Northfield, MN

City Council

The Northfield City Council meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at 801 Washington Street. The agenda includes a public hearing and a resolution on the sale of property at 1600 Riverview Lane by Northfield Hospital + Clinics, a second reading of an ordinance removing the 900-foot maximum industrial block length, and a first reading on standards for data processing facilities. The council will also consider disbursements totaling $2,206,835.99, a 2027 employee benefits renewal, and a compost/organic recycling request for proposal.

• Public hearing and Res. 2026-098 on sale of property at 1600 Riverview Lane by Northfield Hospital + Clinics
• Second reading of Ordinance 1097 removing the 900-foot maximum block length in the I1-B Industrial zoning district
• First reading of Ordinance 1098 on use-specific standards for data processing facilities
• Consider approving disbursements totaling $2,206,835.99
• Consider release of Residential Curbside Compost/Organic Recycling Request for Proposal and applying for an MPCA Organic Management Grant

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 801 Washington Street. The agenda includes approval of the September 2, 2026 minutes, a historic district walking tour and discussion, and a certificate of appropriateness for 17 Bridge Square (Boston Shoe Store) under HPC Resolution 2026-007. Staff updates cover upcoming Council agenda items, the 2026 board and commission schedule, construction and development project links, zoning code update information, East River Walk diagrams and current conditions, and a sign at 401 Division St. The agenda also includes open public comment and board and commissioner reports.

• Certificate of appropriateness for 17 Bridge Square - Boston Shoe Store (HPC Res. 2026-007)
• Historic District Walking Tour and Discussion (26-504)
• Approval of September 2, 2026 HPC meeting minutes (26-503)
• Staff updates including East River Walk diagrams and a sign at 401 Division St (26-505)
• Upcoming Council agenda items and 2026 board and commission schedule

City Council

Economic Development Authority

The Northfield Economic Development Authority meets Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 801 Washington Street. The board will review August EDA financials and a loan report, and discuss a modified, amended and restated EDA enabling resolution. It will also take up work plan updates, including a pilot program discussion, and staff updates covering preliminary zoning code recommendations. The agenda also includes approval of the agenda and the July 27, 2026 meeting minutes, plus open public comment.

• Review and discussion of a modified, amended and restated EDA enabling resolution (item 26-500), with the current Resolution 2011-131 and a draft amendment attached
• August EDA Financials and Loan Report (item 26-499), including a balance sheet and income-expense statement dated 9.23.26
• Work Plan Updates (item 26-501), including a September pilot program discussion
• Staff updates (item 26-502) on preliminary zoning code update recommendations
• Approval of the July 27, 2026 EDA meeting minutes (item 26-498)

City Council

The Northfield City Council will consider adopting the preliminary 2027 General Fund budget (with an 8.6% increase), a proposed 2026 total tax levy payable in 2027, and 2027 utility rates. The consent agenda includes approving $3,926,996.20 in disbursements, adopting changes to fees and charges, and approving the 2027 Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Service budget. The regular agenda also includes a resolution to eliminate certain parking restrictions near St. Olaf College and a request to Rice County to change parking restrictions on County Road 43.

• Approve disbursements totaling $3,926,996.20
• Adopt changes to fees and charges (Res. 2026-090)
• Approve 2027 NAFRS budget and capital equipment plan
• Adopt 2027 utility rates (Res. 2026-091)
• Preliminary 2027 General Fund budget with 8.6% increase (Res. 2026-094)

Planning Commission

The Northfield Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting, including public comment, approval of minutes, and reports. The main item is an update and discussion on the Zoning Code Update Preliminary Recommendations Report, which is a key step in revising the city's zoning regulations. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no votes or public hearings scheduled.

• Update and discussion on Zoning Code Update Preliminary Recommendations Report (Item 26-484)
• Approval of August 20, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes (Item 26-483)
• Staff updates on upcoming council agenda items and zoning code update website (Item 26-485)

Environmental Quality Commission

The Environmental Quality Commission will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda, public comment, and reports. The main discussion items are environmental quality and sustainability considerations for the zoning code update, and energy rebate programs. The agenda is largely procedural, with these two substantive discussion topics.

