PC Meeting Date: January 15, 2026
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Title
Staff Updates.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff provide updates to the Planning Commission.
Summary Report:
City Council & Board/Commission Updates
- The upcoming agenda items list is attached for reference.
- A reminder that board/commission terms now run through the month of April.
o Will Schroeer is terming off and will not be eligible for reappointment.
o Bill Kuhlmann’s term is ending and is eligible for reappointment.
- The meeting schedule for the year is attached.
Zoning Code Update & Redesign
- Houseal Lavigne (HL) has been selected as the consultant for the zoning code update and redesign. Staff and the consultant, with review and input from the Zoning Code Update Subcommittee (consisting of Bill Kuhlmann, Will Schroeer and Steve Schmidt), have finalized the proposal from HL. The final contract was approved by City Council on January 6, 2026.
Planning Applications & Related Updates
- Park & Trail Dedication Fees:
In December 2025, staff presented the “why” behind increasing park and trail dedication fees and “how” this fits into the city’s policies and plans. From that meeting, staff heard keeping costs low for affordable units is important, keeping costs low for overall development costs is important, weighing architectural design over fees is important, seeing local examples to show what the cost would be for development in Northfield would be helpful in making a decision, and using comparable cities as examples would provide more context for how Northfield falls in the mix of cities of our size, location and amenities.
Given the discussion from the Dec. meeting, staff plan to bring forward at the February 2026 meeting; language in the code that offers flexibility for affordable housing to waive or decrease the park dedication fees, a chart to show examples of proposed fees (ranging from low to high, flat rate and percentage based, and shows the breakdown for residential, commercial and industrial) and lean on the comprehensive plans decision-making framework as the analysis on whether or not this fee increase is supported or not. The decision-making framework includes: Find creative solutions to local challenges, Emphasize equity, Foster resilience, Be economically responsible and sustainable, Foster human connections, Promote safe and stable housing, and Provide mobility options. See the attached hyperlink to the Vision and Guiding Values chapter of the comprehensive plan.
- See the hyperlink in the attachments for the City’s Development Map.
- The Archer project has been put on hold / is not moving forward at this time per the development team. Financing for the project has been the major factor holding them off from beginning construction. The city is working with the development team to continue keeping the site safe and any other ways the city can support the project coming to fruition. New banners, designed by Rocky Casillas Aguirre, have been installed on the security fencing along Division St. to improve the aesthetics.
- The Cedar Meadows development has completed their financing and is finalizing their financial security documents. Once those are in order, the city and the development team will sign the development agreement and final plat, which can then be recorded with Dakota County. Then the development team will begin site work to clear trees and grade the site.
- Staff continue to work with Post Consumer Brands on the Ames Mill Dam. The main discussion includes timeline of transferring ownership of the dam. The dam is part of our Downtown Historic District, so a certificate of appropriateness and Section 106 review will be required.
Training Opportunities
- The Maryland Department of Planning has free webinars on a variety of topics. Please see the link in the attachments to view and/or subscribe.
- The National Alliance for Preservation Commissions has webinars related to historic preservation. The city is a member and can share webinar links if there is interest.
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timeline:
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