Jane B McWilliams, LWV Observer
All council members were present.
Tonight’s relatively light agenda began with two presentations. Dena Fesler and Jonathan Powers reported to the council the progress of the War Kids Relief program. They hope to build a curriculum for national use, starting with 30 classrooms in Minnesota. Powers plans a cross-country walk this summer to raise awareness and funds to build the program. Locally, Fesler reported that they are building a fundraising effort. (http://www.childrenscultureconnection.com/warkidsrelief.html)
Sharon Henry and Mary Nelson distributed the May 2009 report on the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use. This is the third year the nine-member board has been working to “advocate for and with youth, committed to creating a community where our youth can lead healthy lives free of alcohol and drug use.” The current project is providing drop boxes where the public can dispose of medications, to avoid disposal in the landfill or sewage system, or being accessible for misuse. http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/government/boards/mayorstaskforceonyouthalcoholdruguse
During public comments, Diane Bourdot asked the council to do something about regulating noise. This was brought to her attention Friday night when music from “a popular local venue” could be heard at her home a mile away. She said there are real physical and psychological effects from noise. The police told her that there is no ordinance regulating businesses.
Michelle Milenacker, President of the Dundas Historical Society,
urged the council’s support (on the Consent Agenda) of their request to waive the fees for use the ShowMobile for a community festival on June 27, 2009, an item on the consent agenda. Other Consent Agenda items included approval of Grace Whittier Fund Grant Recipients, a resolution permitting the Library Director to issue a request for proposal to hire a fundraising feasibility consultant, and supporting the Economic Develop Authority’s Partners’ 2009 Infill and Redevelopment Action Plan. The plan came out of a number of meetings initiated by the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation to create strategies for implementing economic development initiatives.
On March 16, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance which would allow large wind turbine facilities within the city limits. Tonight, staff had prepared revisions to that draft which the council reviewed and then approved the second reading. This will permit Carleton College to erect a turbine on their property. Council Betsey Buckheit cast the sole negative vote.
Bridgewater Commons is a development on Highway 3 South on land zoned Gateway Commercial. The 4.4 acre parcel will be subdivided into three parcels, serviced by two existing public roads. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the final plat with two conditions. First, the existing (bur oak) tree will not be removed unless, despite good-faith efforts, the100+year-old tree does not survive. Second, the staff and applicant should work to include an easement for a trail on the site plan if it can be agreed upon. Councilor Erica Zweifel said she appreciates efforts to preserve trees which can be part of the infrastructure because of their role in protecting the environment. The final plot was approved unanimously. Two related actions, approval of second reading of an ordinance to vacate drainage and utility easements and approval of a development agreement were taken by the council.
The outdoor dining ordinance, enacted for one year in May of 2008, was approved with amendments, this time without a sunset provision. City Administrator Joel Walinski provided a new version of the quarterly financial report, this one for the General Fund for March 31, 2009. He outlined the tentative schedule for providing financial summaries for the other funds throughout the year. He noted that the purpose of these interim financial reports is to “help educate you on the City’s finances and provide current information.” The report provides information on the current budget, year to date income and expenditures, budget balance and percentage year to date for both income and expenditure in the General Fund. This report is available at: March-2009-General-Fund.pdf At Councilman Jim Pokorney’s suggestion, Walinski will provide a cover letter to future reports highlighting significant items.
The council discussed current and future use of Babcock Park where presently, the major use is over the road semi-truck parking and storage of local residents’ trailers. (Defeat of Jesse James Days events and dog park are other uses.) There have been requests to use the area for other purposes: weekly meetings of the Sundowners Car Club and a temporary location for a skatepark. The council agreed that the city should return this area to park use, and no longer as a parking lot. Staff will notify businesses that overnight parking is no longer permitted, and signage will be installed to prevent storage.
The council approved application for the COPS Hiring Recovery Program which, if successful, will bridge the financial gap for funding two police officers for a three- year period.
Following reports from the city administrator and councilors, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.