At the February 14 Fillmore County Board meeting, the public was given the opportunity to comment on the extension of the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). County Engineer Ron Gregg explained the half cent tax was enacted in 2014. The revenue collected was intended to be used to help fund 131 miles of county roads that are strictly funded with local tax levy dollars. The program … [Read more...]
Chatfield accepts proposal for 2023 Street Improvement Project design
City Engineer Craig Britton reviewed the proposal for plans and specifications and construction services for the 2023 Street Improvement Project at the city council’s February 13 meeting. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. The hourly rate contract with Widseth to prepare plans and specifications is estimated to cost $262,870. Full reconstruction is scheduled for Grand St. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County schedules hearing regarding sale of edible cannabinoid products
At the February 7 meeting of the county board, commissioners set a public hearing for February 28, at 10 a.m., for possible action on an interim moratorium regarding the sale of edible cannabinoid products and/or hemp derived THC food and beverages. A proposed interim ordinance and moratorium will be considered at this meeting. The county is considering an interim moratorium … [Read more...]
Fillmore County legislative priorities
Department heads advocated for their 2023 legislative priorities at the board’s January 24 meeting. Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller attended the meeting virtually. Davids commented that it will be an interesting session with the huge $17.4 billion surplus. The 2023 legislature is dominated by one side. Davids suggested it is not good to have the legislature one … [Read more...]
Chatfield city administrator and city clerk begin duties
City Administer Joel Young administered the oath of office to Beth Carlson for the position of city clerk at the January 23 meeting of the city council. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. At an October 10 city council meeting, amendments to the City Charter were unanimously approved, which were to take effect 90 days after publication. The amendments included … [Read more...]
Sand, Fill Pit permit approval recommended
At the January 19 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, a public hearing was held on a conditional use permit application for a Sand, Fill Pit submitted by K. Rodney and Holly Beer. As this was the first meeting of the new year; election of officers was first on the agenda. Trinity Johnson was elected board chairman and Gary Ruskell was elected vice chair. … [Read more...]
Preston reviews 2022
At the January 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, annual reviews of four departments were presented. Jim Bakken, utility general manager, reported on Preston Public Utilities (PPU). PPU operates a three-megawatt power plant serving 800 customers. It is in the process of burying major feeders and recently replaced electric cable on the south hill. PPU also operates water … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves cell phones for Community Services
At the January 10 meeting of the county board, a two-year contract was approved with First Net. The contract includes 20 phones at a cost of $44.99 per month per phone plus $3 per month for each device license. The estimated total monthly charge with fees is $1,094.27. Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, will get 13 phones for her department. She requested a two-year pilot … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home 80% complete
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) provided a quarterly update on the Preston Veterans Home on January 10. Administrator Dave Dunn has been hired and has a temporary office at 216 Main Street in Preston (the old movie theater). The 54 bed facility may open in mid-June. The building is expected to be substantially completed by the end of March. The home is … [Read more...]
John McBroom sworn in as Chatfield’s new mayor
Former Mayor Russ Smith opened the January 9 meeting of the Chatfield city council. Joel Young administered the oath of office to the newly elected mayor, John McBroom. McBroom honored Smith with a plaque for his distinguished service to the community over many years. Young administered the oath of office to reelected councilors Paul Novotny and Mike Urban. McBroom gave a … [Read more...]