• Discussion on environmental quality and sustainability considerations for the Zoning Code Update
• Discussion on Energy Rebate Programs
• Approval of August 19, 2026 EQC meeting minutes
• Staff update

City Council

The Northfield City Council is holding a work session to discuss the 2027 budget, the 5-year capital plan, and the capital equipment plan. This discussion prepares for a September 15 worksession and the preliminary levy and budget adoption on September 22. The agenda contains only this discussion item and no other business.

• Discussion of 2027 Budget and 5-Year Capital Plan and Capital Equipment Plan

The Northfield City Council met in a work session on September 15, 2026, to discuss the proposed 2027 budget, 5-year capital plan, and capital equipment plan ahead of a budget adoption scheduled for September 22. No budget or levy was adopted; a majority of council members indicated preliminary support for either a 9.0% or 8.6% levy increase, and staff noted the preliminary levy will be set on September 22 and can later be lowered but not raised above that level. The council also discussed text amendments to the Land Development Code setting standards for data processing facilities, including whether to reduce the current 3,950-foot setback to 200 feet or a range of 200 to 500 feet, and discussed returning the item on October 6, 2026. The only votes recorded were procedural: extending the meeting until business was complete and adjourning at 9:35 p.m., both passing 7-0.

• No budget, levy, or capital plan adopted; 2027 budget discussion only, with adoption scheduled for September 22, 2026
• Majority of council indicated preliminary support for a 9.0% or 8.6% levy increase; preliminary levy to be established September 22, 2026
• Staff reported Rice County reduced its funding for the Northfield Public Library by 10%; options for addressing the reduction were presented, no action taken
• Data processing facility text amendments discussed, including reducing the current 3,950-foot setback to 200 feet or a range of 200 to 500 feet; no action taken
• Council discussed returning the data processing facility item on October 6, 2026, for further discussion; no action taken
• Motion to extend the meeting until business is complete carried 7-0
• Motion to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. carried 7-0

Council Employment Committee

Charter Commission

The Northfield Charter Commission is meeting to continue its review of the City Charter and to consider proposed amendments to three sections: 5.6 (filing for office), 12.1 (franchise required), and 3.4 (incompatible offices). The agenda also includes approval of minutes, excusing absences, and public comment. This is a regular working session with no final votes scheduled.

• Consider proposed amendment to Charter Section 5.6 (Filing for Office)
• Consider proposed amendment to Charter Section 12.1 (Franchise Required)
• Consider proposed amendment to Charter Section 3.4 (Incompatible Offices)
• Approval of July 9, 2026 meeting minutes
• Excuse meeting absences

Library Board

The Library Board will review the Director's report, which includes updates on outreach, adult, circulation, and youth services. The board is also scheduled to discuss the 2027-2031 Library Strategic Plan.

• Discussion of 2027-2031 Library Strategic Plan
• Review of July statistics
• Director's reports on Outreach, Adult, Circulation, and Youth services
• Approval of July 8, 2026, draft minutes

City Council

The Northfield City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss possible actions following a closed-session discussion about pending or threatened litigation related to the Wall Street Road Bridge Project. The open meeting portion will focus on actions stemming from the closed-session deliberations.

• Consider actions related to pending/threatened litigation for Wall Street Road Bridge Project (26-451)

The Northfield City Council held a special meeting that included a closed session regarding pending or threatened litigation for the Wall Street Road Bridge Project. Upon returning to open session, the council approved a Settlement and Release Agreement.

• Approved Settlement and Release Agreement for Wall Street Road Bridge Project (7-0, Enactment No: M2026-127)

City Council

The Northfield City Council will meet to approve routine minutes, disburse $1,634,921.88, and consider several resolutions including declaring September 10–19 as Welcoming Week. The agenda also includes a temporary liquor license for Chapel Brewing, a grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration, and a first reading of an ordinance amending industrial block length requirements in the Land Development Code.

