Community Development Director Alison Bentley gave her report at the January 26 meeting of the city council. Councilor Mike Urban was absent.
Bentley recognized Michael Tuohy for his 22 years of service on the EDA board. She also thanked Jeremy Aug for the years he served on Planning and Zoning.
Peddle Tea & Coffee opened in September. The fourth edition of Hilltop Estates which includes six additional building lots for single family homes opened.
The Grand Street Apartment opened with 14 (one or two bedroom) apartments. Work is continuing with American Legion and VFW to find a location and to create plans for a Veteran’s Memorial.
Chillfest is coming up on February 7 and 8.
2025 Street Project
An amended partial payment (second payment) to Rochester Sand & Gravel was approved as recommended by the city engineer in the amount of $455,931 for work completed on the 2025 Mill & Overlay Project. The certified total value of work is $1,683,829. The previous payment was $1,143,706. The current 5% retainage is $84,191.
Other Business in Brief
- A resolution was adopted approving the updated Personnel Policy regarding paid time off (PTO) payout and Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP) contributions.
- A Leave Sharing Policy was reviewed and approved. It allows “employees to voluntarily donate accrued paid leave to assist fellow employees who are experiencing a medical emergency or a major disaster declared by the President under the Stafford Act.”
- Teresa Marzolf, on behalf of Youth Events 4 Western Days, requested the closing of a portion of Twiford St. Approval was granted for closing Twiford St. from Fourth St. SW to the alley way closer to Third St. SW during the 2026 Western Days.
- A resolution was adopted approving and supporting the 2025 Fillmore County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- The 2026 Ability Building Community (ABC) contract agreement was approved.
- The Schoenfelder Farms 2026 Agricultural Lease ($225 per acre or $9,000 per year) was approved.
- A Chatfield Police Department Donation (DARE Program) in the amount of $250 was accepted. Donation is from VFW Post 6913.
- An agreement between Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (LELS) and the city regarding Paid Family and Medical Leave was approved.
- Lauren Jensen was appointed to serve on the EDA (six-year term).
- Library donations were accepted ($20 anonymous, $2,000 from Chosen Valley Community Foundation, and $1,000 from Kelly Poshusta.)
- Fourth St. closure and City Park use requested by Chatfield Alliance for Chillfest were approved.
- Annual Chatfield Fire Department Fund Drive donations in the amount of $300 were accepted.
- A resolution authorizing a monthly service charge of 1.5% for late payment of water, sewer, and garbage services was adopted. Bills not paid within 30 days from the date of each monthly bill will incur a monthly service charge.
- Mayor John McBroom said the city has an ordinance for parking policy in the winter. If plows have to go around parked vehicles on the street you likely will be ticketed. Ordinances need to be enforced. Vehicles need to be parked off the street in the winter.
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