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2023-03-14
Agenda
Not posted
What was on the agenda.
One-line summary
The Council approved the consent agenda, received Fire and Sheriff's reports, handled Administrative Assistant transition staffing, discussed City operations updates, and adjourned at 8:56 pm.
25 items as recorded in the packet and minutes.
1Call to Order
Call to order, pledge, roll call, and agenda approval.
Agenda approved as presented.
2Floor Item
Public floor items.
No floor items were brought forward.
3aApproval of February 14, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
Approval of the February 14, 2023 regular meeting minutes.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3bClaims and Treasurer's Report
Approval of claims for February 10 through March 10, 2023 and the Treasurer's Report.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3cAnoka County Economic Development Cost Sharing Agreement
Approval of a voluntary cost sharing agreement for Anoka County Economic Development.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3dGenerator Power Systems Maintenance Contract
Authorization for the Mayor to execute a generator maintenance contract with Generator Power Systems.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3e2023 Chevy Silverado Truck Purchase
Authorization to purchase a 2023 Chevy Silverado truck and accessories for Public Works, not to exceed $120,000.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3fAdrienne Christensen Employment Status and Resignation
Approval to move Adrienne Christensen from full-time to part-time status and accept her resignation.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
3g5160 Viking Boulevard CUP and IUP Extension
Approval of an extension for the CUP and IUPs issued for 5160 Viking Boulevard.
Approved as part of the consent agenda.
4Engineering
Engineering department report.
No engineering report was given.
5Fire Department
Fire Department report.
Report received; no vote was recorded.
6aMeet the New Sheriff and Deputies
Meet the new Sheriff and deputies assigned to Nowthen.
Introductions and discussion occurred; no vote was recorded.
6bSheriff's Department Monthly Report
Sheriff's Department monthly report.
Report received; no vote was recorded.
7Planning and Zoning
Planning and Zoning report.
No Planning and Zoning report was given.
8aPay Equity Report
Pay Equity Report update.
Update received; no vote was recorded.
8bMS4 Audit Update
MS4 audit update.
Update received; no vote was recorded.
8cRecycling Center Attendants Update and Upcoming Hours
Recycling Center attendants update and upcoming hours.
Update received; no vote was recorded.
8dSnow Plowing Update
Snow plowing update.
Update received; no vote was recorded.
8eStaffing Updates
Staffing updates, including Administrative Assistant transition and temporary staffing support.
Council approved temporary staffing authority and approved posting the Administrative Assistant position.
8fCity Office Improvements
Discussion regarding city office improvements.
Update received; no vote was recorded.
8gUpdate regarding 181st and Baugh
Update regarding 181st Avenue NW and Baugh Street NW property.
Discussion only; Administrator Lehner stated there was no ask and no action required.
9aOld Business
City Council old business.
No old business action was recorded in the minutes.
9bNew Business
New business, including Council Member Fladebo's comments on the League of Minnesota Cities class and the Mayor's update on the Elkins Bill.
Council Member Fladebo reported on training, and the Mayor reported on the Elkins Bill; no vote was recorded.
9cItems Moved from Consent Agenda
Items moved from the consent agenda, if needed.
No consent items were moved.
10Adjourn
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:56 pm.
What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
Monthly claims and Treasurer's Report
The Council approved the February 10 through March 10 claims and accepted the February 28 Treasurer's Report as part of the consent agenda. The report showed several cash and investment balances and the claims summary listed checks and ACH draws for payment.
Agenda: 3b. Motions: M2.
Anoka County Economic Development cost share
The Council approved the City's 2023 voluntary Anoka County Economic Development cost-sharing agreement on the consent agenda, with the City's contribution to be paid from HRA funds held by the County.
Agenda: 3c. Motions: M2.
City generator maintenance contract
The Council authorized the Mayor to execute the Generator Power Systems maintenance contract for the City Office and Fire Station generators for February 2023 through January 2024 as part of the consent agenda.
Agenda: 3d. Motions: M2.
Public Works 2023 Chevy Silverado truck
The Council formally approved Resolution 2023-14 on the consent agenda for the 2023 Chevy Silverado and accessories for Public Works. During the snow plowing update, staff reported the new truck was already in service and thanked the Council for approving a fully functional vehicle for the department.
Agenda: 3e, 8d. Motions: M2. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Mayor Pilon, Deputy Clerk Johnson.
Administrative Assistant transition and hiring
The Council accepted Adrienne Christensen's move to part-time status and resignation through the consent agenda, then later approved temporary staffing help during the transition and approved posting the full-time Administrative Assistant position on the City bulletin board, website, and League of Minnesota Cities website.
Agenda: 3f, 8e. Motions: M2, M3, M4. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Mayor Pilon.
Bid-2-Buy CUP and IUP extension at 5160 Viking Boulevard
The Council approved an extension for the Bid-2-Buy/Werner Holdings LLC conditional and interim use permits at 5160 Viking Boulevard as part of the consent agenda. The packet explained that the owners needed more time to complete site work, building work, and landscaping after a delayed closing and winter conditions.
Agenda: 3g. Motions: M2.
