By Rich Larson, News Director
Last night the Northfield City Council passed the first reading of resolutions to enact franchise fees to supplant the city’s assessment program by a 4-3 margin.
The fees would fund road construction and redevelopment, as well as the city’s Climate Action Plan.
The Council discussed several different aspects of the fees, including the refunding of fees on an annual basis to residents and businesses who have recently paid assessments. Councilor David Delong was the most vocal critic of the program. His objections were mostly centered around the funding of the Climate Action Plan, saying that the $100,000 earmarked for climate funding could be used in other areas. “I don’t see,” he said, “how climate action jumped over other worthwhile projects.”
Councilor Suzie Nakasian, however said that she was proud to vote for measures that she felt made things more equitable for everyone.
“I’m so glad that we’re moving in a direction that will make us more affordable. Especially as prices increase and the economy… who knows what’s going to happen? It’s a tough time for people. But this, as we’ve seen in the comparisons, lessens the cost and spreads it globally. I’m just very pleased that we are possibly moving forward with these two measures.”
While this was a public hearing, there was little input from the public. Councilors acknowledged a handful of comments that had come in from the eComment section of the City Council website, but there was no live input from any member of the public, despite pleas from the council over the last three weeks for people to voice their opinions.
As the passage of this ordinance requires two readings, the second will be on the agenda when the council meets again next week.
Northfield Schools going to distance learning in the next two weeks
In a letter to parents and families of Northfield public school students, Northfield School Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann announced yesterday that the school district will be shifting all students to distance learning in the next two weeks due to concerns over Covid-19.
Northfield High School will go to distance learning on November 19, with students’ last day on campus being Monday the 16th.
Early childhood, elementary, and middle school students will go to distance learning on November 30. The last day on campus for these students will be November 20.
The letter said that the district made the decision based on three criteria: the increase in “lab-positive” Covid-19 cases at Northfield High School, the increase in positive cases in both Rice County and the State, and the projected continued increase of Covid cases based on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
The district will be in distance learning through the end of the calendar year. After the winter break, Hillmann said, they will look to resume the hybrid model as soon as possible.
Laura Baker Services Association advocates for resources for the disabled
And Northfield’s Laura Baker Services Association is being featured in a national advocacy report for 
legislators encouraging them to protect resources and support for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The American Network of Community Options and Resources selected Laura Baker due to the organization’s reputation as a sterling provider of services and support for the disabled.
Multiple studies suggest that Medicaid supported organizations like Laura Baker are significantly underfunded, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only made things more difficult. LBSA agreed to participate in the report because the people they serve deserve more.
“They need additional resources to lead happy and fulfilling lives,” said LBSA executive director Sandy Gerdes, “and, quite frankly, they are often ignored by our policy makers.”
To supplement the support they receive from Medicaid, LBSA hosts two major galas each year, one in the spring and one in the winter. This year, due to the pandemic, they can host neither event, and will instead present the Beacons of Hope Gala on December 5, which they are calling a virtual gala. Those interested in supporting LBSA will be able to join in online from their home to learn about the services the organization provides and to offer their support. For more information visit laurabaker.org.
