The Preston City Council adopted the preliminary 2024 levy with an increase of 5.84% at their September 5 meeting.
The preliminary levy is set at $1,201,705 with an increase of $66,301 from the 2023 levy. When the final levy is adopted in December it can be reduced but not increased. The preliminary numbers are used for property owner valuation notices.
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said there can be some cost savings with insurance that may allow a downward adjustment to the final levy. The Truth and Taxation hearing will be held on December 4 at 6 p.m.
Naloxone Protocol Agreement
Chief Blaise Sass explained Minnesota legislation passed a law which is effective on August 1. It mandates all law enforcement officers while on duty to carry two doses of Naloxone. Fillmore County Public Health offered to enter into an agreement with the Preston Police Department with the Standing Order and Protocol that they have in place. Staff has been trained and supplied with Narcan nasal spray.
Sass asked for approval to sign the agreement. Kudos for Fillmore County putting this together. Sass said Preston has always had a pretty good relationship with the county. A motion was approved to enter into the agreement with Fillmore County.
Other Business in Brief
• Gabrielle Kreidermacher was promoted from a part-time police officer to full-time, as recommended by Chief Sass, effective immediately. She said she was raised on her family’s farm near Altura and received her BA from Winona State. She did her internship in Houston County. She said she likes a small-town community.
• A 20-foot variance request from Mr. Ristau, TW Milk Haulers at 317 Saint Paul St. SW, for a setback of zero feet from the rear property line to build a new shop was approved. Initially a 10-foot setback was requested. Planning and Zoning held a second public hearing on August 23 to consider the amendment to a zero foot setback and recommended approval of the variance. City code for Business Zoning requires a 20-foot setback from the rear property line. Back fill will be necessary for site elevation. Throckmorton said they will need a survey to determine the exact property line.
• Planning and Zoning held a public hearing on August 30 to consider a variance request from Mr. Barfield of 905 Ridge Rd. S. He requested a setback of two feet from the main structure for an accessory building. City code requires a 12-foot setback. The 10-foot variance was approved. Throckmorton noted this kind of setback from the main structure is for aesthetics and fire safety. Barfield said it will be a portable wood structure on skids to be used as a workshop. It will be built with siding and color to match his house.
• The Crown Hill Cemetery driveway was discussed. It is in very poor condition. Various remedies were suggested including tearing up the blacktop and putting in a gravel base, Throckmorton recommended waiting until next year; if a street project is done milled asphalt could be used. Councilman Steve Hall agreed and suggested it be put on the agenda in the spring. Throckmorton noted people do take pride in the cemetery. No action was taken this day.
• The annual contribution of $1,000 to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation was approved.
• Michelle Weist was hired as the sub librarian as recommended by Librarian Sam Buley.
• A road closure of Franklin St. NW (intersection with North St. NW, going north to Spring St. NW) and Spring St. NW on Sunday, September 24 from 12 pm to 9 pm was approved for an annual neighborhood block party.
• The city council meets next on September 18.
Leave a Reply