At the June 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, the city’s garbage and recycling system was again discussed extensively. Details of possible draft changes to the contract with William Hanson Waste Removal were debated. Councilor Paul Novotny, who admitted he personally prefers the current bag system, suggested a change to a cart system is an inevitable step. The cart … [Read more...]
Fillmore County reviews results of 2021 performance goals
The county has participated in the state program, the Council on Local Results and Innovation, since its inception by the Minnesota legislature in 2010. At the board’s June 14 meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the 2021 results. The intention of the program is to outline at least 10 goals for the coming year and to strive to provide quality services to its … [Read more...]
Site plans for Fillmore County Jail presented
Bruce Schwartzman and Henry Pittner, BKV Group, presented a concept site plan, proposed schedule, and a preliminary construction estimate for the project at the county board’s June 7 meeting. Pittner detailed the plan which will include an addition on the west side of the existing building. The existing garage will be reused. All doors and areas of the facility will be … [Read more...]
Preston Hires city administrator
Preston’s search for a city administrator began after the resignation of Joe Hoffman, effective February 25, after over 17 years with the city. At the June 7 meeting of the city council the hire of Ryan Throckmorton as the city’s new city administrator, effective June 13, was approved. An employment agreement has been drawn up and is being reviewed by city attorney Dwight … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to advertise for Community Corrections director
Approval was given to advertise for a Community Corrections Director at the May 24 board meeting. Fillmore County withdrew from Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted Community Corrections and the Joint Powers Agreement, effective January 1, 2023. Since then, David Drown Associates has done a review of the job description and classification for the director position. A Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Planning Commission recommends approval of switchyard for solar farm
The process for the construction of a large solar farm in Beaver Township moved one step closer after the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of an application submitted by Dairyland Power Cooperative for an electrical switchyard. The May 19 meeting was the first meeting of the Planning Commission since October 2021. Being the first meeting in 2022, new … [Read more...]
Chatfield moves forward on financing of water and sewer improvements
At the May 23 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, councilors approved a resolution to issue a $1,469,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Note 2022A to finance improvements for the city’s water and sewer systems. Councilors Josh Broadwater and David Frank were absent. Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc. appeared remotely to review aspects of the note and to … [Read more...]
Golfview Doherty First Addition
The Final Plat for a new subdivision, Golfview Doherty First Addition, was approved at the Preston City Council’s May 16 meeting, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The subdivision is to be located along the eastern side of Golfview Dr. and is to consist of eight lots for single family homes. City Engineer Brett Grabau noted that a site grading plan had … [Read more...]
Chatfield considering cart system for garbage
Councilors discussed the future of the city’s garbage collection and recycling system at the city councils May 9 meeting. Pros and cons were debated on the continued use of the bag system or a change to a cart system. The existing contract with William Hanson Waste Removal is good for another three years. If the city goes to the cart system, the current contract will be … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Community Corrections to be established
The Fillmore County Board at their May 10 meeting took a step forward to implement Fillmore County Community Corrections within the Community Services Model. The board has been discussing this move for a number of years. A resolution was unanimously approved to withdraw from the Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted Community Corrections (DFO) and the Joint Powers Agreement, effective … [Read more...]
Preston seats two new council members
The Preston City Council now has five members seated. Two new members were appointed at the May 3 meeting. Three residents had offered their services through letters of interest. Flossie Schultz and Steve Hall were appointed to fill the seats, until the end of 2022. The seats were left vacant by the passing of David Collett and the resignation of Robert Maust. Jon Ebner had … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to search for Social Services manager
At the April 26 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, commissioners accepted the resignation of Social Services Manager Kevin Olson with thanks for his service, effective July 21, after four years of service. Approval was given to advertise for his replacement. County Attorney Brett Corson asked the board to consider a request to retire from Debbie Jeffers, paralegal, … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves TIF proposal
At the April 25 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a public hearing was held prior to the adoption of a tax increment financing plan for TIF district 3-5. The new TIF district is requested in part due to rising construction costs for site improvements for a new athletic club. It is to be located on vacant property along Highway 52 south of Chatfield. Plans include the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County declares state of emergency
Emergency Manager/Deputy Don Kullot described the damage resulting from the April 12 storm at a special meeting of the Fillmore County Board held on April 19. Already, damage estimates that qualify for public assistance have exceeded the necessary threshold of $43,500 required by the state. Preliminary numbers from MiEnergy are at least $50,000. MiEnergy and other damages in … [Read more...]
Preston approves infrastructure construction and repairs
Several agenda items to be considered at the April 18 Preston City Council meeting were related to upgrades of city infrastructure. The first infrastructure improvement considered was the street storm sewer project. City Engineer Brett Grabau reported that he has now received verbal commitments from three property owners (Wood, Amdahl, and Johnston) to allow stormwater … [Read more...]