• Approve disbursements totaling $1,634,921.88
• Declare September 10–19, 2026 as Welcoming Week (Res. 2026-087)
• Approve temporary liquor license for Chapel Brewing for October 9, 2026 event
• Approve FHWA Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) 2025 Planning Grant agreement
• First reading of Ordinance 1097 amending industrial block length requirements in Land Development Code

The Northfield City Council approved its consent agenda 7-0, including August 25, 2026 meeting minutes, disbursements totaling $1,634,921.88, a Welcoming Week resolution, a temporary liquor license for Chapel Brewing, acceptance of donated ice arena rink boards, a Federal Highway Administration Safe Streets and Roads for All planning grant agreement, a second reading of Ordinance 1097 on industrial block length requirements, and an amended resolution on the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program. The council also heard presentations and discussions on St. Olaf neighborhood parking and the Highway 3 unsignalized intersection study, but took no recorded action on those items. The city administrator reported that Rice County's contribution to the Northfield Public Library will be reduced by 10% in 2027 and that the ambulance building is not being sold.

• Approved consent agenda including disbursements of $1,634,921.88 (7-0)
• Approved August 25, 2026 City Council meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-087 declaring September 10-19, 2026 as Welcoming Week (7-0)
• Approved temporary liquor license for The Meetinghouse LLC dba Chapel Brewing for October 9, 2026 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-088 accepting donation of ice arena rink boards from the Northfield Hockey Association (7-0)
• Approved FHWA Safe Streets and Roads for All 2025 Planning Grant agreement (7-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1097 amending Land Development Code on industrial block length requirements (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-089 authorizing participation in the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program (7-0)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Commission will hear a presentation regarding repainting at 108 5th St. E. Members will also discuss historic variances and amendments to local historic site designations. Staff will provide updates on various construction and development projects.

• Commission comment on repainting at 108 5th St. E.
• Discussion of historic variances and amendments to local historic site designations
• Staff updates on 19 Bridge Sq, 304 Water St, and 519 Division windows

Human Rights Commission

The Northfield Human Rights Commission will hold its regular meeting, including a police department update and a motion to recommend City Council adoption of a resolution declaring September 10-19, 2026 as 'Welcoming Week.' The commission will also elect a Vice-Chair and receive subcommittee updates and a staff report.

• Consider motion recommending Council adoption of Resolution declaring September 10-19, 2026 as 'Welcoming Week'
• Police Department Update
• Election of Human Rights Commission Officer for Vice-Chair
• 2026 Subcommittee updates and discussion
• Staff Report

City Council

The Northfield City Council will consider approving improvement plans for Oddfellows and Sibley Swale parks, establishing a Drinking Water Quality Working Group, and a professional services contract with Merchant McIntyre. They will also discuss a Safe Streets and Roads for All planning RFP and approve routine consent items including $5,888,316.38 in disbursements.

• Approve Oddfellows Park Improvement Plan
• Approve Sibley Swale Park Improvement Plan
• Resolution establishing Drinking Water Quality Working Group and mayoral appointments
• Professional service contract with Merchant McIntyre
• Disbursements totaling $5,888,316.38

The City Council approved the Sibley Swale Park Improvement Plan and directed staff to rename the park Swale Park, and also approved the Oddfellows Park Improvement Plan. The council approved a professional services contract with Merchant McIntyre and established a Drinking Water Quality Working Group with an added public health representative. Consent agenda items, including disbursements of $5,888,316.38, were approved unanimously.

• Approved Sibley Swale Park Improvement Plan and renamed park to Swale Park (7-0)
• Approved Oddfellows Park Improvement Plan (7-0)
• Approved professional services contract with Merchant McIntyre (7-0)
• Established Drinking Water Quality Working Group with public health representative (6-1)
• Approved consent agenda including $5,888,316.38 disbursements (7-0)
• Approved outdoor dining permit for Northfield Eagles #2242 (consent)
• Approved SaaS agreement with LETAC USA, LLC (consent)
• Authorized participation in Greater Minnesota EV Infrastructure Community Program (consent)

