Hwy 19 becomes tar pit – Attorney General getting involved
If you traveled Hwy 19 between Hwy 3 and I-35 this weekend you’re likely none too pleased with MnDot. Facebook postings of complaints about black tar marks covering cars nearly outpaced Ice bucket challenge videos. Streets and Parks Supervisor TJ Heinricy explained that MnDot was chipsealing the road but when it rained the chip seal oil bled through the rock and that is what was getting on the cars. He added that MnDot then tried to cover it with more rock. That was dangerous for motorcycles. According to wikipedia, if they use too much emulsion, that will also leak up through the aggregate and only a solvent will clean it up. Some people were reporting hours of clean up after driving through there. We called MnDot’s Rochester office at 507-286-7500 and were told by Ilsa to call Astech, the contractor hired by MnDOT to do the seal coating work. She said they’re responsible and will handle your claim. The number is 320-363-8500. A call to the Project manager from MnDot has not yet been returned. Sheila Hagen of Northfield called Astech who told her they would pass her information on to their insurance company. With a brand new truck she decided to take further action and called the State’s Attorney General Lori Swanson. Her representative told Hagen that they are very interested in this and want everyone with claims to contact Swanson’s office via their website, ag.state.mn.us. Click on consumer complaints and download the assistance form. Hagen says her complaint is that she “should be able to make one phone call to the State and have it taken care of”. That’s not what’s happening. Hagen took lots of pictures and now has her vehicle being professionally cleaned. The chipsealing emulsion won’t come off without a solvent and could leave your vehicle stained.
New City Admin shadows Madigan as he prepares to retire
New City Administrator Nick Haggenmiller attended his first Council work session observing Tim Madigan. Madigan went through work projects, goal setting for the council and also brought up Annexation agreements. While Northfield isn’t looking at one right now, he said he’s never seen a City so generous to townships. He added that most cities use the State guidelines which offer 6 or 7 year agreements with declining payments. Some of Northfield’s have lasted much longer. Madigan says state guidelines addresse all the issues involved such as tax base loss and gain and the heavy investments that cities usually have to make incorporating new areas. He said there’s one agreement that will be coming to a close and cautioned council to consider other options like ordinance, petition or orderly annexation. Madigan also brought up City staff items including the Public Works department which includes multiple departments. He says they should consider what their needs are, how to be cost effective and how Northfield compares with other cities. He went on to suggest they hire a project coordinator. Haggenmiller will be jumping into the deep end once Madigan leaves. There will be an Open House for Madigan this Wednesday in Council Chambers beginning at 4 o’clock.
PEHS changes focus as they officially open in Northfield
Prairies Edge Humane Society officially opens their new facility in Northfield this week. They’ve been in the process of moving from Faribault for the last several months. Their focus is changing slightly with a more concentrated effort of educating and assisting pet owners. Rather than allow pet owners to drop off unwanted animals, Director Kathy Jasnoch told the Northfield News that they’ll work with pet owners to find a better solution. Sometimes they can’t afford the food or vet care, Prairies Edge will work to resolve the problem. If they still can’t keep the pet, then PEHS will take the animal by appointment only. They’ll still house cats however they are still looking for foster homes for dogs. They will also take cats from rural areas. Go to prairiesedgehs.org for more information about the changes and how you can help. If you see a stray animal, call the Police, they’ll take the animal to Countryside Vet clinic which serves as Northfield’s impound. S.A.F.E Sanctuary in Faribault and Last Hope in Farmington do take unwanted animals. They are both no kill shelters. Jasnoch says they’ll have a soft opening and a Grand opening sometime in September.
The Dundas City Council meets tonight at 7 but first they’ll hold a work session on their budget. They’ll be discussing meeting with Bridgewater. City Administrator John McCarthy will be in studio tomorrow morning at 8:45.
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The post Today’s news update – Hwy 19 becomes tar pit – Attorney General getting involved; New City Admin shadows Madigan as he prepares to retire; PEHS changing focus as they officially open in Northfield appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.