What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
Consent agenda and agenda amendments
Council approved the agenda with several amendments: it added supporting documents to items 3f and 3g, changed 3g to a general ad hoc committees resolution, added a Veterans Memorial ad hoc committee item as 14g, removed the Fire Chief Miller contract-extension item, and added a second Twin Lakes roof quote. Council then approved the consent agenda as amended, including prior minutes, claims, the first-quarter financial report, the three-parcel mowing agreement, the public-forum clarification RCA, and the general ad hoc committee item.
Agenda: 1, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g. Motions: M01, M02. Speakers: Mayor Hybben, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Swenson.
Public forum comments
Three residents spoke. Paul Ingebretson asked about wetlands on his property and wanted approval to build a pole building. Steven Schmit said council and staff have difficult jobs but raised concerns about increasing spending and council members working in the City Office. Paula Coffey opposed personnel-policy language that would count PTO and holidays toward overtime and preferred higher Fire Department wages. Council Member Rainville clarified that she volunteers in the City Office as any council member may.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Paul Ingebretson, Steven Schmit, Paula Coffey, Council Member Rainville.
2024 audit presentation
Andrew Grice from Creative Planning presented the 2024 audit. The packet's audit materials reported $6,766,554 in total net position, $3,416,003 in combined ending governmental fund balances, and $3,024,510 in general obligation bonds and notes at year-end. The minutes record the presentation but no separate vote on the audit.
Agenda: 4. Speakers: Andrew Grice.
Anoka County opioid prevention presentation
Patti Constant from Anoka County presented on opioid prevention, including Anoka County overdose statistics, naloxone access, and opioid settlement funding. The packet stated Anoka County is anticipated to receive approximately $18 million over 18 years for treatment and prevention efforts. No council action was recorded.
Agenda: 5. Speakers: Patti Constant.
Septic compliance tracking
Rum River Consultants presented information on septic compliance tracking and the City's responsibilities for SSTS permitting, compliance, maintenance tracking, and annual reporting. The minutes record the presentation but no motion.
Agenda: 6. Speakers: Rum River Consultants.
Baugh Street reconstruction project
Anoka County Highway Department discussed the CSAH 22/Baugh Street reconstruction project. The preliminary joint powers agreement in the packet estimated the total construction cost at $6,530,617.41 and Nowthen's estimated share at $75,819.88, including construction engineering. The minutes note a possible October open house for residents and no formal action.
Agenda: 7. Speakers: Anoka County Highway Department.
2026 IT budgeting needs
Tools 4 Business presented IT budgeting needs for 2026. The packet discussed a possible local backup device around $300, a likely server replacement budget estimate of $10,000 for 2026 or early 2027, and a wiring idea between the Historic Town Hall and Fire Station that could cost about $500 to $600 and save $191 per month by eliminating one Arvig connection. No motion was recorded.
Agenda: 8. Speakers: Tools 4 Business.
MS4 Part 1 application
Council approved the Part 1 application for the MS4 permit. The packet said the application was due to the MPCA on May 20, 2025 and required a $400 application fee, a mayoral wet signature, and mailing to the MPCA.
Agenda: 9a. Motions: M03. Speakers: Council Member Breyen, Council Member Swenson.
2025 Overlay Project
Council approved Resolution 2025-49 approving plans and specifications and ordering bids for the 2025 Overlay Project, then approved Resolution 2025-50 declaring costs to be assessed and ordering preparation of the proposed assessment and notice of assessment hearing. The packet estimated total project cost at $403,480, with $220,440 to be paid by the City plus overruns and $183,040 proposed for assessment against benefited properties. The resident assessment hearing was set for June 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: 9b. Motions: M04, M05. Speakers: Council Member Breyen, Council Member Glaser, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Swenson.
Planning consultant expense reduction and ordinance updates
After an RCA about reducing general planning invoices, Council directed staff to collect bids for updating the City's ordinances. Planner Nash's packet memo recommended updating zoning and subdivision regulations, applying ordinance requirements consistently, increasing staff capacity, and simplifying application processes to reduce consultant costs over time.
