By Teri Knight, News Director
Northfield Administrator Martig gave the Council a 2nd quarter update on their Strategic Plan. In terms of Economic Development he briefly touched on the progress of the 5th St. Lofts apartment complex downtown. The EDA is continuing with their implementation of their minority and immigrant business expansion program, Martig said, “and working with partners on how to identify if there are barriers and opportunities related to accelerating opportunities”. A lot of focus has been on Covid response in terms of helping businesses navigate the loss of revenue. The City has partnered with the Nfld Chamber of Commerce to educate businesses on State and Federal grant opportunities. Additionally, “the EDA created a grant program for eCommerce upgrades so that, particularly, retailers could move, if they didn’t have an online platform, had some grant
opportunities with that”. Small business grant applications through the City from CARES funding are currently open through the end of this month. Apply on the City’s website HERE. As for Affordable housing, the HRA is continuing with a rental study as well as a market study. This could help inform them on the unplanned area of the Spring Creek II project. A private project, Timberfield Apartments, will add up to 70 units. As for infrastructure, the Ice Arena is on the list for discussion. Staff is looking at new locations for the Municipal Liquor Store, as well as, “we are getting close as to completing information related to the existing location as an alternative to see what would be necessary for that as part of due diligence”. There’s a large stormwater project underway and staff is working to get high speed internet available to all residents, Martig said, “with MetroNet who is continuing to take a look at Northfield and we’re hoping to have more information coming in the relative near future”. The plan also includes other goals such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Operational Effectiveness and Climate Change impacts.
NH&C to open new Birth Center Sept. 28th
The new Birth Center at Northfield Hospital and Clinics is opening up on September 28th. Director Lisa Bauer told KYMN they have new labor and delivery rooms, a dedicated triage room and a new option, a water birth suite. It’s a popular alternative to moms who prefer natural childbirth. Some benefits include, “being in warm water can be calming, it can relieve pain and also helps reduce the risk of tearing during delivery”. The tub in Northfield, she said, is unique in that they have access on all three sides and it’s big enough and deep enough that the mom can get into positions where she is most comfortable while in labor. If a mom doesn’t’ want or shouldn’t medically use a water birth, there are other options to keep them as comfortable as possible. Bauer said, “we can start off with encouraging the mom to walk, we have squat bars and birth slings and a birth chair, birth ball, peanut ball. I mean you can name it, we also have aromatherapy”. There are also other options for pain relief. NH&C surveyed women who gave birth in the last couple of years about what they would want. So there are now bigger windows, more natural light, baby bath sinks, private refrigerators, room darkening blinds and more. Bauer also spoke on how they’re handling birthing during Covid-19. They’ll be able to deliver up to 750 babies a year. Last year they delivered 538. Her full interview is on kymnradio.net.
Dundas makes offer on new Police Chief
Dundas Council authorized Administrator Teppen to make an offer to Todd Hanson for the role of Police Chief in the City. They interviewed him last night in the role that’s been filled by Wade Murray since January when then Chief Eric Kline took another position with the Lakeville Police Department.
