By Rich Larson, News Director
After months of conversation and studies, the Northfield City Council voted unanimously last night in favor of two
ordinances, one that would place a franchise fee on gas service in Northfield, and the other on electric service. The fees would raise approximately $1.3 million dollars annually, $1.2 million of which would fund road construction and redevelopment, supplanting the city’s current assessment program. An additional $100,000 would go to fund the city’s Climate Action Plan.
Last week, the council passed the first reading of the two ordinances by a 4-3 margin. The dissenting opinions for at least two of the councilors had been due to the lack of regulation surrounding the funding of the climate plan. In explaining her “No” vote, Mayor Pownell expressed concern that the ordinances, as written, would allow for future councils to divert all the money to the climate funding.
Councilor Brad Ness proposed an amendment to both ordinances during the meeting, capping the amount of ordinance funds that could be allocated to the Climate Action Plan at $100,000. This was enough for Pownell to change her vote:
“I think this is a good quality change. It’s really reiterating something that was talked about in the original motion, in terms of direction and how we would be moving forward with it. This just puts it in the ordinance. So, I really appreciate seeking out Attorney Hood’s input on this and just making sure we’ve got the right language.”
Despite the fact that he joined the council in unanimous favor of the ordinances, Councilor Delong expressed concern over the regressive aspect of the fees, calling it a “tax in sheep’s clothing,” and saying that even the annual $66 dollars that the fees will add to most residential bills is significant to some residents. He also said that he is concerned about the money going to the Climate Action Plan:
“I will begrudgingly vote for this because one negative vote isn’t going to stop it. But spend it wisely, because what can be taken easily can also go away easily on the other end.”
With the addition of Councilor Ness’ amendments, last night’s reading was considered to be the first. And because the city charter requires two readings, the two ordinances will now be on the council’s agenda for vote when they meet again on December 1.
The full explanation of the city’s franchise fee program can be found HERE.
Council receives presentation on Riverfront Enhancement Plan
The Council also received a presentation on the Riverfront Enhancement Action plan, regarding improvements to parks around the Cannon River area. The plan would establish the Cannon River Regional Park, giving the city access to funding from various agencies within the state to assist in the
proposed improvements. Riverfront Enhancement Advisory Committee co-chairs Mitzi Baker and Tracy Davis Heisler both pointed out that while the committee has been working on this project for two years, it is still not a definite or complete program, and the proposed changes would be implemented over the course of 5-10 years. In fact, Baker said, the pace of implementation would depend on when the opportunities presented themselves.
In recent weeks the Riverfront Enhancement plan has become a controversial one, due to the lack of inclusion of groups that make great use of the areas under proposal, including the Northfield Garden Club and the Defeat of Jesse James Days Planning Committee. Councilor Ness was direct in his concerns over the proposed changes:
“I know that there is a meeting coming up soon with defeat of Jesse James Days and I appreciate that greatly. It’s important to me that they are in on early planning on this. I hope it happens before the December 1 meeting where this gets approved or not, because I would like their input prior to that meeting. It scared me when I saw the first plan that said ‘Move the rodeo. Move Ames Park.’ Because that would kill it.”
Speaking during the public comment section of the meeting, DJJD General Chair Galen Malecha said that the planning committee respects the ideas of the Riverfront Enhancement plan, and said it is a good plan, but questioned why the planning committee had not been involved from the outset:
“What we’re concerned about is that we were never brought to the table, never asked to be at the table, and so the question is ‘Why?’ We are one of the largest users of those areas. Yes, it’s only one weekend a year, but it’s a big event that brings a lot of people into the community of Northfield.”
The presentation on the Riverfront Enhancement project can be found HERE.
Rebound Hospitality issues statement regarding the Archer House River Inn
And Rebound Hospitality, the company that owns and operates the Archer House, issued a statement yesterday offering thanks to the community for the expressions of grief and support after the fire that devastated the hotel last week.
The statement confirmed the extensive damage to the hotel, saying it will be some time before any determinations on the building’s future can be made.
“Over the coming days and weeks there will be a determination as to the condition of the structure and if any portion of the historic structure can be saved. While it is our hope that we will be able to rebuild the inn, restaurant, bar and retail spaces, it is too early to determine when that will happen or any specifics.”
The statement also expressed compassion and concern for the employees of the Archer House who had already endured months of employment uncertainty this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The statement said that the Archer House is not taking future reservations and will not be for an indefinite period of time.
