Mayor Pat Nesler submitted a letter of resignation, and this was the main topic of discussion at the regular meeting of the Ostrander city council on July 11. Members present included Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones and DJ Start. Kunert said Nesler had sent the letter in response to the complaint shared at the June council meeting. The letter … [Read more...]
Canton wraps up water meter project
Revisiting the ever attention consuming topic of the town’s recent water meter project, the Canton City Council went about outlining the latest on the subject during their July 12 meeting. With a mere 24 left to install, six of which are assigned for trailers, the once seemingly momentous undertaking is undoubtedly coming to a close. Nearly all of those who have yet to … [Read more...]
Lanesboro signs new agreement on dam project
The city has been working to find a solution to the repair of the dam for more than a decade, but has been hampered by federal historic preservation guidelines. A 2014 Department of Natural Resources inspection of the dam revealed the 1868 hydroelectric structure was degrading more quickly than anticipated. National Inventory of Dams designates it as a Class 1 High-Hazard dam, … [Read more...]
Preston City Hall renovation nears completion
At the July 5 meeting of the Preston City Council, the last two portions of the city hall project were discussed. City Administrator Joe Hoffman suggested a committee be formed to consider a number of options for the sign in front of city hall. Hoffman suggested that the committee include Mayor Kurt Reicks, himself, Gabby Kinneberg, and another council member. Charles Sparks … [Read more...]
Fountain considers revamping ordinance code
At the Wednesday, July 5 meeting, Fountain City Clerk Ronda Flattum proposed the idea of the city utilizing the Minnesota Livable City Code (LCC). Established just this year, the code is especially suited to cities with a population under 500. Based on the Minnesota Basic Code, utilized by hundreds of Minnesota municipalities, this new code includes provisions specifically … [Read more...]
Highway 139 resurfacing to start July 10
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) held an open house on June 29 at the Harmony Community Center, to discuss the upcoming Highway 139 resurfacing project. Approximately 30 people attended, and they heard from Jeff Bunch (MnDOT Construction), Anne Meyer (MnDOT Communications) and Sam Costigan (Rochester Sand & Gravel). The event started with opening remarks … [Read more...]
Rushford approves loan modification for GForce, Ink
Last March, the Rushford City Council unanimously approved a recommendation by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to enter into an agreement with GForce, Ink. The agreement was drawn up with the intent of addressing notes and lines of credit due to the city. Details of that agreement included payment on Revolving Loan Funds, including accrued interest, no later than July … [Read more...]
County establishes broadband development fund
Out going EDA director Sam Smith introduced the new EDA director, Stephanie Hatzenbihler, at the June 27 meeting of the county board. Smith will continue with CEDA in the Mankato area. This was his last day with Fillmore County. During his time with the Fillmore County EDA, Smith worked to expand broadband to rural areas in the county. Rural Lanesboro was one of two … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central removes extra-curricular fees for student activities
At the June 27 board meeting, Fillmore Central School Board member Sue Sikkink asked the rest of the board to consider lowering fees for extracurricular activities and eliminating fees for activities where students receive a letter grade. Board member Jim Love took it a step further, suggesting that the fees be removed completely. “We have the funding available,” he pointed … [Read more...]
Spring Valley moves on junk violations
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session June 26. Members present included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. A public hearing was held just prior to the regular council meeting, on the topic of “Junk Ordinance” violations within the city. Two citizens spoke up about the issue, … [Read more...]