What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
State housing legislation and local zoning control
Resident Jeff Lawrence asked about proposed state legislation that could affect Nowthen. Mayor Pilon said the bills would reduce local control over zoning, lot size, density, and building form, and encouraged residents to contact state senators and legislators.
Agenda: 2. Speakers: Jeff Lawrence, Mayor Pilon.
Consent agenda approvals
Council approved the consent agenda as amended, which covered the prior meeting minutes, claims and treasurer report, the 2024 Farmers Market request, and Phase I personnel policy updates. The Nowthen Knights lawn contract was removed for separate discussion.
Agenda: 3a, 3b, 3d, 3e. Motions: M-002. Speakers: Council Member Breyen, Mayor Piloin.
February Sheriff's report
Chief Deputy Jacobson reported 125 February calls for service, including six at Bar None, two alarms, fourteen medical calls, and eight animal complaints. He also described several Bar None incidents, a pursuit assist, and warrant arrests, and discussed sheriff's office staffing.
Agenda: 6a. Speakers: Chief Deputy Jacobson.
Planning and zoning development updates
The planning update covered Sota Solar's IUP continuing to the March Planning Commission meeting, Mackenzie Hills final plat review, Peterson Acres preliminary plat review and March public hearing, preliminary subdivision discussions for Nowthen Acres and A&B Welding Residential, and zoning ordinance cleanup work.
Agenda: 7a. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Planner Nash.
Presidential Nomination Primary at Nowthen Alliance Church
Deputy Clerk Johnson reported that 541 voters participated in the Presidential Nomination Primary and that the new polling location at Nowthen Alliance Church worked well. Staff thanked the church, its staff, and the election judges.
Agenda: 8b. Speakers: Deputy Clerk Johnson.
MnSpect to Rum River Consultants transition
Staff reported that the building services transition from MnSpect to Rum River Consultants was going well. About 120 permits remained outstanding, and the worst-case cost estimate to close them out was not to exceed $20,000.
Agenda: 8c. Speakers: Administrator Lehner.
Recycling Center finances and bicycle collection
Council discussed Recycling Center finances, including a lower-than-expected 2023 grant, fund balance concerns, baler repair spending, and efforts to reduce expenses. Later in the meeting, Council approved accepting bicycles at the Recycling Center immediately so bikes can be donated through Bikes4Kids and counted toward SCORE grant activity.
Agenda: 8d, 9b2. Motions: M-005. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Council Member Rainville, Deputy Clerk Johnson, Administrative Assistant Sue Schmit.
Public Works road grading meeting with Brady Kreger
The planned meeting between Public Works staff and Brady Kreger about road grading had to be rescheduled. Mayor Pilon also apologized for not bringing the original meeting request to a council vote.
Agenda: 8e. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Mayor Pilon.
Project Manager extension and Phase 2 personnel policy work
Council discussed the next Phase 2 personnel policy work session and the remaining project list for Project Manager Genevieve Hirschboeck. Council approved extending the Project Manager position for six months at the same rate after the required break, while also discussing the need to transition work back to city staff.
Agenda: 8f, 9b1. Motions: M-004. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Project Manager Hirschboeck, Council Member Breyen, Council Member Rainville, Council Member Alders, Mayor Pilon.
Population signs
Council was told that Anoka County would update all city population signs with the city logo, make them uniform in size, and install them beginning in April at no cost to the city.
Agenda: 8k. Speakers: Administrator Lehner.
Storage facility theft prevention
Administrator Lehner and Chief Deputy Jacobson reported that ACSO detectives had met with storage facility owners about theft prevention. Discussion included possible Flock license-plate readers, notifying owners and deputies when locks are cut, and added patrols by reserve officers and CSOs.
Agenda: 8m. Speakers: Administrator Lehner, Chief Deputy Jacobson.
Attorney Glaser and uncompliant properties
Council noted there was still no response from Attorney Glaser on the uncompliant properties process. Administrator Lehner was directed to follow up with Attorney Ruppe, contact the League of Minnesota Cities for recommendations, or contact Glaser's partners.
Agenda: 9a1. Speakers: Administrator Lehner.
2023 budget amendment for goats
Council added a 2023 budget resolution to the agenda and approved Resolution 2024-31 to amend the 2023 budget for money related to the goats.
Agenda: 9a5. Motions: M-003. Speakers: Council Member Breyen, Council Member Alders.
Nowthen Knights baseball field lawn services agreement
The Nowthen Knights lawn services agreement was pulled from consent so the council could discuss the automatic renewal language and whether the Knights have exclusive field use. Council then approved the 2024 Lawn Services Agreement with the Nowthen Knights Baseball Team.
Agenda: 3c, 9c. Motions: M-006. Speakers: Mayor Pilon, Council Member Breyen.