commissioner Schmidt nominated Commissioner Kuhlmann for Chair, and Commissioner Kuhlmann accepted. Commissioner Schmidt then nominated Commissioner Holleran for Vice-Chair, and Commissioner Holleran accepted. Both positions were elected by acclamation (no formal vote recorded). Presentations - Archer Project Updates (Item 26-277): City Planner Mikayla Schmidt presented an update on the Archer project, reviewing the timeline and showing draft renderings. Schmidt and Community Development Director Scott Wopata answered questions from commissioners and provided additional information. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Board Member Reports - Councilor Holmes provided updates on City Council activities. Staff Updates - Annual Board and Commission Onboarding and Refresher (Item 26-278): Noted for reference; no discussion recorded. - Staff Updates (Item 26-279): City Planner Mikayla Schmidt gave updates on: Houseal Lavigne (planning consultant work), park and trail dedication fees, and noted that Cedar Meadows is moving dirt (construction progress). Key Outcomes - The agenda and minutes were approved unanimously. - Commissioner Kuhlmann was elected Chair and Commissioner Holleran was elected Vice-Chair. - The Archer Project presentation was received; no formal action taken. - The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM on a motion by Commissioner Schmidt, seconded by Commissioner Holleran, passed unanimously (6-0).

The Environmental Quality Commission held a regular meeting on May 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The agenda included routine approvals, election of officers, annual onboarding, work plan updates, and staff updates. However, no meeting minutes were available, and the transcript provided only repetitive, non-informative statements, preventing a detailed summary of discussions or decisions. Consent Calendar - Approval of the April 15, 2026 EQC meeting minutes (Item 26-271) was listed on the consent agenda. Regular Agenda - Election of Environmental Quality Commission Officers for Chair and Vice-Chair (Item 26-272). - Annual Board and Commission Onboarding and Refresher (Item 26-273), with attached reference materials. - 2026-2027 Work Plan Updates (Item 26-274), with attached tracker and final initiatives. Staff Updates - Staff update (Item 26-275). Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions can be confirmed due to lack of substantive transcript. The meeting was adjourned. Note: The transcript provided contained no discernible discussion, only the phrase "So, it's a good thing" repeated. Therefore, the summary relies solely on the agenda and cannot report any public comments, commissioner reports, or specific outcomes.

The City of Northfield City Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting included a public hearing and resolution establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Harvest Hills affordable housing development, a first reading of an ordinance adjusting mayor and council compensation for 2027–2028, and a presentation of the 2026 statistically valid community survey results. Council also recognized graduating high school seniors and heard an annual presentation from the Friends of Downtown Northfield. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as amended (one supplemental memo). - Approved the consent agenda (routine items) by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Rich Graves thanked the council for their service and commented on the upcoming June 23rd presentation at the Northfield Library about extreme risk protection orders. He noted that 90.9% of survey respondents felt safe in the city and that only the library rated higher than police/public safety. He shared personal anecdotes about feeling unsafe on three occasions involving convicted felons. - No public comments were offered during the public hearing on the Harvest Hills TIF district. Presentations - Recognition of Graduating Seniors: Emily Culver led the recognition of Northfield High School seniors and youth finishing service on boards and commissions. Certificates were presented, and a group photo was taken. - Friends of Downtown Northfield: Josh Zimmerman (president) and Logan Wells (treasurer) presented the annual update. Highlights included: the 25th anniversary of the Vintage Band Festival; new businesses (Loon Liquor, Tintee, King Claw Land, El Citio, Taco Turco); the Third Thursday program (bringing thousands downtown); the Mary Microgrants program (hundreds of dollars to businesses for Winter Walk); a window display contest; and a petition for a special services district for trash and snow removal (discussed with council last fall). Upcoming initiatives for 2026 include: shifting Third Thursday to September with college bands; leaving Division Street open; focusing on Bridge Square with picnicking, games, and dancing; a “100 Conversations” stakeholder outreach; raising over $2,000 for Pride flags to be placed on street lamps; and a Valentine’s dining guide. They thanked the city for its partnership, staff time for the Main Street director, and contribution to Main Street dues. Public Hearing – Harvest Hills TIF District - Director Scott Wapita provided