Nfld Hosp refi will save major $
Northfield Council is considering acting as a conduit for Northfield Hospital and Clinics as they refinance. The Hospital’s CFO, Scott Edin told Council they have nearly $25 million in existing bonds that they can refinance and realize some very significant savings, potentially as much as $600,000 of interest savings per year in the early stages. Documentation is being finalized and a resolution will come back to Council August 2nd.
Northfield to sell bonds to fund fire trucks and more
The City of Northfield is selling over $2.7 million in bonds. Mayor Graham explains that it will help with the Woodley Street project, the utililty project at the Waste Water treatment facility and some equipment certificates for the City’s portion of buying a couple of fire trucks. They’re all general obligation bonds which can be bought tax free.
DNR buys land for Mill Towns Trail
The Department of Natural Resources announced yesterday the acquisition of nearly 6 miles of railroad property for the Mill Towns State Trail between Faribault and Dundas. The DNR purchased the land from the Canadian Pacific Railway for $810,000. With the new property, the DNR now owns 9 of the 11 miles of trail right-of-way needed to connect Faribault and Dundas. They are working with trail partners and landowners to secure the remaining 2 miles. Funding for the project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Additional funding came from bonding and the Parks and Trails Fund. Senator Kevin Dahle authored a bonding request for the trail this year. He commented on how critical this piece of land is. Five miles of it have been paved so far. A 3-mile segment between Dundas and Northfield was constructed by the city of Northfield in the late 1990s. A 2-mile segment, under construction between Lake Byllesby Regional Park and Cannon Falls, will be completed this fall. In addition, 2 miles of trail in Faribault have been constructed in anticipation of extending the trail to Dundas. The trail will follow the Cannon River for 25 miles, linking historic mill towns along Southern Minnesota.
Main Street Project recognized
BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota recently recognized Main Street Project here in Northfield. President of Community Health and Health Equity Janelle Waldock said the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross, which invests their Tobacco Settlement proceeds into community health projects, has been funding the Main Street Project for a number of years. Main Street’s focus is on creating a healthy food system. Waldock commented, “and that is really important work because we know that that’s necessary to increase access to healthy food for people”. She added that Blue Cross was also attracted to Main Street Project for the learning piece that they believe will be applicable to other locations. We’ll have more from Niel Ritchie, CEO of Main Street Project on Monday.
Sign up for Safety Camp
The Northfield Police Department will hold their annual Safety Camp July 26th – 28th for kids going into 4th thru 7th grades. Part of the activities include a couple of bike safety programs, games, firefighters, EMS and police will be there for different segments and one of their medical helicopters will be there too. Police Chief Monte Nelson said you can sign up for any or all of the days through Community Education or call 663-9336 and talk with Officer Angela Borchardt.
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