A Kernza licensing agreement and the replacement of five fire hydrants were discussed at the Chatfield City Council’s August 13 meeting. Brian Burkholder, public works, introduced the agreement with The Land Institute (Kansas) which owns the trademark for Kernza, a perennial, continuous living cover crop, which can be used to improve water quality. It is an intermediate wheat … [Read more...]
Primary turnout strong
More than a quarter of registered voters cast their ballots in the Minnesota 2018 primary election in Fillmore County on August 14. Interest was significantly higher than normal possibly in part due to the fact that a new governor will be elected in November and two U.S. Senate seats are on the ballot. Also, the U.S. House First Congressional District seat is open without an … [Read more...]
County makes first payment per Chatfield abatement agreement
Chris Gastner, CEDA, and Mike Bubany, David Drown and Associates, reviewed the agreement made in 2008 at the county board’s August 14 meeting. Fillmore County granted a property tax abatement to help finance road infrastructure improvements and a booster station to serve a subdivision (Hilltop Estates) and the new elementary school in Chatfield. Chatfield installed $2.8 million … [Read more...]
Preston’s new logo
The Preston City Council approved a new city logo at their August 6 meeting. The trout superimposed over the Minnesota state outline has been the logo on the city’s letterhead, envelopes, business cards and so on. The new official logo is a simple fishhook on a line which represents the city’s theme, “Get Hooked on Preston.” Councilman David Collett was absent. The city’s sign … [Read more...]
County reviews 2019 budget proposals
The Fillmore County Board at its August 7 meeting continued the process of reviewing 2019 budget proposals from individual departments. Lisa Dierks, Southeast University of Minnesota Extension regional director, discussed an agreement between U of M Extension and Fillmore County. The agreement reflects a 2.2% increase for 2019 and a 2% increase for both 2020 and 2021. The … [Read more...]
Regulating industrial solar in Fillmore County
The Fillmore County planning commission has been developing language for a Renewable Energy Ordinance over the last several months. EDA director Marty Walsh had been directed to do some research on transmission lines and related capacity. He offered more information on the possible development of a 50 megawatt solar farm at the commission’s July 26 meeting. In regard to the … [Read more...]
Future housing & transportation needs in Fillmore County
Will Fillmore County be prepared to provide affordable housing during a period which will likely see job growth in the area? Both Destination Medical Center and the potential veterans home in Preston could provide jobs that encourage economic growth and increase housing demand in the region. DMC will likely provide some demand for housing in Fillmore County, especially for … [Read more...]
Swimming pool bonding proposal presented
Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, presented a recommendation for the structure of General Obligation Bonds for the Swimming Pool Project during the Chatfield City Council’s July 23 meeting. The bonds were authorized (up to $4.4 million) by voters in a referendum in the November 2017 special election. Total capital costs, contingencies (additional needs like security … [Read more...]
County approves donation for veterans home
The July 24 county board meeting was attended by numerous veterans, demonstrating their support for the veterans home. The board’s agenda included a request for a veterans home donation. Commissioner Duane Bakke said the process for the veterans home is moving forward. The legislature approved $10.2 million for the Preston site in its bonding bill. Every local dollar brought … [Read more...]
Fundraising campaign approved for veterans home
At the July 16 Preston City Council meeting, the implementation of an area fundraising effort for the proposed veterans home was discussed. This is fundraising over and above commitments that have already been made by the city and the city’s utility. Funds raised or pledged prior to August 24 will be counted for a 2:1 federal match. The goal is to raise $750,000 or more for … [Read more...]