There was no shortage of discussion as the Northfield Council approved the 2nd reading of an Ordinance that would repeal and replace Article IV Chapter 70 on Right-of-Way Management to comply, and have some control over, small cell wireless facilities. Administrator Martig said this is all new territory as these companies are now allowed to collocate equipment on city-owned street poles and add their own on our Rights-of-way.
He said, “it creates a fairly narrow control for local communities on what they can or can’t do so, I think, that’s what a lot of the staff and council are trying to figure out too. Can you do some type of screening? What does this equipment look like? Are there modern methods to try and hide it so it blends in, particularly in our historic district?”. Talk centered around placement of these structures in single family residential areas and our historic downtown, especially for those who live or have their business downtown where those with upper story views could be obstructed. While the basic state law was passed, Staff will come back to council with some guidelines including possible Conditional Use Permits. He said, “unfortunately there’s not a lot of examples out there. I’m sure we’ll be scouring the web to see what we can find as well as it relates to maybe communities where it has gone in if we can learn anything”. Verizon already has applied for 5 locations within the City. There would be a separate agreement for each. This will come back to council in a work session. For more information click HERE.
Man threatens to “put her to sleep”
A man threatening to slit the throat of his former girlfriend has been charged with felony Threats of Violence – intent to terrorize. Rice County Deputies were called late Tuesday night to report of a domestic in the 2500 block of 250th st. W. 36 year old Adam Paul Cross of Faribault is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend several times over 2 days. She told deputies that the day before, Cross threw his phone at her, hitting her and then held a knife a foot away, threatening to slit her throat. He left but came back that night and parked his car so she couldn’t leave. She said he grabbed her by the neck, dropping her to her knees until she nearly passed out, telling her the next time he’d “put her to sleep”. Cross is also charged with felony domestic assault by strangulation and 2 counts of misdemeanor assault. His initial court appearance is October 16th. In the meantime, he’s ordered to stay away from the victim.
River Bend Ramble
River Bend Nature Center is celebrating their 40th anniversary with the River Bend Ramble tomorrow. Executive Director Breanna Wheeler said the event begins at 4pm. New this year is an Artisan Market. It will be open to the public between 2pm and 4pm, then all the other ticket activities start. Tickets are $50 and include a dinner catered by Inn at Shattuck, a live auction with various items. Northfielder LeeAnn Hill will be playing some jazz music on may be a polka thrown in there. River Bend has 743 acres of natural lands with over 10 miles of trails. They offer a variety of environmental education and outreach programs for all ages. Another event is Bats, Bones and Bonfires on October 27th. Kids are welcome in costume, there will be all kinds of activities and, of course, smores. These are two of their biggest fundraisers. Wheeler reiterated the impact of what they do… keeping the community healthy with activities outdoors and building future “Champions for our Planet”. For tickets or more information go to rbnc.org/ramble.
