At the October 19 meeting of the city council, City Engineer Brett Grabau, Stantec, provided a $25,000 estimate for a formal proposal and design/bid package for conversion of the city’s two ponds to dry ponds.
The funds will be paid out of the stormwater reserve fund. Approval to move forward with planning for the conversion of the ponds has been received from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the DNR and MnDot. The Fillmore County SWCD also has given its approval and is looking into potential funding to assist with the project. City Administrator Michelle Marotzke confirmed the city is on a wait list with the SWCD.
Mayor Kurt Reicks, who very much wants to move forward with the conversion to dry ponds, said this has been discussed for a long time. Dry ponds will be an improvement and they will still filter out sand and salt. Grabau noted the DNR will not let the city treat the algae, but the DNR is in favor of conversion of the ponds to dry ponds.
The $25,000 estimate was approved for the engineering proposal and bid package for the conversion of the two ponds. If the cost estimate comes in higher than expected, Marotzke will bring it back to the city council for their consideration. Construction could potentially begin in the spring of 2027.
Other Business in Brief
• Grabau provided another quote in the amount of $10,500 to provide an update of the city’s pavement management plan including a seal coating program. The last pavement management plan was completed in 2012. Grabau explained a rating scale is used. Pavement, curb and gutter, and also a look at underground utilities are all included in the rating. The new updated pavement plan, along with the seal coating program, will help Preston move forward on a more consistent basis. Pavement should be seal coated every seven to 10 years. The $10,500 quote was approved to update the plan including a seal coating program. Funds will come out of the Street Improvement budget.
• Marotzke reviewed a final report from Chosen Valley Testing for the current swimming pool site. Four borings were completed east of the existing pool where a potential site for the new pool is being considered. The report indicates that topsoil and buildings would need to be completely removed and replaced with soil/topsoil. The preparation for this site could consume 8% of the project cost. An alternate site likely will require less prep work on the site. Depending on the results of the referendum, the possible school site will be looked at.
• The employment agreement for City Administrator Marotzke was approved as presented. The agreement start date is November 1, 2026, with an annual performance review by November 1 each year. The agreement was drafted by City Attorney Joe O’Koren; it includes a three-month involuntary termination clause.
• The city council serves as the Canvassing Board. The board will meet on November 12 at 8:15 a.m. to approve the results of the November 3 General Election.
• The city received $24,314 from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for its 2026 dividend payment.
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