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2022-11-10
Agenda
Not posted
What was on the agenda.
One-line summary
The Council accepted consent items and the ERYHA donation, approved a Fire Department rescue boat, approved the Polgreen shoreland variance, tabled the Verde Valley cell tower CUP, certified four special assessments after striking the Weichelt assessment, closed the dormant Economic Development Fund account, reappointed Skogquist and Wells as assessors, and approved a skid-loader snow blower attachment.
21 items as recorded in the packet and minutes.
1Call to Order
Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of agenda.
Agenda approved 5 ayes.
2Floor Item
Floor item from Matt Wessling asking whether the Pine River State Bank Economic Development Fund account would be discussed.
Public comment only; the account was discussed later under new business.
3AApproval of October 11 and October 20 minutes
Approval of City Council Minutes of Regular Meeting on October 11, 2022 and Work Session Meeting Minutes for October 20, 2022.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3BClaims and Treasurer's Report
Approval of claims for October 12, 2022 through November 7, 2022, and the Treasurer's Report.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3CAccept Donation from Elk River Youth Hockey Association
Accept donation from Elk River Youth Hockey Association.
Accepted as part of the consent agenda.
4Sheriff's Report
Anoka County Sheriff's Department monthly report for October.
Report received; no council action recorded.
5Fire Department
Monthly Fire Department report for October.
Report received; no council action recorded on the report itself.
5APurchase of rescue boat for Fire Department
Approval of Resolution 2022-XX allowing the purchase of a rescue boat for the Fire Department.
Approved 4-1 with Alders voting no.
6Assessor Presentation
Assessment services presentations by Anoka County and by current assessors Erik Skogquist and Mary Wells.
Presentations only; appointment was acted on later under new business.
7A50-foot shoreland setback variance for 20885 Engen Boulevard
Consider approval of a 50-foot shoreland setback variance for 20885 Engen Boulevard.
Approved with finding/condition #6 changed to 150 days and #7 removed.
7BAmended CUP application for cell tower at 5606 Verde Valley Road
Consider denial of an amended conditional use permit application for a cell tower located at 5606 Verde Valley Road.
Tabled to the December 13 City Council meeting so the city attorney could review the documents.
7CFinal assessment list certified for 2023 tax roll
Public hearing and consideration of final assessment list certified for 2023 tax roll.
Approved for four unpaid properties after striking the Weichelt property assessment.
8AUpdate on the 2023 Fee Schedule
Administrator update on the 2023 fee schedule.
Staff will bring a recommended fee schedule to the December 13 meeting.
8BElection Update
Administrator update on the election.
Unofficial election results were reported; canvassing board to meet after the abstract is received.
8CUpdate regarding moving Natalie from part-time to full-time
Administrator update regarding moving Natalie from part-time to full-time.
Administrator is working on numbers; no action recorded.
8D2023 Employee Benefits Package
Administrator update on the 2023 employee benefits package.
Benefits update only; no action recorded.
9A1Gambling Ordinance Update
Old business update on Ordinance 2022-04 regulating gambling in Nowthen.
Administrator had nothing to present at this meeting.
9B1Economic Development Fund Account at Pine River State Bank
Discussion regarding the Economic Development Fund account at Pine River State Bank with a balance of $2,489.02.
Approved closing the dormant account and transferring the remaining balance to the General Fund.
9B2Appointing the City Assessor for 2023-2027
Approval of resolution appointing the City Assessor for 2023-2027.
Approved appointing Erik A. Skogquist and Mary Wells for 2023-2027.
9B3Purchase of snow blower attachment for skid loader
Approval of resolution allowing the purchase of a snow blower attachment for the skid loader.
Approved purchase of a snow blower attachment for the skid loader.
10Adjourn
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 pm.
What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
Economic Development Fund account
Matt Wessling used floor items to ask whether the Pine River State Bank account would be discussed. Later, the Council approved closing the dormant Economic Development Fund account and transferring the remaining $2,489.02 into the General Fund.
Agenda: 2, 9B1. Motions: M9. Speakers: Matt Wessling, Council Member Blake, Greenberg.
Consent agenda, claims, treasurer report, and ERYHA donation
The Council accepted the consent agenda, which included prior meeting minutes, claims and the Treasurer's Report, and the $8,258.65 Elk River Youth Hockey Association donation. The packet included payment batches of $388,382.65 in October Claims and $12,748.11 in October Auto Pay.
Agenda: 3A, 3B, 3C. Motions: M2. Speakers: Council Member Blake, Greenberg.
