At the July 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, Gary Feine and Kevin Ostern discussed the possibility of the city becoming involved in the operation and maintenance of the Crown Hill Cemetery. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent.
Feine briefly reviewed a history of the cemetery. The first registered burial was in 1865. He stated that after hours of research he was not able to prove the cemetery belonged to the city.
Feine hoped to develop a mutual agreement with the city, for the city to assume responsibility for the cemetery. Ostern, cemetery treasurer, reported they now have two certificates of deposit which total $75,000. Last year the CDs yielded just $150 in interest. They have enough in checking to cover mowing costs this year, but will have to tap a CD next year to pay mowing costs. Ostern noted many people already assume the city is responsible for maintaining the cemetery.
Feine said they can do basic maintenance, but can’t do needed improvements. He expects it will take time to regroup and reorganize, so they are approaching the city now to start the process when they still have a decent balance. Ostern stated they are looking for funding from the city and for city manpower.
A double lot in the cemetery can be purchased for $500 and there is a $300 internment fee. Since many lots are already sold, the income coming in is generally from internment fees (one to ten per year).
Approval was given to establish a commission to look at options. Members will include Feine, Ostern, City Administrator Joe Hoffman, City Attorney Dwight Luhmann, and Councilmember Robert Maust.
Other business in brief
• A request from Linda Mathison to establish a physically disabled parking zone in front of the location of Fit Express and Active Physical Therapy at 131 St. Paul Street S. was again discussed. Mathison explained why she preferred the location on St. Paul St. Council members at the last meeting questioned whether it would be a safer because of less traffic and less of a slope to establish the physically disabled parking spot on Main St.
Mathison said the physically disabled parking sign could be added to an existing parking sign in front of the building on St. Paul St. This parking spot would be in the same location as the ramp and make it easier for the physically disabled to maneuver and require less steps. The physically disabled parking spot to be located on St. Paul St. was approved. The resolution requests that Fillmore County concur with the council’s action.
• The North Street Project was again discussed. Hoffman said he was optimistic that a development agreement can be worked out so Andy Bunge can develop the area. Councilman David Collett stated in his opinion the city didn’t purchase land to give it away.
Maust noted that right now the city’s investment in that land provides no return. The community needs more new housing and with the development of the property the city could get some return. Maust said the proposal is a good idea; we have to figure out how to make it all work. Bunge was not in attendance.
• The council approved the staff’s recommendation to hire Mike Bubany, David Drown & Associates, to prepare reports on TIF districts. The total cost for four reports is $3,000. The funds will come out of administrative retainage in each TIF fund.
• The next council meeting will be on August 7. The special meeting to review the Capital Financing Plan with Bubany will be held on August 9, starting at 5:15 p.m.
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