Disbursements/data privacy discussed
Recently there were 2 disbursements brought into question and a simple request to find out what one, in particular, was for, was denied due to data privacy. Interim City Administrator CC Linstroth, “so the City’s discussion or disclosure of information is primarily governed by the Minnesota government data practices act. And under that law, information on current and former city personnel is presumed private unless the law expressly provides certain information is public”. Linstroth added that staff and city officials could be guilty of a criminal misdemeanor if they disclose information protected. A $10,501.90 disbursement written to Everett and Vanderweil was approved at Council’s March 15th meeting. As public funds are used to pay it, KYMN wanted to know what was it for. While the disbursement was listed in Human Resources, what I was looking for was whether it was for an investigation. Linstroth confirmed that off air. We don’t know the details and the information will be heavily redacted once I receive it from the City Clerk. Last week, Council removed a $25,000 disbursement from the long list, when no one seemed to know what it was for. LInstroth, “so this was relating to the case Walerius vs the City of Northfield, Jeff, and the cost of the entire case was $53,228″. The City won summary judgement and former Interim Police Chief Chuck Walerius declined to appeal. The$25,000 payment was for the deductible. Mayor Graham noted that council members can ask at any time a question regarding the disbursements. He added that, without Finance Director Melanie Lammers, at the last meeting, the question couldn’t be answered at the dais. To remove confusion, Graham is going to propose that staff be prepared to explain any disbursement over $5,000 that’s a personnel matter. LInstroth and Graham asked to be on air to clarify the issues. Tomorrow, Graham will be giving a State of the City address at a Chamber luncheon at The Grand. It’s open to the public and all the information is on northfieldchamber.com
Nfld offers option to Dundas on E. Cannon River trail
Awarding the bid for the E. Cannon River Trail project was postponed at last week’s Northfield council meeting until Dundas discussed their financial share of the trail. Linstroth and Public Works Director Dave Bennett presented to Dundas Council last night. Dundas Administrator John McCarthy said the bids for the bituminous trail appear very favorable with a total trail cost of $1,007,056. After grants, Dundas’ share is $88,409. It is not in their budget. Northfield staff is recommended a term of up to 10 years for Dundas to pay for its portion of the costs. McCarthy will be in studio at 8:45 with information about their decision and the rest of their meeting. Dundas council is on board, there are just a few minor details to straighten out, according to City Administrator John McCarthy.
Don Nelson donates to “very significant gift” to Northfield Shares
Northfield Shares is a community foundation centered on philanthropy and volunteerism. They announced that Donald H. Nelson has donated the Engeseth-Rinde Farm to the organization. President Craig Ellingboe said this is a very significant gift. The $462,000 will, “endow a donor advised fund that will be set up to aid the dreams and wishes of Don Nelson to return the property to prairie land and conservation resources”. The farm, which sits near Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, will be added to the new Prairie Creek Wildlife Management Area. At 90 years old, Nelson has a track record of generosity. Ellingboe wanted to make sure he said how grateful they are to Don for his vision and insight into doing this. He added that it’s been a real pleasure to get to know him. Nelson has donated 3 farms to enhance conservation.
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