By Teri Knight, News Director
Northfield Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow. They’ll consider alternative options to opening Memorial Pool. Facilities Manager, Jayson Dwelle, presented at their May 19th meeting giving a few scenarios. At that time he suggested they close for the Summer. As of Wednesday, Gov. Walz will allow community pools to open with certain conditions. The question is whether it makes fiscal sense at this point to do so. There are also legal questions to consider. Most of the community pools north of Northfield will
remain closed all season. Council will also discuss street modifications in the downtown area’s public rights of way. One consideration would be to close the Water Street Bridge to allow for people to spread out around Bridge Square and could be used for more take-out eating space. This could be permanent or temporary. Another discussion item is the possibility of Franchise Fees, which could replace special assessments on street projects. A formal presentation from the Director of Baker Tilly Advisors includes forecasted franchise fee revenue. There are a lot of considerations before taking any action. Meetings begin at 6pm and are streamed live on the City’s website. You can comment until 4pm on Tuesday. Click HERE to the link for comment. CC agenda 6-9
Prairie St. to get a cycle track
Last week council voted 5 to 2 to spend an extra $10,000 for a bikeway on Prairie Street between Woodley and Jefferson Pkwy. City Engineer Dave Bennett told council that this would align with their strategic plan and goals to become more climate friendly. A cycle track would be painted on the west side. Mayor Pownell explained, “so the difference between a cycle track and a bike lane is that a cycle track is two lanes going both directions together. And so that will be put in, it’s just paint, there is a cost to it”. Prairie Street is scheduled for sealcoating and the majority of the council felt it was the right time to do it. There was concern related to parking at Sibley Swale for the park. Councilor Zweifel moved the motion for approval, “including the amendment to bring the cycle track into the park and preserve the parking along the street directly adjacent to the park”. Councilor DeLong commented, “you’ve got to marshall your resources a bit. This is a desired amenity, it is not a necessary amenity”. Councilor Ness also felt that any unnecessary expenditures aren’t appropriate this year in light of the pandemic and uncertain funding from the State for next year. 1 – Planned Walking Biking Network Map 2 – PRAIRIE ST TYP SECTION
Archer House to open
The Archer House plans on reopening July 4th, said owner Brett Reese. They have been remodeling since the fire at Chapati, which caused water damage to the hotel and extensive damage to The Tavern Restaurant. They will not be open until Fall, according to Reese.
Nfld DMV new hours
Northfield’s Motor Vehicle Services are open from 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, however, starting today, the office will close from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m daily. Finance Director, Brenda Angelstad asks that you plan ahead and arrive by 1:00 p.m. if you expect to be served by 1:30. If you cannot arrive by 1 o’clock, then please plan to come back after 2:30. Employees and the public must follow CDC and state guidelines including maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet apart, using facial coverings if unable to maintain physical distancing requirements, and staying home if sick.
Distracted Driving enforcement
Deputies from Rice County along with officers from Faribault, Northfield, Lonsdale and Dundas Police will be working additional shifts June 1 – June 14 focusing on distracted driving on this Towards Zero Death (TZD) wave. Full press release: Media Release – TZD through June 14
