Last week, citing health concerns, Noel Stratmoen of the Northfield School Board exercised an option that allows him to tender a temporary
Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann said the board will now begin a search to find an appointed temporary board member to fill Stratmoen’s seat until such time as he feels he is ready to return.
Because Stratmoen is stepping aside for health-related reasons, state statute allows for the board to appoint a temporary board member in his place, rather than hold an election. That process will begin immediately, Hillmann said. Any resident of the Northfield Area Schol District may apply for the appointed position by submitting an Interest Form. That form has been posted to the School District website, as well as a form used by the Minnesota School Boards Association to educate school board candidates across the state about the roles and responsibilities of a school board member.
Hillmann said all of this was approved with a heavy heart. He said it is important to have seven members on the board, so action like this must be taken, but it is not easy. Stratmoen is a beloved figure in Northfield who commands a substantial amount of respect on the board
Stratmoen was first elected to the Northfield School Board forty years ago and, after winning his seat in a total of twelve consecutive elections, has become the longest tenured current member of any school board in the State of Minnesota. Dr. Hillmann praised Stratmoen for his dedication to the Northfield Community, especially its young people.
“He was first elected to the school board in 1982. If you think about it, he has influenced the public education system here in Northfield during five different decades. He’s one of the most altruistic people you will ever meet. He cares so much about this community. He cares so much about our students and their future and making this an outstanding place to grow up.”
The deadline for the district to receive an interest form from someone who would like to be considered for the temporary position is 4pm on January 3rd. The School Board will then take up the nominating process at its first meeting of the year on January 9th. The hope will be to have someone in place by the school board meeting on January 23rd.
Hillmann asked everyone in the community to keep Stratmoen in their hearts and to pray for a speedy recovery.
Dundas tax levy up more than 12%
The Dundas City Council approved a new municipal budget on Monday night, that includes a 12.06% property tax levy increase.
While the tax increase is not especially popular, Dundas City Administrator Janell Teppen said the move was a necessary one for public safety needs, as Dundas is now seeking yet another full-time Police Officer
“That 12% gets us about $166,000 in additional funding next year, and that will go towards another full-time police officer position, which is a 100% hit to the general fund The other employees in the in the city are spread across the general fund and enterprise fund budget, so it’s not such a hit to the general fund. With police officers, [however,] it’s a direct hit.”
Teppen said Dundas is losing yet another patrol office to the City of Northfield, which makes for two open full-time police positions. There are two part-time officers who are applying for the full-time positions, which, should they be accepted, will create another hole in the workforce.
There are, however, she said other reasons for an increase to the budget.
The city Enterprise funds, which are designed to help keep the area clean, are increasing in 2023. In late 2021 a utility rate study was performed by Abdo Financial Solutions that made projections into the future that the city has agreed with. Those projections are available in the rate study and have been incorporated into the new budget.
In the coming years there are several capital expenses planned so it is imperative to have adequate funds available. Six members of the City staff have salaries and wages allocated to at least one of the enterprise funds so all employees are projected to receive an increase and eligible employees will receive a step increase.
Debt service expenses have been budgeted for according to each individual bond service schedule. Included in this are principal payments, interest payments and fiscal agent fees. These items have been budgeted and presented according to amortization schedules and bond documents.
Teppen also said that Dundas has agreed to a new labor agreement with the unionized members of local law enforcement.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen can be heard here
Rice County has one position to fill on the Planning Commission
Rice County is looking for residents interested in serving on its Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission. 
One seat with a three-year term beginning January 1st is currently open. In order to have an even distribution of geographic areas of the county, the preference is for a resident from eastern or southeastern Rice County.
Members of the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission currently receive mileage reimbursement for miles driven to and from meetings, and $100 per meeting attended. Regular meetings are generally in the evening on the first Thursday of the month.
Questions about the board and about the application process should be directed to Environmental Services at 507-332-6113 or rcplanningzoning@ricecountymn.gov. Physical applications may be picked up from 8am until 4:30pm on weekdays at the Rice County Government Services Building in Faribault or they may be downloaded from the Rice County website.
Applications must be received by the Rice County Administration Office no later than 4pm on Friday, Dec. 23. They may be delivered by hand to the county Administration Office or emailed to rcplanningzoning@ricecountymn.gov
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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