By Teri Knight, News Director
Northfield’s Community Development Director, Mitzi Baker reports that the Northfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority is receiving and processing applications for Northfield’s Street Assessment Assistance Program. The HRA has approved to use up to $30,000 to assist those income-eligible homeowners pay for 2020 street assessments. Qualified applicants must be below 80% of Rice County area median income adjusted for family size. The HRA committed $45,000 to assist with the removal of eight blighted and abandoned mobile homes. As of today six mobile homes have been removed with the other two scheduled for removal by the end of summer. They are also sponsoring the cost for consultant services to complete a housing
study and needs analysis. Staff is currently working through the contracting process and anticipate the results will be available by the end of the year.
Dundas looking for a Police Chief
The City of Dundas is looking for a Chief of Police. Officer Wade Murray has been filling in as Interim Chief since Eric Kline took another position with the City of Lakeville early this year. Administrator Teppen explained that Murray and his family, “decided that it’s not something he ever aspired to be. He likes the role that he plays with the Police department and he’s comfortable in the Police Officer position”. So the Council approved a draft timeline for seeking and approving a new Police Chief. She said over the course of the next few months they hope to interview candidates and have someone in place by November.
UCare filming downtown
A reminder for those coming downtown. UCare will be filming today from 1pm to 7pm along Division St. in Northfield between 5th and 2nd streets and on Bridge Square between Water and Division. Police Chief Monte Nelson said they won’t shut down the whole stretch but will do it a block at a time in 10 minute segments. That will allow the crew to reset. There will be only a few places where they’ll have No Parking signs up.
Old Memorial Pool to open tomorrow
Old Memorial Pool is ready for swimmers. Staff was able to clean, repair, fill, and treat the water in both pools in just a couple of weeks. The pool deck areas have been cleaned and organized and the trees have been trimmed. They’re on schedule to open tomorrow. They’re requiring 6 ft. social distancing so the number of patrons will be less and there will be three 2.5 hour sessions a day, starting at 11:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm as well as times for swim clubs and a lap swim. Here is a link directly to the schedule.
NH&C accepts visitors
Yesterday, Northfield Hospital and Clinics started allowing some visitors to the hospital for the first time since March 20th due to Covid-19. In a press release, they said NH+C will screen all visitors, including taking temperatures. Those who show symptoms of COVID will not be allowed to enter. Visitors must wear a face mask. No one under 18 will be allowed to visit. All the rules are on our website under our Covid-19 page. NH&C added that this expansion may be reversed if there’s an increase in positive COVID cases. They are still not allowing visitors at the Long Term Care Center.
