During their numerous meetings on Tuesday night, the Northfield City Council heard a presentation from City Engineer Dave Bennett outlining some new options for the construction of a new Northfield Ice Arena or the renovation of the current ice arena.
Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig acknowledged that it has been quite some time since the city had any public conversation regarding the arena, which was referred to several times during the meeting as “the worst building that the city owns.” The reason for that pause, he said, was because they had been collecting cost updates and working with a design firm to flesh out what a new building might look like.
The Council was presented with three options. The first, which was referred to as a “pretty straightforward ice arena,” would be built at a cost of about $28 million on the parcel of land on the west side of Highway 3, just beyond Honey Locust Drive, that has been donated to the Northfield Hockey Association for the express purpose of building a new arena. A second, scaled down version of a new building was also presented at a cost ranging from about $20 million to about $25 million. A third option would renovate the current arena, bringing it up to code, and creating a new addition to the building. All three options offer a single sheet of ice.
Martig said the city has been negotiating with Tyler Westman and Brett Anderson who have proposed to buy the current arena from the city for $1.225 million and turn it into a private recreation facility. He said there are many benefits to the city in selling the building.
“There would be some added benefit. That money is proposed then to go into the actual new construction option, for one. Secondly, that would turn that building into taxable property, eventually. We know we need tax base growth. This would add a little over $1.2 million, presumably, under our tax base.”
There was some skepticism from the Council, particularly in the reactions from Councilors Jami Reister and Davin Sokup. While neither said they were opposed to an ice arena project, they both had concerns regarding the cost to the city. Reister questioned the lack of private money in the plans, while Sokup said he was concerned about the effect this would have on property taxes and the cost of housing in Northfield.
Mayor Rhonda Pownell said there are other concerns as well, particularly the timing of this project in relation to the school district referendum that will be on the ballot in November.
“[Members of the Council] have expressed strong interest in ensuring that we are working very closely with the school district. They are moving forward with a referendum on the ballot, and we want to make sure that we’re in alignment with them and that any action that we would take wouldn’t have a negative impact on their ability to move forward with the high school.”
Mayor Pownell also said, however, that this is a problem that has lingered for far too long, and that the council has a responsibility to bring it to a resolution.
No timetable was laid out for a decision about the arena, however Martig did say a potential closing date for the current arena sale has been set at the end of July.
Saye-Willis Artist Reception will follow State of the City
The City of Northfield has announced that the recipient of the 2024 Living Treasure Award is Judy Saye-Willis.
Saye-Willis is a highly respected fiber artist who has worked at her craft for more than 50 years. She has studied with renowned artists from around the world and has been awarded numerous grants. She has had exhibitions throughout Minnesota and the country and is the driving force behind Rice County Indigo Collective and a cofounder of the Studio ARTour.
According to a statement issued by the city, those who nominated Saye-Willis said, “Judy is deeply respected for being a generous educator and kind community member. She is a leader, a contributor, and a creative thinker. Her creative and collaborative spirit is worthy of recognition.”
Saye-Willis will be honored next week at the annual State of the City address. During the event, a video presentation featuring the nominators and Saye-Willis will be played. An artist’s reception will be held immediately following the event in the atrium where her work will be on display.
Previous recipients of the Living Treasure Award include artist and graphic designer Judy Swanson, gardening artist Judy Code, musician and teacher Donna Paulsen, sculptor Mac Gimse, and choir director and teacher Wayne Kivell.
The Arts and Culture Commission is inviting the community to honor Saye-Willis as the 2024 Living Treasure Award winner during the State of the City Event which is set for 6:30 pm this coming Tuesday, at the Kracum Performance Hall in the Weitz Center for Creativity on the campus of Carleton College.
411 Concert Series continues on Sunday night
And on Sunday night, the Northfield Arts Guild will present Jennifer Grimm and Joe Cruz, an acoustic husband and wife duo as a part of the 411 Concert Series.
Grimm is a nationally acclaimed vocalist who has performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall, and sung in commercials for Target, Caribou Coffee, Office Max, HealthPartners, and True Value.
Cruz is regarded as one of the most versatile and energetic multi-stringed instrumentalists in the Twin Cities music scene.
The Guild’s Performing Arts Manager, Pauline Jennings, who books and curates the 411 series said she is especially excited to bring Gimm to Northfield.
“She is absolutely a class act. The way she sings is kind of like R&B. She jazzes things up, but she also sings pop and blues just as well. I’m telling you, folks, I guarantee you will love it. She’s a consummate performer. She also is very funny. So, this will be a full night of just joy and laughter.”
Grimm and Cruz will play at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater on Sunday at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at northfieldartsguild.org.
KYMN News 3/14/24
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