October Sheriff's report
Deputy Jacobson reported 122 October calls for service in Nowthen, including two calls to Bar None, no alarms, one medical call, and one animal complaint. He also noted several end-of-month traffic cases, including unsafe passing, driving after cancellation, and a drunk driver measured at nearly five times the legal limit.
Agenda: 4. Speakers: Deputy Jacobson.
Fire Department report and rescue boat purchase
The Fire Department reported 19 October incidents and discussed the large Merles Lane grass fire, the upcoming Lucas device, and the need for a water and ice rescue boat. After extended discussion about neighboring resources, bond funding, response time, and department priorities, the Council approved buying a Defender 380 PVC boat with Mercury 15 HP motor and trailer, not to exceed $10,530.00, by a 4-1 vote with Alders voting no.
Agenda: 5, 5A. Motions: M3. Speakers: Assistant Fire Chief Lawrence, Assistant Fire Chief Schrag, Council Member Rainville, Greenberg, Alders, Pilon, Blake.
City assessor appointment
The Council heard presentations from Anoka County and from the City's current assessors, Erik A. Skogquist and Mary Wells. Later in the meeting, the Council chose Skogquist and Wells and approved appointing them as Nowthen's assessors for 2023-2027, authorizing the mayor to execute the contract.
Agenda: 6, 9B2. Motions: M10. Speakers: Alex Guggenberger, Erik Skogquist, Mary Wells, Council Member Rainville, Alders, Pilon.
Polgreen shoreland setback variance
The Council approved the 50-foot shoreland variance for 20885 Engen Boulevard after discussion of the DNR's comments, Bear Lake overflow, the driveway easement, and demolition timing. The approval changed condition #6 to allow 150 days and removed condition #7 regarding the driveway easement and maintenance agreement.
Agenda: 7A. Motions: M4. Speakers: Planner Stockman, Council Member Rainville, Alders.
5606 Verde Valley Road cell tower CUP
Although the packet recommended denial of the amended CUP application for the cell tower at 5606 Verde Valley Road, the Council tabled the application to the December 13 City Council meeting so the city attorney could review the documents.
Agenda: 7B. Motions: M5. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Rainville.
2023 tax roll special assessments
At the assessment public hearing, Brian Weichelt objected to his property's assessment and described the circumstances around his citation. After discussion, the Council struck the Weichelt assessment and approved certifying the four other unpaid properties to the 2023 tax roll by a 3-2 vote, with Alders, Blake, and Greenberg voting yes and Mayor Pilon and Rainville voting no.
Agenda: 7C. Motions: M7. Speakers: Brian Weichelt, Planner Stockman, Council Member Alders, Blake, Greenberg, Mayor Pilon, Rainville.
Administrator updates on fees, staffing, and benefits
Administrator Lehner said staff is reviewing the 2023 fee schedule and expects to bring a recommendation to the December 13 meeting. He also reported that he is working on numbers to make Deputy Clerk Johnson full-time, and he summarized employee benefit changes, including a 6% increase in 2023 medical benefits.
Agenda: 8A, 8C, 8D. Speakers: Administrator Lehner.
Election update
Administrator Lehner reported unofficial election results, saying Mayor Pilon led the mayoral race with 51.37% of the votes over Matt Wessling with 47.92%, and that Shannon Fladebo and Dan Breyen would be new council members. He thanked election judges, staff, public works, and the fire department, and said the canvassing board would meet after the county abstract is received.
Agenda: 8B. Speakers: Administrator Lehner.
Gambling ordinance update
Administrator Lehner reported that he was still working through statutory issues for Ordinance 2022-04 regulating gambling and had nothing to present at this meeting.
Agenda: 9A1. Speakers: Administrator Lehner.
Snow blower attachment purchase
The Council approved buying a snow blower attachment for the skid loader. The packet requested a CAT SR121 not to exceed $8,600.00, funded from charitable contributions and donations tied to ERYHA donations; the minutes note the equipment would be used for the ice rink, park areas, and around buildings.
Agenda: 9B3. Motions: M11. Speakers: Council Member Rainville, Council Member Blake, Greenberg.
11 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BLAKE TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Blake
5 AYES
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLAKE, SECONDED BY GREENBERG TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
moved by Blake, seconded by Greenberg
Motion carried; transcript records ayes but no named tally.
