The Cannon River Civic Center moniker was introduced last week at the Northfield City Council meeting to describe what started as a 2 sheet ice arena. Advocates would like to see a ½ cent sales tax question and a property tax increase on Northfield’s November ballot, additionally, Dundas will consider a ½ cent sales tax for THEIR ballot. Council looked at the language of the ballot question. While it is still under discussion and will be on their agenda tomorrow night, basically it will ask
citizens to approve a local sales and use tax of one-half of one percent and a motor vehicle excise tax of up to $20 per motor vehicle. City staff has prepared a draft resolution that includes a 20 year or $10 mil cap on collected taxes. Additionally, they added that the City could bond for up to $17.8 million for the Civic Center while the monies come in from taxes and private funding. We’ll be hearing lots more on this issue. If the voters approve, then the increase would have to go before the State Legislature. 1 – Northfield_Sales_Tax_RESOLUTION_CALLING_ELECTION 2 – Ice Arena Financing Summary 2 Sheet
Cannon River trail loop completed as Staff talks with DNR
The E. Cannon River Trail cost more than anticipated due to soil conditions, according to Administrator Ben Martig. In order to close out the project, the Northfield Council had to make a budget amendment. To do that, they needed a super majority. With Councilor Nakasian leaving the meeting early, it was a tight vote as Councilor DeLong doesn’t ever vote for those types of amendments. The funds have already been spent. Staff was asking for an additional $128,000. They already spent the $130,000 in contingency. He said, “we had about $150,000 extra that was unanticipated, that was transferred in from the project fund that we took from a capital project fund and really some excess reserves that we have”. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony 2 weeks ago on the $1.2 million trail. At the open mic, a resident expressed concern over maintenance of existing trails, in particular the west side that runs along Armstrong Road. Mayor Pownell said, “we’re in conversations with DNR, they’re looking at potentially taking that over and so there’s…. we’re in kind of a pause in terms of doing any sort of maintenance at this point until we can figure out ownership of that trail”. There are some questions as to who has titleship over portions of the trail. Martig said they’ve also looked at possible relocation of parts of the west side trail. Staff has been working with the State for funding dollars, as that section is part of the Mill Towns Trail. The City was, in fact, just awarded half a million dollars for the WEST side trail.
DJJD seeks Ambassadors for 2018
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Ambassador committee is seeking new Ambassadors to reign over the 2018 celebration. Ambassador scholarship candidates must be 16 years of age by July 15, 2018, be unmarried with no children and live or work within the Northfield School District. If chosen, they will receive a Scholarship of $2,000. Junior ambassador candidates must be age 6-8 by August 10th and live or have parents who live or work or volunteer within the Northfield School District. Ambassador Scholarship Program Chair Julie Eddy, said, “This is NOT a beauty pageant or a popularity contest. Our program revolves around volunteerism and developing leaders that will serve as positive role models and be ambassadors for the Defeat of Jesse James Days Celebration and Northfield.” The DJJD Ambassador Scholarship Committee will host informational meeting for all interested in learning more at 6:00 P.M. Thursday June 14 at Culver’s Meeting Room. Information is also available on our website www.djjd.org . Coronation is August 10th. For those unable to attend this meeting, you may contact Shelley Brady (952) 237-9281 or Julie Eddy (612) 986-9418. For Junior Candidates questions you may contact Katie Malecha (507) 649-0048. The candidates will spend time volunteering, getting to know the DJJD committee, become more proficient at public speaking and participating in many fun events while gaining new friends. If chosen, the DJJD Ambassadors will spend the next year visiting other communities throughout the state and meet hundreds of people through parades, coronations and other special events gaining valuable friendships, experience and making lifelong memories.
