Transformers top priority for flood protection
The Northfield Council heard an update on the recent flood from Police Chief Monte Nelson and Public Works Director Dave Bennett. City staff, particularly the Streets and Parks Department led by TJ Heinricy, received well-deserved praise as did the Emergency Mgmt team led by Tim Isom and the Police Department. Northfield Shares volunteer coordinator Candy Taylor was invaluable. They implemented many lessons learned from the 2010 and subsequent floods and while there was no major damage, the question was, what is the next priority for flood protection. Two of the 3 transformers that supply
electricity to downtown businesses were sitting in water. City Administrator Ben Martig said the first priority is to raise them up, in particular the inner workings. That will cost about $90,000. Martig said, “to this point, Xcel Energy has said that will be a local expense, not something the system would pay for. We’ll look at all the options”. Council discussed putting them in the CIP plan as the budget will be discussed at next week’s work session. Martig added, “some of them even said they’d like an option brought forward to say that even if we wanted to get this done this year, how might that be accomplished? So we’ll probably bring back a few options”. The transformers will remain in place but will be raised. To move them would be cost about twice as much. Martig said the downside is they might not be as aesthetically pleasing. Mayor Graham has a new Minute with the Mayor regarding the flood. Go to kymn.net.
Rice County looks at other ways assist victims of Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. In combination with the Hope Center and law enforcement, Rice County is looking at ways to help victims feel more secure in reporting the incidents to the authorities. County attorney John Fossum said it’s a serious problem and is mainly fear of retribution and, if the abuser is also the breadwinner, there may be no money coming into the house if they’re jailed. He said, “what we want to do is find ways to make it stop, make people feel safe at home and preserve their security both financially and otherwise”. Fossum says that they’ll be announcing some new programs later this month including, “penetrating more into the hair salons and working with the people who provide services and have contact with people who are in those situations to, again, improve reporting”. The scariest situation is when the victim is choked as dangerous symptoms aren’t immediately known, including brain damage. Executive Director of Hope Center, Erica Staab-Absher, has written a very powerful book entitled “She Stays”. Her interview with me is posted on kymn.net.
What’s the buzz? The BEE is!
It’s that time of year. The annual Trivia Bee to support the Friends of the Northfield Public Library. Gather a team of really smart people who know a lot of random information and enter a team! The event takes place at The Grand Event Center on October 27th from 7 to 9pm. To register your team go to http://www.northfieldpubliclibraryfriends.org/ or call 507-645-6606.
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