On Tuesday night the Northfield City Council received an update on the consortium of public and private entities that is being assembled with the hopes of building a new ice arena in Northfield at an expected cost of $20-$28 million, and finally resolving an issue that has dogged the city for decades.
City Administrator Ben Martig reported to the Council that the Northfield School District, the City of Dundas and the Northfield Hockey Association have all signaled a commitment to the construction of a new facility.
Last month, the Northfield School Board was presented with the draft of a letter to the City of Northfield, stating the school district would commit to a 20-year lease on the arena at up to $250,000 each year. Martig pointed out that the school district currently pays rent of $50,000 each year, so the $5 million commitment over 20 years is a substantial increase. The school Board is expected to vote to approve the letter at its next meeting on Monday night.
Martig said of all the participants in the endeavor, the school district has the most at stake without a new arena.
“They’re also concerned because they project, without ice in town they would be looking at a $1 million operating loss. So, not only is there an economic impact, but if we don’t have an ice facility, the school district is likely to face programmatic impacts through operational cuts. Families that are committed to using ice really want to live in a community that has an ice arena, and we’ll lose those families.”
The City of Dundas would participate as well. Dundas mayor Glenn Sweitzer addressed the Council at the meeting and said he believes the Dundas City Council will approve a commitment to the arena project at the end of this month. Martig said the plan is for Dundas residents to pay the same proportionate costs as Northfield residents would.
The Northfield Hockey Association has committed to raising $2 million in private funds to put toward the construction, and should they raise more than that, the additional funds would go toward enhancements in the design, such as pre-cast concrete bleachers and a dry-land facility.
As has been the case in previous Council discussions about a new arena, several members of the council were reluctant to give full support for the project. Councilor Davin Sokup has concerns about the property tax increases the arena would bring, and the impact that would have on housing. Councilor Jessica Peterson White, whose 4th Ward includes Downtown Northfield, expressed concern over the tax increase that would be levied upon the commercial property owners she represents. Councilor Kathleen Holmes questioned the allocation of extra funds from the Hockey Association, and asked why those dollars could not be put toward the original design and construction, thereby easing some of the tax concerns. Only Councilor Brad Ness has given the project his full-throated support.
Mayor Rhonda Pownell acknowledged the difficulties with building a new arena, but she also said this situation has to be put to bed.
“It’s a difficult decision to make, but at some point, the community needs to move forward. This may be our last option. We either need to move this forward or get out of the ice business. It is so important for our community and that building is in such rough shape.”
Should the commitments from the Northfield School District and the City of Dundas come through, Martig said the Council will make a decision on the project sometime in June.
Emmaus bicycle event as much about community as anything
On Saturday morning, Emmaus Church will host its third annual bicycle repair and tune-up clinic.
Rob Ryden, the Director of Worship and Administration at Emmaus said the handiest and most bicycle knowledgeable members of the Emmaus congregation will offer their services, doing some maintenance and light repair work on any bikes that pull into the parking lot.
Ryden said they will be able to fix brakes, make adjustments to seats, handlebars and shifters, pump air into tires, and get the bikes ready for the summer season.
Additionally, he said, there will be food, and giveaways also. The event is sponsored by Tom’s Downtown Bicycles, which has donated pumps, helmets, bike locks and other items.
The event is part of the Emmaus Justice Initiative and is free for anyone in the community who wants to come by. Ryden said this is simply Emmaus trying to connect with, and build up, the community.
“We have a bunch of folks who are out there oiling chains and doing little light repairs, adjusting brakes and seats and stuff like that. We eat together. We get some great music pumping. We have a little obstacle course that some of the younger riders can go on and show off their bike skills. But the biggest thing is we just kind of hang out and have fun together with our neighbors.”
The Emmaus Bike Clinic will run in the Emmaus Church parking lot from 9am until noon on Saturday.
Rich Larson’s full conversation with Rob Ryden of Emmaus Church can be heard here
Car seat clinic helps ensure child saftey
Rice County Public Health, in collaboration with the Faribault Fire Department, will host a community car seat clinic next week. The event is for families or caregivers of children who would like to know for certain if their seats are installed properly and safely.
Child passenger safety technicians will be available on May 14th at the Faribault Fire Department to perform free safety checks. The technicians will inspect and assess car seats to ensure they fit the child and that they are correctly secured in the vehicle. Rice County staff may also be able to connect County residents with a source for a free car seat should their child need it.
The event is scheduled for next Tuesday, May 14th, from 9:30-11:30 am at the Faribault Fire Station.
Those wishing to schedule an appointment should call Kylie MacLoed at 507-333-3818 or email her at kylie.macleod@ricecountymn.gov. Walk ins are welcome as well. A statement issued by Rice County said those without an appointment may follow the signs that will be placed around the fire station and pull up to be served on the day of the event.
KYMN Daily News 5/10/24
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
