Apple Valley murder-suicide couple identified
Police released the identities of an Apple Valley couple who died in a murder-suicide Wednesday evening. According to investigators and autopsies performed by the Hennepin County medical examiner 49 year old Alan Lee Josephson, fatally shot his wife, 56 year old Lynn Marie Josephson, in the head before turning the gun on himself. The Star Tribune reports that a neighbor reported hearing several “bangs” around 6:30 Wednesday evening, the same time frame in which medical officials believe the couple died. Officers arrived the next morning to perform a welfare check
and found their bodies with a .38 caliber handgun nearby. Crime scene analysis indicated that Alan fired multiple times at Lynn, striking her twice. He shot himself in the head soon after. Friends and family described them as a happy couple but said Alan struggled with depression. Police called the level of violence surprising since the only contact authorities had with the residence involved routine calls. The couple had lived in the home since 1996. Neither spouse appears to have a history of violence.
Planning Commission ponders Granny pods
This Spring, Governor Dayton passed legislation to allow temporary healthcare dwellings on caregiver lots despite zoning requirements unless the municipality opted out. Every town opted out due to the lack of regulation and ambiguity in the bill. However, in Northfield, Council asked that the Planning Commission look into developing possible codes. Northfield Planning Commission Chair Richard Schulte attended a conference on temporary healthcare dwellings, aka granny pods, put on by John Louiselle and Jessi Lamme of NextDoor Housing,who created the portable homes and were responsible for the bill. He said that after everyone opted out, the men are regrouping, “they still think that there’s a need. In 10 years there will be more people over [the age of] 65 than there will be the count of all students from k through 12th grade students in Minnesota”. Right now, it costs between $5 and $10,000 a month for nursing home facilities. Schulte said Louiselle and Lamme think they can make the granny pods in volume and rent them for $1250 per month. Community Development Director Chris Heineman enlisted the consultation of William Weber on crafting zoning laws for Northfield. Click on the links for Weber’s opinion and the Planning Commision meeting. weber-memo-temp-1
Northfield seeks to fill Advisory Boards and Commissions
The City of Northfield is looking for applicants to fill volunteer positions on several City advisory boards and commissions including Northfield’s representatives for the Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service aka NAFRS Joint Powers Board. Several positions on various boards and commissions expire at the end of December. Members participate in advisory, regulatory, governance and oversight activities in a wide variety of fields. The City Council is committed to appointing citizens who reflect and represent diverse segments of the community. The application review process will begin immediately. Applications may be turned in throughout the year, however those wanting to be considered for the openings at the beginning of 2017 should submit applications no later than Friday, November 28, 2016. Additional information and applications may be obtained in the Administration Office at City Hall or online at ci.northfield.mn.us.
And, if you haven’t heard, tomorrow’s election day! If you’re unsure where your polling place is, check with your City or township hall or the MN Secretary of State website.
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