City Council Meeting Date: May 5, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Risi Karim, Assistant City Administrator
Keenan Knutelski, Human Resource Manager
Title
Presentation of Summary Conclusions of the Evaluation of the Performance of Ben Martig, City Administrator, Pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13D.05, subd. 3.
Body
Action Requested:
Mayor Zweifel will summarize the conclusions of City Administrator Martig’s performance evaluation during the regular City Council meeting as a follow-up to the closed session of May 4, 2026, held at 6:00 p.m.
Summary Report:
Mayor Erica Zweifel will present the summary of conclusions during this agenda item consistent with Minnesota Statutes §13D.05, subd. 3. as well as the City Council Policy 1.02 City Administrator Performance Review Policy (see attached “mid-year check-in” section highlighted in yellow on page 7 of 7).
Background
The Northfield City Council held a closed meeting on May 4, 2026. The closed meeting was pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §13D.05, subd. 3. reads as follows:
Subd. 3.What meetings may be closed.
(a) A public body may close a meeting to evaluate the performance of an individual who is subject to its authority. The public body shall identify the individual to be evaluated prior to closing a meeting. At its next open meeting, the public body shall summarize its conclusions regarding the evaluation. A meeting must be open at the request of the individual who is the subject of the meeting.
The closed meeting, in conformance with the policy, included City Administrator Martig updating on progress on current personal and professional growth and goals from the current review period. The City Council was provided an opportunity for open dialogue with the City Administrator providing feedback but without conducting any formal evaluation.
The summary conclusions will complete the requirements of the City Administrator review policy related to the “mid-year check-in.”
Alternative Options:
Not applicable.
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable.
Pursuant to the City Council Policy 1.02 City Administrator Performance Review Policy the “mid-year check-in” will not include consideration of any salary adjustments.
Tentative Timelines:
ü May 4th City Council Closed Meeting
• May 5th City Council Regular Meeting (open meeting) Summarizes its conclusions regarding the mid-year check-in under Minn. Stat. sec. 13D.05, subd. 3(a) on whether the City Administrator fulfilled the expectation to present on goals per 1.b. above of this City Administrator Performance Review Policy.
No Further Schedule Related to Mid-Year Check-In.
A closed meeting is scheduled for Monday November 9, 2026 for the City Administrator’s annual performance evaluation, with follow-up action at the Tuesday November 10, 2026 regular City Council meeting.