Jeff Broberg reported on activities and future initiatives of the National Trout Center at the Preston City Council’s November 5 meeting. He expressed his appreciation for the city’s support.
Broberg said they are growing great programs, have great participation and continue to grow the number of visitors to the center (1,241 visitors, up 138 from last year). A weekly fishing report is provided online, published on Thursday mornings. The client base is being expanded by appealing not only to anglers, but to non-anglers by providing interesting things for those people to see.
A grant of $7,200 has been received through Winona State University to manage a trout stream water quality assessment. An effort will be made to recruit volunteers to promote the Preston trout float. The goal is to get the float in eight parades next year to let more people know about the NTC.
Broberg explained the board is in the process of finalizing next year’s budget. Plans are being made to expand the season and increase the use of the building, inviting others to use the building. Other initiatives for 2019 include expanding the fishing season (including winter fishing), making area cities year round fishing destinations, attracting more people. One more large aquarium for non-game fish is in the plans. More field trips will include a spring trip. Next year may be the first annual banquet. Also, there is an initiative to develop a mobile unit which can go to other towns and area parks. These initiatives will result in additional expenses.
The board has a fundraising goal of $10,000 by year end. The board has not acted on the 2019 budget, but Broberg expects an $8,000 budget increase, to about $67,000. Fundraising plans include individual giving and memberships, large givers, business contributions, foundations and grants, and the annual banquet. Broberg again expressed appreciation for support that has been provided by the city, Preston EDA, and Preston Public Utilities (PPU). There is a possibility the NTC will have to move to a different building. If that happens there will be additional expenses.
NTC will be featured in the spring 2019 Midwest Living magazine. Broberg concluded saying we are on track to grow.
Other business in brief
• A grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation has been awarded to the city of Preston in the amount of $7,500. The council accepted the SMIF Livability grant. The EDA had submitted the grant application which will be used to showcase the opportunity for housing development in Preston and marketing this to developers. A final report will be made to SMIF in November 2019.
•The Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA) contract was approved. The one year contract shows a 3% cost increase for 2019. Two-thirds of the $30,293 is paid through the EDA and one-third by PPU. The funds pay for the services of Cathy Enerson for five days per month.
•Approval was given to send a request for a proposal to Smith-Schafer (CPAs) for professional auditing services. Deputy clerk Sheila Marzolf acknowledged that she has not had any issues working with the firm in the last couple of years. The firm was the city’s auditor in 2016 and 2017.
•A process to vacate St. Anthony St. between Valley St. and Highway 52 will now continue. The vacation of this section of the street, which has been effectively closed, was approved by the council in 2006 contingent upon Grabau’s signing of an electrical easement to the city. It was never signed or recorded. Tom Kaase is the new owner and has agreed to sign the easement.
•A request from Father Dominic Crawford to add a driveway approach to a house he plans to buy at 103 Valley St. NW was approved.
•The election canvass council meeting will be held on November 9 at 8:30 a.m.
• Approval was given to advertise for proposals for the 2019 official newspaper and city attorney.
•The next meeting will be held on November 26 unless it is determined that there is no urgent business. In that case it will be canceled. The council will meet on December 3 at its regular time.