Jane McWilliams, LWV Observer
Jon Denison was absent.
A half-inch thick packet (http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/assets/p/Packet162.pdf) accompanied the agenda containing 4 items for this evening’s discussion, which lasted a little over three hours. In addition to the council, the city administrator and other staff – which came and went, depending on the agenda item - City Attorney Chris Hood was [...]
Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All members were present.
Public Comment:
Judy Dirks spoke in opposition to the Spanish immersion program, saying that it made native speakers of languages other than Spanish or English feel slighted, and that the money spent would be better used to provide more ESL instructors.
Ms. Otterdahl form Keya Paya expressed concern about the lengthy [...]
Jane McWilliams, LWV Observer
All councilors were present.
Performance review: The council met in closed session at 6:00 to conduct the city administrator’s performance review. At the beginning of the regular meeting, Mayor Mary Rossing summarized the conclusions of the evaluation. City Administrator Joel Walinski has met or exceeded the council’s expectations, and has shown solid leadership [...]
Jan Mitchell, LWV observer
Noel Stratmoen was absent.
Announcements included:
Amber Barksdale’s success at the spelling bee.
Bridgewater students’ Pennies for Patients campaign generated over $2300.
Gymnastics and wrestling team members advance to state.
Morgan Zabel broke school scoring records in basketball – both boys & girls!
Many Northfield students participated in recent music performances in the [...]
Jane B McWilliams, LWV Observer
All members of the council were present.
Surface Water Protection. At the February 10 meeting, City Engineer Katy Gehler presented information about the work the city is planning in order to create a surface water management ordinance. Tonight, the council approved the agreement for engineering services with Barr Engineering at a cost [...]
Jane McWilliams, LWV Observer
All councilors were present.
This was a “special meeting” because last week’s regular meeting was not held, in deference to precinct caucuses. While the agenda tonight was not lengthy, the content was heavy, and the meeting lasted until 10:55. Three items – preliminary approval of the annexation of properties in Bridgewater Township, approval [...]
Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All Board members were present.
Announcements included:
$14,000 grant from MN Dept. of Education for service learning activities
Music listening team took 1st in state competition.
Science Olympiad students are going to state competition.
One act plays were well received.
Morgan Zabel (basketball), Liesl Schultz (alpine skiing) and Beret Amundson (Triple A) were [...]
Jane McWilliams, LWV Observer
5:00 p.m., Northfield Hospital Board Room
In addition to all city council, staff members Joel Walinski (City Administrator) and Jennifer Nash (his Administrative Assistant) were present. Citizens Randy Jennings, Griff Wigley, Alice Thomas, and the League observer were present for some or all of the meeting.
Irena and Richard Fursman served as facilitators for [...]
Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
Absent: Ellen Iverson and Mike Berthelsen
The annual organizational meeting took place at 7 p.m., and the officers were elected:
Chair- Kari Nelson
Vice Chair – Noel Stratmoen
Clerk – Ellen Iverson
Treasurer – Anne Maple
Stipends were continued at their current level ($2280 per year for Board members, and $3000 for the Chairperson). Of 13 school districts [...]
Jane McWilliams, LWV Observer
All councilors were present.
Carnegie Centennial Celebration: During the Presentation time at the beginning of the meeting, Andrew Carnegie (aka Jim Young) read the council resolution declaring 2010 the Carnegie Centennial Celebration year in Northfield. The resolution ( http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/assets/p/Packet158.pdf ) outlines the history of the public library, which began in 1898 when the [...]