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...]
Fillmore County makes plans to adapt
At the May 12 meeting of the County Board held via WebEx, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed reopening plans to keep staff and the public safe during this time of uncertainty. The board unanimously supported sending a letter, which will be signed by chairman Marc Prestby, to area legislators Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller. The letter asks legislators to … [Read more...]
Ostrander responds to citizen complaints
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on May 5, the council responded to a number of issues related to complaints voiced by Ostrander citizens. Council members in attendance included Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. Council members and other attendees were asked to sit at least six feet from each … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council reviews COVID-19 closures
At the May 4 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council reviewed the closures of public spaces. Council member Tom Smith made a motion that the campground bathhouse and visitor’s center bathrooms be re-opened. Mayor Jason Resseman noted that there was a recommendation from the governor that those type of facilities be open to allow recreational activities. The council approved … [Read more...]
Rushford Village ponders immediate future of community center
The Rushford Village Hall is closed until January 1, 2021, at which point use of the facility will be reviewed. That was the decision made at the May 5 Village Council meeting following Governor Walz’s extension of COVID-19 preventions. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but to err on the side of caution, as noted by several on the council. Rentals of the space for May were … [Read more...]
Fountain ushers in new city clerk
The Wednesday, May 6 Fountain Council meeting was anything but normal with the council gathering in the spacious community center after original plans to have the council meet via telephone were changed. With the world at a relative standstill though, discussion during the six-minute meeting was limited. “If he [Governor Walz] doesn’t lift the stay at home we will be doing … [Read more...]
County extends emergency declaration
The Fillmore County Board met via WebEx on May 5. COVID-19 and related restrictions dominated the discussion. A resolution extending the Declaration of a State of Emergency was extended to May 26. Public access to county facilities will continue. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery led a discussion concerning the wearing of masks by county employees when in a shared space with … [Read more...]
Preston ordinance amendment allows indoor storage
The Preston City Council met on May 4 via Go To Meeting. A request by two individuals to allow indoor climate controlled storage as a conditional use in the B-3 (General Business District) was again discussed. Planning and Zoning held a public hearing on the amendment on April 20, after which, the city council first discussed the proposed amendment. Council members were in … [Read more...]