Mayor Jeff Adamson called the October 10 regularly scheduled meeting of the Eitzen City Council meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Council members in attendance included Mayor Jeff Adamson, Emily Burrichter, Mitch Lange and Mitch Luttchens. Doug Meyer was absent. Also in attendance was City Clerk Steve Schuldt. Councilman Luttchens moved to approve the minutes from the September … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council Hears From Business Alliance
On October 9, the Spring Valley, Minn., City Council heard from Dan Freeman, of the Spring Valley Business Alliance, to consider future plans for the group’s proposed Broadway Project. In May, Freeman approached the council with the idea of the Broadway Project. At that time he explained, “The Broadway Project is an effort by the alliance to make downtown Spring Valley … [Read more...]
Houston Enrollment Numbers
Superintendent Mary Morem reported this year’s enrollment numbers to the school board at their regular meeting October 5. The elementary school pre-school to sixth grade has 201 students, down about seven from last year. The 7-12th grade high school remains steady at 231. Summit School is capped at 24 with more students on a waiting list. MNVA has a total of 1,710 students … [Read more...]
Whalan Council Continues Work on Short-Term Rental Ordinance
After many months of working on a short-term rental ordinance which has included hours of discussion by the zoning committee, creating several drafts, sending out surveys to homeowners and holding a public hearing before the October council meeting, the Whalan City Council has once again sent it back to the zoning committee for adjustments. Present at the October 9 council … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves CUP for Apartments Over Jac’s Bar and Grill
An application for a conditional use permit submitted by Jamie and Robin Arthur was considered at the Chatfield City Council’s October 9 meeting. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. A public hearing was held concerning this application at the October 2 Planning and Zoning meeting. The Planning Commision recommended that the CUP be approved to convert the space above the … [Read more...]
Canton Council Discussions Revolve Around 2024 Budget, New Code of Ordinance and Utility Rates
The Canton City Council made quick work of its agenda on Wednesday evening, October 11, as the councilmembers reviewed the topics of the 2024 budget, a new code of ordinances and the upcoming hearing regarding an increase in utility and garbage rates. Clerk Anne Koliha told the council that she has been continuing to work on the budget, considering the 11% tax levy increase … [Read more...]
Cracking Concrete to be Seal Coated at Harmony Splash Pad
At the October 10 Harmony City Council meeting, a quote in the amount of $14,000 from Midwest Surface Coatings was reviewed for seal coating the splash pad. As stress cuts weren’t added when it was poured, the concrete is cracking and needs to be seal coated to protect it. Unfortunately, the Park Board does not have the budget to do the project at this time. “In order to … [Read more...]
Rushford Looks at TIF District for Redevelopment
On October 10, the Rushford City Council voted unanimously to approve the terms of an internal loan in connection with a possible future redevelopment Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District within Municipal Development District No. 1. This move aims to assist with costs associated with the Rushford Redevelopment Project – COOP site (the former Farmers Win Cooperative site) … [Read more...]
Houston County to Study Minnesota Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation
Houston County commissioners considered establishing a committee to study Minnesota’s recently passed adult-use cannabis legislation at its November 10 regularly scheduled meeting. After hearing a proposal from Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa, and input from County Attorney Samuel Jandt and Environmental Services Director Martin Herrick, commissioners … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Supports Outdoor School Legislation
Colleen Foehrenbacher, executive director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, requested a letter of support for outdoor schools for all Minnesota students at the board’s October 10 meeting. Foehrenbacher explained they are hoping to get a bill through during the next legislative session to establish a statewide grant program to support accredited overnight outdoor … [Read more...]
The End is in Sight for Caledonia Project
Caledonia City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson noted at the October 9 city council meeting that there were a few “hiccups” in the beginning of the Grove Marshall Street project, but it seems like at the tail end they have been moving fast. The concrete company will be back out on Thursday, October 12, and if the weather cooperates, residents can expect to see blacktop laid … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Approves Teacher Salary Increases
At the October 11 school board meeting, board members Jill Harstad, David Sowinski, Mark Johnsrud, Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Rinnea Kreter, administrative assistant and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Also present were LuAnn Klevan, Community Education director and Dan … [Read more...]
Wykoff City Council: Land Purchase and Ghost Hunters
Last month it was reported that the October Wykoff City Council meeting would be held Monday, October 9. Meetings are normally held the second Monday of each month, but this month was held Tuesday, October 10 in observance of Monday’s federal holiday. The first order of new business on October 10 was Rebecca Schmidt’s job title change from city clerk to city administrator. … [Read more...]
It Pays to Belong to a Co-op
“There are currently 260 telecommunication co-ops in the U.S., serving 31 states and over one million people. Although this amounts to only 5% of telephone subscribers, the service area comprises over 40% of the country’s land with revenues totaling 3.9 billion dollars,” according to the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). Utility cooperatives are formed to … [Read more...]
Houston Restrooms Update
Jeanne Tippery attended the October 10 Houston City Council meeting to update the council on the progress of the refurbishing of the city restrooms. Sharing before and after photos, Tippery shared that the project was completed using $3,500 of local donations. New soap dispensers like the ones at the nature center have been installed. Tippery asked for city help to paint the … [Read more...]