background on the 71-unit, two-phase rental project southwest of the middle school. He noted that pedestrian counts and speed data collection are underway. He explained the TIF plan establishes a budget ($10.5 million maximum revenue) and that the TIF agreement (to be voted on in June) will determine the actual subsidy. The plan meets city TIF and business subsidy policies, and sustainable building policy will apply, with phase two expected to increase sustainable design. - Nick Annhutt (Ellers & Associates) gave a detailed presentation on TIF mechanics: the city captures the incremental tax value above the frozen base value of $246,800; the project would generate $430,000 in total taxes per year, with $61,000 going to school operating referenda levies and $4,500 continuing to support current services, leaving an estimated $362,000 annually for TIF. Over 26 years, the maximum revenue is $10.5 million, which equates to about $5.9 million in present value to potentially fund the project. The “but for” test showed a $2 million financing gap for phase one (a $13 million project budget supports only a 1.9% return vs. 5% on treasury bonds). The funding would be pay-as-you-go, with no upfront city costs. The city has 10 active TIF districts representing 3.9% of gross tax capacity; adding Harvest Hills would increase to 4.9%, with some districts sunsetting. The housing TIF requires that either 40% of units be restricted to households at 60% of area median income ($45,000 for individuals) or 20% at 50% AMI ($37,950 for individuals). No comments were received from the county or school district. Council members expressed support, noting the project’s alignment with housing goals. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-055 – Harvest Hills TIF District: Unanimously approved (voice vote). The resolution adopts the TIF plan, modifies the master development district, and establishes the Harvest Hills TIF district. A specific financing agreement will be brought to council in June. - First Reading of Ordinance 1093 – Council Compensation for 2027–2028: After discussion, the motion passed 6–1 (Dalin opposed). The ordinance follows the precedent set in 2017 to adjust mayor and council salaries by the same cost-of-living adjustment given to city employees, on a two-year delay. For 2027 (4% increase) and 2028 (3% increase), the total increase is approximately $5,000 over two years. Supporters emphasized that modest compensation helps remove barriers to service for younger people, working families, and those with caregiving responsibilities. Councilor Dalin cited the economic climate and difficulty of justifying a raise when the community is feeling financial strain. The second reading and final adoption will occur at a future meeting. Community Survey Report - Robert Heacock (ETC Institute) presented findings from the 2026 statistically valid survey (428 completed surveys; margin of error ±4.7% at 95% confidence). Key results: - Satisfaction with services: Police services (85% satisfied), city parks, sewer, library (library value for tax dollars: 65% satisfied). - Perception of city: Feeling of safety (90.9% satisfied); quality of life; appearance of properties. - Areas of concern: Availability of affordable housing, quality of new development, management of growth, and effectiveness of economic development (only 42% satisfied). - Communication: 28% dissatisfied with city communication; top desired methods: newsletter/insert in utility bill (62%), city website (53%), social media (44%). - Priorities for investment: Economic development, street maintenance, and communication ranked as highest priorities. - Benchmarking: Northfield rated significantly higher than national and Plains region averages in most categories, especially police and safety. - Staff will conduct a follow-up smaller survey with approximately 100 respondents who opted in for further questions, focusing on communication and service areas. Administrative Update - City Administrator Bennett reported: - The state legislature passed a bonding bill that includes $3 million for the Northfield Community Resource Center (food shelf expansion, HVAC, storage). - The city’s request for a local option sales tax (to help fund capital projects with about 40% from visitors) was not approved; the city will continue to advocate for this tool. - He thanked Senator Leese and Representative Purcell for supporting city priorities. Reports from Mayor and Council - Councilors reported on committee meetings: Rice County quarterly meeting (Councilor Ness), 911 Joint Powers Board (move delayed to June), Age-Friendly, NAFRS Finance Committee (clean audit), Hiawathaland Transit advisory (Councilor Peterson White), Pride Festival (June 6, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with events), Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Memorial Day ceremony (9 a.m. at Veterans Park with picnic following), and intergovernmental meeting (May 20 at Greenvale Town Hall). Mayor reported attending a League of Women Voters event on the Northfield Hospital partnership and signing the Army Corps of Engineers agreement for the Northwest Area Water Tower. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.