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Hood will defend the City
In a closed meeting last night, the Northfield City council authorized City Attorney, Chris Hood, to defend the City against pending/threatened litigation related to the police facility financing. David Ludescher, who is running for Council member at large against current councilor Betsey Buckheit, has been vocal about possibly filing a lawsuit against the City for their choice of financing. He’s of the opinion that the issue of financing for the Public Safety Center should be put to a public vote. The closed meeting lasted for an hour.
Franchise fee will be an option
Council’s work session began at about 7:30 with a report from Finance Director Kathleen McBride on the continuing franchise agreement negotiations with Excel Energy. In it she points out a change that would include adding the option to impose a franchise fee. Council members emphasized that they are not creating a franchise fee but only opening the door for future council to make that decision. It would have to be passed as an ordinance. McBride will be hammering out details of the agreement with Excel Energy on Friday.
Award of Tax Credit brings in $7 million project
Next up was good news from Michelle Merxbauer. The City, in conjunction with the HRA, was given an Award of Tax Credit from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to fund a 28 unit townhome complex called Spring Creek to be located behind the soccer field on Southbridge Dr. Staff had twice applied for this money and twice been turned down due to the MHFA changing gears to focus on preservation projects rather than new construction. However, 2 of those projects awarded were scrapped so Merxbauer got the good news. Merxbauer says this project is worth $7 million and must be completed by December 31st, 2013. It’ll be tight but Merxbauer believes the project can be completed. The HRA donated 4 acres of land and offered $10,000 toward the project. Merxbauer said they’ll have more details at the next work session. The work session can be viewed online at kymnradio.net.
Extra kids means busing adjustments
Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson reports that there have been a number of families who’ve waited till the first day of school to let them know their children will be attending. That means busing issues to deal with. Richardson says that they had upwards of 10 extra kids at some of the bus stops. They’re working closely with the bus company, Benjamin Bus, to see where they needs are and will be doing some adjustments to the bus schedules. periods.
Recycle your junk
Got junk? Recycle it. The first of three FREE appliance recycling collection events offered by Rice County Environmental Services will be held this Saturday, September 15th at the Rice County Fairgrounds. Rice County residents will be able to bring appliances for recycling free of charge to this event. They’re accepting a number of items including refridgerators, washers, dryers, ovens and stoves, dehumidifiers and heaters. For a complete list go to the Rice county website. Small appliances will not be accepted. The hours are from 8a to 3pm. Be sure to bring proof of residency in Rice County such as your drivers license or utility bill. Next events will be September 29th and October 6th. More information on appliance recycling and event routing is available on the Rice County website at www.co.rice.mn.us/waste. You can also call Rice County Environmental Services at 507-332-6833 .
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