Fishing Ordinance off the hook for now
The Fishing Ordinance remains off the hook. Last night Northfield Police Chief Monte Nelson presented another version of the proposed ordinance. After further discussion with civil and criminal attorneys, this ordinance called for No Fishing from April 1st to November 1st during Froggy’s business hours on about 65 feet of actual Riverwalk . Nelson said this zone is 37 feet shorter than previously proposed. City Administrator Ben Martig explained this morning that most fisher people and diners coexist however they
have had an incident with someone casting down there and wouldn’t move, knowing that the City could do nothing as there’s no ordinance to enforce. Owner Laurie Hoheisel has continued saying it’s about safety as lures land in umbrellas and flown past patrons. DeLong said the fishing came before the dining. He said now the City is being asked to restrict, for the safety of people, which was never a problem before the outdoor dining was allowed. Nakasian said, “the only solution I can see is spending $95 on a mesh net across that you can’t even see like in a golf course or something”. Councilor Zweifel, who motioned to approve the ordinance, was proud of the work staff had done and said, “I’m optimistic that this compromise could solve the issue and I’d like to give it a try and see if it does”. Seeing the ordinance would likely go nowhere, Martig suggested tabling the issue saying there is no urgency to it as outdoor dining will become more and more limited into the Fall season. He said they’re kicking the can down the road and will see if there are any other ideas. DeLong made the motion to postpone indefinitely the proposed ordinance. They voted 5 to 1 to postpone action. Martig will be sitting in for Mayor Graham during the weekly recap of Council meetings during the election season.
Northfield Hospital & Clinics creates a “Hospitalist” team
A Hospitalist is a doctor who focuses solely on those receiving care in a hospital. Northfield Hospital and Clinics CEO, Steve Underdahl, said, with cooperation from Allina they have pulled together a core group of doctors. As of Thursday, they have them all under one umbrella as a coordinated department within the organization. He said, “Hospital medicine has become much more of it’s own specialty. When you and I were kids your doctor looked after you in the hospital, probably pulled shifts in the ER, might take your tonsils out – that’s just not how it works anymore”. Today if you qualify for hospital care, you’re pretty sick. Underdahl said what they’ve heard from patients is that, if they can, they’d like to stay local. He said this program helps them do that.
Former Northfielder sets Simon Cowell on fire?
The Passing Zone surrounded Simon Cowell in fire! Last night as the Wild Card choice of the judges on America’s Got Talent, former Northfielder Jon Wee and his partner got another chance. The results will be revealed tonight! If necessary, they may need more votes for a “Dunkin Save”. Check out The Passing Zone facebook page.
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