City Council Meeting Date: August 25, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Establishing Working Group and Approving Related Mayoral Appointments.
Body
Action Requested:
The City Council is asked to approve a Resolution establishing a Drinking Water Quality Working Group and approving the Mayor's appointments to the Working Group.
Summary Report:
The City has been evaluating current and future drinking water treatment needs, including treatment options related to naturally occurring manganese and emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These topics have generated significant community interest and underscore the importance of providing residents with accurate, science-based information.
The concept for a working group originated with community members who expressed an interest in examining drinking water quality issues further. Mayor Zweifel and Council Member Beumer subsequently asked for staff collaboration and support in helping develop the concept. City Administrator Ben Martig, Utilities Manager Justin Wagner, and Public Works Director/City Engineer David Bennett were involved in providing initial structure for the group. The working group’s approach and details will continue to be developed collaboratively as the group begins its work.
Therefore, staff recommends establishing a Drinking Water Quality Working Group comprised of community members with expertise in public health, science, engineering, utilities, local government, and community engagement. The purpose of the Working Group is educational rather than advisory. The group will gather technical information, facilitate public discussion, and develop educational materials that explain the health considerations associated with manganese and PFAS, as well as potential water treatment options available to the City.
The Working Group will serve in an educational capacity only. It will not advocate for or recommend a specific water treatment alternative or future capital improvement project.
The Mayor recommends appointing the following individuals to serve on the Working Group. Additional members may be appointed if needed to support the group's work.
Glen Castore Bridgewater Township Supervisor
Bill Cowles Community Member
Chloe Fandel Carleton Assistant Professor of Geology
Paul Jackson St. Olaf Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies
Logan Kochendorfer St. Olaf Professor of Psychology
Shannon Lau Northfield Hospital Physician (OB/GYN)
George Zuccolotto Housing Director, Northfield Union of Youth; former Northfield City Council Member
The following staff members will offer support where needed.
Justin Wagner Utilities Manager
David Bennett Public Works Director/City Engineer
Ben Martig City Engineer
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
2045 Comprehensive Plan - Resilient Infrastructure - Drinking Water
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
The estimated costs associated with the Working Group are as follows. Any expenditures will be funded through the Water Fund.
|
Report on PFAS - Stantec Engineering, proposal received |
$5,000 |
|
Technical report on manganese (source to be determined; may be available through the Minnesota Department of Health at no cost) |
$5,000 |
|
Lab cost for additional testing |
$2,000 |
|
Public education materials |
$10,000 |
|
Total |
$22,000 |
Tentative Timelines:
September 2026 - February 2027 The Working Group is expected to hold approximately four public meetings and present its educational materials and summary of findings to the City Council upon completion.