Every two years, the NAFRS Joint Powers Board, looks at the numbers, how they allocate funding percentages among the three entities. In terms of the current formula, Chair Glen Castore said, “we look at the, sort of, the underlying data which is population, estimated market value, for the three parties, Rural Fire district, Northfield and Dundas. so we get information from the state auditor and the state demographer and then we calculate what are the percentages that each of us contributes each year”. They use a weighted average of population (80{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}) and estimated market value (20{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}). The Board is now looking at the formula itself, to see if IT should be modified. NAFRS has, in effect, two service areas: urban and rural. The primary distinction from the standpoint of
firefighting is the presence or absence of fire hydrants. A secondary distinction is firefighting protocols. NAFRS, and most other fire departments, won’t risk its people or equipment to put out a fire in a cornfield unless it is threatening structures or farm equipment. This will be an ongoing discussion as Castore commented that it doesn’t need to be decided before the end of the fiscal year. Currently Dundas pays under 6 percent, Rural over 22{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} and Northfield about 72{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of the total budget. Castore’s full interview is on kymn.net.
Dudley Farm recognized as Sesquicentennial Farm
The Dudley Farm in Waterford Township has been designated a sesquicentennial farm, one of just 6 in Dakota County. JB Dudley said they technically qualified in 2011. He had talked with his dad, John about filling out the forms, but they never got around to it before John passed on in 2016 and their mom this year. The farm dates back to 1861. Abraham Lincoln was President, Minnesota had just become a State 3 years before. Dudley said his great, great, great Aunt and Uncle were the original owners, Leona and James Bolger. They had emigrated from Ireland during the potato famine. The current home, that’s still standing, was built in 1882 but it’s not livable. JB said he’d love to save it but it needs so much work. He’s not at the point where he’s ready to tear it down yet but he’ll be looking at options of what they could do. The 2nd oldest building, a barn built in the 1900’s, was restored by JB and his dad in 2013. As for the land, they rent out a portion of it, the rest is divided up into hay, beans, woods and CRP. Horses were used from the start to help farm the land. And, horses have always been a part of the Dudley Farm. John Dudley was the first to use a tractor for farming. Everyone is invited to attend the Dakota County Farm Bureau 100th anniversary meeting tonight at 7 o’clock at the Rosemount American Legion. The Bureau celebrates 100 years of supporting agriculture and they’ll recognize the Dudley Farm and Maria Therres, of Meadowbrook Farm in Vermillion, as Sesquicentennial Farms.
Rebound hires Northfield native
Rebound announced on Friday, that Joshua Drivdahl, a Northfield native, is joining the team as Business Development and Project Management. Drivdahl will oversee a variety of projects at the organization for Rebound Hospitality, Rebound Real Estate, BoardBOS and Freetime Restaurants LLC. Drivdahl has worked in corporate business for Ameriprise Financial, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Wells Fargo and State Farm. Rebound Managing Partner, Brett Reese said he brings valuable experience, energy and passion to the company.” Adding that, “It is always nice to have someone come home to their roots,” He met Joshua when he was their 13-year- old neighbor who mowed their lawn. The Rebound Organization has business interests in hospitality, real estate, manufacturing and financial services and is active in each of the communities they’re in. Their home office is in Northfield. The full press release: Joshua Drivdahl Release.docx
