For decades, North Oaks had binding agenda rules requiring the council to provide a full packet of background materials one week before a vote. These rules enabled meaningful public engagement and required a two-thirds vote to act on an agenda item.

• On August 14, 2025, Mayor Wolter proposed replacing these rules with staff “guidelines.” The council approved the change 4–1, with Andrew as the sole dissenting vote. Wolter and Azman voted in favor. The new guidelines significantly weaken residents’ ability to understand and participate in city government:

  • Requirements are now targets to meet “when feasible.”

  • Materials may arrive as late as 3 p.m. on meeting day.

  • The packet target shrank from seven days to three.

  • Just three votes can add an item not on the agenda, down from four.

  • The guarantee of public comment was eliminated.

• Example: On June 12, 2025, the mayor proposed raising sewer rates 8–10% and water rates 3% without providing residents a packet to review—or even giving council members a written packet. Andrew voted no, requesting the full, written financial plan before considering the increases. See the meeting here: https://webstreaming.ctv15.org/viewer.php?streamid=7861

The current council routinely makes major decisions without resident input. While routine business doesn’t require public consultation, major decisions should. As elected representatives, council members have an obligation to seek residents’ input. Here are examples of when they failed to do so. 

• On September 10, 2026, the council voted 4-1 to commission the design of a new multi-million dollar city hall, at taxpayer cost, possibly on NOHOA's Southpointe field. Andrew voted no, asking that residents be engaged first. See the meeting here: https://webstreaming.ctv15.org/viewer.php?streamid=8761

• On November 20, 2025, the council voted 4-1 to ask the Met Council to allow sewer service citywide without any resident engagement on the issue, though it would have broad ranging implications for residents. See the meeting here: https://webstreaming.ctv15.org/viewer.php?streamid=8182

We’ll publish complete materials one week before any vote, require a real supermajority to act on items that weren't on the agenda, and provide a guaranteed public comment period. We'll also hold forums so that residents have the option to weigh in before major decisions are made, not after.