The architect firm BKV Group walked the Fillmore County Board through the planning process and presented a preliminary concept for an upgraded jail at the board’s March 8 meeting. Henry Pittner, senior jail planner, and Bruce Schwartzman, partner most involved in correctional work, presented a preliminary plan for the county’s jail. The full-service firm has been in operation … [Read more...]
Preston orders feasibility report for paving projects
At the March 7 meeting of the Preston City Council, possible paving projects for this year were discussed. Councilman David Collett was absent. In late 2021 the city council approved paving projects for the fire hall parking lot, city shop, and the veterans home bike trail (from the Branding Iron up toward the State Veterans Home). City Engineer Brett Grabau expects to be … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Telecommuting Policy
A discussion continued at the Fillmore County Board’s March 1 meeting on a Work Remote Policy. The county already has a Telecommuting Policy. Last week the discussion began with the original rough draft of the policy for working remote; it has since been trimmed down and made more concise. Today the question was whether another policy was even needed; the policy for … [Read more...]
Chatfield City Charter amendment recommendations
At the February 28 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, two public hearings were held to gain public input on two amendments recommended by the Charter Commission. Curt Sorenson, chair of the Charter Commission, said both recommendations had been unanimously approved by the Charter Commission. The first recommendation was the elimination of the position of Health Officer. … [Read more...]
Preston begins process to hire new administrator
Preston said goodbye to its long serving City Administrator Joe Hoffman at the February 22 meeting. He has been with the city for 17½ years. Mayor Kurt Reicks congratulated him, “It has been great working with you,” as he presented Hoffman with a Key to the City. Hoffman will be leaving by the end of this week to take on his new job. Hoffman explained the city council could … [Read more...]
Contract negotiations to proceed for Fillmore County Jail
At the Fillmore County Board meeting held on February 22, it was decided by consensus to go forward with contract negotiations for the county jail. Three architectural firms had been interviewed February 17. Each firm was given about two hours to deliver their presentation and to answer questions. The committee composed of two commissioners, the sheriff, county administrator, … [Read more...]
Chatfield Center for the Arts ongoing construction
At the February 14 Chatfield City Council meeting, the second pay estimate to Benike Construction was approved in the amount of $436,271.75. The total payout so far for the ongoing renovation project is a total of $1,027,525.92. Councilors Mike Urban and David Frank were absent. Other business in brief •The donation of a bench for the swimming pool in honor of Jeff Buss was … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to interview firms for jail
Fillmore County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported at the county board’s February 8 meeting that five firms had submitted proposals for the jail. A committee consisting of board chairman Mitch Lentz, vice-chair Larry Hindt, Hillery, Sheriff John DeGeorge, and Jail Administrator Jamie Fenske chose three firms from the five submissions to be interviewed. County Attorney Brett … [Read more...]
Preston accepts city administrator’s resignation
At the February 7 meeting of the Preston City Council, Mayor Kurt Reicks announced that City Administrator Joe Hoffman had submitted his resignation, effective February 25. His resignation was accepted. Hoffman has served the city for about 17 years. He has not only been the city administrator, but also general manager for Preston Public Utilities. The Public Utility … [Read more...]
Preston and Lanesboro team up to sustain ambulance service
At a September 2021 Lanesboro City Council meeting, interim Ambulance Director Dan Jaquith declared, “We are on the verge of closing.” There just aren’t enough volunteers. Preston ambulance director Ryan Throckmorton said a conversation between the Preston and Lanesboro Ambulance Services began a few years back. In 2021 they started working together. Both staff and members of … [Read more...]