The 100 year flood levels are happening far more frequently. In fact, says Bridgewater Township Supervisor Kathleen Doran-Norton, there have been 7 since 1998. They’re causing, not only destruction and costing dollars, but raising concern for continued problems. Doran-Norton and Bridgewater Township took on the issue, “after an analysis we got about $1 million from the DNR to address some of the flooding issues on the southeast end of Northfield”. They’re at the end of those dollars right now with accomplishments including a farm project just south of the City, a 2 storm water
acre pond east of Dundas/Bridgewater Heights residential area. A 10 acre storm water pond was just completed across from the SEEDS farm to reduce flow from Spring Creek. She said, ” and then just a couple of weeks ago, we re-established the Mn Dot drainage plan. So you will probably see some seeding for a grassy waterway on either side of Division St. (hwy 246) south of the Middle School”. The group hired a hydrologist to do the modeling, paid for the land and, of course, the work itself. One more thing they’d like to do is to get the City of Northfield to allow water to flow along the south side of Country Rd. 1 when the County reworks the roadway between hwys 3 and 246 next year. A variety of options were looked at, Doran-Norton said their goal was to slow the water down and they’ve done that by about a third. She added that they’re looking for continued partnership and/or a watershed district. She wrapped it up, “Somebody’s always downstream from somebody else and we sort of have to work together in order to solve the problems”.
Chen omnibus hearing rescheduled
A contested omnibus hearing was scheduled last week for the man accused of promoting prostitution out of a massage parlor in Northfield. 45 year old Zuqiu Chen has been charged with Promoting Prostitution and Receiving profits from prostitution. Chen has been jailed since February 3rd when agents arrested him after a sting operation. His girlfriend, the woman who performed many of the illicit acts, has also been charged. 40 year old Jin Jingwei is charged with prostitution. Her whereabouts are unknown, a warrant for her arrest has been issued. Chen’s hearing has been rescheduled for June 2nd.
eComments now available
The City of Northfield has added an electronic comment feature for City Council meetings. eComment provides an easy way for citizens to add their voices to the process and makes participation in public meetings convenient when you can’t attend in person. Once the agenda is published, usually the Friday before their Tuesday meeting, the eComment link will be active. Residents can review agenda item details, indicate their position on an item and leave feedback by clicking on the eComment tab on the City Council meetings page: City of Northfield – City Council. Comments may be submitted until 12:00 noon on the day of the meeting. Residents may also use the Register to Speak option to sign up in advance to speak at the meeting. For more information contact City Clerk Deb Little at 507-645-3001 or via e-mail at deb.little@ci.northfield.mn.us
