It was pretty much a slam dunk as the Northfield Council approved the plans and specs and authorized bids for the $4 million remodel and expansion of the Fire Station on Hwy 3 and 5th Street. The City of Northfield owns the building and will carry the bond. The project has been underway since 2008. Originally the plan was to house Fire with Police at their new facility. Since then a Joint Powers Agreement was created between Northfield, Dundas and Rural fire. The entity known as NAFRS, Northfield Area Fire and Rescue. The Board opted to stay at the corner of Hwy 3 and 5th. Multiple studies were done on the building itself which is in a floodplain. Architect DJ Medin designed the remodel and expansion to alleviate flooding issues.
Designs are on the City’s website and I’ll link that to kymn.net later today. One other major change will be the “rollover curb” from Hwy 3. It’s currently just south of the intersection with Hwy 19. City Administrator Ben Martig commented that MnDot found that, upon review, that curb was never approved to begin with. However, they were willing to work something else out. They’ll accept a rollover curb into the Fire Station BACK parking area. Martig said the benefit to this will be quicker access into the station especially if there’s a stacking problem. (Cars backing up at the intersection) That also changes the pavers in the northwest corner of the lot to concrete to match the apron of the front of the building. There’s a dramatic change to the upstairs sleepers with natural light added, 2 nicer bathrooms and kitchen upgrades. The bids, there are 23 for various jobs, will go out at the end of January. Martig added that this time of year is a good bidding environment. Bid awards will take place in February. By February 15th all lease and cost allocations should be agreed upon between Dundas, Rural and Northfield. The sale of bonds will take place at the end of March with the hope of construction beginning in early April. 5 – NAFRS Plans Specs Bid Presentation Link to City information on NAFRS Fire Hall
Video link to Fire Station item
Land swap is off
The land swap proposed between the City of Northfield and Vern and Joan Koester is off. The City, partnering with Three Rivers Community Action, planned to expand the existing 28 unit, Spring Creek Townhomes near Southbridge, by 24 – 36 units. The HRA owns 11 acres. However, for cohesiveness with road layouts, a concept plan was submitted which would “swap” about 2 acres with the Koesters, who plan on single family home development on 22 acres abutting the HRA land. After soil borings were taken on the land from the Koesters, they found one area to be problematic. While fixing it isn’t the issue, the cost estimated between $5,ooo and $15,000 was and, for the Koesters, they want to get their own project moving. Community Development Director Chris Heineman said the investment that’s already been made on the sight is more of a benefit than they actually realized. And utilizing the existing road infrastructure and building pads to their greatest extent is something that they’re checking further into at this point. Chair Dayna Norvold said they’ll go back to the drawing board as to concept design. Three Rivers was apprehensive about the land swap. Without it, Representative Leah Hall said, “so we’re really excited to come up with some other concept ideas with you guys. I think there are some great ideas we can come up with, and yea, we’re ready to roll whenever you guys are”. Click on video from this link
Township candidate filing
Candidate filing for Townships ended on January 16th. Greenvale Township Supervisor Greg Langer reports that two have filed for the 2 year Clerk position, Linus Langer and Kenneth Malecha. And for the 3 year Supervisor seat, Anthony(Tony) Rowan and Victor Volkert will be running. Current Supervisor, David Roehl is not seeking re-election. No one in Rice County has reported yet. Township elections take place March 13th. Northfield Township Clerk Marge Randolf reported in…. Ron Sommers has filed for the supervisor position. He has served 2 terms in this position. For clerk, – Sandy Bouillez and Diane Lyman.
