By Teri Knight, News Director
We’ve taken multiple phone calls regarding a national story that Northfield and Faribault was a “hotbed” of covid activity. As reported, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases did go up significantly nearly five times in the last two weeks ago. What’s necessary to understand is the context. Rice County Public Health Director, Deb Purfeerst is not surprised. She told Rice County Commissioners that they know there’s community spread. As of yesterday there are 270 cases, 243 reported in Faribault and 16 in Northfield.
According to the Faribault Daily, Purfeerst attributes the increase to increase in testing at manufacturing facilities in the City. She added that it’s “pretty impossible” to stop it from coming into your site. More of an issue in Rice County, she continued, is the spread among family members and those living in large apartment complexes. By the time an individual realizes they may have contracted the virus, family members have already been exposed. Results can take up to 72 hours after testing is completed. Additionally, as reported throughout the nation, the virus is hitting minorities harder. In Rice County 44% percent of the 261 cases where the individual’s race is known were black, 2% were Asian, 14% were Hispanic/Latino, 10% were white. The race of 28% is unknown.
Carleton College objects to assessments, council continues their hearing
The Northfield Council had 3 objections to their 2020 Mill & Overlay assessments. One from First UCC was an error in calculation that dropped their assessment by $10,000. Mayor Pownell explains, “according to the policy, corner lots get assessed 90% on one side and 10% on the other so that they’re not paying full price twice”. Council rejected an appeal by Cannon Village Gardens Inc who said, as a non-profit, they were gifted the land by Millstream Commons last year and are set to become tax exempt. Non-profits are not exempted from street assessments and the land is zoned high density residential. The discussion on the appeal from Carleton College was much lengthier as Fred Rogers opposed the $398,000 assessment. Administrator Martig commented this morning, “you hire an independent special appraiser to evaluate that improved benefit based on the highest and best use of that property at their discretion. And in many ways you ultimately rely on their professional expertise to estimate a value increase”. It’s based on methodology used throughout the state. Martig said, if you go to court, that’s what they will use. He says they have a solid foundation to prove the increased value, however, the Council decided to hold this over until June 2nd. Their full interview is HERE.
DMV opens in Nfld
The Northfield Motor Vehicle Office opened for business this morning at 8 o’clock. Hours are 8 to 4:30 Monday through Friday in City Hall at 801 Washington Street. Employees and the public must follow CDC and state guidelines including maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet, using facial coverings inside the building/DMV. All other offices within City Hall will remain closed. Questions? 507-645-8831. Here’s the LINK.
Who’s in, who’s out Nfld elected position filings
All but one of the incumbents whose elective seats are up have filed for re-election. Northfield Mayor and 3 council positions including At-Large and Wards 2 and 3. Brad Ness filed for his 2nd term as At-Large position, Dave DeLong applied for his third stint representing Ward 2 and Mayor Rhonda Pownell has filed for her 2nd term as Mayor. Ward 3 Council member Erica Zweifel announced last night during Council Reports that she will not seek re-election. She said, “It was an incredibly difficult decision but I am ready for a break. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the council”. Zweifel has been on the Northfield Council since 2008 and has been a major advocate of trails and bike paths. Filing is open through 5pm June 2nd. Go to the City’s website for more information. You can also contact Clerk Deb Little at 507-645-3001
Slow Wake zone has been LIFTED on 5-22-20
Due to the high volume of precipitation this past weekend and rising water levels, the Rice County Sheriff with the Minnesota DNR have enacted a Slow Wake zone on Circle Lake in Rice County. It became effective at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon and last for no more than 30 days.
