Council will choose a Fire Service model
Asked why the Fire Service Task Force was created and you’ll likely get a few different answers. Frustration over failed attempts at cementing a contract with the City, tension over Mark Taylor being given authority over both Police and Fire after being named Public Safety Director and an OSHA report that highlighted administrative deficiencies within the Fire Department. After months of talks by the Fire service task force that included Northfield, Dundas and the 7 townships who were represented by Rural Fire; Dundas formally pulled out saying they want a taxing district. The remaining members, 3 from Northfield and 3 from rural fire voted 4 to 2 to recommend a Joint Powers agreement. The two against were Northfield representatives Rhonda Pownell and Lee Runzheimer. They are advocating an advisory board, essentially leaving the structure as is but forming a board that would give the Fire Department more say in decision making. Pownell said big changes shouldn’t be made because of personalities or recent changes the department went through. There are numerous issues with forming a JPA, not the least of which is cost allocation and representation. Mayor Graham comments that Northfield has 74% of the cost allocation but only 55% representation. He says he thinks a JPA could work but there are a lot of details to iron out. Potentially this means handing over our Fire Department to someone else. He’s asked those advocating for a JPA to lay out next steps. This will be on the agenda next week. Should they vote in favor of a JPA that only means that they’ll start looking at it in a more detailed manner. It doesn’t bind the City. In the meantime, Dundas, who has contracted with Rural for years, is in the process of contracting with the City of Northfield. City Administrator John McCarthy said Northfield sent over a draft contract, their council tweaked it and have sent it back to Northfield. McCarthy is confident the deal will be done. It has to be complete by year end.
Northfield GIVES
Last night Northfield Gives at the Grand raised more than $37,000 for 22 different local non-profits. One of the organizers, Candy Taylor from 5th Bridge said it was a real collaborative effort from the non-profits and businesses such as Apple Chevrolet to put it together. The Northfield Area Foundation donated 2 $500 Golden Tickets and Carleton donated 2 $250 Golden Tickets. The Northfield Historical Society received a $500 Golden Ticket when Glee Stark’s name was pulled. Save the Depot got a $250 Golden Ticket with Judy Sosted, WINGS also received $250 due to Mary Douglas’s donation and the Northfield Arts Guild received a $500 Golden Ticket when 5 year old Caleb Irvin’s name was pulled. Caleb had been asked by his dad what he would like to give his $5 to and he said “the arts”.
Three Links bazaar fundraiser for exercise bike
The Holiday Harvest Bazaar is taking place today and tomorrow at Three Links. Karen George says they’re raising money for a special exercise bike that is safer for seniors. You can find holiday decor and baked goods. There’s a silent auction featuring several items including an antique rocker and a stay at a lake resort. They have handbags, jewelry, lefse and candies too! George says the tables are overflowing. You can grab a light breakfast. They’ll have a lunch special of sloppy joes and their wild rice soup. There’s a collectibles section this year too. The bazaar is at the Friendship Lodge, on the corner of Oddfellow Lane and Hwy 19, from 8 to 5 today and 8 to 3 tomorrow.
Maggie Lee memorabilia to be auctioned
Maggie Lee loved cats and collected memorabilia for years. She donated her collection to Prairie’s Edge Humane Society and the Northfield Historical Society. They’re holding a live auction. Ed Kuhlman will be the auctioneer. Sandy Vesledahl says this collection has some really nice stuff including antiques. She says there are other items not cat-related. It all starts at 3 o’clock at the Eagles Club on Saturday.
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The post Today’s news update – Council will choose a Fire Service model; Northfield GIVES; Three Links bazaar fundraiser for exercise bike; Maggie Lee memorabilia to be auctioned appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.