At the January 20 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has allocated funds for cities to replace lead and galvanized water service lines. These are the water lines from a property owner’s property line to his/her water meter.
At a January 13 meeting of the Public Utility Commission the hire of Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to begin an application to the State Priority List (PPL) was approved. The first step is for the city to apply for the PPL.
A resolution was adopted authorizing the submission of the application to MDH for 2027 funding for service line replacements. The city has 660 service lines; of those, one is lead, 27 are galvanized and another 18 are unknown.
Annual Reports
Ambulance Director Deb Ristau looked back at 2025. She said there are currently 20 active EMTs and first responders. A new ambulance is to be delivered in September; a second new ambulance is scheduled to be delivered in 2027. Sixty-six percent of revenue comes from ambulance calls. There were 425 runs in 2025. Total volunteer hours were 24,726. She concluded, “we have a great crew that serves our community.”
EDA Director Michelle Marotzke detailed the many activities and accomplishments over the last year. A partnership with Lanesboro was created in early 2025. Several new businesses opened in Preston. Builder and home housing incentives continued and will continue in 2026. The city purchased the Shaw property; work is ongoing to redevelop the riverfront. A large banner at the tennis court welcomes everyone to Preston.
Throckmorton reported on the activities of the Planning Commission. Forty-three permits were issued. Four zoning ordinances were updated in 2025. The commission led in the updating of the Community Comprehensive Plan which was adopted in December. Dean Aug serves as the council representative.
Throckmorton listed some of the accomplishments of Parks & Recreation in 2025. A new mower was purchased, all 12 garden plots were rented out, and Burback Aquatics was hired to do a swimming pool assessment. Charles Sparks served as the council representative in 2025.
Other Business in Brief
- David and Arlene Doughty had applied for a variance from primary structure setbacks from side property lines for a proposed structure on their property at 106 Main St. SE. The property is zoned R-3. The application for the variance was heard at the Planning Commission with a public hearing. It was noted that the property is unbuildable without setback variances, as it is an unusually narrow lot. The variance request was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission.
- Each city council in the county has been asked by Fillmore County Emergency Manager Jason Harmening to pass a resolution to adopt the Fillmore County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan improves eligibility in the event there is a request for federal funding due to a disaster. The plan is required to be updated every five years, last updated in 2018. Adoption of the plan was approved.
- The city’s snow emergency ordinance was discussed. It details parking restrictions around the courthouse square and public streets, snow and ice removal requirements on sidewalks, and the maintenance of clear access to fire hydrants. Councilman Steve Hall said to not call it an ordinance as it is not enforced, saying, “I don’t know what the answer is.” Mayor Kurt Reicks agreed the ordinance around the courthouse is not enforced. Hall added, “We don’t have the staff needed to enforce; constant reminders are needed.” Throckmorton concluded he was hearing a need to push the current ordinance, to get the message out.
- Councilman Charles Sparks is the only council member that has taken training for the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization (LBAE). If he could not attend the meeting, appeals would be sent on to the county. Reicks asked why the council is expected to hear these appeals, noting, “We are not trained assessors.” An “open book” process was discussed for 2027; it would be an alternative to the LBAE, which would relinquish the council’s duties to the county assessor the County Board of Appeal and Equalization. Notice to use open book process must be made prior to December 1. The open book process will be considered for future years; in 2026 the city will hold the LBAE on April 20 as it has in the past.
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