Nfld Council begins process to amend “unconstitutionally vague” Animal ordinance
The Northfield Council meets tonight. On the agenda is the City’s animal ordinance, which said residents could have only 3 animals unless permitted by the City Council. A resident, who is represented by Attorney Ludescher, has been seeking permission to have 4 animals, which has been repeatedly denied due to conditions the dogs were living in. The Police became involved when neighbors reported on the conditions. After checking on the animals, the resident was cited and one of the dogs removed. However, in April, Rice County Judge Tom Neuville found that Northfield City Code 10-39 is unconstitutionally vague because it gives the Northfield City Council the arbitrary power to determine who obtains an animal permit. Deputy Chief Mark Dukatz said, “at this point we don’t have an ordinance to enforce as far as numbers of dogs a resident can have in their home”.
That means no permits will be issued either. He added that they’ll have to make some other changes as well as service dogs don’t count toward that “permitted number” because they are not considered pets but rather a necessity. In consultation with the City Attorney, Police Department staff have been working to create a new animal ordinance. The proposed initial draft will be on an August or September Council Work Session. Tonight is amending the current ordinance to drop code 10-39. Mayor Graham will be in studio tomorrow morning at 7:20 with a recap. This topic will also be on Beyond the Open Mic with Don McGee and Victor Summa. They’ll also discuss the Waterford annexation agreement. That’s at 6 tonight on Beyond the Open Mic.
LBSA holding their 25th annual Golf Tournament
Laura Baker Services Association will hold their 25th annual golf tournament on July 11th. Director of Community Relations Lynn Miland say LBSA is a, “superior provider of support services and housing for folks with individual and developmental disabilities and their families”. She added that the needs and services they provide today has increased dramatically in those 25 years. The golf tournament is one of their biggest fundraisers. While registration formally ended on Friday, Miland said they won’t turn anyone away! Individuals and businesses are invited to golf, sponsor or join them for dinner. Go online at laurabaker.org for more details.
Prolific poster gets invite to the White House – he’s the top cop in Kenyon
Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander is a prolific Facebook poster. Recently his post reaching out to a squatter got him an invitation to go to Washington, DC. The event was a conference on 21st century policing. Since 2009, Sjolander has amassed 24,000 followers with his “Thoughts from Chief Sjolander” posts that can be funny, serious and certainly personal. Kenyon is a town of about 2,000. You can check out all his quirkiness on the Kenyon Police Department facebook page.
Seal coating project will limit parking
Starting at 5 this afternoon there will be about 50 fewer parking spaces in downtown Northfield as the lot behind the Archer House will close for seal coating. Building officials said it should reopen by Friday afternoon. Northfield Police will be enforcing the 2 hour time limit for parking now that they have a new Community Service Officer. She’s been handing out warnings but ticketing will come next week.
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