Postponed. After nearly an hour and a half discussion on the 2018 street improvement projects, the Northfield City Council postponed it until December 5th. The biggest sticking point was the loss of parking on the south end of Division between 6th and 7th streets. The preliminary design council approved by simple majority would remove 30 parking spaces. The vote for action takes a majority of 6, c. Colby was absent. City Staff presented two alternative options, one adding back 9 spaces, the other 11. Both options also had options to opt out of a raised intersection. Business and building owners have lamented the
lack of parking throughout the process. NAPA co-owner, Dan Christopherson commented that his concern with the whole project is that they’ll “choke the whole downtown” with the restrictions that are coming and, “I also feel that it’s going to have an effect on my business”. An Express Clinic is coming to that block and Armory Square, an event center, will be opening by early next year. He questioned where they would park. Due to truck traffic, he also called for 30 foot minimum width between bumpouts, what’s proposed is 26 feet. Two other business owners echoed Christopherson’s comments. Will Schroeer is a vocal advocate for the original design. He believes it’s the safest for pedestrians. Peterson White moved to approve Option 1A which would add back in 9 parking spaces and keep the raised intersection at Division and 7th street. Councilor Zweifel also advocates for the original design but would vote for it. Ness said, “this proposal just loses a few too many spaces for my comfort zone, and I don’t think spending an additional $20,000 for a raised intersection is worth it”. DeLong said staff took the easy way out in adding those few spots and said 6500 cars travel Division street. Peterson White encouraged staff to further discuss renting parking space at Premier Bank. They will not have details on that before the Dec. 5th meeting. Mayor Pownell and Administrator Martig were in studio this morning. There interview is online under Morning Show. This is a supplemental packet to last night’s meeting. It includes information on the Municipal ID, plans for the 2018 street project and more! 2017_11_21 City Council Supplemental Agenda Background Memo for November 21 2017 No. 1 opt
Ring the Bell, have some fun, raise some funds!
The holiday season really kicks off with the ringing of the bells! The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign has been a part of their history since the turn of the 20th century. They’ve provided funding locally for several programs including Youth Services. One of those is Shop with a Cop. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn has been a part of it for years. Kids are matched up with a cop. They then go shopping for necessities. He commented on the interaction with the kids, “and it’s so cool”. He said a boy, now a teenager, still comes up to him and talks to him, thanking the Salvation Army for “making a difference”. They’re looking for volunteers to ring the bell at those kettles. There are locations in Faribault, Lonsdale and Northfield. Organizations, families, church groups or individuals, anyone that is looking to help out is encouraged. Dunn said, “what we find out is if there’s a red kettle there but nobody there, there’s very little donations, but you put a live person, ringing a bell, singing a song, and dancing, or whatever, saying thank you, it goes a long way”. There are 2 hours shifts available. Call 507-334-0639 or email northfieldbellringer@gmail.com lonsdalebellringer@gmail.com or faribualtbellringer@gmail.com They also offer signupgenius. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4dacab2faafd0-2017
Careful out on those roads tonight…
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest DWI nights of the year. Rice County Law Enforcement will be out in force to catch drivers who have been drinking, and there will be other enforcement sweeps as well. County Attorney John Fossum said as of 2014, Minnesota had 633,000 residents with DWIs on their driving record. Of those, 367,000 have had one, and 25,000 have five or more. He calls on residents to have a plan! Fossum’s full press release: DWI and Traffic Safety.docx
“Have Yourself a Classic Christmas” coming to KYMN this Sunday
Logan Wells, KYMN’s board operator for our sport programs, will be offering up an old-fashioned Christmas with his new show called “Have yourself a Classic Christmas”. He promises stories, trivia and plenty of music. That’s 11am to 1pm each Sunday till Christmas. This Sunday will be his first show.
