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...]
County transition to complete managed IT services
The county board approved a transition plan from the current Information Technology staff to complete managed IT services at their July 10 meeting. At the last board meeting, a three-year contract with Marco for 24/7 coverage was approved. The transition to Marco complete managed IT services is to be complete by October 15. This service will eliminate the need for the IT … [Read more...]
Swimming pool construction contract awarded
After months and months of planning, discussion, and a referendum last fall, the Chatfield City Council approved a combined bid submitted by Benike Construction and Ricchio, Inc. for the construction of a new swimming pool during their July 9 meeting. The bid was approved with a 4:1 vote, councilor Mike Urban voted no. The combined bid is $4,279,243.93, which is the low bid. A … [Read more...]
County backs EIS request for proposed hog feedlot
Many concerned citizens attended the July 3 meeting of the county board. The agenda was amended to include discussion and possible action regarding the proposed Catalpa LLC hog farrowing facility to be located in section 7 and 18 in Newburg Township. The comment period on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) had been extended to July 3 at 4:30 pm. During the Citizens … [Read more...]
Chatfield mayor comments on swimming pool project
On June 29, bids for the construction of a new swimming pool in Chatfield will be opened. At the June 26 council meeting, Mayor Russ Smith explained he has heard from people within the community who are in favor of and who are against the construction of a new pool. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. Smith spoke of rumblings in the community from some who feel there was … [Read more...]
MnDot presents 10-year plan
At the June 26 Fillmore County Board meeting, Ronda Allis, District 6 planning director, gave an overview of the state’s 10-year construction plan, 2019-2028, in Fillmore County. Allis explained that projects through 2022 are funded. Planned projects from 2023-2028 do not have commitments, funding has not been identified, and plans will change. MnDOT is in a preservation … [Read more...]
Citizens advocate for EIS on proposed hog feedlot in Fillmore County
The informational meeting held by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regarding the proposed Catalpa LLC hog facility drew a large crowd to the Mabel Community Center Tuesday evening, June 19. More than an hour before the meeting was to begin, speakers demanding an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a substantially more in-depth review, spoke to the crowd in front … [Read more...]
Preston funds its donation for veterans home
The source of funding in the amount of $320,000 from the city was identified at the June 18 city council meeting. The funds will cover the land purchase and the cash donation to be included in the application so the veterans home can be entered into the federal queue in April 2019. City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained there had been a conference call with the Minnesota … [Read more...]