City Engineer Brett Grabau presented plans and specifications for the Circle Heights Drive Improvement project at the Preston City Council’s June 20 meeting. Grabau introduced a tentative project schedule. Plans and specifications and the authorization to advertise for bids were both approved. As the project will cost more than $175,000, it must go through the public … [Read more...]
State veterans home scheduled to open next summer
Local and county officials, veterans home committee members, and interested citizens met for an in-person meeting at the Preston Servicemen’s Club on June 21. Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke opened the meeting. The focus of this meeting was the need to find and contract with community suppliers for services. Herke introduced a number of MDVA … [Read more...]
Fillmore County hears valuation appeals
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery administered the oath to county commissioners and Auditor/Treasurer Christy Smith as Board of Appeal & Equalization members at the June 14 public meeting. County Assessor Jason McCaslin began by explaining the assessor’s role in the property tax system. The tax burden is to be distributed evenly and according to Minnesota statutes. Each … [Read more...]
Garbage system discussion continues
At the June 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, the city’s garbage and recycling system was again discussed extensively. Details of possible draft changes to the contract with William Hanson Waste Removal were debated. Councilor Paul Novotny, who admitted he personally prefers the current bag system, suggested a change to a cart system is an inevitable step. The cart … [Read more...]
Fillmore County reviews results of 2021 performance goals
The county has participated in the state program, the Council on Local Results and Innovation, since its inception by the Minnesota legislature in 2010. At the board’s June 14 meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the 2021 results. The intention of the program is to outline at least 10 goals for the coming year and to strive to provide quality services to its … [Read more...]
Site plans for Fillmore County Jail presented
Bruce Schwartzman and Henry Pittner, BKV Group, presented a concept site plan, proposed schedule, and a preliminary construction estimate for the project at the county board’s June 7 meeting. Pittner detailed the plan which will include an addition on the west side of the existing building. The existing garage will be reused. All doors and areas of the facility will be … [Read more...]
Preston Hires city administrator
Preston’s search for a city administrator began after the resignation of Joe Hoffman, effective February 25, after over 17 years with the city. At the June 7 meeting of the city council the hire of Ryan Throckmorton as the city’s new city administrator, effective June 13, was approved. An employment agreement has been drawn up and is being reviewed by city attorney Dwight … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to advertise for Community Corrections director
Approval was given to advertise for a Community Corrections Director at the May 24 board meeting. Fillmore County withdrew from Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted Community Corrections and the Joint Powers Agreement, effective January 1, 2023. Since then, David Drown Associates has done a review of the job description and classification for the director position. A Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Planning Commission recommends approval of switchyard for solar farm
The process for the construction of a large solar farm in Beaver Township moved one step closer after the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of an application submitted by Dairyland Power Cooperative for an electrical switchyard. The May 19 meeting was the first meeting of the Planning Commission since October 2021. Being the first meeting in 2022, new … [Read more...]
Chatfield moves forward on financing of water and sewer improvements
At the May 23 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, councilors approved a resolution to issue a $1,469,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Note 2022A to finance improvements for the city’s water and sewer systems. Councilors Josh Broadwater and David Frank were absent. Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc. appeared remotely to review aspects of the note and to … [Read more...]
