The City of Northfield’s current contract with Dick’s Sanitation expires March 31st. A majority of Councilors and the EQC have been advocating adding organic food and wet waste pickup. Utilities Mgr. Justin Wagner explained some suggested changes to the contract. He said, “the brush collection, which would be co-mingled with organic food/wet waste, staff was provided a price for that. An item with this is that it would have to have EVERY resident in the program for it to be offered at the rate that was provided with the contract”. That rate would be an additional near $8 a month. An annual audit would be required, wherein one garbage pickup route per year would be weighed and assessed
for cost to get an idea of the amount of waste Northfield is producing. White goods costs, appliances, could be picked up curbside for a price. They’re looking at a 5 year contract with rates going up in 2021. Part of the discussion included allowing smaller bins such as 20 gal. Councilor DeLong didn’t like the idea of everyone having to buy in to the co-mingled brush and organic waste. Wagner said there’s potential of garbage pickup every other week to help lower cost. Councilor Peterson White was interested in figuring out how the City could encourage people to use the organic/wet waste option. Administrator Martig said this morning they discussed how realistic it is to get it done by the end of March, adding that the Mayor suggested a short term extension to give them more time to sort through options. He said, “certainly we want to get it right”. DSI representatives were on hand, they want to be good partners and are amenable to working through any issues. There was no vote last night. Mayor Pownell and Martig’s full interview is on kymn.net.
Dundas Admin position posted
Dundas Administrator John McCarthy is retiring and his position has been posted. Council last week approved the job description and timeline and David Drown and Associates posted it. The city of about 1570 residents has a budget for 2019 of about $2.5 million. Applications are being accepted through March 12th, finalists will be selected by the City Council by April 8th with final interviews expected May 1st and 2nd.
Day 8 and the roads aren’t great
The decision to cancel Schools was made last night. And drivers continue to deal with snow-covered roads and lowered visibility. This will mark the 8th day of no school for Northfield. The School Board built in 9 days before the students have make-up days at the end of the year. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn urges caution on township and county roads. Looking at MnDot cameras, the mainlines, though plowed, still have snow on them and visibility will remain a problem until this lets up later this afternoon. The City of Northfield declared a Snow Emergency this morning.
Bus driver appreciation holds extra meaning with snow-filled Winter
Next Wednesday is Bus Driver Appreciation Day. They are on the front lines of keeping our kids safe. Benjamin Bus Manager Jenna Dardis said that every August, Benjamin Bus has a meeting and party for their drivers where they give out awards. She adds up the years of safe driving. This August they had 400 YEARS of safe driving! She said, “I’m very proud of all the drivers that we have at Benjamin Bus, Northfield Lines and they do a tremendous job”. This winter has tested everyone’s nerve to get out there. To add children into the mix means safety over anything else.
