Despite the challenging year, the Peterson Museum expansion project is continuing a steady push forward. The project entails a 720-square-foot addition to an annex on the 1877 former railroad station, now a museum and visitor’s center. The main purpose of the addition is to house recently acquired items from the former Peterson School District.
The entire project is expected to cost $60,000. To date, $40,092 has been raised, according to City Councilor and Friends of Peterson member Gail Boyum. AcenTek, the Peterson Legion, Merchant’s Bank, and individuals have donated anywhere from $25 to $10,000 for the project, giving it a substantial boost. The drive has also been helped greatly by repeated offerings of no-cost services such as those from architect and Peterson graduate Larry Malmin, the Thompson family, and several other volunteers. At the December 8 city council meeting, Boyum indicated further assistance has come from Wayne Exe, Darrel Simons, and AcenTek. Exe donated his time and expertise to move the gas meter to the west side of the building, while Simons worked with Public Works Director Rick Lee to remove topsoil and grass and build up sand for the foundation and with Exe to dig a trench for the gasline. AcenTek has moved telephone and internet service at no cost.
“Every time we’ve asked, a group or someone has come forward,” noted Boyum at the generosity which has kept costs low.
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There is $35,000 in an additional museum fund for operation and expenses, but Boyum believes that will remain untouched unless it’s absolutely needed. At least three bids, the minimum for a project of this size, will be sought for the construction. It’s anticipated that early construction steps may begin in the spring.
“We appreciate every contribution as they are all making the new annex possible,” enthused Boyum after the December 8 council meeting.
Plans for the welcome sign on the Root River State Trail going through the heart of downtown are also in the works. At this point, the city is welcoming suggestions for the design of the sign which is currently wooden and reads, “Welcome to Peterson.” Boyum has received a negotiated quote for a granite option, to be engraved, transported, and installed for $3,500.
Likewise, Mayor Tim Hallum did a little digging and was told about natural stone options from Pozanc, in Winona, that were then trucked to Weiser, in La Crosse, for engraving, at a far lower cost. Boyum stated she’d looked into similar and the cost to move large stones was “astronomical.”
“Let’s keep gathering ideas from the community,” suggested Hallum.
In other news, the city certified the unpaid utility bills for six properties to Fillmore County for addition to property tax rolls. The total update amount was $6,609.77.
City Clerk Chris Grindland has indicated that the city’s balloting (all mail-in) for the 2020 election was a success. “It was 100 percent accurate,” he stated, before noting the city will continue with this method as a form of significant cost savings.
The council also approved a motion to waive additional liability coverage by League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. The action is an annual item.
Lastly, Mayor Hallum thanked Councilors Loren Rue and Lisa Price for their service to the community. New councilors Chris Stenzel and Tracy Seelbinder will be sworn in at the January meeting.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, January 13, at 6 p.m., at city hall. The meeting is open to the public.
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