Three resolutions were adopted at the July 24 meeting of the Chatfield City Council decertifying three tax increment financing districts. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. Chris Giesen, EDA director, explained the three TIF districts have run the course of their agreements. They are all on the Fillmore County side of Chatfield. District 3-2 was created in 2003 to assist … [Read more...]
Chatfield honors Joel Young for serving his community well
At the July 10 meeting of the Chatfield city council, Luke Fischer, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), began with a presentation in honor of retiring city administrator Joel Young. The League represents 838 cities in Minnesota. LMC advocates for cities at the state capital, provides resources, training, policy development and other services. Justin … [Read more...]
Fillmore County awards the sale of bonds for jail project
Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., presented five bids submitted for the bond sale at the board’s July 11 meeting. Bubany noted the county had an S & P Global rating of AA-/Stable, which with the state enhancement is AAA/Stable. Good ratings lead to good results. He recommended the low bidder for the $6,390,000 general obligation bond submitted by Stifel, Nicolaus … [Read more...]
Preston hires EDA/Tourism/Chamber director
Lindsey Reding was hired as the new EDA/Tourism/Chamber director at the Preston city council’s July 3 meeting as recommended by the interview panel, effective July 24. Councilman Dean Aug was absent. Councilman Steve Hall noted that Reding was one of two excellent candidates that applied for the position. Reding currently is working for the state of Minnesota. She has a BS in … [Read more...]
No more lifting for Caledonia ambulance department
Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., reported at the city council’s June 26 meeting that S & P Global Ratings assigned its “AA” long-term rating to Chatfield’s $2.3 million series 2023A GO bonds. Four bids had been received this day for the bond sale. The lowest bidder was Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. The average coupon rate is 4% with a net affective rate of … [Read more...]
Chatfield authorizes sale of 2023A General Obligation Bonds
Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., reported at the city council’s June 26 meeting that S & P Global Ratings assigned its “AA” long-term rating to Chatfield’s $2.3 million series 2023A GO bonds. Four bids had been received this day for the bond sale. The lowest bidder was Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. The average coupon rate is 4% with a net affective rate of … [Read more...]
Fillmore County reviews 2022 performance measures
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the 2022 performance measure results at the board’s June 27 meeting. The county continues to participate in the Minnesota performance measurement program which is intended to help residents and elected officials measure the ability of the county’s programs to produce quality and efficient, cost-effective service. The Minnesota … [Read more...]
Preston formalizes reasons for denying rezoning request
A resolution was adopted at the city council’s June 20 meeting formalizing three reasons for the denial of Andy Bunge’s request to rezone the Sackett and Winslow parcels that are part of the Park Lane development site. Bunge had requested the rezoning of the parcels from R-2 (One and Two Family Residential) to R-3 (Multiple Family Residential). The city had previously … [Read more...]
Variance approved for communications tower in Chatfield Township
During a public hearing at the Fillmore County Board of Adjustment’s June 8 meeting, several residents spoke against the variance application for a communication tower in Chatfield Township. Alex Trueman, North Tower, described the need for this tower to be located in Section 22 of Chatfield Township (property owned by John and Ruth Wendt) to best improve coverage and … [Read more...]
Chatfield awards construction contract for 2023 Street Project
At a special city council meeting held on June 7, the bid from Griffin Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of $1,759,308.26 was accepted for the 2023 Street Improvement Project. Four contractors had submitted bids for the project. The project includes the reconstruction of portions of Grand St. SE, Hawley St. SE, and Prospect St. SE and the rehabilitation of a portion of … [Read more...]
Fillmore County hears property valuation appeals
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery swore in members for the Fillmore County Board of Appeal and Equalization at the June 13 meeting. Members included the five county commissioners and Auditor/Treasurer Heather Broadwater. County Assessor Jason McCaslin gave an overview of changes for the 2023 assessment. He noted he appealed a calculation of 12.5% inflation for residential … [Read more...]
Licensing for sale of hemp products required in Fillmore County
At the June 13 meeting of the county board, County Attorney Brett Corson noted the county’s ordinance requires a license to sell cannabinoid/THC products in the county effective July 1, 2023. The ordinance regulating the sale of hemp derived cannabinoid products was approved at the board’s May 23 meeting. “No person, bar, restaurant, business, or other entity shall sell, … [Read more...]
Bunge request for rezoning denied
Developer Andy Bunge’s request to rezone the four Park Lane development parcels from R-2 (One and Two Family Residential) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) was considered at the Preston City Council’s June 5 meeting. Planning and Zoning had recommended approval of the zoning request after a May 31 public hearing, contingent on Bunge purchasing the parcels and obtaining a legal … [Read more...]
Area ambulance services request larger appropriation from Fillmore County
At the June 6 meeting of the county board, directors of three ambulance services, including Sue Puffer of Spring Valley, Deb Ristau of Preston/Lanesboro, and Rocky Burnett of Chatfield, asked the board to consider an increase in the 2024 area ambulance appropriations. The county has provided an appropriation of $4,500 to each area service since 2003. Puffer explained that both … [Read more...]
Chatfield starts bonding process for 2023 Street Project
By Karen Reisner Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., addressed the city council at their May 22 meeting concerning a competitive sale of bonds to finance the 2023 Street Improvement Project. City Engineer Craig Britton explained four bids had been submitted for the reconstruction of portions of Grand St. SE, Hawley St. SE, and Prospect St. SE, plus the … [Read more...]