By Teri Knight, News Director
Yesterday Northfield Mayor Pownell declared a curfew for the city from 8pm to 6 this morning. Police Chief Monte Nelson wanted to address the community, “A lot of thought went into this process and we did not make the decision lightly or quickly.” They discussed the different aspects of all concerned, including those who expressed fear of property damage. They conferred with state and local officials. With Dakota County having a curfew in effect and part of Northfield in Dakota County, they felt it prudent to do the same. He said, “We also look at this as an important tool for our police officers
to help ensure that those business owners can feel a little more secure that our community members can feel a little more secure. It gives us a tool to educate and work with people who are out and about after the curfew.” Nelson made it very clear that the curfew was in now way intended to infringe on people’s right to protest or voice their opinion about the killing of George Floyd. He mentioned the protest on Bridge Square on Saturday, “We had a peaceful protest, albeit fairly loud, but it was a peaceful protest. And we made sure that those people were safe that no one bothered them and that we also did not.” He thanked the community for their support, “It’s been a time where our officers are at danger working in other locations to help support our neighbors and our partners. And we appreciate all the support that our community gives us.” He urged everyone to call 911 if you see something suspicious be it physical or on social media. You can hear his entire message HERE.
Nfld Council considers Elliott as Chief, zoning changes for local businesses and more
Northfield City Council will meet tomorrow night. They’ll continue the Public Hearing on the 2020 Mill & Overlay assessment specifically regarding Carleton College’s objection. Council will formally decide whether to approve the nomination of Deputy Chief Mark Elliott to replace Chief Monte Nelson when he retires on July 31st. Due to covid-19, council will consider 3 options regarding the possible opening of Memorial Community pool. And they’ll consider an Emergency Ordinance that would basically allow restaurants to use Public Rights-of-way, Private Open Space and Parking Lot Areas for outdoor dining. This would be temporary as per Executive Order from Gov. Walz to limit bars and restaurants from opening to indoor dining. You can comment online on these items through noon tomorrow. Meetings are streamed live on the City’s website and begin at 6pm. Filing for local candidacy seats such as Mayor and three council positions, At-Large, Ward 3 and Ward 2 is open until 5pm tomorrow. Contact City Clerk Deb Little.
Decision on DJJD expected tomorrow
“It’s a little hard when you have mass crowds to conduct a community celebration on a full scale”, that’s Galen Malecha, in his role as General Chair of the Defeat of Jesse James Day committee. They will make a decision tomorrow night as to whether they will cancel the celebration or try to find a way to safely scale it back. Malecha said the decision will be a collective one of the whole committee. They will announce it to the public soon thereafter. The State Fair and most county fairs have already been cancelled.
Commissioner Malecha remarks on County Services
Malecha also commented on how County Services is operating, saying, “Rest assured that the county staff is working very, very hard our leadership team here at the county, we couldn’t ask for a better leadership team. And we couldn’t ask for better employees here within the county. No road projects are still getting done. And Park maintenance is still getting done. And social services work and public health work and you know, planning and zoning and economic development.” His full interview is HERE.
