The City of Northfield does not need another sheet of ice. A market study by Ballard&King included a host of statistics. While the population is expected to grow by 5.5{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} in the next decade,consultant Jeff King summed it up saying they “did not find a demonstrated need for a 2nd sheet of ice” primarily because, after analysis of existing use, they found that 83{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} to 94{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of “the prime ice time” is sold. He gave a range because it depends on how you define “prime ice”. They also took into account the desire for summer ice. However, they came up with only a 25{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} capacity level for a second sheet of ice.
Based on that, a 2nd community rink would require a heavy operating subsidy plus the capital for construction. Lastly they did some high level study of economic impact such as tournaments and concluded that most people would come from the Twin Cities and be daytime visitors only. King gave 3 options including updating the current arena, which would take about $1 million over the next decade. That does not include upgrading the locker rooms and other spaces within. Another option would be building a rink, operated by the City, in a different location and the third option would be building another community rink in partnership with St. Olaf. St. Olaf has started a capital campaign with a goal of raising $6 million for a sheet on site. Martig said they are designing it with an option of adding a 2nd sheet as the City is in talks with them. The next phase is operational costs and comparing the costs of the 3 options. That should come back to council in June. Mayor Pownell and Administrator Martig were in studio this morning with a recap. That’s on kymn.net. 1 – BK Draft Ice Market Study 031417 2 – City of Northfield Ice Arena Study PP
NAFRS will look to hire firefighters
Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Service will be looking for 4 to 6 more firefighters. They’ll start taking applications in April through June, then give both physical and written tests. NAFRS Chair Glen Castore said that, aside from reading and math, firefighters real education is on the job. Those hired will go through training courses as a group. For more detailed information and to get an application go to nafrs.org. They expect to hire by September 1st.
Aldi’s closes on Dundas property
KYMN received word that Aldi’s officially closed on the property in Dundas last Friday. Filing for necessary permits is being completed and groundbreaking could happen later this Spring.
Speed limits bump up on Hwy 60
Speed limits just increased on a stretch of Highway 60 from Kenyon to Zumbro Falls. MnDot says signs are now posted with 60 mph limit where it was previously 55 on the two-lane road. The change comes after MnDOT’s study of each highway segment, which includes: access points, shoulder width, roadway alignment, assessment of roadside hazards, crash rates and history, and an analysis of motorist speeds. The remainder of Highway 60 from Zumbro Falls to Wabasha will remain at 55. The full press release is on kymn.net.