M3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY GREENBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2022-XX TO PURCHASE A DEFENDER 380 PVC WITH MERCURY 15 HP BOAT AND TRAILER FROM DEFENDER MARINE OUTFITTER TO ASSIST THE NOWTHEN FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH ICE AND WATER RESCUE NOT TO EXCEED QUOTE OF $10,530.00
moved by Rainville, seconded by Greenberg
M4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE A 50 FOOT SHORELAND VARIANCE FOR 20885 ENGEN BLVD WITH #6 ON THE FINDINGS AND DECISION TO STATE 150 DAYS AND REMOVING #7.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders
5 AYES
M5MOTION BY MAYOR PILON, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE, TO TABLE DISCUSSION OF THIS APPLICATION UNTIL THE DECEMBER 13TH CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
moved by Mayor Pilon, seconded by Rainville
5 AYES
M6MOTION BY RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY MAYOR PILON TO APPROVE THE FINAL ASSESSMENT LIST TO BE CERTIFIED TO THE 2023 TAX ROLL - THE FIVE (5) UNPAID PROPERTIES.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Mayor Pilon
Superseded by later motion after additional discussion; minutes do not record a final vote on this motion.
M7MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALDERS, SECONDED BY BLAKE TO STRIKE THE ASSESSMENT FOR THE WEICHELT PROPERTY AND APPROVE THE FINAL ASSESSMENT LIST TO BE CERTIFIED TO THE 2023 TAX ROLL FOR THE FOUR (4) OTHER PROPERTIES.
moved by Alders, seconded by Blake
M9MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLAKE, SECONDED BY GREENBERG TO APPROVE CLOSING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND ACCOUNT AND TRANSFERING THE BALANCE REMAINING INTO THE GENERAL FUND.
moved by Blake, seconded by Greenberg
5 AYES
M10MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2022-XX TO APPOINT ERIK A. SKOGQUIST AND MARY WELLS AS THE CITY OF NOWTHEN'S ASSESSORS FOR 2023-2027 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF NOWTHEN.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders
5 AYES
M11MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLAKE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2022-XX APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A SNOW BLOWER ATTACHMENT FOR THE SKID LOADER.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Blake
5 AYES
M12MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BLAKE.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Blake
5 AYES
Each figure links back to the document it came from. When the council voted on the amount, the motion is shown.
ERYHA 3rd Quarter 2022 donation
3rd Quarter 2022 donation accepted from Elk River Youth Hockey Association.
donation · Elk River Youth Hockey Association donation · FY 2022
$8,258.65
inflow
ERYHA 1st Quarter 2022 donation
1st Quarter 2022 ERYHA donation referenced in the donation resolution.
donation · Elk River Youth Hockey Association donation history · FY 2022
$8,891.47
inflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
ERYHA 2nd Quarter 2022 donation
2nd Quarter 2022 ERYHA donation referenced in the donation resolution.
donation · Elk River Youth Hockey Association donation history · FY 2022
$5,160.65
inflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
2022 contributions into Fund 100-36230
Total 2022 contributions into Fund 100-36230 after accepting the 3rd Quarter ERYHA donation.
revenue · Fund 100-36230 contributions · FY 2022
$22,310.77
inflow
October Claims batch
Payments batch October Claims approved with the consent agenda.
expenditure · October Claims · FY 2022
$388,382.65
outflow
October Auto Pay batch
Payments batch October Auto Pay approved with the consent agenda.
expenditure · October Auto Pay · FY 2022
$12,748.11
outflow
Pine River State Bank checking balance
Pine River State Bank checking account balance as of October 31, 2022.
treasurer_report · Treasurer's Report · FY 2022
$232,289.46
unknown
Economic Development Fund account transfer
Dormant Economic Development Fund account balance transferred to the General Fund.
transfer · Economic Development Fund · FY 2022
$2,489.02
transfer
PMA Financial CDs balance
PMA Financial CDs Fixed Income Network balance as of October 31, 2022.
treasurer_report · Treasurer's Report · FY 2022
$2,867,863.12
unknown
4M, 4MP & GO Money Market Fund balance
4M, 4MP & GO Money Market Fund balance as of October 31, 2022.
treasurer_report · Treasurer's Report · FY 2022
$981,249.5
unknown
Adjusted bank total
Adjusted bank total and Schedule 1 ending balance in the Treasurer's Report.
treasurer_report · Treasurer's Report · FY 2022
$4,060,261.15
unknown
Fire rescue boat purchase
Defender 380 PVC with Mercury 15 HP boat and trailer purchase, not to exceed the quote.
capital_project · Fire Department equipment · FY 2022
$10,530
outflow
FD bond remaining balance after boat purchase
Remaining Fire Department bond balance if the boat is purchased, as stated in the draft resolution.
