Council votes yes on increase $’s to NHS
Funding a Contract for Services with the Northfield Historical Society. NHS first received funding last year with a contract with the City to digitize documents found during City Hall’s renovation. Mayor Graham said that “it’s more than digitizing”. He added that they do so much more by sharing information all over the country and even outside the U.S. He said that Executive Director Hayes Scriven has been generous offering his expertise to other organizations, such as The Key, to guide them in saving their history. “So we rewarded them by giving them just over $25,000 a year for 3 years”. That’s up from the over $19,000 last year. Graham added that he feels this is money well spent. The vote was unanimous. On the other hand, the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation, who was also seeking funding from the City, just barely got a nod.
NDDC just barely gets the nod for funding
The NDDC has gone through some painful changes over the last year. Newly selected Executive Director, Scott Covey gave a presentation before Council requesting $35,000 in funding. The vote was split 4 to 3. Mayor Graham mentioned that their Executive Director (Ross Currier) left mid year but the NDDC still got paid for that half year. Ross Currier found another position. In the meantime, there was talk of the Chamber of Commerce essentially absorbing the NDDC, however, the Board came to the conclusion that they wanted to continue to have an advocacy group specifically focused on downtown. Graham said no one disputes that Covey will do a good job. He gave a 6 point presentation to Council. Graham said some of those items could be done by staff and it was tough to give taxpayer dollars to the NDDC for those functions. While Graham is not in favor of FUNDING the NDDC, he IS in favor of a downtown group. Founding member Brett Reese spoke at the council meeting. He helped form the NDDC in 2000. Mayor Graham pointed out that, when the group was formed, they asked for “seed money” for just 3 years. The Council has voted over the years to give them a total of $375,000. Graham believes the NDDC should become self-sustaining. Covey’s presentation is on the City’s website. Click HERE then click on NDDC Council materials FINAL to view the presentation. You can also watch the video.
16 kids cited in Farmington hazing incident last year
Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced charges in a hazing incident last September in Farmington. In a convoluted story of a “junior / senior war” during homecoming week, a 17 year old female is being charged with Criminal Vehicular Operation, a gross misdemeanor and assault in the 5th degree with intent to cause fear. The 17 year old was driving a vehicle with 2 juniors in the trunk and 2 in the backseat who had their hands ziptied after being “kidnapped” by a group of seniors. Several students involved described the 17 year old as driving at a high rate of speed and “recklessly” driving over 30 mph over speed bumps. and At one point causing a minor accident. When the junior girls were finally allowed out of the trunk, they were reportedly crying and “freaking out”. In all, the driver is charged while 15 kids between 16 and 18 years old, are being offered diversion from disorderly conduct charges if they complete the juvenile and adult accountability program in the County Attorney’s Office.
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The post Today’s news update – Council votes yes on increase $’s to NHS; NDDC just barely gets the nod for funding; 16 kids cited in Farmington hazing incident last year appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.