An emotional Ganey says goodbye, Clack warns council and payment to Roder raises the hackles of council and public
During the Public comment period at last night’s council meeting, Northfielder Tim Clack spoke on his petition to call for a reverse referendum regarding the Public Safety Center financing. His intent is to get 400 signatures by September 28th and then deliver them to the City Clerk. His parting comment was “just because something’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s right”.
Patrick Ganey turned in his resignation last night. With tears, Ganey told the council that it had been an honor to serve. Mayor Rossing praised his attention to detail and to compliance with procedure. His last day is Sunday. Ganey has taken a position at Middlebury College in Vermont. Council will now have to appoint someone to fill his Ward 4 seat through 2013. A special election will be held in November of next year to elect someone to finish his term which ends at the end of 2014.
The subject of a $25,000 severance payment to former City Administrator Al Roder, turned into a lengthy debate during last night’s council meeting. What it boils down to is that another council obligated the City to make the payment therefore, while this council was uncomfortable paying it, they had no choice. The chapter, however, is not at an end. The City remains obligated to pay attorney’s fees Roder incurs in testimony against former Mayor Lee Lansing. Mayor Rossing reiterated that the the subject before them was about payment of an obligation and that it did not need to go before the council. She only added it to the agenda to make it as part of public record. Councilor Nakasian wanted to know if the City could amend the contract with Roder and perhaps lower the hourly rate his attorney, David Lillehaug, is charging. Nakasian will formulate her question and send it to City Administrator Tim Madigan to have the City’s attorney, Chris Hood look into it.
Ridership is up
Council heard good news from Hiawathaland Transit. Since they’re take over of Northfield’s transit system, ridership is up. Hiawathaland’s Amy Ripinski said ridership has risen from about 30 a day to upward of 200 a day. One difference is that College was back in session when checking for Hiawathaland. Councilor Zweifel commented that the seniors really like the changes, it makes it easier for them to get to the NCRC. Ripinski said they also increased the hours of Dial A Ride service. We’ll have more on last night’s council meeting throughout the day. The entire meeting is archived online at kymnradio.net.
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