Flexibility – key word to changes to LDC
The Land Development Code has been under scrutiny since it’s inception and the Planning Commission has worked diligently to make it a useable document. Community Development Director Chris Heineman said the changes brought forth will bring common sense flexibility. He said answering questions on garages has taken up the most staff time and been the most controversial. The changes will give specific regulations in a new, easy to read table. Heineman said these changes loosen strict limits on lot widths allowing for more flexibility. Mayor Graham said regulations on population density have been limiting. He says if things are set in stone, it’s not welcoming to the wealthy who would not be able to build a larger home. While there was plenty of debate, the changes were approved 6 to 1 with Councilor Zweifel voting no. Council will meet for a regular meeting and work session again this week. It’s a very full schedule. The Tiger Trail will likely dominate a portion of the meeting with the new bids coming in at 36% higher than estimated. Of course, it will be streamed online at kymnradio.net.
Nfld school staff to hear from law enforcement on handling armed intruders
Coming up as part of American Education week, Northfield and Faribault Police along with the Rice County Sheriff’s department will give an update to Northfield School staff on how to handle armed intruders in schools. Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson said it’s a tough subject but important as there have been many changes in handling armed intruders from Columbine to Sandy Hook. They’ve rethought what is the best way to handle these situations and how to practice it.
On November 21st the School Board will meet for a work session. They’ll be taking a hard look at enrollment numbers and what impact all day kindergarten will have on capacity.
The HRA gets a boost in funding
Community Development Coordinator, Michele Merxbauer, announced additional funding for the HRA. They were notified by Minnesota Housing that the application submitted by Three Rivers Community Action and the HRA for funding for another year of neighborhood revitalization was funded! They’ll receive an additional $110,000 from MN Housing and Greater MN Housing Fund for this project. The HRA will target Veterans Park for an additional year, as well as another yet to be defined neighborhood.
DMV offices not ready for move in yet
Deputy Registrar and Interim Finance Director, Melanie Schlomann, reports that the DMV move is going slower than anticipated and they won’t likely be back in their offices by Wednesday. She will keep us updated. The DMV is currently in the City Hall building near the Finance department. They are unable to renew driver’s licenses at the temporary location.
Click below to listen to FULL 11-18-13 newscast:
Click here to listen to FULL 11-18-13 newscast
Listen for news updates on-air at 6, 7, 8, Noon, 3 & 5
(Please spread the word! RECOMMEND to your Friends below)
The post Today’s news update – Flexibility – key word to changes to LDC; Nfld school staff to hear from law enforcement on handling armed intruders; The HRA gets a boost in funding; appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.