At the September 17 Preston City Council meeting, the 2019 preliminary levy was adopted. During an August meeting, City Administrator Joe Hoffman had presented a draft of the 2019 budget and levy.
At that meeting the draft budget provided for a 2.41% levy increase over the 2018 levy. There was some discussion then about providing an additional cushion to reserve some funds for future projects.
Hoffman reminded the council that preliminary levy numbers are used to calculate property tax estimates. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted that the final levy figure can be lower but not higher. In his opinion reserving some funds for unknowns that may come up due to the veterans home or new housing projects is reasonable.
Council members agreed. Councilman David Collett suggested setting a levy increase at 5%. The preliminary 2019 levy was set at $942,045, which is a $44,859 increase over the 2018 levy. This 5% increase was approved unanimously. The additional dollars ($23,248) will be placed either in street improvements or a contingency fund.
John DeGeorge
Captain DeGeorge is running for Fillmore County Sheriff, a four-year term beginning in January 2019. He lives with his wife and two children on his wife’s family farm near Bratsberg. He has lived in Fillmore County his whole life. DeGeorge began in law enforcement when he was 19 with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. Since then, he has worked his way up from deputy sheriff, to undercover narcotics, to patrol sergeant, and to his present position, Captain/lead investigator.
His leadership style requires establishing good open connections to people/communities. DeGeorge is talking to city councils, fire departments, ambulance personnel, and other civic groups in that effort.
DeGeorge wants to work on the front end/prevention. He would like to introduce a Fillmore County Criminal Prevention Program. There would be no cost to the county, as investigators do some things to this end already, but the program would add structure.
2019 street projects
Jim Bakken, Public Works, discussed possible mill and overlay maintenance projects that could be done in 2019. The three major areas included Chatfield Ave., Washington St., and Park Lane. Councilwoman Holly Zuck asked if these projects could wait another year. Bakken said they could, but if they are put off too long they no longer will be good candidates for a mill and overlay.
Hoffman noted there are no assessments for a mill and overlay. Councilman Charles Sparks did not believe they should fall behind on maintenance.
Zuck explained that a Housing Committee is looking at areas where housing could be expanded and would require the least amount of additional infrastructure. Additional affordable housing will be needed for workers at the veterans home. It was decided to table a decision on 2019 street work until late in the fall or into the winter, after the Housing Committee makes a recommendation.
Other business in brief
• Gary Hellickson and Charles Aug, C & G Properties, are considering buying a property at 312 Spring St. NE. Hellickson explained that they are requesting a variance to convert a very nice garage on the southwest corner of the property to a dwelling. Planning and Zoning held a public hearing on the request for a four-foot setback (code is 15 feet) and a 2.5 foot rear setback (20 feet required by code). P & Z recommended approval of the variances. The property is zoned R-3.
Hellickson said they are planning on building another dwelling on a concrete pad already on the property. The intention is to offer both dwellings eventually for vacation rentals, for example for weekend bicyclists. The variance requests were approved.
• A proposal to clean out and slope the south ditch to drain water from west to east on Cottage Grove Ave. was approved. The cost estimate offered by Scheevel & Sons is $1,585. Bakken said this is the cheapest solution to allow water to drain to the east and to eliminate ponding.
• There have been complaints from residents on three properties for violating Ordinance 245, noxious weeds and rank vegetation. Citizen complaints start the process. City staff, Hoffman, and Police Chief Matt Schultz have inspected the properties. A written report was submitted to the council. After determining that violations exist, the council issued a “destruction order” for each of the three properties. If after seven days the issue is not addressed, the city may hire someone to bring the property into compliance. The cost will be the property owner’s responsibility.
• Approval was given to share the cost 50/50 with the Servicemen’s Club for the purchase of 184 new flags for 2019. The city’s share is $1,060.
• Approval was given to share the cost of a contract with the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association to provide safety coordination for the city and the utility. Safety Coordinator Mark Hottel is shared with 11 other communities. He is in Preston two days per month. The city’s share of the cost is estimated to be $7,245 for 2019. The total cost is shared with the utility, 45% city and 55% utility.
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