Two property owners remain in violation under the “nuisance” ordinance for failing to clean up their residences. Darrell Peterson and Matt Bankes have been given repeated warnings and deadlines. The final clean-up deadline is September 20. Upon inspection on that date, if these property owners have not complied, the City of Mabel will proceed with criminal citations and/or … [Read more...]
Spring Valley 2018 budget previewed
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session September 11, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). No visitors had signed up to address the council. The main items discussed were preliminary 2018 budget review, and asbestos removal options for the “Kasson farm” at 2500 Tracy … [Read more...]
Fountain Council approves policing contract
The Fountain City Council has reached a decision on future policing needs. At the Wednesday, September 6 council meeting, the council unanimously voted to contract with the City of Preston Police Department. Current Fountain Police Chief Tom Mosher is retiring from his post September 29 after 20 years of serving the city. The city had debated throughout the summer whether or … [Read more...]
Chatfield plants test plot of intermediate wheatgrass to protect groundwater
On September 8, 2017, the City of Chatfield, Minn., announce that it is working in cooperation with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Rural Water Association to determine the viability of Kernza®, an intermediate wheatgrass. On Tuesday, September 12, Kernza® was planted on three acres of land that the city owns, near the intersection of Olmsted County Road 10 and … [Read more...]
Chatfield updates waste hauling agreement
At the September 11 Chatfield City Council meeting, the long standing waste hauling agreement with William Hanson was updated with four amendments. Councilor Joshua Broadwater was absent. City Clerk Joel Young noted the amending of the agreement was delayed for a time until the ordinance regarding recycling fees was updated. Brian Burkholder, Public Works, reported that … [Read more...]
Wykoff conditional use permit mulled
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on September 11, with all members in attendance Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett, and Richard Gleason. Citizens addressed the council to voice their objections to the enforcement of the city’s “junk ordinance.” One citizen asked who decides what is junk, and said she … [Read more...]
Peterson appoints new councilor
The city of Peterson has a new councilor for the third time since January 1. Last November, Chris Grindland was elected to the seat vacated by long-time councilor Dick Lee. In February, Grindland was hired for the vacant city clerk position and willingly gave up the council seat. In March, the council opted to appoint resident Jake Sandeno to the council seat. Sandeno had … [Read more...]
County preliminary 2018 budget
The commissioners covered a lot of ground at an extended September 5 board meeting. The process of reviewing each departmental budget continued. Public Health, Human Services, the various budgets related to the Sheriff’s office, and others were looked at in some detail. The total 2018 budget increase proposed by Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, in her department was … [Read more...]
Rushford opts for bluff road reconstruct
The City of Rushford, upon review of engineering estimates, has opted not to look further into the buyout of two bluff properties within the city limits. Purchase of the two homes, located on Lamplighter Lane, was discussed at the earlier August meeting as the city grappled with how to address the failing roadway. The homes sit perched on the east Rushford bluff, part of a … [Read more...]
Harmony EDA announces return of Experience Harmony community input program
The Harmony Economic Development Authority (EDA) is hosting the second series of “Experience Harmony” to gather community input on how to continue to grow and improve the community over the next several years. The first Experience Harmony series was held in early 2014, shortly after major regional initiatives like Mayo Clinic’s Destination Medical Center, or DMC, were … [Read more...]