_20130506161942.png)
Man charged in Stremcha murder goes on trial November 15th
22 year old Semaj Williams, one of the men charged in the July 2011 murder of former Northfielder Shea Stremcha will stand trial on November 15th. He was set to go to trial last week but the judge postponed it after he entered a guilty plea. Yesterday, Williams again changed his mind. According to the Northfield News, a spokesman for the Hennepin County attorney’s office, Chuck Laszewski, said that Williams attorney told the court they were considering hiring an expert to help them in the trial. He waived his right to a speedy trial and was told he will not be offered another plea agreement. The second man charged in the case, 28 year old Robert Shelby Emmanuel, pleaded guilty to 2nd degree intentional murder. In exchange for testifying against Williams, Emmanuel accepted a plea bargain from the county attorney that includes over 35 years in prison. According to court documents, Williams and Emmanuel broke into Stremcha’s south Minneapolis home and shot Stemcha after he confronted the men. Williams is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree burglary. If convicted, Williams will receive life in prison and will have to serve 30 years before he can even be considered for parole.
Another step toward the new PSC
As the city and council move closer toward building a new Public Safety Center, there have been changes since the last time DLR, the architect firm hired by the City, has submitted plans. Specifically the site change which is laid out differently from the original schematics planned for a more rectangular space. That’s not the only change Architect Mike Clark pointed out. With the new Land Development Codes, there are new rules to follow. Clark had 2 draft options laid out. One that fit with the old codes and another altered for the new code. While council was given the option to consider waiving the new LDC, they agreed to follow the new code. In regard to design, council was in agreement that form should follow function. They want a sturdy, decent looking building that’s built to last. Now it’s up to DLR along with Mark Taylor and staff to further develop plans. Another consideration brought up by Councilor Pownell was the purchase of the acre of land in close proximity to the Cowles site. The city will look into what that would take. Clark agreed that it would be strategic to own that property.
City’s looking good…
The Council received an update on the city’s financial position. Overall Mayor Rossing says the city’s in good shape with a $700,000 surplus. The majority of revenue comes from LGA. The other piece is that in 2011 spending came in at $200,000 less than anticipated. Rossing credits staff for their diligence. The extra cash goes into the General Fund. To help pay for the new PSC, Rossing says they’ll use part of that money as well as the cable tv fund, the Capital Reserve fund and the IT equipment replacement fund. There will be a public hearing on the sale of the bonds for the PSC on June 5th. If you’d like more information go to the city of northfield website.
Streetscape Task Force wants your input
The City of Northfield and the Streetscape Task Force will host a Public Forum from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight in the City Council chambers. The project’s design team will have copies of the project plan and be present to answer any questions. The plan includes short, medium and long range ideas including landscape plantings, streetscape treatments, pedestrian walkways and more as well as proposals for the enhancement of major intersections along the corridors. They invite your thoughts, concerns and ideas. For more information, contact Ross Currier at 663-0319 or rcurrier@nddc.org.
Hospital Strategic Task Force meets for the first time
Following the open house, the Hospital Strategic Task Force will meet tonight at 7:30 in the Council Chambers. This will be the first time the group has met since being formed. The task force includes Hospital board members Brett Reese, James Schlichting and Charlie Austin as well as council members, Betsy Buckheit, Patrick Ganey and Ivan Imm. The first meeting will likely cover resources they’ll need for their work, whether they feel the need to hire a facilitator and when the group will report to the council.
Click here to listen to today’s NEWS AUDIO
Listen for news updates on-air at 6, 7, 8, Noon, 3 & 5
(Please spread the word! RECOMMEND to your Friends below)
