The Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission would like to expand the City’s historic downtown district. Administrator Ben Martig commented on what the HPC does, “it protects with design controls as well as demolition. But they don’t restrict property owners by requiring them to make improvements to their property, so I would say it’s more a guideline that but in some cases they do need that certificate of appropriateness for approval”. It’s a balancing
act with building owners and goals of the HPC but Martig said Northfield’s flexibility has helped the downtown be successful. Solar panels have become important and that’s not an issue for the HPC. Martig said Chair Jason Menard indicated that they encourage alternative energy use, adding that rooflines have changed. The presentation was the culmination of a study conducted by a consultant. The recommendations include 5 buildings, 515, 517 and 519 Division Street along with Quinnell Insurance on 3rd street and the Northfield Library. This will be on Council’s agenda before the end of the year. Link to City video
Those swindled via gofundme could get their $ back
Jeremiah Jon Smith preyed on the kindnesses of others when he told people he had terminal cancer… and didn’t. Fundraisers were organized and a gofundme page was set up. Overall he’s charged with swindling over $23,000 from the surrounding communities. Rice County Attorney John Fossum commented on whether those who donated will get their money back. If Smith is convicted of theft by swindle he would be ordered to pay restitution to all those they can verify gave him money. Fossum said he understands that Gofundme has indicated they would refund those who donated through them. For those who donated at the Northfield Ballroom fundraiser they would fill out affidavits stating their loss. Fossum said if found guilty, most property crimes by someone who has no criminal history would be a presumptive stayed prison term, meaning he would likely spend some time in the county jail, pay a fine and pay restitution. Smith’s first court appearance is November 8th.
Detour on Hwy 246 reminder
Expect a detour on Highway 246 in Northfield tomorrow and Wednesday. According to MnDotCrews will complete a pavement replacement project south of Woodley Street. Maintenance crews will be removing damaged pavement from Woodley Street to Fremont. Both directions will be closed. Detours will be posted.
Bad gas could give you “knocks and pings”
If you bought gas in Rochester between Friday and Saturday afternoons, pay attention to how your vehicle is running. The Minnesota Department of Commerce is alerting consumers that diesel-tainted gas was delivered to stations in the Rochester area. While it’s unlikely the small amount of contamination will cause severe or long-term damage, consumers who bought gas in the Rochester area and experienced poor performance like knocking or pinging should keep their receipts and contact the Commerce Department’s Weights & Measures Division. I have all the contact information on kymn.net.
Referendum mtg tonight
Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann will be holding another community-wide meeting tonight regarding the Northfield School District’s operating levy and bond referendum. The meeting begins at 7 at the Northfield High School auditorium
