Northfield Councilor DeLong questioned the 2017 street assessments of several properties. One owner, who complained, had his lowered. Council approved the rest of the assessments last month, with DeLong and Ness voting against. However, there were a handful that DeLong felt deserved another look pointing out the the League of MN Cities said, “if the assessment is higher than the benefit appraisal, then you can’t do that. I mean, our City Charter has it in 2 spots, the assessment cannot be higher than the benefits”. . He had made an amendment at that August meeting, which, he said in an email,
technically passed with a majority of 3 to 2, however, it was not recognized by the Chair, Mayor Pownell, at the time, the main motion did pass. The appraisal report was $4500, their assessment was $4640. Council re-voted on DeLong’s amendment this week, in the end, the vote was 2 to 3 with Zweifel, Peterson White and Pownell voting no. Nakasian was absent and Colby had stepped out of the meeting and was not present for the vote. Administrator Martig commented on KYMN this week, “it really kind of boiled down to the interpretation of the appraisal that’s used to determine the improved value to the site because state law basically says you have to be able to justify increased value to property in order to provide a special assessment on it “.
Transit Hub access road is down the road
Northfield City staff updated Council on the Transit Hub planned for the area at the Depot site behind the Quarterback Club. They voted earlier to dedicate $150,000 in TIF 4 money to the project. Administrator Ben Martig said, “so the vision is that in the future we’d be putting in an access road with a transit station that would include bathrooms and basically a climate controlled waiting area”. Bus Routes from Hiawathaland and Benjamin Bus will be relocated to that area. The actual site cost is estimated at $250,000. The City is hoping to partner with Hiawathaland who will be eligible for some grant dollars. The current project costs don’t include other expenses including finished landscaping, a walking/biking trail, pavilion and parking lot lights. Staff is continuing to work on estimating these expenses, some of which could be optional. Other details include a land transfer.
Watermain flushing
Watermains in Northfield will be flushed in the overnight between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. starting Sunday through Thursday morning. Watermains are routinely flushed to remove minerals and check the fire hydrants. Residents are advised to limit water use during the overnight flushing period and check for discoloration prior to using water for laundry. In case your laundry should get rust-stained, keep them wet and pick up a special soap for stain removal at City Hall during the week.
Day of Peace brings out students and community members
About 40 students gathered on Bridge Square last night for a student rally in support of racial equity. Organizer, Sunny Leonard, a 6th grader, said it was not a protest but a rally for young people to unite and work toward a better, more peaceful future. A police escort led them to the International Day of Peace celebration at the Weitz Center where another 60 or so community members were gathering for a celebration with speakers, music and food. [envira-gallery id=”64776″]
Wayne Eddy immortalized in oil
Local artist Marsha Kitchel has immortalized KYMN’s Wayne Eddy in oil. She has painted his likeness from a photograph of Wayne in his duster sitting on his motorcycle during the Defeat of Jesse James Days. She calls it Leader of the Pack. It is on display now through Saturday at the Northfield Arts Guild on Division Street.
