By Maya Betti, KYMN News Intern
Update at 6:30am, 6/3/2025: The Water Treatment Plant State Bond Request has since been moved from the Consent Agenda to the regular agenda.
The Northfield City Council will hold a regular session tonight with a full agenda, including requests for state investment bonds, a proposed fishing ordinance, and a new housing grant application that could expand affordable housing within the city.
State Bonding Requests:
- Water Treatment Plant: The Council is expected to approve a resolution asking the State of Minnesota to “provide capital investment bonds for major improvements to the city’s water treatment facility,” which is identified as the city’s top bonding priority. View the full staff report here
- Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC): A second bonding request would support facility upgrades to the NCRC. The city-owned building houses several non-profits, including the Community Action Center, Fifty North, Three Rivers, and United Way. View the full staff report here
The NCRC will be on the consent agenda. Mayor Erica Zweifel has since requested that the Water Treatment Plant be moved to the regular agenda at tonights meeting and staff give a full presentation about the item. (update at 6:30am, 6/3/2025)
Grant Proposal to Increase Housing Near Meadows Park
Another key item tonight is a resolution to approve and support the city’s application for the Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant. If successful, the city could receive up to $800,000 to fund infrastructure improvements in the FarGaze Meadows/Meadows Park area.
According to the resolution, Northfield’s housing market studies from 2020, 2022, and 2024 identify a need for more than 500 housing units over the next decade.
The grant would help reduce development costs and make it feasible to build homes affordable to families earning up to 150% of the area median income.
To meet the grant’s requirements, the city has committed matching funds through a mix of land value, down payment assistance, housing trust fund dollars, and in-kind staff work totaling over $800,000
The focus on this project aligns with the city’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, as well as its current three-year Strategic Plan, which both emphasize expanding housing availability citywide.
Ordinance to Restrict Fishing On Third Street Bridge
Also on the agenda is the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would restrict fishing on the north side only of the Bridge Square bridge. The measure, introduced by Mayor Erica Zweifel and Councilor Chad Beumer, aims to address safety concerns and improve pedestrian access in the downtown area. View the full staff report here.
Relocation of Parklet:
The Northfield City Council is set to vote on relocating one of its downtown parklets. The move would shift the seasonal seating area from Division Street to Water Street, in front of 304 Water Street. According to city budget staff, “staff is reviewing policies and potential planning for parklet management in the future in collaboration with the Friends of Downtown. This work is occurring in 2025 over the summer with plans to bring it back for further discussion for implementation in the Spring of 2026.”
Other Business:
- A review of the 2024 Carbon Reduction Fund Annual Report (view the full report here)
- Consideration of a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning grant
- Approval of disbursements and liquor licenses
Public Comment and Meeting Details:
The public is welcome to attend in person or watch online. To watch online, go to northfieldmn.gov and click the “Agenda & Minutes” button in the middle of the home page. From there, find tonight’s meeting date to watch, as well as a copy of the agenda and other meeting documents.
The meeting starts tonight at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Northfield City Hall.
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