The Northfield Council unanimously agreed on awarding the downtown street project to Swenke Ims (eyems) Construction out of Kasson, the lowest responsible bidder at just over $3.7 million. The bids ranged from Swenke Ims to just over 4 mil. The project which includes reconstruction of Division St. from 6th to 8th and 7th St. between Water and Washington. Mill and overlay of Washington St. from 2nd to Woodley and various city parking lots.
Construction is set to begin in a couple of weeks, weather permitting. Administrator Martig said they’ll be setting up a page on the City’s website to update the community about the project. (We’ll relay that information). Work will begin first on Division Street to be wrapped up before DJJD, they’ll then move to 7th street and then on to Washington. Some aspects of construction will overlap. Click HERE for link to the City’s website on this subject.
Split vote gives Council 2{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} raise
Council continued to agree on all other votes but one. A vote on giving themselves a 2{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} raise in 2019 and 2020 was four to three. Administrator Martig opened the conversation with said, “I do think that, although we are on the upper end of some comparable communities, I think we’re still within reason”. Adding that Nfld citizens are engaged meaning there are higher expectations of elected officials. The raise comes to about $168 a year. Ness, DeLong and Colby voted no with Colby explaining that, based on where the City fits compared to other cities, he sees it unnecessary. Zweifel, Peterson White, Nakasian and Pownell approved the raises. Zweifel said, “so I think that it’s really important that we pass this so that people in the community who maybe look at it right now and say I’m not sure I can afford to serve maybe can re-look at it and look at it and say oh maybe I can afford to serve”. Currently Council members receive $8,435 a year and the Mayor receives $11,248. Mayor Pownell and Martig were in studio with a full recap. That interview is available on the Morning Show page. Click HERE for link to the City’s website with further information
Blaha replacement search
When you say CAC, the first picture in most folks mind is the smiling Jim Blaha! He’s been the Executive Director of the Community Action Center for 18 years. In that time, he’s seen some major changes. When he started they were serving 165 families a month through their Food Shelf but 10 years later it jumped to over 500 and has remained pretty steady. Kim Decker is a member of the Board of Directors and is leading the search for Blaha’s replacement. They’ll start initial interviews by the end of the month with the hope that by early June they’ll be doing 2nd round, maybe final interviews. Decker says they hope to make an offer by the end of summer as Blaha will be exiting in September. It’s important for him to also have the right person in place. He added that he’s very grateful for the community who have volunteered their time and dollars to support the CAC. Community Action turns 50 this year, there will be a celebration at Carleton on August 23rd.
Division Street stores closing
The space at 423 Division St. has been filled with some fine and funky art for 14 years. But that wil end, Swag is closing. Maxine Closner is calling it quits… at 92, she’s decided to retire! And daughter, Mary, is ready for a new adventure. We’ll hear more from Mary on Friday. And just down the street, Tagg 2 is also shuttering. After nearly a decade, Suzy Taggart, writes on 
her facebook page, that she’s made the decision to close the doors. Expressing love for Downtown Northfield, she said she’s ready for a change! These two unique stores will certainly be missed. As for Spare Room, they’ll be ending their retail space but, continue custom orders of their furniture. In the meantime, stop by say hello, bid them adieu and buy their product while it’s still here.
