Ahead of the October 1 city council meeting, Fountain officials and residents celebrated the completion of the new city mural. Joining the festivities was artist Geri Ann Hanson, who designed and oversaw all volunteer painting done on the project which resembles an old-style postcard with rolling hills, trees, and sunshine surrounding a bike on the Root River State Trail.
“It’s a beautiful night to celebrate something truly special to our town,” said Councilor Tammy Danielson, following a welcome from Mayor Ron Reisner.
“This mural is more than just ours. It’s a reflection of this town and the people,” continued Danielson. “We’re proud to have worked with Geri Ann whose vision and talent brought this wall to life. Through countless hours of planning, sketching and painting she turned a blank space into something that inspires pride and unity.”
“Art brings people together as far as conversation, imagination, and sometimes it gives us hope. One thing we talked about when we applied for this grant is ‘Why are you doing this?’ We said, ‘Well, otherwise people slow down to 40 miles an hour just to keep going right along,” explained Danielson. “We had a chance to put something up that can be memorable for, hopefully, a lot of travelers, and it’ll be a reminder of where Fountain is at.”
Danielson was the driving force in finding funding for the project on the north exterior wall of the wastewater treatment plant, which faces Highway 52. Last June, the Preston Area Community Foundation approved half the cost. Danielson found the remaining funds for the 25 by 75-foot mural through a Paint the Town Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. Twelve volunteer painting dates were scheduled through July following a thorough cleaning of the wall thanks to the Fountain Fire Department. The state of Minnesota also assisted with cleanup of the area along the highway.
“Thank you to everyone who chipped in, whether with your time, resources, or your encouragement. You made this happen,” added Danielson. “Let this be a landmark for all of us. It’s art, but it’s also something we can be proud of in our town.”
Following the ribbon cutting, the council returned to city hall to conduct its regular meeting business. Acting Mayor Cory Spratte led the meeting in lieu of Mayor Ron Reisner, who was out due to recent surgery.
During regular business the council unanimously approved a new Conditional Use Permit for new Beaver Bottoms Saloon owner Kylie Ramsey. Former owner Jody Wiza sold the business to her daughter earlier this year, but the former permitting was non-transferable. It was recommended a new permit be issued to Ramsey with the same stipulations as the former permit, but with two new additions. First, the owner must provide advance notice to the city of concert details. Secondly, the permit will be reviewed on an annual basis.
“I think Kylie will be a great asset,” said City Clerk Mary Tjepkes.
The council also unanimously raised the base water rate from $20 to $24.
“I hate to do this, but we really, really, really need to raise the water base rate. We’re probably one of the lowest ones around,” said Tjepkes, noting some comparable municipal rates. “We’ll review again next year.”
“The bottom line is we still need to be able to pay the bills on it,” added Councilor Jordan Kearns.
Lastly, Tjepkes provided notice to the council regarding amending of the ordinance related to abating properties.
“We have to amend an ordinance I missed,” acknowledged Tjepkes. “When it comes to abating properties, we can’t go on that property without permission of the property owner.”
This includes non-compliance issues such as garbage, weeds and other nuisances. Currently, the city sends out certified letters to properties, giving them seven days to remedy the issue. After talking with City Attorney Frederick Suhler, it appears the only way the city can abate properties now would be to get the Preston Police Department, with whom the city contracts, involved and by getting a judge to issue a warrant to go onto the property.
“That’s big bucks,” said Tjepkes. “It’s a lot cheaper to amend the ordinance.”
Notice about the proposed ordinance change will be posted for 10 days and put for notice in the Fillmore County Journal.
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