Melissa Burnett, cable television administrator, asked the city council at the April 23 meeting to approve the purchase of a HD Cablecast base unit and slideshow as recommended by the Cable Access Board. The total cost of the upgrade is $11,281.48. The school district has agreed to share the cost. The council approved the upgrade to high definition; the city’s share costing … [Read more...]
Planning Commission tweaks Renewable Energy Ordinance
At the April 19 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, revisions were made on a proposed ordinance for renewable energy. The county has only a wind power ordinance currently. This proposed ordinance will regulate both wind and solar energy systems. Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins explained the wind portion is similar to the current ordinance. However, more … [Read more...]
Veterans discuss emergency care and housing
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s staff held a listening session for veterans on April 12 at the Fillmore County Office Building. Bree Maki, southern Minnesota outreach, and Alex Schueller, veterans and military outreach, led the group in a discussion of veterans issues and concerns. Smith, through a video recording, said the objective was to hear directly from veterans. She wants … [Read more...]
Preston’s audit presented
Jason Boynton, Smith Schafer and Associates, presented the 2017 audit information for the city of Preston at the city council’s April 16 meeting. An unmodified, “clean” opinion was issued. Boynton said it was an overall good report. The general tax levy totaled $831,494. Other revenue included TIF collections in the amount of $74,307 and Local Government Aid (LGA) in the … [Read more...]
County to discontinue homecare, votes on veterans home site
After a lengthy discussion, commissioners decided to discontinue public health homecare at their April 10 meeting. Clients and homecare employees will be notified of the county’s intention to transition to private companies over the next few months. The target date to complete the transition is July 1. During this period home health staff and clients will have time to select … [Read more...]
Charter Commission Amendment dead
At the April 9 Chatfield City Council meeting, a vote on the second consideration of Ordinance 433-Charter Amendment failed. The first consideration had passed three to two. This time in order for the recommendation from the Charter Commission for the establishment of a “city manager” position to become a reality, there would need to be a unanimous positive vote. The vote was … [Read more...]
County hears report on home care feasibility
Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing, reported findings from a home care feasibility committee study at the board’s April 3 meeting. She commented that home care services are hard to find in Fillmore County. The number of clients being served by the county have generally been trending down over the last several years. There are 15 skilled nursing clients, (includes … [Read more...]
Preston commits cash contribution for veterans home
At the April 2 Preston City Council meeting council members voted unanimously to commit $125,000 in support of a veterans home in Preston. Preston Public Utilities also has committed to a $125,000 contribution. These contributions will only be expended in the event a veterans home is approved to be built in Preston. The commitment of cash from the city and PPU is part of a … [Read more...]
Commissioners will soon decide on potential veterans home location
Commissioners discussed all the “ifs” related to a proposed state veterans home for Fillmore County at their March 27 meeting. During committee reports at the end of the meeting, commissioner Duane Bakke reported on a March 21 hearing held by the Minnesota State Government Finance Committee. Up to 240 veterans home beds have been authorized by the federal government for … [Read more...]
Chatfield City Manager?
Curt Sorenson, Charter committee chair and former Chatfield mayor, reported at the March 26 city council meeting that members of the Charter commission have proposed amending the city charter to add the position of “city manager.” During a public hearing, the issue that troubled some was the authority to hire and fire public employees that would be part of a city manager’s … [Read more...]