February Fire Department report
Assistant Fire Chief Schrag reported that the Fire Department responded to 14 February incidents, including a structure fire and a fully engulfed 2021 Dodge Ram, completed its annual NFIRS reporting, discussed auto-aid options with Elk River, and was planning a May 24 recruitment open house.
Agenda: 5. Speakers: Assistant Fire Chief Schrag.
Sheriff introductions and February Sheriff's report
Lt. Jacobson introduced Sheriff Brad Wise and deputies Jeff Barrett and Chris Fjeld. The Sheriff's Office discussed recruitment, its service relationship with Nowthen, speeding concerns on County Roads 22 and 5, and reported 82 February calls for service, including one Bar None call and several notable public-safety incidents.
Agenda: 6a, 6b. Speakers: Lt. Jacobson, Sheriff Brad Wise, Deputy Jeff Barrett, Deputy Chris Fjeld, Mayor Pilon, Administrator Lehner.
Pay Equity Report compliance
Staff reported that the City was out of compliance because a Pay Equity Report due in February 2021 had not been submitted. Deputy Clerk Johnson was working to submit the report using 2020 numbers and the 2018 point system, while staff said a third party would be needed for updated job descriptions and a point/step system before the 2024 report.
Agenda: 8a. Speakers: Deputy Clerk Johnson, Administrator Lehner.
MS4 audit follow-up
Staff reported that the February 27 MS4 audit with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency went well. The City expected a few minor corrective actions, planned to improve public and contractor education, and anticipated ordinance and documentation follow-up.
Agenda: 8b. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Mayor Pilon.
Recycling Center attendants and hours
Staff reported that both Recycling Center attendants were doing well, had received initial baler training, and that administration hoped to move to expanded promised hours by April 1. Assistant Fire Chief Schrag complimented the site, and Council Member Breyen offered help with the baler if needed.
Agenda: 8c. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Assistant Fire Chief Schrag, Council Member Breyen.
City office improvements
Staff described improvements at City Hall, including a new conference room, carpeting, countertops, a mail station, a code-compliant stairway to the mezzanine, cleaned-out storage, document purging, and a new workstation.
Agenda: 8f. Speakers: Deputy Clerk Johnson, Administrator Lehner.
181st Avenue and Baugh Street solar inquiry
Staff advised the Council that there had been correspondence about possible use of approximately 85 acres near 181st and Baugh for solar panels. Council members asked whether the property had been sold, whether the City was spending time with someone who did not own the property, whether the City would benefit, and whether ordinances allowed the use; staff said there was no request and no action was required.
Agenda: 8g. Speakers: Planner Stockman, Administrator Lehner, Council Member Rainville.
Council training and Elkins Bill update
Council Member Fladebo reported that the League of Minnesota Cities training for new council members was useful and provided networking. Mayor Pilon also reported that the Elkins Bill was in hearing and said the Metropolitan Council was trying to repeal Nowthen's exemption, which he and Administrator Lehner had discussed with legislators at City Day on the Hill.
Agenda: 9b. Speakers: Council Member Fladebo, Mayor Pilon, Administrator Lehner.
5 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Breyen
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER FLADEBO, SECONDED BY BREYEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
moved by Fladebo, seconded by Breyen
M3MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, SECONDED BY ALDERS TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO OFFER KAREN ENGH PART-TIME HOURS TEMPORARILY BASED ON PREVIOUS TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT UP TO THREE (3) MONTHS. DISCUSSION ENSUED. COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE'S MOTION AMENDED TO OFFER MADELINE GREENBERG UP TO 40 HOURS A WEEK DURING THIS TRANSITION, NOTING THIS IS STILL A PART-TIME POSITION WITH NO BENEFITS.
moved by Rainville, seconded by Alders
M4MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY MAYOR PILON TO APPROVE THE POSTING OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION ON THE CITY BULLETIN BOARD, WEBSITE AND LEAGUE OF MN CITIES WEBSITE.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Mayor Pilon
M5MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER FLADEBO, SECONDED BY RAINVILLE.
moved by Fladebo, seconded by Rainville
Each figure links back to the document it came from. When the council voted on the amount, the motion is shown.
Treasurer report checking account balance
Cash balance reported in the February 28, 2023 Treasurer's Report.
treasurer_report · Pine River State Bank Checking Acct. · FY 2023
$194,651.64
unknown
Treasurer report PMA Financial CD balance
Cash/investment balance reported in the February 28, 2023 Treasurer's Report.
treasurer_report · PMA Financial CD's Fixed Income Network · FY 2023
$2,700,496.88
unknown
Treasurer report money market balance
Money market balance reported in the February 28, 2023 Treasurer's Report.
treasurer_report · 4M, 4MP & GO Funds Money Market Fund · FY 2023
$609,184.48
unknown
Treasurer report bank total before outstanding checks
Total cash balance shown before outstanding checks.
treasurer_report · Treasurer's Report · FY 2023
$3,504,333
unknown
Treasurer report outstanding checks
Outstanding checks deducted in the Treasurer's Report.
treasurer_report · YTD Outstanding Chks · FY 2023
$38,562.52
outflow
Treasurer report adjusted bank total
Adjusted bank total and Schedule 1 ending balance in the Treasurer's Report.