Planning Commission

The Northfield Planning Commission will hold two public hearings on proposed text amendments to the Land Development Code: one revising block length requirements in the I1-B Industrial Zoning District, and another revising setback requirements for data processing facilities from parks, trails, and other recreational features. The commission will also review potential sign ordinance changes for athletic field signage and discuss a site plan for the Gracewin Senior Cooperative. Staff updates and board reports are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on text amendment revising block length requirement in I1-B Industrial Zoning District (PC Res. 2026-007)
• Public hearing on text amendment revising setback requirement for data processing facilities from parks, trails, and recreational features (PC Res. 2026-008)
• Review of potential sign ordinance changes for athletic field signage
• Gracewin Senior Cooperative site plan discussion
• Approval of July 16, 2026 Planning Commission minutes

The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to amend its earlier motion so that "data processing centers" under the current use table are marked as a prohibited use, and to direct staff to return with a power- or sizing-based way to regulate them in the ongoing Land Development Code update. It also voted 6-0 to request a staff update in two months on possible power-consumption-based regulations. Separately, the Commission approved 4-2 a text amendment revising the block length requirement in the I1-B Industrial Zoning District, with discretion placed with the city planner rather than the city engineer. A public hearing on data processing facility setbacks drew extensive public comment, and a Gracewin Senior Cooperative site plan was presented for discussion with no action taken.

• Approved 4-2 a text amendment revising the block length requirement in the I1-B Industrial Zoning District, placing discretion with the city planner rather than the city engineer
• Failed 2-4 a motion to accept the block length text amendment as written with additions striking "data processing facility" from Chapter 34, 2.7 and Section 34, 2.914 of the LDC
• Failed for lack of second a motion to approve the block length text amendment (moved by Commissioner Holleran)
• Approved 6-0 a motion to remove "data processing centers" as currently defined from an acceptable use and request staff return with a power-based sizing mechanism for the LDC update
• Approved 6-0 a motion to amend the previous motion so "data processing centers" under the current use table are marked as a prohibited use, with guidance to staff on a sizing-based approach for the LDC update
• Approved 6-0 a motion requesting staff provide an update in two months on possible power consumption-based regulations for data centers as part of the LDC update
• Failed for lack of second a motion that mega data centers be defined by staff and that staff return with a resolution to remove mega data centers from the ordinance
• Approved 5-1 to extend the meeting for one hour (Commissioner Buckheit voting no)

Environmental Quality Commission

The Environmental Quality Commission will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda, public comment, and reports. The main discussion items are environmental quality and sustainability considerations for the zoning code update, an update on the 2026 EV Ride-and-Drive event, and the 2026-2027 work plan and priorities.

• Discussion on environmental quality and sustainability considerations for the Zoning Code Update
• 2026 EV Ride-and-Drive Event update
• 2026-2027 Work Plan and Commission Priorities
• Approval of July 15, 2026 meeting minutes

The Environmental Quality Commission held a regular meeting with no substantive votes beyond routine approvals. They approved the agenda and the consent agenda containing the July 15, 2026 meeting minutes. The commission discussed incorporating environmental quality and sustainability into the zoning code update, received an update on the September 26 EV Ride-and-Drive event, and reviewed the 2026-2027 work plan and priorities. No public comment was received.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including July 15, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned at 7:34 p.m. (5-0)

City Council

The Northfield City Council is holding a special meeting dedicated to a public listening session on the 2027 budget. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on the proposed budget. The meeting includes a presentation and opportunities for public comment.

• 2027 Budget Public Listening Session
• Public comment period for budget feedback
• Presentation from July 29, 2026 Town Hall
• Budget survey and clarifying questions weblinks

The Northfield City Council met for a special budget listening session on August 18, 2026. City staff presented the proposed 2027 city budget and survey results, and several residents spoke during the public comment period. No formal budget votes or policy actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved agenda for the special meeting (7-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m. (7-0)

City Council

The City Council approved the abstract of votes cast at the August 11, 2026 Primary Election, confirming nominees for the Council Member At Large and Council Member Ward 4 races for the general election ballot. Voter turnout was approximately 36.75% with 4,811 total voters.

