Underdahl updates Council on policy and possible strategies
Northfield Hospital and Clinics puts patients first. President and CEO Steve Underdahl gave his quarterly update to the Northfield Council last night and what struck Mayor Graham was how they recommend any hospital that’s is the best facility to care for the patient if there’s something they can’t do. This is unique because they’re independent, therefore they aren’t tied to a certain network. Although they have strong ties to Mayo. Underdahl confirmed they send patients to the best place for them regardless of whether it’s Childrens, Abbott, HCMC or wherever. Their care gets high marks but so does their customer service. One program instituted recently is room service. Patients in the hospital get a menu to choose from and eat on THEIR schedule. Underdahl said it lends some dignity and control to the patient. He added that from a business standpoint, “as much as it costs to stay in the hospital, you should be able to eat when you want”. Graham said that people come from a miles away. Underdahl talked a lot about strategic planning. We’ve invited him to come in studio to talk further. He mentioned that they’re looking to reach out further south to the farming communities rather than north towards the Cities. The meeting as well as Mayor Graham’s interview are archived online at kymnradio.net.
Is it time for a raise for our Northfield elected officials?
Council also discussed their compensation. City Administrator Madigan told the Council that a vote has to be done by Ordinance and must be done before the election. Northfield Mayor and councilors have not had a raise in 8 years. During that time inflation has increased by 18%. His suggestion is to raise by 11 ½ % in 2015 and 2% more in 2016. He added that it’s higher but not out of range. Currently the Mayor makes $9,600 a year and council members get $8,400. Mayor Graham commented that his main objective is to open up the possibility to more of the community. Peterson White agreed and added that even if it’s the difference of being able to get a babysitter or buy dinner for the family when a council member is doing the City’s business. Ludescher went so far as to say the Mayor should be paid much more because that position has so many more duties. There was debate as to how much difference. Pownell offered a more cautious approach saying they should approve it for 2017 while Nakasian was against it period. This is on the Council agenda for next week, they’ll take public comment at that time.
Police facility looking polished and almost ready for business
The new Northfield Police facility is nearly complete. Get a peek inside on the City’s website under City Administrator Memo dated May 30th. In the Brick by Brick section you can see inside how the offices are shaping up with carpeting, tiling, lighting and furniture. The IT department is working to connect their internet services but they are also waiting on the okay from City Council on whether to use Jaguar Communications out of Owatonna or Arvig, the company in the process of buying St. Olaf Telephone. This is on council’s agenda for next week. Take a drive by the facility and you’ll see all the landscaping as well.
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The post Today’s news update – Underdahl updates Council on policy and possible strategies; Is it time for a raise for our Northfield elected officials?; Police facility looking polished and almost ready for business appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.