treasurer_report · Adjusted Bank Total · FY 2023
$3,465,770.48
unknown
Claims checks written
Checks written for the monthly claims approved on the consent agenda.
expenditure · Claims · FY 2023
$155,310.88
outflow
Claims ACH draws
ACH draws for the monthly claims approved on the consent agenda.
expenditure · Claims · FY 2023
$12,251.84
outflow
Anoka County Economic Development cost share
City contribution for the 2023 Anoka County Economic Development voluntary cost share.
fee · HRA Funding held by Anoka County · FY 2023
$258
outflow
Generator Power Systems annual maintenance contract
Annual preventative maintenance for both city generators from February 2023 through January 2024.
contract · 100-43310-404 Repairs and Maintenance · FY 2023
$1,675
outflow
2023 Chevy Silverado truck and accessories
Not-to-exceed authorization for a 2023 Chevy Silverado truck and accessories for Public Works.
capital_project · Equipment Replacement Fund · FY 2023
$120,000
outflow
Administrative Assistant starting wage lower bound
Lower end of the posted starting wage for the Administrative Assistant position approved for posting.
salary · Administrative Assistant position · FY 2023
$18
outflow
Administrative Assistant starting wage upper bound
Upper end of the posted starting wage for the Administrative Assistant position approved for posting.
salary · Administrative Assistant position · FY 2023
$25
outflow
When someone tried to remember earlier business, we cross-reference the corpus and write a short related-history note.
The city received notice that the city was in non-compliance with the MN Management and Budget department for not submitting the Pay Equity Report that was due in February of 2021 and not completed by the previous administration.
What this is about
The City needed to submit an overdue Pay Equity Report that staff said had not been completed by the previous administration.
The records I searched do not contain a prior decision or discussion matching this recollection about an overdue Pay Equity Report to Minnesota Management and Budget that was due in February 2021. The search results returned unrelated 2026 packet materials, including fee schedule ordinances, land use cost-reimbursement language, and public safety report tables, but no item about pay equity compliance, a notice of non-compliance, or staff submitting a late report.
This was discussed and approved without an RCA or Resolution at the February 14th meeting with the council understanding the RCA and Resolution would follow.
What this is about
The truck resolution followed up on a purchase discussed and approved at the February 14, 2023 Council meeting.
The records I searched do not contain a prior February 14, 2023 Council discussion or approval matching this recollection about a truck purchase, nor do they show a later truck resolution tied back to that meeting. The search results returned unrelated 2026 packet items, including planning resolutions, recycling center updates, policy and fee actions, and equipment purchases in 2026, but not the February 14, 2023 truck purchase described in the cue.
A Conditional Use Permit was approved by the City on April 14, 2022 to allow multiple buildings on a single parcel and an Interim Use Permit was approved on April 14, 2022 to allow for used vehicle sales and to allow deviation in paving requirements (gravel) over part of the site.
What this is about
The Bid-2-Buy extension related to CUP and IUP approvals granted on April 14, 2022.
The records I searched do not contain a prior City Council decision matching the Bid-2-Buy extension recollection. The search results do not include the April 14, 2022 meeting record, a vote on Bid-2-Buy, or the CUP/IUP approvals described in the cue. The closest matches are unrelated 2026 packet excerpts involving other conditional or interim use permits, including an April 14, 2026 packet item with interim-use conditions expiring April 14, 2031, but that material appears to concern a different use and does not document the 2022 Bid-2-Buy approvals or any extension.
Mr. Nelson had many answers to the questions as he has been the city engineer for over 20 years, but if he wasn't here, the answers need to be known by others.
What this is about
The MS4 audit discussion noted that the City Engineer had long institutional knowledge that others also needed to know.
The records searched do not contain a prior MS4 audit discussion matching this recollection, and they do not show a formal council decision about documenting or sharing City Engineer Nelson’s institutional knowledge. There are partial matches showing the City relied on City Engineer Nelson for technical review and recommendations on other matters. For example, at the April 14, 2026 meeting packet, he prepared or reviewed specifications for the 2026 crack-filling project, with staff recommending MP Asphalt for a $40,380 contract, and plans/specifications for the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project were presented as prepared by the City Engineer. But those records do not appear to be the MS4 audit discussion referenced in the cue.
The mayor announced that the Elkin's Bill was in hearing. Met Council is trying to repeal the City of Nowthen's exemption.
— Mayor Pilon
What this is about
The Mayor reported a current bill that could repeal Nowthen's existing Metropolitan Council exemption.
The records I searched do not contain a prior City Council decision matching this recollection. The March 10, April 14, and May 12, 2026 packet results provided relate to other items, such as public safety reports, prosecuting services, road crack filling, hazard mitigation, the Heritage Festival, and the Farmers Market. Based on these search results, there is no recorded council action, vote, or resolution about an “Elkin’s Bill,” a Metropolitan Council effort, or repeal of Nowthen’s Metropolitan Council exemption.
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<!-- PageBreak --> <!-- PageNumber="327" --> D. Preapplication Complex Project Review and Environmental Review. If (i) because of the size, scope, density or topography related to a particular develop
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