The first order of business at the March 21 Preston City Council meeting was to appoint a mayor pro-tem. Councilman David Collett, who had been serving as mayor pro-tem, passed away on March 14. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent.
Sparks then presided over the meeting. As mayor pro-tem, Sparks was approved to sign checks for the city at F & M Community Bank for checking/savings of the General Fund, Park Board, and Preston Emergency Services. All checks must have two signatories. Joe Hoffman, who recently resigned as city administrator, was removed as a signatory. Reicks and Deputy Clerk Sheila Marzolf are also signatories.
Other business in brief
• A contract with J & M Displays for Trout Days fireworks provided by the fire department was approved. With budget savings over the last couple of years the fire department is able to put on an $8,000 show this year. A permit for the fireworks show was approved. The site of this year’s show will be the Preston Ballfield.
• An order for the purchase of a road salt contract for the winter of 2022-2023 was approved. Public Works director Jim Bakken has recommended the purchase of the minimum of 25 tons. Twenty-five tons cost just under $2,000 last year.
• Recommended street closures for Trout Days were approved. Portions of Fillmore St. and CR 17 will need to be closed from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on May 21 for the grand parade.
Use of both the east and west parking lots of the county courthouse is requested for the Pop-Up Market on May 15 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A portion of Fillmore St. is to be closed from 6-8 p.m. on May 21 for Fillmore St. Family Activities.
A portion of Main St. is to be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 21 for the Car Show.
The alley and the parking lot adjacent to the Preston Servicemen’s club is to be closed from 6 a.m. Saturday, May 21 to 12 p.m. Sunday, May 22 for Dance/Activities.
Fillmore County will be asked to approve closures on county roads and courthouse parking lots.
• The city council will meet next on April 4. The meeting to be held on April 18 will begin with the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization.