Dennison Mayor Jeffrey Flaten finally got what he asked for when legislators, this year, passed a bonding bill. The City will receive funding for a lift station, water infiltration and lining of the sewer mains. Flaten’s original ask was for $726,000. They started setting aside money believing they’d have to have a small match but then language came back saying they didn’t have to match any. It’s a full grant. In 2014, citizens started being assessed $25 monthly to start setting aside money for the sewer ponds and lift station. Flaten said at
their last Council meeting, “I think I might eventually eliminate that $25 a month fee increase”. Dollars collected so far would stay in the sewer fund and likely be used for smaller projects. The Mayor was relentless in his pursuit, beginning in 2015 writing letters, pressuring legislators and gaining the support of Lt. Gov. Smith. He said, “so you put all those things together and there’s just way too much inertia to stop it”. The major work won’t start for a while. He said it would be “pushing it” to get it started this Fall. They still have to go out for bids. Flaten still occasionally has to climb down into the station to check the meters but once the new system is set, the meters will be above ground.
Charges will likely be filed in rollover crash
After a very serious injury crash last weekend, Rice County Attorney John Fossum said this morning, “I
expect that the driver will be charged. We are waiting for the rest of the evidence to come in. That would be the medical evidence because the physical level of injuries to the 2 passengers in the car will, in part, determine the level of the charge”. 20 year old Derek Staley, of Cannon Falls was airlifted to HCMC from the scene near 11000 Kane Trail in Northfield Township early Saturday morning. The 22 year old driver, Kaleb Meyers, of Hastings and passenger, 19 year old Dustin Schultz were taken to Regions Hospital by ambulance. Alcohol is suspected. Fossum said, “We had a blood test drawn by warrant and we’ll be waiting for the results of that. It takes a couple of weeks to get that back”. Staley, the most severely injured, is in critical condition.
Nfld Council has full plate tonight
The Northfield City Council meets tonight. First in closed session to discuss Administrator Ben Martig’s performance so far. There are 3 public hearings including a change to the Historic District and the sale of 219 Water Street to Basil’s Pizza for an expansion. Several items crowd the Regular agenda including a proposal for a financial analysis of the NCRC in preparation for a management change. Lastly Council will discuss the flap over the Charter Commission appointees. The City has added eComments and you have an opportunity to voice your opinion on any item by noon on the day of the meeting, you can also register to speak at the open mic. Mayor Pownell and Administrator Martig will be in studio tomorrow morning with a recap.
