The Northfield School Board will hold a special meeting July 24th regarding the upcoming referendum. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann they’ll set up the required tasks to conduct the referendum. The Board will need to approve formal language for the ballot and, because, they’re asking for a bond, the Minnesota Department of Education requires a review and comment phase. Hillmann said that means it has the conceptual components of what would happen with the bond dollars and the the Dept. of Education reviews it, ensures it meets
compliance components and gives an opinion on it. On the front page of the School District’s website is a story on the Board approving the referendum and links to the history of the master facilities plans. Click HERE. There will be much more information coming in August as well. Hillmann’s full interview is on kymn.net.
Small farming big rewards
The team at Main Street Project announced last month that they purchased 100 acres of farmland near Northfield. It’s a significant step in expanding their poultry-centered agriculture system through the region and changing the way food is produced around the world. COO Julie Ristau explains their focus is on poultry and regenerative practices. They work with small grains and perennial crops. She says it’s a synergistic way of connecting poultry to those perennials and providing pathways for people to start a smaller scale operation and make money. As some rural communities decline economic wealth has moved out. Main Street Project’s focus is to provide a way for people, in particular, immigrants, a system where a small piece of land is enough to make a living. Main Street Project trains them how to farm with this system and helps them get their first coops. The 100 acres will provide a larger training area. Ristau adds there will be a demonstration for established farmers that want to learn more about regenerative agriculture and how it’s helping to build real communities. The Dakota County land on which the farm is located has been family-owned for three generations, most recently by Craig and Linda Wasner. After hearing of Main Street Project’s system, the Wasners’ partnered with them and welcomed the opportunnity to give back to local farmers, helping to mitigate some of the challenges they face when starting out in business.The process took about a year to work out details and add more partners. So far they’ve planted cover crops and 8500 hazelnuts, elderberries are growing in a nursery right now. Ristau’s full interview is online at kymn.net. The full press release: MainStreetProjecttoDevelop100-AcreDemonstrationFarmonNewlyAcquiredLand
Nfld Council considers housing, roundabout and solar
The Northfield City Council meets tonight. They’ll consider approval for Development and Escrow agreements with Schmidt Endeavors, Inc. related to the Hills of Spring Creek 8th addition. The plan is to build 13 single family homes in a more compact design. Council will also consider approving a request for funding from MnDot for a roundabout at Hwy 246 and Jefferson Parkway. Other items include community solar agreement options and an update on the budget process. Mayor Pownell and Administrator Martig will be in studio tomorrow morning at 7:20 with a recap of the meeting.
