City Council Meeting Date: February 10, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Discussion of Financial Review Areas of Focus, Process, and Representation.
Body
Action Requested:
Discussion only.
Summary Report:
Councilor Dahlen has proposed the following motion to be considered by the City Council:
Move that the City Council form a Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) to advise the Council on the revenue and spending decisions (operating expenses, CIP, CEP, etc.) before the Council. The CAG shall consist of minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 members who are Northfield residents or commercial taxpayers in Northfield and chosen by the Council from nominations put forth by the nominee or others supportive of the nominee. The CAG shall elect its own chair who convenes all meetings and is the CAG's chief spokesperson. Service by the CAG members shall be uncompensated and last no more than two years, subject to any extension by vote of the Council.
This memo introduces the proposal by Councilmember Dahlen to explore the formation of a Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) that would provide structured citizen feedback on major city revenue and spending decisions-including operating budget, capital improvement program (CIP) and other financial policy matters-prior to Council action. This worksession is a non-voting opportunity for an initial Council discussion related to interest in the concept, clarify goals, and to frame possible options for design and implementation.
Historically, the City has relied on traditional public engagement mechanisms such as public hearings, comment periods, open forums. Additionally, there had previously been a Council Policy Committee comprised of three Councilmembers tasked with reviewing financial policies and advising on updates. The Council disbanded this group due to other priorities of the Council. Alternatively, staff was suggested to bring any policy review or amendments proposed to the f...
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