One requested variance was considered at the May 16 meeting of the Board of Adjustment. Stena and Andrew Lieb, section 20 of Pilot Mound Township, requested a variance from the county’s Zoning Ordinance that limits the number of dwelling units per quarter of a quarter section in the Ag District. Section 604.02 (1) reads, “There shall be no more than a total of two dwellings per … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Celebrates New Airport Terminal Building
The time had come to replace the old terminal building that had been built in 1981 at the Fillmore County Airport (FKA). On May 10, many who had partnered together, to get rid of the old and build the new, gathered to celebrate the completion of the new terminal building. The Fillmore County Airport Master Plan approved in 2020 found the terminal building to be inadequate for … [Read more...]
Review of 2023 Semcac Services in Fillmore County
Semcac executive director, Jennifer Hengel, senior service director Jeff Wyant, and director of transportation Bill Spitzer addressed the commissioners at their May 14 board meeting. Semcac is a non-profit 501c3 Community Action Agency that was established in 1966 and serves Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona Counties. Its services are directed to … [Read more...]
Public Hearing for Special Vehicle Ordinance in Chatfield
At the May 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a draft ordinance to regulate the use of special vehicles on public streets and areas within the city was reviewed. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The ordinance requires the operator of a special vehicle to get a permit. The proposed ordinance provides for the issuance and use of a disabled permit in certain instances. … [Read more...]
Groundbreaking for the Harmony/Iowa Stateline Bike Trail
More than 50 people turned out on May 3, 2024, on a beautiful spring afternoon for the groundbreaking ceremony. Construction on the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail extension to the Iowa state line will begin next week. It will include a half mile spur to Niagara Cave. The Stateline Trail will be ADA compliant. The Harmony-Preston Valley Trail (completed in 1998) is about 18 … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Approves State Airport Equipment Grant Agreement
At the May 7 meeting of the county board, a resolution authorizing the execution of the MnDOT Grant Agreement for airport improvement excluding land acquisition was approved. Pam Schroeder, airport office manager, explained the county did receive a grant from the state which can be used for three pieces of equipment for the airport. The total amount of the grant available is … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society to Negotiate Agreement with the City
The Historic Campus & Riverfront Masterplan committee met for the first time in late 2021. At the April 29 meeting of the Preston City Council, Charles Aug, steering committee member, said the former Dairy & Farm building is a good place for a permanent home for the Preston Historical Society (PHS). He suggested the plan is feasible and has good support from the … [Read more...]
Road Construction Season is Upon Us
Spring brings showers, green grass, flowers and road construction. Some projects are already in progress. Road and bridge improvements are more than welcome, but delays and detours not so much. Let’s ensure worker safety during construction projects by complying with construction related signage. Planned project start dates are not set in stone, but subject to change due … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Discusses Dual Zoning Permitting Process
At the April 23 meeting of the county board, issues with the zoning permit application process were discussed. Jay Squires, land use attorney, joined the meeting to answer questions. Land use director Blake Lea noted by state statute there is a 60-day timeline to act on an application once it is complete. Squires said the timeline can be extended an additional 60 … [Read more...]
Chatfield Applies for Workforce Housing Development Grant
At the April 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, EDA coordinator, Chris Giesen explained the state of Minnesota has a competitive grant program that will award up to $39 million to workforce rental housing projects in greater Minnesota. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent from the meeting. If the grant is awarded, the program could provide a $475,000 deferred … [Read more...]