Northfield Council Preview: Fire Department's Bad Review Up for Discussion

After a February visit by a state occupational safety consultant found it in "serious violation" of several workplace hazard rules—and after it failed to fix the ordered repairs several weeks later—Northfield's fire department could see several reforms to its outfit if reforms recommended by a consultant hired after the inspection are adopted.

A report submitted for Tuesday's work session of the city council by consultant Michelle Soldo confirmed the unspecified violations by Minnesota's Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Among the report's chief recommendations is to update to the department's bylaws, which do not comply with relevant state law; to abolish or restructure hiring rules that gave say over personnel to firefighters; and establishing standard operating procedures for training, compensation, use of controlled substances and performance review.

Northfield Public Safety Director Mark Taylor wrote in a memo to councilors that he plans to bring some reforms before future council meetings for approval.

Train depot update

Residents fighting to preserve Northfield's historic train depot by moving it to the middle of town and turning it into a transit hub will receive welcome news at the work session: an analysis by city staff says moving the depot to vacant land near the Quarterback Club restaurant is feasible.

"Upon review," the analysis reads, "the restoration and relocation of the depot would be consistent with many of the goals outlined" in the city's comprehensive plan. Staff also said the ease of driving in and out of the area would made it "not unreasonable" as a potential project.

Councilors are expected to vote July 5 on a formal policy direction for the potential depot, preservation of which has been aggressively organized by the Save the Northfield Depot group. The staff report said a potential plan "would include either leasing or selling the City property," which sits between Second and Third streets on HI-3, to that group.

Economic discussions

Councilors will also discuss two reports—both unreleased at this article's publication—that will inform their decision making on economic policy. The first, an overview report on city finance, surveys the specific funds Northfield maintains and the financial status and issues involved with each fund.

City finance director Kathleen McBride wrote in a memo to councilors that the plan can be used to "highlight items needed for financial policies, influence budget deliberations, capital spending decisions or longer-range financial planning."

The annual report serves as a companion to a comprehensive annual report. Councilors will vote whether to officially receive the report on July 5.

The second report surveyed the state of Northfield's debt. The report, released to councilors with the finance report Monday afternoon, will review the "debt levels, tax levies and utility rates required to support the existing [and] future debt" of the city.