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Newfolden council scales down Rivers Edge Phase 1 to qualify for $400,000 infrastructure grant; approves signage, billing and contract measures
Summary
On Jan. 20, 2026 the Newfolden City Council voted to reconceptualize Phase 1 of the Rivers Edge Addition to meet an $800,000–$900,000 funding threshold and pursue a $400,000 Minnesota Infrastructure Grant, and approved street-sign replacements, estimated January meter readings because of winter conditions, an extension of an administrative contract for DEED SCDP funding, and routine claims.
The Newfolden City Council voted Jan. 20, 2026 to reconceptualize Phase 1 of the Rivers Edge Addition into a smaller first phase so the city can meet a funding threshold of $800,000 to $900,000 and pursue a $400,000 Minnesota Infrastructure Grant intended to support affordable housing opportunities.
Councilmember Darin Jacobson moved the reconceptualization; Councilmember Mark Augustine seconded, and the motion carried. The minutes record the directive to city engineers to revise the phase planning to align with the grant threshold, with the stated goal of advancing affordable housing projects in the Rivers Edge development.
The council also approved several procedural and public-safety items. Citing time and safety concerns amid consecutive snow events and a forecast of dangerously low temperatures, the council approved using estimated January meter readings for billing. Councilmember Darin Jacobson moved that measure and Councilmember Mark Augustine seconded; the motion carried. The minutes note that Public Works continued snow removal responsibilities.
For traffic safety and navigation, the council approved installation and replacement of street signs at four locations: a yield sign for westbound traffic on East Third Street at East Bakke Avenue; a stop sign for eastbound traffic on West Third Street at Bakke Avenue; replacement of the Minnesota Avenue sign at Minnesota and Main Street; and replacement of the East Fourth Street sign at East Fourth Street and Bakke Avenue. Councilmember Mark Augustine moved the signage package; Councilmember Darin Jacobson seconded and the motion carried.
The council authorized an extension of the administrative services contract with Northwest Community Action to administer DEED SCDP funding. Councilmember Darin Jacobson moved the contract extension; Councilmember Mark Augustine seconded and the motion carried. The minutes list the extension as related to administering the DEED SCDP funding but do not provide contract terms in this record.
The meeting concluded after the council approved submitted claims and timesheets and then adjourned. Mayor Lori Warne and City Administrator Tammy Hansen signed the minutes.
Votes at a glance - Approve Jan. 20 agenda — Motion by Councilmember Mark Augustine; second by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; outcome: approved ("carried"). - Approve consent agenda — Motion by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; second by Councilmember Mark Augustine; outcome: approved. - Approve estimated January meter readings for billing — Motion by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; second by Councilmember Mark Augustine; outcome: approved. - Approve signage installations/replacements (four locations) — Motion by Councilmember Mark Augustine; second by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; outcome: approved. - Direct engineers to reconceptualize Rivers Edge Addition Phase 1 to meet $800k–$900k threshold and pursue $400,000 MN Infrastructure Grant — Motion by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; second by Councilmember Mark Augustine; outcome: approved. - Extend Administrative Services contract with Northwest Community Action for DEED SCDP administration — Motion by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; second by Councilmember Mark Augustine; outcome: approved. - Approve submitted claims and timesheets — Motion by Councilmember Mark Augustine; second by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; outcome: approved. - Adjourn — Motion by Councilmember Darin Jacobson; second by Councilmember Mark Augustine; outcome: approved.
The minutes do not include vote tallies or detailed debate on the items beyond the recorded motions and the stated reasons for estimated meter readings. The council listed Melissa Bjorgaard and Adam Gast as absent.
