I spotted this wireless access sign last week when I was in Grand Rapids, MN. It’s on Hwy 169 over the Mississippi River bridge, as you approach the Blandin Foundation offices prior to the intersection with Hwy 2. It points to the Grand Rapids Area Library where there’s free wi-fi. I think it would be helpful to have some similar signs at strategic intersections in Northfield. (continued)
I’ve been increasingly aware of how the lack of communications by the City of Northfield’s various Boards, Commissions and Task Forces can often hinder their effectiveness. The Parks and Rec Advisory Board’s (PRAB) recommendation that the skatepark be located in Ames Park is the latest example. The Council and the public have been asking, “What about Riverside? Why not Babcock? Why did you reject Memorial?” And the PRAB is saying, in effect, “We already went through all that.” (continued)
It was just us three citizens yesterday, pretending to be members of the Northfield City Council and discussing how and why we’d vote on the Parks and Rec Advisory Board’s (PRAB) recommendation to locate the skatepark in Ames Park.
Click play to listen. 30 minutes. You can also download the MP3 or subscribe to the podcast feed, or subscribe directly with iTunes.
Some Northfielders are stocking up on groceries because of the government’s declaration of a swine H1N1 flu “public health emergency.” I think that’s over-reacting, sort of like heading to your basement when there’s only a tornado watch. Even Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said “I wish we could call it a declaration of emergency preparedness.” But kudos to the City of Northfield for posting a swine H1N1 flu information page/widget on their website today. (continued)
At tonight’s work session: “The City Council is being asked to discuss the adoption of a “Community Expectations” policy statement addressing cleanliness, respect, safety, and pedestrian friendliness in the downtown area.” I’ve been whining about graffiti, bikers on sidewalks, and noisy vehicles for a long time. But I’m not sure why public panhandling, swearing, spitting and urinating are included. And if the policy is adopted, what’s implied about enforcement?
Our guest this week apparently was Ward 2 Councilor and blogger Betsey Buckheit, discussing the state of the Northfield City Council now that she’s served for 100+ days.
I say ‘apparently’ because I wasn’t there and my lame colleagues neglected to take a photo. Here’s a recycled one from Betsey’s appearance on the show back in November.
Click play to listen. 30 minutes. You can also download the MP3 or subscribe to the podcast feed, or subscribe directly with iTunes.
The Northfield City Council discussed truck parking in the Babcock Park (rodeo grounds/dog park) parking lot at Monday’s meeting. I wasn’t there but caught a bit of the discussion on…
As the moderator here on LoGroNo, I’ve occasionally intervened when people have brought up their views on abortion while discussing topics/issues that appear to have little or nothing to do with abortion. I intervened again this week in the discussion attached to my blog post, Is this bur oak worth saving? As I see it (I could be wrong), since abortion is such polarizing issue, injecting it into other issues brings along some of the same polarizing tendencies and the possibility of an inquiry-based discussion diminishes. (continued)
The Northfield Police Report (released Friday) shows that 19 young people were busted for either underage drinking or possession of marijuana / drug paraphernalia on the West Side of downtown…