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...]
Planning Commission continues discussion of commercial solar power systems
At the June 14 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, a proposed Renewable Energy Ordinance and the regulation of large commercial solar power systems dominated the discussion. The county’s current ordinance does not regulate commercial solar power systems. At the commission’s last meeting in May representatives of Tradewind Energy, a Kansas based for profit … [Read more...]
Enterprise Drive project nears completion
The Chatfield City Council breezed through a light agenda at their June 11 meeting. City Engineer Matt Mohs explained that the final lift/wear course on Enterprise Dr. will be completed by the end of June. The fourth pay estimate to Edge Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $137,641.55 was approved. There is a 5% retainage in the amount of $30,579.29. The project at this point … [Read more...]
Fillmore County declares State of Emergency
At the June 12 County Board meeting, commissioners declared a State of Emergency due to significant damage to public property as a result of flooding caused by the heavy rains on June 9-10. Emergency Manager Don Kullot reported that portions of the county received 5 to 8.5 inches of rain. In a letter to Joseph Kelly, director of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, a … [Read more...]
Number of property sales up in the county
The annual County Board of Appeal and Equalization held on June 12 began with commissioners reciting an oath administered by County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman. County Assessor Cindy Blagsvedt reviewed the duties and rules and gave the assessment summary. Property is valued and classified as of January 2, 2018. Sales in all areas increased over the prior year. There were 298 … [Read more...]
Chatfield changes health insurance carrier
At the May 29 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, City Clerk Joel Young reported on the savings the city and its employees could secure through a change in health insurance providers. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. The city renews its insurance each year. Young noted the city has been with Health Partners for some time. But, due to the significant … [Read more...]
Illegal dumping in county
Solid Waste Administrator Andrew Hatzenbihler reported to the county board at their June 5 meeting that some residents continue to dump materials illegally at county recycling sites. Commissioner Gary Peterson was absent. Hatzenbihler said the dumping is getting to be a large problem. Current policy allows for a $500 fine with a misdemeanor charge. Hatzenbihler suggested a … [Read more...]