May 13, 2020 — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 41 loans to businesses in its 20-county region through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Small Business Emergency Loan program totaling $1 million. This program provides partially forgivable loans to restaurants, bars, hair salons and other public … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council finalizes summer programs
Due to COVID-19, the regular May 19, 2020, Spring Grove City Council meeting was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices. City Council members in attendance included Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg and Chad Roland. The Council approved the consent agenda items, including April 21, 2020, regular meeting … [Read more...]
Preston designated as TelecommuterForward city
The Preston City Council, during their May 18 meeting, unanimously supported the Economic Development Authority (EDA) recommendation for Preston to become a Minnesota city with a TelecommuterForward! Community Certification. City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained that the EDA will coordinate with telecommuting stakeholders, including broadband providers, realtors, economic … [Read more...]
Harmony Council discusses COVID-19 hardships
At the May 12 Harmony City Council meeting, the council discussed a letter received from a Harmony business owner about the cost of liquor licenses when many small businesses are facing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Mayor Steve Donney pointed out that around a third of the year’s business has been or will be lost during the stay-at-home order. As an ordinance would have … [Read more...]
Mabel Summer Rec tabled, for now
A public hearing was held immediately prior to the May 13 Mabel City Council meeting. The hearing was in regards to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request from Clayton Provost, regarding 118 South Main Street. Provost’s CUP application noted that the property is currently zoned C1. Mayor Westby pointed out that, “Under the city ordinance, it’s a 60/40 split. The 60% in the … [Read more...]
Rushford gets good news on funds front
The City of Rushford’s financial position is looking healthy overall. Auditor Jason Boyton, of Smith Schafer & Associates, dialed in to the virtual meeting May 11 to present the detailed findings. While a bit of a challenge, but all pertinent information between city hall and auditors was done remotely this year. The city’s tax levy was $936,000 in 2019, up $23,000 from … [Read more...]
Wykoff adopts assessment for County 5 project
On May 11, the Wykoff City Council held a public hearing regarding the proposed assessments related to the ongoing County Highway 5 project, which includes street and infrastructure upgrades in Wykoff. The public hearing ran from 6:30-6:45 p.m. Following the public hearing, the council held a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, … [Read more...]
Possible pool opening discussed
The Chatfield City Council discussed the uncertainty associated with the hoped for opening of the swimming pool at their May 11 meeting held via WebEx. Brian Burkholder, Public Works, and Ryan Priebe, Water superindendent, have been in contact with Olmsted County Public Health. They are waiting for guidelines from Governor Walz. Burkholder said we will have to follow rules … [Read more...]
Whalan Council approves contract with Lanesboro
After viewing revisions by the City of Lanesboro to the contract between the City of Lanesboro and the City of Whalan for administrative and city clerk services, the Whalan City Council approved the contract. The virtual council meeting on May 11, held via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, included Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Council members Kim Berekvam, Owen Lewis, Everett … [Read more...]
City of Canton alters COVID-19 response
Canton City Council members met on May 13 at the town hall to comply with social distancing requirements. Coincidentally, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota’s Stay-at- home directive would be allowed to expire on May 18. Council updates to COVID-19 policy included opening of the city office on May 18 and the resumption of the normal utility disconnection policy. … [Read more...]