The September 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with a public hearing on the proposed sidewalk assessments. As there were no questions or comments from the public, the hearing was closed and the regular meeting was opened. The consent agenda was approved and included accounts payable, early closings at noon on September 22 and October 8 for the city office, the MMUA … [Read more...]
Canton Council reviews budget, learns how population decline will affect city
As the Canton City Council met on September 8, the 2020 census results came up several times during regular business discussions. According to the latest census, Canton has seen a decrease in population by 34 residents over the past decade, going from 346 to 310. Clerk Brock Bergey said this 10.4% decrease is the sharpest decline in population since the 1970 census, when the … [Read more...]
Houston County employees to see a 5% decrease in health care effective January 1, 2022
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre attended the August 24 meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led board members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the August 10 regular meeting, the August 17 … [Read more...]
Fillmore County discusses campground and SSTS ordinance amendments
At the August 26 Fillmore County Planning Commission meeting, public hearings were held on two proposed zoning ordinance amendments. The proposed Fillmore County definition of a campground says, in part, that any area privately or publicly owned to accommodate two or more tents or recreational camping vehicles for compensation is considered a campground. A privately owned … [Read more...]
Fillmore County works through proposed 2022 departmental budgets
Most of the county board’s August 24 meeting was dedicated to the 2022 budget process. Laura Christianson, SWCD administrator, requested the county increase its annual appropriation by $5,000 to $220,000. She said there were 49 projects in 2020. For every $1 dollar Fillmore County invested last year, a total of $5.20 was generated combining local, state, and federal revenue. … [Read more...]
Child care economic development grants now open for applications
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has launched the latest round of Child Care Economic Development Grants. These grants authorize $5 million over the next two fiscal years for grants to local communities to increase quality child care providers to support economic development across Minnesota. A total of $2.5 million will be … [Read more...]
Fountain council hears harassment concern
The Fountain City Council met in regular session on September 1. Council members present included Ron Reisner, Dave Gudmundson, and Mayor Jim Schott. City Clerk Mary Tjepkes was also present. Two citizens, Michelle Redalen and David Drury, spoke to the council about concerns related to their business (Drury’s Furniture). Redalen stated, “We just wanted to make sure the … [Read more...]
Ag Days a success, says Spring Valley council
The Spring Valley city council held a regular council meeting on August 23 at city hall, with all members present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Greg Brooks, John Dols and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. With a light agenda, the meeting ended in under 15 minutes. One topic that saw comments from the entire council was the success … [Read more...]
Rushford to see legislative results
Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist for Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) presented to the Rushford Council, August 23, an update of legislative progress in a number of areas. CGMC represents 109 municipalities in Minnesota working on Local Government Aid (LGA) and property taxes, economic development, annexation and land use, transportation, environment and … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves incentive program for commercial development on Enterprise Drive
Chris Giesen, EDA, outlined the proposal for the Enterprise Drive Development and Incentive Program at the city council’s August 23 meeting. Program details resulted from discussions between the EDA and the Public Works committee. The program will provide an incentive to purchase a lot and to build a new commercial building by providing a rebate to the owner when construction … [Read more...]