At the August 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a resolution was approved calling for a public hearing on September 9, concerning the proposal for the issuance of healthcare facility revenue bonds for the Chosen Valley Care Center project. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. City Clerk Joel Young said the care center has been working with the city for a couple of … [Read more...]
County jail future discussed
The annual Jail Inspection Report was reviewed at the county board’s August 6 meeting. The report is issued by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The Fillmore County Jail, which is the second oldest in the state, was limited to a 90-day facility in February 2017. Sheriff John DeGeorge and Jail Administrator James Fenske felt there was nothing in the report that was … [Read more...]
Chief of Police Blaise Sass sworn in
Blaise Sass was sworn in as the new Chief of Police at the August 5 Preston City Council meeting. Sass has most recently served as a sergeant under retiring Chief Matt Schultz. August 5 was Schultz’s last day in office. After the city council meeting Schultz radioed in his official final sign off, bringing a long career in law enforcement to an end. Schultz made a farewell … [Read more...]
Floodplain District amendments Public hearing set for August 6
Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins reviewed proposed revisions to the county’s 610. Floodplain District ordinance at the July 25 planning commission meeting. After waiting for the revised maps for several years the updated FEMA maps are to be finalized effective August 15. As part of the process, the county is required to amend its ordinance, referencing the updated maps. … [Read more...]
Chatfield interim wastewater operator
At the July 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Brian Burkholder recommended that Steve Bushman, certified Class A Operator (WHKS), be hired on an interim basis. At a special meeting of the city council on July 15 the resignation of Chris Daniels, wastewater treatment plant operator, was accepted effective July 26. The council then authorized staff to advertise for a … [Read more...]
Preston becomes a Purple Heart City
Members of the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110 of the Minnesota Military Order of the Purple Hearts and many local veterans were in attendance during the city council’s July 15 meeting. The council adopted a resolution proclaiming Preston a Purple Heart City. Duane Hodge, a Vietnam veteran, is the commander of the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110. Harry Kerr, the chapter’s adjutant, … [Read more...]
County reverses course
At the July 9 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, the Land Records Department established earlier this year was quashed. The board voted unanimously to change back from the Land Records Director position to the County Assessor position. Human Resources Officer Kristina Kohn explained the department headed by a Land Records Director was not functioning as the board … [Read more...]
2019 Preston street improvements
Brett Grabau, Stantec Consulting Services engineer, discussed proposed street improvements for 2019 during a public hearing at the Preston City Council’s July 1 meeting. In the city of Preston 40% of street reconstruction project costs are assessed to the benefiting property owners. Non-residential parcels get assessed for the total front footage of the property. Residential … [Read more...]
Chatfield assesses storm water damage
At Chatfield’s July 8 city council meeting, Brian Burkholder stated the city had quite a lot of water damage with the recent heavy rain. They are working with Fillmore and Olmsted Counties to obtain some state funding. Councilor Paul Novotny reported the Public Works committee discussed storm water damage, most of which is down CR 10. They are getting some quotes. It was an … [Read more...]
County declares state of emergency
The board authorized a letter to be sent to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety stating the county experienced extensive damage from the June 27-28 heavy rains and flooding. The commissioners unanimously passed a resolution declaring a state of emergency due to conditions resulting from the June flooding event at the July 2 board meeting. County Coordinator Bobbie … [Read more...]