During the special city council meeting on Tuesday night, the members of the council unanimously approved a resolution formally
requesting the Northfield School District consider adding an indoor ice arena to their list of priorities as they consider improvements to the Northfield High School facility.
The Northfield Ice Arena has been a problematic situation for the city for many years and is now reaching an age where it is no longer cost effective to maintain. Aurora Pharmaceutical recently approached the city about buying the property in order to tear down the arena and use the land for further expansion. The City Council is strongly in favor of such a move, but that only makes finding a solution for a new arena more imperative.
A Local Option Sales Tax Referendum to build a new arena failed in 2018, and since then the city has been at a loss as to what to do with the building.
City engineer Dave Bennett said the building is outdated and antiquated and has definitely outlived its usefulness.
“I think it probably goes back to the history of how [the building was constructed.] It was built in the 7-’s, and it wasn’t built for use [as an ice arena]. Then it was turned over to the city, so it was never really meant to be an ice arena for the long term. So, the city inherited it, and it’s been operating well for years, but it is definitely outdated.”
Meanwhile, the Northfield School District has been wrestling with its own questions about what to do with the Northfield High School, which itself is in real need of updating, and some say it too should be replaced. A task force report put together last spring does recommend upgrading much of the athletic facilities, and the construction of a field house, but that recommendation is a lower priority than others.
The resolution passed by the council reads that the city believes “a new indoor ice arena designed, constructed, financed, owned and operated by the Northfield School District should be included as part of any school district referendum on the same question related to any expanded new fieldhouse facilities,” and the city “offers to financially contribute to the financing related to new construction, relocation, and operations for related athletic facilities including the indoor ice, fieldhouse, and other impacted outdoor recreation facilities with an immediate priority to determine potential options and commitments.”
While the district has not yet responded to the resolution, Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann did say he has received a copy of the resolution and is reviewing it.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield City Engineer Dave Bennett can be heard here
Northfield Shares is readying the second annual ReCharge Northfield
Northfield Shares continues to expand sustainability initiatives and is already gearing up for key fall events. 
Northfield Shares is a nonprofit organization that manages funds that benefit the Northfield area and gives out grants to other local nonprofits.
Carrie Carroll, Executive Director of Northfield Shares, encouraged Northfielders to put ReCharge Northfield, the second annual electric vehicle event on October 15th, on their calendars. The event will be held at the Northfield Middle School and will be expanded from last year. Local electric vehicle owners will be showcasing their cars and answering questions and attendees will also have the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles.
In conjunction with the Recharge Northfield event last year, Northfield Shares also began the Fund for Environmental Sustainability. Sarah Nathan, the previous Executive Director, said, “By accepting and acting upon our shared responsibility for the planet, we want to be a model for other small communities in Southern Minnesota and beyond.”
In addition to promoting sustainability, Carroll explained that through Northfield Shares there are many different ways people can support whatever causes they are passionate about in Northfield.
“We manage the funds for nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations, individuals, businesses, that are really passionate about supporting a specific niche or just the Northfield community or charities of their choice… we’re basically a vehicle to make that happen.”
Individuals and organizations can start their own funds or donate to existing funds. The nonprofit is also always looking for volunteers to support their work and the work of their partner organizations. Northfield Shares created an online Volunteer Hub that can be accessed from the website that connects volunteers with opportunities across Northfield. Local organizations can also post volunteer needs on the hub.
In addition to ReCharge Northfield, Carroll highlighted the fundraising breakfast on October 27th that raises money to support Northfield Shares and its mission. She said, “Our mission is to support all other missions in town. We like to think we raise all boats.”
Pederson announces retirement from FiftyNorth Executive Director role
FiftyNorth Executive Director Lynne Pederson has announced that after 14 years, she will retire from her position effective September 1st.
Under her leadership FiftyNorth has evolved from the 500 member Northfield Senior Center, to nearly quadruple the membership and double the physical space. Programming has expanded to 60 fitness classes per week, and they are now able to offer lifelong learning classes, room to create and display art, theater, card games, and parties and special events. Plus, the dining options have greatly expanded through the FiftyNorth Café.
A letter from Pat Jorstad, the President of the FiftyNorth Board, praised Pederson’s vision and leadership.
“Over the years she has seized every opportunity to serve the values and needs of FiftyNorth members and other older adults in the community. She recognized when change was needed and had the tenacity to implement a plan to institute that change.”
The letter also went out of its way to thank Pederson for her guidance and leadership through the Covid-19 pandemic, crediting her and her staff for the continued health and well-being of the organization.
Jorstad said the FiftyNorth Board of Directors has formed a search committee to oversee the hiring of a new Executive Director. Pederson herself will assist in the transition, and also plans to continue to work with the FiftyNorth Expansion Project Team.
A retirement open house is planned in her honor from 4-5;30 pm on August 24th. A program will begin at 4:30.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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