City Council Meeting Date: January 20, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
City Administrator's Update.
Body
Summary Report:
Please see the following
• Rice Country Transportation Improvement Plan.
See attached information on the Rice County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). As you know, there was a public hearing to take testimony on the proposed plan on Tuesday, January 13. I testified on behalf of the City in support of the shared use trail proposed on Highway 20 and also the Mill Towns Trail for the County Road 78 (Armstrong Road) project. There were other Northfield citizens supporting those projects. Additionally, the Northfield Chamber of Commerce and Faribault Chamber of Commerce supported the County Road 20 shared trail. Overall, I would summarize the testimony to be very strong in support of the County Road 20 shared trail from Northfield and Faribault. However, there was significant adjacent property owner opposition from rural residents and farmers including owners of property in Cannon City. The main concerns raised were potential conflicts with farm equipment, concern over proximity to private property, and costs for the improvement. The County Commissioners are scheduled to consider approving the CIP in February.
• Upcoming Agenda Items List.
See attachment #2
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