The Chatfield City Council met on January 14, their first meeting in the new year. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. A public hearing was held on the application submitted by Daniel Pecarina, president and CEO of Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. (HBC). HBC wants to provide cable television service to the city. The same terms and conditions of a current franchise … [Read more...]
Preston allows deer hunt
At the January 9 Preston City Council meeting, Police Chief Matt Schultz informed council members that he met with USDA Wildlife Supervisor John Hart this past Monday. Hart again requested permission to allow sharpshooters to hunt within the Preston city limits as had been done in 2017. The hunt is part of the continuing effort to control the spread of chronic wasting disease … [Read more...]
County conducts annual new year business
County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman called to order the first 2019 meeting of the county commissioners on January 8. Duane Bakke was elected chairman and Marc Prestby was elected vice-chairman. Judge Matt Opat administered the oath of office to reelected commissioners Bakke and Randy Dahl and county attorney Brett Corson. Many of the same people continue in the same … [Read more...]
Amendment to SSTS Ordinance to be considered by the County Board
At the December 20 meeting of the Planning Commission, the public had an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment to the Fillmore County subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) ordinance. The proposed amended language in Sale or Transfer of Real Estate, Section 803, will make it less likely that any transfers of real estate will fall through the cracks without a SSTS … [Read more...]
Legislators listen to county priorities
Minnesota Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller listened to Fillmore County department heads describe concerns that they feel are important to address in the upcoming legislative session. Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) government relations manager Matt Hilgart provided a ranking from 11 southeast Minnesota counties (district IX). The number one legislative … [Read more...]
Preston certifies final levy
At the December 18 Preston City Council meeting, during a discussion on the 2019 budget, there was a disagreement about the budget line item for the National Trout Center. Councilman David Collett suggested the NTC budget should be cut by $10,000. The total 2018 budget for the NTC was $26,500, which also includes EDA funding. Mayor Kurt Reicks argued that the NTC was a … [Read more...]
DNR schedules special late season deer hunts
In an effort to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the core area, the DNR has scheduled special late season hunts for December 21-23 and December 28-30. These hunts will be in permit areas 603, 347, and 348 plus portions of deer permit areas 343 and 345 that are south of Interstate 90. The focus will be on the primary core area between Preston and Lanesboro, … [Read more...]
County reviews list of legislative priorities
At the December 11 County Board meeting, commissioners reviewed a list of 2019 legislative priorities. At their upcoming December 18 meeting, Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller will be present to hear the county’s legislative preferences. Commissioner Duane Bakke noted the priority list document grows year to year. He suggested that next year there be more discussion … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
About a dozen property owners attended the public hearing regarding the Fillmore County 2019 budget and levy. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman reviewed 2018 county activities and the 2019 proposed budget. One 2018 highlight is the active participation in legislation that resulted in a significant increase in County Program Aid for 2018 and 2019 and a leveling of CPA from … [Read more...]
Chatfield certifies 2019 Levy
City Clerk Joel Young reported on the proposed 2019 budget and levy during the Truth in Taxation hearing at the city council’s December 10 meeting. This will be the council’s last meeting of the year. The city staff budget will cause a tax levy increase of 4.97%; these increases are structural and driven by inflation. The main driver of the tax levy increase for 2019 will be … [Read more...]