At the September 11 meeting, the Peterson council began its review of city ordinances. Up first were those covering nuisance vehicles and junk/clutter.
The council first adopted its ordinance regulating public vehicle nuisances in November 2018 after property owners struggled with city requests regarding safety concerns and some refused any communication with the city. In August 2022, the council voted to give a push to property owners by implementing fines as a means of enforcement.
The fine schedule for nuisance vehicles is $50 for the first offense, with an additional $25 added for each offense afterward. The ordinance states, “Each vehicle in violation may be cited separately. A second offense citation may be issued for each vehicle that remains in violation 30 days after the first citation and additional citations again every 15 days thereafter that pass without resolution.”
In July 2022, the city went a step further and adopted a junk/clutter ordinance. The ordinance clearly defined what constitutes non-compliance, provided a reasonable amount of time to rectify the situation, and, most importantly, provided the city with a means of enforcement.
A fee schedule for non-compliance violations was included. For junk/clutter, if the property owner chooses to take no action after being notified of a violation, the city can impose a fine of at least $100 or not more than $300 per day if the condition exists. In both ordinances, fines are added to the property tax rolls if unpaid.
City Clerk Chris Grindland noted that with each council, there are various viewpoints and priorities regarding ordinances may be different. It does appear the ordinances are working, however. While there were nearly two dozen properties with either nuisance vehicles or junk/clutter, the non-compliance mainly revolves around just two now. The council opted to make no changes to these two ordinances.
In other news, the council learned there were just three affidavits for candidacy filed for the upcoming election. This includes current Mayor Chris Stenzel and Councilors Tracy Seelbinder and Justin Simon.
The city reminds residents that all voting is mail-in only. After complaints in late 2023, the city polled residents regarding preference for in-person or mail-in voting. There were 25 votes for mail-in and 15 for in-person. At that time, the council voted to continue to utilize mail-in balloting for the 2024 election. While saving time and money for the city, it also allows residents, including those without transportation or the ability to travel, an opportunity to vote. These ballots are mailed directly to registered voters by Fillmore County and submitted via mail or in person at the designated precinct, Preston.
Until the week before the election, early voting absentee mail-in ballots are also available for request and being sent from the Minnesota Secretary of State. Citizens can register to vote online at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/ or to find out more about local registration, contact elections@co.fillmore.mn.us.
In other news, the council unanimously set the preliminary 2025 levy at $111,436. This represents a 4% increase over the previous year.
The council also accepted a $7,000 donation from the Peterson Legion. The donation came about from efforts by Councilor Grindland. The city will utilize the donation to pay for the new rough-cut mower, purchased to provide better and safer mowing options,particularly when mowing areas such as the levee.
Lastly, the annual fall clean-up will be held on Saturday, September 21, from 8 am until noon. The rates will be the same as in 2023 with the exception of metal, which will be free.
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