budget · Fire Department bond balance · FY 2022
$10,996
unknown
5833 Norris Lake Road assessment
Assessment total payment for 5833 Norris Lake Road after the final motion left four properties for certification.
assessment · 2023 special assessments · FY 2023
$3,237.48
inflow
19066 Jasper Street NW assessment
Assessment total payment for 19066 Jasper Street NW after the final motion left four properties for certification.
assessment · 2023 special assessments · FY 2023
$1,210.55
inflow
19960 St. Francis Boulevard NW assessment
Assessment total payment for 19960 St. Francis Boulevard NW after the final motion left four properties for certification.
assessment · 2023 special assessments · FY 2023
$1,205.33
inflow
19611 W. Ford Brook Drive assessment
Assessment total payment for 19611 W. Ford Brook Drive after the final motion left four properties for certification.
assessment · 2023 special assessments · FY 2023
$318.08
inflow
Weichelt property assessment struck
Weichelt property assessment that was discussed and then struck from the final assessment list.
assessment · 2023 special assessments · FY 2023
$635.9
inflow
Skogquist and Wells estimated 2023 assessor billing
Estimated 2023 billing for Skogquist and Wells based on proposed rates and 2022 pin counts.
contract · City assessor contract · FY 2023
$23,914.4
outflow
2023 assessor budget
2023 budgeted amount for assessor services.
budget · City assessor budget · FY 2023
$25,000
outflow
Anoka County assessor proposal estimate
Anoka County proposal for assessment services that was considered but not selected.
estimate · Anoka County assessor proposal · FY 2023
$22,306
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
CAT SR121 snow blower attachment
CAT SR121 snow blower attachment for the skid loader, not to exceed $8,600.
capital_project · Public Works equipment · FY 2022
$8,600
outflow
CAT SR121 list price
CAT SR121 list price before discount and shop prep.
estimate · Public Works equipment quote · FY 2022
$10,125
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
CAT SR121 MN DOT discount
MN DOT discount applied to the CAT SR121 quote.
estimate · Public Works equipment quote · FY 2022
$2,025
unknown
Council approval status: not yet on record.
CAT SR121 shop prep
Shop prep included in the CAT SR121 quote.
estimate · Public Works equipment quote · FY 2022
$500
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Virnig V50 snow blower alternate quote
Alternate Crawford's quote for Virnig V50 snow blower.
estimate · Public Works equipment alternate quote · FY 2022
$8,470
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Virnig V60 snow blower alternate quote
Alternate Crawford's quote for Virnig V60 snow blower.
estimate · Public Works equipment alternate quote · FY 2022
$9,983
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Erskine LT snowblower alternate quote
Alternate Crawford's quote for 2020 Erskine LT hydraulic snowblower.
estimate · Public Works equipment alternate quote · FY 2022
$8,007
outflow
Council approval status: not yet on record.
2023 medical benefits increase
Increase for 2023 medical benefits offered to city employees.
rate · Employee benefits · FY 2023
$6
unknown
Council approval status: not yet on record.
Anoka County 4th Quarter Law Enforcement Contract
4th Quarter Law Enforcement Contract payment to Anoka County.
contract · October Claims major line items · FY 2022
$69,765.25
outflow
2022 Microsurfacing Project payment
2022 Microsurfacing Project payment to Asphalt Surface Technologies.
capital_project · October Claims major line items · FY 2022
$175,317.93
outflow
Integrated Protection Systems cameras
Integrated Protection Systems camera invoices for city park, recycling center, city office, and fire station cameras.
capital_project · October Claims major line items · FY 2022
$34,693.75
outflow
Mork Well new well and sealing existing well
Mork Well invoices for new well and sealing existing well.
capital_project · October Claims major line items · FY 2022
$50,480
outflow
Stryker Medical Lucas 3 Chest Compression System
Stryker Medical Lucas 3 Chest Compression System payment.
capital_project · October Claims major line items · FY 2022
$22,179.11
outflow
The Planning Company LLC professional services
The Planning Company LLC professional services total.
contract · October Claims major line items · FY 2022
$6,249.4
outflow
When someone tried to remember earlier business, we cross-reference the corpus and write a short related-history note.
there was a resident a number of years ago that changed the flow of the water from the south to the north and the DNR that's when the DNR had some concerns with building in that area there was some restrictions at the time do we know anything more about that
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Prior history of Bear Lake overflow and a possible old town-board-era water-flow dispute affecting Twin Lake and the Krieger property.
