Northfield council appoints patrol officer, approves insurance contracts and police building change order

The Village of Northfield council on June 25 unanimously appointed Aidan Katrincsak as a full-time patrol officer, approved insurance contracts with Selective and Hanover through Wichert Insurance Agency, and authorized Change Order No. 2 for Phase A1 of the new police department facility.

Mayor Jenn Domzalski called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and Finance Director and Clerk Jennifer Potvin read the roll. Council approved minutes for May 28, June 12 and June 19 after a motion by Councilperson Renell Noack, seconded by Alan Hipps; Zach Hebebrand abstained and the other four members voted yes.

Law Director Brad Bryan read Resolution No. 2025-34, which appoints Aidan Katrincsak to the patrol officer position. A motion to suspend the three-reading rule passed and the council then adopted the resolution by unanimous roll call. Police Chief Brian Zajac had noted the appointment earlier in the meeting as pending agenda business.

Council then took up Resolution No. 2025-35, authorizing the mayor to contract for the Village’s insurance policies with Selective and Hanover Insurance Companies through Wichert Insurance Agency. After a motion to suspend the three-reading rule and a second, the council adopted the resolution unanimously.

The council also approved Resolution No. 2025-36, authorizing Change Order No. 2 to the October 23, 2024 agreement with S & S Interiors, Inc. for Phase A1 of the new police facility. Councilmember Gary Vojtush asked whether the small storage shed included in the change order was necessary and whether the building is undersized. Service Superintendent Jason Walters replied the shed is temporary storage to be moved to Smith Park once Phase 1B is completed, said the Generac contract will be reduced because S & S will build the concrete pad, and explained additional items in the change order: a desk installation charge not in the original contract, a gun safe box, and higher asphalt costs to improve drainage. The council voted to adopt the change order after discussion; the motion to suspend the three-reading rule passed with one “no” (Vojtush) on that procedural motion but the final adoption carried unanimously.

Finance Director Jennifer Potvin said she will distribute financial reports through the end of May next week and close out June soon; she told council she expects a clearer fiscal picture by the end of August after Phase 1A is complete and staff see cost estimates for Phase 1B and Phase 2. Potvin also reported the Auditor’s office submitted an additional bill for work related to the Village’s transition to a new accounting software system, saying the change created extra work for auditors; she indicated the audit remains in process and that only management letter comments are expected.

Service Superintendent Walters reported capital and park updates: completion of the Houghton Road parking lot, installation of a new sidewalk to the Smith Park play area, an executed contract for a new fence, and that a restroom building is scheduled for delivery in October. Walters said remaining punch-list items remain for the new police building and that the sign will be installed in the coming weeks.

Councilmember Nick Magistrelli asked about a gas-line strike on Filly Lane; Fire Captain Joe Zemek said Windstream crews installing underground telecommunications lines struck a house gas line that had reportedly been mismarked and that Enbridge repaired the service. Walters added the contractor also hit two electric lines and the project has been halted pending resolution.

Other routine items: the Recreation Board will meet July 2 and Smith Park will host a movie in the park (The Goonies) on July 12. Councilmember Zach Hebebrand made brief remarks about looking forward to meeting more residents and employees. No executive session was held. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Next steps: Potvin will circulate mid-year financial reports soon; the council will proceed with Phase 1A closeout and subsequent cost estimates for later phases of the police facility.