As part of the 2019 Highway 52 improvement project, installation of a sidewalk on the west side of the highway from Highway 30 north to the southern edge of the north entrance to the car dealership (near the city limits), has become an issue for some property owners in Chatfield. The city council at its November 26 meeting after a lengthy discussion decided to support requests … [Read more...]

At the county board’s November 27 meeting, scheduling for upcoming meetings was discussed. The Truth in Taxation hearing will be held December 11, 6 p.m., after an afternoon board meeting. This is an opportunity for citizens to hear a report on next year’s budget and levy and a review of the current year. The hearing gives the public an opportunity to become more informed about … [Read more...]

At a relatively brief November 13 Fillmore County Board meeting, the size limitations due to funding for the proposed veterans home in Preston were discussed. Commissioner Duane Bakke reported on a November 8 planning meeting in Preston with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposal for a 72 bed home may not be possible due to limited … [Read more...]

At the November 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a Capital Improvements Plan submitted by Mike Bubany, David Drown and Associates, was distributed. It was not discussed at this city council meeting. It summarizes the city’s financial condition and provides a tool to evaluate the feasibility of future capital improvement projects and purchases. Bubany finds the city … [Read more...]

Jeff Broberg reported on activities and future initiatives of the National Trout Center at the Preston City Council’s November 5 meeting. He expressed his  appreciation for the city’s support. Broberg said they are growing great programs, have great participation and continue to grow the number of visitors to the center (1,241 visitors, up 138 from last year). A weekly fishing … [Read more...]

At the November 6 County Board meeting, there was a lengthy discussion about replacing retiring County Assessor Cindy Blagsvedt with the hire of a land services director. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman explained this has been discussed at several personnel committee meetings. Someone with an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) certification is required. This Land Records … [Read more...]

At the October 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, the first consideration of Ordinance 437, Critical Water Emergency Restriction, was approved. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The ordinance will regulate nonessential water usage upon the declaration of critical water deficiency. Such a declaration could be made during a severe drought. Mandatory restrictions upon … [Read more...]

County Engineer Ron Gregg presented a list of proposed road and bridge projects for 2019 at the October 23 meeting of the county board. Projects using federal funding include the concrete overlay of CSAH 1 south of Spring Valley and a culvert project on CSAH 12 near Preston. State Aid projects include pavement reconditioning of a short section of CSAH 34 outside of Mabel, … [Read more...]