One requested variance was considered at the May 16 meeting of the Board of Adjustment. Stena and Andrew Lieb, section 20 of Pilot Mound Township, requested a variance from the county’s Zoning Ordinance that limits the number of dwelling units per quarter of a quarter section in the Ag District. Section 604.02 (1) reads, “There shall be no more than a total of two dwellings per … [Read more...]

Semcac executive director, Jennifer Hengel, senior service director Jeff Wyant, and director of transportation Bill Spitzer addressed the commissioners at their May 14 board meeting. Semcac is a non-profit 501c3 Community Action Agency that was established in 1966 and serves Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona Counties. Its services are directed to … [Read more...]

At the May 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a draft ordinance to regulate the use of special vehicles on public streets and areas within the city was reviewed. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The ordinance requires the operator of a special vehicle to get a permit. The proposed ordinance provides for the issuance and use of a disabled permit in certain instances. … [Read more...]

At the May 7 meeting of the county board, a resolution authorizing the execution of the MnDOT Grant Agreement for airport improvement excluding land acquisition was approved. Pam Schroeder, airport office manager, explained the county did receive a grant from the state which can be used for three pieces of equipment for the airport. The total amount of the grant available is … [Read more...]

The Historic Campus & Riverfront Masterplan committee met for the first time in late 2021. At the April 29 meeting of the Preston City Council, Charles Aug, steering committee member, said the former Dairy & Farm building is a good place for a permanent home for the Preston Historical Society (PHS). He suggested the plan is feasible and has good support from the … [Read more...]

Spring brings showers, green grass, flowers and road construction.  Some projects are already in progress. Road and bridge improvements are more than welcome, but delays and detours not so much. Let’s ensure worker safety during construction projects by complying with construction related signage. Planned project start dates are not set in stone, but subject to change due … [Read more...]

At the April 23 meeting of the county board, issues with the zoning permit application process were discussed. Jay Squires, land use attorney, joined the meeting to answer questions. Land use director Blake Lea noted by state statute there is a 60-day timeline to act on an application once it is complete. Squires said the timeline can be extended an additional 60 … [Read more...]

At the April 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, EDA coordinator, Chris Giesen explained the state of Minnesota has a competitive grant program that will award up to $39 million to workforce rental housing projects in greater Minnesota. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent from the meeting. If the grant is awarded, the program could provide a $475,000 deferred … [Read more...]

The public commented on the proposed Special Vehicle Use ordinance at the Preston City Council’s April 15 meeting. Citizens also commented on a designation allowing motorized recreational vehicles on the Veterans Home Trail. Ordinance 300 details rules and regulations for the operation of special vehicles including ATVs, motorized golf carts, UTVs, and mini trucks on city … [Read more...]

Proposals for batting cage installation, fence replacement, and business banners were considered at the April 8 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Public works director Brian Burkholder said the Park and Recreation committee had approved a plan for the installation of a batting cage at the south baseball field outside the fence on the first baseline.  The batting cage … [Read more...]

At the April 9 county board meeting, a grievance brought forward by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49 was discussed. The Minnesota Public Employment Relations Board will hold a hearing on Friday, April 12 in St. Paul. Board members, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery and Human Resources Officer Lindsi Engle may be asked to testify.   Hillery … [Read more...]

At the March 26 meeting of the county board, County Engineer Ron Gregg asked commissioners to adopt a resolution to include with the application for a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Preservation Program Grant. The state funding approved by the legislature in 2023 will help counties find the perpetuation of monuments that mark public survey corners.  The resolution … [Read more...]

Preston city attorney, Dwight Luhmann led a discussion on a draft of the proposed Special Use Vehicle Ordinance at the city council’s April 1 meeting. The ordinance will be designed to regulate the use of UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), golf carts, and mini trucks on city streets (not federal highways). A permit will be needed and will be … [Read more...]