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For the top news briefs,
- The Northfield City Council voted 4 to 3 Monday night in favor of authorizing the negotiations of contracts for city attorney services. The Mayor, City administrator and mayor pro-tem will negotiate a contract for Chris Hood of St. Paul law firm Flaherty and Hood to provide civil attorney services to the city and for Elliot Knetsch of the Eagan firm Campbell Knutson for prosecutorial services. The city attorney selection committee is recommending 3-year contracts for both firms. The decision generated a lengthy discussion at the council’s Monday meeting. The talk focused primarily on transparency and the process of selecting the attorney. The council also addressed hiring a local firm vs. hiring firms from out of town. Council members Jim Pokorney, Kris Vohs and Jon Denison voted against the motions. Several citizens spoke out in support of the Lampe law firm, whose lawyers, Maren Swanson and Tim Morisette have represented the city since 1988. Mayor Mary Rossing stressed the decision wasn’t a reflection on past services, but rather a choice by the selection committee to move forward. Cost was also a factor. If the contracts are successfully negotiated, lawyers from the new firms are expected to start in January, 2010.
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St. Olaf President David Anderson spoke at a Northfield Downtown Development Corporation forum on Tuesday. Anderson spoke about a wide range of topics including the school's operating budget, the renovation of the old science building and the school's goals for its students moving forward. Anderson stressed that 70% of St. Olaf's operating budget comes from student's tuition and fees. He says in light of the economic downturn, he doesn't anticipate any significant tuition increases for students any time soon. As for those who say the college isn't doing enough for the city, Anderson says he “sick and tired of that.” Anderson mentioned several ways St. Olaf contributes to the community. He said together, St. Olaf and Carleton contribute $146,000 voluntarily to the city annually. The school also waives $100,000 each year to allow Northfield High School students to register for St. Olaf courses. And, St. Olaf spends more than $1 million dollars each year through contracts with Northfield businesses.
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The Rice County Public Health Nursing Service has scheduled an additional public seasonal influenza vaccination clinic. The clinic takes place today from 4:00 until 5:00 at the Rice County Government Center in Faribault. The charge for the flu immunization is $20.00. If you are on Medicare Health Plans or Medical Assistance (Medicaid), bring your program card to the clinic and Public Health will bill Medicare or Medical Assistance for you.
