Photo by Karen Reisner
At the November 3 meeting of the Preston City Council, newly appointed council member Jonathan Wood took the oath of office. He will serve out the remainder of Flossie Schultz’s four year term.
By consensus the council decided to wait until January, when council member annual appointments to boards and commissioners will be decided, to fill the opening on the Tree Board.
Other Business in Brief
- Closing for the purchase of 308 Pleasant St. SE was last week, October 31. The total cost for the purchase with closing costs was $90,889. EDA had authorized up to $78,450 toward the purchase. With the estimated cost for asbestos testing and abatement costs ($900 to $1,200) and the estimated cost of demolition and removal ($14,000 to $15,000) more funding is needed.
The council discussed where the additional funds will come from. The two funding sources could be General Fund Reserves or Development Reserve Funds. Mayor Kurt Reicks said either way it will be taxpayer money.
It was decided to request additional funding from EDA Development Reserve Funds to pay the balance of the purchase costs ($12,439).
Approval was then granted for up to $20,000 from the city’s General Fund Reserves to be available for asbestos testing/abatement and demolition/removal.
- The 2015 mower used at the Crown Hill Cemetery needs to be replaced (2,200 hours). Approval was given to purchase a John Deere zero-turn mower at the state bid price of $15,900. With trade of the old mower, the total cost will be $12,900. Delivery is expected in the spring of 2026. This was a planned purchase in the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
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