• Approved Resolution No. 2026-083 approving the canvass of votes from the August 11, 2026 Primary Election (7-0)

City Council

The Northfield City Council will discuss and decide on various agenda items, including approval of disbursements totaling $3,682,964.71, a motion approving a lower-potency hemp edible retailer application, and consideration of a joint resolution requesting concurrent detachment from the City of Northfield and annexation to the City of Dundas. The council will also hear a quarterly police report and consider approval of a storm water maintenance agreement with the City of Dundas.

• Approval of disbursements totaling $3,682,964.71
• Lower-potency hemp edible retailer application for Holiday Stationstores LLC
• Joint resolution requesting concurrent detachment from Northfield and annexation to Dundas
• Storm Water Maintenance Agreement with the City of Dundas
• Quarterly Police Report

The Northfield City Council approved a motion supporting staff to amend the 2024 Archer Redevelopment TIF agreement for a revised project by Manawa, LLC. The Council also directed staff to prepare bids and timelines for a universal residential curbside organics recycling program and ordered a feasibility report for the 2027 Reclamation Project. Additionally, the Council approved a consent agenda that included disbursements totaling $3,682,964.71, easement vacations, and a hemp edible retailer application.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including July 21 minutes, $3,682,964.71 in disbursements, meeting schedule amendments, and easement vacations (6-0)
• Approved lower-potency hemp edible retailer application for Holiday Stationstores LLC at 100 Water Street South (6-0)
• Accepted public improvements and approved final payment for the 2024 College Street and Water Street Areas Reconstruction Project (6-0)
• Approved MnDOT Railroad Crossing Signal Agreement for Second Street, Third Street, and St. Olaf Avenue (6-0)
• Approved joint resolution requesting concurrent detachment from Northfield and annexation to Dundas, plus a stormwater maintenance agreement with Dundas (6-0)
• Approved motion supporting staff to amend the 2024 Archer Redevelopment TIF agreement for the revised Manawa, LLC project (6-0)
• Directed staff to prepare bids and timelines for a universal residential curbside organics recycling program (5-1)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority will consider a resolution to re-approve a revolving loan for the establishment and renovation of 528 Division St. The board will also begin a discussion on evaluating financial assistance programs.

• Proposed $150,000 revolving loan to Lux Med Spa L.L.C. for 528 Division St.
• Financial Assistance Evaluation Discussion Kickoff regarding micro-grant and revolving loan programs
• Review of June EDA Financials and Loan Report

The Northfield Economic Development Authority met on July 27, 2026 and approved a resolution re-approving a $150,000 revolving loan to Lux Med Spa L.L.C. for renovation, equipment, and establishment of 528 Division St. The board also approved a subordination of mortgage request for Loon Liquors and approved its June 29, 2026 meeting minutes. Staff presented the June 2026 EDA financials and loan report, kicked off a discussion on evaluating EDA financial assistance, and gave staff updates; no decisions were recorded on those items. Board Member Jessica Peterson White was absent.

• Approved resolution re-approving $150,000 revolving loan to Lux Med Spa L.L.C. for renovation, equipment, and establishment of 528 Division St. (6-0)
• Approved Loon Liquors subordination of mortgage request (6-0)
• Approved June 29, 2026 EDA meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (6-0)

City Council

The Northfield City Council will consider a resolution to issue and sell $3,350,000 in General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2026B. The meeting also includes a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 1096 to vacate drainage and utility easements at 504 & 508 Ivanhoe Avenue, and discussions on traffic and pedestrian safety improvements on Fillmore, Hayes, and Carter Streets. Additional items involve approvals for the Harvest Hills Second Addition final plat, development agreement, and a Tax Increment Financing assistance agreement, as well as approval of disbursements totaling $2,679,978.

• Resolution to issue $3,350,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2026B
• Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 1096 vacating easements at 504 & 508 Ivanhoe Ave.
• Resolution approving final plat for Harvest Hills Second Addition
• Resolution approving Development Agreement for Harvest Hills Second Addition
• Approval of disbursements totaling $2,679,978

The City Council authorized the sale of over $3 million in bonds for street projects and approved the final plat, development agreement, and TIF assistance for the Harvest Hills Second Addition. The Council also approved a lot consolidation on Ivanhoe Avenue and various administrative items.

