The Rushford Village Council has once again found itself accepting a council resignation and declaring a vacancy for the seat. Councilor Chad Rasmussen submitted written resignation prior to the November 19 meeting, effective immediately. There is one year remaining on his term. Mayor Gordon Johnson suggested the council bypass a public request for interested persons and … [Read more...]
Preston concern with Highway 52 speed limit
At the November 18 meeting of the Preston City Council, the recent increase of the speed limit to 60 mph north and south of Preston was discussed. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent. City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted MnDOT had conducted a speed study in 2010. MnDOT sets speed limits according to what drivers are actually driving. It is the free flow speed that drivers … [Read more...]
Legislative Advisory Commission approves federal grant funding for new veterans home in Preston
On Tuesday, November 19, members of the Minnesota Legislative Advisory Commission sent a letter to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Myron Frans approving the agency’s plans to spend pending federal grant funds for the construction of veterans homes in Preston, Bemidji, and Montevideo. Per state law, the Legislative Advisory Commission is authorized to review … [Read more...]
Peterson approves partial forgiveness on vehicle fines for 2019
It’s been a year-long learning curve for Peterson and its nuisance vehicle ordinance. Initially passed in November 2018, the ordinance went into effect in January in an effort to give residents time to comply with standards. At the October meeting, the council voted in favor of 50% fine forgiveness for previous cited properties, following complaints, but that forgiveness … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Housing Study
EDA Director Marty Walsh summarized the recently completed Fillmore County Housing Study at the county board’s November 12 meeting. Maxfield Research and Consulting, LLC prepared the housing study analysis. It concludes with recommendations on the types of housing needed in the county, both now and in the future. The summary begins with an analysis of the county’s … [Read more...]
Whalan Council imposes unpaid administrative leave
The City of Whalan held a special city council meeting on November 12, in which the first part of the meeting was closed to the public. According to Terry Chiglo, City Attorney for Whalan, the reason the initial part of the meeting was closed to the public was “for the preliminary consideration of allegations and/or charges pending against a person subject to the City of … [Read more...]
Harmony council approves playground equipment purchase
Harmony resident Dan Dornink attended the November 12 Harmony City Council meeting to discuss the plans for the proposed playground. “It has come to my attention that we’re talking about putting a new playground outside the community center here. I would like to ask the council to reconsider the location as this side of town is already well served by playgrounds,” he said, … [Read more...]
Ostrander sets brush dump hours
The Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting on November 12, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Mayor Pam Kunert, Vernon Thompson, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). The council formally approved the canvassing of the recent special election, in which Dan Hellerud won for city council. Ostrander’s city maintenance director, Jeremy Runkle, … [Read more...]
Mabel to accept credit/debit card payments
The Mabel City Council held a regular council meeting on November 13. All members were present (Adam Wilder, Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk/Treasurer Karen Larson, Gary Morken, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels). Deputy Clerk Brooke Harmening addressed the council to ask them to consider approving a system in which citizens could make payments to the city using debit or … [Read more...]
Citizen Alert System in Chatfield
At the November 12 Chatfield City Council meeting Brian Burkholder encouraged Chatfield residents to go to the city’s website and enroll in the Citizen Alert System through Rochester Alert. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. The alert system sends out notifications of snowplowing, water breaks, and street closings. The system especially aids in the notification of those who … [Read more...]