At the first meeting of the year, January 13, the Peterson City Council officially approved a cooperative agreement with Fillmore County for the 2026 bridge reconstruction project. The agreement comes after discussion last month and a presentation from Fillmore County Engineer Ron Gregg.
The 60s-era bridge is the main thoroughfare into the city and intersects Highway 16. The reconstruction is expected to cost $6.1 million of which was estimated to cost the city just $20,000. With this new agreement, modified from what was presented last month, that amount will now rise slightly as the city will be responsible for some electrical work on the bridge. The county will cover the cost of electrical poles, but the city will have some say in pole design during the planning phase of the project. The city will be responsible for hiring a contractor to pull new electrical lines and hook up the poles. The city will also be supplying the heads and lights. Public Works Director Jeff Rein indicated he’d already spoken to at least one electrician regarding the work.
Also modified in the agreement was the responsible party for moving the city sign. Initially, the county wanted the city to move the sign, just installed in 2024, to avoid being responsible for any potential damages. The sign suffered some damage in 2025 and under the new agreement, the county will move, store, and reinstall the sign. In return, the city will not hold the county responsible for any possible damages to the sign.
It was mentioned that trees in the area near the bridge are coming down. According to Clerk Grindland, Fillmore County has purchased the land that was disputed last month by Dwayne Ostrem, the trustee of the Donald Boyum estate.
The council also unanimously approved the Fillmore County Hazard Mitigation Plan as presented. According to City Clerk Chris Grindland, all surrounding cities are working with the county on the plan.
“We’re recognizing there’s a threat of natural hazards and we identified the hazards that are in this area. Fillmore county has a mitigation plan that identifies goals and actions to eliminate long-term risk to people and property,” said Clerk Grindland. “We’re dedicating our commitment to hazard mitigation, achieving the goals we’ve outlined, and we are supporting the plan.”
At the meeting, the council approved annual appointments and designations. All will remain the same as in 2026. Councilor Tracy Seelbinder will remain Acting Mayor, in absence of the mayor. Councilor Gail Boyum will continue to serve as Acting Clerk. Seelbinder will remain on the Planning Commission.
The council also reviewed and set fees for 2026. Water rates will remain the same in 2026, but sewer rates will increase by $3 across the board, while garbage rates will increase by $1. The campground fee will increase to $40/night.
Annual rates of pay, including Public Works Director Rein, part-time public works staff, and City Clerk Chris Grindland, as well as election judges, will also remain the same.
Under memberships, Boyum suggested the city support the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce. Grindland indicated the chamber is supported by Peterson via lodging tax dollars.
The city officer list was also unanimously approved. This is an election year for three seats on the council. They include Mayor Chris Stenzel’s seat and those of Councilors Boyum and Kristina Grindland.
Lastly, over 70 residences and areas were decorated for the holidays. The city will donate $5 for every decorated household to the food shelf.
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