• Approved $3,085,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds (5-0)
• Approved Final Plat for Harvest Hills Second Addition (5-0)
• Approved Development Agreement for Harvest Hills Second Addition (5-0)
• Approved TIF Assistance Agreement for Harvest Hills Townhomes Project (5-0)
• Approved lot consolidation of 504 & 508 Ivanhoe Ave (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1096 to vacate easements at 504 & 508 Ivanhoe Ave (5-0)
• Approved disbursements totaling $2,679,978.64 (5-0)
• Approved temporary liquor license for Chapel Brewing for Sept 17, 2026 (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review proposed redline changes to Article 6 regarding sign ordinances for athletic fields and discuss industrial block length maximums. The meeting also includes approval of previous ZBA and Planning Commission minutes.

• Review of potential sign ordinance changes for athletic field signage
• Discussion on industrial block length maximums
• Approval of February 19, 2026 ZBA Meeting Minutes
• Approval of June 18, 2026 ZBA Meeting Minutes
• Approval of June 18, 2026 PC Meeting Minutes

The Northfield Planning Commission held a regular meeting with no substantive decisions. They approved the agenda, minutes from prior meetings, and adjourned. The main agenda items were informational discussions on potential sign ordinance changes for athletic field signage and industrial block length maximums, with no votes taken.

• Approved February 19, 2026 ZBA meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved June 18, 2026 ZBA meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved June 18, 2026 PC meeting minutes (6-0)

Environmental Quality Commission

The Environmental Quality Commission will discuss the Xcel Energy Conversation and Optimization Program Triannual Plan. The body will also review the 2026-2027 Work Plan and Commission Priorities.

• Xcel Energy Conversation and Optimization Program Triannual Plan
• 2026-2027 Work Plan and Commission Priorities

The Environmental Quality Commission approved its agenda and the June 17, 2026 meeting minutes. The commission discussed a comment letter on Xcel Energy's Conservation Improvement Program triannual plan, but no vote on the letter was recorded. Subcommittee updates were provided, and the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including June 17, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Discussed Xcel Energy comment letter, no action taken
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 p.m. (4-0)

Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee

The Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee will review a draft report on Highway 3 intersections, discuss the Metro Express Bus Service schedule, and provide input on the scoping for the Northfield Safe Streets for All Plan.

• Review Highway 3 Intersection Study draft report
• Review Metro Express Bus Service schedule
• Provide input on Safe Streets for All Plan scoping
• Review MnDOT Greater MN Transit Plan
• Update on Hiawathaland Transit bus service to Pool

City Council

The City Council will meet for a special meeting and regular session. The primary agenda item is the second reading of Ordinance 1095, which proposes an amendment to Section 4.1 of the Northfield City Charter.

• Second reading of Ordinance 1095 amending Section 4.1 of the Northfield City Charter
• Consideration of Summary Publication for Ordinance No. 1095

The Northfield City Council unanimously approved the second reading of Ordinance 1095, amending Section 4.1 of the City Charter, and authorized its summary publication. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1095 amending Section 4.1 of City Charter (7-0)
• Approved summary publication of Ordinance 1095 (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review several financial and strategic items. Discussions include broadband franchising options, the Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Service budget, and proposed fee schedule changes.

• Review of Broadband Franchising Option related to cable franchising modernization
• Review of 2027 Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Service Budget and Capital Equipment Plan
• Review of Fee Schedule Changes effective January 1, 2027
• 2027-2028 Budget Worksession

The City Council held a work session to review the proposed 2027 budget, including a preliminary property tax levy increase of 6.8%. They discussed broadband franchising as a potential revenue source, the 2027 NAFRS budget, and fee schedule changes. No formal decisions were made; the fee schedule will be presented for approval in September.

• Extended meeting until business complete (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:10 p.m. (6-0)

Charter Commission

The commission is reviewing an update regarding a proposed amendment to Charter Section 4.1. Members are also considering changes to internal policies regarding officer duties, the secretary role, and public comment procedures.

