The Fillmore County Board at its August 7 meeting continued the process of reviewing 2019 budget proposals from individual departments. Lisa Dierks, Southeast University of Minnesota Extension regional director, discussed an agreement between U of M Extension and Fillmore County. The agreement reflects a 2.2% increase for 2019 and a 2% increase for both 2020 and 2021. The … [Read more...]
Peterson mulls over projects
The Peterson Council meeting, Wednesday, August 8, saw discussion of several small city projects either underway or in the planning stages. Absent from the meeting were City Clerk Chris Grindland and Councilor Dave Colbenson. Several municipal buildings are slated for upgrades. The public restrooms at the city park will need some minor alterations, including replacement of the … [Read more...]
Mabel ponders zoning permit changes
The Mabel City Council has received a number of concerns from citizens about the current rules and process for getting a permit when citizens plan to make improvements on their properties. This was a main topic of discussion when the council met in regular session August 8. Members in attendance included Liz Folstad, Gary Morken, Mayor James Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, … [Read more...]
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery of Preston featured in videos
“It will be a source of pride for the Preston area,” states Robert Gross, Cemetery Administrator at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery location in Preston, Minn. The staff at the veterans cemetery were contacted a few weeks ago that the Preston site had been one of only two veterans cemeteries chosen in the nation to be featured in a series of videos. The second location … [Read more...]
Regulating industrial solar in Fillmore County
The Fillmore County planning commission has been developing language for a Renewable Energy Ordinance over the last several months. EDA director Marty Walsh had been directed to do some research on transmission lines and related capacity. He offered more information on the possible development of a 50 megawatt solar farm at the commission’s July 26 meeting. In regard to the … [Read more...]
Fountain rescinds motion; puts chicken ordinance on November ballot
After months of discussing whether or not to allow the keeping of chickens within city limits, the Fountain Council has taken steps to put the issue on the general election ballot Tuesday, November 6. Resident Emily Root first approached the council in May with a detailed plan for a secure coop in which to house 10 hens. At the time, the council did not have further questions … [Read more...]
Rep. Greg Davids honored as a 2018 Legislator of Distinction
July 17, 2018 — Saint Paul, MN, The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 25 state lawmakers, including Representative Greg Davids, as 2018 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past year’s legislative session. Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the League’s Board … [Read more...]
Swimming pool bonding proposal presented
Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, presented a recommendation for the structure of General Obligation Bonds for the Swimming Pool Project during the Chatfield City Council’s July 23 meeting. The bonds were authorized (up to $4.4 million) by voters in a referendum in the November 2017 special election. Total capital costs, contingencies (additional needs like security … [Read more...]
State gains 6,600 jobs in June Overall unemployment rate steady at 3.1%, total jobs surpass 2.96 million, most in state history
Minnesota employers added 6,600 jobs in June, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). In addition, the agency said May’s employment figures were revised from 10,200 jobs gained to 10,700 jobs gained. Over the past year, Minnesota employers have added 45,517 jobs, a growth rate of 1.5%. … [Read more...]
County approves donation for veterans home
The July 24 county board meeting was attended by numerous veterans, demonstrating their support for the veterans home. The board’s agenda included a request for a veterans home donation. Commissioner Duane Bakke said the process for the veterans home is moving forward. The legislature approved $10.2 million for the Preston site in its bonding bill. Every local dollar brought … [Read more...]