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...]
Fillmore County adopts THC Ordinance
At the county board’s May 23 meeting, the public had an opportunity to be heard on the proposed ordinance regulating the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The Minnesota legislature has approved a measure to legalize adult use of hemp-derived cannabinoid products for recreational use. The state has had a medical cannabis program since 2014. As this measure for … [Read more...]
Fillmore County goes forward with jail bonding process
At the May 9 county board meeting Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., made final recommendations prior to sale of general obligation bonds for financing the renovation and expansion of the Fillmore County Jail. He recommends a rated, standard competitive public sale of bonds. The jail bonds are eligible for credit enhancement via the State’s Public Facility Authority, … [Read more...]
Chatfield presents 2023 Heritage Preservation Award
At the May 8 city council meeting Chris Giesen, Heritage Preservation Commission chairman, presented the 2023 Heritage Preservation Award to Mike and Julie Sogla. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. The commission exists to assist in the preservation of unique/architecturally significant and historic buildings and other projects in Chatfield. This year’s award presented to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to replace radio tower microwave equipment
Sheriff John DeGeorge explained the radio microwave equipment, which is part of the ARMER 800 mhz radio communication system, is not working on two of the three towers near Preston. The equipment is on a tower near the office, on a tower uphill near POET, and on the Amherst tower. DeGeorge recommended replacing the equipment on all three towers. The Amherst tower equipment is … [Read more...]