• Proposed amendment to Charter Section 4.1
• Resolution 2026-056
• Update to Charter Commission Policies regarding Officer Duties
• Update to Charter Commission Policies regarding Public Comment

The Northfield Charter Commission approved updates to the duties of its secretary and added a policy on public comments at its meetings, both by 6-0 votes. It also excused Commissioner Katie Rooks's absence and approved the May 14, 2026 minutes. Chair CC Linstroth reported that the first reading of a proposed amendment to Charter Section 4.1 passed the city council unanimously, with a second reading set for July 14. Commissioners began a discussion on reviewing the city charter but took no action.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved May 14, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Excused Commissioner Katie Rooks's absence (6-0)
• Accepted updates to duties of the secretary (6-0)
• Approved addition of public comment policy (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:01 p.m. (6-0)

Library Board

The Board will review progress on the 2026-27 work plan and various library special projects. Discussions include updated designs for the Children's Area and a preliminary update on the 2027 budget request.

• Presentation by Outreach Services Manager Angelica Linder
• 2026-27 Library Board Work Plan Progress Update
• Children's Area design review
• Library 2027 Budget Update and Rice Co budget request
• Library Strategic Plan and monthly statistics report

City Council

The City Council will consider a charter amendment regarding Section 4.1, several infrastructure contracts including water tower and wastewater improvements, and the final concept for Phase II of the Northfield Skate Park. Additional items include discussions on organic recycling and various city service agreements.

• Charter Amendment to Section 4.1 (First Reading)
• Northwest Area Water Tower Site contract award
• Wastewater Treatment Plant professional services contract
• Jefferson Parkway West Mill and Overlay final payment
• Downtown flood mitigation grant applications

The City Council approved the final concept for Phase II of the Northfield Skate Park Project and authorized preparation of plans and specifications. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included disbursements totaling $3,400,296.39, and passed the second reading of Ordinance 1095 amending the City Charter. A discussion on organic recycling was held, with staff directed to research pathways further, but no formal decision was made.

• Approved final concept for Phase II of Northfield Skate Park Project and authorized plans/specs (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $3,400,296.39 in disbursements (7-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1095 amending City Charter Section 4.1 (7-0)
• Approved temporary liquor license for Tanzenwald Brewing Company for Third Thursday event
• Approved temporary liquor licenses for Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee
• Approved off-site gambling permit for Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee at Northfield Ballroom
• Approved service agreement with EverStrive Solutions for City Administrator performance evaluation facilitation
• Approved contract for civil legal services for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The Northfield Housing & Redevelopment Authority will vote on two key resolutions this meeting. Members will consider forgiving a forgivable loan to Three Rivers Community Action for the Spring Creek II affordable housing project. They will also approve a consultant contract and budget amendment to continue mobile home rehabilitation services in Northfield. The board will additionally elect a new secretary and review state housing updates.

• Election of HRA Secretary officer position
• Resolution forgiving a forgivable loan for the Spring Creek II affordable housing development
• Consultant service contract with Three Rivers Community Action for mobile home rehabilitation services
• Authorization of a 2026 budget amendment to fund ongoing housing programs

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will vote on approving 30% construction drawings for the Archer House redevelopment at 212 Division Street South. The meeting also covers standard procedural items, public comment periods, and staff updates on local development projects. No major budget changes or rezonings are scheduled.

• Vote on 30% construction drawings for Archer House project at 212 Division St S
• Approval of June 3, 2026 meeting minutes
• Open public comment period (2-minute limit per speaker)
• Staff updates on zoning code updates and 2026 board schedule

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved a motion confirming that the 30% construction drawings for new construction at 212 Division Street South (The Archer House redevelopment) are consistent with the project proposed at the June 3, 2026 meeting. The vote was 5-0 with one abstention. The commission also approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 3, 2026 meeting. No public comment or board reports were received.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved June 3, 2026 HPC meeting minutes (6-0)
• Confirmed 30% construction drawings for Archer House redevelopment at 212 Division Street South are consistent with approved project (5-0, 1 abstention)