The Preston City Council met July 6 in person in the apparatus bay of the fire hall to accommodate social distancing guidelines. About 20 residents attended to participate in a public hearing concerning the 2021 Street and Utility Project. Owners of over 100 properties could be affected by the proposed improvements. The public hearing portion of the meeting was streamed over … [Read more...]
2019, a good year for Chatfield Center for the Arts
Carla Gallina, President, and Michael Martin, Vice-President of the board of directors presented the Center for the Arts annual report at the city council’s June 22 meeting. Gallina said the board has adopted a new mission and vision statement in an effort to identify who they are. Their mission is, “to serve as a regional hub for advancement of the arts...” and their vision … [Read more...]
Approval recommended for MiEnergy telecommunications tower
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met via WebEx for their June 19 meeting. A public hearing was held on a MiEnergy application for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a telecommunications tower. At the May 21 meeting of the Board of Adjustment, variances for setbacks from the property line and the road were approved for the construction of this tower. The variances were … [Read more...]
2020 voting options discussed
During the April 23 Fillmore County Board meeting, Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones explained there have been many questions from citizens concerning voting in the upcoming 2020 primary and general elections. Jones said she has received over 300 applications for absentee ballots. Application for an absentee ballot can be accepted online. Also, everything will be in place for … [Read more...]
Board of Appeal and Equalization
Fillmore County’s five commissioners and Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones were sworn in as the County Board of Appeal and Equalization convened on June 23. County Assessor Jason McCaslin explained the purpose of this board is to provide a fair and objective forum to ensure equalization of assessment. Market values may be increased or decreased or property may be reclassified. … [Read more...]
Chatfield pool opens to everyone
The Chatfield City Council, after considerable debate, voted to open the swimming pool to everyone, at their June 16 special meeting. The motion was approved by a 4-1 vote (Mike Urban voted no). The pool will be open to everyone, the “Open to Chatfield School District Only” sign will be removed. Starting Friday June 19, everyone must have an account with MyRec and all funds … [Read more...]
2018 Audit Presentation
The Fillmore County Board met in person with the availability of electronic participation for their June 9 meeting. The 2018 audit prepared by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC was presented by Craig Popenhagen, Laura Buechner, and Miranda Wendlandt. The county received an unmodified, clean, opinion on its financial statements. The 2018 audit was delayed, normally it should be filed … [Read more...]
Swimming Pool Preparedness Plan approved
At the June 8 Chatfield City Council meeting, a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan was approved for the swimming pool, which is one of the last steps needed to open the pool. Brian Burkholder said the pool has been inspected and once the Preparedness Plan is submitted to Olmsted County the pool could open at 50% capacity (189 people). The plan details how the pool will operate during … [Read more...]
Preston 2021 street and utility improvements
City Engineer Brett Grabau reviewed the feasibility report for potential 2021 street and utility improvements at the Preston City Council’s June 1 meeting. Grabau explained the report was put together to give the council the ability to pick and choose project areas to keep within financial limitations they had set some months ago. The city’s capital financing plan was updated … [Read more...]
Interim county assessor’s final report
Winona County’s Assessor Stephen Hacken served as an interim assessor for Fillmore County for four months. A letter he sent to the Fillmore Board of Commissioners was reviewed at the board’s June 6 meeting. He began by thanking the board and employees for their support during this time. Hacken used his time with Fillmore County to help the department’s staff and to add … [Read more...]