At the July 20 Preston City Council meeting, the council voted for a second time to adopt the resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans for 2021 Street and Utility Improvements. The first vote failed. This time, the project estimated to cost a little less than $4 million was ordered to proceed with a unanimous vote. A public hearing on the proposed project was … [Read more...]
Rushford Village mulls old issues
The July 21 Rushford Village Council meeting was largely follow-up on previous issues, but the council did act on several related items. Zoning Superintendent Jon Pettit presented information at the July 7 meeting regarding two potential zoning violations at the Lind property, located at 29705 Highway 43 South. According to Pettit at the time, it was his belief that property … [Read more...]
Preston EDA, Housing Committee and Minnesota Housing Partnership working together
The Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) Housing Institute Round 7 will officially commence on July 28, 2020, with a synchronous online meeting starting at 2 p.m. central time. COVID-19 has created new circumstances, but local housing needs remain and in fact have been amplified in many rural MN communities. MHP is committed, more than ever, to provide the necessary support to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Council allocates COVID-19 Relief Funds to Spring Grove Public Schools for needed technology
The regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council, July 21, 2020, held at the Fest building. Due to COVID-19, the public was able to dial in. All members of the Spring Grove City Council were in attendance: Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg, and Chad Roland. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the … [Read more...]
Wykoff cancels Fall Fest
On July 13, the Wykoff City Council met in regular session. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, and Mary Sackett. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare were also in attendance. Mary Tjepkes was absent. The council discussed whether or not to hold the annual Fall Fest event, in light of coronavirus concerns. … [Read more...]
Western Days controversy
Western Days, Inc. has planned a limited celebration of Chatfield Western Days due to the pandemic. Councilors struggled between caution and the desire for some normalcy while discussing at length the annual celebration at their July 13 city council meeting. Twenty-four emails were sent to the city of Chatfield from residents; most asked that the celebration not be held this … [Read more...]
Whalan foregoes renting of city hall until further notice
Due to concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Whalan City Council has made the decision to not allow any rentals of the city hall building until after December 31, 2020. Present at the Monday, July 13, 2020, regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, councilmembers Owen Lewis, Tanya Cook, Thore Everett Johnson and Kim Berekvam, as well as City … [Read more...]
Harmony council reviews CARES Act funds
At the July 14 Harmony City Council meeting, City Administrator Devin Swanberg informed the council that the city had received approximately $77,000 from the State of Minnesota’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act. The money cannot be used to make up lost revenue for businesses or the city, but can be used for other COVID related expenses. Swanberg … [Read more...]
Fillmore County begins 2021 budget process
Over the next couple of months Fillmore County department heads will come before the board with their proposed budgets for 2021. This process began at the board’s July 14 meeting with the finance department. Finance Director Lori Affeldt presented the relatively new department’s budget for the first time. There are two staff members in this department. Early budget estimates … [Read more...]
City of Houston deals with COVID-19 changes
By Wanda Hanson Meeting on the second floor of the community center, socially distancing, and wearing masks when necessary, the Houston City Council dealt with several changes brought about by COVID-19 Monday, July 13. Houston Hoedown has been cancelled, but the queen contest is being held. A request before the council for a small parade consisting of the queen, her court, and … [Read more...]