The Preston City Council sent developer Andy Bunge back to the drawing board at their November 1 meeting. Bunge had applied for four variances in order to go ahead with his development plans for the construction of two duplexes on the property he owns at 309 North St. NE. Planning and Zoning had held a public hearing on October 27. The commission’s final vote of 2-1-1 to … [Read more...]
Howard County jail tour
Fillmore County commissioners, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery, Sheriff John DeGeorge, and Jail Administrator Jamie Fenske toured the Howard County jail on November 2. This new jail is considered to be similar to that which Fillmore County will build, if that is the option the county board chooses. The building inside and out is utilitarian, designed to be basic and … [Read more...]
Proposed Fillmore County ATV ordinance
At the November 2 meeting of the county board, approval was given to take the proposed ordinance for regulating recreational ATVs on county roads to public hearing to be held at 9:35 a.m. on November 23. County Attorney Brett Corson reviewed a few changes made since the proposed ordinance was last discussed. This ordinance will not apply to roads and streets within city … [Read more...]
Chatfield authorizes preparation for 2022 water improvement project
At the October 25 meeting of the Chatfield City Council City Engineer Craig Britton reviewed the proposal for 2022 water projects. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Britton said the proposal is for the provision of design and construction administration for the proposed Capital Improvement Project. Services include design, advertising/bidding assistance, construction … [Read more...]
Jordan Township sawmill application discussed
At the October 21 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, Jeremiah Daggett’s application for a conditional use permit for a portable sawmill was discussed during a public hearing. The sawmill will be on his property located in Section 1, Jordan Township. Daggett explained the portable sawmill will have a 36-foot cut capacity with a 17-foot bed which will limit the … [Read more...]
Tourism funding requests
At the October 26 meeting of the Fillmore County board, Gabby Kinneberg, Fillmore County representative for the Southern Minnesota Tourism Association, and Jen Hengel, representing Root River Trail Towns, reported on their activities in 2021 and requested 2022 appropriations. Kinneberg said Southern Minnesota Tourism represents 36 counties across southern Minnesota. Much of … [Read more...]
Preston sets assessment hearing
At the October 18 meeting of the city council the public assessment hearing for the 2021 Street and Utility Improvements was set for November 15. Councilman David Collett was absent. The city’s consultant engineer Brett Grabau updated the council on the progress of the project. Paving started this day and Grabau expects it to continue later in the week. The contractor Alcon … [Read more...]
Chatfield establishes Infant Loss Remembrance Day
At a relatively brief October 11 city council meeting, Mayor Russ Smith read and the council approved a resolution recognizing October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. In 1988, then President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Minnesota Infants Remembered in Silence, Inc. (IRIS) … [Read more...]
Staffing changes/additions for Fillmore County
At the October 12 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a number of staffing changes/additions were considered. The board approved requests to advertise for an additional full-time social worker, an additional full-time RN or Public Health nurse, and an additional full-time case aide. All three positions will be funded mostly with American Recovery dollars. The additional … [Read more...]
Preston discusses city hall upgrades and maintenance
At the October 4 meeting of the Preston City Council, City Administrator Joe Hoffman listed a variety of repairs and/or upgrades that are needed at city hall. The building is 106 years old. A professional will need to look at the exterior of the building to give an estimate for tuckpointing the exterior brick. Some bricks are falling out. Door locks are 25 years old and don’t … [Read more...]