Northfield EDA Reforms to be Discussed at Council Work Session

Potential reforms for the will be reviewed by the during tonight’s work session.

For some time, the council and the EDA have failed to see eye to eye on how to conduct the business of creating business in Northfield. The relationship soured this past spring to the point where the council considered dissolving the EDA and taking on its duties to improve the city’s economic conditions.

But instead of voting to disband the citizen board, the council to fix those issues hindering the EDA's work.

At tonight’s work session, the full council will receive a report detailing changes in EDA bylaws and procedures recommended by a subcommittee consisting of councilors Kris Vohs, Patrick Ganey and Suzie Nakasian. The changes are designed to improve the council’s communication with and accountability of the EDA.

Receipt of the EDA report is one of several topics on tap on a busy work session agenda. Also scheduled are:

• Budget books and Capital Improvement Plan—The council will receive documents needed to set the city’s 2012 department and project budget. During upcoming work sessions, the council will meet with department leaders to discuss goals and budgetary guidelines for 2012.

The first departments slated to face the council will be Public Works and Engineering, and that session is scheduled for tonight.

• Stormwater initiatives—The council will learn about incentive programs proposed by the and intended to reduce the city’s stormwater runoff volume.

Items being floated include bulk purchase programs that could reduce the cost of rain barrels and native landscaping plants to residents and a competitive grant program for large-scale projects like rain gardens and green roofs.

WANT TO GO TO THE MEETING?
WHEN: 7 p.m. today
WHERE: , 801 Washington St.
WHO: Open to the public