The records I searched do not contain a prior town-board or council decision matching the recollection that a resident changed the water flow from south to north, or that the DNR imposed specific building restrictions in that area because of Bear Lake overflow affecting Twin Lake or the Krieger property. There are only partial, general references to the area: the February 10, 2026 packet notes that East Twin Lake is a resource of importance for watershed planning, and the April 14, 2026 packet includes a map showing Bear Lake and nearby lakes. The December 23, 2025 packet includes wetland-buffer and no-wetland-impact conditions for a minor subdivision, but the excerpt does not identify an older water-flow dispute or DNR action.
okay it was it was quite the deal because it was affecting the level of Twin Lake and then others didn't want it to go back to Twin Lakers or going through farmland and they didn't want the chemicals but it had to do with the potential development for the Krieger property
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
Mayor Pilon recalled old town board discussions about Bear Lake, Twin Lake, farmland drainage, and the Krieger property.
The records I searched do not contain a prior town board or council decision matching Mayor Pilon’s recollection about Bear Lake, Twin Lake, farmland drainage, chemicals, and the Krieger property. The search results include unrelated 2026 items such as annual appointments, Viking Estates rezoning, K Land Development, road planning, and budget/audit materials, but they do not show a discussion or formal vote involving Bear Lake, Twin Lake, or the Krieger property.
when we lost that contract originally there was some you know talking points and things that I brought back
— Alex Guggenberger
What this is about
Assessor contract history from the last time Anoka County competed for Nowthen's assessment contract.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching this recollection about Anoka County competing for Nowthen’s assessment contract or the City losing that contract. The search results that mention Anoka County relate to other topics, such as the 2025 Anoka County Hazard Mitigation Plan at the April 14, 2026 meeting and county transportation comments on the Viking Estates plat in the March 10, 2026 packet, not assessor services. Based on these results, I cannot confirm from the searched records when the prior assessor contract competition occurred, what talking points were brought back, or what decision the Council made at that time.
we talked about this last month on having a revised process for this it feels like that one uh we could uh I'd go either way up but I would say we waved the one and charge the other four
— Alders
What this is about
Council member Alders referred back to the prior month's code enforcement process discussion when considering whether to waive or strike the Weichelt assessment.
The records show a prior step on this assessment: the October 10, 2023 packet included notice to Brian Weichelt that the Council had approved the Assessment List at the September 12, 2023 meeting and gave property owners until October 10 to pay before interest was added. For Weichelt, the proposed certification was $600 in unpaid code-violation citations plus $20.22 in administrative/interest charges, for a total of $620.22. At the October 10, 2023 public hearing, Council Member Alders moved, with Council Member Breyen seconding, to reduce the Weichelt fine to $420.50. The motion carried 3-1, with Pilon, Alders, and Breyen voting aye and Fladebo voting nay. The search results also show code-enforcement-related discussion that same night in connection with Sam Corns’ concerns, but the excerpt does not show a formal vote adopting a revised code enforcement process.
<!-- PageBreak --> <!-- PageNumber="62" --> ## Calcium Chloride <table> <tr> <th>Gravel Street</th> <th>GIS MAP FT</th> <th colspan="3">Actual FT Sprayed</th> <th rowspan="2"></th> </tr> <tr> <th>Basa
## Example Projects <figure> DRYSEN Rum Riverbank stabilization </figure> <figure> St. Francis High School students monitoring the Rum River </figure> ## Priorities We work to maintain the quality of
<!-- PageBreak --> <!-- PageNumber="17" --> DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the Minor Subdivision subj
Council Meeting Location: Historic Townhall 19800 Nowthen Blvd NW Nowthen MN, 55330 CLERK UPDATE 03-10-26 \> MN Pollution Control Agency letter stating the City of Nowthen does not meet the designatio
DOCIE LAKE 210TH AVE. NW 209TH AVE. NWN 2OUTM AVE. NWN BEAR LAKE 207TH AVE. NWN MACRONS FITATER 260 206TM AVE. NWN 205TM AVE. NWN 204TH AVE. NW HOFFMAN WIELE 203RD AVE. WW PICKEREL LAKE 202ND AVE. WW
Every document and recording archived for this meeting.
Meeting City Council Meeting — Agenda Packet (2022-11-10)
Packet · 2022-11-10
86 pages
Meeting City Council Meeting — Minutes (2022-11-10)
Minutes · 2022-11-10
7 pages
Meeting recording
YouTube
Transcript · 1160 segments · 2:56:31
The structured brief on this page is auto-generated and may need correction. The PDFs and the meeting recording remain the official record.