Agenda: 10b. Motions: M06. Speakers: Council Member Swenson, Mayor Hybben.
Parsons parcel residential development acceptance
Council approved Resolution 2025-51 accepting a parcel for residential development for the Parsons request. The packet resolution allowed one single-family home, required a deed or easement acceptable to the City for Pinnaker Road right-of-way before a building permit, and required a $2,500 park dedication fee before a building permit.
Agenda: 10c. Motions: M07. Speakers: Council Member Breyen, Council Member Rainville.
A and B Addition subdivision
Council approved the A and B Addition grading agreement, final plat, and development agreement through Resolutions 2025-52, 2025-53, and 2025-54. The project is a five-lot residential subdivision with a new cul-de-sac and one nonbuildable outlot. The grading agreement required a $30,000 security and $5,000 escrow, and the development agreement required a $12,500 park and trail dedication fee and $20,000 escrow. Conditions in the packet included septic-site verification, wetland buffer requirements, stormwater facilities, and a deed restriction that Outlot A is not buildable.
Agenda: 10d, 10e, 10f. Motions: M08, M09, M10. Speakers: Council Member Rainville, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Swenson.
Sheriff's monthly report
Lieutenant Bangerter presented the Sheriff's monthly report. Council Member Glaser asked about the increase in traffic arrests, and Lieutenant Bangerter clarified that the reported 'arrest' category includes citations and said Deputy Jacobson is consistent in traffic enforcement.
Agenda: 11. Speakers: Lieutenant Bangerter, Council Member Glaser.
Fire Department monthly report
Administrative Assistant Stoeckel read the Fire Department report. Council Member Breyen requested that future Fire Department reports add calls where mutual aid responded.
Agenda: 12. Speakers: Administrative Assistant Stoeckel, Council Member Breyen.
Administrator update, park quotes, budget update, and administrator search
Interim Administrator Johnson updated Council on the Bar None meeting, April 23 action items, and the requested budget update. Council asked staff to return June 10 with quote-acceptance items for Twin Lakes shelter roofs and Memorial Park court striping. During the update, Mayor Hybben asked about what Johnson learned at a conference regarding Nowthen's administrator needs, and Council then voted to cancel the city administrator search with South Central Service Cooperative.
Agenda: 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d. Motions: M11. Speakers: Interim Administrator Johnson, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Rainville.
Administrative staffing
Council approved making Delia Stoeckel full-time as of May 14, 2025 with no health insurance benefits for the rest of 2025. Council also approved posting a receptionist/administrative assistant position, amending the proposed 20-hour position to not exceed 30 hours per week, with a pay range of $20 to $23 per hour.
Agenda: 14a. Motions: M12, M13. Speakers: Delia Stoeckel, Council Member Swenson, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Glaser, Interim Administrator Johnson.
Historic Town Hall automatic door operator
Council discussed an automatic door operator for the Historic Town Hall. Council Member Glaser raised a safety concern because the door does not have a window. Council directed staff to get an updated quote for the door, tie in the automatic-operator quote, and return with a total cost.
Agenda: 14b. Motions: M14. Speakers: Council Member Glaser, Mayor Hybben, Council Member Breyen.
Chief Miller PERA eligibility
Council approved Resolution 2025-57 declaring that Fire Chief Miller is eligible for PERA and that notice will be provided as required by PERA.
Agenda: 14c. Motions: M15. Speakers: Council Member Breyen, Mayor Hybben.
Tabled goals, Facebook comments, Veterans Memorial committee, and personnel policy
Council tabled four items to the June 10, 2025 City Council meeting: identifying completed and future staff goals, allowing comments on the City Facebook account, establishing a Veterans Memorial ad hoc committee, and adopting the March 2025 personnel policy.
Agenda: 14d, 14e, 14g, 15a. Motions: M17. Speakers: Council Member Rainville, Council Member Breyen.
Capital Improvement Plan and Equipment Replacement Plan
Council approved the Capital Improvement Plan and Equipment Replacement Plan. The minutes also state that Council added a June 5, 2025 council meeting to learn about the budget process.
Agenda: 14f. Motions: M16. Speakers: Council Member Breyen, Council Member Rainville.