Local attorney David Ludescher has filed a lawsuit naming Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell and City Clerk Lynnette Peterson as defendants. The results of the suit could have interesting effects on the business already done by the city in 2023.
The suit is asking the court to issue what is known as a Writ of Mandamus, requiring Peterson to change the record of a vote taken on November 15th.
At issue is an amendment made to the City Charter that allows for certain City Zoning Ordinances to be passed by the City Council on a simple majority vote, instead of a super majority as had been previously required. Amendments to the Charter must be approved unanimously on two separate votes, or “readings,” in order to become law. The first reading had passed unanimously during a prior council meeting, and the second reading of the amendment was put on the Consent Agenda for November 15th.
Ludescher claims that, while the record shows the consent agenda, and by extension the Charter Amendment, passed unanimously, Mayor Pownell did not, in fact, cast a vote on the agenda, and should therefore be marked as “Present – Not Voting.” Such a change would mean the Amendment did not pass.
Ludescher’s complaint uses the video taken during the meeting as evidence. “With the camera firmly fixed upon her,” it reads, “it is clear that Defendant Pownell did not vote in the affirmative… In fact, Defendant Pownell did not vote at all.”
As City Clerk, Peterson is charged with the task of recording City Council votes. As Mayor, Pownell must sign every Ordinance the council passes. The suit claims that both Pownell and Peterson have declined to change the record.
The lawsuit also asks the courts to “order the records of the City of Northfield be changed,” to reflect that Mayor Pownell did not vote in favor of the amendment, and therefore the amendment did not pass.
Video of the vote can be found by clicking here.
Night to Unite promotes safety, community development
Tonight, is the annual Night to Unite when communities across the country, including several neighborhoods in Northfield, will gather for neighborhood parties.
The event is held annually on the first Tuesday of August as a means to build community and promote safety in communities everywhere. A statement issued by the City of Northfield said, “When families know one another and communicate frequently, it can have a positive effect on the whole community.”
The event is also meant to build positive connections between residents and law enforcement.
Police Chief Mark Elliot, who has been an influential and tireless supporter of Night to Unite, has spoken about the evening in the past and called it an excellent opportunity for people to get to know their neighbors.
“It’s just a great opportunity to get together with your neighbors, get to know your neighbors, catch up, maybe meet the new neighbors that just moved into the neighborhood and get together and have fun.”
Elliott went on to say that neighbors who come together and connect tend to look out for each other which, obviously, makes neighborhoods safer.
Those who attend pre-registered parties will receive a visit from representatives from the Northfield police department, the fire department, emergency medical services, the mayor, or city staff.
Due to the logistics of mobilizing several fire trucks and ambulances, registration had to close on July 21st. However, Elliott pointed out that one need not register to throw a neighborhood party. Taking the time to get to know others in the neighborhood is the most important aspect of the evening, and no registration deadline should preclude neighbors from gathering.
For more information on Night to Unite, call the Northfield Police Department at 507-645-4477.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott can be heard here
Dennison Days will provide activities for young and old
It’s Dennison Days this weekend.
The official summer celebration for Northfield’s Southeast neighbor will begin unofficially on Wednesday when the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus makes a stop in Dennison for two shows at 5:30 and 7pm.
The more official kickoff will be on Friday night with a bags tournament in front of 625 Bar & Grill and live music, which is back on Friday night for the first time in several years, with up-and-coming Nashville artist Lyssa Coulter.
There are plenty of activities and events for the kids as well. Kids Bingo will be at 11am under the Dennison Lions Tent, the parade will be led by a Kiddie Parade, the kids carnival will open at 1pm, and the kids pedal pull will begin at 2pm.
The celebration will wrap up Saturday night with live music from the very popular New Prague band Wreckless, beginning at 7:30pm.
Dennison Days has become a summertime tradition for many people in the area. Joe Amy, owner of the Fireside Lounge and a member of the Dennison Lion’s Club said the celebration owes much of its success to its sponsors.
“We couldn’t do it without them. We get, we get sponsors that throw in 20 bucks, and we get some that give us a few hundred dollars. But that’s what it takes to get the word out, and get the events done for the day. You know, we try to raise a little money during Dennison Days, but as everybody knows, everything costs money. We’re so grateful for every one of the sponsors that we have.”
For more information on Dennison Days, including a full schedule of registration times for many events, visit dennisondays.org.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Joe Amy of the Dennison Lion’s Club can be heard here
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
