By Teri Knight, News Director
The slim vote of Northfield Council to close the Water St. Bridge will be back on their agenda for tomorrow night. C. Peterson White and Zweifel were focusing on the pedestrians, bicyclists and fishermen, however, staff, the Mayor and C. Ness and DeLong had the businesses in mind. Many of which expressed their concern to the Chamber of Commerce. While it would be beneficial to pedestrians, bicyclists and those fishing, the group of businesses affected by the road closure felt differently. Some concerns included access to their businesses, deliveries and there was mention of who will pick up the trash of the visitors and the fishermen at those picnic tables. Chief Nelson had brought up considerations at the last meeting regarding fire concerns and, if they chose to close the Water St. bridge, that they should close it up to Division St. as there would be no
way to turn around. This is the last item on the council’s agenda for June 16th. You have until 4pm on Tuesday to comment. You can do so online at ci.northfield.mn.us or email City Clerk Deb Little at deb.little@ci.northfield.mn.us.
Underdahl urges covid precautions continue
As things open up, the basic protocols of wearing a mask when inside with others, washing your hands and keeping your social distance remain a good idea to prevent having to take drastic steps again in the future. Northfield Hospital and Clinics CEO Steve Underdahl said his fear is that wearing a mask has become idealogic badges. We co-op nearly everything into what “tribe” we belong to, adding, “I think that can potentially bite us. We’re looking at states like Arizona that opened up a little bit before we did that are trending back to a very bad place again”. The recent mass gatherings are also a concern for him. He urges everyone to get their information from reliable sources. NH&C has a specific page on Covid-19, KYMN also shares scientific-based information on our Updated Covid-19 page. The MN Dept. of Health and the Johns Hopkins website are two places Underdahl recommends.
NPD Chief message to community
Chief Nelson addressed the community in a message regarding the death of George Floyd and the questions and demands related to race, justice, and police use of force. The NPD recognizes the failure of those officers to follow established police practices. In the full message that is posted on our website, he shares the training NPD officers receive, their continued efforts to communicate with various groups in our community and more. Check it out HERE.
Nfld Y opens
The Northfield YMCA opened up today. Ex. Dir. Krista Danner commented last week that they would be opening at 25% capacity, per Governor Walz’s directive, adhering to all guidelines. She said they’ve had a taskforce working and planning for the last 2 months for the ability to reopen safely for staff and members. They opened with Phase one, she said, “what that will include is hours of operation will be limited and will be different. We will open from 6am until noon and then we will take a break from 12 until 4pm for additional disinfecting and cleaning in the building. We will then open from 4 until 8pm”. On the weekend, they’ll be open from 8am to 1pm. Danner said they’ll offer one to two group exercise classes, outdoors when possible with nine people per class. Listen to her full interview is HERE.
“Don’t cut through neighborhoods” as Roundabout detour starts
The intersection of Hwy 246 and Jefferson Parkway will close today for the roundabout project and underpasses. Northfield Engineering Manager Sean Simonson created a video to show the detour routes for both roads and how to get to the three schools in the area. He said, “these detours are expected to remain in place throughout the Summer and into October. In the interest of safety for the residents we urge motorists to use the posted detours and not cut through the nearby neighborhoods to bypass the intersection”. The full video is HERE.
