SE MN Together and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund hosted two informational meetings concerning housing and a growing workforce (November 6 in Northfield and November 14 in Spring Valley). Several speakers and panels provided information pertaining to the relationship between adequate affordable housing and the attraction and maintenance of an adequate workforce. Many … [Read more...]
Preston concern with Highway 52 speed limit
At the November 18 meeting of the Preston City Council, the recent increase of the speed limit to 60 mph north and south of Preston was discussed. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent. City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted MnDOT had conducted a speed study in 2010. MnDOT sets speed limits according to what drivers are actually driving. It is the free flow speed that drivers … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Housing Study
EDA Director Marty Walsh summarized the recently completed Fillmore County Housing Study at the county board’s November 12 meeting. Maxfield Research and Consulting, LLC prepared the housing study analysis. It concludes with recommendations on the types of housing needed in the county, both now and in the future. The summary begins with an analysis of the county’s … [Read more...]
Citizen Alert System in Chatfield
At the November 12 Chatfield City Council meeting Brian Burkholder encouraged Chatfield residents to go to the city’s website and enroll in the Citizen Alert System through Rochester Alert. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. The alert system sends out notifications of snowplowing, water breaks, and street closings. The system especially aids in the notification of those who … [Read more...]
Preston 2020 ambulance purchase
The Preston City Council, at their November 4 meeting, approved a motion to move forward to get a formal state bid proposal for the purchase of a new ambulance in 2020. Ambulance director Ryan Throckmorton explained the 2008 ambulance that was purchased in 2011 is not reliable as the primary rig; it has had mechanical/suspension issues. Once an ambulance is ordered, it will … [Read more...]
Beaver Creek WMA addition
At the November 5 County Board meeting, Brandon Schad, Minnesota DNR, notified the board of a property donation to be added to the DNR Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area. The donation of 52.81 acres is from Pheasants Forever, having received an appropriation from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage (Legacy) Council funding for the land purchase. The board does not have to … [Read more...]
Chatfield and Preston promote projects for state bonding
The Senate Capital Investment Committee tour visited Fillmore County on Wednesday, October 6. Chatfield EDA made their pitch for Phase II plans for the Chatfield Center for the Arts and Preston promoted a Preston to Carimona segment of the bike trail along with an ask for additional funding for the future veterans home. Center for the Arts Michael Martin made it clear … [Read more...]
The future is wow
State Senator Dave Senjem invited civic leaders in southeastern Minnesota to a conversation about communities using energy as an economic driver. Senjem represents citizens in Dodge and Olmsted Counties. The program held at the Chatfield Center for the Arts on October 29 was sponsored by the Institute of Environment, University of Minnesota. Its mission is to discover solutions … [Read more...]
Housing development TIF district
During the October 28 Chatfield City Council meeting, a joint meeting was held with the EDA to consider the creation of a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the “Gjere Addition”. EDA chair Mike Tuohy called the EDA meeting to order before the public hearing began. During the public hearing Chris Giesen explained that Mike and Julie Sogla purchased about 10 acres … [Read more...]
Veterans home site option agreement extended
At the October 21 meeting of the Preston City Council City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained the state is requesting an extension of the option agreement for the veterans home site until March 31, 2020. The option agreement from the city to the state for the veterans home site was set to expire November 30. Hoffman said they are anticipating a round of federal funding to … [Read more...]