Expensive Waste Water facility repair work to be done in phases
The Northfield City Council toured the Waste Water facility last night. There’s a lot of it that needs repair. They’ve talked about this before and including it in the Capital Improvement Plan. Everything involved with the facility is an expensive repair. Public Works Director Joe Stapf and the managment of the facility talked with Council about the priorities for repair and what can be done in phases. This will come back to council.
Cash and/or bonding considered in funding the Library improvements
Finance Director Melanie Schlomann laid out the options on financing the Library improvement project. First option is to pay cash out of the General Fund budget. Dollars are in there. The second option is capital bonding where they would be an additional $30,000 fee She added that she would ask Council to raise the tax levy by 2% for this option. And the last option is a combination of the two, which might be best option considering the differing opinions of Council. Councilor Pownell expressed concern that the $1 million was enough. Library Director Theresa Jensen commented on previous library expansions and said they feel that this is their one chance to get something done. She added that they could extend the life of the library by about 10 years. They don’t see a need for a large expansion at this time. They‘ll be doing more outreach to those who don’t come into the library. She added that they will also be soliciting additional funds outside of the City’s commitment of $700,000 to $1 million. Jensen reiterated “I don’t want this opportunity to pass us by”. Council will vote on this at a later date. The Mayors interview as well as the work session are archived online at kymnradio.net.
Dundas okays further work with Northfield and the DNR over Regional Park
The Dundas City Council approved the Legacy Grant agreement with Northfield that would create a regional park along the east side of the Cannon river. The goal is also for river travel as well as a regional park. With this vote they authorize working with the MN DNR to finalize the grant application. Then the planning process kicks into high gear and the purchase of property begins. The Legacy grant is about $400,000 with the total cost of the project around $500,000. Northfield has 2 grants that will provide for most of the building of the trail, according to McCarthy.
Riverwalk Market Fair solicits vendors
Northfield’s Riverwalk Market Fair opens in June. They’re looking for vendors. They will give preference to those produce and meat farmers, food artisans and artists that live within a 50 mile radius. Last year vendors generated over $181,000 of direct sales with many also seeing additional commissions, catering and other business. The Riverwalk Market Fair runs Saturdays from 9am to 1pm on Bridge Square June through October. For more information go toriverwalkmarketfair.org. They’ve spruced up their website too!
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The post Today’s news update – Expensive Waste Water facility repair work to be done in phases; Cash and/or bonding considered in funding the Library improvements; Dundas okays further work with Northfield and the DNR over Regional Park; Riverwalk Market Fair solicits vendors appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.