The Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a $15,000 grant program for restaurants, eateries and retail shops in Northfield to help them build their online commerce presence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant stress on Northfield businesses. With fewer sit-down and in-store customers, the need for online commerce platforms has become vitally important for businesses to compete in the current economic environment.

“E-commerce platforms are cost prohibitive for some of our businesses. This grant can help alleviate costs associated with building a commerce website,” said Nate Carlson, Northfield’s economic development coordinator.

Businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to receive a grant for 50% of costs associated with e-commerce investment up to $1,500.

The business must have been operational since January 1, 2020 and their business address must be within the Northfield city limits.

City staff has been working behind the scenes to provide services and now city offices will gradually reopen to the public.

The DMV is open to the public and providing full services. The Police Department lobby is also open to the public.

On May 26, the Northfield Public Library and the Engineering Department within City Hall will open to the public. Building Inspections staff located in the Community Development Department will provide building and permitting services between 8 and 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to noon

Residents can get rid of old documents and clutter in an environmentally friendly way during the free Shred It Right event on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Maintenance Facility, 1710 Riverview Drive.

The event will maintain physical distancing practices with a no contact drop-off. Residents should bring old bank documents, contracts, or any other paper that need shredding in paper bags or boxes that can be removed from the car by event staff. Residents dropping off paper will stay in their vehicles.

Shredded paper is not recyclable in curbside pickup, but residents can bring paper to be shredded to this event where it will be recycled.

This event is for residents only, documents from businesses will not be accepted.

This event is part of the City of Northfield’s strategic goal to reduce climate change impact and to make the community more resilient and sustainable.

City departments are working together and identifying opportunities under the executive orders and state guidelines to support restaurants and bars and their outdoor service areas where possible.

The City recognizes some restaurants and bars have outdoor space on their properties that may be used for take-out drive-up lanes or customer seating and some are located in areas where that is not a viable option.

Northfield residents can help the City achieve the goals of its Climate Action Plan.

On Earth Day, the City of Northfield and Northfield’s Energy Action Team launched a Renewable Energy Challenge. The City is challenging Northfield households to support clean energy by covering 100% of their electricity use with wind or solar. Households can do this through a local community solar garden, through Xcel Energy’s Windsource® program, or by starting the process of installing on-site solar. By entering the challenge, Northfield residents will be supporting renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which can reduce carbon emissions.

The City set a goal of adding 100 new households subscribing 100% of their electricity use to renewable sources by June 15. Everyone who joins the Renewable Energy Challenge will be recognized on the city’s website as a Northfield Clean Energy Supporter.

The filing period for City offices begins at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19 and ends at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2020. City offices on the ballot for 2020 include: Mayor, Council Member At-Large, Council Member Second Ward, and Council Member Third Ward.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented and evolving challenges not only to our State, but to our City operations. To meet the current requirements in the Governor’s Executive Orders and to provide for the safety and welfare of our staff and for candidates, the following changes are being made to the filing process:

The filing period for City offices begins at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19 and ends at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2020. City offices on the ballot for 2020 include: Mayor, Council Member At-Large, Council Member Second Ward, and Council Member Third Ward.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented and evolving challenges not only to our State, but to our City operations. To meet the current requirements in the Governor’s Executive Orders and to provide for the safety and welfare of our staff and for candidates, the following changes are being made to the filing process:

Follow this link to the Census Challenge video!  

https://youtu.be/j9m8S5mc1NE

The Northfield Public Library is participating in One Book One Minnesota, a new statewide book club inviting Minnesotans of all ages to read a common title and come together to enjoy, reflect and discuss.

The featured book selection is award winning Because of Winn-Dixie by Minnesota author Kate DiCamillo, celebrating the book's 20th anniversary.

The Northfield Public Library will hold virtual discussions on:

Monday, May 18, 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Tuesday, May 19, 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Thursday, May 21, 7:00 - 8:00 pm

There are three discussion slots, to accommodate schedules.  Families are encourage to join a discussion as a group.

You can register for any of the discussion times at mynpl.org

Because of Winn Dixie is available on multiple platforms.  Readers can access the digital book for free on EbooksMinnesota for eight weeks.

Jefferson Parkway between the east Bridgewater School entrance and TH 246 will be closed Tuesday, May 12 through Thursday, May 14, 2020 due to small utility relocations related to the TH 246 and Jefferson Parkway Roundabout Project. This will be a temporary closure as crews expect to have the work completed and Jefferson Parkway back open for traffic by late Thursday, May 14, 2020. 

A detour will be posted utilizing Jefferson Road, Woodley Street, and Division Street (Th 246) detouring traffic around the work area.

Watch the COVID-19 question and answer session

At their May 5, 2020 meeting, the Northfield City Council unanimously approved a resolution to temporarily waive late fees on utility bills. The waiver will provide financial relief to Northfield residents and businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “We know that many businesses and individuals are being substantially impacted financially by the important community mitigation strategies of COVID-19 and that a suspension of fees may be helpful as they navigate these challenges,” said Brenda Angelstad, City of Northfield’s finance director.

At their May 5, 2020 meeting, the Northfield City Council unanimously approved proration of refunds for on-sale liquor licenses.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota Governor Walz has issued several needed executive orders that have impacted businesses. In recognition of these impacts, staff has been researching potential pro-rated refunds for liquor license fees. Liquor license fees are meant to pay for license issuance, inspection, monitoring compliance (insurance, training, etc.), enforcement, and compliance checks of the licensee.

On April 28, the Northfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) approved the use of $53,600 from its reserve funds to grant to the Northfield Community Action Center (CAC) for emergency housing assistance within the Northfield community. This assistance will help residents who may be impacted by the pandemic and experiencing economic hardship. The CAC is committed to setting aside $100,000 from its own funds first, which are mostly made up of local donations from individuals and businesses in the community, and will tap into the HRA grant funds once their own funds are depleted.

During national disasters and emergencies, the risks of illicit opioid use increase. To help prevent overdose deaths, the Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition and the Northfield Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, in partnership with Sterling Pharmacies in Faribault and Northfield, and the Steve Rummler HOPE Network, have made free naloxone kits available at several local pharmacies.

*Insurance will be billed if the individual has insurance and a prescription from a provider.

Naloxone is a medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of the opiate overdose. If a community member is concerned about themselves or a loved one, they can pick up a free naloxone kit at the following pharmacies:

• Allina Health District One Pharmacy, 200 State Ave., Faribault, MN 55021

• Cub Pharmacy, 2423 MN-3, Northfield, MN 55057

• Hy-Vee Pharmacy, 1920 Grant St NW, Faribault, MN 55057