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 … [Read more...]

At the October 13 meeting of the board of commissioners, three men expressed their opposition to the proposed 765 kV transmission line that is to stretch from the South Dakota border to Wisconsin. A town hall meeting will be held on October 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the Riverfront Center in Preston to inform citizens about the proposed 765kV transmission line. Charlie Wray, John … [Read more...]

At the October 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, an effort led by volunteers to fund raise for the creation of a park shelter at Shady Oak Park was given the go-ahead. Councilors Paul Novotny and Dave Frank were absent. The planned 12-foot by 20-foot concrete slab will be poured first and the shelter is to be built in the future when donations for the effort allow. The … [Read more...]

Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke will no longer have the title of interim as of November 1. At the October 5 meeting of the city council members discussed the hiring of a permanent city administrator. Mayor Kurt Reicks asked for the council members’ input; he said Michelle has been good to work with. The six-month interim position ends on November 1. Councilman … [Read more...]

At the October 6 county board meeting, Director of Public Health Jessica Erickson led a discussion on proposed modifications to the Tobacco Ordinance. Erickson, Brenda Pohlman, and Attorney Marla Stanton pointed out the proposed changes to the ordinance and the reasoning behind them. The intention is to cover all tobacco products equally. Pohlman explained the flavor market … [Read more...]

At the September 28 meeting of the city council, Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke presented three options to council members for the 2027 levy. A proposed 5% increase in the 2027 levy was discussed at the last meeting of the city council. Council Steve Hall had his reservations, suggesting the city needs to build up its reserves to take care of needs in the … [Read more...]

At the September 28 meeting of the city council, the preliminary budget and levy payable in 2027 was approved. Councilor Dave Franks was absent. The levy can be reduced in December when the final levy for 2027 is considered but it cannot be increased.  The total preliminary levy is $3,027,995 which is an increase of $142,355, or 4.9% over last year. The levy portion for … [Read more...]