Chris Giesen, EDA, outlined the proposal for the Enterprise Drive Development and Incentive Program at the city council’s August 23 meeting. Program details resulted from discussions between the EDA and the Public Works committee. The program will provide an incentive to purchase a lot and to build a new commercial building by providing a rebate to the owner when construction … [Read more...]
Dave Frank takes oath of office
At the August 9 Chatfield City Council meeting city clerk Joel Young administered the oath of office to Dave Frank, who was appointed to fill a vacancy on the city council. Mayor Russ Smith read the Athenian Oath, which is basically a promise to make things better and to do no harm. Frank was welcomed back to the council. He served two terms on the council some years back. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves property tax abatement for housing project
A public hearing was held at the August 10 county board meeting regarding a developer’s (G-Cubed Development, Inc.) request for a property tax abatement related to a housing project in Lanesboro. The developer is proposing a single family subdivision within the city of Lanesboro. The developer has requested that the city of Lanesboro and the county provide abatement assistance … [Read more...]
Veterans home groundbreaking celebration
A large crowd gathered on August 9 for the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future state veterans home in Preston. This was the first of three groundbreaking ceremonies for the new veterans homes to be built in Minnesota. Ceremonies will be held in Montevideo and Bemidji later this month. Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Homes Healthcare Douglas Hughes said the … [Read more...]
Jail study committee recommends constructing a 365-day Class III facility
After 18 months of study, the Jail Committee announced their conclusions and recommendations at the Fillmore County Board’s August 3 meeting. Sheriff John DeGeorge and committee member John Zanmiller, Bristol Township, reported on the committee’s findings. The more than 50-year-old jail has not been able to meet Department of Corrections (DOC) requirements for some time. It … [Read more...]
Preston transfers veterans home site to state of Minnesota
At the August 2 Preston City Council meeting, the council formally approved the transfer of 16.6 acres for the veterans home site including the Anderson triangle to the State of Minnesota. City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained the veterans home donation escrow fund will be released to the state as requested by the state. This fund is approximately $1.4 million and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County holds first public hearing for appointed recorder
County Recorder David Kiehne was first to comment during the public hearing at the board’s July 27 meeting. Kiehne submitted a letter to the board on July 6 informing them of his intent to retire on December 31, 2022, the end of his current elected term. Legislation signed into law in 2019 allows the appointment of a county recorder with the retirement notification provided … [Read more...]
Fillmore County proposed Zoning Ordinance language changes
At the July 22 Planning Commission meeting, three proposed language changes to the Zoning Ordinance were proposed by Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins. The first was a more detailed definition of a campground. The proposed language states: “Any area, whether privately owned, used on a daily, nightly, or longer basis for the accommodations of two or more tents or … [Read more...]
Chatfield fills open council seat
David Frank was appointed to fill the vacant Chatfield City Council seat at the council’s July 26 meeting. Mayor Russ Smith noted that only one application had been submitted to the fill the remainder of John McBroom’s term, who announced his resignation on June 28. Frank will also fill most of McBroom’s committee commitments (Park & Recreation, Public Services, and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County discusses uses for Rescue Plan funds
The county’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is estimated to be about $4 million. At the July 13 board meeting County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that the first half of that funding has been received. The second half is expected to be received next year. The board reviewed a document prepared by the National Association of Counties (NACo) … [Read more...]